The Muslim Link ~ January 27, 2012 by The Muslim Link

What If Tim Tebow Were Muslim? PG 19

profiling the local deaf muslim community PG 7

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Provocative Discussion on Homosexuality and Islam Draws Hundreds Panelists say LGBT feelings not sinful, but acting on feelings requires repentance By Muslim Link Staff

revolution.

intense. On January 19, a new LBGT focused business council called the Maryland Corporate Council (MCC) launched in Baltimore with a dinner keynoted by the CEO of Legg Mason. On January 24, Maryland governor Martin O’Malley introduced proposed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage and later that night, the City of College Park council passed a resolution supporting it.

The activism of the LBGT movement is constant and

>> lgbt Pg 8

Tune into any popular television sitcom, reality show, or Hollywood blockbuster, and the cast of characters is almost certain to include at least one of “them”. LGBTs – “lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders”-is a term rarely uttered in the Muslim community. But at the same time, proponents and advocates of “lifestyle choices” or “sex-

ual orientations” have made what the Qur’an and other revealed texts calls a major sin into a political and social

What Is An Imam Worth? Most area community members and leaders say Imams are under compensated By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Where they were once simply defined as a leader of prayer in a masjid, many Imam’s now find themselves wearing multiple kufis. By day they are guarders of the minbar, leading daily prayers. Later in the day

they are counselors and administrators. By early evening they are teachers in Islamic studies classes and by night they are motivational speakers and fundraisers at community dinners. The Muslim Link asked its

>> imam Pg 11

The Muslim Link

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

VA Custody Case Crosses International Borders | pg 4 Shell Complete, Gwynn Oak Aims for Ramadan | pg 5 CIVIL: S-Court Rejects WillyNilly GPS Tracking | pg 16 WPRESS: Islamist Win 3/4 Seats In Egypt Vote | pg 18 ISLAM: Why Muslim Fathers Have To Man Up | pg 20 ISLAM: Being A Professional Worshiper of Allah | pg 20

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Community News Virginia Case Shows How International Borders Complicate Child Custody By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Reporter A recent case of the abduction of two local children has once again shed light on the growing discussion on international parental child abduction. On November 11th 2011, Eslam, 5 and Zainab, 3, were taken to Tunisia by their father, a Tunisian native, without the knowledge of consent of their mother. The divorced couple now finds themselves in the midst of an international custody battle. Between 1999 and 2009, at approximately 7,000 cases of international parental child abduction were documented by Congress’ investigative Government Accountability Office. Of these cases, the majority were by immigrant parents returning to their native country.

Due to legal complexities, few abducted children ever return home. In 2010, only 578 of the approximately 1,500 children who were abducted by a parent made it back to the United States. The Case of Eslam and Zainab Chebbi Las November, Virginia resident Edeanna Johnson-Chebbi received a phone call from her ex-husband informing her that he had taken the couples two young children to his native Tunisia and had no intention of returning. It was a scenario that she had long prepared for but hoped she’d never have to encounter. On one of his routine weekends with the kids, her ex-husband, Facial Cheb-

Eslam and Zainab Chebbi. Photo courtesy of Edeanna Johnson-Chebbi. bi, took Eslam, 5, and Zainab, 3, to the airport, boarded a plane to Tunisia and informed them they would not be able to return to the United States until they were adults. “I wasn’t totally freaked out. I had spent a year and a half being fearful of this so I had already overcome that fear of “what if’,” she said.

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Johnson-Chebbi and her ex husband divorced in 2011 after nearly ten years. Though she maintains full legal and physical custody, the children would routinely stay with their father between Thursday and Sunday every other week. custody Pg 13

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

Shell Complete, Gwynn Oak Needs Masjid Built Before

Ramadan By Muslim Link Staff On January 21, 2012, the small Muslim community in Baltimore City’s Gwynn Oak neighborhood took one more step towards making history by building the first masjid in the city from the ground up. But this time, they had some strong support from surrounding communities like the Islamic Society of Baltimore. The ISB provided their gymnasium free of charge for the event, and ISB President Maqbool Patel personally urged regular donors to ISB to give generously to the Gwynn Oak masjid project. The masjid structure has been erected, but all the inside work remains to be completed. Islamic Society of Gwynn Oak President Presely Cason said the original $1 million estimate became $2 million after working with city officials to get plans approved. Guest speaker Imam Safi Khan emphasized the need for a dedicated masjid building to serve the spiritual and social needs of the Muslim community as op-

“Before ISB was built, we used to go to Masjid AlHaq for Friday prayers. Now its our turn to support [the brothers in Baltimore City].” – Maqbool Patel, ISB President posed to a general purpose hall where prayers are one of many activities that take place. “These days there is a thought going around that you can have a large hall and just use it as a masjid … but from my experience I don’t think that is true. There is a certain barakah [blessing] in a masjid that brings Muslims together

“When we moved to the [Gwynn Oak neighborhood], we knew we had to establish the salah, so we purchased a home for that purpose. The city later said the house was condemned, so the masjid building plan started.” – Presley Cason, President of the Islamic Society of Gwynn Oak … it’s not to bring bodies together but to bring the hearts together,” said Khan, the Imam of the Dar-us-Salaam community in College Park, Maryland which is engaged in its own search for a dedicated masjid facility.

“Allah is the light of the heavens and earth, and on earth this light comes from the masajid. In any area if there is no masjid – if you are a believer – you will feel the darkness.” – Dr. Muhammad Adam El-Skeikh Mikaeel Abdul-Matin conducted the fundraising with a goal of $200,000 for the night. After a slow start where the sisters section outdid the brothers section in making the first donations, the evening ended with about $80,000 in donations and pledges.

Helping Hand Pushes for Orphan Sponsorship By Muslim Link Staff

On Saturday, January 14 2012, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) held a fundraiser at the University of Maryland’s Shady Grove campus to sustain its worldwide orphan sponsorship program. HHRD, a partner project with the Islamic Circle of North American (ICNA), currrently supports over 4,500 orphans world-wide and has a goal to support 10,000 orphans by the year 2015. The event in Shady Grove, called “A Night of Hope”, featured Muslim comedians Baba Ali from Ummah Films and

Aman Ali of the 30-days Ramadan road trip fame which aired on CNN. HHRD Maryland chapter head Asif Khan welcomed the audience and gave some sobering statistics on orphans. The United Nations estimates the number of orphans worldwide is around 143 million. The number is increasing each year, mostly fueled by more frequent natural disasters and also more extended military conflicts. After a recitation from the Qur’an, University of Maryland chaplain and popular youth speaker Tarif Shraim reminded orphan Pg 10

Asif Khan, head of the local chapter of Helping Hand for Relief and Development, said there are about 143 million orphans worldwide and the number is growing. Photo by Muslim Link.

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

6 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Silent Among Us: Local Deaf Muslims Deaf Parents First Taught Sign Language to Hearing Children By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Because she is unable to speak or hear, her daughter Hauwa, 14 served as an interpreter.

I texted messaged Issatu when I had arrived at her local masjid. She promptly replied. She had been running late and had just arrived with her daughter.

Issatu’s hands moved at a remarkable speed as her daughter translated them aloud for me.

When she walked through the doors she greeted me with a smile. Silent, she turned to her daughter and began moving her hands with graceful purpose. Her daughter, Hauwa turned to me and relayed her “Salaam.” I returned her greeting, the sound of my words translated into silent hand gestures.

Jummah prayers were frustrating ordeals for her. With no interpreters available at her local Masjid, she quickly became distant from the experience and ultimately from Islam itself.

Issatu Santuraki was diagnosed as deaf between the ages of two and three. Now, the college graduate, working professional, mother of two sat before me with confidence and grace. Issatu never spoke a word directly to me yet she was able to communicate volumes.

We communicated with each other through Hauwa. My questions translated to silence, her answers translated to sound. Growing up deaf was both a challenging yet rewarding experience. Provided with the unique opportunity of going to schools that catered to the deaf community, Issatu was able to excel in academia. She graduated from high school

with honors, attended Galleudet University and received a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Studies: Child Development. She also received a Web Design Specialist Career Studies Certificate and graduated Magna Sum Laude. Her academic success gave her new

found confidence in herself and her abilities, and gave her parents a renewed respect for her and others like her. “[The deaf] can do the same things. We’re the same blood and skin,” Issatu said. Her parents were comforted by that realization. After years of concern, they gained confidence that their little girl could be successful in the hearing world.

However, Issatu wasn’t always so comfortable in her own skin. Growing up she recalls the struggles she faced connecting to her religion. Jummah prayers were frustrating ordeals for her. With no interpreters available at her local Masjid, she quickly became distant from the experience and ultimately from Islam itself. “I decided to give up Islam for awhile because I had no choice, who was going to help me?” Saddened but limited in their ability to teach her and the absence of services in the mosque, her parents took her to a local church that had classes that provided interpreters for the deaf. Issatu learned about Christianity, the Bible and Jesus. She found support, others like her, and the services she needed. As she recounted this experience, the language Pg 12

Mission of Hearing Impaired Youth: Teach Qur’an to the Deaf By Wafa Unus

uses a strong hearing aid to pick up sounds.

“I have been in two different worlds. The deaf world and the hearing world.”

Born in Pakistan, Hamza had no ability to speak until the age of six. His twin brother had started talking around the age of one and a half.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Hamza was playing basketball in the gym of a local masjid when I came to meet him and his father. His father opened the door and motioned for him to come out. A tall, young gentleman emerged. “Assalamu Alaikum,” he said, his speech slightly amalgamated. “I’m Hamza.” Nested in his each ear was a hearing aid. Born almost completely deaf, Hamza

....

As a child his head was often tilted to one side, his feet only able to carry him a few steps before he’d lose his balance.

other children. With little else to go on, the Ahmads waited, and hoped for the best. When they arrived in America and it was time to enroll Hamza’s twin brother in school, little Hamza came along. A teacher asked why Hamza wasn’t being signed up.

His parents knew something wasn’t right when he didn’t respond to their calls.

“He doesn’t talk yet,” said Tanweer Ahmad, Hamza’s father.

The first doctor that Hamza’s mother took him assured her that it was a matter of slow development and that he was simply taking longer to develop than

The teacher recommended that they set up a variety of medical tests for Hamza to determine exactly what the problem was. For a year and a half he underwent

a series of tests that finally determined he was unable to hear. ‘My initial reaction was [thinking] this is a challenge. We have a different role as parents now,” said Ahmad. Ahmad was reminded of an verse in the sixth chapter of the Qur’an that reads: “No burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear.” “That gave me the confidence to work with my child. I felt I was chosen to be blessed with a child like Hamza,” he said.

quran Pg 14

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

For Deaf Muslimah, America Offered Access to Success By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Reporter “I never knew that I was deaf till I was 6. I figured I was normal as other kids until my mom put me in a deaf institute. I saw a lot of kids using sign language and I was so confused. I was wondering why these kids were doing that. They were so different from me because I wasn’t [aware I was ] deaf as they were [aware]. I just thought that I was hearing as other kids. Then I started learning sign language more often and I realized, oh okay I am deaf, not oral.” I met Fatima at a coffee shop. We had exchanged a few emails before our meeting and she arranged for an interpreter to join us during our chat.

searching for religions knowledge.

Concerned about the educational system in Pakistan and the way it treated deaf children, they felt the only way to ensure she received the education she deserved was to enroll her in well established deaf institutes in the States. We took a seat around a little circular coffee shop table. An arrangement I was now used to, I took the seat across from Fatima, her interpreter took the seat next to mine and we settled into what became a very natural and open conversation. Aside from the occasional laugh after a humorous anecdote, Fatima was silent.

Her hands did the talking but her story drowned out the ambient noises of a bustling coffee shop catering to the usual after dinner flock. I asked her about everything from how she wakes up in the morning without the blaring of an alarm clock to the challenges that the deaf community faces when

To her, it was all very matter of fact. She was born deaf. She wouldn’t be able to hear me so she arranged for an interpreter. She couldn’t call me to tell me when she arrived, so she texted instead. To me, I worried about how we would communicate. Would the interpreter be able to convey my questions? Would hers come back through clearly? What can you not ask someone who’s deaf? I did my research but would a potentially dumb question come off as offensive? “Feel free to ask any questions. There’s success Pg 15

Islamic Knowledge and the Deaf Community By Wafa Unus

As he’s learned about and connected with the deaf Muslim community, he has realized not only the disadvantages that the deaf face in the Muslim community but the advantages that the hearing Muslim community often take for granted.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter “They have to know Islam and it is our duty to teach them. After all, how would they know if someone doesn’t teach them,” said Dr. Yahya Alvi, Project Advisor for Global Deaf Muslims, an organization that seeks to spread awareness about the needs of deaf Muslims around the world. Dr. Alvi teaches a weekly class on the basics of Islamic practice at a local masjid for the deaf Muslim community. Through an interpreter he teaches everything from the concept of the oneness of God to the details of Hadith and Qur’an. Just a few years ago, Dr. Alvi himself was unaware of the need for teaching Islam to the deaf community. Now, he finds himself a vocal advocate for regular interpreters at Jummah Khutbah’s and Islamic classes. Many of his students, though adults, entered his class with no knowledge of how to pray or of the basic tenants of Is-

“If Allah has given us the faculty of hearing, we need to do some sadaqa of this hearing and take the message of the Qur’an to those who are deaf. How we do that? We have to find out how to do that.” lam. Through they grew up Muslim, Islam was inaccessible to them until classes like the one Dr. Alvi teaches started to become available as awareness in the hearing community began to grow. “We need to realize that there is a com-

munity out there, deaf people, who need our help, we need to go to them and tell them what Islam is all about and if we do not we are responsible for their ignorance and whatever their subsequent actions that come from that ignorance,” he said.

“The hearing community must understand that when they go for Jummah, there are people there who see the the man giving the khutbah but they do not know what he said and that is not their fault at all,” said Dr. Alvi. At the same time, he continued, there are many there who can hear but their mind is elsewhere. They simply chose not to hear. A physician for 53 years, Dr. Alvi’s love for teaching motivated him to volunteer his time each weekend and provide a service that many in the deaf community have been searching for their entire lives. This however, does not come without its community Pg 12

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

8 | COMMUNITY NEWS LGBT

Eye on ‘Gay Muslims’

>> continued from pg 1

Website gaymuslims.org offers a principled, compassionate Islamic perspective

On January 26, hundreds of LBGT proponents descended on Capitol Hill for a day of lobbying for pro-LGBT legislation and 2,500 LBGT supporters will gather for the annual 24th National Conference on LGBT Equality, keynoted by NAACP President Benjamin Jealous. In political cultures in much of the nation, and particularly in the DC region – the Maryland legislature has several openly LGBT lawmakers – LBGT proponents say they represent the civil rights issue of today. Opposing the tide of LGBT acceptance is akin to being a racist or bigot. And the Muslim community is far from immune to the moral shifts. In Washington DC, an organization called Al-Fatiha claims to represent “gay Muslims” and a self-proclaimed “gay Imam” leads a small juma’ prayer and discusses his “first love” on Youtube. On Capitol Hill, popular Muslim congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minn) is a front-line supporter of the LGBT agenda, serving as vicechair of the Congressional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Caucus. On news programs discussing women in Islam, a frequent guest is Muslim journalist and openly lesbian Irshad Manji. Muslim youth, plugged into the non-stop cultural tide carrying the LGBT message, are often confused. For one area Muslim youth, her own questions and discussion with fellow Muslims on campus led her to Prince George’s Muslim Association (PGMA) Imam Ahmad Azzaari’. University of Maryland graduate student Manaar Zuhurudeen said the meeting prompted her to plan an event to bring the issue into the light. “I’ve heard stories from friends of friends and family members about Muslims [in the community] who think they are [LGBT],” Zuhurudeen told the Muslim Link. “There is most definitely confusion [among the youth] because the issue is being swept under the rug.” Along with other members of the PGMA youth group, and in coordination with the Imam, Zuhurudeen planned a panel discussion with the Imam, doctors, and counselors entitled “the LGBT Commu-

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The Muslim Link interviewed Rasheed Eldin, a UK based Muslim activist and blogger who runs the website gaymuslims.org. At the panel discussion “The LGBT Community and Islam”, Dr. Adeyinka O. Laiyemo said there is no scientific evidence that shows genes lead to homosexual behavior. Photo by Muslim Link. nity from an Islamic Perspective”. The marketing material for the provocative topic was colored with pink and purple, colors associated with the LGBT movement. People did not know what to expect. On Sunday, January 15, 2011, approximately 500 Muslims attended the panel discussion, clearly showing an interest in discussing the LGBT issue. Many Muslims faces were seen for the first time by regular PGMA attendees, indicating attendees traveled from outside the area, or outside Muslim community social circles. Moderator Sami Elzaharna explained at the outset what the purpose of the event was and was not. Calling the LGBT issue “the big elephant in the room”, Elzaharna said the purpose of the event was to explain Islam’s stance on LGBT thoughts and actions, and to explain to Muslims how they should interact with both those experiencing those feelings as well as those acting on those feelings. “This [event] is not a debate about Islamic morals in post modernity … and this is not [an event] to judge those experiencing these feelings,” he said. Present in the audience were members of the “Progressive Muslims” organization who advocate a re-interpretation of the Qur’an to justify the LGBT lifestyle. Also present in the audience was the self-proclaimed “gay Imam”, Daiyyah Abdullah, who stood out in a red thobe, red jacket, and red kufi. Prince George’s County police were also on hand to control traffic and to ensure the event was not disrupted.

Each panelist spoke for about 15-minutes on one aspect of how Islam views the LGBT movement, followed by a question and answer period with only written or emailed questions permitted. Adeyinka O. Laiyemo, M.D., M.P.H delivered the first presentation, giving attendees an overview of definitions and terminology related to the topic of LGBT including chromosomes and how gender comes about, sexual development disorders, and sexual deviations and their changing clinical definitions. Imam Ahmad Azzaari’ – who is also a medical doctor – spoke next and focussed on what the Qur’an and Sunnah have to say about the LGBT movement. Saying the topic was a “human issue, not a Muslim issue”, he set the framework for his talk saying we can disagree about worldly issues, but “we can never argue about what is revealed.” He mentioned the story of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him) and his people who were involved in homosexual acts. Allah condemned their actions in the Qur’an and the Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam condemned those acts in the authentic sunnah. Naseem Sharieff, M.D discussed the broader psychological and social ramifications of believing in a system and following that system consciously. “Till the end of time, there will be new belief systems popping up” she said, and Muslims need to be confidant in the system of Islam which addresses and fulfills natural human desires. The final presenter was Sarah Yazback, LBGT II Pg 9

1. What prompted you to start the website? How long has it been running? My website was not the first effort of its kind, but various other projects fizzled out, unfortunately. The StraightWay Foundation set up a basic website and also a support group that is still running to this day. In 2006, I started this blog as a way of responding to the movement promoting homosexual identity/actions among Muslims. This movement was and remains strongest in the USA. I have been able to discuss directly the arguments they put out, and provide an Islamic perspective on these issues. I also try to offer glimpses of advice for Muslim strugglers, though that is not the primary goal of my site. 3. Do you think homosexuality leanings are a growing problem for the US Muslim community? What evidence do you have ? I have no way of knowing this, but the general trend in society is an increase in this, at least in terms of being vocalized and turned into an identity etc., most definitely for Muslims because such a movement as today (the likes of Al-Fatiha) never existed in Islamic history. I believe concepts play a fundamental role, so just people hearing that there could be such a thing as “gay Muslims”, and applying that to certain feelings and experiences they have, solidifies the idea that that’s “who they are”, which means it is hard to convince them that there is another path in life other than surrendering to that notion and acting upon the desires. This is why I MUSLIMS Pg 10

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriage Timeline By CLR Staff 1890s • The medical profession introduces the word “homosexual” into the English language. 1961 • Illinois repeals its sodomy laws making it the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize homosexuality between two consenting adults in private. The law takes effect in 1962. 1970s • A rush of states decriminalize homosexuality. 1973 • American Psychological Association removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders; • Berkeley, CA, City Council prohibits companies doing business with the city from discrimination against gays; • The American Baptist Association, American Lutheran Association, United Presbyterians, United Methodists, and the Society of Friends (Quakers) launch the National Task Force on Gay People in the Church.

and Prevention replaces the acronym GRIDS (Gay Related Immune Deficiency Syndrome) with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome); • Wisconsin becomes the first state in the U.S. to pass a gay civil rights law; Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Rhode Island follow, with Massachusetts passing a law forbidding the placement of children for adoption or foster care with gay people.

tive order forbidding the denial of security clearances on the basis of sexual orientation. Being closeted and vulnerable to blackmail, however, is still a possible grounds for a clearance denial. Starting in 1995, bills to create “Defense of Marriage Acts”(DOMA) were written. Their intent were to outlaw same-sex marriages and to refuse to recognize such marriages recognized in other states. Many are passed and signed into law.

1984 • Berkley, CA, City Council passes a domestic partnership bill granting equal benefits to long-term gay and unmarried heterosexual couples.

1996 • President Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act, denying federal benefits to same-sex spouses should gay marriage ever become legal, and creating an exception to the US Constitution allowing states to disregard same-sex marriages performed in other states.

1985 • The first test to detect HIV is licensed in the United States. Nearly 9,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, half of them already dead. By the end of the year, 6,000 die of AIDS, and 12,000 cases are reported.

1980 • The Democratic Party adds gay rights to its political platform.

1990s • Gay political issues become issues of national political significance. Among them: gays in the military, gay marriage, adoption of children by gays, extension of employment discrimination protection to gays and lesbians and extension of hate crimes to include crimes against gays and lesbians.

1982 • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control

1995 • President Bill Clinton signs an execu-

LGBT II

Muslims struggling with LGBT feelings “so-called Muslims”. She called for increased education and self-awareness on the LGBT issue in the Muslim community, and stressed early marriage as a strong prevention against LGBT feelings and desires. Lastly, she said the community must set-up a “warm line” where Muslims struggling with their feelings can call and receive qualified, professional and Islamically grounded counseling.

>> continued from pg 8

a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Psychology and former Family Counselor at ICM. Yazback summarized how the American Psychological Association changed its definition over the last several decades, removing it as a disorder as well as a sexual deviation, and in fact calling for counseling for those “homosexuals” who are “conflicted” about their identity. Yazback said the LGBT issue is “rampant” in society and that it is “the issue of [our] generation”. She said the Muslim community must “treat this issue like we treat drug addiction and alcoholism … and we have to respect the human rights of [the LGBT].” She also cautioned Muslims against calling other

During the question and answer period, people repeatedly asked how they should deal with family members who are suspect of being gay, or who are openly homosexual. Imam Azzaari’ emphasized that “we do not dig into the hearts of people”, so Muslims struggling with this issue

1997 • American Psychological Association passes a resolution at the APA Convention which asserts there is no scientific evidence on the efficacy of reparative therapy, which seeks to cure homosexuals. • Provincetown, MA school board votes to begin educating preschoolers about homosexual lifestyles. • New Jersey becomes the first state to allow homosexual partners to jointly adopt a child just as a married couple. 2002 • New York becomes the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to apply the word “marriage”

should be treated and supported like Muslims struggling with other weaknesses. On the other hand, Muslims who are openly and adamantly LGBT should be ostracized from the community until they repent from that lifestyle. “Every sinner has many chances to come back to Allah,” he said. The Imam and also other speakers emphasized throughout the panel discussion that feelings of attractions towards the same sex are not in themselves sinful, but acting upon those feelings is a sin that requires repentance to Allah. That message that the urge itself is not a sin, said Sarah Yazback, “is worth this entire seminar”. Speakers also said using the term “gay Muslims” was not right because it identi-

to gay and lesbian unions. New York, votes to approve a bill that gives formal recognition to “members of a marriage that was not recognized by the state of New York, domestic partnership, or civil union, law 2004 • Spain becomes the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, allowing the adoption of children and giving full inheritance rights. 2005 • Canada becomes the 4th country in the world to pass legislation to legalize samesex marriage. 2010 • After the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to intervene in the Washington, D.C. marriage battle, same-sex couples can get married in the District of Columbia beginning March 3, 2010. 2011 • Delaware becomes 8th state to allow civil unions for same-sex couples on May 11. • New York becomes 6th state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage, effective July 25. ------------------------Source: Full time line is available at www.christianliferesources.com?5411

fies a major sin as being a defining trait of a person and it signifies permanence of that trait. The Imam also provide evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah to unequivocally prove that homosexual behavior was a clear and major sin. The final advice from all four panelists was the same: early marriage is the best prevention to sexual deviation, and is well worth the financial challenges and other sacrifices that come with it. Manaar Zuhurudeen, the main organizer of the event, hopes to organize a discussion on other “under the rug” topics in the near future, including early marriage. To watch the entire panel discussion, visit the PGMA website at www.pgmamd. org or at http://vimeo.com/35425753.

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

10 |COMMUNITY NEWS muslims

>> continued from pg 8

stress so heavily on definitions and making Islamic belief our starting point, unlike the homosexualists who try to twist the Qur’an to fit their desires. 4. Is there a problem more in one age group versus another? What about males versus females?

orphan

>> continued from pg 5

the audience about why and how they came to be at the event. “[Your attendance] is not random … Allah has brought you to this event for a reason and a purpose because [this event] matters to Allah. If Allah loves someone, he makes them do things that Allah loves … Allah

We can say that the vast majority who have come to us with these issues are males, but there are females too. I am convinced that the issues of same-sex attraction are significantly different in females compared to males, but these phenomena have been lumped together due to a political agenda. 5. What advice to you have for community leaders and imams in dealing with this issue ?

loves those who help the needy, the broken, the hopeless … your presence tonight matters to Allah,” said Shraim. Asif Khan showed a powerpoint presentation covering the work of HHRD including both emergency response work like setting up camps and shelters for families displaced by disasters and also long term response work like setting up and running rehabilitation centers. The HHRD

First, to understand properly, and start to bring nuance into how they talk about these things. Rather than lumping all “homosexuals” together - or denying the existence of this problem - learn to talk about it sensibly, noting the fact that many people experience same-sex attraction to one extent or another. Further, we must distinguish between the rulings on attractions/feelings and actions of various kinds. Just feeling a certain way

orphan sponsorship program spans 11 countries; it costs about $30 per month per orphan to run the program. Texas Imam Monzer Taleb conducted the fundraiser, which brought in around $30,000 in sponsorship funds. HHRD held similar events that weekend in Richmond, VA and Philadelphia, PA. The total for the three events was $158,000. Asif Khan thanked the Muslim com-

is not a sin or a crime: so what is someone supposed to do? They need guidance and support, not condemnation. We ought to have trained counselors in our community whom people can go to, as unfortunately they are highly unlikely to get a proper response from the vast majority of imams. It is not as simple as “praying it away”, as some allege. There could be real psychological issues that need to be addressed with the help of a professional.

munity for their support and reminded them to drop warm cloths and food items to send to Bangladesh to the HHRD warehouse at 9639 Doctor Perry Rd #107 Ijamsville MD 21754. The deadline to drop items is February 28, 2011. The comedy show closed the evening, running past 11pm. About 150 people attended the event, along with many children.

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012 imam

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readers what they thought their local Imam’s were worth, both financially and in terms of their social and spiritual impact on the community. “If it’s a job requiring such a high level of education, experience, skill, and only a few people are equipped to do it, [then] why do masajid insist on paying [imams] barely more than a cashier at Walmart? if someone had such a high quality of skill in an area where only a few people had it, in the corporate world they would easily be making well above six figures without question, if not over two hundred [thousand].” wrote Omar Usman in response to the survey. While the majority surveyed believed that their local Imam should be getting paid more, there was a distinct difference in the roles and responsibilities of the Imam in each situation. When each Imam plays a different role, how does the community accurately determine how much he should get paid?

COMMUNITY NEWS | 11

Determining the worth of an Imam is far more complicated than simply matching a salary to credentials or a job description; it requires a redefinition of the role of the Imam in the modern American Muslim context. One local Imam said the question lends itself to a far more complex answer that perhaps won’t be fully answered for another generation or so. As such, he is weary of being too harsh when it comes to situations where Imams may not be compensated as well as they should be. “It’s unfair to criticize the community too harshly because the earth is moving under our feet and the number of individuals we are talking about is so small that one can’t really have a reliable statistc in terms of their compensation of Imams across the board,” said Imam Johari Abdul-Malik of Dar Al Hijrah in Falls Church, Virginia. While there are communities that hire full time Imams who also actively serve as community leaders, fundraisers, counselors and in many other capacities, along side their prayer-leading duties, the numbers of those situations are few

compared to the number of communities that expect an Imam to simply serve as a congregational prayer leader or that choose not to hire a full time Imam at all, argued Abdul-Malik. Where the traditional definition defines Imam as a leader of prayer in a masjid, the contemporary definition of the Imam doesn’t yet exist, said Abdul-Malik. “The American Muslim community now has to not only wrestle with redefining that role of the Imam but [also] subdividing that role into those [other] roles and we don’t have nomenclature for these roles,” Johari Compounding the issue of defining the role of the Imam in the modern American masjid and subsequently the “worth” of the Imam is the often complicated relationship the Imam has with masjid leadership, said Hayder Qaadri, president of the Islamic Community Center of Laurel. Qaadri argues that there is a definitive gap between the faith perspective of the Imam and the business perspective of the board.

“You have to have the people who are on the board or council make sure that they have their sources of Islamic knowledge as well. They can be educated in Islam to bring them closer to the bridge on that side and the Imams can take some business type of training or be open minded from that perspective,” suggested Qaadri. Although he too feels as though standardization of compensation for Imam’s in American masjids requires a lot more preliminary legwork as well as observation of the natural development of the American Muslim community mindset, Qaadri believes it is the responsibility of the board in each Masjid to care for the Imam and his needs so that the Imam may focus on caring for the needs of the community. “I don’t know the community or the local standard for Imam compensation. Should we give [an imam] more if we could? Sure. I think all Imams should be compensated very well because they by far have one of the hardest jobs -- taking care of the entire community and not just their [own] families,” said Qaadri.

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

12 |COMMUNITY NEWS language

>> continued from pg 6

Athan began over the load speakers. Her daughter signed to her that the call to prayer had started. Issatu lowered her head, intertwined her fingers and placed her hands on the table. Though she could not hear it the way that Hauwa or I could, knowing that it was being called resonated with her and she immediately paid it respect. When it was over, her daughter signed to her and she began where she left off. Islam was clearly a part of her life now. “When I grew up I didn’t know how to pray, I didn’t wear the hijab because no one taught me about it. That’s where the lack of communication the barrier was really a huge problem.” Issatu began to learn about her religion when she met her husband, who is also deaf, over 16 years ago. She was a student at Galleudet University at the time. As she waited for the bus, he approached her and asked what time the bus would be arriving. Shy, she said “soon,” expecting to end the conversation there. Instead, he continued to talk to her until the bus came, and on the bus, and then even after they had arrived at their destination. “Then we got married,” she laughed. They’ve been married for 16 years and have two children. Issatu’s husband played a big role in teaching her about Islam. Being deaf himself, he was able to communicate what he knew and share it with her. His knowledge was limited, but better than

community

>> continued from pg 7

challenges. A wide range of students, at different levels in terms of knowledge, age and ability create a unique classroom. On

....

hers. Growing up he was more easily able to communicate with his family through sign language than she was with hers, which ultimately helped him gain a better grasp on the religion. When Issatu and her husband gave birth to their son and then their daughter a year later, they faced a unique challenge as deaf parents to hearing children. Issatu chose to teach her children sign language first. “Sign is the best way because the earlier you learn the easier it is to learn. Babies obviously don’t talk from the beginning either.” Because she is unable to speak herself, Issatu would have her children speak with her mother over the phone to encourage their speech development. They learned to speak the way any other child would learn to speak, through school, friends, relatives and by watching television shows, she explained. I turned to Hauwa, and asked what it was like growing up with two deaf parents. She paused, then looked over to her mom who was signing something to her and laughed. Her mom laughed as well.

er remained in the conversation.

most definitely a problem.”

Although she said she did find it a little bit difficult to share with her friends in middle school, she had become much more open upon entering high school. Now, she simply states it as a fact and moves on.

Like others I spoke with, Issatu described the stigmas that she faced when interacting with those in the hearing community. Glazed over looks, avoidance of eye contact, shying away from saying any conversation were all everyday occurrences. In more extreme cases, people would encourage the avoidance of interacting with the deaf members of the community based on antiquated cultural superstitions that deafness was a curse that could be passed on.

Though they may seem strikingly different to many in the hearing community, to Hauwa and her older brother, they are simply “Mom” and “Dad,” same as anyone else. But the children’s unique knowledge of sign language and their ease in communicating as a family, Issatu attributes, to the close relationship she shares with her children. Growing up Issatu wasn’t able to so easily communicate with her own parents. Her mother learned a little bit of sign language and her father communicated with her mostly through writing. However, there were still barriers. The importance of a learning sign language for a parent of a deaf child is something Issatu feels can give a deaf child the confidence they need to succeed in the hearing world.

“Oh, my mom is saying that sometimes I do get embarrassed [having a deaf mom and dad].”

“The children will feel inspired and happy and [the parents and child] will be involved together, more involved in their life and they will be successful together,” she said.

Their playful relationship reflected an ease that isn’t always found between mother and teenage daughter. Although they did not speak aloud, there were no words lost between the two of them.

But its not only the parents who need to communicate with their deaf children, but the hearing community in general that need to communicate with the deaf community, she commented.

As I spoke with Hauwa she signed my questions and her responses so her moth-

“A lot of hearing people don’t know much about deaf people...Attitude is

top of that, translating Arabic terms into American Sign Language has also been a challenge.

While Dr. Alvi still grapples at finding the best way to convey the Islam to those in the deaf community he sees it as a responsibility, not simply an opportunity.

The greatest challenge perhaps, is the perceptions of the hearing community

Without the support of the hearing community, Issatu fears that many, like she initially was, may shy away from the Muslim community centers and Masjids. Issatu recalled the first time she could understand a Jummah Khutbah because an interpreter, a hearing individual who knew sign language, was available to the deaf Muslims in the Masjid. The same experience that once drove her away from the community now inspired her. Simply the access to the knowledge and the experience drew her closer to the religion and the community. It is that sentiment that motivates her efforts to encourage the hearing community to take steps toward providing services like interpreters at the Masjid and encourage the deaf Muslim community to raise awareness and share their experiences. “Muslims need to not be afraid of each other but get together so we can understand each other and work together,” she paused, “It’s time to get us together because we are all human beings of course and creations of Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala.”

on the deaf community. “There’s a belief that if someone gets a deaf child its a punishment,” he said, “This is not a punishment of God, this is a test of God, not just for the parents but for the community.”

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012 custody

>> continued from pg 4

“We had a mutually signed and agreed to separation agreement in January of 2011 that granted sole legal and physical custody to me. That document was incorporated into our final divorce and is still relevant. Additionally, we had a court order that remains in effect that states that neither parent shall remove either child from the United States,” Johnson-Chebbi said. Despite the agreements, Johnson-Chebbi still worried her ex-husband would make good on his threats to take the children to Tunisia. She contacted the Tunisian Embassy in Washington D.C. to ensure that he would be unable to obtain passports for the children without her knowledge. Johnson-Chebbi said she was assured that the Tunisian Embassy would not allow her ex-husband to obtain passports without her consent. By obtaining Tunisian birth certificates for the children, who were both born in Maryland, Facial Chebbi got passports, boarded a plane and flew them out of the country without issue. Any child born to a Tunisian parent is awarded dual nationality meaning that regardless of the where the child is born, they are considered Tunisian, a law that would have made the process much easier. Upon finding out what had happened, Johnson-Chebbi immediately contacted The State Department, the FBI, the state police and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She has been in contact with her children via Internet video calls, a resource she said keeps her sane through the separation. Since her children were taken, she has organized two protests outside the Tunisian embassy. Surrounded mostly by friends and family, the first protest brought in around 40 individuals. The second, about half that number. Along with the protests, Johnson-Chebbi, her family and friends have set up a Facebook page, sent out e-mails on listservs and even organized campaigns

encouraging people to contact the Tunisian ambassador about the case. Her continued efforts have all resulted in one conclusion: Now that the children were on foreign soil, the U.S. could no longer handle the case. Johnson-Chebbi would have to leave the fat of her family in the hands of a foreign system she admittedly knows little about. “This [should be] an issue of International justice, not an issue of family law [to be settled] in Tunisia,” she said. The U.S. legal system, as it stands, says differently. International Parental Child Abduction and the Hague Convention Questions remain of legality in regards to how the father was able to obtain passports for minor children without the consent of their mother. According to the U.S. State Department, any person applying for a passport for a child under the age of 16 must prove that both parents or guardians have issued consent unless the parent applying has sole authority to obtain the passport. In Johnson-Chebbi’s case, the custody agreement established did not provide the father of the children sole authority. However, some exceptions are allowed in cases where the immediate travel of a child is deemed necessary. While this requirement has not always been in place, it was adopted to lessen chances that a passport would be used to facilitate an “international parental child abduction.” Foreign child custody agreements are considered by Tunisia. However, their enforcement is carried out only if the custody order conforms with Tunisian child custody laws. Because of this, foreign child custody orders are often not recognized in Tunisia thus requiring the parent to seek legal representation in Tunisia. While the U.S. has systems in place that have issued warrants and are treating Johnson-Chebbi’s case as an abduction, they remain powerless now that the children are in Tunisia. This is because the U.S. and Tunisia do not have any agreement in place regarding international child abduction.

COMMUNITY NEWS | 13 This can be particularly frustrating in situations like Johnson-Chebbi’s where all legal matters that were squared away in the United States and now seemingly have little to no weight. Legally, a custody order in the United States may have no meaning as soon as a border is crossed. Because each country is a sovereign nation, other nations cannot interfere with another’s legal system. Each country has jurisdiction over the people within its borders. While the U.S. may recognize court orders from other nations under the Uniform Child Custody and Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), this rarely works the other way around. Because of the concern regarding international parental child abduction, a treaty was drafted in 1976 between twenty-three nations at the Hague Conference of Private International Law. This allowed nations to work together on cases dealing with parental child abduction. In July of 1988 the Hague Convention of Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction came into effect for the United States. This Convention allows for the left-behind parent to have certain rights. Countries that have agreed to the Convention and find that a child has been removed from another “Convention country” is in violation of the rights of the left-behind parent and the child must then be returned to the custodial parent. Once the child is returned, the dispute can then be settled in courts.

in some cases the parent who has abducted the child can be charged with a Federal crime. If a spouse or ex-spouse has threatened to take the couples children out of the country, family law experts recommend that a custody decree be established specifically indicating the child cannot be taken out of the United States without the permission of both parents. The United States does not regulate exit borders so long as the individuals exiting the country have legal passports. As such, preventing a child, already in possession of a valid passport, from leaving the country is often times very difficult. U.S. law requires that any child under the age of sixteen must have the consent of both parents to acquire a passport. If the child already holds a passport and there is concern that it may be used for abduction, the State Department suggests on its website, that the court or an attorney hold it for safe keeping. However, the Department also notes that if the child has dual nationality he or she may be able to acquire and travel using that country’s passport. The State Department’s Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) can be used to alert parents if a U.S. passport application is submitted for a child anywhere in the country, including U.S. embassy’s or consults abroad.

Tunisia is not one of those countries.

Johnson-Chebbi has hired a lawyer in Tunisia to handle her case. The first hearing took place on January 10th. She is unable to discuss the details of the legal proceedings.

Prevention

The case is currently pending.

Because international parental child abduction is most often found in situations where one or both of the parents are immigrants or have ties to a nation other than the United States, the State Department encourages individuals who fit that profile to take precautionary measures if there is reason for concern. In cases of divorce, additional attention to custody details can play a vital role in keeping the child or children from being taken out of the country.

Efforts to reach Facial Chebbi for comment were unsuccessful.

Currently 71 countries partner with the U.S. under the Convention.

The State Department emphasizes that though a complex legal issue, international child abduction is illegal and

UPDATE: Johnson -Chebbi is currently in Tunisia for the proceedings and has since visited with her children. She wrote open letters to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and to the President of the Republic of Tunisia regarding her situation prior to traveling to Tunisia. Senator Cardin’s (D-MD) and Senator Mikulski’s office (D-MD) have expressed their support for JohnsonChebbi’s case and have taken measures to look into the situation.

....

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

14 |COMMUNITY NEWS quran

>> continued from pg 6

After his diagnosis, Hamza was fitted with a pair of hearing aids. For the first time in his life he would be able to hear the world around him and though one may imagine it to be an exciting experience, Hamza recalls it as an incredibly frightening one. “I was really scared. I got dizzy and nauseated because that was the first time I was hearing. I didn’t know what was going on. I had no idea what the noises or sounds meant to me because its a whole different world for me. I was born with deafness and I didn’t hear anything until I put that hearing aid on. I had no idea where I was or who I was,” he said. Though he could hear with the aids, he was still unable to speak. He enrolled in school and used American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate in class. His parents took ASL classes to communicate with him but decided to try speaking at home in hopes that Hamza might one day learn how to talk as well. Hamza said his first word at age 7. “The first word he spoke was ‘Allah,” said Ahmad. “Both of us [parents] had a tear in our eye.” The concept of religion was always a priority in the Ahmad household but Hamza’s inability to hear and consequently his limited vocabulary at the time made it difficult for him to understand the intricacies of Islamic practice. However, even after gaining the ability to hear, Hamza still faced many challenges when it came to understanding speech. For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, the ability to hear does not equate with the ability to understand speech. Just like those in the hearing world, a vocabulary must be developed in order to understand the words that are being said. While a hard of hearing or deaf person may know, in his or her mind, or in sign

....

language what a cup is, they do not know what the word “cup” sounds like and therefore, when spoken, the word may have meaning. Hamza was flooded with new vocabulary and new terms and though he could now hear them, he wasn’t able to fully understand them without extensive practice and effort to develop a vocabulary. He largely credits his father with his speech development. Hamza recalled nights when his father would stay awake with him for hours, repeating the same word hundreds of times

After a few exchanges of e-mails Hamza began volunteering with GDM as an interpreter. Because he was able to hear and had mastered American Sign Language, he was an essential bridge between the two communities. This new found ability to contribute to the community he once thought he was alone in gave him pause.

lot [of deaf people] can be successful by going to any university. But the reason why a lot of deaf and hard of hearing people go to Gallaudet or RIT is because they have all the access they need and they need social gatherings. They need deaf and hard of hearing friends so that they can communicate but for me its a different story since Alhumdulilah I can speak at the same time.”

“Honestly, I was speechless, I was just shocked. I thought I was the only person who had so much need but when I joined GDM I found out that there was so many people who are actually worse off than me who didn’t have any access at all [to

Although Hamza now has the ability to speak rather clearly and has a robust vocabulary, he expressed that he often feels people look down on him and others who struggle to hear, or can’t hear at all because they are considered disabled.

“It’s so dangerous when you label somebody. For example, when you label somebody disabled it automatically changes the hearing person’s mind” so he could remember it and its association and learn to pronounce it. This attention, he said, was critical for his development particularly when it came to his Islamic identity. “I didn’t have access to learn about Islam outside the home. The home was the only place I could learn about Islam. My parents would sit down and spend time with me for hours and hours and hours to teach me about Islam but if I would go out of home, there would be no other places where I could learn,” said Hamza. Jummah prayers at the time had no interpreters to help Hamza understand the prayers. Classes at the masjid were inaccessible for the same reason as well. In 2009, Hamza encountered a booth at a national convention in D.C. The banner above it read Global Deaf Muslims (GDM). This was the first time that he encountered others like him. Though he knew deaf individuals through school, he hadn’t met other deaf Muslims who had the same desire to connect to their religion.

Islamic knowledge] so I was actually just shocked. I actually felt really sad at that moment because I didn’t know that there were that many deaf brothers and sisters out there in the world that need that much help from us. I didn’t know that there were so many deaf brothers and sisters that didn’t know the basic Islamic knowledge,” said Hamza. Now a freshman in college, Hamza chose to forgo universities like Gallaudet and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), that cater to the deaf and hard of hearing community. Though his high school counselor recommended he attend one of those schools, he decided on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to study marketing. “For me, I like VCU a lot because I feel like being challenged. It makes me more independent. I’m becoming mentally trained. At VCU, I am basically in the hearing world now,” he said, his poise and intelligence punctuated by his enthusiasm. “I didn’t want hearing people to think that deaf people can only be successful by going to Gallaudet or RIT because a

“It’s so dangerous when you label somebody. For example, when you label somebody disabled it automatically changes the hearing person’s mind,” he said. “It’s actually the person with the disability, not a person that has the disability. It doesn’t change anything mentally or physically. It just who they are,” he said. As I sat with Hamza and his father, one thing was clear. They had been through a unique journey as father and son. First struggling to understand one another and their unique perspectives of the world and then working together to bring that understanding to others. Ahmad recalls a question Hamza asked when he was fifteen, during their nightly chats before bed. “That was my turning point to pay attention to [making Islamic knowledge accessible to the deaf community]. [Hamza] said, ‘Baba you always keep telling us that we have a moral responsibility to pass on the Qur’an to people who have not received this book...who would pass this book on to the deaf community?’ That shook my mind. I thought for a minute and I asked him, “Can you take this challenge? Are you ready to take this challenge. I’ll help you out.’ [Hamza] said “Okay, What should I do?” and I told him that we would teach him Qur’an and then he would teach it to them because he is able to speak their language and we cannot speak their language,” said Ahmad. Hamza responded, “I will do my best.”

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012 success

>> continued from pg 7

has only positive things to say about the experience.

no such thing as a dumb question,” Fatima said with a laugh.

Outside of work however, she’s always found it hard to fit in.

Thank goodness, I thought, because I was about to ask about fifteen of them.

“Growing up as a deaf Muslim, wasn’t always positive because I felt left out when I went with my family to a dinner. I was always the one who was left out because no one knew sign language. I was always the one that was sad and clueless because I didn’t know what was going one because I was just born that way and it wasn’t my fault and I felt depressed being the only one in my family and not understanding,” she said.

Let’s start from the beginning, I said. She leaned forward, raised her hands and began to sign. When she was diagnosed around the age of three, Fatima’s parents decided to move from Pakistan to America in hopes of providing her more opportunity as a deaf child. Concerned about the educational system in Pakistan and the way it treated deaf children, they felt the only way to ensure she received the education she deserved was to enroll her in well established deaf institutes in the States. With an aunt already living in Pittsburgh, the family moved from their native Lahore to Pennsylvania where Fatima began what would turn out to be a very ponderous journey to find a place she fit in. Between preschool and high school, Fatima attended five different schools. Each a little different from the other. Her parents hoped that each new institute would provide her different skills and strengths to help her better succeed in the hearing world. Upon graduating from her high school, Fatima was admitted to the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2007. She became heavily involved in the deaf community on campus before graduating with a degree in Marketing in 2011. Now, she works at the Department of Defense.

Socializing with those in the hearing community is a continuous challenge for

COMMUNITY NEWS | 15 know, an audiologist, a doctor, an organization, a deaf school. Ask questions. I think the best thing to know what to do with your child is, [to] know. Get information. Get advice from many different sources and then you’ll find the answer through that and you’ll find out what’s best for your kids,” said Fatima While her parents made huge changes in their lives and hers in order to find her the best opportunities in academics, they didn’t have the same options when it came to teaching her Islam. Her mother enrolled her Fatima in Sunday School even though the program didn’t offer any interpretive services. She felt strongly that her daughter have some connection to the religion and the

She doesn’t blame the community she grew up in for not providing services for her. Being the only deaf Muslim in her mosque, she understood that the effort and expense may not have seemed worth it. Fatima, not only because of the language barrier but because of the preconceived notions she feels many in the hearing have, even those who have deaf children of their own. She has wondered why more parents of deaf children haven’t made a bigger effort to connect with the hearing community and seek out services to help them get involved. “Is it because of parents who have low expectations for their children because they are deaf?, she asked. “I think that’s wrong. I don’t think they should accept that. I think the parents should be more proactive.”

Finding success both academically and in her career was never a big obstacle for Fatima. Though she was clearly different from those in the hearing community, attending special schools for the deaf allowed her gain knowledge and build confidence in her ability to interact outside of the deaf community on a daily basis.

Because her parents moved from Pakistan to America to seek out a better life for her as a deaf child and provided her the resources to eventually live successfully and contribute positively in the hearing world, she feels strongly about the influence parents can have on the success of a deaf child.

While she does require interpreter services at work meetings and events, she

“If you do have deaf children or a deaf child, research, make contacts with people you know or even those you may not

mosque. “I sat there kind of clueless with all the other peers who were learning and I had no idea what was going on but my other friend let me copy her work,” she said with a laugh, “...because I had no idea what was going on and they didn’t provide an interpreter for me. So, that’s how I got through that class.” Although she looks back at it now with as a humorous story, Fatima understands the struggle that many in the deaf community face when attempting to establish a religions identity. “It’s not fair to the people who don’t have access to it because they’re deaf. I mean, they grow up not knowing,” she said, “I think its so important that all deaf people who are Muslim know about their religion.” Fatima’s mom, who learned sign language when Fatima was three, taught her the basics one on one in sign language. A method that Fatima says was far more productive than any class she attended. Though she wasn’t easily able to learn

the way that other kids where, there was one thing she really wanted to make clear. “I really want to spread the message that you can’t limit [the deaf community] from anything we want to do. Yes we are deaf but that doesn’t mean we are incapable of doing what we want. [We may need to get] an interpreter but that doesn’t mean that stops us. We need to have the services available but we can do what we want. The only thing I can’t do is hear. That’s it. Aside from that I’m completely normal.” She doesn’t blame the community she grew up in for not providing services for her. Being the only deaf Muslim in her mosque, she understood that the effort and expense may not have seemed worth it. However, when she went back to her childhood mosque as an adult to give a presentation on the needs of the deaf Muslim community, she was surprised by the response. Many in the community were simply unaware of the need and were actually very interested in learning how they could make interpreters available. It’s one step, she said, toward bridging that gap between the hearing and the deaf community. While the hearing community struggles with fully understanding what the deaf community needs, the deaf community also has its own concerns about being understood. “[Deaf people are concerned] when hearing people try to interpret for us or if they try to give us a voice. Deaf people want our [their] voice heard but, its not what we want all the time. I am a functional adult i can do things for myself. I want my exact message heard,” she said. “Sometimes an interpreter gets mixed up. It’s not 100% perfect. We want our message to be heard and we don’t want it to be changed by the interpreter.” It’s a delicate balance of translation and interpretation. The sound of silence was resonantly loud amidst the clinks of coffee cups.

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16 | CIVIL RIGHTS

Civil Rights

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

Supreme Court Rejects Willy-Nilly GPS Tracking By David Kravets

joined by Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas and Sonia Sotomayor, said placing the device on the suspect’s car amounted to a search.

Wired.com, January 23, 2012 The Supreme Court said Monday that law enforcement authorities might need a probable-cause warrant from a judge to affix a GPS device to a vehicle and monitor its every move — but the justices did not say that a warrant was needed in all cases. The convoluted decision (.pdf) in what is arguably the biggest Fourth Amendment case in the computer age, rejected the Obama administration’s position that attaching a GPS device to a vehicle was not a search. The government had told the high court that it could even affix GPS devices on the vehicles of all members of the Supreme Court, without a warrant. “We hold that the government’s installation of a GPS device on a target’s vehicle, and its use of that device to monitor the vehicle’s movements, constitutes a ‘search,’” Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the five-justice majority. The majority declined to say whether that search was unreasonable and required a warrant. All nine justices, however, agreed to toss out the life sentence of a District of Columbia drug dealer who was the subject of a warrantless, 28-day surveillance via GPS. Four justices in a minority opinion said that the prolonged GPS surveillance in this case amounted to a search needing a warrant. But the minority opinion was silent on whether GPS monitoring for shorter periods would require one. Justice Sonia Sotomayor voted with the majority, but wrote in a separate, solo opinion that both the majority and minority opinions were valid. She also suggested that Americans have more rights to privacy in data held by phone and internet companies than the Supreme

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The second of two GPS trackers found on the vehicle of a young man in California. Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com Court has held in the past. “I think it’s fair to say, the use of a a GPS device like this requires a warrant where they are tracking him for a long time,” Thomas Goldstein, who has argued dozens of cases before the Supreme Court, said in a telephone interview. The Justice Department maintained it had probable cause in the case, though not a valid warrant. The majority said because of procedural rules, it would not decide whether the “search” in this case required a warrant. “We consider that argument forfeited,” the majority wrote. The Justice Department declined to comment. Walter Dellinger, the lawyer for the drug dealer who appealed his conviction, said the decision, no matter how disjointed, means “that almost any use of GPS electronic surveillance of a citizen’s movement will be legally questionable unless a warrant is obtained in advance.” The justices agreed to hear the case in a bid to settle conflicting lower-court decisions — some of which ruled a warrant was necessary, while others found

the government had unchecked GPS surveillance powers. For the moment, the conflict is unresolved and “will take more lawsuits,” Orin Kerr, a Fourth Amendment scholar and former Justice Department prosecutor, said in a telephone interview. One of the Obama administration’s main arguments in support of warrantless GPS tracking was the high court’s 1983 decision in United States v. Knotts, in which the justices ruled it was OK for the government to use beepers known as “bird dogs” to track a suspect’s vehicle without a warrant. In that case, the police had the consent of that truck’s owner, which was not the case in the opinion decided Monday, Scalia wrote. In the Supreme Court case decided Monday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit had ruled that the Fourth Amendment rights of suspected District of Columbia drug dealer Antoine Jones had been violated by the month-long warrantless attachment of a GPS underneath his car. The lower court had reversed Jones’ conviction, saying the FBI needed a warrant to track Jones. Scalia’s majority opinion, which was

In a separate opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito, and joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan, Alito wrote that Scalia’s opinion was “unwise” and said it should have examined “whether respondent’s reasonable expectations of privacy were violated by the long-term monitoring of the movements of the vehicle he drove.” “For these reasons, I conclude that the lengthy monitoring that occurred in this case constituted a search under the Fourth Amendment,” Alito wrote. He wrote that the police — to avoid any ambiguity on how long the monitoring must take place to demand a warrant — “may always seek a warrant” to avoid committing wrongdoing. Justice Sotomayor also wrote separately that “the government usurped Jones’ property for the purpose of conducting surveillance on him, thereby invading privacy interests long afforded and undoubtedly entitled to, Fourth Amendment protection.” During oral arguments in the case in November, a number of justices invoked the specter of Big Brother if the police could secretly attach GPS devices on Americans’ cars without getting a probable-cause warrant. The last time the high court considered the Fourth Amendment, technology and privacy in a big-ticket case was a decade ago, when the justices ruled that the authorities must obtain search warrants to employ thermal-imaging devices to detect indoor marijuana-growing opera-

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

CIVIL RIGHTS

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When Power is Unaccountable Why the National Defense Authorization Act is Unconstitutional By Brian J. Trautman Each year, Congress authorizes the budget of the Department of Defense through a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA of 2012, however, is unlike any previous ones. This year’s legislation contains highly controversial provisions that empower the Armed Forces to engage in civilian law enforcement and to selectively suspend due process and habeas corpus, as well as other rights guaranteed by the 5th and 6th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, for terror suspects apprehended on U.S. soil. The final version of the bill passed the House on December 14, the Senate the following day (ironically, the 220th birthday of the Bill of Rights). It was signed into law by President Obama on New Year’s Eve. With his signature, for the first time since the Internal Security Act of 1950 and the dark days of the McCarthy era that followed, our government has codified the power of indefinite detention into law. This pernicious law poses one of the greatest threats to civil liberties in our nation’s history. Under Section 1021 of the NDAA, foreign nationals who are alleged to have committed or merely “suspected” of sympathizing with or providing any level of support to groups the U.S. designates as terrorist organization or an affiliate or associated force may be imprisoned without charge or trial “until the end of hostilities.” The law affirms the executive branch’s authority granted under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and broadens the definition and scope of “covered persons.” But because the “war on terror” is a war on a tactic, not on a state, it has no parameters or timetable. Consequently, this law can be used by authorities to detain (forever) anyone the government considers a threat to national security and stability – potentially even demonstrators and protesters exercising their First Amendment rights. One popular myth surrounding this law (which has been marketed well by the White House and the mainstream media) is that it does not pertain to U.S.

persons (citizens and resident aliens). While the law does not explicitly target U.S. persons, it neither excludes nor protects them. Section 1022 of the law covers U.S. persons. The section allows for open-ended executive judgment with regard to the handling of U.S. persons. In other words, the detention of U.S persons is optional, rather than a requirement as it is for non-U.S. persons. Jonathan Turley, legal scholar and professor at George Washington University, explains that “the provision merely states that nothing in the provisions could be construed to alter Americans’ legal rights. Since the Senate clearly views citizens are not just subject to indefinite detention but even execution without a trial, the change offers nothing but rhetoric to hide the harsh reality.” Regardless of whether or not this law is interpreted as applying to U.S. persons, by specifically targeting foreign nationals, the NDAA violates the “equal protection” clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees that all people be treated the same under the law. Therefore, any way you slice it, this law is unconstitutional. Accompanying the President’s signature was a signing statement which was intended to clarify some of his perspectives on the NDAA’s most controversial language. The statement read in part, “my administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American Citizens.” However, what is important to keep in mind here is that the statement refers only to what this administration pledges, not to the intentions or requirements of future administrations. As television host and political commentator Rachel Maddow put it in recent segment, “you now live in a country where, technically at least, the military has a legal role to play in civilian law enforcement.” Dr. Maddow pointed that while this may or may not be invoked during the present administration, “thanks to this bill…if this president changes his mind or some other president in the future does want to arrest Americans and lock them up in military custody forever without trial, our

government statutorily now claims that as its right.” Although more than two-thirds of the House voted in favor of the NDAA, not every member was on board with it. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) remarked that “what this bill does is it takes a wrecking ball to the United States Constitution.” Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) described this bill as a threat to “the inalienable due process rights afforded to every American citizen under the Constitution.” The NDAA’s draconian detention provisions have received most of the attention, effectively overshadowing the fact that this legislation continues a trend of spending vast sums of taxpayer money on so-called “defense” objectives. According to Senator Bernie Sanders (IVT), one of only 13 members of the Senate to vote against the NDAA, “the bill continues to authorize heavy spending on defense despite the end of the 9-yearold war in Iraq. Ironically, the Senate vote came on the same day when Defense Secretary Panetta was in Baghdad officially declaring that our military mission there has ended and that virtually all of the combat troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year. At a time when we have tripled defense spending since 1997 and spend more today on defense than the rest of the world combined.” The executive branch has acquired greater authoritarian and unaccountable power under this law which disaffirms justice as a fundamental human right. It brings the illegal practice of extraordinary rendition home. Tom Parker of Amnesty International USA argues that the NDAA “provides a framework for ‘normalizing’ indefinite detention and making Guantanamo a permanent feature of American life.” What democracy and civil liberties we did enjoy in this country before the NDAA of 2012 became law have been severely weakened, and our nation’s moral and legal credibility in the world, which has been gradually declining since the so-called “war on terror” was declared by President Bush, has been diminished further.

The NDAA of 2012 increases the United States’ worldwide detention authority. In doing so it further entrenches a culture of war in American society. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), “The statute is particularly dangerous because it has no temporal or geographic limitations, and can be used by this and future presidents to militarily detain people captured far from any battlefield… the breadth of the NDAA’s detention authority violates international law because it is not limited to people captured in the context of an actual armed conflict as required by the laws of war.” As difficult as it might be to have any faith left in the Congress, there is hope on the horizon for overturning at least the portion of the law that threatens U.S. persons. The Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, H.R. 3702, authored by Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Martin Heinrich (D- NM) and currently co-sponsored by 32 House members, including the ranking members of the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Judiciary committees, clarifies existing U.S. law and states unequivocally that the government cannot indefinitely detain American citizens or lawful U.S. residents. It ensures that U.S. citizens and permanent residents on American soil are protected. The bill amends the Non-Detention Act of 1971, clarifying that a congressional authorization for the use of military force – such as that in the NDAA which included the detainee provisions – does not authorize the indefinite detention without charge or trial of U.S. citizens apprehended on U.S. soil. H.R. 3702 is companion legislation to Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Due Process Guarantee Act of 2011, S. 2003. Since 2001, the Patriot Act, the AUMF, and now the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 have eroded many of our most valued constitutional rights. Our nation is moving away from government “of the people, by the people, for the people” and toward a totalitarian state. The late historian, Howard Zinn power Pg 18

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

18 | WORLD PRESS

World Press

Islamists Win Nearly Three-Quarters Of Seats In Egypt Elections litical powers.

Jeffrey Fleishman and Amro Hassan

The Los Angels Times, January 21, 2012

The Brotherhood’s euphoria will quickly confront the nation’s troubles. The new Parliament –- expected to hold its first session Monday –- faces enormous problems: unemployment, inflation, shrinking foreign investment, labor strikes, declining tourism and foreign currency reserves that have tumbled from $36 billion to about $10 billion.

REPORTING FROM CAIRO -- A new political era began in Egypt on Saturday as Islamist parties won nearly threequarters of the seats in parliamentary elections to inherit a nation mired in economic crisis and desperate to move beyond military rule and the corrupt legacy of deposed President Hosni Mubarak. The Muslim Brotherhood, the country’s dominate political and religious force, won 47% of the 498 seats in the lower house of parliament, according to official final results. The ultraconservative Salafi Islamist party Al Nour won nearly 25%, followed by the secular parties New Wafd and the Egyptian Bloc, with about 9% each.

ing from a year of uprisings to replace secular autocrats across the Middle East and North Africa.

The results confirm the dramatic transformation of the Brotherhood, which for decades was banned from politics and endured the mass arrests and torture of its members. The victory by the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party is a potent sign that political Islam is emerg-

A new parliament “would not have seen the light if it wasn’t for the pure blood of the martyrs who triggered this revolution,” Freedom and Justice Party said in a statement. “The party believes that Egypt’s renaissance and development demands participation of all sects of this

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observed, “Terrorism has replaced Communism as the rationale for the militarization of the country [America], for military adventures abroad, and for the suppression of civil liberties at home. It serves the same purpose, serving to create hysteria.”

A lawmaker read the Koran before the session began. Photo by Asmma Waguih, New York Times

It is up to the American people to stop this fear-mongering and this unfettered growth of the military industrial complex. How? Americans can begin by actively dissenting against laws that violate their Constitution and their conscience. Dr. Zinn believed very strongly that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism. If the Constitution is to be defended against those who aspire to destroy it,

nation to fulfill this great responsibility.” The elections were a sobering lesson for young activists whose nascent parties were no match for the grassroots networks and entwined religious and political message of the Islamists. The liberal activists helped ignite the revolution that brought down Mubarak but, winning only seven seats, they have been surpassed by more formidable poall Americans have a duty to themselves and their country to stand up and demand progressive change toward a culture of peace and justice. One of the most effective ways to do this is by engaging in methods of nonviolent direct action, as demonstrated by the Occupy Wall Street movement. As more Americans embrace these methods and the Occupy movement grows stronger, Washington will be forced to end its campaign of militarizing law enforcement and American

The relatively moderate Brotherhood and the puritanical Salafis will likely battle over how deeply Islam should shape the constitution and be ingrained in public life. Both parties have said social and economic challenges are the most pressing concerns, but the Salafis, who receive funding from Persian Gulf nations, are certain to push for an Egypt more rooted in sharia, or Islamic law. -----------------------------------------------In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. society or risk being voted out of office. Only then can the freedoms and civil liberties the people are promised in the Constitution be restored. Brian J. Trautman is a military veteran and an instructor of peace and world order studies at Berkshire Community College located in Pittsfield, MA. He is an active member of Veterans for Peace and Berkshire Citizens for Peace and Justice.

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

SPORTS

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Sports What If Tim Tebow Were Muslim? The NFL star has been praised for his public Christianity. It’s been different for athletes who follow Islam Everyone had an opinion, from fans to sports writers to radio hosts. Sports Illustrated reported that some people suggested Abdul-Rauf be deported. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was born in Mississippi, however, and deportation from Colorado to Mississippi is rare. Two Denver-area radio hosts even walked into a mosque with a stereo playing the Star Spangled Banner. One was wearing a turban. And a Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf T-shirt. While broadcasting live, on air.

By Marcus Cederstrom Salon.com, 1/12/2012

Tim Tebow’s profession of faith has thrust the mixture of sport and religion into the national spotlight in a way that few can remember. Students have been suspended for “Tebowing” — dropping to one knee to pray, even if you’re the only one doing it — in a school hallway in New York. Rick Perry claimed that he would be the Tim Tebow of the Iowa caucuses. “Saturday Night Live” lampooned Tebow’s fan-boy love for Jesus. In response, Pat Robertson has claimed that the skit demonstrates “anti-Christian bigotry.” His supporters even called for a boycott of HBO after a Bill Maher tweet made fun of Tebow and his relationship to Jesus after his Denver Broncos lost to the Buffalo Bills. After an overtime upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend, Tebow’s Broncos play the top-seeded New England Patriots on Saturday. For at least one more media cycle, there will appear to be no way to separate Tim Tebow – the person, the quarterback, the Christian – from his religion. But back in September, the cultural critic Toure asked a fascinating question in ESPN the Magazine. In a piece called “What if Michael Vick were white?,” Toure argued with those who said the quarterback would not have received a two-year sentence for dogfighting if he was white. Would he have been involved with dogfighting? Would an entourage have led him to the same mistakes? Would he have had a stronger paternal relationship?

So I ask, what if Tim Tebow were Muslim? How would our society react if during every interview, Tebow said “Insha’Allah” or “Allāhu Akbar” rather than thank his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? Or instead of falling to one knee and praying, Tebow pulled out a prayer rug and faced Mecca? A recent study by the Pew Research Center suggests it would not be well received. While American Muslims in general tend be satisfied with their lives and communities in the United States, 55 percent report that being Muslim in the U.S. has become more difficult since Sept. 11. Twenty-eight percent report that people have viewed them with suspicion and 22 percent report having been called offensive names. The TLC show “All-American Muslim” has lost advertisers who were pressured by groups claiming that the show was Islamic propaganda. Yet Pat Robertson claims that the United States is a breeding ground for anti-Christian bigotry. I don’t have answers to these questions. We can’t know the answers until we are faced with a prominent Muslim athlete who is willing to be so visible with

his faith. In a country that consistently prides itself on freedoms – freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, freedom of religion – we can hope that Muslim athletes who are visible with their faith would find themselves just as revered as Tebow is for his. But professional Muslim athletes are hard to find. Ahmad Rashād. Rashaan Salaam. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar. Hakeem Olajuwon. Rasheed Wallace. Most of these athletes are retired and went about their religious lives quietly. But it is to that list of retired professionals that we must look to find someone as outspoken about their faith as Tim Tebow – Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and Muhammad Ali, for example. In 1990, Chris Jackson was drafted by the Denver Nuggets out of Louisiana State University. In 1991, Jackson converted to Islam. In 1993, he changed his name to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. In 1996, Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the national anthem at an NBA game. A religious storm followed.

Abdul-Rauf claimed in a 2010 interview with HoopsHype.com that “[a] fter the national anthem fiasco, nobody really wanted to touch me.” He played only three more seasons in the NBA before going overseas to play professionally. In that same interview, he discusses how his home in Mississippi was burned down just a few months prior to Sept. 11. He eventually left the state. So Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf stood up (or in this case, sat down) for his religious beliefs. He made his religion a visible aspect of his life and a visible aspect of his professional basketball career. Just like Tim Tebow. The difference of course being that Tim Tebow was satirized on “Saturday Night Live.” Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf had his home burned down and felt blacklisted from the NBA. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf pales in comparison to the outspoken nature of Cassius Clay. In 1964, Cassius Clay announced his membership in the Nation of Islam, and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. In 1966, Ali spoke out against the draft and became a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War based on his religious beliefs. In 1967, Ali was convicted

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

20 | ISLAM

Islam

Why Muslim Fathers Have to Man Up By Yahya Whitmer There is an old saying that goes “it takes a village to raise a child”. To me, that statement emphasizes the tremendous impact that a child’s environment and peers has on his or her development. In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, the Prophet (alayhis-salaam) mentioned that sheep shepherds are meek and humble, whereas the caretakers of camels are proud and arrogant, indicating that these human beings are influenced by the innate character of the animals that they take care of. In commenting on this hadeeth, the Ulama have long mentioned that if people are susceptible to being influenced by the character of animals, then how much more susceptible must they be to being influenced by other people and cultures? Now, please take time to think about this in relation to the situation with Muslim families today. Take a quick scan of mainstream culture; check

out what is playing on TV or in the cinema, what are the popular stories on the internet, see what your average co-worker or potential classmate for your child is talking about. While there are positive nuggets to be found, the overwhelming majority of what is buzzing and rumbling in the cloud of mainstream culture is petty, selfish, and indulgent, and “Muslim” cultures are not exempt from this. This is our new, global village. Our children deserve better. And the only person that can provide them what they deserve is you, Allah willing. “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you shall be asked about his flock”(Bukhari and Muslim) is what the Prophet (alayhis-salam) told us. Was there ever a time in history where this hadeeth has been more pertinent to a fathers Pg 21

Photo by Eric Lafforgue.

Being a Professional Verily with Hardship Worshiper of Allah Comes Ease You who believe! If you turn away from your religion, soon will Allah produce a people whom He loves and they love Him. – Quran: 5:54 Without loving Allah, you cannot be a professional worshiper of Allah. Those who really love what they do, succeed in their work. A teacher, who loves to teach, succeeds in teaching more than a teacher who teaches for money. A chef, who loves to cook, succeeds more than a chef who does not like their job. Applying the same logic, only a person who genuinely loves Allah is equipped to worship Him wholeheartedly. It is impossible to worship that which you know not and love not. Worship and love are intimately related. The highest level of

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love is worship and love is the foundation and essence of godly living. True and genuine worship of Allah does not take place except through loving Him. Allah’s Messenger said, “None of you believes until I am more beloved to him than his family, wealth and all the people.” If the authenticity of your belief is conditional upon loving Allah’s messenger more than anything else, then the obvious reality is that one does not even smell the fragrance of faith until they worshiper Pg 21

By Sheikh Aa’id ‘Abdullâh al-Qarnî At a time in which the Muslims are beset with trials from every periphery, it is a time when Muslims should continue being Muslims, only better Muslims. I would say to my dear brothers and sisters in Islam “don’t be sad”; if you are on the true religion – believing in One God and all the Messengers sent to mankind, then don’t be sad. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says in Qur’an: “…Bear with patience whatever befalls you….” (31:17) and “Be not

sad, surely Allah is with us.” (9:40) Our Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath.” [Tirmidhi] Being sad is not encouraged in Islam “So do not become weak, nor be sad…” (3:139) “And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.”

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012 fathers

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Muslim parent? Has there ever been a time where adultery, disrespect for parents, heedlessness of the Creator, rudeness, and intoxication, which are sins condemned by all the world’s major faiths, are not just accepted, but actually advertised to children? I dearly wish that I was exaggerating, that I was some turbaned version of Glenn Beck, but take one long, eye-searing look at the popular media that is targeted to youth, such as MTV and hip-hop, and you might get upset with me for understating the problem. And as I often have to point out, the Muslim community is not mystically protected. Just because our children are named Aisha and Muhammad, or because someone’s great grandfather was a hafiz of the Quran, does not bestow a quasi-magical barrier of protection from society’s ills. Through research and personal accounts, I can guarantee you that our children fall prey to the same immorality that the children of all other communities suffer from. Permit me to lift the veil for just one moment: amongst Muslim youth, I know stories of zina, alcohol and drug use (including kids in Hifz school), apostasy, and even incest. We are not immune! These children needed a protector. They needed a true Muslim Father.

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love Allah more than anything else individually and collectively. Our love to Allah is the very foundation of our faith. Since, love is as good as the entity in which it is placed, achieving close to perfect faith is directly related to the perfection of the beloved. Allah’s perfection infinitely exceeds our perception of perfection. He is free from any deficiency and all his attributes are occasion for praise. Thus, those who know Him, love Him more than they love anyone and anything else. Therefore, they freely submit themselves to Him, not because they have to, but because they love to; they love it and enjoy it. Worship is the submission and subordination

Let me address the inevitable question: Why am I talking about Muslim Fathers and not Muslim Mothers? The simple answer is that the level of involvement of Muslim Mothers in the upbringing of our Ummah’s children is relatively high; look at Muslim parenting websites, masjid activities geared towards children, etc. and you will find that the majority of participants are mothers. Or even better, speak with the youth of your local community and ask them about their relationship with their parents. When it comes to their mothers, many may even complain that their mothers are too involved, “nosy”, or “smothering”. Ask them about their fathers and you will often get blank expressions, and vague, shy answers that they don’t spend much time together. Our sisters were not meant to bear this tremendous responsibility alone. Children need the unique dynamics that a father and a mother bring to a family. Allah has created everything with an inherent nature and purpose, as indicated by the Prophet’s statement (alayhis-salam), “People are minerals like the minerals of gold and silver, the best of them before Islam are the best of them in Islam when they obtain knowledge and understanding.” (Bukhari and Muslim). There is a specific role that men are supposed to play in the family, modern gender poli-

internally and externally to the beloved Lord out of love and adoration. You and I psychologically are neither willing nor able to subordinate or submit ourselves, both internally and externally in all conditions except through worshipful love. Hence, this love must be dispensed only to Allah. This type of love provides the long term impetus for worship and service. Love without subordination and servitude is not worshipful love. Without love, subordination and servitude do not constitute worship. However, when love is coupled with servitude, humility, submission, subordination, adoration and veneration, the result of combining these attitudes of faith is true and genuine worship. This love-based submission brings about liberation from worldly control. Love and Servitude

ISLAM | 21 tics be damned. Failing to live up to that role is failure to be a man. Our Creator said, “men are the caretakers (Qawwamoon) of women” (An-Nisaa’, 34). I understand that this verse has often been used as a bludgeon to enforce female subservience to their husbands, but that is the result of a backwards and impotent culture, and has nothing to do with our Creator’s intent in revealing this verse. As always, our salvation comes from the Sunnah of the Messenger (alayhissalam). In dealing with his wives and children, the Prophet (alayhis-salam) demonstrated kindness, consideration, compassion, and patience that would put any modern relationship guru to shame. And he sealed the issue by saying, “The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best amongst you to my family” (At-Tirmidhi, declared Saheeh by Al-Albaani) emphasizing that his implementation of Qawwamah is the only authentic one, and it is not open to a new American, Arab, Pakistani, or other interpretation. To reiterate: failure to be strong, kind, and caring to your family is failure to be a true man and Believer. There has never been a time when families have been more in need of this strong, caring figure. We live in an age where we can take nothing for granted. Can you wholly entrust your child’s education to the public school system,

Man cannot experience peace and tranquility without knowing his Maker. When man knows his Lord and understands his intended relationship to Him, he falls in love with Him. Allah is not distant or hard to get to know. He is neither mysterious nor capricious, but rather evident in the world around us and in us and easy to know. When man knows his Lord not, he fails to love Him. Certain destruction is indeed the result of man not truly loving his Lord and acknowledging his subservience to Him. The Bible also says full love and servitude are suitable only to Allah (Jehovah). “Love your Lord with all your heart” (Mk 12:30). Loving Allah produces servitude and submission all the time and in all places internally and externally. Loving Allah is the emotion that puts lovers in motion, starts them on the path of de-

especially in such an evolving and dynamic world? Thousands of educators and experts have written about the inherent flaws of our school system and those flaws are present in any school that models itself after that system (i.e. Islamic schools). Is the food in our supermarkets safe? Again, the testimony of countless experts highlights significant dangers in the way our food is produced. What about your child’s physical development? Hours and hours of play every day were once typical for a child, but current cultural trends are more likely to steer your child towards hours in front of the TV or computer. And what about their spiritual life? Is it enough to send them to Quran class on Saturday and Sunday? Would memorizing and reciting lines from Grey’s Anatomy be enough to make them competent physicians? What about the immorality promoted by modern media channels that I discussed earlier? The list goes on and on, the challenges are relentless, and Muslim families will be overwhelmed, unless they can come together, cooperate, and help each other in the path to their Creator. This endeavor, like all great endeavors, needs a leader. That leader is supposed to be the Muslim Father. And Allah knows best. --------------------------Source: muslimdads.blogspot.com

votion, eases for them difficulties, shortens for them otherwise long distances and relieves hardships as the sweetness of love offsets the bitterness of difficulties. When you are love-borne, you can cover the distance to come closer to Allah faster and easier. A poet has said, “ My religion is love This is my religion There is no compulsion in the religion The one whose religion is dislike moves as if dragging his feet in the mud The one passionate for his religion advances The one who is passionless slacks.” --------------------------Source: http://www.loveallah.net

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22 | ease

>> continued from pg 20

(16:127) Sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart does not benefit through grief. The most beloved thing to the devil is to hinder the worshipper in the path of Allah. The Muslim must repel sadness and fight in any way that is permissible in Islam. Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala is sufficient for us “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs. So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the owner of Great Bounty.” (3:173-174) “And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed…” (5:23) “O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer…” (2:153) By leaving your affairs to Allah, by depending on Him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree, by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, you reap some of the greater fruits of faith. When you incorporate these qualities, you will be at peace concerning the future, because you will depend on your Lord for everything. As a result, you will find care, help, protection and victory. Pre-ordainment “No calamity befalls on earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees – before We bring it into existence.” (57:22) The pen has dried, and the pages have been lifted: all events shall come to pass have already been written. Whatever has befallen you was not meant to escape you, and whatever has escaped you was not meant to befall you: if this belief were to be firmly ingrained in your heart, then all hardships and difficulty would become ease and comfort. The Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Whoever Allah wishes good for, He inflicts him (with hardship).” (Bukhaari)

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

ISLAM For those who are afflicted with disaster, glad tidings await them: so remain patient and happy with your Lord. “He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.” (21:23) Verily, with hardship, there is relief

Your recompense is with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala When Allah, the Exalted takes something away from you, He compensates it with something better, but only if you are patient and seek His reward.

“Verily, with hardship there is relief.” (94:6) “Perhaps Allah may bring victory or a decision according to His Will.” (5:52)

Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever loses a loved one from the people of this world and then seeks recompense with his Lord, will be compensated with Paradise.”

Prophet Ibraheem ‘alayhissalam did not feel its heat because of the help he received from Allah. “We (Allah) said : O’ fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibraheem.” (21:69)

Those who are in this world and are close to Allah will be raised in the highest of heaven: “Peace be upon you, because you peresevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!” (13:24)

The sea would not drown Prophet Musa ‘alayhissalam because he uttered in confident, strong and truthful manner: “Nay verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.” (26:62)

Truly, the life of this world is short and its treasures are few. O’ afflicted ones, if you are patient you lose nothing; and though you may not perceive it, you are profiting.

And the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas radiyallahu ‘anhu: “..Be mindful of Allah, you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah in prosperity and He will know you in adversity… And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.” [Tirmidhi]

Extract honey but do not break the hive

Accept life as it is

Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Verily, Allah ordered me to keep relations with those that cut off, forgive the ones who does an injustice with me, and to give to those who withhold from me.”

If you read the Qur’an you will see that all the Prophets ‘alayhimussalam went through trials and tribulations. Life is a test so let us learn from the best examples of our Prophets. “Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken.” (2:214) We should know that if we are pleased with our Lord, He will be pleased with us. And if you are pleased with your Lord no matter what the situation is, then you will find that you have earned your Lord’s pleasure. On the other hand, there are hypocrites whom Allah rejects their deeds. They are displeased with what Allah sends down and they hate seeking His pleasure; thus their deeds are performed in vain.

“Repel (the evil) with one which is better, then verily! He, between whom and you there was enmity (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (41:34) “….and harm them not. And put your trust in Allah.” (33:48)

“Those who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the gooddoers.” (3:134) Remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28) “Therefore remember Me and I will remember you…” (2:152) We should not be surprised when we hear that people who remember Allah are at peace. What is truly surprising is how the negligent and unmindful survive without remembering Him. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says in the Qur’an, “They are dead, lifeless and they know

not when they will be raised up.” (16:21) Truly, He is near when supplicated: He hears when he is called and He answers when He is invoked, so humble yourself before Him and ask of Him sincerely. Repeat His beautiful names, and mention Him alone as worthy of worship. Mention His praises, supplicate to Him: you will find then – by the will of Allah – happiness, peace and illumination. “So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter.” (3:148) Loving Allah, knowing Him, remembering Him, seeking peace in Him, singling Him out for complete love, fear, hope and dependence – these qualities when combined in a person, constitute a sort of heaven on earth. These are qualities that bring peace to those who love Allah, a sort of peace that has no comparison in this world. It is important that a special relationship exists in the heart between the slave and his Lord, a relationship that allows the slave to feel so close to his Lord that he requires no other. Thus, he finds company when he is alone, and he tastes the sweetness of remembering Him and supplicating to Him. Allah’s slave will continually face hardship and difficulty until he dies, but if he has a special relationship with his Lord, all of the hardships of life will become easy for him. The prayer….the prayer – we must return to our masajid “O’ you who believe! Seek help in patience and the Prayer.” (2:153) By earnestly performing the five daily prayers, we achieve the greatest of blessings: cleared off our sins and increase in rank with our Lord. Prayer is a potent remedy for our sickness, for it instills our faith in our souls. As for those that keep away from the mosque and away from prayer, for them is unhappiness, wretchedness and an embittered life. “For them is destruction and Allah will make their deeds vain.” (47:8) Take a moment to reflect

ease II Pg 23

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

ISLAM | 23

Salaah times for January 27th - February 9th, 2012 If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it fi ve times a day, do you think he would have any fi lth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “That is like the fi ve daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.” ---Hadith in Sahih al Bukhari and Muslim

Prayer times generated from www.islamicfinder.com for the WASHINGTON, DC area.

ease II

>> continued from pg 22

O whose mind has wandered in grief, O’ you whose eyes are loaded with tears; relax and know that your Creator aids, and that His mercy will bring you peace. And know that your reward is secure with He Who doesn’t disappoint the one who seeks to please Him. Be at peace, for after poverty comes joyous meeting,

gps

>> continued from pg 16

tions, saying the imaging devices carry the potential to “shrink the realm of guaranteed privacy.”

Day

Date

Hijri

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Fri Sat Sun Mon

Jan 27 28 29 30

4/3 5/3 6/3 7/3

6:02 6:02 6:01 6:00

7:18 7:18 7:17 7:16

12:21 12:21 12:22 12:22

3:03 3:04 3:05 3:06

5:24 5:25 5:26 5:27

6:40 6:41 6:42 6:43

Tue

31 Feb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

8/3 9/3 10/3 11/3 12/3 13/3 14/3 15/3 16/3 17/3

6:00 5:59 5:58 5:57 5:56 5:56 5:55 5:54 5:53 5:52

7:15 7:14 7:13 7:12 7:12 7:11 7:10 7:09 7:07 7:06

12:22 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:22 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23 12:23

3:07 3:08 3:09 3:10 3:11 3:12 3:13 3:14 3:14 3:15

5:28 5:29 5:31 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:35 5:36 5:37 5:39

6:44 6:45 6:46 6:47 6:48 6:49 6:51 6:52 6:53 6:54

Wed

Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

and after sleeplessness comes sound rest. O you who are oppressed in the lands, who suffer from hunger, pain, sickness and poverty, rejoice in the knowledge that you will soon be satisfied with food and that you will be happy and in good health. Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief

The Obama administration urged the court to reinstate the conviction and life sentence of Jones, a suspected cocaine dealer whose vehicle was tracked via GPS for a month without a court warrant.

“There is no worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever Forbearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your Mercy do we seek Your aid.”

“Verily, along with every hardship is relief, verily, along with hardship is relief. So when you have finished (your occupation), devote yourself for Allah’s worship. And to your Lord (Alone) turn (all your) intentions and hopes.” (94:5-8). ------------------------------

“So be patient, with a good patience…” (70:5).

Source: http://islamicstudies.islammessage.com

The government told the justices during oral arguments that that GPS devices have become a common tool in crime fighting, saying it is employed “thousands” of times annually.

(This post was updated to reflect that GPS monitoring does not always require a warrant.)

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24 | OBITS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Request For Dua’s { To A llah We B e l o n g , an d t o Hi m i s Ou r R e tu r n }

“Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and good, and to Us you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Anbiya:35)” 1-11-12 Col. Altaf Malik, father of Br. Hashmat Malik and father-in-law of Sr. Nilofer Malik, has passed away. Col. Malik visited the U.S. frequently and was a friend of ICM. May Allah in His infinite mercy forgive his shortcomings and enter him into Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen. (Source: ICM) 1-14-12 Sister Akhtar Malek, mother of Brother Asif Malek , has passed away. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen. May Allah give him Sabr to bear the loss of his mother, Aameen. (Source: ICM) 1-15-12 Dr Siddiqui , Mother of Zahoor Siddiqui of Gernmantown Halal House, has passed away. May Allah set give the family patience and perseverance during this time and May He grant them a house in Paradise. (Source: M. Desai) 1-16-12 Our Brother Rafiq Gazipura returned to Allah. Please make dua for him to make his grave a place of peace and fill it with Noor and accept him into Junnatul Firdose. Please also make dua for his family. May Allah give them peace and comfort at this time. The Janaza prayer was January 17, 2012 in Falls Church, Virginia. (Source: A. Ahmad) 1-19-12 Sister Bahijah Abdus Salaam and Sister Zakiyyah Abdul Haqq’s brother, Cammad Rasool, has passed. The janazah was on January 21, 2012 in Washington, D.C. May the Most High grant their brother forgiveness and Paradise. Amin. (Source: Masjid Muhammad)

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

Upcoming Events In Your Area PGMA Lecture Series: My Journey to Islam Saturday, January 28 2012 The Dawah and Religious Committee at Prince George’s Muslim Association presents the Third Lecture in the My Journey to Islam Series. Our next presenter is brother Jameel Aalim-Johnson, a member of the PGMA Masjid and a founding member of the Prince George’s Muslim Council. There will be a Q and A session. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is invited, Muslims and NonMuslims. Lecture at 5:30PM between Maghrib and Isha prayer. Location: PGMA, 9150 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, Maryland 20706 Contact: Email: drc@pgmamd.org , Phone: (301) 459-4942 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Preparing Muslims for Marriage Workshop Sunday, January 29 2012 Preparing Muslims for Marriage: Establishing Premarital Counseling and Marriage Education Programs in Your Community. Presented by The Islamic Social Services Association, USA (ISSAUSA). For Imams, Community Leaders, Human Service Professionals, and Volunteers. Instructor: Aneesah Nadir, MSW, PhD. Dr. Aneesah Nadir serves as the president of the Islamic Social Services Association-USA and is a social worker and family and marriage educator. Registration Fee: $50/ person by Jan 24, 2012, $60 Jan 25-29. Includes training material, certificate of participation, and lunch. If you are interested in implementing premarital counseling and marriage preparation programs and services in your community, this workshop is for you. To register: www. premaritalprogramdc.eventbrite.com. Seating is Limited. Location: Peaceful Families Project, 555 Grove St. Herndon, VA, 20170. Contact: For information, call: 480 233 6547 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Arab Spring, A View from Libya Monday, January 30 2012 Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding Georgetown University invites you to: The Arab Spring, A View from Libya. Featuring: Tamara Sonn, Wm. R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Humanities, The College of William & Mary. Professor Sonn will share insights gathered on a recent trip to the former Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriyya. Seating is limited. Lunch will be served. Starts at 12:30PM. Please RSVP at: http://tamarasonn.eventbrite.com. Location: Edward B. Bunn, S.J. Intercultural Center, 37th and O St., N.W. Washington, DC 20057. Contact: For directions and more information, please visit: http://acmcu.georgetown.edu/about/contact/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MPAC and NAAP Discussion with Journalist Ashraf Khalil Monday, January 30 2012, 6:30pm - 8:00pm The Muslim Public Affairs Council and the Network of Arab American Professionals Washington, DC Chapter will be hosting a discussion and book signing with Egyptian-American Journalist, Ashraf Khalil to discuss One Year Later, What’s next for Liberation Square. Khalil will discuss his firsthand experience during the Egyptian revolution, as well as his first book, Liberation Square: Inside the Egyptian Revolution and the Rebirth of a Nation. This is a free event. Dinner will be sold through Busboys and Poets. Location: Busboys and Poets, (5th and K) Washington, DC Contact: Marium Mohiuddin, 323-258-6722, marium@mpac.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Support our SISTERS Expo Saturday, February 04 2012, 3:00pm - 7:00pm Sisters in Solidarity to Educate, Respond & Serve (SISTERS) Presents: Support Our Sisters Expo. Enlightening Free Workshops: Turning Your Passion into a Business, Getting Published, Know Your Rights in the Workplace. Full Bazaar: Featuring products and services of Muslim women entrepreneurs from our community including clothing, hijabs, skin products, herbal remedies, jewelry, the SISTERS bake sale and much more! Do you have your own business? Are you part of an organization and you want to let others know about your work? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you will want to reserve a table at this year’s SISTERS Business Expo. Tables are only $35 each. For details regarding vending or to reserve your table, please contact us: Amanda: 301-979-2767, Laurie 571-217-1436, Tracey: 571-265-6720. Location: Dar Al Taqwa, 10740 Rt. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Contact: Email sistersbusinessexpo@gmail.com

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

MASJID LISTING

| 25

Do you have additions, changes, or corrections to the event listings in the Muslim Link? Email us at events@muslimlinkpaper.com, or call us at 301-982-1020. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------All Muslim Brothers Association 3900 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: 703-647-0515 Jumma Prayer Only - 1:15 P.m --------------------------------------------------------------------------Icna VA Center: 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306. Tel: 703-660-1255 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Idara Dawat-o-irshad: 4803 VAlley St, Alexandria, VA 22312 Tel: 703-256-8622 ww.irshad.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mustafa Center: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003 Tel: 703-658-7134 www.mustafacenter.org E-mail: Mustafacenter@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Baitul Mukarram: 2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Zakaria Islamic Academy: Galesbury Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151 Tel: 571-969-2123 www.ziacademy.org E-mail: Contact@ziacademy.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Badr Community Center Of Dumfries: 17794 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026 Tel: 703-585-1689/703-554-7983 www.bccd.org E-mail: Info@bccd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Ul-ghuraba (Masjid Ur Rahmah): 155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al Hijrah: 3159 Rowe St., Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030 www.hijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Northern VA Trust (Icnvt): 4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-591-0999 www.icnvt.org E-mail: Info@icnvt.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al-noor (Muslim Assoc. Of VA): 5404 Hoadly Rd., Manassas, VA 20112, Tel: 703-580-0808 Fax: 703-221-8513 www.daralnoor.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Manassas Mosque: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VA Tel: 703-257-5537 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Virginia: 1241 Buford Rd.,

Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-320-7333 www.icVA1.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Greater Richmond (Isgr): 6324 Rigsby Road, Richamond, VA 23226 Tel: 804-673-4177 www.isgr.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al Rahman: 1305 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224 Tel: 804-232-7640 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjidullah Of Richmond: 211 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222 Tel: 804-321-8864/804-647-4297 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-ul Huda: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111 www.darulhuda.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Foundation of America: 6606 Electronic Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Noor: 8608 Pohick Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 Tel: 703-451-7615 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Adams Center: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325 www.adamscenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Heritage Center (Ihc): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON D.C.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------First Hijra Muslim Comm. Center: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20011 www.firsthijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ivy City Masjid: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Tel: 202-529-3100 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-islam: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, D.C. 20019 E-mail: Imammusa@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Muhammad: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832 | www. masjidmuhammad.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Society Of Washington, D.c. (MswDC): Howard Center, Room 805 (Above Hu Bookstore) Tel: 202-328-3236 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Islamic Center: 2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343 www.theislamiccenter.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Annapolis (Isa): 2635 Riva Rd. Suite 110, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 www.isamd.org Email: Info@islamannapolis.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bait-Allah Masjid of Baltimore Inc 1935 Frederick Ave Baltimore, MD 21223 Imam’s cell: 571-721-9938 email: baitallahmasjid@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bilal Dawah Center, Inc: 1910 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223 Tel: 410-945-1515 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar ul Uloom: 6334 Dogwoood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207, Tel: 410-493-0785 Email: Darululoommd@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ul-haq: 514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-728-1363 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-mumineen: 2642 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: 410-467-8798 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Jamaat Al-Muslimeen: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Tel: 443-622-2962 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-rahmah/isb: 6631 Johnnycake Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244 Tel: 410-747-4869 | www.isb.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid As Saffat: 1335 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-669-0655 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Easton 126 Port Street Unit # 1 Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-829 7924 islamicsocietyofeastonmd.yolasite.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Irhsca (Islamic Research And Hum. Services Center Of America): 1 Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MD Tel: 301-324-5040 www.irhsca.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Southern Pg County (Isspgc): P O Box 99, Clinton, MD 20735 5410 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 Tel: 240 603 4618

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-us-Salaam: 5301 Edgewood Rd., College Park, MD 20740, Tel: 301-982-9848 www.duscommunity.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Zamzam 1510 Lynch Road, Dundalk, MD 21222 Tel: 410-284-2840 www.masjidzamzam.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar al-Taqwa: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711 www.taqwa.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Hikmah: 11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Frederick (Isf): 1250 Key Parkway, Frederick,md 21702 Tel: 301-682-6090 www.isfmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Maryland (Icm): 19411 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg,md 20879 Tel:301-840-9440 www.icomd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Makkah Learning Center (Mlc): 814 Brandy Farms Ln., Gambrills, MD 21054 Tel: 410-721-5880 www.isamd.org Email: Info@mlcmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Germantown (Isg): 19900 Brandermill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 Tel: (240)-277-7758 www.isgtown.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ibn Taymiyyah: 8000 Mlk Highway, Glenarden MD Tel: 301-461-9325 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Western Maryland: 2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-797-0922 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Southern Maryland Islamic Center (Smic): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639 Tel: 410-535-0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Avondale Islamic Center: 4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782 Tel: 301-779-9292 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Prince Georges Muslim Assoc.(Pgma): 9150 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, MD, 20706, Tel: 301-459-4942

www.pgmamd.org Imam’s Office: 301-459-1441 E-mail: Imam@pgmamd.org. --------------------------------------------------------------------------Turkish American Community Center 9704 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706 Tel: 301-459-9589 www.taccenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------La Plata Masjid: 111 Howard Street, La Plata, MD 20646 Tel: 301-609-8769 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Com. Center Of Laurel (ICCL): 7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707 Tel: 301-317-4584 www.icclmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Ghurabaa: 8220 Washington St., South Laurel, MD 20724. Tel: 301-604-3295 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Lexington Park 22583 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20619 Tel: 240-538-7839 or 561-414-0994 www.iclpmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Medina Center: 11600 Falls Road, Potomac MD 20854 www.medinacenter.net E-mail: Admin@medinacenter.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------Randallstown Islamic Center 9019 Marcella Ave. Randallstown, MD 21133 Tel: 410-971-4018 www.ricbaltimore.org E-mail: Info@ricbaltimore.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of The Washington Area (Iswa): 2701 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-879-0930 www.iswamd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Community Center (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20905 Tel: 301-384-3454 www.mccmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Imaam: (Jumuah Only) Jumuah: 12:50pm 3201 Randolph Rd, Wheaton, MD 20906 www.imaam.org Email: Fridayprayer@imaam.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid An-nur: 5418 Ebenezer Road, White Marsh, MD 21162 Tel: 410-663-9637 Fax: 410-663-9817 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-inshirah: 7832 Fairbrook Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 410-298-2977

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

26 | tebow Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager: Stephanie Benmoha Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Fatimah Waseem Wafa Unus Rashad Mulla Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Imam Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published every other week on Fridays and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas. TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam. The views expressed in The Muslim Link do not necessarily reflect those of Dar-us-Salaam or TML management or their underwriters. Dar-usSalaam and TML are not responsible for the accuracy of information presented by advertisers, or for the religious compliance of events, products, or services published in TML. This publication contains the names of ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). Please keep, recycle, or share it with others The Muslim Link 5301 Edgewood Road College Park, MD 20740 Phone : (301) 982-1020 Fax: (240) 209-0702 editor@muslimlinkpaper. com Advertising: 301-982-1020 or email us at office@ muslimlinkpaper.com The Muslim Link. All Rights Reserved 2012

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>> continued from pg 19

of draft evasion. But even before his conviction, Ali was causing controversy. Sports Illustrated dubbed Ali the most hated athlete in the world in April 1966. In the same article, Ali’s faith was referred to as being a part of his “fanatically religious side.” Instead of being something to admire, his faith was inconceivable fanaticism. No Christian leader supported Ali’s display of Islamic faith in the same way that Muslim leaders have supported Tebow’s display of Christian faith. Just like Tebow, though, Ali – the person, the boxer, the Muslim – could not be separated from his religion. This was never clearer than in his conscientious objection to the war in Vietnam. By now, even casual boxing fans are

familiar with Ali’s quote “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong … No Viet Cong ever called me nigger.” That one quote made Ali a social activist. And his social activism was based on his faith. Ali claimed that Islam prohibited war unless called for by Allah. That one belief made Ali’s religion a wider social issue. What followed was public outcry. Ali was stripped of his championship belt, had his boxing license suspended, and was convicted of draft evasion. The Supreme Court ultimately overturned it. But for four years, Ali, arguably the greatest boxer of all time, did not fight. So Muhammad Ali stood up (or in this case, sat out) for his religious beliefs. He made his religion a visible aspect of his life and a visible aspect of his professional boxing career. Just like Tim Tebow 40 years later. Just like Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf 30 years later. Ali was an outspoken proponent of his religion, Islam, but was vilified for his outspoken

Get Involved with The Muslim Link TODAY email us at editor @ m uslimli n k pa per. com

religious beliefs. His Islamic beliefs. Again I ask, what if Tim Tebow were Muslim? He’s not. So maybe it doesn’t matter. There is no way to separate the man and the religion. Some people praise him for it, others recoil. When this happens, avid defenders of Tebow invoke freedom of religion. But as Tebowmania makes its way into politics, sports, religion and the everyday life of the mainstream United States, it is important to think about how we approach religion in this country. How we approach religious freedom in this country. Do we accept freedom of religion, any religion? Or do we accept freedom of Christianity? -----------------------------------------------In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

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MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 31

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38 | MP - Advertisement

January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

Honey Heals Skin Disease and Hair Loss Every Muslim has read

that the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam told his ummah about the wonderful nature of honey. In the Qur’an in Surah An-Nahl, Allah described honey as a “drink of varying color wherein is healing for men”. Its no wonder that scientists are spending more and more resources examining, testing, and developing honey-based medical treatments. As early as December 26, 2007, the Associated Press ran a story titled “Honey makes medical comeback”. One company that has believed in the restorative power of honey for a long time is HoneyDerm, Inc., a Lansing, Michigan based company that spent years bringing the healing power of honey to people suffering from hair loss, dandruff, and skin disease. Their most famous product line is Hairback Lotion and Hairtonix Shampoo, that “helps stimulate new hair growth and thicken existing hair”. Honeyderm, Inc also claims the products solve dandruff and scalp psoriasis. The Muslim Link requested access to some of Honeyderm’s customers, and Brother Mahmoud from Honeyderm gladly offered us some phone numbers. Brother Hasan, in his late 30’s is from Maryland and suffers from the common skin disease eczema. “I’ve had eczema

since high school, and it got worse as the years went on. I went to a dermatologist and he recommended a cortisone-type prescription cream. It did stop the itch, but my skin was still dry and tight. I’ve tried lotions and shampoos from Aveeno, Lubiderm, Vaseline, and others. Alhumdulillah, I found Honeyderm’s Dermatonic-P, and it is really, really a blessing for people with Eczema or other skin illnesses. I no longer wake up sweating at night! AllahuAkbar!.” We called Abdurihman Khalil from Chicago. He did not know we were going to call. Abdurihman started losing his hair when he was about 28. He discovered the Hairback product line at a convention and decided to test its claims. “The hair loss stopped completely,” said Abdurihman. “It’s excellent, and I’ve been using it now for 6 years.” We also called Brother Mustafa Al-Omary in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He decided to do something about his thinning hair at age 40 and tried the Hairback treatment. Asked how long it took for him to see results, he told us “Oh gosh, less than a month. My thin spots filled in within 3 months,.” He said he would “absolutely” recommend the product to anyone. “It’s not a fly-by-night product, its awesome,” said Mustafa. We

also called Najeebudheen Appat, a 30-year old living in Los Angeles, CA. He’s had a severe dandruff

“Alhumdulillah, I found Honeyderm’s

Dermatonic-P, and it is really, really a blessing for people with Eczema or other skin illnesses. I no longer wake up sweating at night! Allahu-Akbar!.” -- Br.Hasan, Maryland problem for a long-time, and had been searching for a solution. “I tried so many different products like tonics and shampoos, I can’t even remember them all, until I found this product around 2002. My problem was solved completely, the entire thing is taken care of. I even called [Honeyderm] with the great feedback,” recalled Najeebudheen. He told us that Allah creates shifa in many things, and Honeyderm’s products are a part of that. “For dandruff problems, this is the total solution,” he told us from his mobile phone.

BEFORE

AFTER

On Honeyderm’s website, there are many more testimonials from Muslims and non-Muslims from around the nation and the world. There is also a gallery of “before and after” pictures of both hair loss treatments as well as skin treatments. And best of all, for those of us who’ve “tried it all”, there is a full money back guarantee. Allah said honey heals. The Prophet Sallallahu’alyhi wa sallam said honey heals. The people we called said honey heals. With a money back guarantee, there is absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain – your hair and skin!

BEFORE

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January 27th 2012 - February 9th 2012

MP - CLASSIFIED ADS | 39

Place a personal classified ad. Call us at 301-982-1020. Office@muslimlinkpaper.com We invite you to place a classified on the web FREE of charge at www.muslimlinkpaper.com. Classifieds in the print edition of the Muslim Link newspaper are only $1 for every 3 words. All classifieds run for 3 issues in the Marketplace section. Get started by emailing your exact text to office@muslimlinkpaper.com and then call in your credit card payment to 301-982-1020 or send a check or money order payable to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park MD 20740.

Childcare Exchange AUNTIE RURUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLACE Licensed, Muslim Daycare Provider, Degree in Early Childhood Education. Infant to 5 years. Pre-school Curriculum. 3 minutes from Masjid AlRahmah. Call Ruwaydah at 443-449-3244 or email auntierurusplace@yahoo.com. -----------------------------------------------MUSLIM DAYCARE Licensed Muslim daycare provider. Infant to 10 years old. 301-593-4769.

For Sale HOT FRESH HALAL MEALS $4.99 HOT FRESH HALAL MEALS $4.99 Homemade meals available for pick up or delivery. College Park and surrounding areas in Maryland. All meals $4.99. We offer: chicken biryani (made with halal chicken/meat and basmati rice) salad & drink; haleem, naan, & drink; pasta with halal chicken/vegetables & drink; fried qeema (ground meat) paratha; kofte (meat ball) & naan/roti; side orders available: ghulab jaman, habashi, & halva. Call 240271-9552 or email: msghani@gmail.com

matrimonial MOROCCAN SISTER FOR

MARRIAGE 36 yr old Sister in Morocco looking for Good Muslim man living in USA, homemaker, never married, will aid in translations if necessary, contact her Wali at mahdikm1@yahoo.com or 410-988-0705. -----------------------------------------------PIOUS MUSLIMA SEEKING A HUSBAND A religious Muslima of Arab origin. 39 years old, olive-skinned, 5 ft, 128 lbs. Never married, decent looking with a minor limp in lt leg wa-alhamdulillah. Good character, educated, and hard working. Located in DC area. Seeking an unmarried religious Brother with a good character, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready and capable to lead a family. Please direct serious inquires to supervised email: sakinah.seeker at yahoo dot com. -----------------------------------------------MOROCCAN BROTHER FOR MARRIAGE Good Moroccan Muslim brother in Morocco seeking good American Muslima for marriage, please contact Sister Fatima for more info 410-988-0705 or fatima1984@live.com

MISCELLANEOUS LONELY IN AMERICA Sunni Muslim Male, incarcerated, age 43, funny and easy-going. Home town

Karachi, Pakistan. Seeks pen friend. Nadeem Khan #1113005, P.O. Box 1900, Pound, VA 24279.

Rentals SEEKING ROOMMATE Looking for roommate, Burtonsville, Maryland, Blackburn, 2 bedroom apartment, 1 room available with private bathroom, share utilities, $650, call 240620-4382. -----------------------------------------------3 APARTMENTS AVAILABLE FOR RENT Efficiency $450/month, 1 BR $650/ month, 2 BR $650/month. In a farm area close to Germantown, Maryland. No bus service nearby. Good for retired person. Please call 301-253-0648 or cell 301-9102240.

Services HOME SERVICES Licensed contractor. Home Improvement work, interior/exterior painting, drywall install/repair, brick/concrete repair. License #30385946 Estimates done. Contact Br. Allen Scott at 410-467-1259 or 443-538-7643(cell) ------------------------------------------------

LICENSED PLUMBER Reduce Major Plumbing Bills. Give TwirlA-Drain a call at 410-963-5807 for sewer and water pipe replacement underground. Free estimates given, Michael D. Shahid. -----------------------------------------------NEW COMMUNITY MULTIPURPOSE CENTER Our first venture was The Community Thrift Store started 7 years ago with the purpose to help females with employment by opening a venue and also offering affordable sewing classes. However, a new project and goals has been incorporated to help the community. The new organization Green Housing and Development Group Inc gives thanks to all who donated items, time and funding. Our new project will be a multipurpose center located at 3538 Old York Road Baltimore, Md. 21218. This facility is for employment networking, counseling, job placement and referral services. The organization prays for continual support and fundraising is mandatory for this effort to be successful. We welcome any suggestion for fundraising projects. Contact people: Yusef Shahid 443 769 0319, Maxie Franklin 443 839 5467, Allen Scott 443 538 7643.

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