ICLI News Apr. 2005

MUSLIM-AMERICAN IDENTITY WORK IN PROGRESS

Dear fellow Muslims: Asalamu Alaikum.

On March 11, 2005, Muharram 30, 1426, I presented a Friday Khutbah titled: “Religion, Culture and Change”. I chose this topic in view of several recent news articles in the New York media dealing with issues related to Muslim women in the public square. In this month’s message, I will briefly summarize my personal views regarding this and other issues. Before doing that, it’s useful to know that I was born and had my early education in Kashmir, a predominantly Muslim community where the language, food, customs, and habits are pretty monolithic and uniform.

When I compare my upbringing in Kashmir, great as it was, with the circumstances in Westbury, clearly the environment is very different. A quick visit to ICLI, and one can hear English, Arabic, Uzbek, Farsi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and many other dialects amongst the diverse multiethnic, multilingual community we are blessed to be with. This diversity is referred to in The Qur’an 49:13 –

“O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and female, made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other.”

While the blessing of diversity and pluralism is to be celebrated, it brings up some challenges as well, based primarily on the customs and cultures we all grew in.

For example: In Kashmir, it’s a common practice to hear “singing” from the thousands of mosques after Fajr prayers.

When one looks into the reasons for this practice, we learn that it was Shah Hamdan, who is credited with bringing Islam to Kashmir, several hundred years back, who developed “Avrad Fatah” – a rhyth-

mic, lyrical description of attributes to Allah and blessings to prophets. This was done by Shah Hamdan to give the large Hindu converts to Islam something to “sing”, a practice they were used to in the temples - a pure cultural development in Kashmir response to a specific need of the time and place.

So, on the one hand we have the different social, cultural customs and habits, emanating from the diverse multi-ethnic, multicultural community which at times can create issues of potential conflict.

The other driving source of emerging discord and tension within the community was put into sharp focus for me when I was invited to be a judge for the 30-plus research posters prepared by Crescent School’s grades 4-10 children on March 7th 2005. The students had been asked to think about a problem or issue, test the hypothesis with an experiment, and then to come up with a conclusion or recommendation. In short, these young talented Muslim girls and boys had been asked to put their intellect to maximum use, utilize the “Agaal,” and think through complex issues. One example will help explain this:

A 10th grade female student decided to test the hypothesis put forth by the president of Harvard University, Dr. Lawrence H. Summers, in which he stated that there are gender differences which result in women not being at “par’ with men in math and science. The well-designed study by this student concluded that selection of educational choices is more a reflection of what’s available, rather than genetic make-up of girls and boys. She had titled her research poster: “Nature or Nurture.” I tend to agree with her analysis that educational choices are more a reflection of what’s available, rather than biological differences.

who has been encouraged to think, question, debate etc comes to one of the mosques or centers on Long Island, or for that matter in New York/ the USA, and is told, “Women are not permitted to be represented on the governing board. Women need to be in a separate room, use a separate entrance. They cannot ask questions in public, etc., etc.” She does some very basic research and returns with questions like:

“Is it not true that in the Prophet’s mosque women could hear and see the Prophet Muhammad, (pbuh), and later the leaders of the Muslims (Khulafa) when they spoke from the pulpit? Actually there are reports of interaction with the Prophet when women raised questions. Caliph Omar even went back to give another sermon to withdraw his opinion when a woman from the audience gave him critical feedback after his Khutba.

Moreover, when the Prophet felt that the women were too far away to hear, or he had specific points to make, he would walk over to their section and present a Khutba for them.

Examples from Islamic history: Women in early Islamic history were active, not just as “mothers and wives,” but contributed as individual Muslim women in all aspects of the community. Didn’t Hadrat Aisha lead an army during a conflict?. Wasn’t she the source of numerous Hadith? Didn’t Umm Salama advise the Prophet during the Treaty of Hudabiya, etc., etc?

Is it not true that in The Holy Kaaba women and men are provided equal access to the most revered place of worship?

If this is all correct, then on what basis are you denying me equal access to the sacred space of the mosque and the educational opportunities at ICLI or other mosques for that matter?”

Now, the leadership of ICLI, or any other mosque, has two options –

 Consider the young Muslimah’s very cogent arguments in a very professional manner and engage her in a meaningful dialogue and with her assistance make appropriate changes. Or

 Tell the young Muslimah – “This is the way it’s done. Don’t question; do as we say, etc., etc.”

If the community does not respond properly to the very valid concerns of the over 50% of the population (women), I am afraid we will see the emergence of many small, splintered groups representing various ideologies and viewpoints.

Our challenge is to balance personal freedom and restrictive societal obligations. It is particularly urgent for Islamic societies to meet this challenge. It pits the demands of religion as one interprets it, against the freedom of others to interpret it slightly or drastically different.

Times and circumstances change cultural norms, usually within a widely acceptable range. There will always be some who would call such a change too much, and others

who would say it is not enough; and in the last century or so the trend has shifted towards those who want more change. The need is for a dynamic balance - a balance of personal choice within a wide range of acceptability.

In this age of information, Internet, satellites, cable and the accompanying misinformation, the choices are increasingly affected by other cultures and religions. Those who want to stop or reverse the trend have major problems at hand – how to do it with persuasion and social pressure, rather than draconian measures. It is their burden to devise such a system under the current more individualistic times – a time when one does not have to depend so much on their neighbor or even the community, but can have many of the needs met from distant sources of information and commerce. On the other hand, those who want to go forward with greater urgency need to engage resisters in a constructive dialogue and be mindful of religious and cultural moorings. My advice – let’s have an evolution and not a revolution. Women’s issues in Islamic societies have lagged behind, mostly because women had no voice in the debate. It is not relevant to simply claim that women in Islam were given dignity and economic rights in the early 7th century, when women in other contemporary societies and religions were much worse off. Most of those rights have withered and have been compromised over the centuries. That was then and this is now. A careful evaluation and reinterpretation are long overdue. Fortunately, there are many thoughtful and well-educated women who have taken on the burden of speaking out. There are differences of opinions among them, as is expected in a vibrant and free discourse, a paradigm shift from the past. It is my personal opinion that the recent flurry of activity and resulting debate, at times acrimonious, is the result of the restrictive rules and regulations that are in place in many mosques and Islamic centers in America with limitations placed on women regarding participation in the governance and access to sacred space. The young women and some men who have been educated in USA are basically saying - we have studied Islam and what you folks are imposing on all of us are cultural practices which we are not going to accept any longer. At least, that’s how I see it. A spirited debate and effort for advancing an agenda through persuasion are always good. It helps cultures, religions and societies to grow and flourish. Self-education to inculcate a broader perspective seasoned with introspection is an investment for the future.

The American-Muslim community is comprised of AfroAmericans, South Asians, Arabs and Caucasians, with the vast majority (80%) having been born and brought up in the USA. The reader would agree with me that suggesting the recitation – loudly – of Avrad Fatah, a common custom in Kashmir, would be totally out of place for a community such as ICLI. What’s commonly accepted and practiced by millions of Muslims in Kashmir would, in my view, be totally out of place in Westbury and the reverse would also apply.

The challenge for all of us is to have a civil dialogue and

develop a system which fits in nicely with our environment - in other words, developing a Muslim-American identity. The debate has started, and it will be helpful to recall the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) as we navigate through some difficult challenges that lie ahead. From the Seerah of the Prophet, we learn that when he was faced with tough choices he:

 Never raised his voice.

 Put all agreements in writing.

 Used humor to great effect.

 Never raised his hand against another in interpersonal interactions.

 When someone called, he stopped, turned his whole body to face the person, listened attentively - thus, gave the other person respect.

 In his personal life, he was open to mediation.

 When listening to grievances, he always allowed the story to come out in full narrative form before interrupting.

 He never spoke negatively of others and discouraged relaying of negative stories – “No gossip.” In Qur’an 49:12, backbiting is compared to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother.

 Prophet rendered solutions after taking into account each person’s concerns and strengths.

 In interpersonal interactions, Prophet corrected people quickly, privately, and discreetly.

In Qur’an 16:125 we are given a great lesson in human interactions, even when there is total disagreement.

“Invite all to the way of the Lord with wisdom and holy teaching, and reason with them by ways that are best and most gracious.”

As long as we follow the Qur’anic guidelines and the Sunnah of the Prophet, I believe from the ongoing debate and dialogue we will emerge stronger and more united – Insha Allah.

Respectfully Submitted:

Dr. Faroque A. Khan

Faroquekhan@yahoo.com

ASK ASMA

There is a growing need in our community to have a counselor who can help answer some questions that arise in families and friends caught in the midst of two different cultures. Parents and children not seeing eye to eye on societal issues and questions regarding health issues are a couple of examples.

I would like to start a column where you can write to me with problems and questions and I will respond to you personally and through the column in an anonymous format.

Questions that are urgent and not printable will be answered via the telephone.

The objective is to provide help and appropriate referrals.

We are also going to be starting a support group for parents and youth, in the very near future insha Allah.

I will notify you of a starting date, as soon as we have complete professional staffing for the group.

Tosubmit yourquestionsforthecolumn‘ASK ASMA’ please send a detailed e-mail to me: askasma@aol.com

Your name will be kept confidential, but please let me know your identity in the e-mail to avoid prank mails.

If you would like me to call you back please include your phone number.

With your help we can make this a successful resource. Thank you and May Allah bless us all

AsmaA.Ejaz,MD Chairperson Domestic Harmony Committee

Men and Women in Islam

The Prophet of Islam (pbuh) said, "Women are the twin halves of men."

The Qur'an emphasizes the essential unity of men and women in a most beautiful simile:

“They (your wives) are your garment and you are a garment for them.” (2:187)

TARGET SUDAN WHATS REALLY BEHIND THE CRISIS IN DARFUR?

By Tahira Muhammad

Media reports on the crisis in Sudan are oversimplified and do a disservice to the complexity of the cultural and international dynamics related to the Darfur crisis. Reports of genocide, slave trafficking and tribal conflict all saturate the news coverage of Sudan. The newly released book by Mauri' Saalakhan titled Target Sudan: What's Really Behind the Crisis in Darfur? challenges these reports by examining the root causes of the problem, and the U.N. Security Council's role in the conflict, while calling on the U.S. government to refrain from imposing measures that could hinder a resolution of the crisis.

Important questions are raised, such as why the consistent portrayal of the Janjaweed as “an Arabmilitia,” and why is Sudan receiving all this negative attention when there are a number of other countries in Africa with far worse human rights atrocities taking place? What would be the human and material costs of needless military intervention in Sudan? And what is being done to help the innocent civilians that are being killed and displaced because of this conflict?

These and other questions were also addressed at a recent forum on the Darfur crisis at The Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) in Westbury, New York. Mauri Saalakhan, Director of Operations for The Peace and Justice Foundation, Ambassador Yasir Abdallah Adel-Salaam, Minister Plenipotentiary for the Consulate of the Republic of Sudan in New York City, and Mr. Yahya Osman, SecretaryGeneral of the Darfur Rehabilitation Project, each coming from a different perspective, led the discussion on the Darfur crisis.

The Sudan crisis comes at a time when multiple tragedies are affecting the global community. Wars, natural disasters and famine, threaten day-to-day survival for much of humanity. Mauri Saalakhan wrote this book with a vision that when individuals are correctly informed on the issues they can take more positive and proactive steps in becoming agents for positive change.

The war in the south of Sudan, which cost the government in Khartoum nearly two million dollars a day, was coming to an end when the new conflict erupted in the western state of Darfur. At the recent forum at ICLI many points were made, from different points of view, on the root causes of the conflict; who is being most effected by the conflict; and what steps are being taken to resolve the conflict.

Mr. Yasir Abdallah, speaking from a government official's

perspective, said Darfur was not as marginalized in terms of development as some critics have claimed. To underscore this contention he pointed to the number of schools, health care centers, and water pumps that were built in the Darfur region between 1989 and 2003, (From 241 schools to 786 schools, and 24 new health centers) and further, that despite the limited resources on hand, the government had attempted a more equitable distribution of resources throughout Sudan, and that the rebels were impeding the development process by attacking development projects. He claims water pumps have been destroyed by the rebels, and that rebels have attacked over 80 police stations killing approximately 800 police officers since the conflict started in February 2003.

“The accusation that the rebels are using, to claim that the government is favoring those tribes who are of Arab descent, is a propaganda tool they are using to wrongly attack the government”. This was his response to Brother Yahya’s accusation that the Sudanese government is using a divide and conquer strategy, by favoring the tribes that are of Arab descent, and developing the regions of those tribes, and ignoring the regions that are not of Arab descent. He feels the government is directly responsible for the lives lost in the Sudan conflict, and that it has turned into an ethnic war. In the past, tribes that were not of Arab descent have been denied access to the capital, Khartoum, and have not been allowed to hold positions in the Sudanese government.

His response to Ambassador Yasir’s statement about the increase of schools in the Darfur region was as follows: “Because of the unequal distribution of resources, Darfurians cannot afford to attend and live on the campuses of

Darfur panel (left to right) Barcai M. Abdel Karim - Editor Darfur Awareness Newsletter, Al Haaj Mauri SalaakhanFounder Peace and Justice Foundation and Hon. Yasir Abdul Salaam – Minister Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of Sudan to United Nations

these schools. He talks about the increase of building these schools, but if the people who live in that region cannot afford to attend them, than what good are these schools?” He also challenged the government to stop bombing the villages of innocent civilians, which Ambassador Yasir denied the government is doing. “The government does not participate in the bombing of innocent civilians. The government was only defending itself by attacking the rebel camps who started this conflict when they attacked government forces in the Darfur region.”

There are other external factors that also stand in the way of peace and development in the Darfur region, and Sudan as a whole. Another important question that was raised at the forum was, “Who is responsible for supplying weapons to the rebels that attack the government?” There appeared to be consensus agreement on the role of Israel and the United States, through one of the neighboring countries, Eritrea. This is part of what inspired Saalakhan to write his book and have his organization become actively involved in the issue. He is concerned about global attempts to undermine an African-Islamic government, while acknowledging the fact that as an Islamic model, the present government in Khartoum still has a long way to go.

Yahya Osman accused Saalakhan of being a defender of the government, but Saalakhan responded by saying, “It would be more accurate to say I am a defender of the Sudanese people, of all Sudanese people. And if one wants to take this defense a step further, I am also a defender of the territorial integrity of Sudan as an African-Islamic state.”

Brother Saalakhan is against sanctions and any westernled, Iraqi style, military intervention. He is in favor of the African Union having the mandate and resources to intervene when human rights violations are committed by either side in the conflict. He also maintains that if Muslims in America, and/or the African American community, could unify on this issue and put pressure on the US government to do the right thing, this alone would have a significant impact on steps towards peace for the whole of Sudan.

Concerning both sides of this issue, Saalakhan employs the principal found in a hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that states:

“Help, or support your brother when he is the oppressed or the oppressor.” The companions asked “O Messenger of Allah, we know how to help him if he is oppressed but how do we help him if he is the oppressor?” Prophet Muhammad replied, “Stop him from oppressing.”

Target Sudan emphasizes that once a genuine and lasting resolution is achieved, Sudan has the potential to become a positive example of Islamic governance, and a benefit for the entire African continent. However, in order for such a resolution to be achieved there must first be an accurate assessment of the problem. Concerning this, Brother Saalakhan has written the following:

“I was inspired to right the book because of theurgent need for reliable, critical, yet unbiased information on the

humanitarian and political crisis in the Sudan. This kind of information has been neededin both Muslim and nonMuslim communities... If the Darfur crisis isn't arrested soon it will deepen significantly, resulting in a greater loss of innocent life and broadening other aspects of the humanitarian crisis.Non resolution of Darfur will exacerbatethe social and politicalinstability throughout Sudan, and provide the internal and external enemies of the country with an opportunity to wreak even more havoc. This would not only be costly for the people ofSudan, it would ultimately impact the entire region for the worse!”

Target Sudan challenges all sides - i.e., the United Nations, The African American community, the government of Sudan, the rebels, and most importantly the Sudanese people. The book argues that each group has an important role to play, toward either eliminating or significantly reducing the crisis, and helping the country develop to its fullest potential. Target Sudan is a must read for any individual who wishes to reach out to government officialson the local, state, or national level - and challenge them to take the appropriate steps to get the US government involved in truly helping one of the largest and richest (in terms of natural resource) nations in the world.

Target Sudan is a unique and valuable source of information that objectively challenges the reports of genocide, ethnic cleansing and slave trade in the Sudan. It is a work that challenges United States policy in the region, and boldly challenges the United Nations as an insitutional agent for resolution.

I recommend this book to all, from everyday citizens to political leaders. Target Sudan provides us with an opportunity to become well versed on the issue, and then stand up in our moment of truth and ask ourselves, 'Am I part of the problem, or will I be a part of the solution?' It challenges us to stand up for justice for the people of Sudan, even if it means I have to go against the leaders of my own community.

Members of the community at the Darfur Presentation during the Adults Session

Book Review

by Sajjad Syed Ahmed And Hira Ahmed

“Favorite Books”

On a regular basis, we will be asking our distinguished ICLI piers of their favorite books. In this issue, we asked Dr Faroque Khan (ICLI President) for a list of his 10 favorite books. Here they are:

1. The Life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husayn Haykal, translated from the 8th edition by Ismail Ragi A al Faruqi-- Published by American Trust Publication.-1976. This biography of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is detailed, informative and after reading it, one gets a better appreciation of the life, struggle and achievements of the prophet. There are several other biographies of the prophet- by Karen Armstrong, Martin Lings, Yahya Emerick which are also excellent resource, however Haykal’s is the most detailed.

2. My American Journey-Colin Powell Publisher Random House. Story of first generation immigrant, who after a mediocre record at city college went on to the highest levels of US government. An inspirational account of what can be accomplished in the USA with hard work determination and some luck.

3. Kashmiri Mussalman by Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan. My father authored this book which provides a deep insight into the history and current status of the Kashmiri Muslims. I spent my early childhood and youth in Kashmir.

4. Ornament of the World by Marie Rosa Menocal Published by Little Brown. I use this as a reference in my interfaith work, this book describes the great Andulasian civilization in which members of all faith’s made major contributions to advancing civilization. The 800 plus years of Islamic rule in Spain is a model for tolerance and excellence.

5. The Jewish Phenomenon by Steven Silbiger. Published by Longsheet Press. Describes in seven clearly outlined steps the reason’s behind the phenomenal and outstanding accomplishments of the Jewish community in America. Many lessons for all groups and individuals in this book.

6. Who Goes First by Lawrence Altman. Publisher University of California Press. This book highlights the major achievements in medicine by individuals

who experimented on themselves to prove or disprove a prevailing hypothesis or theory. “Think outside the box.”

7. Blind Eye- James B. Stewart. Publisher Simon Schuster. Describes how the medical establishment let Michael Swango get away with murder. A great lesson for those involved in managing individuals. Brings to mind the saying –no matter how eloquent and brilliant the presentation or presenter always verify the facts for yourself.

8. Bounty of Allah- Aneela Khalid Arshed. Crossroad Publishing Company. Daily reflections from the Quran and Islamic Tradition authored by Sr Aneela and one of the earliest books authored by Muslim immigrant women.

9. What’s Right with Islam- Imam Feisal Rauf. Publisher Harper Collins. Great resource for American Muslims, this book lays out the issues facing the Muslim American community and most importantly provides a road map towards solutions.

10. Story of a Mosque in America by me. Couldn’t resist including this book in my top ten favorites for obvious reasons.

In closing I am reminded of the very first word of revelation to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) “IQRA” read! . My suggestion to all is to develop a habit of reading and writing, which sadly has become a low priority for our community.

“OUR PICK”

Our pick of the month is Our Choice: Portraits of Modern American Muslim Women, by Dirks, Debra. Beltsville MD: Amana Publications, 2003.

“Our Choice: Portraits of Modern American Muslim Women” is a story of six American women who accepted Islam and embarked on a life altering journey. The stories are written by different woman, each living in different part of the United States. These are stories of courage and determination that will warm your heart and affirm your faith (e’man).

Most of these woman are not recent converts to Islam, they have been Muslim for decades and they would be the first one to tell that their faith had been tested in many ways. Their stories are also the stories of their families. One of the contributors is Debra Dirks, wife of acclaimed author of several books on Islam and Christianity, Jerald Dirks. She tells us how she and her husband living in Denver, discovered Islam while researching genealogy of Arabian horses.

"A Page From History"

Have you ever wondered how the Islamic calendar came to be? Hazrat Umar, the second Khalifa was reviewing a letter with the month Shabaan written on it. He enquired whether it was Shaban of this year or the last year. Furthermore, the documents and letters coming from provinces had either Roman or Persian dates on them causing further confusion. Hazrat Umar saw a need to institute a uniform calendar throughout Muslim lands. He called the consultative assembly consisting of prominent companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). At this occasion Hazrat Ali suggested that the calendar should begin from Hijra, when Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Madina and established the first Muslim state. Other companions of the Prophet agreed. The problem arose, because Hijra took place in the second month of the Arab calendar, on the eighth day of Rabi-ul-Awaal It was agreed not to re-adjust the calendar year but to start the Islamic calendar two months prior to Hijra in 612 AD.

The Islamic calendar was instituted in 16 AH (After Hijra) or in 628 AD, approximately six years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is a lunar calendar and has 12 months, the name of the months were part of an Arab calendar used prior to the advent of Islam. It is 345 days long, ten to eleven days shorter than the solar calendar. The first month of the Islamic calendar is Muharram and the last month is DulHijja.

Al-Farooq: The life of Omar the Great by Prof. Shibli

Beautiful Names of Allah Allah - The Greatest Name

In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds. The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning. You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those who have received your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray. Amen. Al-Fatiha 1, tr. Helminski Hand is above hand, child, in skill and in strength, up to the Essence of God. The ultimate end of all hands is the Hand of God: the ultimate end of all torrents is undoubtedly the sea. From it the clouds take their origin, and in it, too, the torrent has an end. Rumi, Mathnawi IV:3162-3164, tr. Helminski

Ar-Rahman - The AllCompassionate

The Most Gracious has imparted this Qur'an unto man. He has created man: He has imparted unto him articulate thought and speech.

At His behest the sun and the moon run their appointed courses; before Him prostrate themselves the stars and the trees.

And the skies has He raised high, and has devised for all things a measure, so that you too, O men, might never transgress the measure of what is right: weight, therefore, your deeds with equity, and cut not the measure short! and the earth has He spread out for all living beings, with fruit thereon, and palm trees with sheathed clusters of dates, and grain growing tall on its stalks, and sweet-smelling plants. Which, then, of your Sustainer's powers can you disavow?

Ar-Rahman 55:1-13, tr. Asad

Ar-Rahim - The All-Merciful Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful

Al-Fatihah 1:1, tr. Helminski

Remembering Black History Month and Hajj

As February was Black History Month, I would like to make an honorable mention of an influential personage in the African-American and al-Islamic community. That personge being none other than El-Hajj Malik ElShabbaz, aka, Malcolm X. I make mention of him as he, without question, was the most influential African American Muslim of the later half of the twentieth century. The anniversary of his death was February 21, 1965. A wonderful documentary -Malcolm X: ‘Make It Plain was just re-aired in his memory by PBS television. And I would urge Muslims to get a copy of that documentary.

At the age of 19, I accepted al-Islam. After finding a copy of Alex Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm X in high school, I had an opportunity, as a young man, to read the book and enjoyed the personality of Malcolm X. I was impressed by Malcolm's insight regarding the plight of African-Americans in this country. Malcolm also articulated his travel to Saudia Arabia, during the official Hajj season. The description that Malcolm provided, along with the film that Spike Lee produced in 1992, helped convince me that al-Islam was the way of life, or the perfect deen for me. In addition, with the passing of Hajj this year in January, many brothers and sisters who went must have also experienced similar experiences. One of the purposes of the pilgrimage being the shared experience of universality and unity. I myself, last year (i.e., 2004), drank the water from the well of Zam Zam as Malcolm X had described in his autobiography. This is an experience only to be found in al-islam, which my words are inadequate to describe.

Malcolm X described that he ate with Muslims that were 'fair' skinned and blonde and blue-eyed. The same color of people that Malcolm, in fact, fought in the United States. Thus, Malcolm X, in his own words, described the universality/brotherhood of al-Islam, that the Creator created all men. This is an important theme in al-Islam. As a former under-graduate Vice-President and later Co-President of one of the most successful Muslim Students Association (MSA), or organization, at St. John’s University Queens campus - I often reminded the Muslim students through: poetry, lecture, and social gatherings the importance of the Islamic theme of universality/brotherhood which ICLI exhibits through its famous ‘inter-faith’ program.

Now at the age of thirty, I am an educator at the Central Islip school district and the New York liaison representative for Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) which is an organization for teachers and college students dedicated toward providing excellence in education to all students. PDK has its branches throughout several college campuses across the country. I am responsible for the New York university chapters. As an educator, it is important for the students to have role models and mentor. Malcolm X was and still is an important role model for me and can be a positive role model for others.

As teachers and parents, we must make our children religiously and culturally aware of their environment. As a temporary Sunday School teacher at ICLI, I had an opportunity to witness that attitude first-hand. It was a blessing and a homecoming for me, since I took my Shahadah and received my Islamic education at ICLI at an age that is not much older than the present students that attend Sunday School at ICLI today. A strong ground in Islamic education is a must for our children in order to be successful in life, and to compete with this countyy’s demanding curriculum, which I teach at the Central Islip school district. It is ICLI that provides that type of excellence in education. I hope that my story and my success can be a positive role model for others as Malcolm X was and still is.

Farooq Abdur-Raheem

ISLAMIC CENTER LONG ISLAND

Finance and Endowment committee (FEC)

ICLI Board of Trustees, has directed the Executive Committee to create this new committee, which will report to the board itself. The committee is to have financial and fiduciary oversight role. Goals and objectives

Develop a sound financial base

All members who wish to be part of this committee are requested to send their applications to the office of ICLI.

835 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590.

Tel: 516-333-3495

Fax: 516-333-7321

Educational Section Sunday School

Asalamu Alaikum. We are fast approaching the final two months of our Sunday School session. AlhamduLillah, it has been a successful year with the implementation of the initiatives set up in September 2004.

The teachers are working effectively with the new curriculum and lesson planning guidelines.

The children of classes B through F have had two sets of exams with one more to go before graduation on May 22nd.

Note: Graduation Day is Sunday, May 22nd 2005.

Inter-Faith: Also during the year, the Education Committee have been busy with various Inter-Faith groups to discuss Islamic religious education as well as bring children of various faiths together to talk about everyday life as a Muslim, Jew or Christian.

Only last week we had a meeting with the Auburn Seminary to see if we had any High School age (16-18 years old) children who wished to undertake a one year Multifaith program with students from all parts of the world. The program basically starts off with a 2 week residential in New York, followed by home working and a weekend workshop every 3 months in New York. The purpose of this program is to create multi-faith communication between our youth in order to develop leadership and educate one another as well as ourselves. There is big emphasis on the individual student to better understand his/her religion and therefore communicate and educate others in the community.

If you are interested in sending your child on this program please contact me at your earliest as the applications need to be received by Mid-April. The program starts on June 24th.

Sohail Nabi

(Co - Chair Sunday School)

Tel: 516-333 0299

Email: iclisundayschool@yahoo.com

BOOK: Joy of Islam An Anthology of Praise

Author: Hadayai Majeed

“Joy of Islam an Anthology of Praise” is a book that is unique in its content. A collection of 40 poems from Muslim children and women around the world was inspired by Hadayai Majeed the author. “I wanted to see more artistic Islamic works in the mainstream media,” she quotes as the main drive and inspiration behind this masterpiece. The book took approximately a year and a half to produce and publish. The main

challenge was getting the authors of the works to submit them before the deadline.

The works vary from submissions of authors as young as five years old to women fifty years old. Profound pieces of youth expressing their love of Islam and Allah’s creation. One of my favorite pieces entitled Cut and Paste written by Sara Mostafa a twelve year old who writes:

‘I would simply drag the mouse over my life underline it all in black font….then I would press the delete button over and over until I was sure it was gone and I was with it. I would past this long chronicle into a folder titled “Someone else then, perhaps, the grief would leave me for someone else.”’

These excerpts show that a twelve year old can compare a computer application and compare it to emotional grief and wishing it away like a person would delete an unwanted computer file.

The project is a group effort brought to life and to the market place by entrepreneur Hadayai Majeed: “My first objective for this book is to be able to provide a literary platform for Muslimah (women) poets and artists, professional and nonprofessionals alike.”

She hopes this artistic endeavor will serve as a catalyst for further creativity within the Muslim community and dispel the general image in the West that art, culture and creativity are nonexistent in Islam.

So far the book has been featured at two book signing events. The first one was in January 14, 2005 Hue-man book store in Harlem. The second was at Nubian Heritage at Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica Queens. One can purchase the book at both stores or order it at Barnes and Nobles or at ww.spencer-majeed.com. Part of the proceeds of the book will go towards the author’s organization the Baitul Salaam Network.

Sister Hadayai Majeed co-founder of the Baitul Salaam Network, Inc. which was founded in January 16, 1997, by four Muslim women in Atlanta, GA Islamic community, who met to break the fast during Ramadan of that year. She and other women got together and to discuss some of the occurrences of abuse, neglect, etc., in our personal lives and in the community. After talking they decided would try to do something positive to end what we saw as a serious problem and thus the organization was born. One can also learn more about Baitul Salaam by visiting the website at www.batiulsalaam.com

By supporting this work you will obtain be contributing to the young authors as well as support the Baitul-Salaam organization. Each of the authors gets a division of the royalties and it encourages them to write. You will be also contributing to the greater cause of dawah in that non-Muslims can experience the inner emotion of Muslims young and old in a way that is not represented in the media. The authors goal is to have Joy of Islam at every public and private library and by purchasing the book for just $13.00 you can make that dream possible.

By Tahira Muhammad

ADULT SESSION

Muslim Think Tank - Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

On Sunday, March 20th the Dream Team of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) visited ICLI. This probably was one of the best adult sessions we’ve had in a long time, with a full house attendance.

We are all aware of the challenges facing the Muslims in America. So four members of the ISPU presented to how the plans for handling and addressing these challenges are being developed. The common thread amongst the invited speakers was that they are all well versed with the thinking and psyche of America and represent the future leadership of American Muslims - Insha Allah.

Aamir A. Rehman, MBA - Member, ISPU Board of Directors. Mr. Rehman is a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, where he advises Fortune 500 clients on corporate strategy. He has served clients in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical and financial services firms. Mr. Rehman's management research and commentary have been featured in the New York Times, Crain's Business Daily, and Harvard Business School's Working Knowledge. He also serves on the advisory board of Dinar Standard, a publication on business strategy in the Muslim world. Mr. Rehman serves as an advisor to several Islamic nonprofit organizations and is author of ISPU's study on "The Human Capital Deficit in the Islamic Nonprofit Sector." He is a member of ISPU's development committee and contributes to ISPU research on the Muslim community, with a focus on nonprofit management. Mr. Rehman holds an AB from Harvard College in Social Studies, and AM from Harvard's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Middle Eastern Studies and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

ICLI’s Naveed Siddiqui organized the visit by ISPU members (Aamir A. Rehman, Iltefat Hamzavi, Farid Senzai and Muzammil Ahmed)

This group, as is clear from the bio's below, represents the best hope for the growing Muslim community in developing appropriate strategies for facing and coping with a variety of issues.

About the Institute of Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU): ISPU is an independent and non-profit organization committed to studying U.S. domestic and foreign policy and its impact on American society in general and its Islamic communities in particular. ISPU provides analysis, background research, policy briefs and commentary which directly involve public policy through publications, conferences, media events, grants, training and research support. ISPU is established on the idea that every community must address, debate and contribute to the pressing issues facing our nation.

Farid Senzai, Ph.D. Candidate Fellow and Director of Research. Mr. Senzai is currently leading the research efforts for ISPU. Prior to joining ISPU, Mr. Senzai was a research associate at the Brookings Institution where he researched U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East. In addition he was a research analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations where he worked on International politics. He has also served as a consultant for Oxford Analytica and the World Bank. Mr. Senzai received his MA in International Affairs from Columbia University and is completing his Ph.D. in Political Science at Oxford University. Iltefat Hamzavi, M.D. Executive Director. As ISPU’s Executive Director, Dr. Hamzavi leads the overall direction of institute and is responsible for developing thefinancial and administrative structure of the organization. He has extensive experiencewith the day to day running of for-profit and non-profit organizationssuch as medical practices, secondary granting agencies and scientificresearch groups. Dr. Hamzavi is also on faculty at Wayne State University. He graduated withhonors from the University of Michigan's sociology program and alsocompleted his medical degree at the same institution. Muzammil Ahmed, M.D – Development Officer. As the Development Officer, Dr. Ahmed is responsible for fundraising and strengthening the organizational capacity of ISPU. Dr. Ahmed has extensive experience working with non-profit organizations. Prior to joining ISPU, Dr. Ahmed was the Executive Director of non-profit media organization. He also serves as a Board member of Interfaith Partners in Michigan. Dr. Ahmed completed his undergraduate studies in sociology at the University of Michigan and graduated from their medical school in 1993.

You may learn more about ISPU by visiting the website at www.ispu.us.

DON’T MISS THE ADULT SESSIONS EVERY SUNDAY MORNING, STARTING AT 11:00

835 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590 Tel: 516-333-3495 - Fax: 516-333-7321 - Email: icli.icli@verizon.net Website: http://www.1icli.com January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005 January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006

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