ICLI News Mar. 2005

We’re Making Progress

Asalamu Alaikum. Wishing you and your families a very blessed, meaningful, and productive Islamic New Year (Muharram). Since the last newsletter, the following developments have occurred at ICLI:

Tsunami Relief Effort in Collaboration With Family and Children’s Association of Long Island: A group of volunteers, including Br. Rizwan Qureshi, Sr. Homaira Mamoor, and Sr. Kiki have been developing a plan for the ongoing Tsunami Relief Effort, which will be a two-year project focused on some hard-hit areas in Indonesia. The plan will include allocating 40% of funds for relief and support of children and 40% for small loans to help families get back their lost businesses. The selection of the children and families is currently in place and lists will be made available for those interested. ICLI is delighted to welcome the cooperation and collaboration of the Long Island Family and Children’s Association in this relief effort. To date, ICLI has collected approximately $50,000 for the Tsunami relief.

Improved Communication: Need Your E-mail Address: To ensure timely communication, it’s imperative that ICLI have your correct e-mail listing. Kindly do so at your earliest convenience. You can drop me an email note.

Good News - New Office: Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Irwin Horwitz, Chairman of Ethan Allen Galleries, we now have a new office set up in 7 Jaymie Drive. Do stop over to see the new facility. We plan to have a formal inauguration of the office in midApril – Insha Allah and Sr Tahira Mohammed is now working full time in the office.

ICLI in the News: Increasingly, ICLI is being contacted by groups and organizations from different parts of the USA, seeking advice regarding various ICLI initiatives – for example:

a) A group from Nashville, Tennessee wanted to know about ICLI’s interfaith programs.

b) From Baton Rouge, Louisiana we received a request asking for advice regarding our matrimonial get-togethers.

c) From Seattle, Washington a request regarding our Elderhostel initiative.

Alhamdu-Lillah, the efforts and work of the volunteers and Executive Committee are bearing fruit, and ICLI is being used as a resource across the USA.

In closing, I have also been privileged to meet and interact with various religious, civic and TV personalities of LI on your behalf, and uniformly we receive compliments for the work being done at ICLI. During one such meeting, I came across the following which I thought might be of interest to you,

as well. Did you knowWHERE DO YOUR TAX DOLLARS GO?

Nassau County, New York April 2004

The average household in Nassau County paid $16,032 in Federal Income Taxes in 2003. Here is how that amount was spent.

Military and Defense $4,721

Interest on the Debt (Military) $1,514

Interest on the Debt (NonMilitary) $1,657 Health $3,151

Income Security $725 Education $609

Veterans’ Benefits $571

Nutrition $430 Housing $359 Natural Resources $287 Job Training $72 Other: $1,936

The new Congressional Budget Office projections show that changes in law enacted since January 2001 increased the Federal deficit by $539 billion in 2005. If the tax cuts had not beenenacted, the nation would have a surplus this year. Tax cuts account for 48% of this deficit, and increased spending - primarily in defense, homeland security, and international affairs (Iraq - Afghanistan) account for 37% of the budget deficit for 2005. All other domestic programs account for 15%.

If a portion of these large amounts of money were spent on education, housing, health care, I believe we would all be better of---just a passing thought.

With my very best wishes.

Dr. Faroque A. Khan Faroquekhan@yahoo.com

ICLI Qurbani in Medan, Indonesia

In the month of Dul Hijjah 1425 (January 2005), ICLI took a step in helping fellow brothers and sisters in Islam who had been devastated by the Tsunami in North Sumatra and Aceh provinces of Indonesia. ICLI Board decided to perform the Qurbani in one of the Tsunami affected areas in Sumatra. The main idea was to provide the meat to those who needed it the most. We collaborated with Dr.

Karsono, a friend of Kiki Byas. Dr. Karsono and team were based in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra and happened to take care of about 300 survivors from five different areas.

Some of ICLI cows with tags containing the name ICLI members giving the Qurbani

A total of 68 people registered to have their Qurbani done in Medan, which was then translated into 7 cows and 19 goats. Due to time differences, where Medan (Indonesia) is 12 hours ahead of Long Island, we requested that the Qurbani conducted on January 22 and 23, 2005 Indonesia time. Alhamdu-Lillah, the money that we sent exceeded the price of the animals for the Qurbani and the administrative cost related to the wire, transfer, and distribution of the meat. Therefore, with our approval Dr. Karsono utilized the extra money to purchase three more goats and other food stuff such as rice, beans and others. The meat was then distributed to five areas: Medan, Banda Aceh, Meulaboh, Sinabang and Nias. Dr. Karsono and team expressed their gratitude to all ICLI members who had extended helping hands to them in the efforts to assist the Tsunami victims and survivors to get back on their feet. Alhamdu-Lillah Jazakumullahu khair.

The meat was weighed and packed in plastic bags before transported to the five areas

ICLI’s Domestic Harmony Committee (DHC)

As Muslims we understand that violence and coercion used as a tool of control in the home is oppression and not accepted in Islam!

Marriage in the Islamic context is a means of tranquility, protection, peace and comfort. Abuse of any kind is in conflict to the principles of marriage. Any justification of abuse is in opposition to what Allah (swt) has revealed and the example of Prophet Muhammad.

Sura 30 Ayat 21 “And among His signs is this: He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.”

Sura 9 Ayat 71

The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.

Sura 16 Ayat 90

Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition

What does Islam say concerning domestic violence? Excerpt from Domestic violence – Islamic Perspective by M. Basheer Ahmed, M.D.

“ Under no circumstances violence against women is encouraged or allowed in Islam. There are many examples in Quran and Ahadith that describes the behavior of Muslims towards husband and wife. The relationship should be one of mutual love, respect and kindness. Allah (SWT) says in Quran, “O believers treat women with kindness even if you dislike them; it is quite possible that you dislike something which Allah might yet make a source of abundant good (An Nisa 4:19).

Arabian society at the beginning of Islam sanctioned appalling violence towards women. Far from giving permission for wife beating Allah (SWT) prohibited or at least severely curtailed excessive violence against women. Allah (SWT) repeatedly says in the Quran to show love, kindness and warns that they should not harm their wives even after divorce. Allah (SWT) has even forbidden us to call each other by bad names and to humiliate. The abusive behavior does not reflect the kindness and love for their spouses. Still, some men justify their behavior knowing that they are disobeying Allah’s guidance….”

Effects of Domestic Violence on Children.

In a home of violence children are at high risk for injury due to intervening in a violent episode. Children live what they learn and abuse is a learned behavior. The dynamics

of abuse as it affects expectations of relationships, problem solving, if it goes unchallenged can continue into adulthood.

Emotional

Grief for family and personal losses. Shame, guilt, and self blame. Confusion about conflicting feelings toward parents. Fear of abandonment, or expressing emotions, the unknown or personal injury.

Anger

Depression and feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.

Embarrassment

Acting out or withdrawing. Aggressive or passive. Refusing to go to school. Care taking; acting as a parent substitute. Out of control behavior. Manipulation, dependency, mood swings.

Social

Isolation from friends and relatives. Stormy relationships. Difficulty trusting, especially adults. Poor anger management and problem solving skills. Excessive social involvement to avoid home. Passivity with peers or bullying. Engaged in exploitative relationships as perpetrator or victim.

Physical

Somatic complaints, headaches and stomachaches. Nervous, anxious, short attention span. Tired and lethargic. Frequently ill. Poor personal hygiene. Regression in development. High risk play. Self abuse. Bruises and other personal injuries.

Some facts:

In homes where partner abuse occurs, children are 1,500 times more likely to be abused.

63% of all domestic violence offenders had either seen their mothers abused or had themselves been abused as children (San Francisco Family Violence Project, 1981).

Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caretakers.

A child’s exposure to the father abusing the mother is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violent behavior from one generation to the next.

For those in an abusive relationship  Prepare far in advance of breaking the relationship  Save money & hide extra clothes for self & children in a friend’s house  Make extra set of House keys, car keys, other keys  Communicate openly with trusted relatives, friends, health professionals & attorneys  Keep evidence of physical abuse  Ripped clothes, photos of bruises & injuries  Keep important documents at a safe place – Birth certificates, school record, insurance papers & medical records  Keep crisis line number & do not hesitate to use 911  Immediately drive to police station if abuse occurs  Keep the phone numbers of local domestic violence shelters and programs.

For those who are out of the relationship:  Your protection order (restraining order) should be with you at all times  A copy of your protection order should be with a trusted friend and/or the local police department  Inform anyone who cares for your children and can pick them up  Change the locks on the doors  Know the hotline number to the domestic violence program in case I need to talk  Talk with your children about ways to stay safe

For your emotional support  Attend a support group or Halaqa to build fellowship

Have someone to talk to when you feel down, this can even be a domestic violence hotline the national domestic violence hotline or DHC’s hotline 516-942-2081

Pray & meditate

Determine safe ways of dealing with your spouse, (i.e. having third parties present, utilizing neutral places, etc…)

Write a letter to your abuser expressing your feelings over the abuse and throw it away

Know that you are not alone. If you have been depressed for an extended time you may need to seek additional help. Any domestic violence program can refer you to the appropriate resources. “Soul

First hour discussion to stimulate the mind Half an hour of exercise to rejuvenate the body Last half hour meditation to find inner strength

Health Watch

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a term we all have become all too familiar with after the catastrophic events of September 11 th, 2001. Even young children use it with great emphasis in the course of everyday conversations. What exactly is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Or PTSD for short.

It is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a real or imagined life threatening event. PTSD can be a very disabling condition. About 3.6% of the adult population in the US suffers from PTSD, in any given year and the number jumps to up to 30% in victims of wars and terrorist activities. Symptoms typically begin within 3 months of the trauma but may emerge years later. Once PTSD occurs the symptoms may last from 6 months to a lifetime.

Before 9 /11. PTSD was generally considered to be the aftermath of wars like the Vietnam War, or the Korean War. During the two World Wars it was known as Shell Shock. Desert Storm brought forth another rash of PTSD Sufferers. Military disasters are not the only causes of PTSD. Other causes include natural disasters like floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Terrorist activities like the Oklahoma City bombing and the attacks on NY and Washington D.C, have left long lasting scars on the psyches of the people of these cities.

Rescue workers as well as victims and their families are suffering. They are suffering from depression and anxiety and flashbacks of the events of that day. They have disturbed sleep and wake up with nightmares, or are not able to sleep due to a state of hyper vigilance.

There is emotional numbness and feelings of guilt, especially in the survivors in families who lost loved ones. Sometimes there is a vicious cycle of angry outbursts and lashing out at all people, even remotely connected with the perpetrators. Anniversaries of these events and frequent reminders on the media serve to rekindle the anxiety and the reactions.

After 9-11 Muslims have been victims of a double catastrophe. They have been victims of the terrorist attacks, and are also victims of the increasingly rising tide of hatred against anyone or anything Islamic.

There are hundreds of families who have lost parents, siblings and children, not only in this country but in Afghanistan and Iraq. Families in the US have been disrupted by members having been arrested and in many cases deported, leaving behind uneducated mothers to fend for themselves and their children in a very hostile and condemning society. Many Muslim men have been arrested and placed in jails awaiting clearance from suspected terrorist activities. Muslims are the targets of discrimination, overt and covert. There is racial profiling at the airports and a general feel-

ing of being persecuted. All of this has served to perpetuate PTSD in person and by proxy. Reminiscent of survivors of the holocaust, who still suffer from PTSD, generations later.

Criminal activities like rapes and muggings and physical and sexual abuse are another leading cause of PTSD. Victims of relatively simpler crimes like muggings continue to relive the terror through flashbacks and anxiety for a long time.

There is another great threat to many women and children, in every community, that is more prevalent than most of us perceive it to be. That is domestic violence . All too often they are violently beaten and their lives threatened by abusive spouses, fathers and other family members. These victims spend the rest of their lives trying to live with the specters of past life threatening situations. Children too young to young to remember exact abuses often develop life long anxiety disorders, due to suppressed memories. Their future interpersonal relationships are affected as are their social and professional achievements. Victims of rape (marital included) and survivors of incest, very often develop depersonalization syndromes, other conversion symptoms and psychosomatic illnesses.

Unfortunately most times such abuse is not reported and is denied or minimized for fear of retribution and shame. Just being Muslim does not prevent such things from happening. Many Muslims drink to excess and get intoxicated. Many crimes are committed in a state of intoxication. Unfortunately a few men do not follow the teachings of our Prophet (PBUH) and mistreat their wives and children.

How do we begin to heal?

Treatment of PTSD includes extensive therapy and support, focusing on making the victims feels stronger by allowing them to vent their anger and shame. Perversely victims of domestic violence carry a huge burden of displaced guilt and shame. Early intervention in such a situation is critical. Providing a safe environment and removal from the abuse is crucial. Support groups are a great source of mutual help. Psychiatric intervention is required if victims need medications for unremitting depression and anxiety.

Understanding interracial and interfaith issues are important and whatever little we can do to promote understanding is vital. May Allah bless us all.

Asma A. Ejaz, MD

Chairperson Domestic Harmony Committee of ICLI.

Book Review

by Sajjad Syed Ahmed

“OUR PICK”

Ourpick this month is “The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Islam” by Yahiya Emerick.

Yahia Emerick is an acclaimed author, educator and lecturer.One of his books was recently adopted into the curriculumof Al Azhar University inEgypt.

This is a wonderful book for everyone to read. It has been very well researched and written in an easy to read style. Yahiya addresses some of the controversial issues about Islam in astraightforward manner.

A great referencebook for everyone to have and give to friends and the young as a gift.

"A Page From History"

Umar ibn al Khattab (d-644 AD). Umar was one of the closest companion of the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH). He was the second Khalifa of the Islamic State and ruled from Madinah forten years.He was one of the most able and influential personalities in Islam after Prophet Muhammad. Following are some of his sayings:

1.One who keeps his own counsel keeps his affairs in his own hand.

2. Fear him whom you hate.

3. The wisest man is he who can account for his actions.

4.Don't forget your own self while preaching to others.

5. The less of the world, the freer you live.

6. Avoidance of sin is lighter than the pain of remorse.

7.If patience and gratitude had been two she-camels, it would have mattered little onwhichIrode.

8.May Allah have mercy on him who sends me my faults for a present.

9.What regresses never progresses.

10.He who does not know evil will fall into it.

Al-Farooq The Life of Omar the Great by Prof. Shibli Nu'mani.( p- 425)

“General Review”

Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls

By: Mary Pipher, Ph.D. Ballantine Books: New York. 1994.

A must read for parents of young adolescent girls. Dr. Pipher, a psychologist and a family therapist writes about her experience in helping young girls to cope with adolescence and social pressures of modern day life. She points out Junior High and High School are probably the most difficult times in the life of a teenage girl.

According to the author this is the time when their bodies begin to change and they go through the most profound physical, emotional and hormonal changes. She points out they are growing up in a world much more different than the world we grew up in. Our culture is not kind to these girls, and parents often have little or no clue what their daughters are facing in today’s media saturated world of conflicting messages and shrinking families. More and more girls are succumbed to the unrealistic expectations of our society obsessed to be thin, popular and successful. These pressures are driving American girls to depression, eating disorders and suicide attempts at an alarming rate. According to her we live in a look-obsessed, sexist, "girl-poisoning" culture. She dares to pose the question why?

She writes about how depression and loneliness haunts these girls and how their lives spiral out of control. Teenagers succumb to peer pressures and fall pray to drug abuse, anorexia and bulimia, falling grades and un-fulfilling relationships. Several teenagers whose supportive and loving parents did everything right and still ended up with teenagers who were emotional wrecks. Their daughters turned from grade A students to sullen, rebellious and uncommunicative teenagers. In her advice to parents Dr. Pipher suggest that parents should nurture a greater sense self worth in their daughters.

Dr. Pipher writes in an easy to read style, more like a mother than a psychologist. She is sympathetic to the teenage girls and their parents and tries not to find fault with them but poses the larger question of what are we doing as a society to protect and nurture our

The ICLI Baby Club

Mommy & Me - A New Initiative

By Humma Mehmood Qureshi

The Baby Club was introduced to The Islamic Centre of Long Island (ICLI) situated in Westbury, in November of 2004. Before bringing the club to the Masjid many mothers would take it in turns to host the group at their homes or suggest a public place to meet at. The idea was to allow our children to socialize with one another in a safe and caring environment. These meetings encouraged mothers to discuss any problems they may be having in relation to their children. Toilet training has been a popular bone of contention amongst parents and toddlers. These "play dates" also helped to flourish supportive friendships between the mothers.

case in the time of the Prophet (PBUH). As someone very wisely told me that...."Your child should not even remember the first time he/she set foot inside a Masjid. The child should be that young when he/she first started attending"....

I had personally attended Mommy & Me classes at Churches and Synagogues and wondered why our Masjids did not provide similar services. Hence, came the idea to contact the Masjid. I chose to write to ICLI knowing that they would probably have some sort of available space that they could let us use. After preparing a proposal and attending a few meetings the Masjid's executive committee, headed by Dr. Faroque Khan, was gracious enough to let us use a classroom in one of their buildings. Flyers were distributed and announcements were made and opening day came. We had been very busy shopping for play mats and making the room as baby safe as we possibly could. None of the hard work was wasted because we had a great turn out. We had lots of new mothers join and most importantly of all their children came. Having just been open as a Mommy & Me class for just over 12 weeks the response has been so great that we have recently moved to a larger location within the building.

As time passed all the mothers voiced their concerns about bringing up a good Muslim child in a Western society. Even though many of these children were barely able to walk this was a huge part of the parents worry. Many parents had assessed the idea of sending their children to Islamic schools. Different parents had various plans in terms of long term schooling. However, one thing was quite common, most parents believed that any type of Islamic education should begin from a very early age. In many of our homes Namaz was offered frequently and we had already started working on our children reciting Verses from the Qu'ran. Nonetheless, we felt the need to incorporate some of our outside socialization with some form of Islamic reinforcement. We decided that moving the Baby Club to the Masjid would be the first step in introducing our children to going to the Masjid.

Going to the Masjid solely on Eid days or the odd Jummah is a concept that is not ideal by any means. We wanted our children to grow up being familiar with the Masjid and it's role as a community centre, as was the

A typical session at the Baby Club starts off by saying a formal Salaam to all the children and then moves on to singing nursery rhymes. We take time out to talk to the mothers about any problems they may be having with their children. Alternatively, we do ask for any comments or suggestions they may have on improving the group. We then move on to Parachute / Bubble time which the children enjoy. This helps them develop skills of color identification and tracking with their eyes. After this, the class moves on to an Arts & Crafts segment which usually involves the Arabic alphabet. Any younger children who are unable to engage in this activity then have a free play session with educational toys on colorful mats. Lunch consists of various halal food and juices. After lunch we continue activity with an Islamic story time followed by a TV segment. We like to play videos from the Islamic Sound Vision collection. This allows the children to wind down and gives the mothers enough time to help pack up.

Overall, every mother is responsible for her own child(ren) and we encourage that all members follow certain safety rules and regulations. Parent participation is highly valued. When parents take an active role in the activities of the group the quality of what we can offer the children becomes richer. We all want a strong community today, but lets work towards an unsurpassable community for tomorrow. Enrollment is limited to space and is taken on a first come first served basis. The age of the child must be between 3 - 48 months. Please contact the ICLI office (516) 333 3495.

Young children (as well as their moms) enjoying a session at the ICLI Baby Club

New Year, New Plans, New Self

By: Ahmad Alsawi (IslamiCity.com) 10 Tips for Self-Revival

1. Take the initiative. Change is a verb. You have to first change to see the change.

"And that human can have nothing but what he does (good or bad), and that his deeds will be seen." (An-Najm 53:39-40)

"Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves." (ArRa'ad 13:11)

2. Don't procrastinate Start from this moment.

The companion Abdullah Ibn Omar (Allah be pleased with him) used to say, "When the evening comes, do not wait for the morning; and when the morning comes, do not wait for the evening." - Collected by AlBukhari

3. Start with baby steps and achievable goals.

The Prophet (PBUH) said to his companions, "Is it difficult for any of you to recite one third of the Quran in one night?" This suggestion was difficult for them so they said, "Who among us has the power to do so, O Allah's Apostle?" Allah Apostle replied, "'Allah (the) One, the Self-Sufficient Master Whom all creatures need.' (Surat Al-Ikhlas 112 verse one to the end) is equal to one third of the Quran." - Collected by AlBukhari

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Is one amongst you powerless to get one thousand virtues every day." Amongst those who had been sitting there, one asked, "How one amongst us can get one thousand virtues every day?" He said, "Recite sub-hana Allah " one hundred times for (by reciting them) one thousand virtues are recorded (to your credit) and one thousand vices are removed." - Collected by Muslim

4. Be consistent. A small step a day, but for everyday.

A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (PBUH) as saying, "The acts most pleasing to Allah are those which are done continuously, even if they are small." And when A'isha did any act she did it continuously." - Collected by Muslim

5. Make sure you are changing towards the right direction.

6. Have a support group for your change.

7. Be patient.

The above three tips are mentioned in Surah Al-A'sr 103.

"By (the Token of) Time (through the Ages), Ver-

ily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy." (A'sr 103)

8. Never give up. If you trip, start again

"Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards; it is they to whom Allah will forgive and Allah is Ever All Knower, All Wise." (An-Nisa 4:17)

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "All children of Adam are sinners, and the best sinners are those who repent."Collected by Al-Termithi

9. Keep your eyes on the prize - achievement, triumphant, and satisfaction

"Verily this is the supreme achievement! For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive." (AsSaffat 37:60-61)

10. Always ask Allah for help

Allah's Prophet (PBUH) used to say, "O Allah! I seek refuge with You from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and geriatric old age, and I seek refuge with You from the afflictions of life and death, and I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave." - Collected by Al-Bukhari

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

Financial oversight

Develop a sound financial base

Endowment oversight

Explore/establish new sources of revenue

We are seeking professionals with experience in one of the following areas:

Management

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

Community Round-up

Announcements

Accomplishments:

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the 10,000 plus NYS chapter of American College of Physicians has chosen Dr Humayun J Chaudhry as its 2005 Laureate awardee.

"This award is given to long standing and loyal supporters of the American College of Physicians who have rendered distinguished service to their chapters and community and have upheld the high ideals and professional standards for which the College is known".

This award will be presented to Dr Chaudhry at a glittering ceremony on Saturday April 30,2005 at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel.

On behalf of the ICLI executive I extend our warmest greetings and facilitations to Humayun and of course his "better half" --Nazli.

MSA Fundraising needs YOU!

Assalaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuhu

I am writing on behalf of the Muslim Student's Association's Eastern Zonal Conference ("MSA EZ") fund-raising committee. We are currently in the process of organizing the annual MSA EZ and are in need of financial assistance from generous donors to help fund this year's conference. The MSA EZ is an annual event that takes place in various cities within the east coast to help bring Muslim students together for a weekend full of activities and lectures to help uplift and enhance the sprit of the ummah. Insha'Allah, this year's MSA EZ will take place in New York City.

The CUNY school of Law held a reception in celebration of Chinese New Year and also honoring the Muslim Chaplain James Yusuf Yee, the young man who was put in solitary confinement for 74 days, allegedly for activities detrimental to USA. After a long ordeal the case against him has been dropped, leaving him with a large legal bill. Yusuf in his remarks commented on the co-incidence of Chinese New Year and Muharram this year.

On behalf of ICLI, I presented a check for $1000 towards Chaplain Yee's defense fund, which was greatly appreciated by Yusuf and his parents.

Insha Allah Chaplain Yee will be visiting NY in midApril and more details about that will follow.

Also representing ICLI at the event were Srs Kushal Ahmed, Rafia Hamid and Homaira Mamoor. Br's Hamid Siddiqui and M.T. Rahman from ICNA were also in attendance.

Alhamdu-Lillah, the Muslim community in New York is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States today. Mash'Allah, every culture, ethnicity, creed, or race that one could imagine can be found here in the city. One issue that constantly arises though is how to unify these different groups. We, the Muslim Students of New York feel that by hosting the MSA EZ, we would be able to not only initiate a process of unifying MSAs and other Islamic organizations throughout the greater New York area, but would also be able to use the conference as a stepping stone to bring together the entire Muslim population respectively. In the drafting of this proposal alone we were able to bring together over a dozen different MSA chapters.

The conference will be held, Inshallah, from March 25th27th and it is expected that over 1200 students will be in attendance. It is poised to be held at Manhattan Center, NY, located on 34th street between 8th and 9th Avenue. The theme of the conference is as follows:

Islam in Motion: Building Momentum within Mainstream Culture. The goal of a conference with the aforementioned theme would be to use the primordial beauty and perennial relevance of the Sunnah to revitalize young Muslims and encourage them to build and maintain momentum in mainstream culture beyond ethnic, racial, ideological and socioeconomic divides, Insh' Allah. We are writing this information packet in order to raise funds for the upcoming conference. Since we would like to maintain ticket prices at an affordable rate, MSA NY is making an earnest effort to raise enough funds to compensate this subsidized ticket price. With these goals in mind, we would like to humbly request that you and your esteemed organization help us raise these funds in your local community.

Contact Hussain, email almahad@gmail.com or phone at 631.216.1369 for more information

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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S e r v i c e s O f f e r e d B y I C L

9 5 M a r r i a g e / N i k a hP e r f o r m a n c e o f M a r r i a g e / N i k a h c e r e m o n y a n d M a t r i m o n i a l S e r v i c e F u n e r a l A r r a n g e m e n t s f o r I s l a m i c B u r i a l H a l l R e n t a l F o r f a m i l y a n d c o m m u n i t y f u n c t i o n s Q u r ’ a n i c D i s c u s s i o n S u n d a y s I n t e r f a i t h M e e t i n g a n d S e m i n a r s T o p r o m o t e b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f I s l a m a s a c o m p l e t e w a y o f l i f e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f l i t e r a t u r e o n I s l a m a n d M u s l i m s P u b l i c L e c t u r e s o n C o n t e m p o r a r y T o p i c s E v e r y S u n d a y 1 0 A M 1 P M . S e p t e m b e r t o J u n e V i s i t s t o I C L I F i r s t h a n d i n t r o d u c t i o n t o I s l a m a n d M u s l i m s o f f e r e d t o g r o u p s o r i n d i v i d u a l s M e d i a C o n s u l t a t i o nO n I s s u e s r e l a t i n g t o A lI s l a m a n d M u s l i m s L e t t e r W r i t i n g C a m p a i g n E v e r y F r i d a y d u r i n g S a l a a t u l J u m m a h a n d S u n d a y 1 2 n o o n o n h u m a n r i g h t s o r o t h e r i s s u e s o f c o n c e r n t o M u s l i m s , ( M A K I N G O U R V O I C E H E A R D )

L i b r a r y H a s a l a r g e s e l e c t i o n o f b o o k s P r i s o n S u p p o r t G r o u p f o r M u s l i m I n m a t e s Y o u t h P r o g r a m s O r g a n i z e d b y M u s l i m y o u t h o f I C L I t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r P l a n n i n g f o r C o l l e g e S e m i n a r A n A n n u a l e v e n t f o r H i g h S c h o o l s t u d e n t s a n d t h e i r p a r e n t s i n N o v e m b e r A l Z a k a t C o l l e c t i o n a n d D i s t r i b u t i o n C o m m u n i t y I f t a r E v e r y S a t u r d a y e v e n i n g d u r i n g R a m a d h a n D o m e s t i c H a r m o n y C o m m i t t e e ( D H C )H o t l i n e ( 5 1 6 ) 9 4 2 2 0 8 1 . F r e e a n d s t r i c t l y c o n f i d e n t i a l c o u n s e l i n g Q u r a n C l a s s e s O f f e r e d f r o m b e g i n n e r s t o H i f z l e v e l a n d a r e h e l d w e e k d a y s ( M o n d a y t o F r i d a y ) f r o m 4 p m t i l l 8 p m . C o n t a c t D r . S a m i n a Q u r e s h i o n ( 5 1 6 ) 3 6 4 9 0 8 2 S u n d a y S c h o o lO f f e r i n g c o m p r e h e n s i v e I s l a m i c S t u d i e s f o r 4 y r s t o 1 6 y r o l d s . C a l l ( 5 1 6 ) 3 3 3 0 2 9 9 o r e m a i l i c l i s u n d a y s c h o o l @ y a h o o . c o m f o r m o r e d e t a i l s . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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