ICLI News Dec. 2005

Fundraising Dinner Generates Much Needed Revenue

Aslaamu Alaikum. The ICLI 2005 Annual Fundraising dinner was held at The Crest Hollow Country Club on November 19th.

Alhamdu-Lillah, the event was a sell out, with the dinner raising a total of $149,000, of which $134,000 was from individual contribution and $15,000 from the silent auction.

Congratulations to all the members of the FRD committee for their time, dedication and tireless effort. The center would also like to thank all the guests for their financial support and trust in the center. Allah bless all of you for your efforts, Ameen.

Dr. Faroque Khan (President) with Asad Baig starting the Fundraising Dinner

Saeed Hassan of Travel treat Inc./Emirates (left) donated 2 tickets for the silent auction

Margaret Scobey (US Ambassador to Syria) attended the dinner on behalf of the Govt.

Dr. Jamal Badawi speaking on the achievements and challenges of Muslim Americans

Highlights of the ICLI Annual Fundraising Dinner 2005. (Photographs Courtesy Hamzah Byas)

Mukhtaran Mai Visits ICLI’s Domestic Harmony

On Friday November 4th, we had the honor of hosting a visit to ICLI, by one of the bravest women in the world. She spoke up against injustice and stood up for the rights of women in a part of the world where, contrary to the teachings of The Qur’an and our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH), women have always been punished for being women.

Dressed in simple muted beige colors, this wonderful lady, was accompanied by Naseem Bibi, who is the principal of the girls school and her friend.

Mukhtaran Mai hails from Mirwala, a small village near Multan and speaks Saraiki, a local dialect. It’s Naseem who speaks in Urdu on her behalf.

Mukhtaran Mai has overcome the worst adversity and come out a winner and an example for women all over the world. She is now an activist and champion for women’s causes. She receives hundreds of e-mails daily from women in countries like The Netherlands and Canada, England and Spain, who have been victims themselves and never spoke out. Her courage has been inspirational to them. They write thanking her for her courage and for being a role model.

During her recent visit to The USA, she was honored by Glamour magazine by being chosen ‘Woman of the Year’. President W.J. Clinton recognized her and awarded her a plaque for her bravery.

So what made this lady so courageous? The same kind of abysmal despair that made Rosa Parks stand up for her rights. When you are already at rock bottom and have nothing else left to lose, the only way to survive is to start going up.

Thank Allah for this resilience, because this is what saves the human mind and ultimately preserves its sanity.

Mukhtaran Mai , who is a young lady in her early thirties was ordered to be raped and publicly humiliated, by her entire village, as a punishment, by the local governing body/ the Panchayat /Jirga.

She suffered the utter and absolute degradation and violation of being raped by 12 men and being made to return home naked. Her crime? Reportedly her 12 year old brother had dared to “court” a girl from the family of the local feudal lord. This stoic, brave young lady dared to make a police report which was quashed three times.

“The police are held in the palm of the feudal lords”. Finally due to her perseverance, her case reached the high court and even though convicted, the perpetrators were released after an appeal. Further hue and cry led to the reconviction and jail of the perpetrators, but not before intervention by several human rights agencies, locally and internationally.

She was awarded 5 lakh Rupees as compensation, by the government. Her request? To start a school for girls, in her village.

“It’s only by being educated that girls can learn to stand up for their rights”. Mukhtaran Mai who herself was illiterate had learned about the value of education the hard way. She herself is currently learning to read and write Urdu along with her pupils.

Prior to this, she was a Qur’an teacher for the village girls. She bought land and has subsequently started two schools for the village children. A school for girls, and a separate school for boys.

Thank Allah for Mukhtaran Mai’s courage, because I can see a slow but sure movement towards a better future for girls in Pakistan. Many other women have taken her lead and are striving to rise above the unlawful restrictions placed on them by an unjust society. As she said, “you can hide the garbage but you can not prevent its stink from escaping”.

Violence against women is an international problem. In the USA there were 1.1 million cases reported in 2004. National statistics show that only 1 in 10 cases are reported. It goes to show you that crimes against women happen every where in the world, but it takes a lot of self worth and even a spirit of sacrifice to fight them.

As far as her visit to ICLI goes, she was received by everyone with a lot of warmth and appreciation. She was touched by the hospitality and said it brought tears to her eyes to hear the azan and to say her Friday prayers in the mosque and enjoyed being with her “own people.”

Asma A. Ejaz, MD

Chairperson Domestic Harmony Committee

Mukhtaran Mai (center) with some of ICLI’s Domestic harmony Committee Members

Zakat Funds

ICLI is grateful to all our members who give their Zakat, Sadaqa, and Fitr to our noble institution. ICLI is the leader for providing our fellow Muslim brethren assistance in times of need on an individual level, as well as, on an organizational level.

In the past year, we have assisted numerous destitute families throughout the tri-state area, Muslim advocate groups, Muslim women enrichment programs and a writer’s workshop for our inspiring journalists. ICLI is also a proud sponsor of a radio talk show intern program in NYC. Applicants must submit a resume to apply for the eight-week program and are taught first hand at the NYC studio how a broadcast studio operates.

May Allah (swt) Bless all your quick and generous contributions for the December 2004 Tsunami. ICLI has initiated

and implemented a long-term relief process. This includes an educational sponsorship program to assist our young and bright students attain and complete their educational requirements. And a business recovery plan, for those who have lost their businesses to the tsunami. This relief effort is headed by Sr. Kiki Byas, Sr. Homaria Mamoor, Br. Rizwan Qureshi and many others – and thanks to their insightful & exceptional hard work, the relief process has begun.

Recently, a devastating earthquake has hit South East Asia; and once again, ICLI has quickly responded and has collected a record high in contributions earmarked for the relief efforts for our brethren in this region. A committee has been formed to implement a recovery project that would best suit this region and it’s citizens.

We at ICLI strongly believe in empowering our Ummah by providing sufficient programs and resources to attain their individual goals. In doing so, the returns will be immeasurable.

Islamic Center of Long Island

Statement of Contributions and Distributions

January 1, 2005 through November 20, 2005 ( With Comparative Totals for 2004 and 2003 ) Jan - Nov Jan - Dec Jan - Dec

Contributions - Temporarily Restricted 2005 2004 2003

Charitable Collections

Bosnia Child Sponsorship 270 630 240

Dawa Fund 4,960 5,699 4,167 Fitr 19,091 16,542 19,049

Hurricane Katrina 1,740 0 0 ICLI Youth Fund 0 905 204 Iran Earthquake 0 2,967 0 Sadaqa 4,736 14,537 8,287

South Asian Earthquake 111,344 0 0 Tsunami 2004 53,520 0 0 Zakat 40,092 40,169 50,746

Total Charitable Collections 235,753 81,450 82,693

Charitable Distributions

Afghani 500 1,006 1,000

Bosnia Child Sponsorship 1,200 1,170 0 Bosnia Nawal Fund 800 1,031 0 Chechnya 1,000 1,000 1,000 Dawa Fund 4,688 2,500 4,117 Fitr 23,350 16,500 30,958

General Relief Funds 461 0 6,140

Indian Muslim Relief Charities 5,300 1,570 500 Palestinian 0 1,122 200 Sadaqa 0 2,350 0 South Asian Earthquake 24,000 0 0

SUNY Stony Brook 0 1,441 0

Tsunami Relief 23,250 0 0

Zakat Al Mal 30,687 24,506 63,780

Total Charitable Distributions 115,235 54,196

Thanksgiving: A Day of Gratitude and Challenge for American Muslims

THANKSGIVING is my favorite American holiday. No denominational strings are attached to this annual national observance.Thanksgiving has not been taken hostage by an extravagance of gift giving or the burdens of shopping. Built around the family meal, the feast celebrates the exquisite tension between appetite and its satisfaction. Honoring the turning of the year, it is a first pushing back against winter's cold darkness with the warmth and light of fireplaces, candles, the illuminations of reunion. True, legends of Thanksgiving evoke the conflict between white European settlers and the native peoples who welcomed them but, even so, this holiday emphasizes inclusion more than displacement. Generations of varied immigrant groups have identified as Americans by embracing this holiday - and its peculiar menu.

What we love most is Thanksgiving's underlying idea: that existence itself is a gift. If the holiday ritual calls for the bounty of culinary excess - four side dishes, three kinds of pie, two forms of cranberry - it is not to celebrate affluence but to acknowledge the accidental richness of life itself.

The multiple desserts are tribute to all that we don't deserve.In taking time away from work, we are remembering that the most precious things are those that we do nothing to earn.

As a Muslim immigrant from Kashmir, I consider myself to be a part of America's journey.I did not leave history behind, like unwanted baggage at Immigration's door.Our particular pasts and our shared present are wedded in hyphenated names: Arab-Americans, Indian-Americans, Pakistani-Americans . . or Kashmiri-Americans.We are not always on a first-name basis with one another.But we quickly become acquainted in playgrounds and classrooms, in college dorms and military barracks, in offices and factories, and at the mosque.We feel at home.The following Qur'anic verse guides our approach towards those who are different from us.

“O Mankind - We created you from a single pair of man and woman, made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another” (Qur'an 49:13).

In some parts of the world our differences would be threatening, but not here. In America, we feel enriched. Our differences resonate in our names, language, food, and music.They inspire art and produce champions and leaders.We feel free to disagree. We are a family, and what is a family gathering without debate?Here we believe in fairness. In America, the loudest voice does not always have the last word, and every voice has a right to be heard. Here we rely on faith. In a sturdy and tested framework of law and government, diversity of faith works because of the confidence we place in our Constitution and in each other. Progress can be slow as we propose and protest, argue and

advocate. But we are grateful to be part of this vigorous democracy. We enjoy its unparalleled privileges and accept its obligations: to pursue our dreams while helping others; to advance our convictions while tolerating and respecting the beliefs of others; to prepare our children for the gift of the American journey. We are stewards of America - her ideals and institutions, her cities and natural beauty. We are entrusted to understand America's past and guide her future; to create an ever more just America that is secure and free, abundant and caring for all her inhabitants. We are thankful for the freedom to worship.We are thankful for the freedom to speak our minds.We are thankful for the freedom to change our minds.We are thankful for the freedom to chart our lives.We are thankful for the freedom to work for a better world.We are thankful for the freedom to celebrate this day.Remembering the words of Surah Nisaa (Qur’an 4:97), we thank God for giving us, “a spacious land” of freedom and opportunity, to which Allah has allowed “migration of the weak and oppressed," so that we may live and prosper.This verse describes the experience of millions of arriving immigrants when they first saw the Statue of Liberty, with its inscription penned by Emma Lazarus, a descendant of Jewish immigrants: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” In America, each of us is entitled to a place at the Thanksgiving table. HOWEVER, while we thank Allah for all the gifts that have been bestowed on us, we are mindful of the challenges facing American-Muslims. One out of four of our fellow Americans holds very strong anti-Muslim views.The good news is that when people-on-the-street have access to accurate information and relate to ordinary, real fellow citizens who are Muslims, their perceptions and stereotypes change dramatically.Our Jihad –struggle, challenge – is to reach out to our colleagues, neighbors and co-workers.

I suggest nine principles adopted from the Sunnah (life) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which can guide us in reaching out with a message of peace, love, tolerance, and mercy:

(1)Take the easier path.This principle is well explained in a Hadith saying of A'ishah, the Prophet’s wife. She said, "Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always opted for the easier choice.” To choose the easiest option means that you should evaluate your options and choose the one most likely to take you to your goal.

(2)See advantage in disadvantage. In the early days of Mecca, there were many problems and difficulties. A verse in The Qur'an was revealed then to give encouragement: “With every hardship there is ease, with every hardship there is ease” (Q94:5-6). That is, problems are a source of opportunities. The way to success is to overcome the problems and pursue the opportunities. The 9/11 tragedy created a great desire among Americans to learn about Islam and Muslims, and this fact provides us with a great opportunity to reach out and explain the tolerance and kindness inherent in true Islam.

(3)Change the place of action.This principle is derived from the Hijrah. The Hijrah was not just a migration

by the Prophet and his followers from Mecca to Medina It was a journey to find a more suitable place to put Islam into action. Physical migration and perseverance are important elements in establishing justice and peace. The Hijrah also represents the inner journey and transformation of subjugated minds to awakened spirits. It is my humble, personal opinion that the future, bright light of Islam will, Insha Allah, one day shine from the immigrant Muslim community in the USA to the rest of the world.

(4)Make a friend out of an enemy. His unbelieving opponents repeatedly treated the Prophet with undisguised antagonism. The Qur'an taught him to return good for evil, and then added, "You will see your direst enemy has become your closed friend” (Q41:34 ). A good deed in return for a bad deed can win over one’s enemies. The Prophet proved this principle when he declared a universal amnesty after the bloodless conquest of Mecca. At this decisive moment, he pardoned all enemies of Islam, including his most implacable enemies, Abu Soofyaan and Hinda, his wife, who had personally mutilated the body of the Prophet’s own uncle, Hamza.

(5)Receive education from wherever it comes: After the Battle of Badr, about 70 unbelievers were taken as prisoners of war. They were educated people. The Prophet announced that if any of them would teach ten Muslim children how to read and write he would be freed. In this early Islamic school, Muslim students were all taught by teachers from the enemy rank. Learn skills from “enemies.”

(6)Don't be a dichotomous thinker. In the famous Battle of Mutah, Khalid Ibn Walid decided to withdraw Muslim forces from the battlefield because he discovered that they were far outnumbered by the enemy.When they reached Medina, some of their fellow Muslims received them with derision: "O deserters!" The Prophet said, "No. They are men of advancement." The scornful in Medina were thinking dichotomously: either you fight, or you lose by retreat. The Prophet pointed to a third option: avoid war and take time to strengthen yourself. After three years of preparation, the Muslims advanced again towards the Roman border, and this time won a resounding victory.

(7)Do not engage in unnecessary confrontation: This principle is derived from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. At that time, the unbelievers were determined to fight the Muslims from an advantageous position.Instead of joining his opponents in battle, the Prophet, accepted their conditions unilaterally and entered into a tenyear peace treaty. Until then, the only meeting ground between Muslims and its pagan opponents had been the battlefield. Now conflict was changed was shifted to the ideological arena. Two years later, Islam emerged victorious by virtue of the superiority of its ideas.

(8)Pursue gradualism instead of radicalism: This principle is well established by another Hadith, in which A'ishah says that the first verses of The Qur'an mostly

concerned Heaven and Hell. Over time, as faith took hold in people’s hearts, God’s revelation turned its attention to altering widespread, damaging social practices. For instance, the prohibition of alcohol was revealed and implemented over a period of time, not in one moment by a single fiat. Historically, Islam has preferred evolutionary over revolutionary social change.

(9)Be pragmatic in controversial matters: During the writing of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty, the Prophet dictated these words: "This is from Muhammad, the Messenger of God." The Qurayshan delegate raised objections over these words. The Prophet promptly ordered that the words be changed to: "Muhammad, son of Abdullah." This simple change placated his opponent.

“You have indeed in the Messenger of God a beautiful pattern [of conduct] for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day” (Q33:21).

These are just some of the principles by which the Prophet of Islam conducted a life of remarkable achievement. We would be wise to follow his example.

Dr. Faroque Khan

E-mail: Faroquekhan@yahoo.com

The Salaam Group

About a year ago, I was asked to be part of a very blessed gathering indeed. Several conscientious and giving individuals decided to host gatherings with the intent of easing the burden for those who had come from other faith traditions and adopted Islam as their vehicle for attaining piety. The evenings consist of prayer, delicious food, company and fun for youngsters, and of course structured discussion. The meetings are held just about every 2 to 3 months, and topics are selected based on the interest of those who have recently come to practice Islam; These topics range from religious concepts and terms (metaphysics, theology, doctrine, Sharia) to practical matters and the approach to fiqh (jurisprudence); These sessions are moderated by myself, in an atmosphere we all create that aims to be nonjudgmental, non-dogmatic, non-authoritarian and based on love, support and respect ; in short, in an atmosphere that tries to be consistent with the adaab of Muhammad and the saintly women and men he inspired.

“We have not revealed this Qur’an as a source of hardship/distress for you” (maa anzalnaa ‘alaykal Qur ana li thashqaa ) is a famous verse often cited by many; Despite this, those who have come to adopt Islam face hardships and distress. Even moresome of these are imposed on them by those who tend to make religion stifling and monolithic. As the group is discovering, a varied approach to practice and understanding has been a standard set from the very earliest days of Islam, without compromising the integrity of the faith. To ease access to the way of Muhammad, especially for those who face the unique challenges of “converting” to another religion, is a beautiful effort. Most who are “born” into the Islamic traditions cannot fathom what it must be like for those who have been made to feel that they are breaking away from a vital part of their heritage or identity; although what I hear from many who come to Islam from other faith traditions is, “I feel I am more Christian now than ever,” or “This is how I feel Moses must have wanted me to be, “ or that “Islam gives me the chance to embrace Godliness and the Prophets and the exemplars of holiness in an a complete manner.”

The use of the terms “convert” and “revert”, are not in keeping with the Qur’anic perspective; The Qur’an insists that religion and truth (God’s Self Disclosure to humanity) is one

phenomenon (hence the pre-Muhammadan use of the term Islam); The conditions of earthly existence (Dunya) are such that it has appeared in a variety of forms. For those who feel a calling, searching for the most authentic form/path (a Shariah) of religion becomes near imperative. There is no such thing as winning conversions, or reversions; there is no such thing as rejecting a religion...it is a matter of adopting the most authentic form; there is only “making ones religion and servitude sincere to God” (Fa ‘abudellaha mukhliseenal lahudeen); hence to seek the most authentic and rejuvenated form of religion which exists in a given seekers consciousness flows from this. To ease the path, and support others in this search is a duty for those who claim to be in the Sunna of Muhammad.

The group has grown, and it is diverse, and just as attended by those who have been “born” into the tradition, but are looking to re-discover it. Folks bring different perspectives, and different levels of practice. What we have in common is a sincere wish to love, support, and share with one another. We don’t tolerate; employing the word “tolerance” to the way of Muhammad is an insult for those who understand what this word really means...one tolerates a bad smell, or a poison, or a rude buffoon. No, we don’t merely tolerate –we embrace. We embrace all who are trying to learn and grow with sincerity, no matter what their mode of understanding and practice.

The younger generation faces the challenge of balancing their “Americanness” with their religion, and walking this line while maintaining psychological and spiritual health can be challenging. What we know is that there is no necessary dichotomy between the two. Islam was taken in by very alien cultures outside the Arabian Peninsula and these cultures made it their own. I have had the privilege of hearing an Azaan performed in a melodious Celtic style by an Irish Muslim. The same holds true here in America. It has already begun, and is well advanced in the African-American subculture. Our group has been, and insha-Allah, will grow to be a place where the young folks can learn and grow in a nurturing environment, while meeting others that are doing the same.

“Don’t worry farangi (Euro-Westerner), even if Islam were to hide from you in a high chandelier, it will still fall into your lap” A premonition of Abu Huraira

Dr. Faiz Khan

I’tikaaf - Personal Reflections of two ICLI members

O

ne of the most memorable moments in my life for this year (1426 A.H.), was performing I’tikaaf, which is a spiritual retreat consisting of spending the last 10 days of Ramadan in the masjid, as practiced by the Prophet (PBUH) himself.

I was encouraged this year by a good friend of mine to perform I'tikaaf with him. Just as anyone else, I have obligations and responsibilities to the household. I too, have to go to work as anyone else and earn a wage or salary. Some may question my actions, perhaps within my own family and/or acquaintances as to why I would perform I'tikaaf, thus leaving/neglecting civil duties pertaining to the real world. My answer to that question is simple, it is in duty to God.

It takes total discipline and dedication to perform I’tikaaf. The routine consists of praying not just from sunrise to sunset, including the 5 obligatory prayers, but it also consists of additional prayers made throughout the night. It also consists of reciting the Qur’an al-Kareem and completing the recitation within the 30 days of Ramadan. I'tikaaf also involves making several duas that Allah (SWT) hears and grants during the blessed month of Ramadan, as I heard Imam Negm once say in one of his lectures at ICLI. One dua that I made that I will share with you, is that Allah (SWT) will bless me to have another Ramadan with my brothers and sisters and my practice of the deen even stronger and better than the last Ramadan.

I performed I'tikaaf with a group of 5 men close to my age. Many of the men were from different backgrounds than I (mainly from the Indo-Paki regions). My descent is from the Caribbean - by way of Cuba on my paternal side of the family. I was honored to meet these men, and privileged to gain more knowledge about al-Islam and our deen. I had the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Ramadan at its fullest capacity. I prayed Salat-ul-Tarawih and Salat-ulWitr with the congregation. I also prayed additional night prayers. One of the men who performed I'tikaaf (who belonged to another group of men who also performed I'tikaaf), introduced to the younger brothers and myself a Salat-ul-Tasbih that I have never even heard of before that I read was substantiated by Hadith. I learned more surahs of the Qur’an and the correct pronunciation of them. I learned to perfect my wudhu as brothers taught me and my salat as well.

It was a pleasure to hear Hafez Asad, being only 16 years old, recite the Qur’an (all 30 parts of Juz) for Salat-ulTarawih and Salat-ul-Witr this Ramadan. I was also moved by Imam Negm’s lectures at ICLI as he gave the Muslims at ICLI snapshots of the surahs of the Qur’an and the main themes expressed in them. In addition, I enjoyed the various foods contributed by the brothers and sisters at ICLI. ICLI is where I first took my Shahadah al-Khalimah (Attestation of Faith) in 1994. I owe much of my spirituality and development as an individual to ICLI who always welcomed me with open arms. ICLI is a special place to be and

it will always hold a special place in my heart. Jazak’Allah Khair everyone for making this Ramadan 2005, the most educational and spiritual one that I have ever celebrated.

Farook Abdul Raheem

I’tikaaf is the act of secluding oneself from the outside, usually within the confines of a masjid. It is a voluntary act of worship where one intends to leave all worldly affairs and simply do physical religious actions purely for the pleasure of the one and only true god, Allah (SWT) . These voluntary acts are known as I’baadat. They include performing extra prayers aside from the obligatory prayers (i.e. Nawafil prayers), actions adhering to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), fasting, reciting Qur’an, discussing religious issues, reading Islamic texts or literature, and also making constant supplication or du’a. A person who performs I’tikaaf is referred to as a Muth’thakif. This selfless act requires sincere commitment and a good degree of patience. When this is accomplished, then only can one expect to reap the fruits of their actions in this life and in the afterlife, Insha’Allah.

I have often heard about I'tikaaf and read about it. However, I had never experienced it until this year. Ramadan is the most blessed month of all Islamic months. The last 10 days of Ramadan is when the Prophet (SAW) performed I’tikaaf majority of the time and sought the best night of all nights, the night of Qadr (i.e. Power). I figured that I probably won’t have this opportunity and free time ever again. Why waste this opportunity to attain the only true thing that matters – the pleasure of Allah (SWT)

I didn’t know what to expect. I simply foresaw massive boredom! I mean what am I going to do there the whole time? There’s no TV, no friends, no music, no movies, no internet, nothing! I can’t even use my cell phone unless it was a real emergency. Sounds completely boring, doesn’t it? In a sense, I felt as if I’ll be living the life of a prisoner for 10 days. That is essentially what it is, except it is done voluntarily. You are subjugating yourself entirely to the will of Allah (SWT) and leaving all your desires behind. You are giving up your friends, your family, your school, your work, and your recreation for the next 10 days. Oh boy, one may ask, is it really worth it?

It sure was! In fact, this was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. No peace and concentration compares to the serenity and sense of focus found in the masjid. There were several books of knowledge everywhere. Normally, I would just push these books aside and figure I’d get to reading them eventually. However, this was such an opportune time to read and learn for oneself. Not only that, but knowing that every second that you do engage in reading or any other act of I’baadah will be bringing reward, is a very comforting thought. I opened up a book, read a page, then another and another. I was unexpectedly lost in my reading. Then, I prayed and went back to my reading again. I actually found myself appreciating and enjoying this. There were no distractions and the world was shut as far as I was concerned. We indulged ourselves in worship. One of the most memorable aspects of all this entire experience was the many friendships I made. Insha’Allah, they are never to be broken. There were a total of nine of us. Four of us stayed all 10 days, while the rest stayed for a lesser time. Some of us knew each other, while others met for the very first time. One of the rules was that we weren’t allowed to talk about what goes on “out there”. We were restricted to simply religious dialogue. So therefore, everyone was on the same plane field. Nobody knew what the other did as an occupation. It didn’t matter how old or how young one was. We all humbled ourselves and treated each other the same. We were all brothers and felt as if we knew each other all our lives. We talked with each other, joked together, ate together, prayed together and learned from each other. We were on time with all our prayers. I learned new prayers and new du’as. We safeguarded each other from distractions so as not to invalidate our I'tikaaf. We practically lived as a family, but still respected each other’s space. After all, we must spend time in isolation as much as possible.

I would recommend anyone and everyone to make efforts and intention to pursue this meritorious and spiritual act. It is said that one who performs the sunnah I'tikaaf of the last ten day of Ramadan, all his or her previous sins are forgiven, Insha’Allah. If one truly wants to wash away their sins and not be punished, they should definitely consider I'tikaaf. It is a time well-spent and a gold mine of rewards to be achieved.

May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts and allow us to live so that we can perform I'tikaaf at least once in our lifetime. Ameen.

Tanbeer Bhuiyan

Muslim-American Physician Flies, Soars in USAF

Humayun J. Chaudhry, a physician who has been a member of ICLI for several years, is well known to many at the center who see him in the audience on Sunday morning adult education classes or as a volunteer and speaker at Interfaith observances. His wife, Nazli, is even better known as an active member of ICLI’s Domestic Harmony Committee who regularly volunteers in a number of capacities, including multifaith activities on behalf of ICLI. Their children, Shaun and Haris, have attended ICLI’s Sunday School since they were toddlers. Dr. Chaudhry represents Islam as a Board Member on the Multifaith Forum of Long Island, an organization sponsored by the Long Island Council of Churches that represents 13 different faiths on Long Island and which promotes tolerance, understanding and multifaith bridge-building.

What many may not know is that Dr. Chaudhry is also a flight surgeon and a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve and is based out of McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. He serves as the Medical Operations Flight Commander of the 514th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and is attached to the 732nd Airlift Squadron. When he is not seeing patients with hypertension and diabetes, or serving as Assistant Dean and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of N.Y. Institute of Technology, he can be found one weekend a month and two weeks out of the year sitting one seat behind the pilot in the cockpit of a C-17A aircraft on various transport and training missions and flights.

Dr. Chaudhry joined the USAFR as a Captain in 1998 because of his patriotism, his love of flying and his desire to learn aerospace medicine, a specialized field of medicine that deals with medical concerns during aviation and space flight. He is a graduate of the USAF Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama and the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. His training included the USAF’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape course. He has also flown with aircrew in C141B and KC-10 aircraft on missions that have included local trips and exotic stops such as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Maj. Chaudhry is the recipient of a number of medals and commendations, including the USAF Commendation Medal, the USAF Achievement Medal and the USAF Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. In addition to serving as a flight commander at McGuire, he is the Medical Intelligence Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Officer Performance Reports at his squadron.

What many Muslims may not know is that Maj Chaudhry is one of approximately 10,000 Muslims in the U.S. armed forces. Many U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard installations, Maj Chaudhry notes, make accommodations available for their servicemen for Friday Jumah prayers, as does McGuire Air Force Base (where Friday prayers are held at the Fort Dix Chapel.) One of his cousins recently completed Boot Camp and serves in the U.S. Marines. While he has not been activated or served overseas, Maj Chaudhry is ready to do so, consistent with his training and obligations.

Maj Chaudhry says he has not been the subject of any racism or discrimination in the USAF. When asked for his personal views of the Iraq war and the campaign against Afghanistan, he defers any commentary citing military policy reserving such comments for official spokespersons. “As a doctor in the military, my primary job is to take care of people, whether U.S. personnel or not, military or not so I stay out of the politics.” He does offer that he was very pleased to learn that two C-17A aircraft from his squadron were sent to Islamabad, Pakistan recently to deliver food, supplies and equipment to the victims of the massive earthquake there and that a U.S. Army Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is operating in Azad Kashmir.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Maj Chaudhry emigrated to the United States in 1971. His paternal grandfather first came to the United States in 1938. He is a graduate of Midwood High School (in Brooklyn), New York University and the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT. Following his graduation from medical school, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, Nee York, where he served an additional year as Chief Medical Resident. He also has a Master’s degree in Anatomy from NYU and a Master’s degree in Health Care Management from Harvard.

Maj Chaudhry is a former President of the Nassau Society of Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Nassau Academy of Medicine. He serves as Chair of the Legislation and Government Relations Committee of the New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians and is also active in the Medical Society of the State of New York. Many Pakistanis and Pakistani-Americans in New York may remember him from when he used to be a news anchor for Third World Broadcasting Network, a Pakistani-American television show that was broadcast on WNJU-TV, from 1986 to 1996.

Educational Section

Class Presentations on Prophet Muhammad’s Life and Masjid Nabi

On Sunday, November 27th, Class C teachers invited parents to see their children present the Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Masjid Nabi. The children did a wonderful job displaying models of mosques that they built as well as creating timeline charts of key events during Prophet Muhammad’s life. Below are some photographs taken of the presentations:

VOLUNTEER NEEDED SUNDAY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Responsibilities: 

Handle all student registrations which includes completion of various forms; collection of fees, and sale of books  Maintain excel spreadsheets detailing student and family information  Submit all monies collected to ICLI accountant

Provide monthly financial reports and manage the budget  Responsible for handling Sunday School petty cash fund, including the receipts; payouts and record keeping  Maintain an inventory of books and reorder as needed.  Organize volunteer group to assist with registration day  Work closely with Education Committee and the PTO to resolve problems, plan curriculum and events, hire teachers and make decisions regarding the Sunday School function.

Note: The person should have strong organizational skills, and a background in office administration or bookkeeping.

Contact:

Sohail Nabi - (646) 286 0060 or msanabi@yahoo.com

Passion Textiles

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472 South Broadway, Hicksville, New York 11801. Tel: 516-942-5147

Fabric store owners and sales representatives, please contact us at: 39 West 32 Street - Suite 1703, New York, NY 10001.

Phone: (212) 268 3566 Cellular: (516) 672 8191 Fax: (212) 268 3546 Email: pntextiles@aol.com

We are the oldest foodstore in the Hicksville area providing fresh quality halal meat and groceries to the Muslim Community in LI.

~~ Welcome ~~

We have all specialty foods: Fresh and Packed Mithae, Rose Syrup, Juices, Meat, Groceries, snacks and Islamic CDs

Happy Thanksgiving

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

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