The Muslim Link -- March 15 2013 by The Muslim Link

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March 15th 2013 - April 11th 2013

Muslim Link to Readers: 'Exposed' May Be Our Most Important Event Ever By Muslim Link Staff The Muslim Link's annual fundraising dinner has made its mark among the hundreds of fundraising banquets held each year in the region.

who witnessed war-ravaged areas like Afghanistan and Iraq, US war veterans turned anti-war activists, and best selling authors who detailed how US conglomerates cooperate with the American government to strip the wealth of Muslim countries.

While the primary goal of the dinner is to raise funds neccessary to keep the non-profit newspaper operating, editor Minhaj Hasan says its also a platform for education and inspiration.

While all of these speakers were appreciated by attendees, they all spoke on issues that affected Muslims world-wide.

"As an Islamic media outlet, we are tasked with bringing news and views to our readers which they aren't getting from mainstream media. Part of that is bringing world-class speakers who can talk about issues and events affecting Muslims," explained Hasan, who joined the newspaper in 2001.

"Our speaker this year is an investigative journalist who did in-depth reporting on how the FBI is using informants in the Muslim community. This is directly impacting our masajid -- how we operate and even how we interact with one another, the types

For the last six years, these speakers have included investigative reporters

The Muslim Link

But this year is different.

>> exposed Pg 14

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

MCC Medical Clinic Cuts Ribbon to Open Expanded Facility | pg 4 DC MIST Promises 'Surprise' 10th Anniversary Tournament | pg 8 Group Demands Justice for Aafia Siddiqui , Lynne Stewart | pg 10 PHOTOS: Dar Al-Hijrah Celebrates 30 Years of Service | pg 15 ISLAM: Environmentalism -- Part of the Muslim Creed | pg 29 ISLAM: Salah and Refocus On the Purpose of Our Lives | pg 29 The Muslim Link

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March15th - April 11th 2013

March 15th - April 11th 2013

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March15th - April 11th 2013

4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Community News MCC Medical Clinic Inaugurates Newly Expanded Facilities By Muslim Link Staff Montgomery County Executive, Mr. Ike Legget, in the presence of Montgomery County Council Members Nancy Floreen and Hans Riemer performed the ribbon cutting ceremony of MCC Medical Clinicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently renovated facilities on Friday, February 15, 2013. Dr. Tahoora Khawaja, chair of MCC's medical board was the master of ceremony at the reception that followed. She has been with the clinic from the beginning; her passion lies in helping the truly needy who have no place else to go. She acknowledged the hard work of Mr. Rub, Rahman Construction, Dr. Azad, Dr. Chughtai and many others old and new supporters."The clinic is your clinic, please continue to help it grow," said Dr. Khawaja to a crowd of well wishers including representatives from Montgomery Cares and Primary Care Coalition.

"This is a wonderful day," said County Executive Ike Legget, "for the 80,000 who do not have health insurance in Montgomery County, that go to bed hungry and do not have proper care. This is a day for you to reflect on your values and contribution to the community as people who care for our community; we should replicate in this in every community, even everywhere in the nation. We made a difference today and we should take pride in it." Recently, MCC Medical Clinic was featured on the list of 100 Health Care Organizations to Watch in 2013 that was published by MHAPrograms.org, a website dedicated to educational programs in Health Administration. "As followers of health care trends and news, especially in the education sector, we are aware that the medical industry is going through some tough transitions to accommodate a growing el-

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derly population, new technology, and rapid innovation. We built this list to acknowledge some health care organizations that are handling the changes with grace, and to show our readership what

it looks like when health care companies get it right," said Jackie Caplan of MHA programs in an email.

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March 15th - April 11th 2013

COMMUNITY NEWS

Al-Rahmah School Raises over $10,000 for Orphans By Arjumand Yousuf

Muslim Link Staff Reporter Close to 500 students, teachers, parents and community members gathered at the Al-Rahmah school gym Friday, February 22, 2013 to celebrate the ending of a 10 week campaign focused on collecting funds and promoting orphan awareness. The campaign was introduced to the teachers by Asif Khan, parent of an Al-Rahmah student and Regional Coordinator (Mid Atlantic Region) of Helping Hands Relief and Development U.S.A. (HHRD). “I made a presentation to the teachers at Al-Rahmah School in the hopes of bringing awareness to our youth of Muslims’ responsibility towards orphans” says Brother Asif. Several of the teachers were very enthusiastic about HHRD’s Orphan Sponsorship Program he explains. A committee

was formed consisting of teachers, parents, and other school staff. The committee came up with the idea of a class competition to motivate the students with the winning class being awarded a pizza and ice cream party.

and it is truly a blessing that our students responded with such enthusiasm, and that parents, relatives, and friends, responded with such generosity states Laura Abdur-Rahman, Principal of AlRahmah School.

the air as the students eagerly awaited the announcement of the winning class; It was a tie for first place. The 5 classrooms that raised more than $1000.00 will be awarded a pizza party in the coming weeks.

‘The program was introduced to the students in December 2012, but really took off in January” explains Donna Khan, Administrative Assistant at AlRahmah School. A display was put up with a progress chart tracking the amount of money raised by each class. This encouraged the students to collect more. “They brought in change from their own piggy banks; they asked parents, grandparents, relatives, even did chores for change” says Sister Donna. Several classrooms also collected money from community members after Jummah. “This is the twenty-fifth anniversary year of Al-Rahmah School

The goal of the program was to sponsor 13 orphans in 13 countries. The response was so overwhelming that the school raised an astounding $ 10,742.81 and collected enough money to sponsor over 30 orphans for a year.

The students of Al-Rahmah School will be sent profiles and periodic progress reports of the orphans they have sponsored. “This way they will have a real sense of how their fund-raising efforts have helped impact the life of an orphan” says Brother Asif. “Al-Rahmah School is extremely proud of the entire student body for the tremendous effort demonstrated in raising money for the orphan fund. All of our classes are indeed winners.” says Sister Laura “It is through charity to others that we show our true appreciation for Allah’s mercy.”

The school hosted an orphan awareness extravaganza event on February 22, to acknowledge the efforts of the staff and students and to celebrate the school’s accomplishment. The children enjoyed the fun-filled evening getting their faces painted, making art and crafts, jumping on the moon bounce and eating popcorn and cotton candy. Excitement was in

Baltimore Retreat Puts Focus on New Muslims By SJ Hassan

Muslim Link Staff Reporter During the week of Dec. 23-31, 2012 the New Muslim Institute of the Americas (NMIA) held its first annual vacation retreat at Masjid Fatimah in Catonsville, MD. A unique opportunity for New Muslims, the retreat afforded them the time and place they needed to learn about their Deen. Given that a significant number of new Muslims leave Islam, the NMIA was started to help curb this trend by giving new Muslims access to individuals who have been in similar circumstances as them and provide them with tangible resources to help them on a daily basis. Started in Muharram 1432 (Dec. 2010) by Brother Samir Ismail of Baltimore, the NMIA brings the valued perspective and experiences of a Muslim who has spent the past three decades teaching new Muslims. Br. Samir states, “I established this organization because I saw too many converts coming into Islam with little to no help.” A convert

himself, Br. Samir has lived in cities across the US and has repeatedly seen first-hand the ill-effects on converts that have little to no help in understanding their newfound way of life. Converting from other religions – mainly Christianity - converts are not used to taking such measures as watching what they eat, avoiding gambling or interest, and being careful in how they interact with women. As these changes become effective immediately upon entering Islam, Brother Ismail explained that many converts feel they cannot sustain this pressure and in fact leave Islam. He also mentioned that commonly quoted reports placing the number of converts that return back to their old faith at 50 - 75% may be a bit high, but that there are truly those that go back. He states, “The problem lies in how they are helped and taught after they enter Islam. Additionally, many books authored specifically for new Muslims leave a lot to be desired.” As other converts have explained, it is not just a matter of simplifying the subject matter

to appeal to a ‘new Muslim’, but providing practical responses to problems commonly seen by converts and helping them to understand the importance of learning their Deen not only through a book but with an actual person as well. Most important, however, is that few books for new Muslims are written by those that went through their own personal trials of conversion. Thus the NMIA was born to provide solutions to local converts from someone who had ‘been through it all’ just as the new Muslims are dealing with the changes brought on by their new way of life. The ten day retreat hosted 20 participants, each staying for various periods of time. Ranging in age from 13 to 30 and bringing converts together from around the Baltimore metro area, the retreat gave them a chance to network and share their experiences in Islam. During the event, there were live online sessions with Shaykh Bilal Phillips and Shaykh Riaz Ansari (a DC local who is a graduate of Medina University and is now completing his PhD in Sharia

from the Islamic University in Malaysia). The participants also enjoyed field trips to The American Islamic Heritage Museum as well as the 1001 Inventions at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC. Both trips were sponsored by Masjid Al-Rahmah (ISB). Brother Samir and the retreat participants were very thankful to the Masjid Fatimah community for hosting the retreat, providing refreshments and books, and helping the new Muslims feel at home. Through their graciousness this event was able to become a reality. The Masjid Fatimah community also hosts Health and Eye Care Clinics as well as a Women's Shelter. May Allah Subhanahuwata’ala use the New Muslim Institute of the Americas and the local area mosques for the advancement of Islam in America and help them become an invaluable resource to all Muslims. Ameen.

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March15th - April 11th 2013

6 | COMMUNITY NEWS

PGMA Youth Host Forum On Youth and Terrorism By Urooj Zulfiqar

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

The FBI has built the largest network of spies ever to exist in the United States, with ten times as many informants on the streets today as there were during the infamous COINTELPRO operations under FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, with the majority of these spies focused on ferreting out terrorism in Muslim communities.

Lanham, MD—On February 2, 2013, the Prince George’s Muslim Association (PGMA) and PGMA Youth, with support from Islamic Leadership Institute of America(ILIA) and Peace Thru Justice Foundation(PTJF), jointly hosted an event on youth and terrorism, “Terrorism and Our Youth: Myth from Reality,” with special guest Brother Mauri’ Saalakhan and Brother Ayman Nassar. About 70 people attended the event. The event focused on concerns and issues related to Muslim youth and extremism; how parents should deal with these problems and why it is of concern; the community’s role in addressing the issue; the ramifications of issues that go unaddressed; how to stop the cycle in an effective, legal and prudent manner, and a general discussion on victims of social injustice.

neighbors living next door.”

It’s been a decade since 9/11 and we have yet to come out of Islamophobia’s shadow. The average American hasn't t yet quite grasped the idea of “Muslim

Br. Mauri Saalakhan, who is a Human Rights Advocate and Founder of the Peace Thru Justice Foundation, has been fighting against the injustice

that some of our Muslim brothers and sisters had to face from the government because they were wrongly accused or they were simply caught at the “wrong place at a wrong time.” Br. Saalakhan reports how “untold numbers of Muslims were tortured and killed in the name of terrorism for over a decade.” According to Br. Saalakhan, our youth are the target of so-called terrorism plots. He states that 16-35-years-old

brothers are the main target of the FBI and the government. These youngsters are referred to as “lone wolves,” a term given by the Bureau to the young Muslim single male. He warns the Muslim community of how the government and FBI target certain Muslim brothers and sisters and how we should be careful with our actions and thoughts. He quotes Trevor Aaronson’s book, The Terror Factory, “What became clear…in

>> terrorism Pg 26

Republican Women's Anti-Hijab Starts Tense, Ends with Seeds of Dialogue The general theme of her speech was that By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter Hate is a strong word and easy to incite. A cafeteria full of men and women, mostly white, sat in the elementary school in Fairfax Station, Virginia. They could have been your librarian, the professor at the community college, or the police officer in your local precinct. The crowd dotted by occasional women in a headscarf, many of them white, as well. About 30 Muslim women had come to attend the event after news spread that the local Republican Women's Club of Clifton was hosting a speaker who would talk about “the treatment of

....

women in Islamic society and how the Hijab is a catalyst for Islamic terrorism”. The meeting was held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.

Americans must wake up and confront the threat of Islam in every corner of society.

When Sandra Amen-Bryan reached the event, she saw three local non Muslim men and a woman protesting outside. "It was heartwarming, because it was really cold that day; I was really impressed." "I read about the event in the Muslim Link newspaper," said AmenBryan. Muslim communities need to realize that this is not someone else's problem. The speaker, Stephanie Reis is the founder of ACT! for America Omaha chapter.

The general theme of her speech was that Americans must wake up and confront the threat of Islam in every corner of society. She spoke using the Pamela Gellar vernacular: stealth jihad, totalitarianism etc. One young Muslim women about 19 started crying in the audience, she had come to hear a speech about hijab and this was the first time she had heard someone attack her religion in such a hateful manner . "For a person to say these things who is not trained, I don't know what translations

she had," said Marehan Al-Hady, a student of Quranic studies, who attended the event. "She fulfilled every negative expectation and went beyond it," said AmenBryan. Many women who came to hear Reis speak left disappointed. Rather than a talk about Hijab or terrorism, it was quoting the ACT! for America >> dialogue Pg 27

March 15th - April 11th 2013

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Islamic School to Operate at PGMA By Hena Zuberi

In the works is a modern curriculum which aligns with National and State standards including the adoption of Common Core State Standards in Language Arts, Mathematics, History, and Science and incorporation of hands-on learning approaches in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The school hopes to have laptops and tablets for students.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter Prince George's County, Maryland will be home to a new Islamic elementary school with Hifdh integration this fall. The team behind ILM Tree Academy held a town hall meeting at the Greenbelt Library on February 16, 2013 for interested families and educators. 40-50 individuals attend the event; which lasts 3 hours, between the presentation and questions. Yusuf Khan, a frequent Khateeb and Lecturer on Islamic subjects in the Washington DC metro, is a team leader for this endeavor. After Quran recitation by Hasan Khan and Yusuf , Khan led the group through the plan and vision for ILM Tree Academy. Yusuf Khan announced the school will be located in the Prince George's Muslim Association facilities. Being at PGMA will allow the children to have early exposure to the masjid, to pray

Yusuf Khan (right) and son Hasan present at the open house. with adults. PGMA already has a computer lab, a soccer field, a playground and is close to the MARC station. The school does not plan to offer a kindergarten class as Al- Nur Montessori at PGMA already offers both kindergarten and pre-kindergarten. The team has applied for certification in the state of Maryland. Some parents in the audience ask about accreditation. Khan says

that accreditation is a long process and an eventual goal. ILM Tree Academy plans "to impart quality Islamic and academic education that adheres to the Qur’an and Sunnah, and aims to develop future Muslim leaders who will serve as ambassadors of Islam through knowledge, character and community involvement."

The team aims to teach Islamic Studies in Fusha (Classical Arabic) so the students can develop Arabic fluency by the time they graduate."We have not seen this anywhere in the DMV area," says Khan. Tata Kallam Arabiya and Studio Arabiya are two options for a curriculum that the ILM Tree Academy is exploring. Hifdh and Islamic Studies will be mandatory, and because of this school tim-

>> school Pg 24

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8 | COMMUNITY NEWS

DC MIST Promises 'Surprise' at Tournament for 10 Year Anniversary

The change would also level an uneven playing field where teams with more members had a better chance of winning than teams with fewer members, Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s head coach Sheima Gimie said. Larger teams held mini-competitions to select the 25 who would represent their schools this year, revving up competition.

By Fatimah Waseem Muslim Link Staff Reporter

game.” Al-Huda school student Zakiyyah Ishaq said.

Forty-five people gathered in the basement of Dar-us-Salaam for the annual Muslim Inter-Scholastic Tournament’s first awards ceremony. The event was small and humble. Guests sat on simple, blue chairs. A microphone was unnecessary.

In line with its affinity for change, the tournament will debut new competitions and – for the first time ever - a team cap of 25 members to encourage more competition and account for the organization’s limited venue space and financial sources.

“I think for coaches - this was beautiful. Less stress. However, when selecting the 25 this year we had late nights, long conversations, and huge email threads over it,” Gimie said.

But in the course of ten years, a phoenixlike transformation has taken place, illustrating the immense growth of a tournament that will once again become the center of activity for Muslim Student Associations and masajid groups across the region. This blossoming nationwide tournament jumped to the 14,596-seat stadium at the University of Maryland, the host of two NCAA tournaments, countless graduation ceremonies, and the stage for hundreds of coveted speakers.

“We had every opportunity to grow in number, but keeping the door open would have tripled costs. We were faced with two options: pass on that cost through higher registration fees or fundraise,” regional director Adam Kareem said.

Now, with the tenth tournament on March 29-31, hypes, hopes, and challenges are high as teams lose their Z’s to bring on their A-game by working on final team organization details and projects, ranging from short film to tafseer test. All competitions and workshops centered around the theme, “The Patience of Champions: Rising to a Better Self.” Teams from high schools from across the region – including from the far ends of Annapolis to Virginia - compete in a weekend of competitions, complemented by youth-friendly workshops and activities by regional leaders.

Although DCMIST has no immediate plans to leave its long-time home base in the University of Maryland, College Park – a venue valuable for its negotiable costs and enclosed environment – organizers said expanding to a different venue may be necessary in the future.

“I’m losing a lot of sleep. No pain, no

The cap reigned in the number of attendees from 638 last year to 541 this year. Over 800 members – including volunteers, organizers, teams, and guests – attended last year.

Organizers looked into George Washington University in Washington and George Mason University in Virginia, but felt both venues were too dispersed for student chaperoning and maintaining control. The group plans to examine other revenue streams – including grants and community sponsorships – over the coming months.

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Competitions changes across MIST’s regional tournaments in the United States and Canada will also encourage more competition and equip competitors with 21st century skills – including mobile app development and community-based solutions. “These changes add a breath of fresh air to give competitors something new to look forward to,” Kareem said. MIST consolidated children’s book into short fiction and web design and newsletter into social media – a web-friendly news and idea platform for MSAs. Quran recitation – broken into two levels based on amount memorized – swallowed the tajweed contest while Research in Action – a community-based research project to find solutions to local challenges – replaced community service and research methods. “MIST organizers all want the best for the competitors and give everyone participating the best experience,” sophomore Soha Hassan of Atholton High School said. Like many, Hassan – an eight-timecompetitor who started competing under special conditions for eighth-graders initially found the changes, like almost all others, unsettling. In some cases, assistant director Tara Mohammed said changes would force teams to avoid simply sticking competitors in competitions to gain points, like in Tajweed, in which competitors often participated to gain a few points. Other competitions – like newsletter and web design – were not as competitive as other competitions like 2D Art. For first-time competitors like Aya Mostafa Karam, a sophomore at Centennial High School, the changes do not mean much. Like many newcomers, Karam looks forward to a tournament and community she has heard much about since she moved from California. Long-time executive director Adam

Kareem, now what some call the face of DC MIST, will also pass on the helm to University of Maryland graduate Tara Mohammed. “I feel I’m more indebted to MIST than the other way around,” Kareem said. “I remind our organizers often – we do this for Allah (SWT). MIST isn’t just a fun activity that comes and goes. It’s more than just putting on an event. I honestly believe and hope that this can get me into Jannah.” And who will take gold in this life, MIST’s overall team champions trophy? Competitors and organizers said that a year full of changes just might challenge Dar-us-Salaam’s eight-year domination over the competition. The point difference between first, second, and third place slimmed in the last few years, with just 36 points separating Eleanor Roosevelt High School from Dar-usSalaam last year, according to DCMIST records. 122 points separated third place – Western Tech from first place. “It’s our tenth anniversary,” Mohammad said. “Anything could happen.” Kareem said that while everything was in Allah’s hands, he would like the team that give it their all to win. “Of course, if a five to six member team can wow us all and take a position, that would be awesome.” Competitors should expect a lot of “humbling surprises” at this year’s tournament to celebrate MIST’s ten-year anniversary, Mohammad and Kareem said, especially at its awards ceremony Sunday night. “It’ll be classy. Just know that,” Kareem said. MIST Nationals will be announced in a few months and will likely be held before Ramadan, organizers said. Because of hurricane Sandy’s aftermath, the location is uncertain. But even as MIST continues to blossom, volunteers and organizers work 2-3 hours per night, and competitors, coaches, and parents organize teams from across the region, the simplicity, humbleness, and service-based intentions of the tournament with which it began in a small school basement remain. For in almost every email, DCMIST signs off with a simple reminder that has become the center of this tournament: Keep your intentions sincere.

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Press Conference, Rally Held for Prominent Female Political Prisoners On Intl Women's Day, Group Demands for Justice for Aafia Siddiqui, Lynne Stewart By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter On International Women's Day, March 8th, 2013, anti-war, civil liberties, and Muslim activists, along with college students and families joined hands in demanding the repatriation of political prisoner Dr. Aafia Siddiqui back to her home country of Pakistan, and the compassionate release of Attorney Lynne Stewart. The peaceful protest was held outside the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C. More than fifty protestors braved the cold weather and held up signs asking the Pakistani government to have the moral fortitude to demand the return of Aafia: "Pakistan reclaim your national honor, free Aafia Siddiqui," read one sign, another read "Islamic Republic of Pakistan, be Islamic- defend the oppressed." Speeches opposing political repression here in the U.S. and wars and oppression overseas were heard. This protest is one in the series of protests held across the world, from South Africa to Karachi, marking the ten year anniversary of the date Dr. Siddiqui was abducted with her children from outside her home in Pakistan. This initiative will culminate in a massive protest outside Carswell prison in Fort Worth, TX where Aafia Siddiqui and cancerridden Lynne Stewart are imprisoned. "A hundred women have died at Carswell prison over a period of ten years. We are very concerned about the nature of their confinement," said Mauri Saalakhan, director of Peace thru Justice Foundation, an organizer of the protest. The coalition also demanded an independent medical team to examine Siddiqui in Carswell Prison. As part of Friday’s mobilization, a delegation of Pakistani-Americans and activists formally petitioned the government of Pakistan to do more to secure the repatriation of its citizen.

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Earlier that day, a press conference was held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the press conference was to announce support for the compassionate release of human rights attorney Lynne Stewart, accountability in the case of Rachel Corrie and repatriation of Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan. This is a pivotal coalition as these women's ordeal has gained traction amongst many concerned activists. Anti-war, civil rights, social justice, civil freedom, Muslim and women's rights activists and organizations from the Coalition of Conscious. Speakers at the conference included old faces and new: Saleem Muhammad Akhtar of Pakistan American Democratic Forum & AMA, Steve Downs, National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms (NCPCF), Sara Flounders, Co-Director of International Action Center (IAC), Joe Lombardo, National Coordinator of United National Antiwar Coalition (UNAC), Ralph Poynter, Lynne Stewart’s husband, Mauri’ Saalakhan, Director of The Peace Thru Justice Foundation, Sue Udry, Executive Director of Defending Dissent Foundation (DDF), and Anne Wright, U.S. Army Colonel, Retired and former U.S. diplomat. Ann Wright urged the women in the U.S. military to disclose what happened to Siddiqui while she was in custody in Afghanistan. "On International Women's Day, I am calling the women in our military who know anything about this to think with their conscience; what do they really know about that day? Having been in the military myself for 29 years, I know there is more to the story," stated Wright. She emphasized that Aafia Siddiqui was never charged with terrorism or ties to Al-Qaeda, or the Taliban, but is serving 86-year imprisonment for her alleged attempt to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan. Activists have also traveled to Pakistan

over the past year to urge the Pakistani government to ask for Aafia's release, before the upcoming elections. She is a national hero as hundreds of thousands have come to the streets demanding her release. Former US Senator Mike Gravel recently suggested that the American Muslim civil advocacy groups should approach the nominated Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Secretary of State John Kerry to secure the release of Dr. Aafia. Surprisingly, the only Muslim leader that attended the Friday's protest was Imam Mohammad al-Asi. In 2012, on a visit to Pakistan Gravel is quoted saying that if the right practical

steps are taken Siddiqui could be home in two days. However, the biggest roadblock is that the government of Pakistan has never asked for the release of their citizen, who was tried in the U.S. Former Foreign Minister, Khurshid Kasuri has admitted to the role that the Pakistani government played in her tribulation. "Kidnapping and secret renditions have happened to thousands of people in Pakistan and Afghanistan," said Flounders.

>> justiice Pg 16

March 15th - April 11th 2013

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March15th - April 11th 2013

12 |COMMUNITY NEWS

Local Bangladeshis Watch as Homeland Lurches Towards Pro, Anti-Islamic Divide By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff The sentencing of two leaders of the Jamaat-e Islami opposition party (JI) has triggered two different ideological mass protests in Bangladesh. According to Odhikar, a Bangladeshi human-rights watchdog, more than one hundred people have died in the past month. Sixty-seven died after the verdict of death by hanging for Delwar Hossain Sayedi, Bangladesh's most well known cleric, was announced. Police bullets killed many JI supporters for staging political processions in response to the verdict, along with countless others injured across the country. The protests have spread to the Middle East, with its residents demanding that Sayeedi – a prominent scholar whose YouTube videos have garnered thousands of views – be given a fair trial. Shaykh Yusuf al- Qaradawi, an Egyptian scholar has spoken about his concern for Sayeedi and justice in Bangladesh on Egyptian radio. In early February, Abdul Qader Mollah, JI's assistant secretary-general, was given a life sentence by Bangladesh's

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) - a domestic court - for crimes connected to the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. The court was set up in 2010 to try people suspected of crimes under international law including genocide, torture, rape and crimes against humanity. The rationale behind this was the brutal civil war that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands; estimates vary between 300,000 and 3 million, depending on whom one asks. The Jamaat opposed independence from Pakistan and aided the Pakistanis. Many leaders have returned to Bangladesh over the past 40 years and have taken up political positions, which infuriates many citizens. Unsatisfied by Mollah's verdict, large crowds of enraged men, women, and even children assembled in the Shahbag area of Dhaka demanding death by hanging for Mollah. The Shahbag protestors have also been calling for the banning of Islamic political parties, pledging to boycott many of JI’s institutions, including their hospitals and banks. Shahbag protestors, although not of a specific political party, do have the approval of the ruling party, as evident >> divide Pg 16

Sold Out Seminar on Spirituality Goes Deep By Sabera Akhter

Muslim Link Contributing Writer When our faith continues to waver, it usually takes more than an iman rush to get us back on track. The only way to bridge the widening gap between us and our Creator is to take practical steps for life-long changes to our attitude and lifestyle. For over 330 registered students, the latest seminar offered by Al Maghrib Institute, the leading Islamic institute in the West, provided them with just that. During the last week of January 2013, one of the most highly anticipated

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seminars took Qabeelat Nurayn, the DC-Maryland-Virginia student body of Al Maghrib Institute, by storm– literally. Despite the warnings for snow and heavy traffic, nearly 600 students gathered at the Mason Inn hotel at George Mason University to attend the free Friday preview of Behind the Scenes: Spiritual Practices of the Best Generations taught by Imam Omar Suleiman, one of the most popular instructors at Al Maghrib. “This class had our largest attendance in our ten-year history, alhamdulillah,” Arif Kabir, ameer of Qabeelat Nurayn said. “Over 50 people were on the wait-

ing list for this class, and even after switching to a larger venue, there were still more people that wanted to register.” The record-breaking number of attendees reflected a combination of the tireless efforts of Nurayn volunteers, numerous testimonials from other Qabeelahs, and most of all, the essence of the class itself. Ayesha Ahmad, Nurayn marketing head and longtime student explains, “Imam Omar Suleiman highlighted many of almuhlikaat (the destructive flaws in every human being). Curing bad character,

backbiting, mockery, breaking promises, and arrogance were all discussed on Saturday, leaving many students "beat down" as Imam Omar had promised. Sunday was certainly more uplifting as we spoke about istiqamah (consistency) in our good deeds and how to keep up with a daily wird (spiritual regimen).” Other students related their Behind the Scenes experiences and the huge impact it made on their daily lives. Courtney Rupert, a new student at Nurayn, recounts her emotional experience dur>> seminar Pg 14

March 15th - April 11th 2013

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March15th - April 11th 2013

14 |COMMUNITY NEWS

PG County Muslim Council Begins 2013 Agenda By Jameel Aalim-Johnson

Muslim Link Contributing Writer Prince George’s County Muslim Council (PGCMC), a political and civic organization representing the concerns of Muslims in Prince George's County, Maryland, is kicking off its 2013 agenda with a town hall meeting entitled, “The Federal Outlook: A Community Discussion with Representative Donna Edwards”. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 from 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM at the Cabana located at 14403 Greenview Drive, Laurel, MD. In 2012, PGCMC focused on educat-

First Hijrah Community Extends Hand, Heart to Dar-usSalaam Campaign for New Campus By Muslim Link Staff Over the last decade, College Park, Maryland's Dar-us-Salaam & Al-Huda School community has developed deep ties with Washington DC's First Hijrah Islamic exposed

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of events we hold, and the speakers we bring. The very real presence of informants among us has cast a chill in the masjid, and we feel that loss of freedom and tranquility in what are supposed to be houses of safety and peace. So, this year the presentation is very important, especially for our leaders and people who care about our masajid and community centers," explained Hasan. So important is the issue of informants that the Muslim Link in cooperation with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is holding a private luncheon before the evening banquet for area masjid leaders, board members, imams, and activists with their special guest-- journalist Trevor Aaronson.

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ing the Muslim community on major policy issues, such as the state’s proposal to expand gambling into Prince George’s County and the referendum to allow same sex marriage. Although the outcome of those votes was not favorable, it appeared to galvanize many members of the Muslim community to understand the need to become civically educated and involved. Also during 2012, PGCMC held several voter registration drives at various masajid in Prince George’s County including Islamic Community Center of Laurel, Prince George’s Muslim Association, Masjid Ibn Taymiyyah, and Center. Many Al-Huda School families are from the First Hijrah community, and some of the pillars of First Hijrah's Qur'anic Education program memorized the Qur'an at Dar-us-Salaam's full-time hifz school. For these two communities, helping each other seems to be a rule not broken by distance. As Dar-us-Salaam intensifies its fundraising effort in a bid to move to Howard County, Md -- almost an hour away from Washington DC -- to establish a new education and community campus, the Sis-

"We want masjid leaders to really hear it first hand from [Aaronson] how the FBI is sending these informants to target our young people who are on the fringes of the community -- many of them are frustrated and troubled. The informants work on these young people and try to get them involved in fake terror plots so they get arrested and put away for years in prison. Being educated about this dark side of the FBI's work should inform how our masajid interact with [the FBI]," said Hasan. "Our event is not an 'anti-FBI' event, and we know the FBI does plenty of great work keeping us safe, but here they've crossed the lines, and we have to expose that and call for it to stop," he added. "For anyone who cares about the sanctity of our masajid and the safety of our youth, our March 30 dinner is a must attend event."

Avondale Islamic Center. PGCMC plans to continue its voter registration efforts around the county during the months of March, May, July, September and November. Along with the aforementioned programs, PGCMC plans to hold several other events such as briefings with political figures like State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, and members of the Maryland State legislature, and issue forums on education and economic development. Never forgetting the importance of serving those in need, PGCMC will be collaborating with other organizations on programs to feed the hungry in

the county. Lastly, keep your calendars open in June for the PGCMC First Annual Cookout. Insha’Allah, there will be food and fun for adults and youth. All PGCMC events and activities as well as opportunities to join the organization can be found at our recently upgraded website www.pgcmcmd.org. You can also send an email to info@ pgcmcmd.org or follow us on Facebook. The writer is a member of PGCMC.

ter's Committee of First Hijrah is helping pave the road to a new future.

explained one of the organizers, Sister Zenith Mohammed.

On March 17, 2013, the Sister's Committee is holding an "Road to Jannah", an event to raise funds for the new Dar-usSalaam campus campaign called "Home of the Heart".

"We want to build a community of support behind this noble cause to help make it a reality. As a result, we hope that people not only come to donate, but that they become active community members and advocates [for the Home of the Heart Campaign]," she added.

"It's not the distance that we are concerned about, the cause is what we are supporting. We want to see a school that will facilitate Islamic education for future generations of Muslim children and that is why we are organizing the event. It also gives individuals the opportunity to establish sadaqah jariyah for the hereafter," seminar

>> continued from pg 12

ing the class saying, “There were times where Imam Omar would say something and I would get so wrapped up in my thoughts because what he said hit home personally. An hour into class and I was already questioning my intentions about seeking knowledge and the decisions that I have made. My favorite part about the class was that we all laughed and cried together. Most of us were emotionally naked and I found that beautiful. To let go, to let your guard down in front of other people and cry is just beautiful.” Zara Tariq, another student, describes how she put what she learned into practice. “I felt that this class was not only relevant, but extremely practical,” she said, “It helped me realize the small

To learn more about First Hijrah Foundation, visit www.firsthijrah.com. To learn more about Dar-us-Salaam's campaign for a new campus, visit www.homeoftheheart.org.

things I was doing wrong on a daily basis that I knew would affect me negatively in the long term. This class gave me things to take with me and implement in my life right away.” “Alhamdulillah, this seminar was one that I'll never forget,” concludes Ayesha Ahmad, “It was one that I think a lot of people will never forget.” “Our next seminar will be Divine Link: Fiqh of Salah. This class will be a natural transition from our last class on purification, and we're working to make that seminar experience just as impactful, all with a greater focus of increased professionalism, insha'Allah,” Kabir said optimistically. More information about the next seminar can be found at almaghrib.org.

March 15th - April 11th 2013

COMMUNITY NEWS | 15

Dar Al-Hijrah Celebrates 30 Years of Service About 600 community members and guests gathered at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center on March 9, 2013 to celebrate Dar Al-Hijrah's 30 year

anniversary. Special guests including founding members, government officials, and inter-faith partners were on hand to witness and also testify to the

growth and contributions of the community, one of the largest and most active in the United States.

The Muslim Link attended the event and captured some of the history for our readers. -- TML Zaki Barzinji accepts an award on behalf of his grandfather Dr. Jamal Barzinji who is one of the founding members of Dar Al-Hijrah. The award recognizes the many decades of support he and his family invested in Dar Al-Hijrah. At left is Imam Johari Abdul-Malik who served as MC for the evening.

Some of Dar Al-Hijrah's founding members are recognized at the 30th anniversary banquet. A small group of families purchased the old house on the Dar Al-Hijrah property in the early 1980s. About 30 people used to attend the juma' prayer during those early years. A video showing photos from the early years was played at the banquet. From right, Exec. Comm. President Dr. Mohamed Helmi, Dr. Bassam Estawani, Samir Salah, Dr. Anwar Hajjaj, and Dr. Abdallah Elsheikh.

Former Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA) addressed guests, reminding them of the challenges they surmounted to obtain permits to build the masjid in the 1990s. Parking challenges have plagued the community from the start; a church that allowed Dar Al-Hijrah use of their parking lot received much thanks at the dinner. Described as a "long-time friend" of Dar Al-Hijrah, Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA) Tom Davis (R-VA) received one of the loudest welcomes of the evening from guests who appreciated his outspokenness and his intolerance of bigotry and hate. Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross also got a warm welcome from organizers. She applauded Dar Al-Hijrah for "moving from a place of worship to a place of service" over the last 30 years,

These "little angels" from the Dar Al-Hijrah weekend school recited the Qur'an with excellent tajweed and melody to the delight and amazement of guests.

Keynote speaker Dr. Raghib Elsergany, a scholar of Islamic history and popular throughout the Arab world, gave examples of how early Muslims supporterd their masjid. Dr. Altaf Hussain conducted the fundraising. About $185,000 was raised with an additional $100,000 pledged as a long-term investment for Dar Al-Hijrah. A 1957 Thunderbird valued at about $30,000 was also donated

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16 |COMMUNITY NEWS justice

>> continued from pg 10

Internationally known human rights attorney with a 50 year record of political activism, Lynne Stewart was charged under the Bush Administration for providing material support to terrorists. She found guilty of distributing press releases on behalf of her client. Stewart and her supporters decry this accusation and maintain her only crime was of providing her client, the blind Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, with a fearless defense. Her case is a seen as a miscarriage of justice in the land of the free as an aftermath to 9/11. Eight years after her conviction, her imprisonment was ordered, precluding surgery she had scheduled in a major New York hospital. Family says that 74 year old Lynne Stewart is facing an immediate life-threatening crisis as her breast cancer has reappeared in divide

>> continued from pg 12 by the police protection they receive. Supporters of JI say that the trials were unfair and serve as a political vendetta by the ruling Awami National party (ANP). The main opposition party and Jamaat ally, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has accused the government of deliberately carrying out "mass killings". Muhaimenul Khan, a resident of Reston, VA, concurred. "This is political persecution. Yes, some of the accused are known criminals, but that does not justify bypassing a fair trial or uniform treatment of people across the board. Bangladesh is a democracy, and the country is to be ruled from the parliament and not from the streets. People gathering on the street cannot dictate how the court shall rule," he said. The Economist in its investigative report on the tribunal wrote: “These concerns are so serious that there is a risk not only of a miscarriage of justice affecting the individual defendants, but also that the wrongs which Bangladesh has already suffered will be aggravated by the flawed process of the tribunal. That would not heal the country’s wounds, but deepen them.”

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her lymph nodes, and trips to physicians involve attempting to walk with 10 pounds of shackles on her wrist and ankle. She is not permitted access to her physicians and specialists. Despite her illness, she continues to remain upbeat says her husband, Ralph Poynter, as he retold feisty stories of his wife's incarceration. Joe Lombardo, the National Coordinator of UNAC spoke on the domestic component of the anti-war movement. "This is our fight against the 'war on terror'. On International Women's Day, the anti-war movement will take up the battle for Lynne Stewart, for Aafia Siddiqui, against preemptive prosecutions, wherever there is injustice." Each speaker shared insighst on why these cases were important to their organizations. "This country doesn't need judges and politicians who don't follow the law. We need judges who love the constitution," said Shahid Comrade.

Over sixty Bangladeshi-American leaders met in Virginia recently to discuss the situation and express their concerns over the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. Their main concerns revolved around access to a free and just trial replete with due process, and access to political participation for all citizens. Many are concerned that in the trials of JI leaders, it is Islam that has been hung. Religious satire and anti-Islamic rhetoric have flourished in an unprecedented way. Hasnat Lais writes in the Independent that religious students are outraged by the increasing number of anti-Islamic blog posts being shared on the internet. "They claim it was giving voice to a generation of Bengalis whose contempt for Islam dripped from every word." Even some JI opponents in the West are hesitant in adopting Shahbag protestors. They say that the protesters made a serious political mistake by allowing anti-Islamic bloggers and people in their midst. This move and calls to violence have stained the whole movement. Others such as Drishtipat DC , a volunteer network that seeks to promote human rights and social justice within the Bangladeshi and Bangladeshi-American community has stood in solidarity with Shahbag protestors.

"What has changed in the past 35 years? The very constitution is in danger today. Putting an innocent woman behind bars for 86 years; putting a woman behind bars for defending a blind man," expressed Saleem Akhtar, the V.P. of the American Muslim Taskforce, "when an empire is about to crumble, [it does] stupid things." He reiterated that his allegiance is to the United States of America, not the United Empire of America. "Aafia Siddiqui is a classic example of preemptive prosecution. What happens to Aafia will help people understand the problem that we have all across the system," said Steve Downs, of the NCPCF. His other concern was the lack of accountability of governments. Sue Udry, of Defending Dissent Foundation also spoke in solidarity with Aafia Siddiqui and Lynne Stewart at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. "For those opposed to FBI raids and political repression in the The situation is scary for Bangladeshi Americans as they fear for the lives of relatives overseas. A few requested that their names be withheld because they feared retribution against their friends and family in Bangladesh. Some Bangladeshi-Americans feel that if they raise their voices here against what they perceive as injustice, they will be called 'razakar' (as part of Pakistan’s militia in the 1971 war) and their families in Bangladesh will be harmed. One family recently returned to Greenbelt, MD from a trip to Bangladesh and shared stories of effects of the protests on daily life in Dhaka, especially the amount of police stationed around the masajid. Some residents of Bengali heritage in the D.C. Metropolitan area are removed from the situation. Dr. Selina Khan was attending an event at a local masjid when asked about her views on the situation in Bangladesh. "I work fulltime and am involved in community service; I do not have time to watch the news," she said as she chased her grandson down the hall. Others are highly in-tune and up-to-date on current events, especially those who participated in the War of 1971. "I was in favor of the liberation," says Nazrul Islam, a resident of Virginia. "In fact, my whole family was dedicated to fighting for the liberation. I was 12 at the time

U.S., Aafia Siddiqui’s incredible story makes a lot of sense." Her kidnapping and rendition were familiar tactics U.S. government will send heavily armed agents to invade people’s homes, wave automatic weapons in the faces of loved ones and children and take away notebooks, phones, computers, address lists of activists or anything they want." In her statement, Udry pointed to many cases in the United States where political freedom is being repressed: from the anti-war 23 who formed the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, to the Occupy Wall Street movement, to the nearly 200 Arab-American and Muslim political prisoners held in solitary confinement and other punishment units that violate basic human rights. Keeping in mind mass protests by the people sent Nelson Mendela home, the coalition continues to plan such activities until these political prisoners come home. and collected ammunition and passed it to the freedom fighters." Nazrul Islam feels betrayed by the current generation in Bangladesh, whom in his view has little idea of the sacrifices his generation made for Bangladesh. "The current government will continue killing until the last Muslim who wants to follow Islam in all spheres of his/her life is dead," he said. Islam feels that people concerned about the stability of Bangladesh should meet with their imams and discuss the current situation so they can organize a demonstration in front of White House. He believes the community here in the U.S. can influence their representatives in Congress, raise awareness on the internet, and participate in discussions on national TV. Khan and other concerned residents in the DC Area think that the Muslim community near the nation's capital can raise international concern over the lack of transparency and unfairness in the trial and the ICT. Hoping that the fallout from the war crime tribunals does not spiral out of control, Bangladeshi Americans continue to keep a close eye on the news from the land of Bangladesh.

March 15th - April 11th 2013

HEALTH & FAMILY | 17

Advice from Everest

Lessons Learned From Climbing The Mountain Of Parenthood By Shabana Sharieff

Muslim Link Contributing Writer Being a parent is hard work. Not hard in the sense of trying to decide what to wear to a wedding, but hard in the sense of trying to climb Mt. Everest every single day, without ever reaching the top. The harsh reality is that as a parent you are never done being a parent. Not when your kids go off to college, not when they get married, not even when they have kids. The cloak of parenthood is a permanent mantle that stays firmly fixed, from the days you first lay

eyes on the beautiful Creation of Allah gifted to you, until the day death separates the two of you. I recently broached the subject of having office hours with my 11 year old. He of course was not familiar with the term. I was mentioning this to him, because he has this revolving door policy with my bedroom every night. He will come to say salaam and get his hug before going to bed, discuss some manner of great importance (usually having to do with something his little brother has done to annoy him), and then leave. About 10 minutes later, he’s back. So one day I finally said, “Maybe I need to

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post office hours. So that you know I am done with my mommy duties once its 9 pm.” His response? “Mom, you can’t have office hours, you are my MOM.” Need I say more? And yet we forge on, trying our best to fulfill the responsibility of being good parents, as an integral part of being good Muslims. Whether we read the expert articles and books on parenting, or follow our gut instincts, each and every person blessed with being a parent tries his or her best to nurture and guide our offspring with love and care. If only there was a magic pill that you could make each newborn swallow at the beginning of their lives that would ensure that they will grow up to be the epitome of all your hopes and desires. If you are Indian, that usually means to become a doctor, marry a doctor, and every single one of your grandchildren ends up (brace yourselves) a doctor! However, since such a pill doesn’t exist, maybe it’s possible to come up with a simple list of advice to parents, derived from my observations and experiences of traveling the well-worn path of parenthood. As the morals and values of our society continue to degrade with each passing day, it becomes even more important that all parents of Muslim children band together in solidarity. We must help each other to raise our children to be strong pillars of our Faith, ready to face the pressures of the world and stand straight and tall as shining beacons of truth and righteousness. Let’s see what we can achieve together, Insha-Allah. First, remember, each child is different. Just when you think you have hit on a system that works, you will have a child who completely bucks the system and thereby has you staying up nights worrying that he will grow up to be someone’s stalker. Be flexible in how you

deal with each child. While a time out may work for one child, a sibling may respond by just a stern mommy voice. One of my sons will stop in his tracks when I pull out the scary mommy voice. However, my other son will completely lose it, thereby making my attempt at discipline superfluous and therefore completely useless. So I literally had to teach myself to not yell (I mean use my stern mommy voice) with this child, and instead use an even toned, calm voice, to explain why he was driving me bananas. This is not an easy task. As teachers we are sometimes asked to differentiate our instructions to meet the different learning needs of our students. A differentiated lesson may be implemented once in a while, for a 50 minute class period. But as parents we will have to differentiate our parenting to best suit the needs of an individual child for the rest of your lives. But in the end the results you will reap will be very beneficial, Insha-Allah. Second, give yourself a break. Realize that with each additional child, the challenges of parenting increase exponentially. As first time parents, we are so pressed to be the very best parents that we can be, that we always cross our t’s and dot our I’s. We never let a single “teachable” moment pass us by. Ever situation has to be over analyzed and dealt with accordingly. My first born says I was very strict with him and he is right. He complains that his younger siblings get away with a lot more and I can’t deny that either. But what he doesn’t realize, because he is only 17, is that I have learned to pick my battles. I don’t try to correct every single infraction or control every single minute of their lives. I have learned over the years that children will be children, who a lot of times act like they are brain >> everest Pg 18

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18 | HEALTH & FAMILY wisdom into their systems, Insha-Allah.

everest

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damaged, and they will make mistakes, and do things without thinking, but you can’t jump down their throats every single time. You’ve got to pick that golden moment to make your point. And realize that they may get it or they may not (due to the brain damage), but you don’t hold it against them. And then you wait again for the next shiny golden moment in which to embed another nugget of

Third, spend quality time with your children. Notice I saw quality not quantity. We are able to accomplish a lot in our day, thanks to cars, smart phones, and despite Facebook. We run around all day and a lot of time our children are in tow, but how much of that time is spent getting to know them? So many times, while on walks with my daughter, I see other parents walking with their kids, but they are on the phone talking to someone else. It makes me

so sad to see that. As parents we have to try our best to spend one on one time with each one of our kids. This time doesn’t have to be for hours and it will definitely not be a daily occurrence. But hanging out with your kid is a mutually beneficial activity. I am always amazed at how good I feel after having even a 5 minute conversation with one of my kids about something in their life. Since my kids are big gamers, I have to admit I have to fake interest, and I don’t think I do a very good job, but I try. But the results are always worth it,

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when your child makes eye contact with you, and his face has lit up about something, and they have provided you with a window into their world, that moment is, as the credit card commercial says, priceless. Keep in mind that you will have some children who will demand more of your attention than others, but try your best to spread yourself around. My third son can be the least talkative, and it’s only recently that I realized that he also craves just me and him time. And if I can get him by himself, he will talk my ear off about everything from karate class to the latest episode of his favorite cartoon. In fact right now he is lying next to me talking about why no one ever talks about Mongolia. (Wait, I need to stop typing now and make eye contact and talk about Mongolia.) Fourth, give and accept apologies. Children and parents are not perfect. They will make mistakes, but if a child can acknowledge that they have done something wrong and offer an apology, then as parents we should welcome that apology wholeheartedly. Don’t ever say to the child, well, you should have never done the misdeed to begin with. One of the most beautiful aspects of our relationship with Allah is that we can seek repentance and ask for our forgiveness. How can we deny this to our children? Similarly as parents we make mistakes all the time. Stressful days at work combined with a lack of sleep can lead to errors in judgment on how to best deal with a scenario. In our household, it’s those rare moments when I completely lose it and spank a child. On such an occasion I feel so much remorse. I immediately realize that there was probably a calmer and less volatile way to deal with the situation. I will usually seek the child out and apologize for losing my self-control. I will not make excuses for my behavior and I promise to try and be more patient. I don’t look at it like I have lowered myself in front of my child. I want him to know that I am only human, and that I too make mistakes for which I must seek forgiveness from him and Allah. Believe it or not, apologizing to your child can be a very powerful lesson for both parties involved and will serve to strengthen the love between you. Fifth, makes lots of dua. Because no

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March 15th - April 11th 2013

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20 | WORLD PRESS

World Press

March15th - April 11th 2013

Far-right Dutch Politician Finds Islam OnIslam, March 5, 2013

decision. “In my own close circle people have known that I have been actively researching the Qur’an, Hadith, Sunnah and other writings for almost a year now,” he said.

AMSTERDAM – A leading member in far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders’ party has reverted to Islam after an extensive study about the Islamic religion and Muslims. “I can understand people are skeptic, especially that it is unexpected for many of them,” Arnoud Van Doorn told Al-Jazeera English satellite channel.

“In addition, I have had numerous conversations with Muslims about the religion.”

“This is a very big decision, which I have not taken lightly.”

He later posted a tweet in Arabic pronouncing the Shahadah (proclamation of faith).

The news about Doorn’s reversion first came to the surface last month when he tweeted “new beginning”.

The politician later announced that he reverted to Islam, giving no more information about the reasons behind the

Driven by his party’s anti-Islam discourse, Doorn decided to dig in for the truth about the religion himself. “I have heard so many negative stories about Islam, but I am not a person who follows opinions of others without doing my own research,” he said.

“Therefore, I have actually started to deepen my knowledge of the Islam out of curiosity. “My colleague Aboe Khoulani from the City Council in The Hague has brought me further into contact with the asSoennah mosque, which has guided me even further.” A member of the Dutch parliament and The Hague city council, Doorn’s name has long been associated with Wilders’ anti-Islam, far-right PVV party. Wilders himself is known for his rants >> islam Pg 21

Rise of Bosnian Mayor With Hijab Challenging Assumptions About Islam By Michael Birnbaum

The Washington Post, March 9, 2013

VISOKO, Bosnia and Herzegovina — For years, Bosnian Muslims embraced a form of religion so moderate that many capped dinners during the holy month of Ramadan with an alcoholic drink. But the bloody war that pitted Muslims here against their Serbian Orthodox and Croatian Catholic neighbors tested the faith of one of the few European countries where Islam is the most common religion. It was once rare to see public expressions of faith on the street. Now, more women are donning head scarves — and one who does so just became mayor of this small town in the mountains of central Bosnia. Amra Babic’s election victory in Viso-

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ko late last year made her the first mayor in this war-scarred Balkan country, and perhaps all of Europe, to wear the hijab. Her rise in this river valley town of 46,000 is making inroads for others who have also taken up visible signs of their religion. And it is challenging assumptions across Europe as societies debate whether to reject as repressive the Islamic practice of women covering themselves or to embrace it in the spirit of moderation.

of 3.8 million, Islam was introduced in 1463 by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The hijab has long been a part of the country’s life, especially in rural areas such as Visoko, but it dropped away during more than 40 years of communism. Practicing religion openly in the officially atheist state meant jeopardizing opportunities and jobs.

France banned the niqab, or full-face covering, two years ago. Turkey, which has long put up barriers to observant women in public life, recently eased restrictions on wearing the hijab in public universities. Other countries are debating their policies.

Many women cite their wartime experiences in their decisions to return to the moderate form of Islam that has defined religious practice for centuries. Some say they felt that Europe and the United States were slow to come to their aid during the war because of concerns over Islamic terrorism, and that their only recourse was God.

In Bosnia, an inland, rolling country

The war drew jihadists from the Mid-

dle East, and there are still pockets of violent religious extremism here. But many Bosnian Muslims say that the resurgence of moderate religious practice is a counterbalance to the ultraconservative forms practiced at the periphery. Babic, a trained economist, is quickly making waves in her country for her political acumen. In the short time since she took over the town hall in the middle of November, she has earned a reputation as a tough administrator. Even jaded observers of Bosnia’s deeply divided political system hold out hope that she could help overcome years of government turmoil that have put the country far behind its rivals, Serbia and Croatia, which are both on a path to joining the >> hijab Pg 22

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>> continued from pg 20

against Islam, Muslims and the Noble Qur’an. Doorn’s decision to embrace Islam has won mixed reactions in the Netherlands. “According to some people I am a traitor, but according to most others I have

CONTINUED| 21 actually made a very good decision,” he told Aljazeera.

was finally guiding him to the true path in his life.

“The reactions are generally positive and I also received quite some support via twitter.

“I have made mistakes in life as many others. From these mistakes I have learned a lot,” Doorn said.

“It feels good that people who do not know me personally have understanding of my situation and support me in my choice.”

“And by my conversion to Islam I have the feeling that I finally found my path.

For the Dutch politician, finding Islam

“I realize that this is a new start and that I still have much to learn as well.”

Departing from his earlier life as a PVV member, Doorn expects much resistance in his political life. “The expectation is that I will continue to face much resistance, also from certain government institutions,” he said. “I have all faith in Allah to support me and to guide me through these moments.”

everest II

>> continued from pg 18

matter how much research you do on the best parenting techniques, how your children end up is based entirely on Allah’s Mercy and Blessings. Make dua daily that your children, grow, live and die as Muslims, striving to achieve His Pleasure and His rewards in this Life and the Hereafter. There is only so much we can do to give our children the foundation of knowledge and good manners, based on the Quran and Sunnah, which will serve them well in life. After that we all must raise our hands to the All-Mighty and ask Him to always guide our children on the straight path. Teach your children to seek His protection when they leave the house every day. Remind them to say their morning and evening athkar. Pray in Jamaa' in your homes. Model for them the best of what our religion has to offer and they will soak it up like sponges. Keep it simple, keep it sincere, and keep them close. I am sure many of you reading this are going to think I have left a lot of things out of the list. Things you might have seen in previous articles on parenting like limit TV, ban video games, or no Facebook. Being a good parent is so much more than a list of do’s and don’ts. Being a good parent is part blood, part sweat, part tears, and part miracle from Allah. I hope and pray that I am able to help a few and inspire a few more. Don’t forget, we are all in this together. May Allah guide us all to do what is best for our children, May He guide all parents and children alike to seek His Pleasure in everything that we do.

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22 | CONTINUED

CAIR-MD Testifies in Support of MD Liberty Preservation Act 2013 (ANNAPOLIS, MD, 2/22/2013) - The Maryland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MD) testified February 21st at a hearing before Chairman Hammen and Ranking Member Elliott of the Maryland General Assembly's Health & Government Operations Committee in support of the Maryland Liberty Preservation

hijab

Act of 2013 (H.B. 0558). This legislation would prohibit any state agency or employee from aiding in the detention of a person in accordance with unconstitutional provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Sections 1021 and 1022 of the NDAA authorize the U.S. military to carry out domestic anti-terrorism operations and indefinitely detain suspects - including American citizens on U.S. soil - without formal charges or hearing.

looking after them.”

>> continued from pg 20

European Union. “I am European, I am Muslim. This is my identity,” she said. The hijab “is what you see on the outside. But the strength is what’s inside, not to do bad deeds. To live my life in honesty, and not to speak the language of hate.” Hijab creates barriers Here in Visoko, the winter air is filled with the pungent, sour smell of fabric chemicals from the processing plant that is the main source of scarce jobs. Unemployment in Bosnia is about 50 percent, distrust among ethnic groups remains high and official corruption is rampant. In Babic’s first week on the job, the town hall’s electricity was almost cut off because there hadn’t been money to pay the bill. “Ordinary people don’t need much,” said Babic, who raised three sons alone after her husband was killed three weeks before she gave birth to the youngest. “They just need to feel that someone is

But barriers still exist to women who cover their heads. Many people who wear the hijab say they experience job discrimination. In public life, women in the army have complained of being harassed if they cover their heads, and there was a heated public argument several years ago about whether hijabi women should be allowed to serve in the judiciary. Several now do. Part of Bosnia’s Islamic revival has been encouraged by Saudi and Turkish funds that financed the reconstruction of the country after the war destroyed some of its most famous religious monuments, along with much of its infrastructure. In Sarajevo, the soaring King Fahd Mosque, the largest in the country, was built in 2000 with Saudi support, and weekend prayers draw crowds of conservative faithful. Extremist enclaves at Bosnia’s fringes have caused problems within the country, including an October 2011 shooting attack on the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo by a Serbian Muslim that wounded a local police officer. But the number of people linked to the extremist com-

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"These controversial provisions deny due process of law and violate the rights, freedoms and values that define our country," said CAIR-MD Vice President Zainab Chaudry. "They also make a mockery of checks and balances set in place to limit powers of any one branch of the government. For the U.S. military to authorize indefinite detention of Americans based solely on suspicion, especially without trial or knowledge of charges being levied against them, is unlawful and

unconstitutional.” Dr. Mudasar Raza, who offered CAIR’s testimony at the hearing, pointed out that the U.S. Constitution already provides necessary tools to safeguard Americans against foreign and domestic threats. He also commended Delegate Dwyer for introducing the Maryland Liberty Preservation Act and strongly urged state legislators to protect the civil liberties of Maryland residents by approving the act without delay.

munity is small, officials say, and not growing.

and was wearing a silver-colored embroidered hijab one recent day.

Changing attitudes

“This is my shield on my head,” Spahovic said of her scarf. She started wearing it in 1995, after her husband was killed in Gorazde, her home town, which was besieged during the war.

In the urban streets of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, where copper-domed Ottoman-era mosques have pierced the skyline with their minarets for centuries, hijabs have become more visible since the war, though they remain uncommon. More women wear them in rural areas such as Visoko. Full face veils are rare. “During communism, you didn’t have educated women wearing the head scarf rising to positions of prominence,” said Djermana Seta, the head of the research at the NAHLA Center for Education and Research. Even now, Seta said, “the main sentiment is, ‘This is an uneducated, rural woman.’” For that reason, many Bosnian Muslims hope that Babic’s election might help change attitudes about the hijab. “People think that if you are covered, you’re stupid,” said Senada Spahovic, 46, who works as a cook at an Islamic boarding school just outside of Visoko

One girl at the boarding school where Spahovic works said that Babic was a role model. “She means something new here, not just for Bosnia but for Europe too,” said Sumejja Essidiri, 19, who was in a study hall of tittering girls, all wearing hijabs. “When we cover our heads we say, ‘Okay, I’m a Muslim and I’m open,’ ” she said. Even many women who do not cover their heads have an increasingly laissez-faire approach to the topic. “We are proud that she was elected,” said Jasmina Ismic, 60, a Visoko native with a stylish brown bob who, striking a pose, bragged that she had been Miss Yugoslavia in 1970. She also said that she ran into Babic at the mosque. “I have my style, she has hers,” she said.

March 15th - April 11th 2013

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24 | CONTINUED school

>> continued from pg 7

ings will be from 8:00 in the morning to 4:00 p.m. "Many students have to give up academics to complete their hifdh," says Khan, "we are in agreement that children should attempt to do Hifdh according to their ability; this will form the foundation of their education." Schools with similar hifdh integration have successfully launched in

Illinois and Texas. Class will be co-ed for Grade 1-4. The representative from PGMA said that partitions are in place for use if the need arises. They plan on keeping a low student-teacher ratio to allow for individualized attention. "We will open up another section but will not compromise on class size," says Khan. Mariam Alou is a young mother who moved from the Bay Area. Her 4 year old attends the ICCL pre-school in Laurel. She expressed concern over with the level of quality education that would be

provided by ILM Tree. "Many times schools are opened, but they are not sustainable and close down," she said. Parents know their children's needs the best and will have a voice in the school. "We live in this area; we are parents of [school age] children and have vested interest in staying in P.G. County," says Ateya Arozullah. A mother of a ten year old, she holds a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University and will be heading academics at ILM Tree. She also possesses an Advanced

Professional Teaching Certification in the State of Maryland. Ateya has previously served as Lead Teacher at Al Rahmah School in Baltimore, Maryland and is currently a senior Biology Teacher at Paint Branch High School. As she has worked in both environments and has exposure to homeschooling philosophies as well, Arozullah says the team has picked the best elements of all three educational models. " This will be a parent-run school with familyoriented programs and perspectives." Centered around the theme that it takes a village to raise a child, the team envisions that the parents of students will volunteer certain hours in the school. "We want to develop, with tarbiyyah and dawah, well-rounded students, who are not isolated from the larger community while retaining their Muslim identity," says Arozullah. She relays her experience of meeting many children who attend Islamic school and do not know how to handle being in the real world. At this point, the school does not plan on offering any financial aid but is planning to accumulate a scholarship fund for bright and deserving students by initiating a benefactor program. Registration for the fall semester has begun. Many parents with older children in the audience wonder if there are options for middle and high schoolers. Fa'iza Al-Warith is on the Southern PG County Charter School Planning Committee. She is currently gathering signatures to gauge interest in the Academy of Scholars, another educational project started for Prince George's County. She believes that a Southern Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County STEM-based Charter School will fill a long-standing need in the community for an alternative to traditional public education. Academy of Scholars is planning to offer two foreign languages Arabic and Spanish. The plan is to start a middle school, grades 6 and 7, and then to add a grade each year. With these two initiatives, Muslim parents in Prince George's County have two new options for the educational and spiritual nourishment of their children.

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March 15th - April 11th 2013

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26 | CONTINUED terrorism

>> continued from pg 6

the decade since 9/11, the FBI has built the largest network of spies ever to exist in the United States, with ten times as many informants on the streets today as there were during the infamous COINTELPRO operations under FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, with the majority of these spies focused on ferreting out terrorism in Muslim communities. Every year, the U.S. government allocates $3 billion to the FBI to prevent the next 9/11, more money than the Bureau receives to combat organized crime.” The book also states of how the FBI has vast army of spies, located in every community in the United States with enough Muslims to support a mosque, has one primary function: to identify the next lone wolf. We are easily targeted and captured by these FBI handlers and informants if we even espouse radical beliefs, are vocal about our disapproval of U.S. foreign policy, or have expressed sympathy for international terrorist groups. If the FBI finds anyone who meets the criteria, they move him to the next stage: the sting, where an FBI informant, posing as a terrorist, offers to help facilitate a terrorist attack for the target. The book shows how according to government and federal court records, the Justice Department has prosecuted more than 500 terrorism defendants since 9/11. Of these cases, only a few posed actual threats to people or property. Adama Bah, a young Muslimah raised in the United States, was accused of being a suicide bomber in 2005, is an example of young Muslim who was wrongly accused and tortured and held captive along with her father. Decades after her arrest, she is among the very few Muslim survivals to tell the story of

her horrifying experience. Bah was only 16 when she was arrested and held captive for over a year. A friend of hers, who attended the same mosque as her, Tashnuba, was another one of Muslim sister who was arrested the same time as her and held captive in the same confinement as Bah. Both of the young Muslim girls were part of a group study, believed to be lead under a potential target leader identified by the FBI as a man who is against the U.S. government and policies. The reality of the statement of Bah and Tashnuba being suicide bombers was far from real. When Bah was arrested, she had no idea what was going on. She was held in a high security juvenile detention in Pennsylvania without her parents’ knowledge. She was tortured and searched repeatedly against her rights while she was held captive. In 2006, while Bah was released with only the visa expiration and immigrant charges. She was put under house arrest with ankle bracelet; Tashnuba was deported back to Bangladesh unfortunately. Bah was forced to work for her younger siblings and within the vicinity of her home. In 2007, Bah was granted asylum on the grounds that she would face forcible circumcision if deported to Guinea. Today, with the support of Muslim community, Bah is 23 and married and have been living well to support her family and younger siblings but she can never outlive the horrifying experience she had to go through. Moreover, she shares her story of the treatment she received from the FBI against her common American rights. She wasn’t informed of how she was entitled to an attorney and how she cannot be moved around without her parents’ knowledge under the law since she was underage. She was terrified that time and her parents were equally terrified and if she had known more about the American

system, maybe she might have avoided the unnecessary torture. Since 9/11, there have been dozen of cases of innocent Muslims who have been captured and being tortured in jail since their arrest. All have been falsely accused by the government and FBI and most of them have been reported as “suspicious personnel” by the FBI spies only because they interacted online or voiced their opinions against the U.S. foreign policy. Some didn’t even do anything except that they were part of a certain suspicious group that they were not aware of. “It is sad that we are in the 21st century and yet we are misjudged,” a 23-yearold Muslim brother F. Z. (who prefers to use his initials) expressed his opinions, “Being a U.S. citizen we should feel secure and protected but I often feel terrified and scarred when I see these news on T.V. or hear of such injustice. It becomes hard for me to be identified as American Muslim due to such actions of the government. I am a peaceful and loving member of the U.S. but I fear that if I say something that is a common belief of many average Americans but come across suspicious according to the government just because of my religion, I will be put behind bars and tortured unnecessarily of “wrong doings” that I never really committed. It is a sad truth that a place I call my home feels more like a prison to me today.” There have been many cases such as Adama Bah, like The Fort Dix Five case, where a bunch of Muslim brothers posing with paintball guns in a photo posted on their facebook page were arrested and are being held captive because they “posed threat” to the U.S. Other cases include those of Syed Fahed Hashmi, John Walker Lindh, Ahmed Oman Abu Ali, Yassin Aref and Mohammad Hossain, and Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been the worst case in history according to the Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark.

The event that was held in February focused on the community awareness of such cases and gave survival tips on how to avoid falling in the traps of “terrorist” activity. Br. Nassar listed how we can become victim by being ignorant, impatient, immature, naive, bored, and/or thinking we are special. He believes these qualities are what makes us a victim of targets in the eyes of FBI and how they can use it against by plotting ideas in our mind, by manipulating our words and actions, by confusing our actions and thought process, and by attributing to our actions in the form of being our friends. All these can lead us to make mistakes, poor decisions, wasting our knowledge, disappointment and frustration, fantasy, abuse, fear and isolation. If we are just vigilant and focus on the positive of our community we can certainly avoid these traps set out by the government and FBI. Tiffany (Muslim Sister who would like to keep her identity hidden) agrees to Br. Nassar methods, “Anything we do and say on social network sites or internet chat rooms or forums are monitored by the government. I avoid saying anything that I know would sound suspicious in the eyes of those who don’t know me personally. We come across as easy targets by just our names and if we do or say something that can confirm even 1% of their suspicion, we are doomed. This is why I watch my words and actions carefully. I pray and hope for those who are already being treated unjustly but I also pray for those who might become potential targets in the future. I pray for everyone who had to go through torture and injustice and who are going through as we speak. I do call for our community to come forward and help spread the words and help free those who are innocents.”

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March 15th - April 11th 2013 dialogue

>> continued from pg 6

cookbook of mistranslated and out of context quotes from the Quran. She was an average speaker, but was coached well. No one was allowed to tape the speech or take any photographs. Anyone who tried was shouted down. As one woman tried filming the event on her camera phone, she was surrounded by several men who yelled obscenities at her to stop filming. Claiming that it was against the lawas it was a private meeting. "This is a free country, we are on public property," the woman countered. A shouting match erupted until a staid, elderly woman in a beige hijab went up to the stage and said "let her [Reis] speak, I want to hear what she has to say." Championing her personal jihad, speaking for the rights of Muslim women, Stephanie Reis didn't know the difference between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. She and other ACT! speakers do not know what the words or verses mean, have a hard time pronouncing them but are fearful and are trained to instill fear in the hearts of those who come to listen to them. Brigitte Gabriel, the founder of ACT! for America is a Lebanese immigrant. She has positioned herself as "one of the world’s leading experts on Islamic extremism." She frequently refers to Arabs and Muslims as barbarians. Thanks to their scare-mongering groups such as ACT! for America attract funds. The anti-Muslim, anti-Islam grassroots network in America is increasingly successful because its members borrow tactics from the most innovative political movements of the last two decades. They use online strategies akin to those deployed by the progressive presidential campaigns of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean and then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama to recruit volunteers and keep them engaged, notes the Center of American Progress report. The RWC event is a classic example. ACT! claims to be a proponent of free speech; its activists say that shutting down the conversation is nothing more

CONTINUED | 27 than imposition of Shariah Law. However, one victory claimed on ACT! website is the online response to a college in Seattle who invited a speaker from CAIR. ACT! managed to shut down the event, by mobilizing their support network and bombarding the college with

perpetrated against women in the name of Islam by people who do not know the religion. But, missing from the speech was context. In America, a woman is abused by her domestic partner once every few minutes but no parallels were made. Even if the target was 'political'

There was no room for discourse. "She fulfilled every negative expectation and went beyond it," says Amen-Bryan. emails. "Many of the groups tap into the growing force of the Tea Party as well as more established conservative political organizations. " According to the CAP, grassroots networks have the ability to take anti-Islam messages to millions of Americans; organizers have built lists and established local citizens groups they later rely on to turn out at rallies, make phone calls, testify on behalf of legislation, and donate money. According to ACT!'s National Field Director

Islam, the brush strokes Reis painted were so broad that the whole faith was smirched. Many Muslim women and men are working in their communities on issues such as domestic violence and abuse, just as Christians work to on issues such as sex trafficking. They could be allies in the importance of faith, family, and faithbased morality to address issues facing American society. One of the examples Reis used to denigrate Shariah was the case in New Jersy in 2010. A Muslim woman was not

Despite her misinformed speech and despite the fact that she did not give the audience a chance to discuss or ask questions, the polarized room merged and each one of the 25 to 30 Muslim women had 2-3 audience members surrounding her, questioning and discussing. who oversees 550 chapters worldwide, "We currently are in 32 states aggressively working to ban Shariah law." ACT! for America, was involved in both in the Yorba Linda, California incident and similar anti Muslim rallies in Tennessee, Florida, and other states. Reis did bring up a few points that many Muslims do not deny. There is injustice

granted a restraining order by a judge. He ruled that the ex-husband did not have criminal intent of spousal rape according to his culture. "Why did Reis not talk about the US judicial system and the criminality of the judge and why are you using that to prove extremism in our religion?" asked Amen-Bryan. "I could hear the audience moaning, not at the excesses of the judge but at

the Muslim religion and culture." Last October, Karamah a Muslim women's lawyers organization used the same case in a presentation for the need for Muslim women to have lawyers who are knowledgeable about the genderequitable principles of Islam and can represent Muslim women. Since there is no understanding of Shariah when it is banned to give women rights, they may suffer as we can see in the case in Kansas were a woman was denied compensation from her estranged husband because the court has ruled that no foreign law will be recognized. "I am giving a warning to all listeners, I am sure you can find faults in it, I am not perfect." Her speech ended to a standing ovation by the women and men of the RWC. She purposefully ignored rampant sexual abuse elsewhere, ie. the US military where 1/3rd of women have been raped and 90% have faced sexual abuse or the Catholic clergy pedophilia and sex abuse epidemic. There was no room for discourse. "She fulfilled every negative expectation and went beyond it," says Amen-Bryan. Dr. Ileana Johnson, a former economics professor who escaped communism in Romania and author of “U.N. Agenda 21: Environmental Piracy” was the other speaker at the event. She spoke of green schemes and the insidious nature of Agenda 21, mixing common concerns for private property rights with some conspiracy theories. She succeeded in scaring everyone in the audience, did not take too well to their questions and did not tolerate any debate. "Can't you be Republican without been looneytunes?" whispered a young Republican woman sitting in the back on a cafeteria bench, after listening to the speeches. This is why many conservatives and independents have left the Republican party. Before these last two election Republicans were the go to party. When did fear of Islam become a pillar of the Republican party? "Extremist voices have taken over the Republican party," said Amen-Bryan," I liked Mitt Romney's policies after I heard him speak, >> dialogue II Pg 28

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28 | CONTINUED dialogue II

>> continued from pg 27

I even wrote to him but could not vote for him because of the attacks coming from his party." It is also time that the Muslim community's interfaith partners need to step up to this hatemongering and owe up to the friendships. " I don't anything about the Quran," said one Christian woman after the event as she apologized to Muslim women, "I don't know, what I don't know." This indicates that the Muslim community in DMV has work to do. "Where are your men?" asked a man who identified himself as a ex-cop after he yelled four-letter expletives at some vocal Muslim sisters. Amen-Bryan does not think that Muslim men needed to be there. "Any Muslim woman that you speak will tell you that the hijab is a personal and intimate issue for her and we can take care of ourselves." For a while the atmosphere was very tense. When a small group of Muslim women started distributing pamphlets by the Southern Poverty Law Center about ACT! for America being designated a hate group, one of the organizers shouted "Southern Poverty Law Center is a communist organization." Ramla Osman and Asma Nur, students from Springfield High School also came expecting to hear from an expert and be able to express their opinions. They did not doubt that Ries wants to protect her country, and this was evident is her passion, but her tunnel vision was so narrow that there was no attempt to have a balanced presentation, even after wide media publicity. Despite her misinformed speech and despite the fact that she did not give the audience a chance to discuss or ask questions, the polarized room merged and each one of the 25 to 30 Muslim women had 2-3 audience members surrounding her, questioning and discussing. "I expected the audience to be fairly distant and not friendly, but I was surprised; I met some well spoken and well educated women, they do not need to buy into this garbage," said AmenBryan. Emily Bresson attended the event with

....

her daughter Ella who is a student in the world religions' class at Robinson High. She wondered why a conservative, Christian woman was speaking about women in Islam. Another attendee, (name withheld for the fear of backlash) was a professor at the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), she said she had many Muslim students who were her main source of her views on Islam. "My students all get along," she said. Many of the Muslim women who at-

tended were born and raised in the US, some whose ancestors have fought in the Revolutionary Wars. "I consider my rights as precious as an American; my brother is a veteran," says AmenBryant. " Alice Butler-Short, the President of the RWC club is an Irish immigrant, she is also listed on the ACT! for America's website as a chapter leader for North Virginia. Muslim women met with Butler-Short, who said that she had spent years in Somalia as she hugged a Somali American Muslim woman.

"There is a silver thread, we have had several long telephone conversations and emails with the Republican women."Inspired by the wisdom of the prophets who dialogued with their opponents, Amen-Bryan says she and some of the other attendees are prepared to put in the time-consuming work of establishing trust and opening dialogue, including with Reis. "I have had lengthy phone conversation and exchanged emails with the RWC; we have planted the seeds."

March 15th - April 11th 2013

ISLAM | 29

Islam

Environmentalism: Part of the Muslim Creed By Hena Zuberi Islam puts an emphasis on the environment like no other religion. It is not a foreign concept, a tree hugging fad or something to be done after we have acquired all other knowledge about Islam; it is an integral part of our deen. The branches of knowledge are all branches of a single tree whose roots are grounded in the belief in One God. From this we get our sense of unity and balance. A Muslim has responsibility to this earth, to its environment. As an ummah, Muslims have ignored this part of their deen. Our emphasis in schools, khutbahs, lectures, Islamic courses is primarily on rituals, on spiritual growth; sometimes at the expense of this very practical aspect of Islam. If we believe that everything belongs

If we believe that everything belongs to Allāh and that we are just transiting then we have to treat the earth as His amanah – a trust of which we are the guardians, the khalifahs. to Allāh and that we are just transiting then we have to treat the earth as His amanah – a trust of which we are the guardians, the khalifahs. Abu Sa'Īd Khudri reported that Allāh's Messenger said: “The world is sweet and green and verily Allāh is going to install you as vicegerent in it in order to see how you act.” (Muslim) Does this not make you think? We have been placed on earth for

the purpose of taking care of it. According to Najma Mohamed, a lecturer and environmental journalist, “Muslim environmental scholars interpret this to mean that men and women are custodians of creation and are provided with bounties to be enjoyed with limits. The interpretation of a khalifah as a vicegerent not master, trustee not

tyrant is central to the environmental teachings of Islam. If a Muslim understands by trusteeship that he or she can exploit and abuse natural resources, then they fail to understand the concept khilafah. Humankind needs to carry out this role with compassion, kindness and sincerity – with justice and goodness. Our relationship with all of creation should reflect these qualities.” Let's reflect on this eloquent āyah from Surah Rahman: The All-Merciful has taught the Qur'an. He created man and He taught him the explanation. The sun and the moon to a reckoning, and the stars and trees bow themselves; and heaven – He raised it >> CREED Pg 30

Salah: Life's Forgotten Purpose By Yasmin Mogahed Man has taken many journeys throughout time. But there is one journey that nobody has ever taken. Nobody—except one. On a vehicle no man has ever ridden, through a path no soul has ever seen. To a place no creation has ever before set foot. It was the journey of one man to meet the Divine. It was the journey of Muhammad Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam, prophet of God, to the highest heaven. It was al Israa wal Miraaj (the magnificent journey). On that journey Allah took his beloved prophet Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam to the seventh heaven—a place not even angel Gibreel could enter. In the Prophet’s mission on earth, every instruction, every

commandment was sent down through angel Gibreel. But, there was one commandment that was not. There was one commandment so important, that rather than sending angel Gibreel down with it, Allah brought the Prophet Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam up to Himself. That commandment was salah (prayer). When the Prophet Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam was first given the command to pray, it was to be fifty times in a day. After asking Allah to make it easier, the commandment was eventually reduced to five times a day, with the reward of the fifty. Reflecting upon this incident scholars have explained that the process of going from fifty to five was a deliberate one, intended to teach us the true place salah should hold in our lives. Imagine for a moment actually praying fifty times a day. Would we be able to do anything

else but pray? No. And that’s the point. What greater way than that to illustrate our life’s true purpose? As if to say, salah is our real life; all the rest that we fill our day with…just motions. And yet, we live as if it’s exactly the opposite. Salah is something we squeeze into our day, when we find time—if that. Our ‘lives’ don’t revolve around salah. Salah revolves around our ‘lives.’ If we’re in class, salah is an afterthought. If we’re at the mall, the Macy’s sale is more urgent. Something is seriously wrong when we put aside the very purpose of our existence in order to watch a basketball game. And that is for those who even pray at all. There are those who have not only put aside their life’s purpose, they have abandoned it completely. What we often don’t realize about the abandonment of salah is this: No scholar has ever held the opinion

that committing zina (fornication) makes you a disbeliever. No scholar has ever held the opinion that stealing, drinking or taking drugs makes you a disbeliever. No scholar has even claimed that murder makes you a non-Muslim. But, about salah, some scholars have said he who abandons it, is no longer Muslim. This is said based on ahadith such as this one: “The covenant between us and them is prayer, so if anyone abandons it, he has become a disbeliever.” [Ahmad] Imagine an act so egregious that the Prophet Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam would speak about it is such a way. Consider for a moment what satan did wrong. He didn’t refuse to believe in Allah. He refused to make one sajdah. Just one. Imagine all the sajdahs we refuse to make.

>> SALAH Pg 31

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March15th - April 11th 2013

30 |

Salaah times for March 15th - April 1th , 2013

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.

creed

>> continued from pg 29

up and set the balance. Transgress not in the balance, and weigh with justice, and skimp not in the balance. And earth – He set it down for all beings, therein fruits and palm trees with sheaths, and grain in the blade, and fragrant herbs. Which of your Lord's favors will you then deny? (55: 1-12) Frequently this verse is just used to deter us from cheating in business but look at the context here. Trangress not in the balance is an order from Allāh the Almighty. So many ayahs of the Qurʾān are devoted to reflecting on nature. If we cannot take care of the gardens of earth, how can we aspire to live in the

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Day

Date

Hijri

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Fri

March 15

3/5

6:05

7:19

1:17

4:40

7:16

8:29

Sat

4/5

6:04

7:17

1:17

4:41

7:17

8:30

Sun

5/5

6:02

7:15

1:17

4:41

7:18

8:31

Mon

6/5

6:01

7:14

1:17

4:42

7:19

8:32

Tue

7/5

5:59

7:12

1:16

4:42

7:20

8:34

Wed

8/5

5:57

7:11

1:16

4:43

7:21

8:35

Thu

9/5

5:56

7:09

1:16

4:43

7:22

8:36

Fri

10/5

5:54

7:08

1:15

4:43

7:23

8:37

Sat

11/5

5:52

7:06

1:15

4:44

7:24

8:38

Sun

12/5

5:51

7:04

1:15

4:44

7:25

8:39

Mon

13/5

5:49

7:03

1:14

4:45

7:26

8:40

Tue

14/5

5:47

7:01

1:14

4:45

7:27

8:41

Wed

15/5

5:46

7:00

1:14

4:45

7:28

8:42

Thu

16/5

5:44

6:58

1:14

4:46

7:29

8:43

Fri

17/5

5:42

6:57

1:13

4:46

7:30

8:44

Sat

18/5

5:40

6:55

1:13

4:47

7:30

8:45

Sun

19/5

5:39

6:53

1:13

4:47

7:31

8:47

Mon

April 1

20/5

5:37

6:52

1:12

4:47

7:32

8:48

Tue

21/5

5:35

6:50

1:12

4:48

7:33

8:49

Wed

22/5

5:34

6:49

1:12

4:48

7:34

8:50

Thu

23/5

5:32

6:47

1:11

4:48

7:35

8:51

Fri

24/5

5:30

6:46

1:11

4:49

7:36

8:52

Sat

25/5

5:28

6:44

1:11

4:49

7:37

8:53

Sun

26/5

5:27

6:43

1:11

4:49

7:38

8:54

Mon

27/5

5:25

6:41

1:10

4:49

7:39

8:56

Tue

28/5

5:23

6:40

1:10

4:50

7:40

8:57

Wed

29/5

5:22

6:38

1:10

4:50

7:41

8:58

Thu

1/6

5:20

6:37

1:10

4:50

7:42

8:59

garden of Jannah? “And it is He Who has made you successive (generations) in the earth. And He has raised you in ranks, some above others, so that He may try you in that which He has bestowed on you. Surely your Lord is Swift in retribution, and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (6:165) This āyah is the crux of our relationship with this planet and all of creation in it. It is another test for us. Nothing is more destructive than a khalifah who has stopped being an abd (slave) of Allāh, disobedient to his commands. Why did the angels ask Allāh (ta'ala), why He is sending humans as khalifahs? Look at our state today? We have become so caught up in the consumerism, in gratuitous consumption,

that we do forget that we will be held accountable in front of Allāh for all our deeds. We look for convenience over doing what is right. This has caused disequilibrium in the balance that Allāh has created and we see the consequence is the excess in the developed world and the deprivation and hunger in other parts of Allāh's world. But somewhere inside us we have that ability to live up to the lofty maqam of a khalifah. Allāh knows us better than we know ourselves, we just need to find that in us and live up to the personal responsibility that every one of us has. Look at the example of Prophet Muḥammad, he slept on the ground close to the earth on a bed made of palm leaves, wrapped in his shawl. He sat on the floor to eat simple, wholesome food. He repaired his shoes and urged us to wear out our

clothes until they had patches on them. According to a hadith narrated by Tirmidhi, “The worldly comforts are not for me. I am like a traveler, who takes a rest under a tree in the shade and then goes on his way.” So lets use the symbolic tree for shade, to nourish our self, but let's also follow the sunnah and leave the symbolic tree intact so that the next traveler can use it. Some American scholars are cognizant of our state and speak of this issue. Imām Ammar Ammonette of Central Virginia says “faith has 73 branches, you live your faith, it's your life and the lowest part of faith is removing pollutants or harmful substances, whatever will cause harm to human beings, from

>> CREED II Pg 35

March 15th - April 11th 2013

OBITS & EVENTS| 31

Request For Dua’s

{ To A llah We B e l o n g , an d t o Hi m is 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)” 2-13-13 Words cannot express our profound sorrow as we announce the passing of Sister Aidah Sabir. We pray that the Almighty Creator, the Most High, Grant her Mercy, Forgiveness and a Beautiful Home in Paradise. (Source: Masjid Muhammad) 2-15-13 The Board of Directors, Imam, Executive Director, and the staff of Dar AlHIjrah and the Muslim community in Northern Virginia extend its deepest condolences to our Br Adnan Salim’s family as he has passed away. SalatAlJanaza was on February 16, 2013 in Falls Church, Virginia. May Allah grant him with Jannah and give his family patience. (Source: Dar AlHijrah) 2-17-13 It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Sister Amani Kotb. Janazah salat was on February 18, 2013 in Lanham, Maryland. May Allah (SWT) grant her Jannatual Firdaus and may HE grant her family ease. (Source: PGMA) The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam) said:

Upcoming Events In Your Area M.A.S.S. 2 Day Disaster Prepareness Workshop Saturday, March 16th 2013, Saturday, March 23rd 2013 You'll learn basic skills in: Hazards that may inpact your area, basic disaster response skills, fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, and terrorism. Location: PGMA, 9150 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD 20706 Contact: For reservations and information, PGMA at 301-459-4942 PGMA Discussion: A Gaze Unguarded Sunday, March 17 2013, 1:30pm - 5:30pm The PGMA Youth Group is presenting a special educational forum for parents and older children, on the viewing of explicit content and its addictive effects, and the Islamic perspective on this subject. Children between ages 13 and 17 will only be admitted with written proof of parental consent. Babysitting will be provided on-site for $5/child. Location: PGMA Main Hall, 9150 Lanham Severn Road, Lanham, MD Contact: 301-459-4942 Ext. 1, www.pgmamd.org Central Virginia Qur'an Competition & Awards Ceremony Saturday, March 23 2013 Testing will take place on March 16th at the Islamic Center of Virginia! Register Online by March 11th, 2013. Location: Islamic Center of VA Contact: Please visit www.cvqc.org for more information Relationships: A Tribute to Our Women Satuday, March 23, 2013 11:00am – 3:00pm

"Remember much, that which cuts off pleasure: Death, since no-one remembers it in times of difficulty, except that things are made easy for him, nor mentions it at times of ease, except that the affairs become constricted for him."

The Islamic Community Center of Laurel presents Relationships: A Tribute to Our Women. status of a Mother, dealing with a Sister; consideration for a wife; tarbiyah of a Daughter; mother-In-Law & Daughter-In-Law. Limited Babysitting Available. Refreshments will be served. Vendors Welcome. Event is open to brothers and sisters. Location: 7306 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20707

-- Saheehul-Jaami’us Sagheer, no 1222

Finding the Truth -- A Spiritual Journey -- A Special iMuslimah Event April 14, 2013 - 10:30 am - 3:30pm

Women's Committee of Masjid As-Saffat Conference Friday, March 29th to Sunday, March 31st A weekend with The Women’s Committee of Masjid As-Saffat and your Muslim sisters from around the world. Workshops, Meet and Greet, and more! Vending Info: Zakia Amin 410-340-9747Location: Turf Valley Conference Center and Resort, Ellicott City, MD Contact: For registration for attendees and vendors: go to www.womenscommittee.eventbrite.com MUSLIM LINK "EXPOSED" EVENT -- SATURDAY MARCH 30, 2013, 5PM, MONTGOMERY BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL, SILVER SPRING MD

Inspirational stories from sisters who accepted Islam, food, games, and much more. Tickets $10. Location: Dar-us-Salaam. For more information email iMuslimah@darussalaam.org.

Salah

>> continued from pg 29

Consider the seriousness of such a refusal. And yet, think how lightly we take the matter of salah. Salah is the first thing we will be asked about on the Day of Judgment, and yet it is the last thing that is on our mind. The Prophet Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam said: “The first thing which will be judged among a man’s deeds on the Day of Resurrection is the Prayer. If this is in good order then he will succeed and prosper but if it is defective then he will fail and will be a loser.” [Tirmidhi]

On that Day, the people of paradise will ask those who have entered Hell-fire, why they have entered it. And the Qur’an tells us exactly what their first response will be: ”What led you into Hell Fire? They will say: ‘We were not of those who prayed.’” (Qur’an, 74:42-43) How many of us will be among those who say “we were not of those who prayed, or we were not of those who prayed on time, or we were not of those who made prayer any priority in our lives?” Why is it that if we’re in class or at work or fast asleep at the time of fajr and we need to use the restroom, we make time for that? In fact,

the question almost sounds absurd. We don’t even consider it an option not to. And even if we were taking the most important exam of our lives, when we need to go, we will go. Why? Because the potentially mortifying consequences of not going, makes it a non-option. There are many people who say they don’t have time to pray at work or school, or while they’re out. But how many have ever said they don’t have time to go to the bathroom, so while out, at work or school have opted instead to just wear Depends? How many of us just don’t feel like waking up at Fajr time if we need to use the bathroom, and choose instead to wet our

bed? The truth is we’ll get out of bed, or leave class, or stop work, to use the bathroom, but not to pray. It sounds comical, but the truth is we put the needs of our body above the needs of our soul. We feed our bodies, because if we didn’t, we’d die. But so many of us starve our souls, forgetting that if we are not praying our soul is dead. And ironically, the body that we tend to is only temporary, while the soul that we neglect is eternal. Originally published by InfocusNews

....

32 | OPINION

March15th - April 11th 2013

Opinion

School Boards, Muslim Agendas, Bigotry, and National Security A Look at Loudon County's Denial of Charter School Run by Turkish Muslims By Ramy Osman

Muslims 4 Liberty What an interesting congregation of people and topics! They all came to a head on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at the Loudoun County Public School (LCPS) Board meeting in Virginia. It was the last in a series of meetings where the LCPS Board was to issue their final decision whether to approve or deny a charter school application. The charter application was for Loudoun Math & IT Academy (LMITA), and had been a source of controversy since the application was filed over 6-months ago. Loudoun County is the wealthiest county in America, and part of a region considered to be the most highly educated. This doesn’t mean that they’re better than other communities. It just means that they have more “stuff” than others, in this case, it’s money and degree certificates. The political savviness and highly professional standards that are displayed in its county school board, is a reflection of the caliber of people involved in the overall politics of Loudoun County and of the Washington DC region. The implication is, that any charter school application will be scrutinized and examined to a degree that you won’t find in most school boards around the country. LMITA was a proposed charter school that would serve grades 6 through 12 and have a curriculum focused on subjects that fall within the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). When the charter was first submitted to LCPS in August 2012, the LMITA governing board was made up

....

Does this qualify LMITA as having a “Turkish-Muslim agenda”? Probably as much as it qualifies the LCPS Board as being a “white-Christian agenda”. After all, the Loudoun school board is made up of all white members who are predominantly Christian. of 7 people – 5 of whom are TurkishAmerican professionals and educators. They are also Muslim. LMITA was conceived by the TurkishAmerican board members. Their lives are dedicated to the research and development of science and technology. Three

principal at Baltimore IT Academy in Maryland. This team banded together to establish a secular school that would teach STEM subjects, subjects which American students desperately need, and where American students are regarded as mediocre on a global scale. As a statesanctioned charter school, their curricu-

Since the beginning of the application process, those against LMITA have opposed it on the grounds that the applicants are using “stealth jihad” and applying “creeping Sharia” tactics to get their charter school approved. of them hold PhD’s in engineering (Ali Gokce, Ali Bicack, and Mustafa Sahin), one has a masters degree in engineering and is an entrepreneur (Sinan Yildirim), and one has a distinguished career teaching and managing at STEM schools (Fatih Kandil). Mr. Kandil is also currently the

lum and hiring/firing practices would have to comply with all federal/state laws and codes. Religion would not be part of the curriculum, no one would be preferred or discriminated against based on their race, religion, etc. , and all other government regulations would need to be

followed. If they don’t comply with the rules, then they can be penalized or lose their charter status. Does this qualify LMITA as having a “Turkish-Muslim agenda”? Probably as much as it qualifies the LCPS Board as being a “white-Christian agenda”. After all, the Loudoun school board is made up of all white members who are predominantly Christian. But these labels don’t give or take away anything in regards to the intellectual abilities or professional skills of members of either board. It’s possible that religion plays a factor in some of their motivations, and encourages them to do good for others and to take part in community building. If this qualifies the board members of LMITA and of LCPS as having a religious agenda, then I would concede that they do have a religious agenda. But I would call it a “positive-based agenda”. Enter the bigotry. Since the beginning of the application process, those against LMITA have opposed it on the grounds that the applicants are using “stealth jihad” and applying “creeping Sharia” tactics to get their charter school approved. They allege that the charter schools are used to spread Islam. These religious attacks were mostly based on their ignorance of the Islamic religion, their misunderstanding of certain Muslim scholars, and their delusions about a grand jihadisharia-salamualaikum conspiracy that is supposedly taking over America. They were the most vocal voice coming from the public, and their bigotry intimidated many people out of publicly supporting LMITA. >> School Pg 33

March 15th - April 11th 2013 School

>> continued from pg 32

The main accusation of the fear mongers was that the applicants are part of a Turkish-Muslim movement that is led by Imam Fethullah Gulen. They say that this movement is responsible for creating or managing more than 100 STEM charter schools in America, and over 1000 STEM-like schools around the world. They accuse these schools of having a hidden agenda of indoctrinating students with Turkish and Islamic supremacist ideas. LMITA clearly refuted all of the accusations by publishing a ‘Myth vs Reality’ fact-sheet. People warned that the applicants are using deception, are incompatible with the American way of life, are guilty by association, are a threat to national security, and a slew of other accusation that gave the impression of this being part of “the war on terror”. Businessmen, military, and media personalities, attorneys and even clergy all made statements in the hearings warning of the dangers of the global Gulen movement and the dangers of Islamic indoctrination. But none of the opponents presented any proof or evidence that demonstrated wrong doing, illegal activity or even deceptive practices of any of the LMITA board members. The best they did was to give general accusations about people who were barely associated with one of the applicants, Mr. Kandil. They never accused Mr. Kandil himself of doing anything wrong. And they never accused him of teaching Islam or promoting Muslim propaganda in any of the schools he worked in. The real Muslim agenda can be found only when you investigate Imam Gulen himself, not any of the applicants or any of the charter schools. An important contribution of Imam Gulen is that he laid a theological foundation for equating the study of subjects like physics, mathematics and chemistry to a form of reflection on God’s creation. He says that, with the right intention, their study can be considered as worship. People who admire and respect Imam Gulen as a scholarly authority, will tend to get involved in studying and developing the STEM subjects. The result of Imam Gulen’s influence is that there are hundreds of STEM-like schools established around the world that

OPINION | 33 were inspired by his ideas. These “followers” or “members of the Gulan movement” have never used these schools to spread their religion or proselytize. There is simply no evidence of that. Rather, they used the schools as a way to fulfill what they perceive as a religious duty. And this religious duty is to educate others in the STEM fields… How dare they?! It’s undeniable that many Turkish-Americans have been successful in setting up charter schools around the country. And it’s undeniable that they’ve empowered tens of thousands of American children with skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They’ve been so successful that they’ve attracted conspiracy theories, media scrutiny, and federal investigations. All fueled by the same type of people who

proof that you don’t need a government to pass laws and statutes that would compel others within the “system” to adopt STEM subjects into their curriculum or into their overall educational philosophy. Imam Gulen doesn’t have a “government” of his own that he can use to compel others to implement his ideas. He doesn’t have a “system” in place that is codified where members of the “system” must be in compliance or they’ll be fined, fired or imprisoned. His methods don’t mimic how modern nation-states behave. Rather, he is a teacher and guide. Through his teachings, he was able to inspire others and influence millions of people around the world to embody noble characteristics of tolerance and community service through the pursuit of education, specifically scientific and

What happened at the Loudoun County school board is not an isolated incident. This scene has repeated itself hundreds of times over the last decade. popped their heads into the Loudoun Public School hearings to voice their paranoia and bigotry. These opponents have created a nation-wide alliance with other like-minded people. They appear at school board hearings around the country to influence the school boards into denying the application and to rally the local communities against the applicants themselves. They use the media, churches and government-connections to mobilize people for their cause. If it was up to them, they would love to see the “Gulenists” thrown into some secret CIA prison, or at least put on a no-fly list or a terror-watch list. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind water-boarding some of them to get the confession of “stealth-jihad” they so desperately want to hear. But this becomes more disturbing when you realize that this mentality is not limited only to citizens who make public comments about charter schools. Their accusations of a jihadi conspiracy have no weight. Among other things, Imam Gulen also advocates non-violence, peace-building, and inter-faith & inter-cultural efforts. These are often ignored for the sake of promoting sensational and provocative conspiracy theories. But the influence of Imam Gulen is

technical education. Imam Gulen has broken boundaries and has done an enormous service for the religious and secular communities of the world. He is a peacemaker who never used force, coercion, violence, assassinations, or bombs to prove his point or spread his teachings. If we lived in a world of logic and justice, then maybe the Nobel Peace Prize would be awarded to someone like Imam Gulen. But we live in a rather odd world, where Nobel Peace prizes are awarded to people who authorize drone strikes and military attacks that end up killing innocent people. Becoming marginally familiar with the ideas of Imam Gulen, I can say that I do admire him and his work. I myself have a bachelors in Computer Engineering and masters in Telecommunications (And no, I’m not Turkish). So I have a particular appreciation for any technical school that teaches students skill-sets that are similar to mine, and appreciate people who advocate for this. I hope that others can further investigate his ideas and acknowledge him as a significant contributor to the Muslim intellectual and religious tradition. Who knows, maybe he can even be considered a Muslim in

pursuit of liberty. In the final meeting that took place on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 the LCPS Board denied the application. The vote was 8-1, where the one vote in favor was cast by board member Mr. Bill Fox. Mr. Fox even submitted a motion to grant a 6-month extension which would give the applicants more time to seek the specialists who can improve their application, and to also use that time to gather more grass-roots community support. That motion was unanimously denied. Mr. Fox also went on the record to clearly and firmly denounce the bigotry. He was joined by board members Mr. Kevin Kuesters, Ms. Debbie Rose and ViceChair Ms. Jill Turgeon, in officially stating that their final decision to deny the application was not influenced by the bigotry on display inside and outside the hearings. The only board member who attempted to give legitimacy to the bigoted accusations was Mr. Thomas Reed. He suggested that because there were a couple of Muslims who objected to the charter school based on the same anti-religious platform, then somehow they gave legitimacy to the claims. What happened at the Loudoun County school board is not an isolated incident. This scene has repeated itself hundreds of times over the last decade. All around the country, people unite to oppose mosques, Islamic schools, secular schools, businesses, politicians and whatever else they perceive to be a “Muslim threat”. They “accuse” people of being Muslim, craft political agendas, push legislations and influence national-security and foreign policies. They do this all in the name of patriotism and a warped idea of Islam and Muslims. But they suffer from a tunnel vision that prevents them from seeing their own extremist tendencies, and from seeing the damage they’ve done to this country. It’s important that people speak out or resist these bullies when they find an opportunity to do so. That’s the only way of changing the narrative, and changing what they’ve made this country into. Ramy Osman lives in Northern Virginia and blogs at www.Muslims4Liberty.org.

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MASJID LISTING

34 |

March15th - April 11th 2013

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 ---------------------------------------------------------------Moroccan American Community Organization Center 5613 Lessaburg Pike,#1 Falls Church,Va 22041 Info@macous.org Www.macous.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

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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: 202-904-9668 E-mail: masjidivycity@yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------------------------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 200 S. Calhoun Street 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------Maryum Islamic Center (MIC) 3280 Pine Orchard Lane Suite A Ellicott City, MD 21042 Tel: 443-574-5188 www.maryumcenter.com ---------------------------------------------------------------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: 301-322-8105 ---------------------------------------------------------------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 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Education Society of Maryland 11504 Veirs Mills Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Tel: 301- 933-3838 ---------------------------------------------------------------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

March 15th - April 11th 2013

CONTINUED | 35 credd II

Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager: Stephanie Benmoha Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Urooj Fatima Anhar Karim Aisha Khatib Yaman Shalabi Fatimah Waseem 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

>> continued from pg 30

the path… when you clean up whatever is dangerous or unhealthy, that is faith.” These voices are few but rising. Responding to environmental issues in the Islamic world and teaching its rulings is the imperative of our present ulema (scholars), especially now as we can see the ubiquitous results of the destruction caused by our prevailing way of life. All the injunctions are in the classic books of fiqh distributed across the different babs (chapters), they need be gathered and taught to the layman. “All the produce of the earth is duly proportioned (bi-qadarin mawzun-15:19), not just in what is evident but as to their internal composition of nutrients, water, minerals, salts, etc. God blessed the earth and made it safe such that you shall not see imperfection in the creation of the Most Merciful (67:13).” “When man acts, instead of a trusted custodian and architect of the earth, as its most dangerous destroyer, driven by greed rather than need,” then the result is havoc. We are obliged not to do injustice to the rest of creation. These will be witnesses for or against us on the Day of Judgment. Dr. Soumaya Pernilla Ouis, a senior lecturer at Lund University, Sweden, coined the phrase Islamic ecocosmology. The idea is that nature in itself is Muslim; that we look around us and recognize every organism as our Muslim fellow being. That really changes the relationship, doesn't it? We know that everything from thunder to ants hymn the glory of Allāh, all beings therein, declare His glory; there is not a thing but celebrates his praise: and yet ye understand not how they declare His glory. (17:44) Allāh asks us, do you not see that to Allāh bow down in worship all things that are in the heavens and on earth – the

sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number of mankind? (22:18) It is harder to ignore and cause destruction. Many of the already established Islamic legal principles can be applied within the environmental field, and it is actually argued by some ecotheologicans that the environmental perspective has traditionally always been a part of Shariah. Institutions within Shariah such as harim (preserved natural environments) and hima (protected land for grazing purposes) are used for natural conservation. The five principles of protection in shariah are religion, reason, life, property and descendants, which may not include the 20th century term environment but all lead to its protection. An addition to Islamic law includes a specific category of contemporary jurisprudence called fiqh al-bi'ah, or jurisprudence of the environment. “Law-makers take a number of the foundational concepts of Islam such as rahmah (mercy), tawazun (harmony) and shukr (gratitude) and apply them to this ethico-juridical discipline which links ecological health to the psychological health of man. Environmental degradation is seen as a sickness of the human ego because man is unable to give up short-term gratification in favor of long-term prosperity.” If we look back at our heritage, the principles of reuse, recycle, clean energy are NOT new – “Muslim potters heated their kilns by burning fruit husks, fruit stones, pine-cones and vegetable waste. Millers ground their corn in mills turned by the wind. Both windmills and animals were used to lift water into irrigation channels.” The industrial uses of tidemills and watermills in the Islamic world date back to the 7th century.

wreak havoc on nature or strew debris over land and sea. Means were simpler, materials natural and even crude. Exquisite ceramics emerged from raw clay and textiles of unrivaled beauty were born from hand-looms and the hand of the embroiderer. Travel, although surprisingly extensive – consider the journeys of Ibn Battuta – was on foot, on beasts of burden or by sailing boat.” As Muslim nations are going through industrial renaissance and calls for industrialization increase, let us not make the same mistakes, importing inappropriate technology, setting up industry without studying the environmental ramifications. We have the opportunity to inculcate Islamic injunctions into eco-concsiouness, and to be leaders protecting our planet. Surely changing a light bulb will not change the world, but what we need is a change in attitude to our eco-lives. If we do these acts as forms of ibadah, of obeying Allāh inshā'Allāh we can live up to the status that He has bestowed upon us. 'Aisha (radiAllahu anha) narrated, that the Prophet was asked: “What deeds are loved most by Allāh?” He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He added, “Don't take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.” [Sahih Bukhāri, 8:76:472] Principles Into Practice: Islamic Traditions – Ismail Peter Hobson Environmental Care in Islam: A Qur'anic Perspective – Muḥammad Hashim Kamali Global Environmental Relations: Islamic Perspective – Dr. Soumaya Pernilla Ouis

This may be because “traditional Islamic society, no matter how rich in spiritual and aesthetic content, was slower, and simpler in its technology. The production of the artifacts and adornments did not

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Cafe

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Sauteed Mashed Potatoes Chicken On A Stick Fried Lake Trout Spring Roll Fried Fish (no Breading) Coconut Shrimp Fried Sweet Donuts Fried Chicken Balls Fried Chicken Pineapple Chicken Teppanyai Chicken General Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;so Chicken

hot soup Hot & Sour Wonton Chicken Corn Egg Drop ....

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March15th - April 11th 2013

March 15th - April 11th 2013

HALAL MENUS

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HALAL MENUS

March15th - April 11th 2013

March 15th - April 11th 2013

HALAL MENUS

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 49

6901 Security Blvd Windsor Mill, MD 21244 SEOUL PLAZA (Second Floor)

Behind Mall Across from Grand Auto Body Shop

osplacemd@yahoo.com 410-597-9920 or 410-960-6951

11am to 10pm Daily

Signature DiSheS Beef Beef hunan Style Shredded Beef Schezuan Beef with Broccoli

$9.95 $9.95 $9.95

LamB Lamb hunan Style Shredded Lamb Schezuan style Lamb Curry

$9.95 $9.95 $9.95

ChiCken kung Pao Chicken Diced Chicken w/fresh hot Peppers Orange Chicken

$8.95 $9.95 $11.95

Vegetarian Sauteed Brococli in garlic Sauce Sauteed String Bean

$7.95 $7.95

PakiStani & inDian SPeCiaLtieS all Dishes listed below are served with your choice of one naan or roti Beef kabob (2) Chicken kabob (2) Chicken tikka (with bone) mutton karahi (1 lb. pre-cook weight) Beef haleem Beef nihari Chicken Steak (12 Pieces) Paye

$5.95 $5.95 $5.95 $10.95 $8.95 $8.95 $11.95 $9.99

DeSSertS Kulfi (one) Mango Kulfi (one)

$1.99 $1.99

YOu Can finD Our fuLL menu at

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HALAL MENUS

March15th - April 11th 2013

March 15th - April 11th 2013

Open 365 Days 10:30am-9:30pm

Call 301-990-6868

SALADS House Salad $4.99 Fish Kabob Salad $9.43 Greek Salad $5.99 Lamb / Beef Kabob Salad $8.95 Chicken Kabob Salad $8.95 Choice of Dressing - Italian, Blue Cheese, Ranch & Chutney KIDS LOVE IT! 6 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks $6.98 With French Fries 6 Pcs Buffalo Wings served with fries $6.98 Hot, mild or BBQ & blue cheese or green sauce 25 Pcs Shrimp Basket with Fries $6.98 5 Jumbo Size Chicken Fingers and Fries $6.98 7 Chicken Nuggets & Fries Kids Love It ! $6.98 JUMBO SIZE BUFFALO WINGS Hot, mild or barbeque 10 Pcs Wings $6.98 20 Pcs Wings $12.99 30 Pcs Wings $18.99 50 Pcs Wings $29.99 DESSERTS Rice Pudding $3.50 Baklava Or Ice Cream $2.50 Cheesecake $2.50 STARTERS Hummus $3.50 A perfect blend of chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic & tahini Meat Samosa 2 Pcs $2.50 Two crisps pastry mildly spiced, filled with ground beef Vegetable Samosa 2 Pcs $1.50 Two crisps pastry spiced with mildly spiced veggie Potato Cutlet /Aloo Tikki 2 Pcs $1.50 Potato cutlet mixed with spices & cilantro Jalapeno Poppers 5 Pcs $4.99 NEW! Jalapeno Poppers 5 Pcs w/fries $5.99 Grape Leaves 5 Pcs $3.99 Stuffed with rice, onions, lemon juice & parsley cooked in olive oil

INDIAN & PAKISTANI CURRY ENTREES

Served with baked bread or rice & salad Karahi Chicken Boneless $9.99 Boneless breast, sauteed with onions, tomato and ginger Spinach & Potato Mix $8.99 Boneless Goat / Lamb Karahi $12.99 Tender pieces of goat cooked into gravy with our special spices Butter Chicken $10.99 Cooked in yogurt tomatoes and tasteful with mild traditional spices Chicken or Beef Kabob Masala $12.99 Chicken Jalfarezi $9.99

HALAL MENUS

Boneless chicken breast curry with selective vegetables Nehari Spicy beef curry cooked overnight Chick Peas Curry A blend of tasty spices and rich gravy (you have to taste to enjoy) Fried Eggplant Eggplant with sauteed onions, tomatoes and special spices Daal Lentil Cooked in traditional way RICE Basmati Rice (with Zafran) Chicken Biryani Served with yogurt raita sauce, Add Extra sauce 0.50¢ Veggie Biryani

THE KABOB ENTREES

All entrees are served with freshly baked naan, basmati rice, green sauce and salad. Veggie Kabob Fresh tomatoes, onions, green peppers & zucchini flame broiled to perfection Ground Beef Kabob (Combo #9) 2 skewers of mouth watering ground beef, onions & cilantro grilled to perfection Boneless Chicken Kabob Tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices skewered and charcoal grilled Extra skewer of chicken for Boneless Tandoori Chicken Kabob Blend of hot spices Extra skewer of chicken for Lamb Kabob Tender chunks of lamb marinated in spices skewered and charcoal grilled Extra skewer of lamb for Beef Steak Kabob Pieces of tenderloin beef marinated in our seasonings, flame broiled to perfection Extra skewer of beef for Fish Kabob Marinated salmon chunks in special seasoning and flamed broiled to perfection Fish Combo (Salmon) With any meat or vegetable Silver Spoon (Combo #1) Chicken kabob and veggie kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #2) Chicken kabob and ground beef kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #3) Chicken kabob and beef steak kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #4) Lamb kabob and veggie kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #5)

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 51

$10.99 $7.99

$7.99 $7.99

$2.99 $9.42 $7.99

$7.99

$10.99

$9.99

$2.99 $9.99 $2.99 $10.99

$3.99 $9.99

$3.99 $11.99

$14.99

Lamb kabob and ground beef kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #6) Chicken kabob and lamb kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #7) Beef kabob and lamb kabob Silver Spoon (Combo #8) Ground beef kabob and steak kabob

KABOB ROLLS

Veggie Kabob Roll Fish Kabob Roll Beef Steak Kabob Roll Lamb Kabob Roll Chicken Kabob Roll Ground Beef Kabob Roll Chicken Kabob Roll Or Tandoori Chicken Kabob Roll SIDE ORDERS Tandoori Naan Leavened white flour naan freshly baked Garlic Naan Leavened white flour naan freshly baked in tandoor topped with garlic Plain Paratha Multi layered bread cooked with butter Aloo Paratha Bread stuffed with potatoes and spices Basmati Rice Raita French Fries Onion Rings Chick Peas Curry GYRO - $4.99 With French Fries With Onion Rings With Fresh Salad NEW! With Jalapeno Poppers 6 Pcs with Fries $5.99 INDIVIDUAL SKEWER OF MEAT Veggie Kabob Or Ground Beef Kabob Beef Steak Kabob Or Chicken Kabob Lamb Kabob Fish Kabob Boneless Tandoori Chicken Kabobs EXTRAS Extra Chutney - 0.25¢ • Extra Raita

$12.99 $12.99 $12.99

$7.99 $8.99 $7.99 $8.99 $7.99 $7.99 $7.99 $1.25 $1.98

$2.50 $2.99 $2.99 $1.50 $1.99 $2.50 $2.99 $6.98 $7.40 $6.98

$3.49 $4.72 $4.72 $5.66 $4.72 0.50¢

$11.99 $12.99 $12.99 $12.99

MUST TRY FAVORITES ! Boneless Goat / Lamb Karahi Butter Chicken Spinach & Potato Curry Beef Steak Kabob

$12.99 $10.99 $8.99 $9.99

$12.99

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March15th - April 11th 2013

Order Online

(2) 8â&#x20AC;? Subs, 2 Fries or Chips & 2 Cans of Soda

$15.99 + Tax

CONVENIENT TO UMBC CAMPUS Last order taken 15 minutes before closing

Our menu includes appetizers, pizza, strombolis, subs, sandwiches, hot dogs, pasta, platters, wraps, salads, wings, and desserts. Come try our HALAL diner!

Special Discount for Catering Order

MINIMUM $11.00

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HALAL MENUS

March 15th - April 11th 2013

FRESH PIZZA DELIGHTS Hand tossed/thin crust. ultra thin crust available 12” only. choice of wheat or white Pers.8”

Med. 12”

Cheese 6.24 10.24 1 Topping 6.74 11.24 2 Topping 7.24 12.24 Additional Toppings 50 99 SPECIALTY PIZZAS Pers.8”

Med. 12”

Classic White Pizza 7.74 11.99

Lg. 14”

X-Lg. 16”

12.00 13.24 13.30 14.74 14.60 16.24 1.30

1.50

Lg. 14”

X-Lg. 16”

13.99

15.99

Monster 20”

14.99 16.99 18.99 1.99

Monster 20”

19.99

Olive oil, oregano, blend of provoone and american, mozzarella, cheese and garlic

Deluxe Classic White Pizza 8.24 12.49 14.49

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 53

Fresh Pizza Burger 100% beef fresh made burger, pizza sauce, pizza cheese

Falafel Wrap Gyro Wrap

Roast Beef (Hot or cold) Grilled Chicken Breast Fresh Chicken Salad Beef Gyro Sub Chicken Gyro Sub Fresh Seafood Salad Chicken of Beef Shish Kabob Chicken Tikka Kabob Chicken Parmesan

22.99

6.24

Chicken or beef, gyro sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil and vinegar

Cheese Steak Wrap

Lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, onions and American cheese

Eggplant

Lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise

Hot Dog Wrap

With chili, cheese and onion

Fish Filet or Tilapia Wrap

Chicken fillet, pizza sauce, provolone cheese

Lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise

Chicken filet Eggplant Parmesan

Lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise

BLT Wrap

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, ranch dressing

Italian Meatball

Everything on white pizza plus feta cheese and red onion

Meatball, pizza sauce, provolone cheese

Chicken Tikka Kabob Wrap

Shrimp Pizza 8.24 12.49

100% Real Turkey (Hot or cold) Ham & Cheese (Hot or cold) BBq Chicken Cheese Steak

Jumbo Shrimp Wrap

14.49

16.49

20.49

Shrimp, Old Bay and extra cheese

Crab Pizza

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, ranch dressing Lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise

Crab Cake Wrap

Chicken, BBQ Sauce

8.24 12.49

14.49

16.49

20.49

100% crabmeat, Old Bay and extra cheese

Meat Lover’s 9.24 14.99

16.99

18.99

22.99

FRESH WRAPS Available in white and whole wheat flour Buffalo Chicken Wrap 6.24 Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap

Italian Steak 9.24 14.99

Chicken BLT Wrap

16.99

18.99

22.99

Steak, mushrooms, green peppers and onions

Greek Pizza 9.24 14.99

6.24

Lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, onions, hot peppers and American cheese

16.99

18.99

22.99

Grilled Chicken Wrap Lettuce, tomato, onions and American cheese

Shish Kabob Pizza 9.24 14.99

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise and American cheese

16.99

18.99

Chicken Cheese Steak Wrap 22.99

chiken or beef, onions, green peppers

16.99

18.99

22.99

FRESH OVERSTUFFED SUBS & Available in white and whole wheat bread choice of free fixing: 8” 6.49 12” 10.49 20” 15.99 Philadelphia Steak Philadelphia Cheesesteak Italian Cheesesteak steak, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, pizza sauce, provolone cheese

Chicken Cheesesteak Italian Hot Cut Italian Cold Cut Fresh Hamburger 100% beef Fresh Cheeseburger 100% beef Pizza Sub Pizza Steak

Grilled Veggie Wrap

6.24 6.24 6.24

Mixed veggies with American cheese, mayonnaise and hot peppers

spicy chicken, green peppers and onions

Steak, Pizza sauce, pizza cheese

6.24

Smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese and mayonnaise

gyro meat (Chicken or beef), feta cheese, black olives, red onions, green peppers and exta cheese

Chicken Tikka Pizza 9.24 14.99

6.24

Lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese and creamy Caesar dressing

Spicy Chicken Wrap

Turkey Wrap

6.24

(Specify hot or cold) Lettuce, tomato, onion and ranch dressing

Tuna Wrap

6.24 6.24 6.24

6.74

FRESH PLATTERS

All platters served with french fries or mashed potatoes. We use trans fat-free cooking oil

Chicken Nugget Platter (12) Hot Roast Beef with Gravy Hot Turkey with Gravy Popcorn Shrimp Clam Strips Tilapia Fish (2) Gyro Platter Beef or chicken with mini Greek salad

Jumbo Shrimp (7) Seafood Combo

1 Crab cake, 1 tilapia fish and 4 jumbo shrimp

Chicken Shish Kabob, Beef Shish Kabob or Chicken Tikka Kabob Platter

Lettuce, tomatoes, onions and mayonnaise

6.74

6.24

6.24 6.24

6.24

Lettuce, tomato, feta cheese, green pepper, onions, cucumber, banana pepper and black olives

Tandoori Chicken Platter

Lettuce, toamtoes, onions and mayonnaise

Chicken Salad

Greek Wrap

6.24

Lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise

Seafood Salad Wrap

6.24

$ Lettuce, tomatoes and mayonnaise. Fresh homemade crab cake

Lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese, bleu cheese and Buffalo sauce

Beef pepperoni, ground beef, sausage, Italian salami, beef bacon, turkey ham and double cheese

6.24

Chicken or Beef Shish Kabob Wrap 6.24

Eggplant, pizza sauce, pizza cheese

16.49

6.24

Lettuce, tomato and onions with choice of sweet, cucumber or Buffalo sauce

8.49 8.49 8.49 8.49 8.49 9.24 9.24

11.24 11.24 8.99

Served with fresh bread and mini salad with choice of dressing

8.99

Served with fresh bread, mini salad and choice of dressing

BUFFALO OR BONELESS WINGS & Served with french fries and bleu cheese or ranch (Specify hot or cold} Ham, salami, provolone cheese, fire (very hot). Hot. Buffalo Atomic. lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise Mild. BBQ Sauce. Honey BBQ, Honey Garlic, Ham & Cheese Wrap 6.24 Honey Mustard or Old Bay Style (Specify hot or cold) Lettuce, tomato, onion, American cheese and mayonnaise 5 Pieces 4.24 Roast Beef Wrap 6.24 10 Pieces 8.24 (Specify hot or cold) Lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise and onions 15 Pieces 11.24 Chili & Cheese Wrap 6.24 20 Pieces 14.24 Fresh in house made chili and American cheese 30 Pieces 18.24 Cheeseburger Wrap 6.24 Extra Blue Cheese, Extra Ranch or Celery .50 Italian Wrap

Lettuce, tomato, onions, mayonnaise and American cheese

6.24

(We used trans fat-free cooking oil)

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HALAL MENUS

54 | MP - Advertisements

APPETIZERS Buffalo Wings (Buffalo Hot, or RJ Recipe Barbecue sauce)

8pcs 14pcs 28pcs 54pcs 100pcs Vegetable Mini Samosa (6pcs) Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Beef Mini Samosa (6pcs) Chicken Tenders (4pcs) (8pcs) Garlic Bread (4pcs) Add Cheese Cheese Fries (Small/Large)

$6.99 $12.99 $24.99 $46 99 $89.99 $4.99 $3 49 $6.99 $4.99 $8.99 $3 99 $0 99 $3 99/$5.99

SOUPS, SALADS AND SIDES Salads Add 1.99 for extra chicken

Chef Salad

$7 99

Romaine, cheese, eggs, tomato, turkey, cucumber, onion, and carrots.

Greek Salad

$7.99

$6.99

Romaine, croutons, parmesan cheese, and carrots.

Garden Salad

$6.99

Iceberg Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and carrots.

Santa-fe grilled beef Salad

$10.99

Grilled beef, lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and diced green peppers.

SOUP Chicken Noodle Soup of the day Homemade Chilli SIDES Steak seasoned fries Small $2.59 Onion Rings Small $2.49 Baked Potato

Cup $4.99 $4.99 $5.99

Large $4.99 Large $3.49

Bowl $6.99 $6.99 $7.99

$2 99

--Add Sour Cream & Chives $0 50 --Add Turkey Bacon & Cheese $0 75

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Steamed Broccoli Sauteed w/ Butter RJ’s Boardwalk Fries Small Large $1.79 $2.99 SUBS HOT SUBS 8” Philly Steak & Cheese $6.49 Philly Chicken Steak $6.49

$6.49 8” $6.49 $6.49 $5.99 $6.99 8” $7.99 $7.99 $7.99

$11.99 12” $11 99 $11.99 $10.99 $11.99 12” $12.99 $12.99 $12.99

8” $6.49 $6.49 $6.49 $6.49 $11.99

12” $11.99 $11.99 $11.99 $6.99 $11.99

$3.49

12” $11.99 $11.99

SANDWICHES RJ’s Swiss Cheeseburger Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Cheeseburger Chicken Club Classic Club Reuben Hot Pastrami & Swiss BLT Grilled Cheese SEAFOOD Grilled Salmon Sandwich w/Fries Cajun Tilapia Sandwich w/Fries Signature Crab Cake w/ Fries GYROS Lamb Gyro Lamb Gyro Platter w/ Fries Chicken Gyro Chicken Gyro Platter w/ Fries VEGETARIAN Deluxe Veggie Melt Grilled Vegetables Curried Chickpeas DESSERTS Triple Chocolate Cake Cheese Cake Red Velvet Carrot Cake Homemade Apple Crumbs - w/ Vanilla Ice Cream

CHEF SPECIALS Country Chicken Fried Steak w/ Mushroom Gravy

$16.99

Served with Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Vegetables

BBQ Beef Short Ribs

$16.99

Served with Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Ve etables

Grilled Lamb Chops

$16.99

Served with Basmati Rice, Salad and Yogurt Sauce

Beef Wellington

$24 99

Served with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans

Rib Eye

$28.99

Served with Baked Potatoes or Steamed Broccoli

Cajun Rib Eye

$2899

Served with Mashed Potatoes or Steamed Broccoli

Hawaiian Rib Eye

$28.99

Served with Mashed Potatoes or Steamed Broccoli

Lamb Chop.Masala

$18.99

Served with Vegetable Biryani, Salad, Yogurt Sauce, and Na’an

$5.99 $5.99 $5.99 $5.99 $6.99 $6 .99

Chicken Cordon Bleu

$16.99

Served with Broccoli

Stuffed Lobster w/ Crabmeat

$28 99

Served with Broccoli and Baked Potatoes

- Cajun Chicken Filet on Jamaican Coco Bread

Romaine. feta cheese, black olives, diced tomato, red onion, and cucumber

Caesar Salad

Meatball Sub COLD SUBS Roast Beef Hoagie Tuna Honey Smoked Turkey SEAFOOD SUBS Blackened Cajun Catfish Buffalo Style Catfish Fish Sub CHICKEN HOT CHICKEN SUBS Grilled Chicken Tikka Chicken Steak Sub BBQ Chicken Breast Buffalo Chicken Style Montery Jack Chicken HOT CHICKEN SANDWICHES Breaded Chicken Filet Grilled Chicken w/Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken Filet Breaded Buffalo Chicken Chicken Quesadilla Chef Sandwich

March15th - April 11th 2013

$5.99 $4 49 $3.49 $399 $6.49 $6 49 $649 $6.49 $499 $2.99 $10.99 $10.99 $11.99 $6.49 $7.99 $6.49 $7.99 $5.99 $5.99 $5.99 $3.99 $3.59 $3 99 $3.99 $5.99

Grilled Cajun Rockfish, Flounder, or Salmon Fried or Szechuan

$26.99

Fried or Szechuan Style, Served with Basmati Rice and Grilled Vegetables

PIZZAS Cheese Pizza Meat Eaters

14” $10.99 $17 49

16” $11.99 $20.99

Sausage, Beef Pepperoni, Turkey Ham, Turkey Bacon

Veggie Pizza

$1749

$20.55

Green Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, Black Olives, Tomatoes & Pepper Rings

Deluxe Pizza

$17.49

$21.99

Pepperoni, Green Peppers, Onion & Mushrooms

Supreme

$17.99

$2199

Beef, Turkey Ham, Pepperoni, Turkey Bacon, Onions, Black Olives, Green Peppers & Mushrooms

Chicken Tikka Supreme $1749 $20.99 Pizza Toppings Pepperoni Black Olives Ground Beef Green Peppers Turkey Sausage Jalapenos Turkey Ham Tomatoes Turkey Bacon Mushrooms Anchovies’ Extra Cheese 14” $1.99 16” $2.69 Extra Topping 14” $1.79 16” $2.29 BEVERAGES Mango Shake $3.49 Mango Lassi $3.49 Yogurt Lassi $2.99 Hot Tea $2.99 Spice Chai $2.99 Coffee Small 1.99 Large $1.49

March 15th - April 11th 2013

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March15th - April 11th 2013

March 15th - April 11th 2013

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 57

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March15th - April 11th 2013

Mass Accounting & Tax Corp. www.fallschurchtax.com

Mohammad Al-Suqi

Cell: 703-861-1625 Office: 703-237-4299 Fax: 1-800-857-6580 Email: talsuqi@aol.com Address: 701 W Broad Street Suite 205B, Falls Church, VA 22046

�� Serving the Community since 1991 ��COST! ��-�LOW �� Service �� Quality ��

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��

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Associate Broker® | Foreclosed Property Specialist

Fairfax Realty, Inc.

�� !��"!�#$�%! 1725 & ��'(�"!�#$�%! &)�� Spring, MD 20903, Elton Road, Silver �� !"#$�%"!�"&"!��

Phone: (301) 439-9500, ��+��+��+��)��)��,��''

Fax: (301) 439-8050

�� For fast Contact: (301) 503-0403, Muslimali@MRIS.com �� !��"!�#$�%! & ��'(�"!�#$�%! &)�� **Your best compliments to me is your referral to your friends and relatives ** �� !"#$�%"!�"&"!��

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March15th - April 11th 2013

www.al-mujalbaba.com

718.341.1826

email: Jalab4@aol.com

Unique jilbabs | hijabs | khimars made in USA

Take The aaRP DRiveR SafeTy claSSRoom couRSe anD you coulD Save money on youR caR inSuRance!* Learn defensive driving techniques and proven strategies that keep you safe while on the road. Plus, there are no tests to pass! Just sign up and learn. This program is supported by a generous grant from Toyota to AARP Foundation. *Upon completion you may be eligible to receive an auto insurance discount. Other restrictions may apply. Consult your agent for details.

Rahma International Store E-Quran Abayas Thoubs Hajj and Umrah Dua’s E-Device

We sell E-Qur’an Device with E-Pen Pointer for easy listening and learning, Hajj and Umrah Dua’s E-Device for easy memorisation, Islamic Clothing (men’s, women’s and children’s), Ihram’s for Hajj, Long shirts and skirts for women, Sleeves, Pashmina Shawls, Elegant African Lace Materials, Bakhoor/Incense/Churai, 21 karat Gold jewelry, Guaranteed Gold plated jewelry, Silver Jewelry and ankle rings, Men’s silver rings with real Stones, and Much MORE. You will be pleased with our Very Unique Quality Products. Come in and enjoy our Signature Hospitality, Insha’Allah, you will return. location: Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) 2701 Briggs Chaney Road Silver Spring, MD 20905

Hours Mondays: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesdays: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Fridays: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

inquiries? contact raHma GHanim Direct line: (240) 305-6354 | Store: (301) 879-3598 or (301) 879-3596 Fax: (301) 879-3597 | Email: rahmainternationalstore@gmail.com Join our Facebook page and group: Rahma International Store

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March 15th - April 11th 2013

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 61

AHMED EID MBA, CPA, EA

Enrolled to practice before Federal and State Tax Authorities | Accredited Business Advisor Certified Internal Auditor | Certified Senior Advisor

For all your Personal, Business, Tax, & Financial needs • Tax preparation, representation & planning • All Federal & State tax filing and prior tax preparation • Accounting, book keeping & consulting • Payroll preparation and administration • Retirement & college education planning • Business start up & choosing a business entity

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Washington, DC Attorney

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Mr. Laher is with Liles Parker, PLLC. He is a Harvard and Georgetown University graduate and a former Jones Day lawyer. Mr. Laher has handled many cases over the years and always acts in their best interests. He always does what is best for his clients. Mr. Laher will help you or try to find you an attorney who can. Please visit www.Laher.com for our office locations, articles, emails, free newsletter signups and more.

WE OFFER COST EFFECTIVE, AGGRESSIVE & QUALITY REPRESENTATION www.LilesParker.com “Your Success is Our Success!” (Offices in DC, TX & LA)

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March15th - April 11th 2013

Rendezvous Travel and Tours We provide affordable fares to Africa, Middle East, and Europe • 6 Nights Umrah Packages start at $800 Land only (5 Star Hotel, 3 nights Makkah and 3 nights Madinah) • Umrah visas available from January-July 2013 • ARC and IATA Accredited Agency and Approved with the Embassy of Saudi Arabia & Ministry of Hajj (Al-Ansar Group) • Experienced Multilingual Staff and 5 Star Travel Agency since 1993 • Special Rates to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, and India as well as other international destinations • Airline and Hotel - Reservations and Ticketing • Wholesale Travel Agency / Umrah Visa - $150 per visa

Low Season Special Fares: Saudi Arabia From $525 -- Casablanca From $525 Egypt/Middle East From $880 -- Pakistan/India/Bangledesh From $880 Contact a Rendezvous Travel Representative to inquire about customized Umrah packages!

703-931-6000 or 703-931-6010 Rendezvous Travel and Tours 5881 Leesburg Pike Suite 100 Falls Church, VA 22041 ....

March 15th - April 11th 2013

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March15th - April 11th 2013

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March15th - April 11th 2013

PHD Salon Barber Shop Specializing in Natural Hair Care Braids, Twists, Locs, Press & Curl, Shampoo & Conditioner, Corn Rows, Weaves, Set-Roller Wrap, and much more... For Sisters: Private Area on 2nd Floor Available by Appt. Only Call Sylist Cealia at 240.501.3985

For Men and Boys 1st Floor Level Walk Ins Welcome Phone # 301.604.6980

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Classifieds | 71 MP - ADVERTISEMENT

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 MUSLIM CHILDCARE PROVIDER Available to care for your children ages infant to 4 years old. 5 years of experience caring for children and 2 years of CPR and First Aid training. jameelia86@ gmail.com or 202-617-8728. ------------------------------------------------

Employment

HIRING QUALIFIED TEACHERS FOR WEEKEND ISLAMIC SCHOOL This is a paid position but candidate must be proficient in teaching Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies. If interested, please call 703-660-1255 or e-mail resume to Icna.Islamic.School@gmail.com. -----------------------------------------------INTERPRETER NEEDED Wanted- Interpreter of Farsi, Russian, Tajek and English. Reading and writing simple papers. 301-229-0232. -----------------------------------------------FURNITURE REPAIR TECHNICIANS NEEDED In home furniture repair technicians is needed to work in the MD, DC, VA and surrounding areas. The Technician needs to have: clean drivers license, criminal back ground check, vehicle and gps, tools of the trade, computer with internet access fax, scan and print also. Skills needed: At least 1 year of experience in the following categories- Leather and Vynl cleaning and repairs, Wood touch up and refinishing, Upholstery-hand sewing, Sleeper mechanism and recliner repair. Must have a good knowledge of case good furniture cabinet door and drawer alignment ect. We are willing to train qualified applicants. $25 flat rate per service call with a $5 per service call gas allowance. Training is available. Manuel Baquero, Any Furniture Service Inc. Office 301.332.2127 or Mobile 204.461.1210 or 240.587.7050 Fax 301.302.0987 www.anyfurnitureservice.com -----------------------------------------------FULL TIME SENIOR ACCOUNTANT CAIR, Council on American-Islamic Relations seeks an experienced, fulltime accountant at its Washington,

D.C., headquarters reporting to the national executive director. This senior accountant is responsible for applying accounting principles and procedures to analyze financial information, preparing accurate and timely financial reports and statements, ensuring appropriate accounting control procedures, and supervising junior accounting staff. Accounting degree or equivalent; knowledge of accepted accounting practices and principles; knowledge of auditing practices and principles; knowledge of applicable laws, codes and regulations; a minimum of 3 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the management of financial systems and budgets, financial reporting, financial data analysis, auditing, taxation and providing financial advice. CPA certification preferred but not required. For a more detailed job description visit our website at www.cair.com. Please email a resume, cover letter and salary requirements to labusway@cair.com. -----------------------------------------------PART TIME JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT CAIR- Council on American-Islamic Relations seeks a part-time accountant at its Washington, D.C., headquarters reporting to the senior accountant. Bachelor's degree or equivalent; knowledge of accounting principles and practices and financial reporting; knowledge of local, state and federal laws regarding finances and taxation; accounts payable; previous experience of general accounting; proficiency in relevant accounting software. Please email resume and cover letter to labusway@cair.com

Matrimonial SEEKING GOOD-NATURED HUSBAND Sunni Muslim Urdu-speaking Indian parents from religious family seek alliance for their daughter Pharm.D from USA,5'3'', 35 years, pious (performs hajj/ umrah), never married , good-natured ,beautiful, seeking educated professional from similar background. Pediatric Pharmacist in a prestigious hospital in Maryland. Contact: 91- 7498625965 OR 443-858-2605(MD) -----------------------------------------------SEEKING MARRIAGE MINDED MUSLIMA

Sunni Muslim, incarcerated, 42, 6'1", 210 lbs from Guyana seeks marriage minded Muslima age 35-50. Kurt Miller 98A6702, Eastern Corr. Fac., P.O. Box 338 Napanoch, NY 12458. For more info, contact my face book at Sammie Cole 93 At yahoo.com -----------------------------------------------SEEKING SOUL MATE AND WIFE As Salaam Alaikum, This ad is from a 6'1", 200 lbs African American, 54 year old in shape, strong muslim of the Sunnah. I'm childless, sincere, without vices. Compassionate and monogamous. In search of a friend, companion, soul mate, and wife. Shabazz Mohammad 14064-053, F.C.I. Atlanta, P.O. Box 150160, Atlanta, GA 30315. -----------------------------------------------SEEKING RELIGIOUS WIFE My friend who is American citizen living in Virginia,widower,welleducated (Ph.D),retired Technical Director,religious Sunni Muslim of Pakistani-origin is interested for marriage to religious Muslimah from Pakistan,India or Bangladesh background. If you are interested or if you know who may be interested, please call me in strict confidence at 540-664-2654. JAK. -----------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR A SOUL MATE Arab citizen doctor is seeking alliance for his sister-in-law; Muslimah, sunni 40Y never married, Moroccan. Diploma, Masters, 12Y in insurance. Fluent Arabic, English & French. Piose Beautiful, & atletic. Please email: alwaysis@hotmail. com subject: serious marriage candidate. -----------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR A HUSBAND She is a children's doctor, 28 years, very political, beautiful and nice. She`s born and graduated in USA. Originally from Egypt. She's looking for good Sunni Muslim husband same her born and graduate from U.S.A due to the cultural similarities. Prefer Arabic doctor close to her age maximum 5 year difference. If interested,please call 410-282-4201 or email

Miscellaneous SUNNI MUSLIM MALE SEEKING PENPAL Sunni Muslim male, age 24, seeking penpal. Fun, attentive, easy going, smart.

Currently incarcerated. Brandon Duke #154638, P.O. Box 2017, Buena Vista, CO 81211. -----------------------------------------------LONELY IN AMERICA Pakistani, Sunni Muslim Male, Age 43. Funny, understanding, and easygoing. Seeks friendship. Nadeem Khan, Box 1900, Pound, VA 24279.

RENTALS 2 ROOMS FOR RENT 2 Rooms available to rent for any 2 single brothers or sisters.Close to Muslim Community Center,Wheaton Mall,and less than 1 block from Wheaton Metro. Available anytime.$400 per month,all included.301-922-1839. -----------------------------------------------SISTER NEEDS HOUSING Senior community activist seeking housing,preferable 2 bedroom apartment or small house.Located in Washington DC,or nearby Maryland or Virginia. Income source is retirement and disability.Please contact Sis Bahijah Abdus-Salaam at 202-367-5421

Services NEED A RIDE TO THE AIRPORT? Professional sedan transportation service specializing in Airport and Corporate Accounts. Serving Maryland/Washington DC/Virginia. Muslim owned for 8 years. 24 hour availability. Call 443-588-5508 or visit our website: www.RoyalSedan. com. -----------------------------------------------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 443-538-7643 (cell). -----------------------------------------------LOVING HOME CARE Providing elder and child care you can trust and afford. Companionship, hygiene care, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, doctor appointments. Loving, dependable caregivers for Live-in, Full, Part time. Call: 301-490-1146 www. lovinghomecare.org. ------------------------------------------------

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