July 2009 Issue | Online: www.myCRESCENT.com | T: 214-306-7920 | E: dallas@myCRESCENT.com Since 2006
A Ground Breaking Event In Irving
FREE COPY
JULY 4th MUBARAK! Anas (ra) said, The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Help thy brother whether he is the doer of wrong or wrong is done to him.” They (his companions) said, “O Messenger of Allah! We can help a man to whom wrong is done, but how could we help him when he is the doer of wrong?” He said: “Take hold of his hands from doing wrong.”
George Galloway visits Dallas for a Caravan To Palestine.. inside
By Hazrat Amin
(IRVING MASJID, TX) Scorching heat and the sun was no match to the enthusiasm and energy at the ground breaking ceremony for Phase 2 expansion. An estimated 100 community members including city council member Mr. Alan Meager attended the program. Speaking briefly during the program Mr. Meager said that he is delighted to be at the ceremony and Irving’s Mayor also sends his best wishes. “I really appreciate everything you have done within the Irving community,” he said. “You bring people in, you have been open, inviting. I love coming here, its just a great community.” Phase 2 expansion will include a multipurpose hall and additional block for Islamic School of Irving. Located in the heart of Dallas / Fort Worth, Islamic Center Of Irving is the largest in the area. Irving Masjid, which aims to be the “Minaret of Islam in the West”, did not start out as a big community complex. “The idea of establishing an Islamic center goes back to the early 80’s when a group of Muslim broth-
ers started praying the five daily and the Jumuah prayers together in one of their own houses. Soon they had to move to a bigger place, from one apartment to another until they were able to rent an apartment and use it as a Mosque where they performed all their prayers,” states Masjid’s website.
“What you are doing right now is for the youth and the development of our children. I love it and I want to thank you for continuing to expand in the city of Irving.” -Alan Meager, City Council
one thing we have in our city is our children,” he said. “Our children are the future for this city. What you are doing right now is for the youth and the development of our children,” he explained. “I love it and I want to thank you for continuing to expand in the city of Irving.” Imam Zia Sheikh said that he is honored to be part of such a vibrant community. “It is a historic event,” he told the audience. “Just like many years ago, the foundation was laid for the Masjid that you see in front of you.. this is the next phase in the growth of our community.” He encouraged and reminded people to support the project. Imam Zia said that many people who laid the foundations of Irving Masjid are not here, but “are reaping the rewards” of their efforts. “Now it is up to us – all of us standing here, to make sure that we become part of the growth of this Masjid so that we continue to reap the rewards in the future.” “Today it’s like I have new baby – a second baby,” a cheerful Mahmoud Egal told The Lone Star Crescent.
The center that started with key efforts of a few people, currently about holds about 2,000 worshippers during the Jumuah prayers. Recently, a second Jumuah prayer was added to accommodate additional congregation. The planned Phase 2 expansion is focused on encouraging activities for families and more room for the school. Alan Meager was impressed with the strategic planning and vision of Irving Masjid. “Number Continues on page 05 >>
A fund raising program for over 3 million internally displaced Pakistanis... inside
INDEPENDENCE DAY: MYTHS & FACTS One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson & John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the 4th. Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States’ 50th anniversary. President James Monroe died exactly five years later, on July 4, 1831, but he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.
P. 03
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT
First Ever Cruise Mushaira In Dallas By Mushtaq Raies
(DALLAS, TX) Al-Noor International organized a first of it’s kind Hindi / Urdu Cruise Mushaira (Poetry Recitation) held on the waves of Grapevine Lake on Friday, June 5th 2009 in Dallas, TX. Famous Urdu language poetess from Pakistan – Mrs. Zakia Ghazal, and well-known Hindi poetess from India Dr, Anita Soni were the star attraction, and were especially invited to present their poetry on this event, which was presided by Poet Younus Aijaz. The event was hatched by none other than Mr. Noor Amrohvi, a well-known poet, and a famous personality among Urdu/ Hindi language literary circles of Al-Noor International, who with his brilliant idea, organized this event on the waves of Grapevine Lake onboard a double deck-cruise vesel “Lone Star Lady of Texas”. This was the first of it’s kind Hindi / Urdu Mushaira (Poetry Recitation) 2009 in the history of Dallas, TX.
T h i s memorable and historical poetry recitation (Hindi/Urdu Mushaira 2009) was attended by many local poets, including poetess from Pakistan and India. T h e Mushaira was inaugurated by Owais Naseer, who welcomed the guests and invited on stage, the presider (chief of event), Mr Younus Aijaz, Urdu poetess from Pakistan Mrs. Zakia Ghazal, Hindi poetess from India Dr. Anita Soni, and chief guest Dr. Abha Aggarwal, who visited especially from New York to grace this occasion. Famous poet, and PTV producer Mr. Iqbal Haidar mentioned about recent loss of Late Syed Hanif Akhgar, and dedicated this event in memory of this famous poet and Urdu literary personality, whose absence was greatly felt by those in Urdu literary circles. The audience welcomed this gesture and dedicated a “moment of silence” in his memory. Mr. Noor Amrohvi highlighted the difficulties encountered in organizing this event. He also thanked the sponsors who contributed in making this event a successful one, including Mr. Hamid Abbas (and his team) of Texas King, who contributed the dinner in honor of the audience. He also
thanked the contributions and help of Mr. Syed Azhar Bukhari, Mr. Jaipal Reddy, of Radio Salaam Namaste 104.9 FM and owner of Everest Heights,Mansoor shah and Mr. A.G. Cheeni (well known Radio Host), Dr.
Amer Sulaiman (practicing Cardiologist), Mushtaq Ahmed (the author), Javed Siddiqui, Salim Akhtar, and Jawed Ansari who were instrumental and helpful in organizing this event. Apart from the organizer and host poet Mr, Noor Amrohvi, who recited his poetry, local poets included Hamid Abbas, hassan Hashmi, Jawed Siddiqui, Rajeev Chakravarthy, Alam Siddiqui, Javed Rasheed, Nahed Shah, Zahra Chisti, Jawed Chowdhary, Tariq Hashmi, Iqbal Haidar, Khalid Khaja, Dr, Amer Suleman, Dr, Qaisar Abbas, Nadir Durrani, Saied Qureshi, and Sarwar Alam Raaz,
Guest Poetess from Pakistan Mrs Zakia Ghazal, and Hindi language guest poetess from India Dr. Anita soni were in the forefront, who attracted the audience with their melodic voice and heart-touching poetry on the waves on Grapevine Lake made the evening a memorable one for audience and poets. The weather, with mild chilly-wind blowing on fullmoon night was loved by the audience. Captain Ben and his team showed their gracious mastery of “Lone Star Lady of Texas” full throttle (speed) on the waves of Grapevine Lake. Laura Lemley’s (owner and operator of the vessel) co-operation was also appreciated. The heart-winning and thoughtprovoking poetry by Mrs. Zakia Ghazal was applauded by audience. After completing four-hour cruise on the waves of Grapevine Lake, when the vessel reached ashore, the audience were fresh, happy, and satisfied to have participated and attended this “historical”, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The audience and guest poets appreciated Mr. Noor Amrohvi’s accomplishment in organizing this event, and also thanked Hamid Abbas and his team (Texas King) for the dinner. Everyone appreciated the event and congratulated the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers, who made this event successful, which was done to promote intercultural, inter-religious, inter-linguistic, and regional co-operation among citizens of India and Pakistan, residing in the United States. (More pics at myCRESCENT.com)
P. 04
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | COMMUNITY EFFORT IN FOCUS
Plano Multi-Cultural Outreach Roundtable generous welfare programs, but the overall benefit is akin to the advantages of free trade in goods and services. In contrast to the early days of the Industrial Revolution, when manufacturing secrets drove competitive advantage, today’s information technologies thrive as innova-
tors share new ideas and make businesses out of them. Much of this activity is being done by foreigners who want to become economically successful Americans. This makes more open immigration one of the few stimulus packages Washington can deliver with confidence that it would help. The USA, Texas, and Plano need to continue being societies that enthusiastically welcome Immigrants. This is needed so that our businesses can continue to attract people that will help us progress economically, cul-
turally, and harmoniously. Plano’s MCOR helps make this a great place to live, work, and play. ....................................................................... David Hall is a longtime Plano resident and serves on the advisory board of The Lone Star Crescent. He is passionate about education improvement public schools, have proposed eliminating property taxs and works for economic development of the region. He may be may be reached at dhall.texas@gmail.com
By David Lee Hall The Plano Multi-Cultural Outreach Roundtable (MCOR), online at www.planomcor. org, is an all volunteer organization that promotes cultural educational activities. Additionally, an article from Texas Insider explains why MCOR - www.planomcor. org is also an Economic Stimulus. This is in addition to being culturally enriching and helping our good neighbors from outside the USA that have chosen to live in Plano. The conclusion of that article states: There’s a strong case that we need both more skilled and unskilled immigrants. In “The Venturesome Economy,” Columbia business professor Amar Bhidé showed that wherever technology is developed, it’s the creative application of innovation that builds great businesses. The Web was conceived in a lab in Switzerland, but it matured in Silicon Valley. Mr. Bhidé argues that immigrants at all levels, including as “venturesome consumers,” are an important reason the U.S. retains a strong lead in innovation, even as the lead in advanced technology and science has eroded. At a time when our financial-capital markets are still reeling from the credit bust, the human-capital market remains open for business. Fewer workers will be lured to the U.S. during a recession, but the ones who come will speed recovery. There are costs to immigration, especially in border states with
PUBLISHER Melanz Publishing P.O. Box 851764 Richardson, TX 75085
T: (214) 306-7920 ads@myCRESCENT.com EDITORIAL: COMMENTS / STORIES, INQUIRIES / JOBS Email: dallas@myCRESCENT.com Send email to ads@myCrescent.com for general ad inquiries or sales jobs.
CONTRIBUTORS: Bilal Mohammed, Aboobaker Ebrahim. Lena Dirbashi
ADVISORS: David Lee Hall, Annie Ghazi and Lena Dirbashi. The Lone Star Crescent is published monthly by Melanz Publishing. Since 2006, the paper is serving the local Muslim community in the Metroplex. We welcome and encourage readers’ feedback and opinions. All materials, articles, photos, comments or samples submitted to the The Lone Star Crescent will become property of the publisher and may be printed at our discretion. The publisher / paper takes no responsibility of claims made by advertisers, financial, legal, family and/or educational advise in its content. Readers must check and inquire themselves. Online at www.myCRESCENT.com
P. 05
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | A GROUND BREAKING EVENT
Mr. Egal who presides over the board of Masjid said that the community is “very blessed” to have such a dedicated team of people. “For the last five years we have been telling the community that we are going to expand,” he said. “But this (today) is a dream comes true.” “This day is a great day,” Noredean Nouat tells The Lone Star Crescent. “We are witnessing the start of building the next phase of our Masjid and we are really proud.” He said this will help kids and youth in the community to “prosper and be a contributing citizen” in Irving. “They have already setup the fence,” Mr. Egal pointed out. “The site work is going to start within five days. It will take about two months to do the site work.” He said the goal is “InshaAllah to move in here by March 2010.” That will include the mul-
tipurpose hall and eight class rooms for Islamic School Of Irving. The expansion project is estimated at around $3.4 million. “Alhamdulillah we have close to $700K in the bank,” Egal said. He believes that support will increase as people start witnessing bulldozers and construction work on the site. Dallas resident and an advisor on the Yusuf Ziya Kavakci Institute’s board, Gulam Bakali congratulated Irving Masjid and its team for their progress. “I have seen this community grow for the last five years,” he said. “This community is sponsoring cricket, basketball, volleyball,” and is making a positive impact in the region. Imam Zia said that it is crucial for people to work together to make the project successful. “We need to stick together, we need to remain united, we need to pull
our resources, we need to make efforts and first and foremost we need to make dua to Allah (SWT) to make this project succeed – and make this project a source of guidance, blessings and it becomes a minaret of Islam in the West, InshaAllah.” ....................................................................... Are you a part of the Irving community? Are you involved in the center’s growth? How do you feel about Irving Masjid’s expansion? What part would you like to play to help with the project? Send us your comments feedback online at www.myCRESCENT. com. ....................................................................... VIDEO OF THE PROGRAM ONLINE ON JULY 10, 2009 AT www.myCRESCENT.com
P. 06
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT
Your
GATEWAY To EMERGING FAMILY ORIENTED CONSUMERS
IN NORTH TEXAS THE LONE STAR
CRESCENT
is a unique community publication reaching diverse consumers monthly. Serving since 2006, it connects you with educated, affluent and family oriented audience. Reaching across multiple ethnic groups, The Lone Star Crescent helps you save more. Place an ad, inserts, fliers or online. All ads in full-color! We are here to assist you with your marketing planning. CONTACT FOR ADVERTISING
214-306-7920 ads@myCRESCENT.com www.myCRESCENT.com
George Galloway Plans A Caravan Of Relief Supplies To Palestine
Galloway told the audience that he has been an open advocate for justice and rights of Palestinians. He said that now is the right time for all Americans to step up
(RICHARDSON, TX) George Galloway an outspoken British politician, author, and broadcaster, who has been a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1987, visited Dallas to create awareness about the suffering and hardships of people in Gaza. Born in 1954 Galloway is known for activism for civil rights and environment. He was a Labor Party MP for Glasgow Hillhead, and for Glasgow Kelvin, before his expulsion from the party in October 2003, and his subsequently becoming a founding member of Respect. He currently represents the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency, having been most recently elected to that seat in 2005. He was a strong proponent of overturning economic sanctions against Iraq in the 1990s and early 2000s. The program was organized by Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation and MAS Youth Center. Speaking to the audience Imam Mahdi Bray of MAS Freedom said that there may be legal consequences for using unnecessary force against civilian population of Palestinians in Gaza. He urged that people should work through the legal and political system to
and help change U.S. policy on Israel and Palestine. Galloway called election of President Obama as a historic event and a shift in attitude in the country. He reminded that just one good act can make a big difference. He spoke about his first experience meeting a Muslim in the early 70s who helped Galloway shape his beliefs about the crisis in the Middle East. “Just one person’s efforts several years ago, resulted in the efforts I have taken throughout my career,” he said.
improve U.S. policy in the Middle East. He urged that people should work through the legal and political system to improve U.S. policy in the Middle East. Muslim Legal Fund Of America’s (MLFA) President Khalil Meek talked about continuing to exhaust all legal means for the five members of Holy Land Foundation. He said that they were prosecuted for helping the needy children and families in Palestine. Meek added that the trial and charges against the Holy Land Foundation members were politically motivated.
He asked people never to underestimate their efforts. During the latest attack on Gaza by Israeli forces, Galloway led a caravan of food and medical supplies of 120 trucks from the United Kingdom through North Africa and Egypt into Gaza. Galloway has been visiting the United States weekly to organize another caravan of support from American citizens into Gaza through Egypt. Trucks full of medical, food and relief supplies with American flags will send a powerful message to the residents of Gaza and people around the world. The caravan, he believes, will help improve the image of United States in the Muslim world. He urged the audience to travel with him or sponsor others to go on this humanitarian journey of a lifetime. ....................................................................... Comments / feedback? Email to dallas@myCRESCENT.com
P. 08
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT
Stepping Up To Help Millions Of Displaced Citizens (RICHARDSON, TX) Unity Forum of Dallas, in conjunction with Pakistan’s Counsel General Mohammed Aqil Nadeem, Edhi Foundation and Islamic Relief, organized a benefit dinner to alleviate the suffering of millions of refugees inside Pakistan. “Due to violence in Pakistan between the military and the Taliban, more than 3 million people have fled their homes. This civilian exodus is the largest since the Rwandan genocide,” according to CARE International. Islamic Relief’s Vice President Anwar Khan says that “80% of them (displaced) women and children.” Several people had to leave without any time to prepare. “We assume that people are coming over with their clothes on – but at least have their kids,” Khan said. In the Pakistani situation he explains that “they weren’t even able to bring all their kids together.” Hundreds and thousands of internally displaced refugees from Swat region have been staying with host families. Growing numbers of internally displaced persons (IDP) “feel that they cannot stay forever as guests in host families, who themselves are often quite poor,” explained UNHCR field officer Shankar Chauhan. The result, he said, is that “more and more . . . are starting to move to camps.” “As the conflict enters its sixth week and the number of displaced continues to rise, overcrowding and the shortage of resources is becoming acute. UNHCR is seeking to ease the congestion by expanding camps and by providing assistance to host families,” states UNHCR. Changing weather is also a cause for alarm. “Monsoon rains are not far away — predicted late June, early July. This will add a new set of challenges, mostly to camps, but also to other IDP communities,” states Mercy Corps. Counsel General Mohammed Aqil Nadeem said that the government had no choice but to take an action against ongoing unrest and violence in North Western Pakistan. He said it is very unfortunate that millions of innocent people are suffering due to the current crisis. Nadeem pointed out that some families have started to move back to their homes where the area has been cleaned by armed forces. But the situation remains fragile overall. “Considering what they’ve gone through, they’re managing well,” says Mercy Corp’s Holden Basch. “But you can see tempers getting short, people are tired, some people are looking thin, beards are a bit untrimmed, clothing looks a bit worn.... It’s just getting progressively harder for people, and not enough aid is getting to IDPs living outside the camps.” Nadeem said that the government is overwhelmed and need support from the Pakistani community and others in the United States. “American-Pakistanis have contributed close to $200 million towards relief efforts in Pakistan.” He praised the efforts and contributions of Islamic Relief and Edhi
Foundation and their history of extraordinary service in Pakistan. People can also donate to the Prime Minister’s fund. “We have kept the fund very transparent,” Nadeem told the audience. “All the donation information is posted online very quickly for people to see.” He explained that government do move slow due to bureaucracy, however, it has more resources and access to provide help to the needy. But people can also help by donating to Islamic Relief and Edhi Foundation. The goal is get these people the immediate help they need at the moment. Islamic Relief’s Azhar Azeez conducted the fund raising towards the end of the program. ....................................................................... More photos from the program online at www.myCRESCENT.com
P. 09
The Lone Star Crescent | June 2009 | CONFRONTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (From Page 07)
P. 10
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | CAREER
P. 11
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | CAREER
Perfect Career Quiz - How to Find the Perfect Job Match?
By Chery Douglas Are you wondering if there is a perfect job out there for you? Not sure how to find the career that will really be spot on for you? Try this simple ‘perfect career quiz’ to assess what would tick all the boxes for you. The secret of the perfect career lies that in fact you already know what it is! It is not a matter of scanning the horizons - or the internet - and hoping you will spot something that looks right. There are lots of jobs out there you could consider, but unless you
start with you, how can you assess them? You need to start by looking within yourself. You already know what you like and dislike, what would please or frustrate you on the job, what would inspire and enthuse you. All you need to do is to sit down and tease out the detail and then you will have a template that you can use to measure new career ideas you are considering. So try this ‘perfect career quiz’ by asking yourself the following questions:
Where would you be based? At home? Office-based? Something nonconventional like a theatre? Outdoors? In the city or in the country? Same place each day or travelling round?
Who would you be working with? What kind of people would your colleagues be? And what kind of clients (if any)? Would you be working mainly on your own or as part of a team?
What kind of hours would you be working? Standard 9-5? Flexible with early starts and late finishes? Shift hours? Weekends with time off in the week? Freedom to work when you feel energised?
What kind of work would you be doing? Analytical, brain work? Something creative? Practical hands-on stuff? Physically active? Dealing with lots of people? Teaching/training? Making systems work or events happen? Lots of variety in your day or a clear routine?
Who would you be working for? Small or large organisation? Big city corporation? Charity/voluntary sector? Public
sector? Health or education? Or would you prefer to be your own boss?
Rewards and promotion prospects? How much do you need to earn and how much do you want to earn? What other rewards and incentives would be meaningful to you? What about promotion prospects how important are they for you? Don’t rush through these questions with superficial answers. They are really getting to the heart of what is important for you in your work. If you find yourself in a job or career where there is a stark contrast between what you are doing and what you have answered to the questions above, you will probably find the work wearing and frustrating. So take the time to build up a picture of your ideal job. Don’t worry if you think it is a fantasy exercise. How can you find the perfect job if you have not defined what ‘perfect’ is for you? Once you have answered the quiz questions you will have a way of measuring the career change options you are considering. You may not get the perfect match first time, but at least answering the perfect career quiz will let you know that you are moving towards your goal. ....................................................................... Note from the author: And something else that can help you move towards your career change goal is my free ebook 11 3/4 Ways To Kick Start Your Career Change. http://www.how-to-change-careers.com/kickstart-your-career-change.html You will also find many other tips and strategies to help you as you change careers when you take a look around the How To Change Careers website.
help wanted THE LONE STAR
CRESCENT IS SEEKING
Independent Advertising Sales Representative in Greater Dallas Candidate must be a local resident with ample knowledge of the market and community. Outgoing personality and goal oriented. Should possess professional sales and excellent communication skills. Computer saavy a must. Previous print advertising sales experience is a big plus. Compensation includes commission + performance bonuses and opportunity to work on your own pace. For consideration email to ads@myCrescent.com. No calls please!
P. 12
The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | HEALTH CARE