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BIPIN PAREKH REALTY, LLC
Bipin Parekh
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E-mail: smt_parekh@yahoo.com Closing Coordinator
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Realtor with 30 years of experience
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Smita Parekh
Owner/Broker/Realtor Licensed in NC/SC
Venkat Pinnamaraju
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Sisir Penugonda psisir@gmail.com 704.724.23112
Articles 6 | What it Means to be Southern By Tammy Kurnaz
10 | Building Bridges of Humanity By Nafeesa Niquaybah
14 | Stronger Than A Storm: A Story of Recovery and Rebuilding after Hurricane Irma By Rondie George and Sajdah Ali
18 | The Beginning By Mohamed Haroon Sait
October - 2017, Volume 3, Issue 10 ISSN 2377 - 9624 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief : Mohamed Haroon Sait Editor : Nabeel Sait Design & Layout : Mubin M.K All content Copyright Š2016 Muslim American, Inc. except where otherwise noted. Please contact the editor or publisher directly to obtain reprint permission and guidelines. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the advertisers or individual contributing writers and not necessarily those of the editor or publisher of this magazine. This magazine is published monthly. Article Submission : Editor@MuslimAmerican.com Advertising inquiries : Haroon@MuslimAmerican.com Muslim American 400 Arrowhead Dr East Charlotte, NC 28213
Phone: (704) 597-5424 FAX: (704) 597-9310
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Advertise with us! Muslim American Ads are prefect for increasing traffic or interest in your business locally. Monthly advertisement and classified advertisement spaces are available. Email haroon@muslimamerican.com for placing Ads and for more details. 5
What it Means to be Southern By Tammy Kurnaz Robert E. Lee IV is a former pastor of Bethany United Church of Christ in Winston-Salem, NC. He is also a descendant of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and an out-spoken man speaking out against racism. Recently at the MTV music awards he said, “None of us has the ability to solve every racist problem...but I do know that we all have a light. If you shine your light, then you’re setting an example for others.” My great-great-great grandfather
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died of pneumonia in a prison camp in Virginia during the Civil War. He was a soldier in the Confederate army. He was from a small town outside Charlotte, NC. He left behind three children. I do not know why he joined the Confederacy; if it was because he truly believed the cause was justified, or if he was simply trying to provide for his family. I know they were not wealthy people. I do know that I come from a long line of fervent Democrats, and racism never had a place in my family. I was raised in a small Southern Baptist church. We went to the candlelight service on Christmas eve and gathered each summer on the church grounds for a big dinner, tables overflowing with every food a kid from the South was raised on: fried chicken,
Muslim American Magazine October 2017
potato salad, green beans, deviled eggs, cucumbers and sliced tomatoes. Oh, and the biscuits, big as a cat’s head and fluffy as a cloud. My grandmother was there with her arms full of someone’s happy, fat baby and her big black purse stuffed with caramels, pink lipstick, and tissues. I remember how pretty the songs were, even if I couldn’t carry a tune. I remember how the adults raised their hands as they sang, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” I thought they were waving at angels only they could see. I remember the Sunday sermons, how the preacher stood before our congregation on a low step to show that he didn’t think he was any better than the rest of us. He raised his tattered Bible toward the ceiling and preached
on human kindness and peace. It was the 1970’s, in a small town in North Carolina. It all could have turned political during that time. We were asked, instead, to love our brothers and our sisters. Maybe, after all, people didn’t want the racism brought to their small corner of the world. “Treat those as you would want to be treated”, we were taught.
Like many people, I watched the horror in Charlottesville, VA, with sadness and disgust. A man drove his car into a crowd of counterdemonstrators, killing a young woman and injuring many more. White supremacists believe they are justified in their actions, and are encouraged by their modernday leaders who don’t hide in the dark woods anymore - they live in the political spotlight.
that it’s not happening, but it is. We all see it: the statues, the hate, the confederate flag license plates on the front bumpers of the pickup trucks. It hurts others like a grain of sand in the eye. I didn’t understand it when I was a little girl, but it finally came to me.
I do not need a statue or a flag to know that I am Southern. I can taste it in the food, feel it in my heart, and hear it in the language Martin Luther King said in his “I I don’t have much time for Have A Dream” speech – “I have a politics. I have a house to run and of my people. Maybe I am only remembering this through the dream that my four little children children to raise. But I recognize eyes of a young girl, but I still will one day live in a nation where evil and fear and stupidity and they will not be judged by the belligerency when I see it. I know believe in the best of us, in God’s grace, and in the goodness that color of their skin, but by the that many of the people who comes from progress. The best of content of their character.” marched in Charlottesville were Southern men. I don’t know them. us are moving forward, away from It was the first time I understood Used to be that the only thing they the hatred of the past. the power of words that formed needed for their costume of hate I am the descendant of a a belief inside me. I have often found myself returning to it when was a big white sheet. Southerners Confederate soldier. I am a Muslim. and I am here. I hurt to my core by the rhetoric of should be angry to be dragged down among them, even by the this New South. Maybe nostalgia vaguest association. We can say is our sanctuary in sorry times.
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Building Bridges of Humanity By Nafeesa Niquaybah Ramadan
Saturday, September 23, 2017 Masjid Ar-Razzaq celebrated its Tenth Annual Interfaith banquet: “Building Bridges of Humanity in a World of Many Faiths, a Reunion of the Human Family.” Under the leadership of Resident Imam John Ramadan, a student of Imam W. Deen Mohhamed and longtime local businessman founded Masjid Ar-Razzaq October 13, 2006. Masjid ArRazzaq has flourished over the last 11 years with Allah’s Grace and the support of its faithful believers. This year’s celebration included over 125 guests and the commanding presence of G-d resulting in a spirit of peace, contentment and joy for all in attendance. Ms. Naomi Worthy catered the plethora of delectable food! It was live streamed with over 1000 satellite viewers. The program was covered by Fran Farrer of The County News. The advertisement booklet was filled with well wishes and businesses from many faiths 10
and walks of life a true reflection of what Interfaith represents. Interfaith work is extremely dear to Imam Ramadan. The panel was colorfully decorated with guest speakers such as: Rabbi Asher Knight of Temple Beth El of Jewish faith, Dr. Adrian Bird, Professor of Church History Union Presbyterian Seminary of the Christian faith, and Nabil Elias, PhD of the Baha’i Community of Charlotte. This year’s keynote speaker Imam Yahya Abdullah, Resident Imam at Masjid Muhammed of Jacksonville Florida, was well received and delivered a powerful message in the wake of recent political, social and religious plights. Imam Abdullah’s topics were parallel with the theme of the banquet. He spoke eloquently about human beings of all races, religions and classes helping each other in these recent dire times of need. He spoke to the G-d that lives inside us all. Imam Ramadan presented a posthumous award to the late
Muslim American Magazine October 2017
Imam Ali Shah who was largely responsible for bringing Islam to Charlotte NC in the early 1960s. Imam Ramadan and Imam Ali Shah’s daughter Aaliyah Shah penned a descriptive heartfelt piece that was published in the Muslim American’s September 2017 edition paying homage to the hard work and enlightenment for business, religion and family he brought to the forefront. The late Harry L. Jones, Sr. also was a recipient of the humanitarian award he was County manager of Mecklenburg County, NC for 13 years. Jones was active in many civic and professional organizations, published author and dear friend of Imam Ramadan for years. Harry L. Jones Sr. wife and daughter graciously accepted the award. Masjid Ar-Razzaq 2735 Royston Rd Charlotte, NC 28208. 704-393-7584 Jumuah Prayer- Fridays 1:30pm visit us on Facebook @MasjidArRazzaq2006 for our Facebook Live Jumuah Prayer.
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Stronger Than A Storm: A Story of Recovery and Rebuilding after Hurricane Irma By Rondie George and Sajdah Ali
hurricane so intense. As I was conversing with my sister during the worst part of the storm, I could hear the fear and anxiety in her voice as she described the sound of the winds, and as she watched debris batter and shatter her vehicle. All she could do was watch the water saturate her personal items, but I will always remember her saying that she doesn’t really care about her possessions, but she is hoping that God spares her life. While we are still all in total belief with the power of Irma, there is still a great debate about what really caused such a raging storm to devastate such a beautiful place. Many are quick to blame climate change and the fact that the warm waters in the Atlantic create a perfect platter in which to serve up a dangerous and catastrophic hurricane. Whether it’s climate change or just natural, we are now faced with the daunting challenging of repairing and reconstructing and uniting as one body, with one cause, and that is for all of us to enjoy success and happiness.
On Sept. 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma changed the lives of the people in the Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean. The powerful category 5 hurricane slammed into the defenseless islands with historic power and fury, packing winds of over 180 miles per hours and gust of over 200 miles per hour. The scariest part of Irma was the tornadoes she brought with her. The twisting winds leveled a territory that was built to withstand hurricanes and dismantled homes, leaving many homeless and traumatized, including my sister who spent most of the night hiding in the rest 14
room because the ferocious winds knocked out all of her windows and ripped the doors off their hinges. I could relate to her fears and pain because it reminded me well of the horrifying experience of Hurricane Marilyn on Sept 16, 1995, while I attended the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas. Marilyn totally destroyed St. Thomas, leaving 95% of the homes damaged and a trail of destruction, which took years to reconstruct. It was difficult for me to sleep during Hurricane Irma because the islands never experienced a
Muslim American Magazine October 2017
Disasters often create opportunities for us to unite. As one people, we must now assess the damages and figure out how we could all help each other get back on our feet. Hurricane Irma has taught us a lot about humility and that the value of life far outweighs the value material possessions. It has also awoken us to the reality of working with each other and not against each other. We can now prioritize things in order of importance and rebuild with a sense of purpose. We will learn that some of the things we think we needed won’t be necessary this time around and that some things that are
now necessary will be added to our lifestyle. We will be able to enjoy the simplicity of life and take joy in a situation that somehow seemed like a struggle. We will learn to make sacrifices for others, to look out more for our people and learn about each more as we build and join hands together. Unity gives us each an opportunity to learn something about each other that we never knew even existed. It breaks the chain of silence that has kept us segregated. Once we talk to each other and learn to appreciate each other’s talents, and abilities we will learn how to forgive, respect and trust each other again. Once she slammed into our coast in Miami, Florida, she had lost some of its fury, but still delivered a protein-packed punch that rattled every single county of our state. I remembered being
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in contact with many of my families, friends and parents at our school up until 5 am when Irma hit Florida on Sept. 10, 2017. The tornadoes and howling winds sent us all into a panic. We communicated and held each other’s hands although we weren’t together physically, but somehow our bond and prayers managed to steer this turbulent storm away from us, causing little damage and once again, preserving lives. Now we are picking up the pieces and claiming small victories one day at a time. It starts with determination, long suffering, persistence, patience, and a genuine care for mankind. As we join forces, we know that we will keep a smile and work diligently until we are back to a sense of normalcy and that our rebuilding of our personal possessions will also result in the rebuilding of
our hearts, minds, and love and care for each other. This will give us an opportunity to put life in perspective and continue to make adjustments in doing what is necessary to save lives and form partnerships that no disaster will ever destroy. We need to rebuild the human mind and heart to a point where it’s resilient and to a point where it becomes saturated with care and love for one another, to a point where we will go all out to make sure our brothers and sisters are all living in peace and harmony and fairness is mandatory. We can rebuild a community to withstand the test of any disaster once we make a commitment to join hands and become one in mind, body and soul.
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“My Advice� - October 2017 By Sheikh Bassam Obeid
T
azkiyah, brothers and sisters; It means to purify your soul, purify your behavior. Akhlak is manners and behavior. Tazkiyah is a big portion of Islam. Tazkiyah is like the spirit for the body, without it, your body is dead. Another example, tazkiyah is like oil for your car engine. If there is no oil in the engine, the engine will breakdown. Tazkiyah, in your nafs and your behavior, leads to dealing with kindness towards people. Without it, there will be big problems when dealing with others. Deen is not only ibadat (worship), it is also mua-malat (character). Allah (swt), in surat-ul-jummah, mentions tazkiyah before hikmah (wisdom). This is because, even if you are knowledgable, it will be very hard to deal with people if you do not have tazkiyah and good character. This is a problem. That is why tazkiyah is important for everybody.
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The Beginning By Mohamed Haroon Sait Mankind is a special creation of God. Our beginning is humble and very delicate. If not taken care of, we will not survive. It is just amazing to see how, in few years, this delicate helpless being transforms in to an engineer or a scientist who produces marvelous structures touching the clouds and builds rockets that peak in to other planets.
Holy Quran. True we do not know of that world. But here is what God says about our existence before our souls were blown into our bodies.
As little “scientists” we spend 9 months in the womb of our mothers. We have no clue how we survived in that cramped space. Food and Nourishment were delivered to us Free of charge. But we have no memory of that stay. We are reminded only because we see children born in front of our eyes. Seeing it we realize that, we were also inside the womb of our mothers for a long period of time. Well, even after we are born we have no memory record of anything that happened for the next 2 years. We cried, we were fed, we wet the diapers, we vomited, we burped, we crawled, we sat, we tried to stand up with support, we tried to walk and we fell. Of course we also did so many silly things. But we have no record in our memory of those first two years when we were doing all these baby things. Just because we do not remember even a single moment of the time we spent in those two stages, we do not deny them.
And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their loins their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes, we have testified.” [This] - lest you should say on the day of Resurrection, “Indeed, we were of this unaware.” A’raf – The Heights – 5:172 (Qur’an)
Well, do we deny that world because we do not remember that? A wise man who has not Did we exist before we were in the allowed his mind to corrupt with womb of our mother? This is an arrogance will logically come area that is beyond the domain to the conclusion that denying of our science books. This is the something just because I do not main theme of the book of signs ie 18
Muslim American Magazine October 2017
remember or that I did not see, is in fact not wisdom. Such a person is the one who will benefit from divine revelations. Such an observant mindset will not fail to see the beautiful complimenting nature around him and that will lead him to the creator and the purpose to this life. Alif, Lam, Meem. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah. Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful. Baqara – The Cow-2:2-5 In the absence of this divine guidance and purpose of life, man, with all his attitude and boastful demeanor, draws conclusion that there is nothing beyond what we cannot see. Quran teaches us that the one who testifies to that unseen world and prepares for that Journey is the one who will be successful and achieves eternal bliss. The one who denies it and ruins that journey will fall in to eternal loss. First, we have to know beyond a shadow of doubt as to who we are. What is this all about? I have Studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. They all explain the laws of Nature applicable to their realms of
study. Under those sciences, man is just another animal with higher IQ and place higher up in the food chain. Once we die, we are done. These sciences are blind in seeing the designer behind the nature or the purpose of our creation. Holy Quran teaches us that man is a supreme creation. He has a purpose behind his creation and that He is accountable for his actions, and that he does not end with death. Rather he transitions from this temporal phase to the next eternal phase. The entire message of the Quran can be summarized as a reminder of the purpose of our creation. Towards reminding people of this purpose, Quran invites people’s attention to the wonders in and around us. We can find numerous verses in the Quran making such calls. Here are a few that I would like to highlight. “Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?” Al-Anbya – The Prophets 21:30 Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason. Al Baqara – The Cow – 2:164 19
“And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.” Ar-Rum – The Romans 30:21 God Almighty has sent thousands of Prophets to instruct people on the purpose of life. They were bearers of glad tidings and harbingers at the same time. They delivered good news to people who intend to fashion their life according to the commandments of God and gave warning to those who decide to lead a life of heedlessness. Here is a verse among others that clearly states the duty of Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him). “O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner.” Al Ahzab-The Combined Forces-33:45 All the Prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus ( peace be upon them all) delivered similar messages to their people. Here is the end of those who hearken the
message and of those who reject the message. “…..And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs - those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.” Al Baqara- The Cow-2:38-39 I pray that God Almighty guides us all to his straight path and enters us in his gardens of bliss, Ameen.
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