The Muslim Link - April 03, 2009

Dar-us-Salaam Wins 5th MIST DC Title PG 14

Taking Chicken for a Spin at Chicken Hut PG 28

TheMusl mL nk Rabi Al-Thani 1430 A.H. Issue

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April 3, 27 – April 30, 2009

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ISA Supporters, Opponents Pack Planning Commission Meeting Hearing goes into pre-dawn hours, decision on new campus deferred till April 30

By Muslim Link Staff For the last two years, the Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA) has been weathering attacks by neoconservative and xenophobic groups trying to paint the school – the oldest and largest Muslim school in Virginia – as a bastion of intolerance and hate.

On the evening of March 18, 2009, the school’s parent community finally had their say, with an overflowing hall of over 500 ISA supporters offering a passionate defense of the school

and expressing their angst with tactics employed by opponents of the school during a public hearing in front of the Fairfax County Planning Commission which lasted till 2:45 AM. The hearing is a normal part of Planning Commission process when presented with an application for a special exception to build on a site; the ISA submitted an application to develop a 34 >> ISA Pg 16

Baltimore Restaurant Destroyed in Fire

By Farha Marfani Muslim Link Staff Writer O’s Place, a popular halal Chinese and Pakistani restaurant on the corner of Whitehead and Security Boulevard in Baltimore, burned down on the early morning of Monday, March 2, 2009. The fire could be seen from a mile away, as flames engulfed the

building and left it completely demolished. Fortunately, the building was empty at the time and no injuries were reported.

Shamim Rana, the owner, was completely shocked. He heard the drastic news at 3 AM that morning, when a police officer >> DESTROYED Pg 15

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE • “Welcome to Gaza” Raises Awareness at UMD | PG 4 • “Hands Off Sudan” Rally Held At Sudanese Embassy | PG 5 • NOVA Non-Muslim Students Don Hijab, Discuss Experiences | PG 5 • Somali Families Seek to Meet Community Needs | PG 8 • The Psychology of Severe Misgivings | PG 18 • ICM Presents Master Plan to Community | PG 15

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

INDEX

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE RABI AL-THANI 1430 | APRIL 3 - APRIL 30, 2009

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Community News

17

National News

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v

Islam

23

Health & Family

24

Readers Write

27

Arts & Film

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Marketplace

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COMMUNITY NEWS

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Community News Creating links through mutual understanding and cooperation

Rep Edwards Hosts Gaza Forum at PGCC

By Amina Haleem Muslim Link Contributing Writer Two months after the Israeli attack on Gaza, the conflict is still an emotional topic for area Muslims.

Congresswoman Donna Edwards, who represents Maryland’s 4th District, held a community conversation on Israel and Gaza on Thursday, February 28, 2009, with five panel members who contributed information from their own expertise.

Edwards, who acted mostly as a moderator at the forum, chose to hold the event at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Maryland, so it would accommodate a large number of her constituents. Edwards herself came into Congress in June of 2007, and still believes the crisis in Gaza is a very important topic to discuss, even with the news dominated by other crisis.

“There is never a time when you can put aside such a controversial issue, even when we are amidst an economic crisis,” says Edwards. There are many people who agree with Edwards, and around one hundred people turned out for the forum to voice their opinions.

Although Edwards encourages open dialogue, she warns that we must be “mindful of the fact that we have deeply held views,” and any discussion about Gaza should be conducted

in a civil and open manner.

With the new presidential administration, congressional representatives are hoping for a stronger initiative towards achieving peace between Palestine and Israel. Edwards admitted that even though President Obama did not have a lot to say on the matter, he did say that in the coming months, he and his administration will “come forward with new ideas concerning the issue.”

On January 9, 2009, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly (390 to 5) passed a resolution during the Gaza attacks recognizing “Israel’s right to defend itself” , but there were some representatives who voted ‘present’, and only five members who voted against the resolution. Edwards was one of those who voted ‘present’, and at the forum she discussed her motives for doing so.

Edwards first saw the resolution the morning after the United Nations issued its own resolution regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In Edwards’s opinion, it was not the place of Congress to pass its own resolution the day after the UN took the initiative to do the same thing. “It was inappropriate,” she says. Yet the situation prompted Edwards to find a day or an evening to discuss the issue. Five qualified and diverse panelists were present: Amjad Atallah, Dr. Heather Hanson, Dr. Robert A. Pastor, Daniel Levy, and Mitchell Plitnick.

Atallah, Co-Director of the Middle East Task Force, New America Foundation, paralleled the Palestinian crisis to the Bosnian war.

Because The U.S. government realized how much of an effort it would be to actually forcefully attempt to stop the genocide, it instead sent humanitarian aid, and former President Clinton secured a peace deal between the Serbs, Croatians, and Bosnians that encompassed political, social, and economic terms.

“We look at this conflict and see that it makes everything we do in the Middle East more difficult,” said Atallah. Waiting for the perfect Palestinian or Israeli government before achieving peace is a futile strategy, said Atallah. The two states do not have the capability to negotiate peace on their own, so the American government must stand up and play a true impartial interventionist role.

However, because Israel is a strong financial and military ally of the U.S., impartiality is something that is almost certainly off the table. Atallah raised the question of the right administration and the necessary constituency support to end the occupation.

This is something the American public, and the rest of the world, will have to wait to see.

Hanson, Director of Public Affairs of Mercy Corps in DC, presented the details of the infrastructure damage and lack of health care access Gaza is experiencing post-Israeli

offensive.

“The recent military offensive has had a negative effect on the already precarious situation,” Hansen says. According to Hansen, 90 percent of the people in Gaza are reliant on food aid. The “psycho-social problems” the Palestinians are facing are at the top of the crisis and are much more severe. Hansen believes the U.S. government needs to find a way to aid the Palestinian people without strengthening Hamas, and it is a “complex situation for the policy makers.”

However Hansen makes her best point by stating, “Humanitarian relief shouldn’t be used as a bargaining chip on the table.”

Pastor, Levy, and Plitnick all offered opinions of their own regarding issues on the Israeli perspective.

The forum hosted by Edwards conveyed strongly the overall message that there needs to be a cease fire that will endure, and practical solutions to immediate problems so that both Palestinians and Israelis can have security that is viable and sustainable.

The people in Gaza need the aid and alliance of the international community to rebuild from the destruction of the Israeli occupation.

Americans needs to care enough about this deplorable crisis to lend a hand to their leaders who want to take the initiative to resolve the conflict, because “without that the future is bleak for both civilizations” said Edwards.

“Welcome to Gaza” Raises Awareness at UMD

By Sahar Khamis Muslim Link Contributing Writer An event titled “Welcome to Gaza” took place at the University of Maryland, College Park on Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in the aftermath of the last Israeli incursion and its many negative implications on innocent civilians.

Hornbake Mall, a major thruway at the UMCP campus, was the site of the “Welcome to Gaza” display. Photo courtesy of the MSA of UMCP.

This whole day event, which started at 8 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m., was sponsored

and organized by a number of different bodies, including: the Organization of Arab Students, Muslim Student Association (MSA), Nyumburu Cultural Center, African Student Union, and Pakistani Student Association.

The main goals and objectives of this important event were to raise the awareness of the University of Maryland’s community about both the recent Israeli attack on Gaza, as well

>> Gaza Pg 15

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

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COMMUNITY NEWS

“Hands Off Sudan” Rally Held At Sudanese Embassy

By Hodari Abdul-Ali Muslim Link Contributing Writer A noisy demonstration and rally in front of the Embassy of Sudan may not seem newsworthy these days, considering that critics of that government have been employing this tactic for a number of years now to voice their concern about “slavery” and “genocide” supposedly taking place in Africa’s largest country.

organizations and individuals came together to denounce the recent “arrest warrant” issued by the “International Criminal Court” based in Netherlands for President Al-Bashir for crimes he is supposedly responsible for in the conflicted region of Darfur.

On March 11, 2009, the Give Peace A Chance Coalition (GPAC), a think tank concerned with U.S. foreign policy in Africa, organized a show of support for the beleaguered Sudanese government and its President Omar Al-Bashir to let the world know that everyone in the United States does not “believe the hype” about the way the conflict in Darfur has been projected.

Rally speakers included: Akbar Muhammad, founder of the Youth 4 Africa Foundation and former International Representative for the Nation of Islam; Dr. Kaukab Siddique, Amir of the Baltimore-based Jamaat Al-Muslimeen and Editor of the online New Trend magazine; Lawrence Freeman, Africa Desk Editor of the Executive Intelligence Review magazine, a publication of the Lyndon LaRouche organization; Brian Becker, the National Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), the group responsible for organizing millions of people over the past six years who’ve demanded that the U.S. end its illegal occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan; and Bob Brown , an Organizer with the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party and confidant of the late Kwame Ture.

Dr. Hashim El-Tinay of the SalamSudan Foundation expressed solidarity, but was unable to attend.

A broad array of Muslim and non-Muslim

The demonstrators themselves represented

This one was different however. It had the “noise”, the signs, the speakers and the “flavor” of other demonstrations, but for a change, it brought together folks who wanted to express solidarity with the people and government of Sudan. Imagine that!

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Dr. Kaukab Siddique, Editor of NewTrendMag.org, speaks at the “Hands Off Sudan” rally. To his left is GPAC Executive Director Hodari Abdul-Ali. Photo

by Askia Muhammad a cross section of America, as there were Muslims of various backgrounds, as well as Christians, African-Americans, Sudanese, Asian-Americans and white Americans.

A spirited march in front of the Embassy included chants and signs that read “Hands off Sudan”; “Down With the ICC” and the “ICC is a Racist Court”.

Speaker after speaker pointed out that: The ICC is an illegitimate private tribunal, supposedly set up to investigate war crimes around the world, but in fact has been an

>> SUDAN Pg 13

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Galloway Electrifies Muslim Link Dinner, But More Support Needed

By Muslim Link Staff About 600 Muslim Link supporters responded to what the Muslim Link newspaper called an “SOS” and attended a March 29, 2009 fundraiser to help the regional paper meet operating costs.

With an internationally known speaker in British member of parliament George Galloway, many attendees traveled from as far as Baltimore to attend the Falls Church, Virginia event, called “Reaction Time”.

support. We reserved a large hall that could fit 1200 people, and we expected a strong show of support from Virginia readers, especially given the caliber of speaker we brought [in George Galloway]. But in the end, Allah rewards us for our efforts and intentions, not the results. All we can do is make the call.

It’s up to our readers to answer,” said editor Minhaj Hasan.

Supporters were very pleased with the event, which started at about 4pm and ended with dinner before maghrib.

After a short address by the editor and a video highlighting the value the newspaper brings to the greater DC and Baltimore metro region, Mahdi Bray, the Executive Director of the Muslim American Society’s Freedom Foundation, conducted the fundraising.

Supporters donated about $45,000 in cash and pledges.

“The event was the most organized fundraising event I’ve ever attended,” commented Imam Faizul Khan of the Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA). Imam Faizul and ISWA are very supportive of the newspaper, the only media dedicated to the Muslim communities in Maryland, Virginia, and DC.

“Alhumdulillah we are grateful for the

George Galloway electrified the audience

with his address, discussing his experience taking an aide convoy into Gaza recently, the role of the US in the turmoil in the Muslim world, and the need to speak truth in the face of oppression and oppressors.

“You need to keep the Muslim Link alive, and bring it back to being a bi-weekly,” said Galloway. He also challenged the American Muslim community to do what British citizens did and send a large aide convoy from America to Gaza. If American Muslims don’t help the people of Gaza, Galloway said Palestinians might think American Muslims support their nation providing Israel virtually unlimited access to weapons used to kill Palestinians. On behalf of MAS, Mahdi Bray accepted the challenge.

“I visited the rubble of houses myself and

Muslim Link volunteer Azam Ikramullah with British MP George Galloway , the keynote speaker at the Muslim Link’s “Reaction Time” event.

>> Galloway Pg 13

NOVA Non-Muslim Students Don Hijab, Discuss Experiences

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Contributing Writer

wearing the niqab I was walking on campus and a colleague walked by. I smiled at him, but obviously he could not tell… I guess I thought I was smiling at him. When I made eye contact, he looked away quickly. It was not until I was talking with someone else and he recognized my voice that he turned around and smiled at me and said, ‘I thought that was you.’ The niqab got lots of stares and those looks like, ‘Do you speak English?’”

During the week of March 23, 2009, they sponsored an “Islam Awareness Week”.

The scheduled events included a display of famous Muslim Americans as well as Islamic Art with a discussion on Islamic Art. The MSA sponsored a calligraphy lesson and hosted an open house at the local mosque.

“Did you notice any difference in how guys treated you when you were wearing hijab?” Adalid, a beautiful young Dominican woman, responded, “I know exactly what she is talking about…Guys are really different. Usually you get guys yelling ‘Woo hoo!”. They are more respectful [with hijab wearers].”

Jodi, a student from Jamaica stated, “I got a lot of salaams, but I did not know how to respond. People seemed surprised when I did not respond, but after explaining to them what I was doing, they were really understanding and happy.”

about…Guys are really different. Usually you get guys yelling ‘Woo hoo!”. They are more respectful [with hijab wearers].”

One other activity was an opportunity they presented to their campus to have the nonMuslim staff and students wear hijab for three days. Several took on that challenge and attended a dinner on campus on March 26th that gave them a forum to discuss their hijab wearing experiences.

Rachel, a girl whose ethnic heritage comes from Galacia, a country in Eastern Europe that no longer exists, commented, “People asked me, ‘Why are you wearing a hijab, you’re Jewish?’ So I told them, ‘Not all Jews hate Muslims and not all Muslims hate Jews’. I guess it is kind of ironic, because I also work in a church.”

The attendees of the event numbered about 50. When the audience was asked how many of the attendees were wearing hijab for the challenge, eleven hands were raised. Not all the participants were there. In all, there were 32 students and 4 professors who signed up to wear a hijab for 3 days.

Ashley, who is part French and part Philippino, commented, “I noticed that there wasn’t as much eye contact with people. People would look away quickly if we made eye contact rather than looking at me and returning a smile.”

English professor, Ms. Diaz, tried both a hijab and hijab with niqab. She indicated that the hijab did not stir up too much controversy, although people gave her a few curious looks, but the niqab was a different story, “while

The speaker at the event asked, “Did you notice any difference in how guys treated you when you were wearing hijab?” Adalid, a beautiful young Dominican woman, responded, “I know exactly what she is talking

The Woodbridge NOVA Community College MSA (Muslim Student Association) continues to inspire their campus peers and instructors to engage in activities sponsored by the MSA.

As the dinner was served and everyone sat down to eat, the Catholic professor who had been wearing niqab at the beginning of the event, pulled it down and crossed herself before eating and Rachel, the Jewish girl, made a dua in Hebrew before eating.

She went on to say, “When I was in Israel, our group visited an Imam at a mosque and he talked about how we have so many commonalities. I think it is politics that is ruining the situation.”

The speaker at the event was Aisha Prime.

She explained to the audience, which was made up of about as many non-Muslims as Muslims, that the hijab “identifies me as a God fearing Muslim Woman…. Women who wear hijab allow people to look at them without any distractions. She removes barriers to interaction… Women are beautiful and we all want to touch beautiful things. We have to help men with this. We have to remind them ‘Hold on! You don’t own the keys to

this garden. You will respect me for my mind and for the content of my character.”

To end the evening there was a spin the wheel Islamic trivia game. It was interesting to note that none of the non-Muslims could answer even the simplest question about Islam except for one. The one question they knew was that Islam is a monotheistic religion. Prizes were given out and the atmosphere was light, jovial and a bit competitive.

The food was bountiful and delicious and several students who were not part of the event but happened to come to the student cafeteria, were invited to partake and made welcome. It was joyful to see the hospitality of the MSA hosts to people in general and it called to mind the hospitality of the Ansars.

Once again, this small group of Muslims students, in this obscure, small community college campus, strives to make dawa within their reach and did it with a call to excellence: a gracious reminder to all of us.

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Film on Fall of Spain Focus Somali Families Seek to Meet Community Needs of Interfaith Event

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Staff Writer Dar Al-Noor in Woodbridge, Virginia held an interfaith event on February 4, 2008, bringing Catholic, Christian, Muslim and the Jewish community -- often missing in these events – together to discuss Islamic Spain.

Participants said the Andalusia empire embodied the height of intellectual accomplishment, yet was short lived due to reconquest beginning with the Catholic Church, from the north, and Muslim armies from the south (North Africa).

Both forces destroyed books and cities where a confluence of thought flowed freely between all sects of the intellectuals, doctors and artists.

Both Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Outreach Coordinator of Dar Al-Hijrah, and Rabbi Jennifer Weiner of Congregation Ner Shalom, in Woodbridge, gave brief comments before a film on Islamic Spain. Imam Johari stated, “eight centuries of Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together in peace. They became the spark of enlightenment for the world. Muslim scholars sat with Jewish scholars and Christian scholars to share their experiences”

empire.

By Muslim Link Staff

The film initially focuses on the relationship between scholars of different religious backgrounds that was at the peak of AlAndalusia. Then the film details the step by step fall of the Muslim empire. Slowly but surely each city that was initially a cultural and intellectual center is conquered by the Christians.

“I was hesitant to come to this event. It was the first one in which I had ever attended that included Muslims and Jews, especially in a Muslim mosque and in such a highly tense political time,” said one attendee.

Rabbi Weiner commented, “We have a collective history but have lost the essence of that history.”

“I was hesitant to come to this event. It was the first one in which I had ever attended that included Muslims and Jews, especially in a Muslim mosque and in such a highly tense political time,” said one attendee. “I guess the film gave us a topic that limited the discussion afterwards. It was more about our response to the film than to each other. The film was pretty long and kind of depressing. It seemed to focus a great deal on the destruction that went on and the downfall of the Andalusia empire. “ The name of the film was called “Cities of Light” which refers to the lights that lit the path between cities, like modern day street lights, a great accomplishment of the time. Also, it suggests that knowledge and cooperative scholarship lit up the Andalusia

What is disturbing for Muslims to watch is how – according to the film -- the Muslims of North Africa, called in to help the Muslims of Spain, massacred the Spanish Muslims, burned books and outlawed Judaism and Christianity.

In the 12th century, the city of Toledo, which falls into Christian hands, becomes the center for intellectualism.

It becomes the outlet for spreading Islamic knowledge to the rest of Europe. It becomes the refuge for the Muslims in Spain that are escaping from the conquest of the North African Muslim forces. As a result, these Muslim ideas, that become the foundation for the Renaissance in Europe, are accredited to a Christian city.

As the Muslims begin to triumph, in 1207, the Pope calls for the crusades. In 1236 Cordoba falls to Christians. This was the twilight of Muslim Spain. In 1492, the city of Granada is defeated by its own corruption.

Perhaps the most telling incident of the event was when one of the volunteers was approached by a Muslim participant and asked, in a low suspicious voice, “Did they provide the film?” The Muslim participant was told no, that the film had been provided by the masjid and that it had been produced by a Muslim production company. The woman asked the question again. Perhaps she did not hear clearly. It was repeated to her. She then asked, almost incredulously, “Did they bring the film?”

In a way this is a snapshot of what may be at the crux of the problem with involving the general Muslim public in interfaith events.

Outside of the intellectual and activist community, the Muslim community, to some degree, has difficulty in expressing their

>> INTERFAITH Pg 13

With the growth of the Somali community in the region and especially in Northern Virginia, families are having to grapple with problems common to other ethnic Muslim communities. However, the challenges are growing at a rate commensurate with the population growth, and Northern Virginia has quickly become the second largest Somali population in the United States, topped only

by Minnesota.

Somali families in Virginia are trying to meet the needs of their community – especially with regard to Somali-American youth – and recently started holding conventions to discuss these needs and how to address them.

In late 2008 the grassroots group – which does not have a name nor is incorporated – held a conference for Somali young women.

This past January a similar conference was held for Somali young men. This April, a family conference will take place in Falls Church.

“This is the culmination of both [prior conferences] so we can present some of the discussion that came up [in the youth conferences] with the parents. We are trying to inspire the parents to join us in our goal to create useful youth programs,” said Yusuf Abdi, an IT professional in Virginia who is volunteering his time along with other parents to organize the Somali Family Conference. “We want to either direct our youth into programs conducted by area masajid and organizations, or start our own youth programs if nothing exists that can meet our needs. Right now, some core issues for our youth are not being addressed by area masajid,” said Abdi.

Topics to be discussed at the April family conference include challenges for Somali youth in public schools, facilitating marriage, education for the 21st century, and plans for youth clubs and programs. Islamic discussions are also a part of all the conferences.

For more information, see the fullpage advertisement in this issue.

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

SISTERS Annual Tea Honors Muslimat Al Nisaa Shelter

By Laila Shaheen Muslim Link Contributing Writer Domestic violence is a reality in 10 percent of the homes in the United States regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status or education.

That number includes those living in Muslim homes. Often times, women in abusive relationships who decide to leave will end up homeless. The hard economic crisis that we currently face is another factor in the increasing numbers of homeless women in the US. And again, this includes Muslim women.

On March 14, 2009, Sisters in Solidarity to Educate, Respond & Serve (SISTERS) held their 3rd Annual Tea, where they honored one woman who has worked diligently to help alleviate the suffering of Muslim women who find themselves suddenly homeless. Sister Asma Hanif, operates a women’s shelter and clinic, Muslimat Al Nisaa, in the Baltimore area. The shelter offers a safe haven to Muslim women and children. While the concept and dream of opening the shelter was initially that of our late sister, Maryam Funches, Asma has carried on with her dream of her dear friend.

“We don’t just provide a home but also services to help [sisters] thrive in this community,” explained Hanif. Hanif spelled out how

difficult it is to maintain a facility solely for Muslim women, because doing so prevents them from receiving any government grant money. “It’s a poor business situation because we can only rely on the Muslim community to keep the doors open. But the sisters who come here are in a vulnerable state and see the shelter as a safe place.”

During the question and answer portion of the presentation, Hanif was asked if she thought about opening the shelter to nonMuslims as a form of dawah. While she had considered it at one time, she pointed out that for every non-Muslim she accepted in, she would have to turn away a Muslim sister thus forcing her into a non-Muslim shelter system where her needs may not be met.”

who is committed to empowering women.

Past honorees include Women for Women International, an organization dedicated to helping women in war torn areas rebuild their lives and also, Azizah magazine one of the first magazines focusing on issues that concern M u s l i m women. This year ’s focus centered on domestic violence and homelessness in the Muslim c o m m u n i t y.

This important topic is often times ignored and even down played by community leaders but has recently returned to the forefront of discussion with the horrific death Aasiya Hassan earlier this month by her estranged husband and founder of Bridges TV, Muzzammil Hassan.

“As Sr. Asma pointed out, the shelter depends solely on the support of the Muslim community, and SISTERS wanted to do our part.” said SISTERS Chair, Laurie Jaghlit.

Each year, SISTERS honors and highlights the achievement of an organization or a person

As the Tea continued, the issue of domestic violence was further discussed in a presentation by Sister Bonita McGee from the Peaceful Families Project, the only

national organization committed to ending domestic violence in Muslim families.

“Abuse is about power and control and the belief that the abuser has a right to do it,” explained McGee, a family therapist who has spent much of her career spreading awareness of domestic violence among Muslim leaders.

“It is a pattern of behavior that happens again and again. There is a cycle to it.” She described five types of abuse - the most common being physical and emotional abuse. However, McGee also went into detail on the lesser talked about forms including financial, spiritual and sexual abuse. She explained that Islam vehemently opposes any form of oppression and since domestic violence uses humiliation, cruelty and brutality to keep a person down, it is explicitly deemed unacceptable.

Some of the attendees were shocked by what they learned at the luncheon. “I had never heard of it,” remarked Alexandria resident Halima Maknass, who was attending her first SISTERS event. “I never knew that Muslim women were abused.” Others believed the issue is hidden for specific reasons. “I think [domestic violence] goes unnoticed because

>> SISTERS Pg 14

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent

� ������ �� ������ � �� �� �������� � ���������� �� ����� Sunday, May 17th 2009 4:00 – 8:00 PM

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TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009 SUDAN >> continued from pg 5

instrument used by Europeans to target only suspects in Africa; While the United States government backs the arrest warrant against President AlBashir, it is not a signatory of the ICC court itself, quite a hypocritical stand! Many other countries are not a part of the ICC as well, including Sudan, India and China; The ICC has not acted on complaints of war crimes that have taken place in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, Guantanamo Bay or against the leaders of countries such as Israel, the United States and Britain responsible for these crimes; The African Union, the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Arab League and the Non-Aligned Movement have all stood in solidarity with Sudan against the “arrest warrant” of its president;

COMMUNITY NEWS

No country other than the U.S. has labeled the conflict in Darfur as “genocide”. Neither the United Nations nor the African Union has done so.

Zionist backed organizations such as the “Save Darfur Coalition” have projected wildly inflated and inconsistent numbers of deaths in Darfur ranging from 200,000 to 450,000. The Sudanese government says that 10,000 people have died, while other analysts, including Mahmood Hamdani, author of “Saviors and Survivors”, state that 70,000 may be the most accurate figure; Sudan has been the target of a massive propaganda campaign designed to destabilized a potential Muslim superpower in the heart of Africa, as it has oil, water, minerals and substantial agricultural land capable of feeding all of Africa and the “Middle East”; Israel has collaborated with some of the rebels groups in Darfur (as they did in southern Sudan)by providing funding and arms in order to try to encourage the breakup of Sudan into 2 or 3 different countries;

Galloway >> continued from pg 7

in the USA’,” said Galloway, left the next morning for Canada but was barred by the Canadian government from entering due to his “support of Hamas”.

there were shards of missiles still there. I picked them up and each one said ‘made

A gifted orator, Galloway is immensely

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INTERFAITH Many western NGOs (non-government >> continued from pg 8 organizations) operating in Darfur, including 13 that were recently expelled, were collaborating with the ICC Court and other organizations operating against the interests differing ideas in an acceptable manner. In of Sudan, and have profited from the misery addition, the degree of ignorance that some of the Sudanese by raising millions of dollars of the Muslim public has, even of their own that never reach those suffering in the camps history, interferes with these type of events for displaced persons. It was noted that if that ask people to step outside their belief westerners are genuinely concerned, they systems and world views and accept others can simply funnel the money to the over 100 based on their desire for peace and justice and NGOs still operating in Darfur! to accept their differences of belief.

After the rally and demonstration, Sudanese Ambassador Akec Khoc unexpectedly came out and thanked the audience for showing its support for his country. Mr. Khoc, himself from southern Sudan, said that his country was determined to solve the problems of Darfur, to remain united and to become stronger.

The writer, Hodari Abdul-Ali is the Executive Director of GPAC. He can be reached at brotherhodari@gmail.com.

popular worldwide with Muslims and anti-war proponents. His address will be available at muslimlinkpaper.com in the coming days.

One point of interest was a woman whose family lived through all the changes in Spain. Her first family member that settled in Spain helped to establish the first Talmudic school (a Jewish school that studies the Torah and the commentaries of the Jewish scholars). When the Muslims came into power, her family converted to Islam. With the reconquest of Spain by the Catholic Church, her family converted to Catholicism.

It is interesting to note that for the Muslim the film was disturbing because the North African Muslims were portrayed as harsh and unreasonable, while to the Catholic woman, the film disturbed her because it made the reconquest of Spain by the Catholic Church to be a negative event. She talked about the beauty of Spain and pointed out that, to her, the reconquest of Spain was a positive event.

14

COMMUNITY NEWS

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

High Five! Team DUS Keeps Hold of MIST Trophy

By Muslim Link Staff The annual Muslim Inter-Scholastic Tournament’s DC Regional competition, took place the March 27, 2009 weekend at the sprawling University of Maryland College Park campus, and the results were similar to last year. Or years.

Team Dar-us-Salaam took the MIST 2009 trophy and banner home again this year, beating out Islamic Saudi Academy in what has become an annual regional rivalry. The point margin continues to get slimmer, but a strong showing from Team DUS each year and constant encouragement from coaches seems to propel the team – which has taken first place since entering the tournament in 2005 – to the number one spot.

The only other top teams came during the first and second year of DC MIST – the Islamic Center of Virginia Girls Youth Group (2003) and Mount Hebron High School (2004), respectfully.

Team Dar-us-Salaam also won the National MIST tournament in 2007 when it was held in DC. MIST brings Muslim students from masajid and area schools – public and private – to compete in a slew of academic, Islamic, creative, and athletic competitions over 3-days. Teams gain points as their team members win competitions, and the team with the highest total takes the trophy.

This year, the top overall competitor was Abdulrahman Mahmoud, a senior at the Islamic Saudi Academy. He entered several competitions including Qur’an Memorization, MSA Website, MSA Newsletter, Math Olympics, and Basketball.

SISTERS >> continued from pg 10

women who are victims of abuse are often not given the support and encouragement they need,” said Saman Hussain.

Hanif and McGee are trying to change that.

During the course of the luncheon, while sipping flavorful teas and nibbling finger foods, the attendees raised more than $1,300 thus exceeding the goal which was to provide the shelter with land line phone and internet service for at least one year. “As Sr. Asma

“I prepared by reviewing Qur’an and designing my projects over the past month. I basically came prepared to win, and alhamidillah that is what happened,” he told the Muslim Link.

While Abdulrahman took first place as an individual, he was dismayed like many others on his team that ISA took second place again.

“ISA needs to prepare more. For next year, the team should be a little more organized and should have good officers to overlook the team. All competitors must come in with a mentality of friendly competition and winning spirit,” he said.

Fellow ISA team member Amen Elbaba, also a senior, was also hoping for first place. “Alhamdulillah we are proud of our accomplishments. However, we cannot fully accept getting into second every year and honestly [we] hoped for first. However we are learning from our mistakes ... Insha’Allah we will become better and stronger and we will get first place like we deserve,” he remarked.

ISA senior Nagat Ahmed, competing in her third MIST, hopes the best for next year’s ISA team. “We were happy that we were able to defend the second place but hopefully next year ISA will step up their game and start preparing earlier in the year for MIST.” Many on Team Dar-us-Salaam were surprised they took first place.

“I would say every year, the competition is getting much tougher. For the last few years, it was only Dar-us-Salaam and ISA that were going at it against each other, but now we see that many other teams are [coming up] and

pointed out, the shelter depends solely on the support of the Muslim community, and SISTERS wanted to do our part.” said SISTERS Chair, Laurie Jaghlit. The luncheon was also an opportunity to meet new friends, strengthen sisterhood and network with likeminded women. “It was a fabulous lunch and I got a chance to meet more sisters and see what they all do,” stated Sarah Ahmad at the close of the event.

For more information about SISTERS, their upcoming events, and organizations they endorse, please visit their web site at sistersinsolidarity.com.

A few members of the Dar-us-Salaam MIST Team pose with the first place trophy and the MIST banner, the taking of which is akin to cutting the net off the basket in basketball championships. The team took first place for the 5th consecutive year.

doing very well,” said DUS Team member Arif Kabir, who took the second place trophy for overall student performance.

“In terms of winning, it wasn’t boring for us to win because truthfully, none of us believed we were actually going to win until the award ceremony began. Throughout the event, our coaches reminded us of the hadith about the Prophet’s camel, who was know to always win every race. One day, the camel didn’t win and all the Sahabah became distressed.

Seeing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him)

said, “Don’t be distressed as it is the Sunnah of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) that when something is up, he brings it down a little).

Ahadith like those kept us humble and it was this year that we really thought that we would have to give away our championship status as more than half our team were just 13 and 14 year olds, while other competing teams had a majority of seniors that were graduating this year,” explained Kabir.

For full MIST results, see dcmist.com.

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

15

COMMUNITY NEWS

ICM Presents Master Plan to Community

By Muslim Link Staff The leadership of the Isamic Center of Maryland in Gaithersburg presented architectural drawings to the community at their fundraising event on March 28, 2009.

ICM is pushing to being construction on their two-phase Master Plan by February 2010; Montgomery County has given the

ICM a special exception to develop an approximately 40,000 square foot on the property, provided the masjid meets storm water management and sediment control requirements. Montgomery County is one of the most environmentally conscious local governments in the region. The building must be completed by February 2011.

multi-purpose hall, 18 classrooms, a library, and other features and will accommodate the existing masjid and building. ICM has about $400,000 in hand, and estimates they will need $1.2 million to being construction once permits for starting are approved. The entire facility will cost between five and six million dollars.

The Master Plan includes a gymnasium, a

“We are extending services to the community,

As part of “Welcome to Gaza”, MSA members gave out mock ID cards with pictures of real children and their names and person information – children who died during the Israeli terrorist attacks on Gaza. Photo courtesy of MSA. Gaza >> continued from pg 4

as the historical roots and background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through providing the relevant facts and figures. In doing so, the event aimed to fill some of the existing gaps

DESTROYED >> continued from pg 1

came to his house and informed him of the fire. Rana immediately went to his restaurant to find it completely in shambles. Firefighters said there was nothing that could be done to save it.

Rana opened O’s Place in Sam’s Plaza on Woodlawn Drive in November of 2002 and has been at the current location at Whitehead Court for four years. His thirty entrée all-youcan-eat buffet, including O’s famous orange chicken, was enjoyed by many more families at the bigger location, making it a popular destination among the community.

Rana was still in shock, even a few days after the fire. However, he was faced with a lot more than just shock. “So many things are coming up now as a result of the fire…so many more complications.” All of the restaurant’s documents were kept in a locked safe in the restaurant, making it more difficult to sort out legalities with the bank and insurance company. Rana is still receiving calls and sorting out refunds from

in the mainstream media coverage of this ongoing conflict, through telling the other side of the story that mainstream Western media, especially American media, usually overlook, underplay, or distort.

The event included a number of activities.

First, there was a display of forty posters

covering four different aspects, including: the war on Gaza in pictures, statistics and numbers about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, snapshots of the history of the conflict and its historical development, and the depiction of the difficult life situation and the humanitarian crisis currently taking place in Gaza. Second, T-shirts were sold at the event showing the progression of the conflict over time, and how the Israeli territorial expansionism, mainly through illegal settlements, has swallowedup most of the Palestinian land, as well as showing pictures of the Palestinian map.

Third, there were many information tables displaying lots of pamphlets and handouts from the organization “If Americans Knew” (www.IfAmericansKnew.org), founded by the American Activist Alison Weir. Fourth, distributing I.D. cards for the civilian victims of this tragic conflict, especially Palestinian children, women, and elderly people, who were killed in the latest Israeli attack on Gaza. Each card had a photo of the victim, his/her birth date, and a short biography of this person.

and we want the ICM to be the center of community activity. We don’t want to lose our youth, and we want them to have a safe, Islamic environment,” said Iqbal Yousuf from the ICM fundraising committee. ICM also plans on opening a health clinic in partnership with the MCC medical clinic.

For more information and to view a video on ICM, visit http://icomd.org.

Many members of the University of Maryland’s community commented that the event was a big success and that it achieved all its desired goals and objectives, in terms of spreading facts and figures about this conflict, its negative implications, especially on innocent civilians, and its ongoing effects on the deteriorating humanitarian and economic condition in Gaza.

A number of students, staff, and faculty gave comments such as: “This event was much needed”, “We learned a great deal about what’s going on in Gaza from this event”, “This is really a great job!”, and “We hope our media can show these images”.

This event follows a “Palestinian Awareness Week”, organized by the Muslim Student Association (MSA) in early March, to spread awareness about the PalestinianIsraeli conflict through a number of events, including lectures by invited guest speakers at the University of Maryland, College Park.

disgruntled customers who have placed catering orders with him.

Amidst the ruins of his business, Rana and his family have also been flooded by supportive and sympathetic e-mails, phone calls, and visits from customers and community members. “The community is wonderful – I could never imagine the kindness I have received.” Rana even recalled when a cab driver came to his house, offering him $10,000 to begin rebuilding. “I am not alone, a lot of people are there for me,” he said. “O’s place had a special place in my heart. When I would have out-of-state guests, I would bring them there. It’s more than a restaurant, its part of our community,” mentioned Annapolis resident Khurram Zaman.

Plans for rebuilding are certain but the timeline is still up in the air. “I will definitely rebuild in the same location, but I don’t have a forecast right now. It’s easier said than done,” said Rana. In the meantime, he is attempting to set up a temporary restaurant – a small unit in the area which will especially be used for catering purposes. “I will be back and better, with better food and better service,” he enthusiastically said.

The remains of O’s Place in Baltimore a day after a major fire leveled the building.

Only the brick walls remained.

Though arson was initially suspected by some, it cannot be confirmed. “I have no enemies,” Rana remarked. The cause of the

fire remains unknown. Investigators suspect the fire was caused by natural causes, such as a sparks from wires, and fueled by high winds.

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

COMMUNITY NEWS

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

Salaah times for Rabi Al-Thani 7, 1430 - Jumada Al-Awwal 5, 1430 Day Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

Date 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ISA >> continued from pg 1

acre site in a residential area of Fairfax County’s Springfield district for use as a new, consolidated campus. The site was approved for K-12 schooling since the 1960s when the Fairfax Christian School operated there.

In the end, after several neighbors expressed concerns and fears about road safety and traffic congestion, and several people who were not neighbors came with accusations of “jihad training”, “intolerance”, and “hate”, and after scores of ISA supporters told the Planning Commission that ISA was a “great school” and had many non-Muslim staff, parents, and students, the decision to accept or reject ISA’s application for the new campus was deferred till April 30, 2009.

After hours of comments from the public, Commissioner Janet Hall representing

Hijri 7/4 8/4 9/4 10/4 11/4 12/4 13/4 14/4 15/4 16/4 17/4 18/4 19/4 20/4 21/4 22/4 23/4 24/4 25/4 26/4 27/4 28/4 29/4 1/5 2/5 3/5 4/5 5/5

Fajr 5:33 5:31 5:29 5:28 5:26 5:24 5:23 5:21 5:19 5:17 5:16 5:14 5:12 5:11 5:09 5:07 5:06 5:04 5:02 5:01 4:59 4:57 4:56 4:54 4:53 4:51 4:49 4:48

Mason District summed up the stance of the Planning Commission. “Some testimony tonight was very disturbing. The buy-in to fear is [very upsetting]. I have no doubt that my fellow commissioners will focus on the land use issue, and I will also,” she told the overwhelmingly Muslim audience, trying to rest their fears that Commissioners might be swayed by comments by Islamophobes and hate-groups who testified earlier.

Neoconservative groups have been putting pressure on the County and Congress to deny ISA accommodation in Virgina. The matter reached a peak with House Congressional Resolution 262 submitted on November 15, 2007 by Representative Steve Israel [NY-2]. The proposed bill, co-sponsored

by Representatives Berkley [NV-1], Souder [IN-3], Weiner [NY-9], and Wolf [VA10], is based on allegations that ISA uses text books published in Saudi Arabia that promote intolerance and hatred. After it was introduced, the proposed bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sunrise 6:48 6:47 6:45 6:44 6:42 6:41 6:39 6:38 6:36 6:35 6:33 6:32 6:30 6:29 6:27 6:26 6:24 6:23 6:22 6:20 6:19 6:18 6:16 6:15 6:14 6:12 6:11 6:10

Dhuhr 1:11 1:11 1:11 1:10 1:10 1:10 1:10 1:09 1:09 1:09 1:09 1:08 1:08 1:08 1:08 1:07 1:07 1:07 1:07 1:07 1:06 1:06 1:06 1:06 1:06 1:06 1:05 1:05

Asr 4:47 4:48 4:48 4:48 4:49 4:49 4:49 4:50 4:50 4:50 4:50 4:51 4:51 4:51 4:51 4:52 4:52 4:52 4:52 4:53 4:53 4:53 4:53 4:54 4:54 4:54 4:54 4:54

where it remains currently. The school maintains these allegations are baseless, and has publicly offered to allow US officials to examine its text books.

The public hearing is set up by the County, generally to allow neighbors to express their concerns or to ask questions of the developers who are required to have representatives in attendance. Neighbors and others who wish to speak submit their names beforehand and are alloted 5 minutes each. Attendees who wish to speak without pre-submitting their names are alloted 3 minutes each. For the March 18 hearing, there were 35 people who pre-submitted their names – a huge number for a site permit issue.

Currently, ISA operates two campuses, one in Alexandria and one in Fairfax. The proposed development in Fairfax County – along Popes Head Road – would be a three building campus with a total floor area of about 111,000 square feet. ISA project planners and engineers acquiesced to many

Maghrib 7:34 7:35 7:36 7:37 7:38 7:39 7:40 7:41 7:42 7:43 7:44 7:45 7:46 7:47 7:48 7:49 7:49 7:50 7:51 7:52 7:53 7:54 7:55 7:56 7:57 7:58 7:59 8:00

Isha 8:50 8:51 8:52 8:53 8:54 8:55 8:57 8:58 8:59 9:00 9:01 9:03 9:04 9:05 9:06 9:07 9:09 9:10 9:11 9:12 9:14 9:15 9:16 9:18 9:19 9:20 9:21 9:23

suggestions from neighbors, county staff, and environmental groups so the impact on the rural character of the area would be insignificant. Eighty-three percent of the site will be “open space” according to a Department of Zoning and Planning staff report.

A few days before the March 18 public hearing, emails and Facebook messages were circulated by ISA supporters, urging community members to come out in force and “vote to save the Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA) tomorrow”. Only the Fairfax County Commission members – a total of 12 elected officials representing all the districts in Fairfax County – vote to accept or reject the permit application.

For a detailed report on the hearing including quotes from the testimony of supporters and opponents of ISA, visit muslimlinkpaper.com and search for “Islamic Saudi Academy”.

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

17

NATIONAL NEWS

National News News from Muslim Communities from accross North America

Dutch Foe of Islam Ignores US Allies’ Far Right Ties Daniel Luban and Eli Clifton* WASHINGTON, Feb 28 (IPS) - The fiercely anti-Islam Dutch MP Geert Wilders has been traveling through the U.S. this week on a highly-publicised trip to meet with politicians, promote his controversial film ‘Fitna’, and raise money for his legal defence back home.

Although Wilders’s stated goal has been to campaign for free speech, his trip has been sponsored and promoted by an unlikely coalition of groups united primarily by their hostility towards Islam. His backers include neoconservative and right-wing Jewish groups on the one hand and figures with ties to the European far right on the other.

Since he was charged with incitement to hate and discrimination in the Netherlands in January and denied entry to Britain earlier this month on public safety grounds, Wilders has become something of a cause celebre for the U.S. right.

This week, he gave a private viewing of his 17-minute anti-Islam film in the U.S. Senate, where he was hosted by Senator Jon Kyl, an Arizona Republican. He also appeared on Bill O’Reilly’s and Glenn Beck’s popular rightwing TV shows, met privately with the Wall Street Journal editorial board, and hobnobbed with former U.N. ambassador John Bolton at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

On Friday, he capped his busy week with an appearance at the National Press Club.

At the event, he reiterated his calls for a halt to immigration from Muslim countries and pronounced, to raucous applause from the audience, that “our Western culture based on Christianity, Judaism, and humanism is in every aspect better than Islamic culture”.

Wilders is also known for campaigning to ban the Koran, Islamic attire, and Islamic schools from the Netherlands, and for proclaiming that “moderate Islam does not exist.”

His chief sponsors during the trip have primarily been neoconservative organisations such as Frank Gaffney’s Centre for Security Policy, David Horowitz’s Freedom Centre, and Daniel Pipes’s Middle East Forum, which is also helping to raise money for Wilders’s legal defence.

An event he held at a Boston-area synagogue was sponsored by the Republican Jewish Coalition, an influential group whose board members include casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer, and neoconservative writer David Frum, who attended Wilders’s Friday event in Washington.

His trip has also been heavily promoted by conservative blogger Pamela Geller, who sponsored a reception for him in Washington on Friday. Geller is perhaps best known for alleging during the 2008 presidential campaign that now-President Barack Obama is the illegitimate child of the late Nation of Islam leader Malcolm X; she also continues to argue that Obama is a secret Muslim.

A less well-known but key backer of Wilders’s trip has been the newly-formed International Free Press Society (IFPS), which is headed

by Danish journalist Lars Hedegaard and upon whose advisory board Wilders sits. The IFPS has been instrumental in promoting Wilders’ case as a free-speech issue, joining him in calling for an “International First Amendment”, and it was a co-sponsor of Friday’s event at the National Press Club.

Wilders might seem to be an unlikely freespeech martyr - he famously called for the Netherlands to ban the Koran in an August 2007 op-ed, on the grounds that it was hate speech no different from Adolf Hitler’s ‘Mein Kampf.’ Wilders and his defenders now claim that he is actually in favour of the repeal of all hate speech laws, although he made no mention of this issue in the original op-ed.

While the IFPS has strong ties to neoconservatives - its staff includes members of Pipes’s and Gaffney’s organisations - it also has ties to the European far right, and specifically the Belgian rightist party Vlaams Belang (VB), or Flemish Interest.

The IFPS’s vice president Paul Belien is married to Vlaams Belang MP Alexandra Colen, and has been a fierce defender of the party against its critics.

And in 2007, Hedegaard and Belien - along with IFPS board members Bat Ye’or, Andrew Bostom, Robert Spencer, and Sam Solomon - appeared with VB leader Filip Dewinter at the CounterJihad conference in Brussels.

Although “the VB did not organise the

conference, it provided an important part of the logistics and the security of those attending,” according to Belien.

These VB ties among some of Wilders’s most important backers may raise difficulties for the politician, who has taken care to differentiate himself from far-right leaders such as JeanMarie Le Pen of France and the late Joerg Haider of Austria. In particular, they may complicate his efforts to market himself to mainstream Jewish groups, which have traditionally been suspicious of the European far right due to its reputation for anti-Semitism and fascist tendencies.

“My allies are not Le Pen or Haider,” Wilders told the Guardian in 2008. “I’m very afraid of being linked with the wrong rightist fascist groups”. However, this past December he told the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz that he would consider an alliance with the VB. The VB is the successor to the Vlaams Blok, the Flemish secessionist party that was banned

by Belgian authorities in 2004 for violating the country’s racism and xenophobia laws.

The party’s defenders reject the characterisation of the VB as far right or neo-fascist. “The implication that Vlaams Belang is somehow neo-Nazi or racist is salacious,” Geller told IPS. “They are the only party in Belgium that is staunchly pro-Israel.”

conservative blog Little Green Footballs has been a particularly harsh critic of the VB, which he calls “neo-fascist.” He has also warned of “the incredible amount of support for the Vlaams Belang among U.S. white power and neo-Nazi groups.”

While no one is accusing Wilders or his backers of anti-Semitism, the VB connection illustrates the difficulties involved in forging a transatlantic coalition against Islam. Many of the most influential critics of Islam in the U.S. are neoconservatives, such as Pipes and Gaffney, who are also strongly pro-Israel; by contrast, anti-Muslim sentiment in Europe is often manifested in far-right parties whose views are anathema to much of the U.S. population, particularly Jews.

Wilders’s success and influence will likely depend on how well he can straddle the two camps, retaining his popular base of support in Europe while cultivating right-wing elites in the U.S. Thursday’s event at the Senate was an important step for Wilders, and may have helped legitimise him in the eyes of U.S. conservatives. Sen. Kyl, who hosted the event, shares with Wilders a hard-line stance on immigration issues; he is also an honorary cochairman of the neoconservative organisation Committee on the Present Danger.

VB leaders have insisted that their party is philo-Semitic and free of neo-Nazi elements, but Belgian Jewish groups have criticised the party for failing to sufficiently dissociate itself from Nazi sympathisers and other extremists.

Aside from Kyl, the list of congressmen attending the Wilders event was not released, but sources present at the event told IPS that attendees included Sen. Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, and possibly Representative Ed Royce, a California Republican.

The party’s outreach to Jews has also been hindered by the December 2008 conviction of senior VB leader Roeland Raes on charges of Holocaust denial.

Representative Keith Ellison, a Democrat from Minnesota and the only Muslim member of Congress, criticised Kyl for bringing Wilders to the Senate.

The party has drawn a great deal of criticism even from figures known for being outspoken critics of Islam. Former Dutch MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali, now a fellow at the neoconservative American Enterprise Institute, has called for the VB to be banned, saying that “it hardly differs from the Hofstad [terrorist] group” and that its “way of thinking will lead straight to genocide.”

“At a time when President Obama has said to the Muslim world, ‘We are ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest,’ the showing of a film that denigrates the faith of 1.4 billion of the world’s citizens does not foster mutual respect or mutual interest,” Ellison said in a statement.

Charles Johnson of the widely-read

(END/2009)

*With additional reporting by Ali Gharib.

18

ISLAM

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Islam

The way of life given to us by our Creator and practiced by our Messenger Sallallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam

“The most honored of you with Allah…”

By Sheikh `Abd al-Latîf b. Ibrâhîm al-Husayn

Professor at al-Imâm University “O humanity! We have created you of a male and a female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! The most honored of you with Allah are those who are the most God-fearing. Surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.” [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 13]

Muslim (4867)]

al-Dhâriyât: 56]

Allah created all of us from a single soul: “O humankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and women.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 1]

Therefore, in spite of our diversity in our personal traits and circumstances, the criterion by which some of us are superior to others is the criterion of piety. Allah says: “The most honored of you with Allah are those who are the most God-fearing.” Sûrah al-Hujurât: 13]

Islam declares all ideologies that summon to bigotry, racism, tribalism, or ethnic chauvinism to be false. Islam calls upon us to abolish bigotry from our hearts. There are no grounds to discriminate between people on the basis of race, ethnicity, or language.

Islam teaches us that people are as equal as the teeth of a comb.

Yes, there are differences between people as individuals. Though all of us descend from one set of parents, each of us is unique as a person. We all have different appearances, complexions, and degrees of beauty. We differ in physical strength, in our preferences, and our dispositions. We are identical to each other only in our basic makeup and our natural human instincts. We differ greatly in our individual characteristics.

The superiority of one person over another is only by virtue of a person’s superior deeds, not because of that person’s lineage or pedigree. What matters most is a person’s righteousness and conduct. It is related to us from the Companions that: “Whoever has shortcomings in his deeds will find no compensation for it in his lineage.” [Sahîh

Allah has blesses us all differently. Some people are wealthy while others are poor.

People have different ancestries and backgrounds. Nevertheless, all of us were created for the same purpose – to worship our Creator. Allah says: “I created neither the Jinn nor humanity except to worship Me.” [Sûrah

These two facts – our different individual aptitudes along with our essential equality – can be applied to various contexts. Take employment opportunities. According to our Islamic values lineage and social class are invalid considerations for preferring certain people over others for employment. There should be no discrimination in employment on such an invalid basis.

On the other hand, an individual’s abilities, expertise, and personal integrity do matter.

The person needs to be equal to the job, qualified to carry it out in the best possible manner. In the work arena, that is a valid basis to distinguish between people.

With respect to education and cultural refinement, there are those who take the effort and make the sacrifices to study and work hard in acquiring knowledge. Such people acquire knowledge and sophistication.

Others, who do not study and make such efforts, do not attain the same degree of education and cultural refinement. There can be no argument that people who possess knowledge are in a preferential position to those who do not.

As for considering social background as an aspect of equality in marriage, this is a valid consideration only to the extent that it promotes compatibility, harmony, and mutual affection between the husband and wife.

We need to be emphatic in asserting that Islamic Law does not recognize any kind of superiority discrimination, or prejudice on the basis of lineage, social class, color, or material affluence. We need to take this truth to heart and apply it in our lives.

And Allah knows best. [Source: islamtoday. com]

The Psychology of Severe Misgivings

By Sheikh `Alî Ismâ`îl `Abd al-Rahmân

A pious Muslim doubts whether his ritual ablutions are correct. He goes back and repeats them. This doubt becomes stronger.

It becomes a regular part of his religious life.

He takes 20 minutes to make his ablutions, repeating each act of washing over and over again.

The worshipper doubts whether he has made a mistake in his prayers. He repeats the acts of prayer, and even full prayers over and over again.

For such a person, daily worship, which should be his greatest comfort and solace, becomes a source of anxiety, frustration, and despair. The arrival of each prayer is welcomed with dread, though the person has strong faith and deep down inside truly loves prayer.

This person needs to understand that he is not having a problem of faith. Rather, he is suffering from an illness that brings him to suffer from worry and despair.. This illness is known as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The misgivings and doubts that dominate the persons mind and thoughts are obsessions.

Obsessions have four characteristics: 1. They are specific thoughts that dominate a person’s thinking.

2. These thoughts do not have any real connection to the problems that the person is facing.

3. Trying to ignore or dispel the thoughts causes great psychological stress for the person. This person is not schizophrenic. He fully realizes that his misgivings are baseless, but he simply cannot resist succumbing to them.

4. The person who has these thoughts is aware that they are the product of his own thinking. He is not adopting them from someone else.

Compulsions are the behaviors that the person cannot resist carrying out. The following can be said about compulsive actions: 1. The action is carried out over repeatedly even though the person carrying out the action wishes to cease doing so. However, the pressure to continue repeating the act is greater than the will to stop doing so. Washing hands over and over again is a common manifestation of compulsive behavior.

2. The person afflicted with these compulsions constantly tries to overcome them. Every time he resists the urge to carry out the action, he suffers from severe psychological stress on account of it. This is only relived temporarily when he resumes the action again.

The types of thoughts that people have severe misgivings about can vary. Some people are

constantly worried that they left the door unlocked or the gas stove on. A mother might constantly fret over her child’s safety oversees.

Behaviors commonly associated with severe misgivings are ritualistic behaviors. This is where certain specific activities are repeatedly carried out to appease the inward psychological pressures. The actions are performed in hopes of ridding the person of the troublesome thoughts. A common example is the belief that the hands are contaminated with germs. The person obsessed with this belief will wash his hands with soap and water over and over again. For some people, this means repeated visits to the washroom. For others, it means taking 45 minutes to wash the hands.

>> MISGIVINGS Pg 22

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

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MISGIVINGS >> continued from pg 18

Another manifestation of obsessive behavior is ritually re-arranging things in very precise arrangements. Common targets of this kind of behavior are the appliances in the kitchens and the clothing in the clothes closet.

Muslims who suffer from obsessivecompulsive behavior often suffer from doubts in relation to their purification (doubting their wudû’) and their prayer (doubting whether they performed their prayers properly).

The good news is that 80% of those who seek proper medical treatment respond readily and positively to the treatment. Some do suffer from relapses and need further treatment.

Medical Treatment for This Condition There are three aspects to this treatment: pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapy, and group therapy.

RESTAURANT

Pharmacotherapy entails the use of antidepressants. Most patients require only one kind of anti-depressant, though some severe cases require a combination of them.

Improvement is usually seen within six to ten weeks from the start of treatment.

Behavioral therapy is conducted by a clinical psychologist employing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The patient is exposure to the stimulus that instigates the repetitive behavior while trying to gradually reduce the performance of that behavior. For example, if the patient usually washes his hands 40 times, he will be made to reduce this number down to 20 then to 10 then to 5 times, until the compulsive behavior is eliminated. The patient will try to become relaxed along with this reduction. This entails the application of relaxation techniques.

There are other treatments that have proven efficacy. The choice of an appropriate treatment should be determined by qualified medical professionals. [Source: islamtoday. com]

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

23

HEALTH & FAMILY

Health & Family Homage to Energy and Selfless Spirit Say: Praise be to Allah, And Peace on His servants Whom He has chosen (For His Message)…

(Qur’an 27:59)

By Jamal A. Abdul-Karim Muslim Link Contributing Writer (Baltimore, MD, March 27, 2009) -- In late spring 2008, I received an e-mail that was an invitation to participate in a professional development workshop, for teachers / educators.

I was elated to participate, because I was working on some educational concepts which I actually wanted to share. The professional workshop / seminar series was scheduled in June, when students were out for the summer, and the sessions were set to run for about four weeks. I discussed with the coordinator the concept of my presentation, which centered on the Maqasid of Education. She

the years to cultivate a sense of commitment, and value in Islamic education, for the young people of the general Muslim Communities she has worked in. Overall, she always kept an approachable, accommodating, and professional demeanor with her colleagues.

Equally, she has always encouraged collegiality, and commitment in her chosen profession. Her professional track record is commendable and her tireless efforts have met many challenges with determination, and then success! She also is a person who would go the extra mile while sticking to her convictions, and asserting her right to do so.

Her firsthand experience and world knowledge make her an asset to the educational movement in the Muslim communities, she’s lived in. She has affected the lives of many young people, and adults who have had the pleasure to work with her, or benefit from her instruction as a teacher, facilitator, or lecturer. Recently, in the last two years, she took a position as

If you have had the opportunity to meet Sr. Khadijah, or perhaps just gleaning from a few details here, you would know that this is a human being whose persona is that of “atoms moving at light speed”. was responsive, interested, motivated by my introduction, and encouraged me to forward an outline to her, and further expound on the ideas I’d expressed.

Our discussion took many turns, retrospective reflections, and future projections of promising possibilities. It was relatively easy to submit my proposal to this program coordinator, because she was my contemporary who I met and worked with over twenty years, before.

We formerly taught in one of the Islamic schools in New York, and worked closely together on various projects, consulted, corresponded, and after many years rekindled the relationship, and periodic communication that was professionally familiar.

Sr. Khadijah Bilal worked hard throughout

the high school vice-principal in Al-Huda School located in College Park, MD. Sr. Khadijah’s civic activism and involvement, also established her in the general community at large. She is the mother of five adult children, a grandmother, senior citizen, and wife of Br. Melvin Bilal, an established attorney who practices in the regional area of Baltimore City, and County.

Melvin’s legal services, and advocacy are not limited to these areas, and he is frequently involved with activities that move beyond the locality where he and his wife reside.

Br. Melvin and Sr. Khadijah have worked diligently to promote the development of the Gwen Oaks Muslim Community, and raise funds for the reconstruction of the Islamic Center of Gwen Oaks. They have both worked on various da’wah, and educational

Sr. Khadijah Bilal worked hard throughout the years to cultivate a sense of commitment, and value in Islamic education, for the young people of the general Muslim Communities she has worked in. projects through the years donating their time and financial support. They are also well traveled, and informed about the global Muslim Ummah, first hand.

When an individual expends their energy for the cause and love of Allah (SWT), so that others may truly benefit, this is a mark of self-sacrifice, selflessness, commitment, sincerity, and love. When the pure intentions of such individuals come to fruition, people will not hesitate to commend the actions that stem from such activity, nor hesitate to note the numerous benefits that are generated. The actions of such people are a sadaqah jahriyah (on-going beneficial charity), which has cumulative affects, and evolves over time. In my opinion, Sr. Khadijah Bilal is in the above category, Al-Hamduliah! Insha’Allah, she has a legacy that is established by her works, and is recorded to her credit.

If you have had the opportunity to meet Sr. Khadijah, or perhaps just gleaning from a few details here, you would know that this is a human being whose persona is that of “atoms moving at light speed”. She’s constantly on the go, purposely kinetic, multi-tasking, taking on burdens, aiming high, and trying to squeeze more than sixty seconds out of a minute, sixty minutes out of an hour, and twenty-four hours out of a day. You are compelled to listen to this benevolently gregarious sister, and miraculously you will usually come away with something inspiring, or something you hadn’t considered. I’ve never known her to be a person who spent time trying to convince someone about something, rather she employed her actions to demonstrate that something was possible, highly probable, or could be done!

In all honesty, I feel that it is right to recognize the accomplishments of Muslims, who have

especially expended their lives and energy to assist others, and who also understand their purpose in life (in Al-Islam). This of course goes hand-in-hand with working in Allah’s Cause to establish true knowledge through da’wah, good practices (Sunnah), and Guidance (of Al-Qur’an and its laws). So, I took some time out to pen this commentary about Sr. Khadijah Bilal, who I believe should receive recognition and honorable mention. In short, these few words are less than adequate to express the profound impact she has made on so many people’s lives, including my own.

Personally speaking, we share a bond in destiny, as Allah (SWT) would have it. We share the same cultural background [Cuban Roots], professional career, and respectfully there are indirect family ties, but that is an intricate story. There were many unexpected factors that created a very personable, respectful, and meaningful professional relationship over the years. It made working together a positive experience.

For now, the main idea is to realize the dynamic power that Allah imparts to the elect, whose lives serve as inspiration, light, and spiritual aspiration in their abilities, which Allah grants them. A Believer is guided by Allah (SWT), and actualizes the purpose for their lives, and when they are rightly guided Allah causes them to expend their lives in Islam…

As I write this piece, I do so consciously aware that Sr. Khadijah is presently hospitalized and seriously struggling with a life threatening illness. A number of Muslim brothers and sisters, my wife and I have already visited >> Selfless Pg 27

24

OPINION

EDITORS DESK Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager : Jann McClary News Desk: Umm ‘Abdullah (Events) Distribution: Elwaleed Elshowya Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Lensay Abadula Amina Ali Farkhunda Ali Fasiha Khan Farha Marfani Rashad Mulla Maryam bint DawudMussallihullah Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published every other Friday on a Bi-Weekly Schedule 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-us-Salaam 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 ads@muslimlinkpaper.com The Muslim Link. All Rights Reserved 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Readers Write Inmates Offer Help to Struggling Sisters As salaamu alaikum Akhee! It is solely by the grace of Allah (swt) that I am in sound mind, body, and soul and am able to put together this scribe.

Akhee, to cut straight to the the purpose of this notation is in regards to an article posted in your Muslim Link [“The Conditions of

Virginian’s Letter to the President Dear Mr. President, My name is Rola Ghannam. I am writing to you in regards to the recent war in Gaza, and asking for your help in making a difference in the lives of Palestinians.

Millions of young people just like me voted for you in good hope and faith, believing that you will bring change. The majority of your fans and supporters are members of the younger generation, who want to see this country take a step in the right direction when it comes to regaining our dignity and trust with other nations, and in doing so reestablishing a good name for ourselves and cleaning up our public image. This country is not viewed favorably in the rest of the world.

And the reputation that we have earned for

MIST Winners Triumph Over Peer Pressure The master of ceremonies excitedly introduced the entertainment booked for the closing ceremonies of MIST 2009 competition hosted at the University of Maryland Grand Ballroom on March 29, 2009.

Most of the MIST competitors were on their feet cheering for their much anticipated guests! At this time, from the right side of the ballroom, a sea of red hijbees, almost four rows worth of MIST participants, stood up and quietly left the ballroom. I only noticed because I was sitting on the right side of the ballroom all the way in the back. They all walked down the hallway to the entrance foyer and set about doing what thirteen – eighteen year old girls do: talk, laugh and kid around. I followed them out. What was this act? I’d like to call it a “simple act of

Charity” January 30, 2009] about 2-3 weeks ago. The article was by a “Sister Um” from Virginia and it was in reference to some sisters in a Virginia Muslim community that were financially in dire straits! Insha Allah, the brothers of this ummah would like to know how, who and where; how can we help, who do we talk to/go through, and where can we forward our contributions. To read the article and know that there are sisters our there, our sisters, literally begging to stay afloat is completely unacceptable. Every little bit helps... insha Allah you can contact

ourselves is a result of a number of bad choices this country has made under the Bush administration. But this is our chance to make things right. We have you as our president, a new administration, and the support of the younger generation who are motivated and hopeful about what the future will bring.

The U.S., a great country and superpower, if given the right instruments and leadership, has the potential to once again become a great nation—one that promotes equality, peace, justice and unity for ALL people and nations, regardless of the size of that nation’s military, or political alliances we have with them. The first step to once again becoming that great nation that other nations aspire to be requires a change in our foreign policy.

We need to stand up for what’s right and take action against injustice wherever it occurs. You, Mr. President, said it yourself, and I quote: “Nobody is suffering more than the Palestinian people.” Pat Buchanan, a well known political commentator, recently

surrender” to obedience. Sure there were some sisters in this batch who would have welcomed sitting through the entertainment had it not been for the team coaches. As a team they had came and as a team they left the ballroom during the entertainment. As I took this opportunity of being out of the Ballroom to refresh my wudu, I heard a competitor from another team say, “they left because they’re not allowed to listen to music.” A second competitor exclaimed, “You’re kidding!”

This years MIST theme was “Hometown Heroes.” As most participants learned, sometimes heroism as classically defined doesn’t manifest itself in saving someone from a burning building, or a car accident, or a drowning but rather it is lived in the simple personal decisions one makes daily.

Much like when the Prophet sallahu alayhi wassalam let the Quraish drink water from the well during the Battle of Badr; as Rosa Parks did by sitting down on the bus when she was exhausted; or in the act of Olympian who gave up his monetary prize winnings to

me at Gregory Graves, #304-001, Maryland Correctional Training Center, 18800 Roxbury Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21746.

My Islamic name is Kareen Abdoul Raheem.

We want to help in any way we can, brother.

As salaamu alaikum, Br. Kareem Abdoul Raheem February 19, 2009

referred to Gaza as an Israeli concentration camp. Jimmy Carter had the following to say about the collective punishment of Palestinians living in Gaza: “The world is witnessing a terrible human rights crime in Gaza, where a million and a half human beings are being imprisoned with almost no access to the outside world.” These same people are being cut off and blocked from receiving food, water, heat, electricity, fuel, and humanitarian aid, including urgent medical supplies required to treat patients.

The Israelis have violated UN resolutions and the Geneva Conventions time and time again. They are practicing ethnic cleansing and apartheid on Palestinians, which is evident in their destruction of Palestinian homes and the building of illegal JEWISH ONLY settlements on that same land. The Israelis, in an attempt to further segregate the Palestinians, and achieve superiority and control over them, have built highways that >> President Pg 25 help the crisis in Darfoor, these individuals made personal simple choices that tumbled a whole way of life for others. Year after year, the Dar-us-Salaam MIST team, young sisters and brothers, leaves when any entertainment that is questionable is introduced, making their own simple statement and stand.

My heroes, my hometown heroes – I didn’t have to look far to find them - they sat in the third through sixth rows on the right side of the Grand Ballroom clad in red hijabs and black abayas - the DUS MIST team who chose to quietly surrender and remind the rest of us that we too have choices to make daily. The boys DUS MIST team did the same though but because I was sitting on the other side of the ballroom, I couldn’t see the impact they made. Landslide victories are indicated by numbers as in the 443 points amassed by the DUS MIST team, but true victory is gained in the application of what is learned >> MIST Pg 25

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

EDITORS DESK [The following is a transcript of the editor’s address, given at Falls Church High School on March 29, 2009 at the Muslim Link’s ‘Reaction Time’ event -- TML] Alhumdulillah, was salaatu was salaam ‘alaa rasoolillahi sallallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam.

Readers, supporters, reporters, community members, friends, and guests, Assalamu’alykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

Thank you all for coming out this afternoon, thank you all for reacting to our call, to our SOS, and assembling here today to support the Muslim Link, a newspaper that has become with Allah’s grace and permission, the media for Muslims in the greater Washington and Baltimore region.

After Allah’s Help, without which Islamic projects can neither begin, grow, nor flourish, your help and support is what has helped this newspaper come from being a community service project of some 9th grade Al-Huda School girls in 1998, to being read by thousands of Muslims, and hundreds and hundreds of others, both friendly and unfriendly to the Muslim community.

In 2009, the Muslim Link is read by Washington Post staff writers, who glean stories from our pages. You don’t need to

President >> continued from pg 24

JEWS ONLY can travel by. They have also made movement more difficult for the Palestinians by setting up more than 600 checkpoints in the West Bank alone, that ALL Palestinians are required to pass through when traveling from town to town.

I urge you to do something to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians and to end the illegal occupation and confiscation of their lands. Please open your eyes, do the right thing, and don’t be influenced by political organizations with political agendas. Neoconservatives and Israeli lobbyists have been known to have a large influence on congress and foreign policy. Just read the Israel Lobby by John Mearsheimer and Stephan Walt to see just how influential they are. They often prevent journalists and those working in the media from revealing the truth about what the Israelis are doing to the Palestinians. Israel is the number one recipient of US aid and they are the only country that receives its entire budget at the start of every fiscal year versus all other

EDITORS DESK

25

State of the Muslim Link -- 2009 take my word on it, just ask Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, who is frequently interviewed by the mainstream press. These mainstream reporters call him and ask him about different happenings in the Muslim community. “How did you know about that?” asks Imam Johari.

“The Muslim Link” they reply.

In 2009, the Muslim Link is also read by congressional staffers like Sue Walitsky, who accepted our request to interview her boss US Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland last summer. The interview was a one-onone at the Senator’s office on Capitol Hill.

When I say one-on-one, I mean the Muslim community and Senator Cardin. He did not speak to our reporter, he spoke to all of you.

In 2009, the Muslim Link is read by campaign analysts for US Senator Mark Warner from VA. During his election campaign several months ago, he saw the need to reach out to the Muslim community. How could he get his message out to Virginia’s Muslims? His smart campaign handlers placed a fullpage ad in the Muslim Link.

In 2009, the Muslim Link is read by a community that wants to better itself by not only looking inward, but also by extending their hands outwards. We raised the issue of often marginalized, often ignored members of our community. Deaf Muslims, who

will never hear the Qur’an or the Athan except by the rhythmic vibrations they can feel with their skin, they walk among us. It warmed our heart to be able to cover their conference in DC, and to see how they pray and discuss eeman, which in sign language is a heart in the air. We also raised the issue of homelessness. It was a matter of pride for us to report on Dar Al-Hijrah – one of the region’s largest masajid right here in Falls Church – and how they opened their doors of the masjid to the local homeless each bitter cold winter night.

In 2009, board members from masajid in Maryland read the story on how Dar AlHijrah implemented the Islamic teachings of neighborliness, and so Maryland masajid were asking, ‘how can we do that here’?

In 2009, the New America Media foundation reads the Muslim Link. The foundation is an umbrella organization representing thousands of large and small community media outlets – Asian, African-American, Arab, Hispanic, Jewish, and now, Muslim. Last December the foundation held an annual media awards competition. Your paper took 3 places: 1st place in Immigration Reporting for a piece

by Sister Farkhunda Ali on how a 3-year old VA Muslim boy was denied entry into the US because his name showed up on a terror watch list. We also received one honorable mention for an In-Depth reporting piece also

states who receive their aid in quarters. I MIST am asking that you make US support and >> continued from pg 24 aid to Israel conditional as long as they continue to violate UN resolutions, Geneva Conventions and international law. Think of the children of Palestine who are being killed and sought! You’re leaving the Ballroom, my every day by weapons made in the USA. It is brothers and sisters, to my eyes and heart, estimated that 1,300 people were killed in the was an application and it was ABSOLUTELY recent Gaza incursion, many of whom were COOOOOL! May you receive your reward children. These children, Mr. President, are in the court of Allah subhana wa ta’la from no less human than your own children. Him subhana wa ta’la only.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I really believe that we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

SB Gaithersburg, Maryland It is admirable that these youth have the courage to follow their beliefs despite the intense peer pressure of the moment. On the

by Farkhunda Ali on the memories of local Palestinians who witnessed the founding of Israel, and one honorable mention for an op/ ed by Asma Hanif on Domestic violence.

In 2009, brothers and sisters, we are reporting ON the community from WITHIN the community. Some smart people call it “citizen journalism”, but we call it “linking the believers together”.

In 2009, more masajid are being built, more masajid are being founded, and more masajid are being expanded. All of their histories are being documented, for the future generations who will inherit these masajid, in the pages of the Muslim Link.

But brothers and sisters, trials and tests are a part of our faith. We know Allah wants effort from us, sincere effort, and nowhere does that sincerity blossom or die out like it does under fire.

In 2009, you are looking at a newspaper that has cut half of its staff over the last 1 year.

You are looking at a newspaper that has gone from a bi-weekly to a monthly, and is losing advertisers because these advertisers are losing customers, because someone took the customers’ money to use in bailing out >> TML Pg 26

other hand, this letter also highlights how Muslims can work together while having differences of opinion. MIST organizers consult with Islamic scholars on their choice of entertainment and try to accommodate differing viewpoints as much as they can.

Dar-us-Salaam holds that using instruments during nasheeds is not Islamically allowed, so coaches inform MIST organizers each year that the team will make a quiet and respectful exit before the instrumental entertainment session begins. Both MIST and Dar-us-Salaam work together to make the competition successful year after year, despite their differing views on some issues.

-- TML

Rola Ghannam Fairfax, Virginia [Sister Rola Ghannam will be posting this letter to President Obama in the coming weeks. She requests Muslim Link readers to send their fullnames and city and state of residence to her at rolaghannam@gmail.com so she can add you to the letter as a signatory.

Her goal is to collect 1000 signatures -TML]

If you would like the Muslim Link to be available at your establishment give us a call.

301.982.1020

26

OPINION

Request For Dua’s

{ To A l l a h We Belong, and to Him is Our Return } “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)” 2-23-09 Our dear sister India Tiller (may Allah grant her Jannah), sister of Renee Tiller, passed away after a kidney llness. Her janazah prayer was held at Prince George’s Muslim Association Community Center in Lanham, MD. Her burial was at the Maryland National Memorial Park in Laurel, MD. 3-1-09 We would humbly request your duaat for Raheem Abdul Syed who has returned to his Lord. Inna lillahi wa inna iliaihi rajioon. He was the brother of Afzal Rasheed and the nephew of Asra Rasheed. The janazah prayer was held at the ADAMS Center in Sterling, VA.(Source: Khalid Iqbal) 3-1-09 Inna lillahi wa inna iliaihi rajioon. Salatul janazah was held for Ahmed H. Eisa at Dar al Noor in Manassas, VA.. May Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and place him in His mercy and give Sabr to the family to bear this loss.(Source: Mohammad Mehboob) 3-5-09 American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) offers its sincere condolences on the passing of Marwan Burgan. Our dear friend Marwan died at Georgetown Hospital after his long, valiant battle against pancreatic cancer.

Marwan was a longtime member of ADC and a highly regarded leader in the Arab American community. During his life, he was able to accomplish a great deal for the causes in which he believed, and he continued to be active until the very last minute of his life. His janazah is planned in Jordan . (Source: Nabil Mohamad) 3-8-09 Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon. Sister Ashrafunnisa Begum, a resident of Chennai India, passed away at the age of 80. She was the grandmother-in-law of Sr. Thaseen Amin (committee chair of ICM’s “Ummee and Me” program) and the grandmother of Br. Nadeem Ahmed. Please make dua for her maghfirah - May Allah accept all her good deeds and forgive her sins and enter her into jannat ul Firdous, Aameen.

(Source: Islamic Center of Maryland) 3-8-09 Sr. Shamsa Amjad Shah, beloved wife of Dr. Mohammed Amjad Shah, and mother of Ansar Shah, Arshad Shah and Suhaila Malik has passed away. Namaz-e-janazah was held at the Adams Center in Sterling, VA. (Source: Khalid Iqbal)

TML >> continued from pg 25

private companies.

The January 28, 2009 issue of Editor & Publisher magazine, columnist Steve Outling wrote: “Its safe to say that during 2009 and beyond, some communities will lose their newspapers.”

Thats not a statement, its a challenge.

3-17-09 Brother Misbah Najmi was returned to Allah (swt)after a short illness. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon. Please Pray for his maghfirah and patience for his family. May Allah (swt) make it easy for him and the family. (Source: Syed Akhtar Alam) 3-19-09 Dr. Mustapha El-Haggan, the grandfather of Sr. Rasha El-Haggan passed away in Egypt.

Please make dua’a for him and his family.

(Source: Aisha Elahi) 3-21-09 It is with great sadness that we inform you that Sister Amna Khatoon, mother of Qaiser Imam, passed away. Inna lillahi wa innah ilaihi rajioon (We belong to Allah and to Him we return). The salat ul-janazah was held ISB. May Allah SWT have mercy on her soul and grant her the highest levels of Paradise. (Source: ISB) 3-22-09 Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a long time ADAMS Community member, Br. Jamil Morris Days. After several years of difficulties with his health, Br Jamil returned to Allah. His presence will be deeply missed by everyone in the community. Please remember Br. Jamil’s family in your prayers. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest level of Paradise and may He grant the family ease, comfort, and patience, in this difficult time. The janazah was held at the ADAMS Center in Sterling, VA. He was buried at AMAA Cemetery in Stafford, VA. (Source: ADAMS Center) 3-21-09 It is with great sadness that we inform you that Sister Amna Khatoon, mother of Qaiser Imam, passed away. Inna lillahi wa innah ilaihi rajioon (We belong to Allah and to Him we return). The salat ul-janazah was held ISB. May Allah SWT have mercy on her soul and grant her the highest levels of Paradise. (Source: ISB) 3-22-09 Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a long time ADAMS Community member, Br. Jamil Morris Days. After several years of difficulties with his health, Br Jamil returned to Allah. His presence will be deeply missed by everyone in the community. Please remember Br. Jamil’s family in your prayers. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him the highest level of Paradise and may He grant the family ease, comfort, and patience, in this difficult time.

The janazah was held at the ADAMS Center in Sterling, VA. He was buried at AMAA Cemetery in Stafford, VA. (Source: ADAMS Center)

It does not take a whole lot of money to run a newspaper if every reader gets involved. $5 per month from every reader is more than enough to sustain and grow the paper.

However, reaching every reader and getting them to conquer their apathy is a formidable task.

Let me be clear, brothers and sisters: newspapers don’t make money. The Washington Post posted a 77% decline in revenue last year, and their newspaper is responsible for most of the loss. Most other major newspapers are in the same situation –

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Upcoming Events In Your Area 2nd Metro Washington Quran Recitation Competition Saturday, April 04 2009

Promoting the recitation and memorization of the Qur’an, and to honor outstanding reciters of the Holy Quran at the local Metro Washington (MD,DC and VA)levels. To register, go to http://www.creativeandcoolcompetitions.net/qr.htm. Location: To Be Announced. Contact: Br Alameddine @ 703-856-7005

DARUL ULOOM MD FUNDRAISING Saturday, April 04 2009, 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Guest speakers Maulana Javed Bhaiyat and Br. Maqbool Patel. $30 Family tickets, $10 individuals.

Location: Dar al Taqwa, 10740 Clarksville Pike (Rt. 108), Ellicott City, MD 21042. Contact: Sheikh Irfan 410-493-0785; Br. Fayyaz 240-286-1000; Br. Fawad 443-928-2854; Br. Imran 443-827-6539 email us at darululoommd@aol.com

The Way of Success: 7 Principles of excellences from the Qur’an and Sunnah Rabbani Sunday, April 05 2009, 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Seekers Guidance and the Islamic Community Center of Laurel present: The Way of Success: 7 Principles of excellences from the Qur’an and Sunnah Seminar by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani. For more information: ICCL 7306 Contee Rd. Laurel, MD 20707 301-317-4584 www.icclmd. org. Location: ICCL Contact: 301-317-4584

The Perfect Message for Imperfect Times Friday, April 17 2009 - 7:00pm To Sunday, April 19 2009 - 5:00pm

Journeying through the Seerah of the Prophet (saaws) we will connect to his life and his teachings in a way that is profound and applicable during these turbulent times. Featuring Dr. Sherman Abd Al-Hakin Jackson. $50 Registration (Aid is available). Location: ADAMS Center, 46903 Sugarland Road Sterling,VA 20164. Contact: Qurtuba@adamscenter.us

WhyIslamDC Fundraiser Saturday, April 18 2009, 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Plan to attend WHYIslamDC’s fundraiser “ Time for Change: Defining Our Muslim Identity”, with keynote speaker Sohaib Sultan, Muslim Chaplain at Princeton University and Jawad Ahmed, WhyIslam National Dawah Hotline Coordinator. Tickets $15 per person, $50 for the family. Babysitting will be available. Buy tickets on line at www.whyislamdc.org. Location: St. Joseph Parish Hall, Peachtree Rd., Herndon, VA 20170. Contact: Contact 571-436-3305, or 703-864-3020, or 443-538-1724 for tickets

Dar Al-Taqwa 2nd Annual Interfaith Ladies’ Tea Sunday, April 19 2009, 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Bring your neighbors, colleagues and friends to join us for tasty delicacies and engaging discussion as we exchange views about faith, family and life in general. Location: Dar Al -aqwa Masjid, 10740 Clarkesville Pike (Rt. 108), Ellicott City, MD 21042. Contact: Ruhi Lohani 410-258-5733, or Bari Bako 443-962-5588

Paving the Way to Jannah: ICCL Spring Fundraiser Sunday, May 03 2009, 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Featuring keynote speaker Imam Tahir Anwar South Bay Islamic Association - San Jose, CA and Imam Muhammad Abdul Malik Charlotte, North Carolina. Westin - Baltimore Washington Airport, 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Road, Linthicum, MD 21090. Tickets: $35/person - $40 at the door. Babysitting available for $10/child (ages 3 to 10 only) For more information or to buy tickets contact ICCL or email ps@icclmd.org.

financial loss – and they have been losing money over the last 10 years or more. Many advertisers left newspapers for the Internet, and then the financial crisis scared the rest of the advertisers away. This is why newspapers are posting such dramatic losses.

So why do businesses keep newspapers, if they are losing money? Because that is the cost of promoting your message, your slant, your angle, your view. That is the cost of exerting influence on society and perceptions. The cost to us right now, to keep this newspaper alive, is over $100,000. This

is money we need in addition to advertising revenue. Full details are on the financial handouts available outside.

How much are we willing to spend to promote our views and our values? This is a question we must ask ourselves, and ask others, this afternoon and in the following days.

If we don’t speak for ourselves, who will?

JazakAllahu khayran, thank you for listening.

27

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Arts & Film Spreading Creative Works of Value to the Muslim Community.

Ibn Battuta IMAX Movie Exclusively Premieres in Baltimore

By Farha Marfani Muslim Link Staff Writer Some 200 people were the only audience in Baltimore to see the first IMAX® movie about Islamic Civilization. The IMAX auditorium at the Maryland Science Center was packed on both Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, 2009 when Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta screened there that weekend only.

The film world-premiered in Abu Dhabi in December 2008 and premiered in the US, in Dearborn, Michigan in January 2009. With limited screenings in the US, Baltimore was fortunate enough to be selected. “Baltimore has always been one of our main targets for this film. Because of the high concentration of Muslims in the DC/Maryland area, we felt that a film about Hajj had a good chance of succeeding there. We hope that continues to be the case,” said Samuel Martin, SKFilms promotional consultant for the film. Martin hopes the film will stay in Baltimore and continue to screen at the Science Center. He also plans to bring the film to Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey within the next few months.

Journey to Mecca, a drama and documentary feature, tells the epic story of Ibn Battuta, one of the greatest explorers of Islamic civilization, who leaves Morocco in 1325 and takes a famed journey 3,000 miles east to perform Hajj in the sacred city of Mecca.

The big screen IMAX experience follows Ibn Battuta’s journey, zeroing in on the Hajj - the first and only time an IMAX camera has been admitted into the Grand Mosque in Mecca

Selfless >> continued from pg 23

with her, to give her and her family support, encouragement, also recite Qur’an, and perform respectful supplications to Allah in their behalf. To all who have loved ones who

to capture an aerial view of the Hajj from a helicopter hovering 200 feet above Mecca.

In fact, it took over two years for the film producers to obtain permission (including obtaining permits to even get permits) to film in the Grand Mosque. Even after being granted permission, the non-Muslim directors and producers were not allowed into Mecca and had to train an entire Muslim crew only a month before the Hajj began in December 2007. The entire process was probably as extraordinary as the film itself, and also involved constructing an artificial set of the 14th century Kabah.

The movie is inspired by Ibn Battuta’s journal, The Rihla, which documents his life and travels from 1304-1368. After his extraordinary venture to Mecca, Ibn Battuta traveled to places like China and India, in pursuit of knowledge, travelling farther than Marco Polo. As the movie shows, an aspiring lawyer at the age of 21, Ibn Battuta dreams that he flew to Mecca on the wings of a bird.

Determined to set out on the perilous journey to Mecca, he is faced with reticence from his friends, to which he replies, “If I am to die, let it be on the road to Mecca.” Ibn Battuta leaves his home in Tangier, Morroco with the well-wishes of his family and gifts for his travel: gold, a horse, and an ihram, specially given to Ibn Batutta from his mother.

Battling marauders and sandstorms in the desert, Ibn Battuta comes under the protection of a thief in Algiers, who guides him to the Hajj caravan that leaves from Damascus and leads to Mecca. He becomes a part of the huge and diverse Damascus caravan, 10,000 people strong, including architects,

may currently be enduring similar hardships, I ask that Allah ta’Ala grant patience and mercy to all. May He improve the conditions of all Muslims who are suffering, grant them taufik (illumination of heart), expedient forgiveness, and continued guidance on AlSirat-ul-Mustaqim (The Straight Path). I have written in homage to the power of energy and selfless-spirit; it is an enduring spirit,

physicians, poets, and even beekeepers.

After traveling for 18 months, Ibn Battuta finally makes it to Mecca. The movie shows his arrival to Mecca and his performance of the Hajj rites, interspersed with real footage of the Hajj, including phenomenal aerial views of billions performing Tawaaf around the Kaaba and standing on the mount of Arafah. The juxtaposition between Ibn Battuta’s hajj and the modern-day Hajj truly showcases the timelessness of the Hajj.

experience for some while offering a sneak peek and rekindling a deep desire to perform the Hajj for those who have yet to do so.

Audience members enjoyed the movie, though most people thought that the 45-minute film was too short. Others remarked that they wished the film showed more real footage of the Hajj. Though short, the movie is a must-see. The breathtaking scenery coupled with the story of Ibn Battuta’s remarkable determination is sure to bring excitement, awe, tears, and a thrilling discovery of Islamic history and civilization.

The amazing IMAX experience, particularly with this film, appealed to many. It brought back cherished memories of the Hajj

which is reflected in the actions of Islam, Iman, and ‘Ihsan. These things are amongst the gifts, which Allah ta’Ala has granted the rightly guided.

Time permitting insha’Allah, Sr. Khadijah Bilal can be visited (24hrs. daily) at North West Hospital, in Randalls Town; she is located on the third floor in the Hospice

section of the hospital. Directions to the hospital: Rt. I-695 N [or I-695 S]. to exit 18 (Lochearn and Liberty Rd. West), take Liberty Rd. to Old Court Rd., Left turn on Old Court Rd. to the Hospital, on left side of the road. The parking lot is located one block beyond the hospital where visitors can park for free, across from the hospital.

28

RESTAURANT REVIEW

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

Taking Chicken for a Spin at Chicken Hut

By Jann McClary Muslim Link Staff Writer You’ve gone past those shops in Langley, or Wheaton or Manassass and seen the signs that read pollo a la Brasa and have tried to pull out your 9th grade Spanish skills. You’ve smelled the unmistakable aroma of chicken juices hitting the grill wafting out from these places and understood the reason for the crowds of people you’ve seen lined up inside. And you know that chicken isn’t halal. But you want it. It smells good. You love charcoal grilled chicken. You keep driving past, intending

to go back one day and give the owners of these places dawah so they’ll become Muslim and then put halal chicken on those grills.

Ok, so go ahead and give the owners the dawah, but in the meantime you can have that halal Peruvian-style grilled pollo (pronounced “POY-yo) at Chicken Hut in Clinton, MD. Or get your chicken done barbeque-style, tandoori, sweet and sour or

fried, hot wings, curried, in a wrap, in a salad, in a sub, or kabobed. Owner Mohiuddin Mansur knows what his customers want, and chef Avila Brayan and his crew know how to make it. Out of this one relatively small kitchen comes southern American style, Indopak style, Asian-influenced or Louisiana-hot, and of course, Peruvian.

Where’d all this mestizaje come from?

Peruvian cuisine is truly international, with heavy influences from Africa, Spain, China and Europe. Br. Mohiuddin capitalized on all of them during his 22 years in the food business. He used to go to a little place in Virginia for their Peruvian chicken, and at the suggestion of his wife Sis. Hafsa, experimented with a way to make the pollo a la Brasa without the customary beer-based marinade, then opened his own halal Peruvian restaurant. NonMuslims come to Chicken Hut for the fresh chicken and don’t even know it’s made the halal way. Br. Mohuiddin even received a letter from an out-of-state inmate once who requested a menu; seems the man was nearing parole and was ready to taste freedom and Chicken Hut’s chicken all in the same day.

The pollo a la Brasa is what it’s all about at Chicken Hut, and after you’ve been soothed by the muted earth tones of the décor and the overall cleanliness of the place, that aroma of fresh, halal chicken winding its way from the huge coal-fired rotisserie gets you all worked up again. Close to a dozen whole chickens, marinated in special Peruvian spices, pirouette slowly over smoky crimson coals. Each pass renders them more golden, sealing in juices underneath crispy skin.

Match it up with Peruvian rice and pinto

If you would like the Muslim Link to be available at your establishment give us a call.

301.982.1020

beans for a classic dish.

Br. Mohiuddin, being Bangladeshi, had to include el marisco so he’s got platters for your palate; whole fried tilapia, whiting tenders, crackling-skinned red snapper, sautéed shrimp and grilled salmon. The salmon, not to be missed with its moist and flaky texture, is paired unexpectedly with a baked sweet potato lightly kissed with a bit of butter. It’s a nice touch instead of the usual fries. This platter comes with a side of string beans, but substitute that for the okra: this is okra as it’s meant to be, firm, fresh and still green.

If you have an issue with decision-making, you can switch up any platter’s fixings with sides that range from homemade cornbread,

potato salad, string beans, mac and cheese, a Bangla-influenced curried cabbage, mashed potatoes with gravy, cole slaw, collard greens with a hint of vinegar like your grandmother used to make, corn, or Peruvian pinto beans.

From a whole chicken to a half, or a quarter section, or pulled off the bone, your prices will range from $5.49 to $10.99 for any of this deliciousness. Take your time and decide, todo es bueno.

Chicken Hut – 8849 Branch Ave., Clinton, MD 20735. 301-868-1669. Monday Thursday 11am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm; Sunday 12pm to 9pm. www. chickhut.com

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

MARKETPLACE

29

Marketplace

Your Guide to Products and Services for Your Muslim Lifestyle

Queen Sheba Village

�� �� ����������������� �� � �� � � �� � � � � Malian Bazin Riche and a variety of lovely garments worn throughout Africa.

Elegant scarves, Shea Butters, Rare Gift Items & More!

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MARKETPLACE: EDUCATION & AUTO

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

MARKETPLACE: TRAVEL & SERVICES

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“Mafaza Quality service is a promise, and Mafaza Delivers.”

Walid Abusharakh CEO

Contact us at:

703.635.7727 or email us Mafaza@MafazaTours.com

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31

32

MARKETPLACE: RETAIL & GIFTS

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

33

MARKETPLACE: HEALTHCARE

Najla Abdur-Rahman, M.D. Board Certified Johns Hopkins Trained Pediatrician

7001 Johnnycake Road, Suite101 Baltii more, MD 21244 (Intersection of Rolling and Johnnycake Roads near Masjid Al-Rahmah)

Phone: 410-719-0063

7658 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21236 (Exit 32A off 695 Towards Overlea in the Beltway Shopping Plaza near Masjid An-Nur)

Phone: 410-882-6841

������������������� ������������������ ������������ �������������������������� ������������������������������ �������������������

301.949.7000

Silver Spring MD

12107 Heritage Park Circle

HairSystems in Rockville Loemans Plaza

5214 Randolph Road, Rockville, MD 20852

301-881-0338 (ask for Sr. Fatima) Private Room available for sisters wearing Hijab.

Ask For Special Price: Sundays and Wednesdays

34

MARKETPLACE: REAL ESTATE

Rahma’s Shop A taste of Dubai in the USA for all occasions ����������������������� Islamic clothing, Scarves, Pashmina Shawls, Lace Materials, Rugs, Bakhoor/Incense?Churai, Smokeless charcoal & Incense, Burners, Perfumes & Jells, Aqua sprays, 21 karat Gold jewelry, Abayas, Hijabs, Jallabiyas, African Gowns & Dresses and MORE...

TEL:240.305.6354/301.989.9231, FAX 301.384.2975 EMAIL rahmatg@hotmail.com

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

35

MARKETPLACE: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

202-298-8750 www.LilesParker.com Representing a wide variety of clients including Physicians, Hospitals, Billing Centers, Business Owners, Professionals, Overseas Residents, Investors, Criminal Defendants, Families and More…

COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS FOR CHALLENGING LEGAL PROBLEMS. BUSINESS LAW AND MORE… Auto Accidents, Agreements, Business Law, Contracts, Commercial Complexes, Corporate Compliance, Criminal Defense, Debt & Equity Finance; Family Law; Health Law; Health Fraud Defense, Immigration, Investment Compliance, Land Deals, Mortgages, Mergers and Acquisitions; Peer Review Disputes, Real Estate Closings, Regulatory Compliance, Whistle Blower litigation, White Collar Representation, Zoning Issues.. and more

Our Success is YOUR success!

Mr. Laher is an Atty since 1991. He is a graduate of Harvard and Georgetown Univ and has helped many many clients over the years. Mr. Laher uses specialist attorneys to assist him to best represent clients on a case by case basis. Mr. Laher is associated with Liles Parker LLP, whose offices are near Georgetown in DC.

WE WILL ONLY TAKE ON YOUR CASE IF WE BELIEVE WE CAN HELP YOU !

�

������������������������������� Mohammad Al-Suqi

Cell: 703-861-1625 Office: 703-752-3929 Fax: 703-914-0869 Email: Talsuqi@aol.com Address: 916 W. Broad St., Suite 203, Falls Church, VA 22046

Quality Service - LOW COST! Serving the Community since 1991

Eastern Tax Service ����������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������ �������������� ���������������������� �����������������������������

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36

CLASSIFIEDS

TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML Classifieds

Place a personal classified ad. Call us at 301-982-1020 $1 per 3 words. You may place a classified on muslimlinkpaper.com free of charge. All classifieds run 3 months in the marketplace section. To place a classified, email office@muslimlinkpaper.com with the exact text of the classified, and send a check or money order payable to the Muslim Link to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park MD 20740.

EMPLOYMENT HOME HEALTH AIDE NEEDED

Seeking compassionate home health aide with respect for the elderly starting on Sundays for lovely, modern Muslim women in Arlington. Send information about certifications (eg. CNA), experience,and languages spoken to nafeaygen@yahoo.com or call 202-215-5160. $11+/hour to start. Experience in nursing homes preferred, but will train the right person with proper commitment.

02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALES POSITION

Muslim with strong community ties for sales position, selling USDA certified Halal lamb and goat to restaurants and markets.

Please call 443-527-2526.

01-30-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHILDCARE EXCHANGE TEDDY BEAR DAY CARE

Fairfax County permit-First Aid/CPR Certified.-Food ProgramMulti-child Discount-20 years caring.-Extensive Child Care training-Computer Skills & games-Near Pool & PlaygroundFull-Time Opening for Infants to Age 12 -Emphasis on Language Arts-Located in Annandale near by Littler River Trnpk. and John Marr Dr. Call Mrs. Lodhi(703)941-0944.

01-30-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

BABYSITTING IN MY HOME

I am available to babysit at my Silver Spring home. Children age 1 and up. Call for information. 301-593-4769.

2-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

ISLAMIC DAYCARE

Licensed Islamic Daycare at my Home in Bowie/Mitchellville Near PGMA. First Aid/CPR certified. Have opening for infants to age 12. Willing to teach Quran. For more information, please call 310-249-9744 02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIVE-IN NANNY WANTED

Need live-in nanny for 6-month old in Baltimore. Light housekeeping. Begin in June. References requested. Please call 443-708-5183.

02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

RENTAL LARGE TOWNHOUSE

Townhome at Mont. Vill. 5 bdrms, 3.5 baths. Walk-out basement. New windows, floor, toilets, stove. $1450 per month. Call 740-751-6563 or 240-751-6568 01-30-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

ROOMS FOR RENT – DC

Three bedrooms one basement for rent in NE Washington, DC 20011. Conveniently located 2.1 miles from Masjid Ahlul Quran Wal Hadeeth, 1.3 miles from Avondale Islamic Center and .4 miles from Fort Totten metro rail (red,green and yellow lines). Rooms range from $162.50-$250.00 per week including utilities. Please email brother Akil at akilalasim@gmail.com or call Mon-Sun (202)281-0046 01-09-30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE HALAL MEAT/GROCERY SHOP FOR SALE IN GERMANTOWN, MD

Excellent location behind LOTTE Korean Market shopping mall. Licensed for food and retail sale High traffic spot. Busy

and mixed community neighborhood. WILL ACCEPT BEST OFFER. Please Contact: 301-916-9444.

04.03.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAR FOR SALE

2004 Mercury Sable. Gray interior/exterior. PS/PB, sunroof, PW, auto., 115K miles. Good condition. $6000 obo. Contact Shezad A. Khan 301-535-6188 02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

AD SPACE

Have something to sell? A TV? A Car? Books? HOUSE? try advertising in the Muslim Link classfied section!

Call 301-982-1020, or email us at ads@muslimlinkpaper.com Only 1 $ per 3 words!

SERVICES BEAUTY SERVICES

Threading available for women. Call Farhana for appointment.

703-941-0944 04.03.09

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EVERGREEN ORGANIC LANDSCAPES

NEED MARRIAGE-MINDED WOMAN

Sunni Muslim, looking for a marriage-minded woman. My name is Jean M. Toussaint. I am 29 year old, 5’6”, brown skin, 180 lbs. I believe that I am handsome. I am currently incarcerated in Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Please feel free to write me so we could get acquainted with each other. Write: Jean M. Toussaint, 00A3909, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 354 Hunter St., Ossining , NY 10562.

04.03.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEEKING MUSLIM WIFE

21 year old African American male, currently incarcerated, embraced Islam 2 years ago. Looking for a patient, supportive and understanding woman, age 21-40. Healthy knowledge of the deed is a plus. If interested, please contact me at Joeless Pierre, 07A3030, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 354 Hunter St., Ossining, NY 10562 04.03.09

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SEEKING SOUL MATE

I am a Muslim male, 49 yrs of age, 5”9’, 190 lbs, from Virginia, sincere to Allah (swt) and His ta’ ala Din, very caring, loving and understanding seeking same, praying to Allah (swt) for my soul mate, insha Allah. If you feel this is you, feel free to forward your letter to: Samuel Moyler, #238032, 1821 Estaline Valley Rd, Craigsville, VA 24430.

04.03.09

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Pesticide/chemical-free landscaping. We offer these services: Plant trees, shrubs and flowers; leaf removal; prune small trees and shrubs; remove fallen trees; weed and grass removal; edging and mulching; privacy screens. We also do landscape design plans for a $50 fee. I am a professional with over 15 years gardening experience and a degree in Plant Studies.

We serve Northern VA, N.W. DC, and Montgomery County, MD. Remember, now is the best time to plant bulbs for spring flowers, and now is the best time to plant trees and shrubs. Call 571-277-6241 02-27-09

AS SALAAMU ALAYKUM MUSLIMA

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SEEKING PRACTICING MUSLIMA

FAMILY HOME HEATH CARE

Family Home Health Agency provides professional personal care and companionship services for senior citizens. We also provide complete customized care and help with daily living tasks for disabled and injured individuals of any age. Our experienced caregivers provide up to 24 hour service in the comfort of your own home. We accept Medicaid and private pay. Call Family Home Care Services Inc. at 703-933-2223.

02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOVING HOME CARE ELDER CARE/ NANNY SERVICE Loving Home Care we provide care you can trust

and afford all from the comfort of your home! Our services are for seniors and loved ones needing assistance with activities of daily living. We also provide Mother’s Helpers for that mother in need. Companionship, Hygiene Care, Meal Preparation, Errands, Grocery, Light Housekeeping, Grooming, Dressing, Medication Reminders, Doctors Appointments. *Low Rates* *No Deposit* *Bonded & Insured* www.lovinghomecare.org FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION CALL: 301-490-1146 02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOME REMODELING

Noon Construction Company. For all your home repair needs.

Basement finishing, drywall, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, windows, painting, doorways.

Call Ghulam Rasool 703-785-6055 01-30-09 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MATRIMONIAL

BROTHER SEEKING WIFE

Gentleman, 57, from Iran, no children. Non-smoker, taxi driver.

Seeking Muslim lady for marriage. For more information call Ali from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. 202-669-5699.

04.03.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m seeking a marriage-minded Muslima who’s loving, friendly, supportive and has a great personality. Race, nationality, age unimportant, and children is not an issue. I’m 39, 6’ 1”, 210lbs, with brown eyes, ambitious and affectionate. I’m drug/disease free, a non-smoker. I dislike lies, drama, games, broken promises. If interested, please contact me and ask any questions you may have, insha Allah. Kurt Miller, 98A6702, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 354 Hunter St., Ossining, NY 10562 04.03.09

---------------------------------------------------------U.S.-born man, 39 years old, Arab parents, previously married, speaks English, Arabic, French, Associates degree.

Seeks attractive, practicing Muslima with good character, any nationality ok. Send photo with letter describing yourself and contact information to M.L. Advertisement, PO Box 1922, Annandale, VA 22003-9556.

02-27-09

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SEEKING MUSLIMA

21-year old white Sunni Muslim, seeking Muslima, any race.

Write to Justin Kline, GS-5436, 301 Morea Rd. Frackville, PA 17932 01-30-09

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BROTHER SEEKS WIFE

Gentleman, 50, seeks wife, prefers widow from our unfortunate war in Iraq. Would like someone that is religious and educated.

Children no problem, but should be able to have children.

Will correspond anywhere in the world. Please contact me at rabah@hotmail.com 01-30-09

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SEEKING SISTER

76-year old Muslim man looking for sister 55 years old or older friend for (haleefah)to assist me in things I can do. If interested write to Br. Syed Hassan, PO Box 6861, Alexandria, VA 22306 01-30-09

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MUSLIM BRIDE WANTED

Looking for a graduate Sunni Muslim girl, between 25 - 30 years, from Indian or Pakistani moderate Sunni family, for a 36 year-old Sunni Indian Muslim, working in Pharmaceutical medical research. Contact drasifhaque@yahoo.com 01-30-09 --------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOOKING FOR MUSLIM LADY

Pakistani Sunni Muslim male, age 40. Kind-hearted, funny and easy-going. Seeks female. Race/nationality is unimportant.

Please send photo/phone. Nadeem Khan, 227131, PO Box 860,

Oakwood, VA 24631 01-30-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEEKING MARRIAGE-MINDED WOMAN

I’m seeking a marriage-minded woman who’s friendly, supportive and has a great personality. Race, nationality, age is unimportant. I’m 39 years old, 6ft, 1in, 210 lbs, brown eyes and single. I’m drug- and disease-free, non-smoker. Dislikes: lies, drama, games. If interested, please contact me at: Kurt Miller, 98A6702, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, 354 Hunter St., Ossining, NY 10562 01-30-09

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SEEKING MUSLIM GROOM

Indo Pakistani Sunni Muslim parents are inviting communication from a well educated, financially independent & secure, practicing Muslim for their 42year-old daughter. She is divorced, independent, self-motivated, attractive, charming, and well educated in US with a Masters degree; she has a 17 year old, highly disciplined son who will soon be independent.

Contact 301-221-3751, 301-704-6360 or matrimonials@shah.org 01-30-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

MISCELLANEOUS PEN PAL NEEDED

I have a friend who is Muslim. He gave me a few pamphlets telling the basics about the Muslim religion. The first thing that caught my eye was the phrase “Islam simply means to achieve peace.” Right now, I’m not a religious person, I just haven’t found my way yet. I would love to learn more about Islam. I am in prison and and looking to put my faith into something.

Anyone willing to teach me about the Islamic religion, please write to me at Michael Bushman, #33897, W-A East 122, PO Box 250, Draper, UT 84020. Male or female, please help me achieve peace.

02-27-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEED TO CONTACT

Ummu-Zainab from Germantown, please call Nooruddin 410591-7930.Salaam.

01-30-09 --------------------------------------------------------------------------BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Start your own VoIP or Calling Card Business! Investment begins at $ 5,000 Call Today 703-871-5273 bizop@ipsmarx. com 01-30-09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARABIC DVDS CHILDREN’S ARABIC DVDS – NEW in packaging – 10 “Alam Simsim” (SesameStreet) and 6 Bakkar (Season 5). $100 for set of 16. Free Shipping.

Contact: zubeidaa@gmail.com 1-30-09

--------------------------------------------------PLACE YOUR PERSONAL AD

Interested in placing a classified ad ?? Stop waiting and call the Muslim Link now !! You can reach us at 301-982-1020 or email us at ads@muslimlinkpaper.com Only 1 $ per 3 words!

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WWW.WORKHALAL.COM

A job site for Muslims.

02-27-09 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Looking for a place for your ad?

Stop looking! try our classified section Call the muslim link now !

301.982.1020 Call Now . . . !

MASJID LOCATOR 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.

MASJID LOCATOR

8500 Hilltop Rd., Fairfax, VA 22031 Tel: 703-641-4890, www.iiasa.org

IRHSCA (ISLAMIC RESEARCH AND HUM. SERVICES OF AMERICA): Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MD Tel: 301-324-5040, www.irhsca.org.

ISLAMIC CENTER OF MARYLAND (ICM): 19401 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg,MD 20879 Tel:301-840-9440, www.icomd.org.

ISLAMIC CENTER OF NORTHERN VA TRUST (ICNVT): 4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-941-6558, E-mail: info@icnvt.org www.icnvt.org

ISLAMIC COM. CENTER OF LAUREL (ICCL): 7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707 Tel: 301-317-4584, www.icclmd.org.

ADAMS CENTER: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325, www.adamscenter.org.

AVONDALE ISLAMIC CENTER: 4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782, Tel: 301-779-9292.

BAITUL MUKARRAM: 2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550.

DAR AL HIJRAH: 3159 Rowe St., Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030, www.hijrah.org.

DAR AL-SALAAM: 15250 Dumfries Rd., Mannassas,VA 20112.

DAR UL-GHURABA (Masjid ur Rahmah): 155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487, Tel. 434-348-786.

DAR-UL HUDA: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111, www.darulhuda.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.

DAR-US-SALAAM: 5301 Edgewood Rd. College Park, MD 20740, Tel: 301-982-9848, www.darussalaam.org.

DAR AL-TAQWA: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711, www.taqwa.net.

FIRST HIJRA MUSLIM COMM. CENTER: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, DC 20011 www.firsthijrah.org.

ICNA VA CENTER: 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306.

IDARA DAWAT-O-IRSHAD: 4803 Valley St, Alexandria, VA 22312 703-256-8622, www.irshad.org.

INDONESIAN MUSLIM ASSOC. IN AMERICA (IMAAM): 1611 Veirs Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20851 Tel: 240-453-0808, e-mail: fkadir@imaamnet.org.

INST.OF ISLAMIC AND ARABIC SCIENCES IN AMERICA (IIASA):

ISLAMIC FOUND. OF AMERICA (IFA): 6606 Electronic Dr., Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982, www.ifa.ws.

ISLAMIC HERITAGE CENTER (IHC): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF ANNAPOLIS (ISA): 2635 Riva RdSuite 110Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 www.islamannapolis.org, Email: info@islamannapolis.org

ISLAMIC SOC. OF FREDERICK (ISF): 1250 Key Parkway , Frederick,MD 21702 Tel: 301-682-6090, www.isfmd.org.

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN (ISG): 19900 Brandermill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 Tel: (301)-972-0504, www.isgtown.org.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF SOUTHERN PG COUNTY (ISSPGC): PO Box 251 Upper Marlboro, MD 20773; 7400 Temple Hill Rd., Camp Springs, MD Tel: 301-627-5710.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF THE WASHINGTON AREA (ISWA): 2701 Briggs Chaney Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-879-0930, www.iswamd.org.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF WESTERN MARYLAND: 2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-797-0922.

IVY CITY MASJID: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-529-3100.

LA PLATA MASJID: 111 Howard Street, La Plata, MD 20646 Tel: 301-609-8769.

MAKKAH LEARNING CENTER (MLC): 814 Brandy Farms Ln Gambrills, MD 21054 Tel: 410-721-5880 www.mlcmd.org, Email: info@mlcmd.org

MANASSAS MOSQUE: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VA Tel: 703-257-5537.

MASJID AL-GHURABAA: 8220 Washington St., South, Laurel, MD 20724. Tel: 301-604-3295.

MASJID AL-HIKMAH:

MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009.

MASJID UL-HAQ: 514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-728-1363.

MASJID AL-ISLAM: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, DC 20019 Tel: 202-581-1616, e-mail: imammusa@hotmail.com

MASJID AL-INSHIRAH: 7832 Fairbrook Road , Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 410-298-2977, Fax: 410-298-0266, www.al-inshirahweb.net.

MASJID AL-MUMINEEN: 2642 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: 410-467-8798.

MASJID JAMAAT AL-MUSLIMEEN: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Tel. 410-435-5000.

MASJID MUHAMMAD: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832.

MASJID AL-NOOR: 10012 Harford Rd., Carney, MD 21234 Tel: 410-663-9637, Fax: 410-663-9817.

MASJID AL-RAHMAH/ISB: 6631 Johnny Cake 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.

MASJID BAIT-ALLAH: 1910 Frederick Avenue (2 Floor) Baltimore, MD 21223 Tel: 443-224-4423, E-mail:info@masjidbaitallah.org. www.masjidbaitallah.org

MASJID TAQWA ANNOOR: 8000 MLK Highway, Glenarden MD Tel: 301-772-5969.

MEDINA CENTER: 9426 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda MD 20814 www.medinacenter.net

MUSLIM COM. CENTER (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-384-3454, www.mccmd.org.

MUSLIM SOC. OF WASHINGTON, D.C. (MSWDC): Howard Center, Room 805 (Above HU Bookstore) Tel: 202-328-3236, www.mswdc.org.

MUSTAFA CENTER: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003.

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, imam@pgmamd.org.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND ISLAMIC CENTER(SMIC): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639.

Tel: 410- 535-0000 THE ISLAMIC CENTER: 2551 Mass. Ave. NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343.

11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington,

The Prophet Sallallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said: “”There are seven (types of persons) whom Allah will give protection with His Shade:… (one of them is) a person whose heart is attached to the masjid…” (Bukhari, Muslim)

38

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TML, Rabi’ al-Thani 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

TML, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1430 | April 3 - April 30, 2009

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39

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Its no wonder that scientists are spending more and more resources examining, testing, and developing honey-based medical treatments. As early as December 26, 2007, the Associated Press ran a story titled “Honey makes medical comeback”.

One company that has believed in the restorative power of honey for a long time is HoneyDerm, Inc., a Lansing, Michigan based company that spent years bringing the healing power of honey to people suffering from hair loss, dandruff, and skin disease.

Their most famous product line is Hairback Lotion and Hairtonix Shampoo, that “helps stimulate new hair growth and thicken existing hair”. Honeyderm, Inc also claims the products solve dandruff and scalp psoriasis.

The Muslim Link requested access to some of Honeyderm’s customers, and Brother Mahmoud from Honeyderm gladly offered us some phone numbers.

Brother Hasan, in his late 30’s is from Maryland and suffers from the common skin disease eczema. “I’ve had eczema since high school, and it got worse as the years went on. I went to a dermatologist and he recommended a cortisone-type prescription cream.

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I even called [Honeyderm] with the great feedback,” recalled Najeebudheen. He told us that Allah creates shifa in many things, and Honeyderm’s products are a part of that. “For dandruff problems, this is the total solution,” he told us from his mobile phone.

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