The Muslim Link, April 28 2017 by The Muslim Link

MUSLIM LEADERS TO GATHER WITH LAWYERS TO SAFEGUARD P 12 MASAJID, ORGS

RAMADAN 2017 CALENDAR AREA

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Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Isha Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Asr Maghrib Isha 1:09 5:06 8:36 10:11 Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Asr Maghrib Isha 4:08 5:42 1:09 5:05 8:36 10:10 4:08 5:42 Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Asr Maghrib Isha 8:35 10:09 4:08 5:42 1:09 5:05 8:35 10:10 Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Asr Maghrib 1:09 5:05 8:35 10:09 4:08 5:42 1:09 5:05 4:08 5:42 1:08 5:05 8:34 10:08 4:08 5:42 WED TUE Search of the Night

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Fajr Sunrise Isha Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Asr Maghrib Isha Fajr Sunrise Dhuhur Asr Maghrib 8:38 10:12 4:10 5:43 1:11 5:07 8:38 10:13 1:11 5:07 8:38 10:12 4:09 5:43 1:11 5:07 4:09 5:43 1:11 5:07 8:37 10:12 4:09 5:43

of Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out all his faith and in the hope of earning reward, stays previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever in the up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and sins will hope of earning reward, all his previous be forgiven. (Agreed upon hadith).

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All prayer times are from www.Islamicfinder.org. Consult your local masjid for Ramadan start and end dates

RAMADAN CALENDAR INSIDE!

When Breaking Fast Tha-habath-thamaaoo, wab-tal-latil’urooq,

wa thabatal-ajru insh’Allah

and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills.

(Saheeh Abi Dawood, classified hasan by

Al-Albaani)

Halal investments to help you save for retirement, children’s education, hajj, and all your savings goals.

Shaban 2 - Shaban 29, 1438 A.H. April 28 - May 25, 2017

W W W. M U S L I M L I N K PA P E R . C O M | M D , VA , A N D D C M E T R O P O L I TA N A R E A M O N T H LY N E W S PA P E R | F R E E

ICNA Convention Brings Unified Message of Prophets to Baltimore By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter A major change in dates did not deter ICNA-MAS convention attendees as more than 21,000 converged at the Baltimore Convention Center on Easter weekend, April 14-16, 2017, making a bold statement to the current administration in the nation’s capitol — we are Americans, we are here, and we belong. Every inch of the convention center was taken over, as buses brought attendees in from New York to North

Carolina. Muslims from the DMV area also attended in large numbers. Catherine Pugh, mayor of Baltimore Ci t y g ave t h e we l c o m e address at the 42nd annual convention. Mayor Pugh and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz received community service awards from Islamic Circle of North America leadership.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

MCC Hosts Day of Shopping for Refugees | pg 5 VA Masjid Launches Athan Training, Certification | pg 5 Muslim Senior Society Holds Inaugural Meeting | pg 6

>> ICNA Pg 16

Thinking About a Pillar of the Muslim Community: Wali Abdul Muhammad By Hariyah Aisha | Muslim Link Contributing Writer

“He knew he would see Allah one day and he acted upon it”

On Thursday, April 20, 2017, a host of believers and the family members of Wali Abdul Muhammad gathered together at one of the oldest masajids in the Baltimore area to take part in the Janazah service of a pillar of the Masjid Ul Haqq and Baltimore City Muslim community. Wali Abdul Muhammad departed this life at the age of 98. Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raji'oon – to Allah we belong and to Him is our return. Here is a reflection by Sister Hariyah Aisha on this elder and pioneer. – TML

Among the greatest sources of strength available to the believer are the very positive life supporting examples given to us by other believers. The ones who seem to get this faith thing right. As witnessed by the actions and deeds performed by them throughout their lives. You recognize them because they seem to have a certainty about their place, purpose, and

>> PILLAR Pg 18

April 28 - May 25, 2017

Despite extreme risks, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just opened a new healthcare clinic in Idlib, Syria

Mercy-USA for Aid and Development has just opened a Primary Healthcare Clinic to serve the medical and psycho-social needs of Syrians in Idlib province. The recent chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun was just 21 miles from our new Primary Healthcare Clinic and has prompted an immediate effort to scale up emergency response equipment and medicines to respond to a potential chemical attack on the population around the clinic. The newly opened clinic is serving the healthcare needs of a population of at least 30,000 people, offering a full suite of healthcare services including: pediatric and adult healthcare plus pre-and post-natal care for new mothers. Because many of the patients in the new clinic are displaced families from Aleppo and other high-casualty cities and towns, the clinic is offering psycho-social support for traumatized children and their families. ....

Please donate generously!

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

INDEX

Inside This Issue

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COMMUNITY NEWS 05

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and other Muslim Nonprofits to attend. 4

April 28 - May 25, 2017

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Please encourage Imams, Board Members and Staff of your Local Mosques and other Muslim Nonprofits to attend.

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

Popular Item At Day of Shopping for Refugees? Second Hand Shoes By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter Piles and piles of gently used clothes, toys and shoes lay sorted and stacked by more than 50 volunteers at the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring. Donors were still walking into the center at 4 pm bringing bags more for the MCC Free Shopping Day on April 9, 2017. For organizer Najma Khan, this is the fourth free shopping spree that MCC has organized. This year refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia as well as local Muslim families who needed monetary help came to “shop” at the bazaar. The shopping spree was advertised at the MCC Clinic, so patrons — many who are non Muslims— benefited. Some families had taken time out to dry clean the donations and sort them according to size and gender, making it easy for the overwhelmed volunteers. Boxes of clothes were arranged to make it straightforward for shoppers looking for sizes. “Give what you would want for

yourself,” said Khan. “Donors should sort items out before bringing them in,” said a volunteer, as she threw some damaged and unclean items in the large trash cans set up in the MCC main hall. Another volunteer said that many people forget that refugees were people like them. “Imagine if we were in the same situation and had to run from our homes,” she added. A slightly built man walks in, hesitantly, through the door of the center, his eyes taking in the bazaar of second chances. With a sigh, he sat next to a donated sewing machine set beside the boxes of women’s clothing and could not stop the tears flowing from his tired eyes. He is a tailor who escaped the war in Syria. Next to the machine was a biscuit tin full of needles, spools of thread and other sewing supplies. He had come to the masjid to look for a job. Someone’s spring cleaning could become a source of income for him. The Islamic Center of Maryland, in

WITH A SIGH, HE SAT NEXT TO A DONATED SEWING MACHINE SET BESIDE THE BOXES OF WOMEN’S CLOTHING AND COULD NOT STOP THE TEARS FLOWING FROM HIS TIRED EYES. HE IS A TAILOR WHO ESCAPED THE WAR IN SYRIA.

Gaithersburg, brought two trucks of donations. A total of 40 refugee families were served and received help. They were pleased with the event as several have small children and many do not have jobs. The shoes donated were all taken very quickly, shared Khan. Volunteers had set

them up on shoes racks and were labeled by size. Racks of abayas and thobes, dresses and skirts lined the perimeter of the hall way. A table of books was also set up like a book shop. Several children’s books and novels were set out to help make it easy to shop.

>> SHOPPING Pg 15

Allahu Akbar! VA Masjid Launches Athan Certification By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter Allah hu Akbar Allah hu Akbar. A lucid call to prayer welcomes believers into the House of Allah and urges them to submit. It permeates their private sanctuaries and public sacred places. From the moment a child is born to the time one is ill, the adhan is used as a balm for the soul. At masajid around the country, many muadhin, (callers to prayer) have not formally learned the call to prayer in a systematized manner. A new workshop formulated by the Muslim Association of Virginia (Dar al Noor masjid) in Manassas, Virginia, is set to change that for the Muslims in the area. Ustadh Da’in Johnson is the head of the Education Committee of the MAV, as well as the Principal of the Sunday School and the Director of the Quran Studies Program.

The adhan and iqaamah certification workshop is his brainchild, after hearing “a lot of concern” from his community of 15 years. Johnson, who sits of the board of MAV, says he has heard feedback that some people will not come to a particular masjid because the adhan is not given in the right format or given its due honor. “Adhan and iqamah are a public activity that a large number of people see and hear,” says Johnson. “The certification is based on the spirit of seeking perfection in our practice, improving how the call to prayer is made and how we represent Islam.” “Adhan can help people get into the mood for salah,” he says. Imam Cemal Gumus, a Kurd from Turkey, is the the imam of Muslim Association of Virginia. In coordination with Ustadh

Johnson and the Education Committee, he will conduct the program, assisted by Ustadh Abdul Khabir, a recent refugee from Afghanistan, who is a teacher at the Quran Studies program.

trained in the Maliki fiqh and is the junior student of the late Sh Dr Soliman Donia, the former Chairman of the Department(s) of Theology and Philosophy at Al-Azhar

Ustadh Johnson, who is from New York, is

>> ATHAN Pg 12

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COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28 - May 25, 2017

The Hereafter: What Will Be Your Reality? By Nadirah Rasheed | Muslim Link Contributing Writer With a timely topic and much needed theme, the 2017 Women's Committee of Masjid Saffat Conference (WCMAS) took place on April 14-16, 2017 in Hunt Valley, Md. The Committee chose a theme for their 34th conference that should be on the minds of every Muslim everyday, every hour: the hereafter. Since this life is a preparation for the life to come, the sisters did an excellent job of reminding us of that very clear fact —Jannah or Jahanam, these are our only choices and what we do to achieve either one is the great trial that every Muslim faces. The sisters really wowed the audience this year with the efficient and organized manner in which they presented the conference. The conference, which is usually held every year on Easter weekend, is attended by 700-750 sisters from all over the United States. This year they were a little short of attendance with approximately 600 women, due to the ICNA conference being held the same weekend in Baltimore, MD. After 34 years of consistent diligence and perseverance to provide a quality program, this year’s conference was a testament to the saying, that all good things improve with age. WCMAS continued practice of requiring sisters from the committee to conduct each workshop and provide the keynote

addresses is most impressive. Occasionally, there is a guest keynote speaker, as there was this year- famed international author Umm Zakiyyah. But usually the sisters take on that responsibility themselves. It is a strategy that fosters scholarship among themselves and it also encourages them to be responsible for imparting the dawah to every sister who attends the conference. They do the research and they rely on the knowledge of the well-known scholars to educate themselves as well as the other sisters attending the conference. Such commitment to education propels the sisters in the Junior Women's Committee to follow by example. The Junior Sisters Committee has a parallel conference simultaneously while WCMAS is convening. This year there were ten sessions and two keynote addresses. A vibrant bazaar bring 60 vendors selling everything a Muslim woman could hope for, catering to the African American culture, which is sometimes missing at other conventions. Private swimming, Friday and Saturday night, and entertainment on Saturday night provided by some of our very talented sisters made the weekend a fun as well as a spiritual retreat. The first keynote address on Friday night was presented by Sister Hafiza Abdur Rahman. The title, The Reality of the Hellfire,

was delivered Hafiza style with passion and fire. The audience were made to see the realities of the hellfire through her proofs from Quran and Sunnah. Hafiza said that Allah is “scaring us straight”. It was a presentation that the audience won't soon forget. A Saturday morning presentation, Is Your Elevator Going Up or Down, given by Sister Jamilah Garner, was very interactive and focused on Paradise and Hell. Her presentation was divided into four parts, Do You Really Believe, Seeking Allah's pleasure, Jannah or Jahannam, and Is Your Elevator Going Up or Down. Under each part were sub-topics with ayats from Quran and Hadith giving listeners proofs and many reminders about our responsibility to Allah ta ‘Ala, to the Prophet, to ourselves, our families, and the Muslim ummah. Like Sister Jamila said, most of what she was sharing was nothing new to most of the audience, but the reminders were invaluable. The next session on Saturday morning was Saving Ourselves and Our Families From the Fire, presented by Sister Maisha Muhammad. Again, this was a very interactive session. There was a great deal of participation from the sisters at the prompting of Sr Maisha. The focus was Surah Rahman and shared our perspectives and understanding of what Allah was imparting to us in the Surah and how that Surah could be used to realistically protect ourselves and our families from the

fire. Sr Maisha concluded that it is about educating ourselves and our children. Another Saturday afternoon by Sister Hawa Kareem, from Newark, New Jersey, a mortician and a licensed funeral home director who owns her own mortuary practice, was enlightening. She gave a informative presentation on preparing for death. She covered the will, washing and shrouding the body (with a demonstration), the janazah, and the burial. She also, talked about the blessings and rewards for preparing our sisters and brothers for the meeting with Allah ta ‘Ala. Taking care of the deceased is Fard Kafiyah for the Muslim ummah, she could not emphasize this point enough. Lastly, on Sunday morning the audience were rewarded by a very powerful lecture given by Sister Umm Zakiyah, a well-known national and international author of a number of books, essays, and blogs. As an activist she also strives to make us aware of the various relationship issues plaguing the Muslim ummah within families and among the general Muslim population. Her session was titled, What Will Be Your Reality. She said that Allah ta ‘Ala, has instructed the believers to have patience and to have hope that on the Day of Judgement we will be saved, even when we are weak,

>> REALITY Pg 15

A Coming of Age for Elderly Muslims? American Muslim Senior Society Holds Inaugural Meeting at ISWA By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter Hibaaq’s father had a stroke and she didn’t know where to turn to find culturally sensitive home care for him. She works full-time. Haitham was diagnosed with the onset of dementia; he had so many questions. Imagine if Hibaaq and Haitham knew that they could go to the Senior Ambassador at their local Islamic Center who could guide them to resources, playing a role much like a Youth or Social Services Director play for their constituents. American Muslim seniors need tools that empower them and resources to help age gracefully, keeping their unique needs in mind. They need research and representation. To address these needs, after a decade of introspection and concern, Muslim seniors recently launched the American Muslim Senior Society

....

(AMSS). The first meeting of its Muslim Advisory Council was held on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at the Islamic Society of the Washington Area. The health and wellness of Muslim elders need the establishment of culturally and ethnically sensitive senior nutrition and recreational programs. There is demand for a resource center that addresses the needs of seniors and their families — many who do not think of these grave issues until they face them personally. AMSS is a community based non-profit health and long-term cares resource center,

>> ELDERLY Pg 14

April 28 - May 25, 2017

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COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28 - May 25, 2017

Bill to Immigrants Communities Killed In MD Senate, But Alliances Between Minorities Born By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter Seventy-one percent of Marylanders say immigration enforcement should be left to the federal government, according to a 2017 poll conducted by the Washington Post. Yet Maryland state senators changed the language of the Maryland Trust Act legislation, which was intended to protect immigrant communities by limiting local law enforcement participation in federal immigration enforcement and restrict the police from creating a Muslim registry, to such an extent that sponsoring senators pulled the bill. Many communities in the state continue to live in fear of raids. The Muslim community in Maryland must hold elected officials accountable when they do not stand with them on issues that are imperative to the safety of their constituents. It is not enough for them to come to our masajid and ask for votes. The Maryland Law Enforcement and Governmental Trust Act, HB 1362, had

County, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill withdrew his legislation, when he learned the bill could not pass the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Delegate Carlo Sanchez had defended the original language of the Trust Act."We all believe that there are people here who want to live the American dream and want their children to be successful who are scared of the violence that is going on in their home countries and know that going back means death," the Prince George's County Democrat said. "If that's what we're becoming a sanctuary against, then I welcome it." Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins was another vocal supporter of the Trust Act. She was proud to speak up for all immigrants in the state. Senate President Mike Miller told reporters the bill will not make it out of the Senate in

“IT WAS DISAPPOINTING THAT THE TRUST ACT DID NOT PASS BUT I LIKE TO FIND THE SILVER LININGS IN EVERY CLOUD, AND THE GREATEST ONE WE HAVE HERE IS THE PARTNERSHIPS AND ALLIANCES WE HAVE CREATED WITH OTHER MINORITY COMMUNITIES,” REMARKED DEEBA JAFRI, FROM HOWARD COUNTY.

passed the House—83-55. SB 835, the Senate version, was watered down until it was unrecognizable and was pulled on the last day in the state capitol, Annapolis. The final version stripped it of all language protecting residents from a registry based on faith or ethnicity. Senator Victor Ramirez of Prince George’s

....

its current form. Gov. Larry Hogan also said he would veto this bill if it came to his desk. The bill’s sponsor Senator Ramirez said he will introduce the bill again next year. “We are not going to stop until we have justice and protections for everyone in the State of Maryland,” Delegate Cheryl D. Glenn, Baltimore Democrat, said in a rally on April 7, 2017 in Annapolis.

A supporter of the Maryland Trust Act holds up a sign in Takoma Park, MD. Photo courtesy of the Takoma Park Mobilization. The ACLU of Maryland stands with the immigrant community, said Toni Holness, who had tirelessly advocated for the legislation. She called it a leadership failure in the era of draconian Trump policies. Adileh Sharieff, a local activist from Montgomery County says that organizing around the MD Trust Act and following the legislative process was a “huge learning experience on how the system works”. “It was an eye opener in terms of how important it is for each and every one of us to get engaged. We need to unite and make sure we are working on getting our voices heard by our elected officials today and our united opinion clear in the polling booths in the future,” she stressed. Help Save Maryland, a group that organized against CB9 in Howard County and the against the Trust Act by spreading fear about undocumented immigrants declared victory. The group also has extremely Islamophobic statements posted on their website. Much of the blame was placed on Senator Bobby Zirkin of Baltimore County. Prince George's County’s Del. Joseline PeñaMelnyk said it best. "Sen. Bobby Zirkin, shame on you!" “You played with us. You killed the bill. You amended it onto another bill. You held it on the floor on Sine Die. You knew what you were doing. Shame on you and I hope your district takes you out.” Del Maricé Morales, the sponsor of the bill said, "The wealth of a nation is measured by how it treats the most vulnerable of its people.” "We went all in. Poured our hearts and souls into the MD Trust Act to stand up for

our immigrant and Muslim communities in Maryland. It is with great sadness that I report what many feared. A bill that was meant to protect the most vulnerable of our communities was watered down to such extent that it did not advance the law in any way to protect immigrant Marylanders. We decided to kill our own bill because it was no longer worth voting for the gutted version,” she explained. “It was an amazing experience working with other community members. We will continue to work together for the constitutional rights of all Marylanders! The Muslim community needs to be united and we need young leadership,” stated Tahira Hussain from the Governor's Commission on South Asian American Affairs. The state’s Latino, Asian and Black causes united around this act in a manner that Del. Ana Sol-Gutierrez called "historic." “The tri-caucus coalition called out those who attempted to manipulate and mislead us with a bill that codified case law and if left up to interpretation, could have rendered our communities more vulnerable than what current law already does,’ Morales explained at a press conference. “In retaliation for telling the public what actually happened to the bill, [many delegates] had their bills "special ordered" which is legislative lingo for holding a bill usually for legitimate concerns, but by literally the 11th hour, Republicans stood on the Senate floor filibustering our bills to prevent them from passing," Morales noted.

>> ALLIANCES Pg 13

April 28 - May 25, 2017

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10 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28 - May 25, 2017

Jewish Center Sign Supporting Muslims Defaced by Pro-Hitler Man in Northern Virginia He also spray painted the exterior walls and signs at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) with graffiti, including anti- Semitic and anti-Muslim language and symbols. Malone is also suspected of posting anti-Semitic flyers at Northern Virginia Community College in March, gluing the flyers to tables and chairs.

By Muslim Link Staff On the weekend of Easter and Passover, a church and a Jewish Community Center were targeted by a spree of hate crimes in Northern Virginia. Dylan M. Mahone, 20year old man who wants to “take back the Fatherland” Germany, of Annandale, Va. was arrested at his home, by Fairfax County police. He is charged with two counts each of felony destruction of property, placing a swastika on religious property with the intent to intimidate and wearing a mask in public to conceal one’s identity. On the night of April 11 or the early morning of April 12, Mahone defaced a sign supporting Muslims on the lawn of the Little River United Church of Christ (UCC), in addition to damaging the walls of the church itself. "Defend America; No Muslims," was written across the church’s front door.

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According to police reports, detectives collected video of at least one incident and were able to positively identify Mahone. He was taken to the Adult Detention Center and charged. "Within 48 hours with the help of our community we arrested the offender in this horrific hate crime event,” said Fairfax County Police Chief Ed Roessler.

His social media is currently riddled with references to Hitler and calls for violence towards minorities and opposition.

A prayer vigil held in support of the two communities was attended by hundreds of people. “Jews, Christians, and Muslims have been reminded this week that there are folks in this community who don't

want us here, but we have also rejoiced as the sound of hate speech continues to be drowned out ever more fully here in Fairfax County by the joyous cries of our increasingly diverse community, cries that speak of this county and this country as a place where freedom of worship, freedom of speech, and love of neighbor will win the day,” said Rev. David Lindsay. Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, represented by Fazia Deen and others, joined the faith community in supporting the congregations of the two places of worship. The Fairfax County Clergy and Leadership Council, Faith Communities in Action and the NCS Community Interfaith Coordination stated that they are “deeply sadden by this news. Both the JCCNV and the Little River UCC are both recognized as respectful, inclusive, caring and giving communities focusing on the well-being of all county residents.”

April 28 - May 25, 2017

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12 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28 - May 25, 2017

Muslim Leaders to Gather with Lawyers to Safeguard Masajid and Organizations Muslim Legal Fund of America’s Muslim Nonprofit Leadership Conference explores current challenges faced by Muslim communities and organizations By Muslim Link Contributing Writers Muslim leaders including masjid board members and imams from Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC are gathering on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Diyanet Center of America to listen to presentations aimed at helping them successfully navigate the increasingly complicated legal landscape affecting Muslims in America at the Muslim Legal Fund of America’s (MLFA) Muslim Nonprofit Leadership Conference. The goal of the conference is to deliver practical information about laws impacting mosques and other Muslim nonprofit organizations, as well as the imams, board members, staff and attorneys who serve them. “Whether it’s the Muslim ban, immigration delays, watchlists or new banking regulations, American Muslim community leaders currently face numerous legal and social challenges,” said Khalil Meek, MLFA’s executive director and one of the conference presenters. “Understanding these challenges is the first step in safeguarding the organizations they lead and the communities they serve.” In addition to Meek, attendees will hear presentations from Charles Swift, director and counsel at Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America (CLCMA), Shari Crittendon, senior corporate counsel

ATHAN

>> continued from pg 5

University, Egypt. Sheikh Donia was the director of the Islamic Cultural Center of New York. He trained a number of Americans in the Maliki system, including Ustadh Ibrahim Abu Samad and Sh. Ameen Awal Al-Akkir. Johnson was given an oral ijazah after he studied under these teachers for 10-15 years. The workshop will include a history of

....

MLFA Executive Director Khalil Meek addresses attendees at the October 2016 conference in Dallas, Texas. at CLCMA, Leo Yu, research fellow at CLCMA and Dalia Mogahed, director of research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). Swift will cover topics such as government regulations and their impact on nonprofits while Crittendon will talk about compliance and risk management. Leo Yu will give presentations about hate speech, protests and LGBT issues for religious organizations. Mogahed will share findings from ISPU’s study on how to make mosques more accessible as part of its “Reimagining Muslims Spaces” project. O t h e r s e s s io n t o p ic s i n cl u d e I RS

the adhan, as well as ahadith about the adhan, and rulings in the different schools of thoughts. “There are different, acceptable, ways that the adhan can be called, shared Ustadh Johnson. ”The style is less melodious in the Maliki fiqh,” he says. The main difference is in the number of times the pronunciations are made. In the Maliki adhan, the statements are made twice each; instead of four takbirs at the beginning, there are two. Additionally, there is a repeat of the two tashah-huds. Correct pronunciation is also important and will be taught. “It doesn't set the greatest

requirements, fundraising rules, travel ban issues, anti-Muslim immigration tactics and more.

issues is a crucial step to maintaining healthy organizations that make positive contributions to society.”

This event is the fourth in MLFA’s series of 15 regional conferences in major cities throughout the nation. The conferences are designed to deliver valuable information on legal and social issues facing the Muslim community. The next conference will be held on May 20 in Cincinnati.

About Muslim Legal Fund of America

“Muslims and their organizations are facing unprecedented scrutiny as a result of the growing Islamophobia in America,” said Meek. “Knowing what questions to ask, how to find answers and how to remedy

example to our children when we are teaching the correct pronunciation in Quran School,” he adds. The four sessions will have ample time for students to practice the call in different styles. “Our intention to provide certification and identify the best reciters,” says Ustadh Johnson. A policy change was presented to the board of the masjid limiting who can make adhan. The policy will not be implemented with a heavy hand, says Johnson. “We won’t say you can’t call the adhan but we

Muslim Legal Fund of America is a national nonprofit charity that funds projects to defend constitutional rights in America. Established in 2001, MLFA has defended freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to a fair trial, due process of law and many other constitutional rights. Learn more at mlfa.org.

will encourage them to take the workshop.” He wants young people trained so they can call the adhan and engage with the masjid, slowly building the psychology and approach in the minds of people. The workshop is open to men and women. The goal and expectation is certify 10-25 people in the first round. The timing of the workshop has not been announced, Johnson predicts that it will be conducted post-Ramadan with several workshops throughout the year.

April 28 - May 25, 2017 ALLIANCES

>> continued from pg 8

"We are Maryland and we deserve to be treated with respect and justice,” implored Del Sol-Gutierrez. “It was disappointing that the Trust Act did not pass but I like to find the silver linings in every cloud, and the greatest one we have here is the partnerships and alliances we have created with other minority communities,” remarked Deeba Jafri, from Howard County. A few days earlier, Baltimore County residents were greeted with County Executive Kevin Kamenetz’s order, which prohibits county police from unlawfully profiling county residents due to their immigration status, and the unlawful detention of any individual past their release date without a "judicial order of detainer." "[President Trump's] directives are causing fear and panic among otherwise lawabiding residents. I am particularly concerned about the impact on children, and the chilling effect that is impacting productive police-community relations. Children are afraid to go to school, women are afraid to report domestic abuse, and families are afraid to seek medical care in a hospital out of the fear of deportation. We won’t let that happen in Baltimore County. Today’s executive order will make that crystal clear,” said Kamenetz at a press conference.

COMMUNITY NEWS 13

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He criticized U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' pledge to withhold federal funds from state and local governments that don't comply with President Trump's executive orders, citing the Tenth Amendment which he said "prohibits the federal government from withholding funds to coerce counties to conform to federal policies unrelated to the appropriation." "Today's signing of the Executive Order is a clear indicator that County Executive Kamenetz is on the right side of history," said CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Dr. Zainab Chaudry. "Many law-abiding Baltimore County residents - including U.S. citizens - will feel less afraid because of their race, religion, ethnicity, or immigration status. The arc of the moral universe can only bend towards justice with the support of courageous elected leaders like him."

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14 COMMUNITY NEWS ELDERLY

>> continued from pg 6

and aims to provide Muslim seniors with both — tools and resources. Bringing to life, the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "He is not of us who does not have mercy on young children, nor honor the elderly" (Al-Tirmidhi). The founder of the society, Mona Negm is a known figure in the Muslim community in Montgomery County, Maryland, where 12.5 percent of the population is over the age of 55. “We are the most under-served community in the county,” Negm tells the Ambassadors, who have signed up for training by AMSS. Instead of spending money building resources, Negm’s vision is to tap into the wealth of resources that already exist in the county and help the county cater to the Muslim community. “Muslims have been neglected. They don’t know your needs. When they don’t know then it is difficult to channel resources,” explains Negm. The resources in the county are exemplar. Donna Phillips, a retired national expert in Aging is assisting Negm “shine the light” on the Muslim community and its special needs. “We want to arm the mosque with resources for long term care givers, to build an infrastructure in the mosques that would address the needs of older people,” says

April 28 - May 25, 2017 who are searching for career options. From making phone calls to check in on seniors to giving them rides to the doctors, the younger members of a community can also become engaged in the care of their community’s elders on a voluntary basis. Ayman Nassar sits on the board of AMSS. “Seniors are the most neglected segment in our community. Islamic Leadership Institute of America has been working closely with Mona Negm since when she was leading senior programs at MCC having our youth support some of AMSS activities and initiatives. There has been a lot of collaboration over the years. At ILIA one of the values we try to instill in the youth is inter-generational work, especially because many youth have no grand parents where they live and non extended families,” said Nassar, who is the President of ILIA. AMSS aims to develop and test its model in the county. After kinks are ironed out, the team hopes to make a model that can be used in masajid and Islamic Centers around the state, region and eventually the country. Negm hopes every masjid in the nation will start a senior project. The training at ISWA started with a prayer by Imam Faizul Khan. Dina El Shahzly and Souha Shami presented the goals and objectives of AMSS. “We provide a variety of inter-generational, interfaith, educational, culturally sensitive and socially engaging opportunities around issues of

SENIORS HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER THEIR COMMUNITIES, SAYS NEGM. “WE CAN MENTOR YOUNGER PEOPLE, TEACH AND TUTOR OUR YOUTH. WHY ARTIFICIALLY SEPARATE US FROM THE KIDS?”

Phillips. “It is never too early to start planning," advises Negm. "It makes it easier for our children." “We need younger people. The more knowledge trained Muslim sensitive caregivers, Muslim geriatricians. Get on board and learn about it she urges young Muslims,” stressed the effervescent Negm, “It is a lucrative field,” says Negm to youth

....

interest to diverse communities,” stated El Shahzly.“We conduct training programs in areas of outreach, care-giving and advanced care. We design programs encouraging interactions, sharing of life experiences, social enrichment, sense of wellness with healthy aging and continued independence for all of our participants. We can also offer technical, logistical and other support to our participants on a planned or ad hoc basis, as necessary.”

A CURRENT PRIORITY FOR AMSS IS CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON MUSLIM SENIORS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY. THE SURVEY WILL BE DECIMATED THROUGH SENIOR CLUBS, JUMMAH PRAYERS, FOLLOWING EID PRAYERS, RAMADAN GET TOGETHERS, AND SENIOR GATHERINGS.

AMSS operates with the support of two vital advisory councils. Mona Negm explained AMSS role of bridging the Stakeholders Advisory Council (SAC) and the Muslim Advisory Council (MAC). SAC is made up of service providers of services, research, training and experts such as Phillips. The Muslim Advisory Council comprises of the Imams and Leaders of the Muslim communities who represent the 55+ and their families. Imams and community leaders are expected to partner with AMSS in the dissemination of research on Health and Long Term Care (H&LTC) and receive training on senior needs. Elaine Binder, past President of the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA), says it is extremely important to her that they convey information to the Muslim community that everyone else has. She has worked with Negm on the Commission for Aging and is a member of AMSS Stakeholders Council. The issue for transportation is an issue in the county particularly for older adults, so the JCA initiated an information referral system for seniors. Through Binder’s work, the county has a transportation liaison. These are the resources she wants to make sure that the Muslim community also has access to. A current priority for AMSS is conducting research on Muslim seniors in Montgomery County. The survey will be decimated through senior clubs, Jummah Prayers, following Eid prayers, Ramadan get togethers, and senior gatherings. AMSS members will attend cultural events, frequent halal stores, plan to host town hall meetings, visit Sunday Schools, to have surveys answered. “If they don’t know who we are and what our needs are, they can’t help us,’ Negm emphasizes. AMSS members previously met with County Executive Ike

Leggett with their plans and their concerns. The goal of the organization is to place a trained Ambassador in every masjid. So far 10 applicants have filled out applications for Montgomery County and 8 more are expected. “Ambassadors will learn about mental health, how to stay healthy, prevent disease and stay well. They will go into their communities and decimate information,” explains Negm. MCC senior group, started 5 years, is a model that every Muslim community can emulate. They offer programs and services. “It is a wonderful escape from the daily stresses on aging. When seniors get lonely they get depressed,” says Negm. She believes that this is preventative care from chronic disease that can be a larger burden for a family and community. Under this model, each community center becomes a mini resource center for the aging. AMSS will start initiate senior programs at ISG and the IMAAM Center at the request of the centers. Seniors have so much to offer their communities, says Negm. “We can mentor younger people, teach and tutor our youth. Why artificially separate us from the kids?” Several imams and leaders from the masajid in Montgomery County participated in the meeting including Imam Hadji of the Haneefiya Masjid in Silver Spring, Cisse Hassane representing the seniors from the Islamic Society of Germantown, Salma and Farouq Musa from the MCC, Imam Jamil Dasti from the Islamic Center of Maryland in Gaithersburg, Ariafiani Mira, Sukiman Kadir and Imam Fahmi Zubair from the Indonesian Muslim Association of America (IMAMM) Center, Summar Mohamed from the Islamic Community Center of Potomac, Aizat Aladopo and Humaira Khan from the Islamic Center of Maryland, and Imam Abdullahi of the Muslim Community Center.

April 28 - May 25, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS 15

REALITY

>> continued from pg 6 iman (faith) may save us on the Day of Judgement. She explained the very famous hadith about the man who committed 99 murders and at the end he did one good deed that ultimately saved him from the fire. We can't know how Allah ta ‘Ala will choose to judge us, but perhaps with faith and sincerity, diligence and khushoo in salat we will meet Allah ta ‘Ala's standards and be forgiven and granted paradise. Seeing old friends and attending these sessions were the highlights of the conference experience this year for the writer and for other attendees. "I'm a regular, I attend the conference every year. It’s a time for me to interact and socialize with my sisters and to have a good time learning and having fun. I look forward to this every year,” Asakia Abdul Barr stated. "I have not attended the conference in a long time, but I am very happy that I came. I've seen friends that I haven't seen for a long time and I benefitted from being here, it has helped me a lot,” Sumayya Lane said. One sister came to the conference from as far away as Alaska, another came from California; one sister took her Shahadah, and one sister even got married on Saturday evening. As is customary at WCMAS conferences, the intention is to educate, to give dawah, and to give back to the community through sadaqah provided by the conference participants. Scholarships were awarded to deserving students who have graduated from an Islamic high school, money was raised for the Masjid Saffat building fund, and other organizations are given sadaqah as well. With prayers and farewells, the sisters departed looking forward to reuniting in 2018. For more information about WCMAS, or to make a donation, go to www.wcmas.org

SHOPPING

>> continued from pg 5

Transportation was an aspect that needed more focus in the planning of next year’s event. The MCC Clinic van was used to help some families take the donations to their homes. Men from the community

volunteered to give rides to those who did not have transportation, but many more rides were needed. “We have issues delivering as many items were very large.” says Khan. A crib was left at the MCC campus as it would not fit into the shopper’s car.

asking families in need to let her know their needs well before the next shopping day.

Khan kept track of volunteers, youth volunteer hours, as well as names of the refugee families that shopped. She plan on

The remaining items were donated to Rashidun DC, Helping Hands USA, and the local homeless shelter.

A member of the MCC community who sends aid to the Sudan was also able to use the opportunity to shop for her next shipment.

If it's important that your used clothing goes towards a good cause, causes like MCC Free Shopping Day make sure that they are really given to those in need in our own communities. The Diyanet Center is also hosting a Community Closet on April 29, 2017.

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16 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28 - May 25, 2017

ICNA Convention Brings Unified Message of Prophets to Baltimore ICNA

>> continued from pg 1 The theme of this year’s convention was “Quest for True Success: Divine Message of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them).” The dates were changed from the traditional Memorial day weekend to Easter weekend because of Ramadan. For 2018, the convention will run from the end of March, 30th-31st to April 1st. Dr Arif Mannan, of Columbia, Md. was an integral part of the planning team. “We thank all attendees who participated. We appreciate our sponsors who supported the convention. We owe our scholars and teachers who gave their time and energy to educate our young and old and we are in debt to our volunteers who worked tirelessly for months and at the event to make it comfortable and easy for the attendees and above all we are thankful to Allah for his mercy and blessings and pray that he accepts it all from us,” he related. Over 400 volunteers prepped and worked the event: from marketing to registration to hotel management. Maryam, 18, of Silver Spring, Md. was hanging out with friends in the bazaar after volunteering for two days. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering and reconnecting with old friends while benefiting from the lectures,” she said, expressing what several other attendees felt about their experience. With the assistance of Rashidun DC, Islamic Society of Potomac sponsored tickets and transportation for Muslim youth and elders from underserved areas of Washington D.C., giving them the chance to experience everything that a convention like ICNAMAS has to offer. With the help of Bridge America, local Syrian refugee families were registered free of cost and ICNA arranged two buses to transport them. Many were driven to the center by Bridge America and John Hopkins MSA volunteers. On Saturday, after Quran recitations and nasheeds by children, Syrian refugee spoke for their ordeals after coming to the United States. Food for the meet and greet was catered by Aleppo's Kitchen, a home cooked food business by Syrian women.

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Basboussa, a semolina dessert, and deliciously sticky, tender Syrian Stuffed Grape Leaves with a lemony and garlicky rice filling were on sale by Aleppo’s Kitchen at the halal food court in the parking lot of the Sheraton Hotel next to the convention center. The halal food court was set up with ten food vendors (nine were local) for both days and sold out of food by the end of the evening. Vendors needed a food license, insurance, and a two day permit to sell food at that location. “The food trucks were fantastic,” said Wisam, 17, who was attending with her family. Inside the convention center, Centerplate had exclusive rights and outside vendors were not allowed to sell food inside. Fuad Ndibalema aka SamosaMan set up his African natural food stall in the halal food court. Originally from Congo, settled in Vermont, he sells a variety of GMOfree samosas stuffed with everything from gooey steak and cheese to sweet and tangy Vermont apples. At the inner harbor, WHYISLAM, an ICNA initiative, conducted street dawah on a perfect spring day. 60 volunteers, led by Ustadh Fahad Tasleem, answered questions about Islam. Earlier in the day, they had taken a 90 minute dawah workshop. Sadaqah was big part of the weekend. 750 Blessing bags were distributed on Friday after Jummah and a thousand hot meals distributed after Zuhr on Saturday at 4 locations in Baltimore City by MSSA and ICNA Relief volunteers. Seniors like Nilofer Z. had her cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked at the ICNA Relief Health Table. A well attended Continued Medical Education course was arranged by IMANA. National Geographic at ICNA, a career fair, immigration forum, and a blood drive by Red Cross were also held during the event.“There was a waiting list and many were turned away,” noted Dr Mannan about the blood drive. This year Muslim Nannies, a Muslimah owned business was hired to run the babysitting services for over 600 children. “[Most] parents were happy with Muslim

OVER 125 SESSIONS, INCLUDING SPIRITUAL, PARENTING, MARRIAGE, AND ACTIVISM TRACKS TOOK PLACE THROUGH THE THREE DAYS. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE MAIN SESSIONS WERE LIVE STREAMED USING VIRTUAL REALITY 360 DEGREE CAMERAS.

Nannies’ structured play and games for kids. They were professional,” said Dr Mannan and ICNA plans on hiring them again for next year. All booths at the bazaar was completely sold out, with 450 vendors. Over 125 sessions, including spiritual, parenting, marriage, and activism tracks took place through the three days. For the first time ever, the main sessions were live streamed using Virtual Reality 360 degree cameras. Over 150 speakers, including for the first time young scholars, Shaykh Suleiman Hani, Imam Mikaeel Smith, and Imam Abu Taleb, formerly of the Muslim Family Center in Howard County, gave speeches, workshops and presentations over the course of the event. Breakout sessions in Malay and Turkish were added to existing ethnic sessions in Arabic, Bangla, Urdu, Spanish languages. “Next year, we are planning to add a Somali session,” said Dr Mannan. This year the sessions in Spanish were titled La Voz Latina (The Latino Voice). Attorney Wilfredo Amr Ruiz from CAIR Florida, Rahim Ocasio from Alianza Islamica, Jose Acevedo, from Al-Rahmah School, Jamal Abdul-Karim, Al Huda School and Nahela Morales were the voices who spoke on Latino Muslim issues. Elders from the Guyanese community in New Jersey came in a bus arranged by the ICNA masjid in their city. “Keeping in touch with our Muslim roots is very important,” said Fareeda, who sat with her friends drinking coffee next to the bustling bazaar. She pointed to her friend whose

grandson was a hafiz, “We could have never imagined that a decade ago.” 19 year olds, Imran and Abdullah, from Northern Virginia, said the convention was very beneficial. They liked the increase in social justice awareness in large part due to the influence of the ICNA Council of Social Justice. “It was empowering to see so many Muslims together in Baltimore after what been happening to the Muslim communities this past year,” said Imran. Abdullah wanted to see more African American women speaking and being represented at ICNA next year and found it disappointing seeing the lack of African Americans speakers, especially in a city like Baltimore. This was an issue of concern for many African American leaders on the East Coast. Some African American attendees felt that their experiences were not represented, not even on the panel about racism. Dr Mannan said that ICNA tries its best to have speakers and scholars from all backgrounds to serve the need for all attendees and needed sessions. “We went out of the way to attract African American speakers,” he said. ICNA leadership states that it is open to suggestions and feedback from all attendees. Several organizations collaborated to host their mini-events like Muslimmatters, IIIT, Noor Kids, Council on Islamic American Relations, Muslim Legal Fund of America, Muslim Social Services Agency and others. Programming was also hosted by ICNA

>> ICNA I Pg 17

April 28 - May 25, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS 17

ICNA I

>> continued from pg 16

entities like ICNA Relief, Helping Hands, WhyIslam, ICNA Sisters Wing, and Young Muslims. A new programming track for ages 10-14 was introduced and was well-attended. The Youth conference was packed and their sessions were a huge draw. Some youth suggested that next year youth should address some of the sessions. Youth, such as Zaynub Siddiqui (ICNA Council of Social Justice) and Daniel Farrukh (Young Muslims), did moderate sessions and Heraa Hashmi, the young woman who compiled a list of more than 5000 condemnations against terrorism by Muslim leaders, spoke on the main stage. Wisam, a local 17 year old of Sudanese descent, had a lot of fun. “I loved seeing Ibtihaj Muhammad. I had a fangirl moment. I really liked how the lectures were very relevant to what's happening right now in our society and how the speakers talked about how we should deal with these current events as Muslims.” Alongside the annual Quran competition, the first ever ICNA Master Chef competition was held. A super popular event, moderated by comedian Jeremy Mclellan. This was won by Sh. Abdool Rahman Khan and Samia Ebrahim. Former NBA star, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, was the special guest at a New Muslim panel. Jummah was led by the new ICNA President, Javaid Siddiqi, of Kentucky. His khutbah was about renewing the intentions of every speaker, attendee, volunteer, and vendor at the convention, solely to please Allah. ICMA programming made a conscious effort not to schedule speeches during salah times. Banners clearly marked the carpeted salah areas. Fajr was arranged at 10 different hotels and accommodated 1000 people in some hotels. Enhancing the salah experience at the convention was by design. “We spent thousands of dollars to make it comfortable for people to pray. The extra sound system, volunteers placing shoes in the plastic bags, all of it [brought] a lot of barakah,” remarked Dr Mannan. “Seeing Muslims from all walks of life and all ethnicity and seeing them eager to learn and rushing from one session to another or enjoying the company of each other in a comfortable environment was all worth the hard work of months,” shared Dr Mannan with the Muslim Link. He gave homage to the volunteers, relaying many moments when unsung heroes worked late into the night.

“It is a true mercy of Allah that he has made you and I, a Muslim,” concluded Javaid Siddiqi at the last session. “To me the goal of the event was to give all attendees the confidence in their Muslim Identity and to provide the tools so they can be beneficial to the community at large without any distinction of race, nationality or religion,” said Dr Mannan.

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18 COMMUNITY NEWS

April 28 - May 25, 2017 to the truth that there is no ilah but Allah and Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam is His messenger.

PILLAR

>> continued from pg 1

role in life and seem to "all the time" shine with the happiness of faith. Yes, yes it is true, only Allah knows the true reality of a heart. However, Islam teaches us that action is but by intention, and it is said that the inspiration of our hearts, that which we are inspired or compelled to do, that calling or that thing which pulls us to right action, that drive to achieve our life's purpose-- is placed in our hearts by Allah. And Allah knows best. This which you are about to read is a sharing of a true story about a man, a Muslim man, who in the year of 1958 was inspired, along with others to transform a warehouse that among other things lodged horses. With the tools of their trade and their bare hands — no forklifts back then — these brothers converted this stable of sorts into a place of worship. After completing the structure of this sanctuary, it is reported that Wali Abdul Muhammad was inspired to act as a guardian over the structure, and he did do just that. He served in this capacity for more than half a century, from 1958 until 2017. Those who knew him knew that caring for this House of Allah, this place of worship was his job, his charge and he spent much of his life time diligently, and to what appeared to be the best of his ability, caring for and protecting this House of Prayer. He did whatever he could to keep Masjid Ul Haqq standing and operating and functional. One could say he was inspired by Allah. Think about it. Countless men and women, young and old have come and continue to come to this House of Worship, which still stands erect, held up in part by walls which this man helped build. Famous among the youth for his “drop and give me 27” push-ups, he was a grandfather figure for so many. Inspired by Allah? Allah knows best, but

Wali Muhammad made the great journey to the Big House in Mecca at least once in his lifetime. His obituary states that he made the pilgrimage in 1991, at the age of 71.

MOST OF US KNOW THAT THE COLUMN OF A BUILDING, THAT WHICH HOLDS THE STRUCTURE UP IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A PILLAR. THINK ABOUT IT. THIS ELDER, THIS PILLAR OF HIS COMMUNITY, IN HIS YOUTH, HELPED TO BUILD THE STRUCTURE OF A HOUSE OF ALLAH AND THEN SPENT HIS LIFETIME SUPPORTING ITS CONTINUED STAND. this man did, as witnessed by members of his community, donate uncountable sums of money year after year after year for programs and services that supported others in their journeys to seek nearness to Allah and to embrace Islam. By Allah's leave, this man for multiple decades consistently helped to feed the hungry— physically, mentally, and spiritually. He helped to staff a community kitchen. For years he ran the community's variety store and bookstore and supported the financial solvency and development of other area bookstores. He did this without concern for profit. He just wanted to support the House of Allah and to help expand the consciousness of those seeking knowledge of Allah. The believers of his community have spent years watching and in later years helping him perform daily errands of care on behalf of his community. He never asked for reimbursement for mileage or travel expenses, or cash back. Anywhere he was needed to travel he just went — to purchase food in bulk, to purchase materials for building expansion, to pick up a sick person, to visit a sick person, or to transport a person who wanted to come to the House of Allah but did not have a car. So much selfless service. Subhanallah. A former imam of his community shared that he even put up his own house, his personal dwelling, the home of his family, a family which he was known to dearly love, to support the

Imagine the blessings, imagine the potential reward from Allah for this brother who worshiped Allah consistently for more than half a century. Think about it. Half a century of growing closer to his Lord, half a century of prayer, half a century of fasting, half a century of consistent giving, and numerous years of collecting and distributing zakat, and giving in charity to the needy. Subhanallah! How many Ramadans did he spend in reflection and prayer? Allah knows best, but MashaAllah!

expansion and solvency Masjid Ul Haqq. Believers say he did it without hesitation because he knew that this House of Allah was important, needed, and necessary, and he committed a lifetime doing whatever he could to help his community. He exemplified that he knew he would see Allah one day, and he spent most of his life acting upon this knowledge. It is said that His love of Allah was apparent in his walk. He was known to be hanif (upright), and as well a dependable, doting, and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and good neighbor. His love of Allah was apparent in his talk. He always gave the praise to Allah and worked relentlessly to do good deeds for the benefit of others. Most of us know that the column of a building, that which holds the structure up is often referred to as a pillar. Think about it. This elder, this pillar of his community, in his youth, helped to build the structure of a House of Allah and then spent his lifetime supporting its continued stand. Subhanallah! Each pillar of Islam is an identifiable action done voluntarily on the regular by those who believe and act on this belief.

Think about it. This man, this elder did with his bare hands and the skills of his trade, help build a House of Worship, that now stands as a masjid on a street in Baltimore City that today holds the official name of Islamic Way. Consider the ajr "the reward with Allah" he has earned simply by virtue of the uncountable number of seekers, young and old, from this country and abroad who have come and will, inshaAllah continue to come to Islamic Way, looking for spiritual solace, or seeking a closer relationship with their Lord, or making inquiry about Islam and taking the Shahadat. Subhanallah! When an active elder in any community leaves us, he or she leaves an empty space and a great reminder. When we are able to think about a believer and smile, that kind of smile that comes straight from the heart, then perhaps, in shaa Allah, we should say "Jazakumuallahu Khairyn! Subhanallah! Alhamdullilah! because truly Allah has gifted us with something too magnanimous to measure "an example worthy of emulating." Just think about it.

This man, this elder, this brother in Islam stood up in front of others and bore witness

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

ARTS & FILM

ent

An Interview with Master Calligrapher Haji Noor Deen By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy from Yucheng, Shandong Province in China. After studying calligraphy for years, in 1997, Haji Noor Deen was awarded the Certificate of Arabic Calligrapher in Egypt, becoming the first Chinese person to be honored with this prestigious award. In 2000, Haji Noor Deen initiated and taught the first regular and systematic Arabic Calligraphy course at the Zhengzhou Islamic College in China. Muslims in China are estimated between 25 million to 80 million, depending on the source. The Chinese and Arabic calligraphic traditions have often been compared as two of the world’s finest manifestations of the written word. The love for the Divine written word reaches and conforms to the lands where Muslims settle. A 1,000 years ago, Chinese Muslims began using the traditional brush and ink to copy the Quran. he Sini style (Chinese script writing Arabic with Chinese tools ) is used masajid in China, such as the the Great Mosque of Xi'an, in vessel inscriptions and hanging scrolls, as well as early copies of the Quran in Eastern China. The oldest handwritten copy of the Quran in China dates to 1318. As Islamic art is largely aniconic, calligraphers are heavy weights in the Muslim world. A genius who developed the unique style of Sini-Arabic calligraphy, which reads the same in both Chinese and Arabic, Haji Noor Deen is considered an influential Muslim throughout the world. He merged the two styles — the horizontal lacing of Arabic and vertical planes aligning with forces of gravity of the Chinese. He is often seen at Islamic conferences his fingers waltzing over the paper and producing works of art in moments. Haji Noor Deen’s art has been and displayed in galleries and museums around the world, often as the first Chinese/Arabic artist, including The British Museum, San Francisco Asian Museum, National Museum of Scotland and Harvard University Art Museum. He brings an immense amount of knowledge in Islamic art and traditional thought to a modern audience. The focus of his work is a masterful calligraphic technique which uniquely fuses both the Chinese and Arabic arts. Using a mix of Zamzam water and silk in the Tie Zhai Ong ink, the master calligrapher's graceful strokes mesmerize

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onlookers as he gives gives creative expression to the ayaat of the Qur'an. Recently the Muslim Link met with Haji Noor deen at the Diyanet Center of America, where he was conducting calligraphy workshops. The interview was conducted in Arabic and translated with the help of Amira Ahmed. It has been adjusted for readability. [TML] Where were you trained and which styles of khatati have you learned? [HND] I began in 1980 [at the age of 18] with a sheikh in a masjid in China. My second teacher was Muhammed As-Said (Lee winchen), whom I also studied with in a masjid in China. With him, I studied arabic calligraphy and islamic sciences. Then I went to Khubai, and studied Arabic calligraphy in Chinese style with numerous early Chinese calligraphers. That style of Arabic calligraphy looks a lot like Chinese calligraphy. After completing my studies in China, I studied in Egypt for 8 years with Ustadh Muhammad As-Said Ramadan, Ustadh Khudayr bin Said, and Ustadh Hammam, whom they call Abdulfattah, and many other calligraphers. I studied traditional Arabic calligraphy there. such as Thuluth script and Naskh script. I lived in Egypt from 1991-1999. After that I moved to Turkey in 2008 and studied with Ustadh Hassan Chalaby, Ustadh Dawud Baktash, Ustadh Ahmed Kojak, and others. I am still studying there learning the intricacies of thuluth and naskh scripts, and will finish my lessons this year or next year, inshaAllah. [TML] What are some of your memories of learning this art from your teachers? [HND] In the course of my life, while learning Arabic calligraphy, I have had many teachers. Alhumdulilah, they were all experts. There are some scripts that are different, such as the ones I learned from Muhammed As-Said, who is a Chinese calligrapher. He used to write Masahif in Chinese. His Arabic calligraphy in Chinese style is very beautiful. All my teachers were experts MashaAllah, and they each wrote Arabic calligraphy in a different style. There is a wide word in Khitan that is written with a Chinese brush/quill. In Egypt, as you know, they write Arabic calligraphy which is original/authentic. For example, they write

with bamboo, or “boos” as it is called in Egypt. This calligraphy is very different from Chinese calligraphy. Ustadh Muhammad As-Said Ramadan taught me many facets of the art form. I was the first Chinese in Egypt to learn Arabic calligraphy, and to earn the certificate and ijazah. I went to Istanbul in 2008. As you know, the Qur’an was revealed in Makkah and Madinah, it was read in Egypt, and written in Istanbul. In Istanbul there is a long history of calligraphers who wrote many beautiful things, specifically the thuluth script and the naskh script, which are mashaAllah very amazing, brilliant, and beautiful works. I not only studied calligraphy, but also manners, morals, and religion, so it was a holistic Arabic calligraphy learning experience, which I was very happy with. May Allah give them all success. [TML] What brings you back to the United States? How many students do you have here? [HND] In America, as you know, there is a famous calligrapher, Ustadh Muhammad Zakaria, who is training many artists Alhamdulillah. When I come to America,

like to visit this place, the number of my students has no limit. I don't know, maybe they were in a lecture, a class, a university, a workshop, so I don’t know how many students there are, but Alhamdulillah there are a lot. I noticed that in America, many Muslims and even non-Muslims love calligraphy, because this is an art, and an Islamic art. Nowadays, despite being the age of computers, I noticed that many young people, elderly people, doctors, and others, they love this art form. When I do lectures and workshops, I notice a lot of teachers attending and asking good questions about this art. For that reason, I don’t know how many, but I can say that they are many, Alhamdulillah. [TML] Who are your favorite artists? Are there other calligraphers whose work you follow closely? [HND] The Qur’an was revealed before 1300 years ago, and since then until

>> CALLIGRAPHER Pg 22

April 28 - May 25, 2017

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

CONTINUED

FTC: Scammers Targeting Minority Communities By Minhaj Hasan Muslim Link Staff Reporter Earlier this month, a Bangladeshi Muslim woman living in Maryland responded to an advertisement for online work. She needed an extra income, and the advertisement looked promising. When she contacted the job provider, she was told to wire $6,000 to the company for supplies she needed for the job, including a laptop computer. The company reimbursed her with a check for the full amount beforehand, so she felt comfortable and wired the money. A few days after wiring the money, her bank contacted her and said the $6,000 check she deposited was fraudulent. The “online job” was a scam. The money she wired was unrecoverable. Cases like this abound across the nation, and data on scams collected by the Federal Trade Commission and state consumer protection agencies show a clear trend: most scams occur against African-Americans and members of minority communities. Minorities are especially susceptible to government imposters because they are often hesitant to interact with the government. Scammers also take advantage of their victims' difficulty in understanding English. The Muslim Link and other minority media outlets met with officials from the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Consumer Response and Operations, the District of Columbia’s Office of Consumer Protection, and non-profit legal advocacy groups for a briefing and discussion on “spotting

CALLIGRAPHER

>> continued from pg 20

now, all masahif are written by calligraphers and then duplicated. In the history of Islam, there are many, many, expert calligraphers. For example, in the Abbasid era, there were famous calligraphers such as Ibn Bawwaba, Ibn Muqlah, and Yaqut. These calligraphers were brilliant and innovative, they set the foundations for thuluth and naskh scripts and calligraphy, as well as muhaqqaqah script. And as you know, in the Ottoman era, there were more

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and avoiding scams targeting diverse communities” on April 18, 2017 at the office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Several dozen media outlets serving Latino, Asian, and other minority communities attended the two hour meeting organized by New America Media, a national collaborative of over 3,000 ethnic media outlets. Monica Vaca, Acting Associate Director for the FTC’s Division of Consumer Response and Operations, said the FTC’s large database on scams is available to the public. Highlighting

communities,” said Vaca. “We don’t know about a scam unless people tell us about it.” Vaca and the other government officials said minority media outlets should encourage their communities to be vocal and open about scams, especially if they are the victims. If scam artists or fraud firms end up in court, testimony from victims helps make a strong case. In January of this year, the FTC mailed checks to nearly 350,000 people who lost money running Herbalife businesses. A July 2016 settlement

The most prevalent scams are fraudulent debt collection firms and imposters posing as federal government employees from agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The FTC database shows about three million scams reported in 2016. some of what the data reveals, Vaca said “seventy-two percent of scams start with a telephone call” and that most scams involve wire transfers. The most prevalent scams are fraudulent debt collection firms and imposters posing as federal government employees from agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The FTC database shows about three million scams reported in 2016. Despite FTC data showing scammers disproportionately target minority communities, “scams are underreported in the Latino and African-American

calligraphers. In Turkey, from the Sultan to the average citizen, everyone loved this art, even until now it is still splendid. Likewise in Arab countries such as Iraq, Egypt, and Syria, there are still many calligraphers. Even in Iran, they have Farsi calligraphy, as well as in Pakistan and India. I would say that in all Muslim lands. In Spain, we have Muhammad Nuria. In Britain, France, America, Japan, Malaysia, in every place there are many calligraphers, mashaAllah, because they all love this art, and they love the Qur’an. It was with this beautiful calligraphy that masahif were written. [TML] Calligraphy is often viewed as the most elevated form of art because it transforms

with the FTC required Herbalife to pay $200 million and fundamentally restructure its business. “This represents one of the largest redress distributions the agency has made in any consumer protection action to date,” the FTC said in a press release. Heather Hodges, a pro bono counsel for Neighborhood Legal Services of Washington DC, said that scams are not limited to imposters and cold call “debt collectors.” Landlords who do not fix housing code violations while collecting money from renters, for profit universities who recruit students using promises of jobs and guaranteed

the sacred word into masterpieces. Are you working on a mushaf (compiled, written pages of the Qur’an) project? [HND] Yes, I have started one, but have not finished it yet. I started a project on a mushaf in Chinese, and inshaAllah, it will be done in the next three or four years. When you write a mushaf from beginning to end, it takes a lot of time. I started in 2010, so it has been eight years so far. One must patiently prepare the paper, determine which script is more sublime, what is the appropriate size, and this all comes with studying. When you want to write the words of the noble Quran in beautiful calligraphy and with due

success, and fraudulent credit repair services are common scams which victimize poor neighborhoods in Washington DC. “This class of consumer is extremely unlikely to complain [so] it makes it even harder [to help them get justice],” said Philip Ziperman, the Director of the District’s Office of Consumer Protection. One representative of Latino media cautioned his media colleagues to be responsible for the advertising dollars they accept. “Sometimes we [minority media] are the carriers of [the scammers’] message,” he said. With the FTC, state and local consumer agencies, non-profit advocacy organizations, and the FBI among the myriad of groups dealing with consumer fraud, the Muslim Link asked if there was one single agency a scam victim should call. After several unclear answers, one government representative said the best thing would be to call “everyone.” For the FTC, call 1-877-FTC-HELP. For the Office of Consumer Protection for the District of Columbia, call (202) 442-9828. The Consumer Protection Division for the Maryland Attorney General’s Office can be reached at 888-743-0023. The Better Business Bureau maintains an online scam tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker . If you have been the victim of a scam, the Muslim Link would like to hear your story. It might help save others from the same or similar scams. Email editor@ muslimlinkpaper.com if you have a story to share. respect and appreciation, it takes time and introspection, so inshaAllah, I hope in the next three or four years, if our Lord makes it easy, this project will be done. [TML] What is your message to students of art? [HND] I hope that they love this art from the soul, because this is Arabic calligraphy and a form of Islamic studies. Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful thing, and we know Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty, so I hope the people of America will encourage this art and learn this lovely art.

April 28 - May 25, 2017

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

ISLAM

Overcoming Arrogance Praise be to Allaah. Arrogance is a blameworthy characteristic which is the feature of Iblees and his cohorts in this world, those on whose hearts Allaah has placed a seal.

THE ONE WHO IS ARROGANT TOWARDS THE PEOPLE WILL BE TRAMPLED BENEATH THE FEET OF THE PEOPLE ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION, AS A PUNISHMENT FOR HIS ARROGANCE.

The first one who showed arrogance towards Allaah and His creation was the accursed Iblees, when Allaah commanded him to prostrate to Adam and he refused and was arrogant, and said, “I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.” Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, ‘Prostrate yourselves to Adam’, and they prostrated themselves, except Iblees (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves. (Allaah) said: ‘What prevented you (O Iblees) that you did not prostrate yourself, when I commanded you?’ Iblees said: ‘I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay’” [al-A’raaf 7:11-12] Arrogance is one of the characteristics of Iblees, so whoever wants to be arrogant

should realize that he is acquiring a characteristic of the devils, and that he is not acquiring a characteristic of the noble angels who obeyed their Lord and fell down prostrate. Moreover, arrogance may be the cause of a person being deprived of Paradise and may mean that the Lord of Glory will not even look at him, as it says in the following ahaadeeth: It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No one who has an atom’s-weight of

arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.” A man said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what if a man likes his clothes and his shoes to look good?” He said, “Allaah is Beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people.” Narrated by Muslim, 91. Secondly, pride is an attribute that is not befitting for anyone except Allaah. Whoever seeks to compete with Allaah in that, Allaah will destroy him, wreak vengeance on him and make things difficult for him. It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri

and Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Might is His garment and pride is His cloak; whoever seeks to compete with Me concerning them, I will punish him.” Narrated by Muslim, 2620. Al-Nawawi said: This is how it is narrated in all texts. The pronoun in the words ‘His garment’ and ‘His cloak’ refers to Allaah, and there is something omitted; what is meant is ‘Allaah says, ‘whoever seeks to

>> ARROGANCE Pg 26

Psychological Benefits of Fasting the ingredients required to establish will power.

By Mohammad Awais Tahi 1-Establishing Will Power Fasting develops our character by strengthening our willpower and bolstering our patience. This is why fasting is sometimes referred to as patience and Ramadan is sometimes called "the month of patience". Allah says: "Seek help in patience and in prayer"(Surah Al Baqarah 2:45) Some commentators of the Qur'an have said: "The word 'patience' here refers to fasting. It means 'Seek help in fasting and prayer'." This is because fasting forces us to exercise our willpower and practice patience. Many of us need to constantly exercise our willpower to keep it strong. There is a psychological benefit in operation here. Researchers into the causes of success say that success requires three ingredients:

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1. Desire: All people wish to be strong, successful, and financially well of. Desires like these exist for everyone. 2. Strength or ability: Most people have the mental and physical wherewithal and the skills that they need to succeed if they properly put their minds to it. 3. Willpower: Strong willpower is one of the greatest reasons for success in both this world and the next. Fasting strengthens the will and conditions a person to cope with difficulties in all aspects of his life. It helps to develop the very quality that only successful people possess, the quality of those people who can turn their desires into a reality by using skills and abilities that they have. Fasting helps us to establish strong will power because in fast we learn to suppress our vain desires and hence develop selfrespect and self-confidence and these are

We can see this feature very much in children when they keep fast for the first time. At the time of Iftaar (breaking fast), we can see that they are proud of their 'achievement' and depict a much confident and mature figure than they were before. 2-Putting a check on vain desires Many great thinkers and biologist have accepted the hidden benefits of eating less. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam) ,in general, advised us to stop eating when there was a little hunger left. In specific, the workshop of Ramadan was laid down for a comprehensive practice of suppressing the vain desires. He who can suppress the desires of hunger and thirst can suppress other desires as well. Also a person who 'thinks' will never indulge into things Allah has forbidden because while fasting he even leaves the

permitted things (eating and drinking) simply because Allah has ordered that. How, then, can he ever think of doing things which are prohibited out right? This is why the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam) gave the following advice: "O assembly of young people, whosoever among you has the wherewithal to marry should do so, as it will help him to lower his gaze and safeguard his chastity. And whoever is unable to do so should fast, because it diminishes sexual desire." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (5066) and Sahîh Muslim (1400)] The Prophet (peace be upon him) points out that fasting withholds a person from responding to his passions. Fasting keeps our compulsions in check by keeping us involved in a specific act of worship. This continuous connection with an act of

>> FASTING Pg 26

April 28 - May 25, 2017

ISLAM 25

Salaah times for April 28th - May 25th, 2017

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

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

Source: Islamicfinder.org

Date

Day

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

April 28

Fri

04:53 AM

06:14 AM

01:06 PM

04:54 PM

07:58 PM

09:19 PM

Sat

04:52 AM

06:13 AM

01:06 PM

04:55 PM

07:59 PM

09:21 PM

Sun

04:50 AM

06:12 AM

01:06 PM

04:55 PM

08:00 PM

09:22 PM

May 1

Mon

04:48 AM

06:11 AM

01:06 PM

04:55 PM

08:01 PM

09:23 PM

Tue

04:47 AM

06:09 AM

01:06 PM

04:55 PM

08:02 PM

09:25 PM

Wed

04:45 AM

06:08 AM

01:06 PM

04:55 PM

08:03 PM

09:26 PM

Thu

04:44 AM

06:07 AM

01:06 PM

04:56 PM

08:04 PM

09:27 PM

Fri

04:42 AM

06:06 AM

01:05 PM

04:56 PM

08:05 PM

09:28 PM

Sat

04:41 AM

06:05 AM

01:05 PM

04:56 PM

08:06 PM

09:30 PM

Sun

04:40 AM

06:04 AM

01:05 PM

04:56 PM

08:07 PM

09:31 PM

Mon

04:38 AM

06:02 AM

01:05 PM

04:57 PM

08:08 PM

09:32 PM

Tue

04:37 AM

06:01 AM

01:05 PM

04:57 PM

08:09 PM

09:34 PM

Wed

04:35 AM

06:00 AM

01:05 PM

04:57 PM

08:09 PM

09:35 PM

Thu

04:34 AM

05:59 AM

01:05 PM

04:57 PM

08:10 PM

09:36 PM

Fri

04:33 AM

05:58 AM

01:05 PM

04:57 PM

08:11 PM

09:37 PM

Sat

04:31 AM

05:57 AM

01:05 PM

04:58 PM

08:12 PM

09:39 PM

Sun

04:30 AM

05:56 AM

01:05 PM

04:58 PM

08:13 PM

09:40 PM

Mon

04:29 AM

05:55 AM

01:05 PM

04:58 PM

08:14 PM

09:41 PM

Tue

04:28 AM

05:55 AM

01:05 PM

04:58 PM

08:15 PM

09:42 PM

Wed

04:26 AM

05:54 AM

01:05 PM

04:59 PM

08:16 PM

09:44 PM

Thu

04:25 AM

05:53 AM

01:05 PM

04:59 PM

08:17 PM

09:45 PM

Fri

04:24 AM

05:52 AM

01:05 PM

04:59 PM

08:18 PM

09:46 PM

Sat

04:23 AM

05:51 AM

01:05 PM

04:59 PM

08:19 PM

09:47 PM

Sun

04:22 AM

05:51 AM

01:05 PM

04:59 PM

08:19 PM

09:49 PM

Mon

04:21 AM

05:50 AM

01:05 PM

05:00 PM

08:20 PM

09:50 PM

Tue

04:20 AM

05:49 AM

01:05 PM

05:00 PM

08:21 PM

09:51 PM

Wed

04:19 AM

05:48 AM

01:05 PM

05:00 PM

08:22 PM

09:52 PM

Thu

04:18 AM

05:48 AM

01:06 PM

05:00 PM

08:23 PM

09:53 PM

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam) said: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during fasting, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink (Bukhari, Muslim). ....

April 28 - May 25, 2017

CONTINUED

ARROGANCE

>> continued from pg 24 compete with Me concerning them, I will punish him’. What is meant by ‘seeks to compete with Me’ is seeking to acquire that characteristic in the sense of sharing in it. This is a stern warning against arrogance which clearly demonstrates that it is haraam. [Sharh Muslim, 16/173] Everyone who tries to be arrogant and put himself above others, Allaah will bring him down among the lowest of the low, and will humiliate him, because he is going against reality, so Allaah will punish him by thwarting his aims; the punishment is to fit the crime. The one who is arrogant towards the people will be trampled beneath the feet of the people on the Day of Resurrection, as a punishment for his arrogance. It was narrated from ‘Amr ibn Shu’ayb via his father and grandfather that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, the arrogant will be gathered like ants in the form of men. Humiliation will overwhelm them from all sides. They will be driven to a prison in Hell called Bawlas, with the hottest fire rising over them, and they will be given to drink of the juice of the inhabitants of Hell, which is teenat alkhabaal.” [Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2492;

classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2025] Arrogance is of several types, including the following: 1 – When a person does not accept the truth and produces false arguments against it, as we have mentioned in the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood, “Arrogance means rejecting the truth and looking down on people.” 2 – When a person admires himself for his beauty or handsomeness, or the fineness of his food or clothing, so he feels proud and arrogant and feels superior to people. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said (or Abu’l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said): “Whilst a man was walking, dragging his garment with pride, with his hair nicely combed, Allaah caused the earth to swallow him and he will go on sinking in it until the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3297; Muslim, 2088 A similar case is the story of the friend of the man whose companion spoke to him arrogantly. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And he had property (or fruit) and he said to his companion, in the course of mutual talk: ‘I am more than you in wealth and stronger in respect of men’” [al-Kahf 18:34] It may be that he was

worship helps us to refrain from unlawful acts, including those acts, like the forbidden gaze, that incite our desires.

advice from the Prophet who said, "If one slanders you or aggresses against you, say I am fasting." This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes.

3-Establishing Self Control

5-Overcoming the complexes

A person who doesn't have control over 'himself' is always caught in 'inferiority complex' phobia. A person who cannot control himself can never develop leadership qualities. Fasting is an effective method to develop self-control and hence build our character.

When we remain thirsty and hungry in Ramadan we experience the affliction that the poor and needy people of the society experience the whole year. Hence, fasting is a way of bridging the gap between the different classes and in and out groups in the society. While fasting, poor people that all are equal in the eyes of Allah and wealth doesn't matter in Allah's eyes. "Allah doesn't look at your wealth and your body, infact he looks at your deeds". This very feeling helps the poor people to overcome the "inferiority complex". On the other hand, rich people also realize the truth of the world and feel themselves equal to the poor hence eliminating pride and "superiority complex".

FASTING

>> continued from pg 24

Learning to refrain from eating and drinking even when there is a desire for it is all a practice of self-control. For this very reason Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam) said that ," Fast is a shield (which helps refrain from bad deeds)". 4-Peace and Tranquility There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. Muslims take

....

[Source: edited from http:// islamandpsychology.blogspot.com/2009/08/ benefits-of-ramadan.html]

boasting about his tribe and linage.

highly of oneself.

One of the remedies for arrogance is to think of yourself as being just like other people and realize that they are like you, they were born from a mother and a father just as you were, and that taqwa (piety, fear of Allaah) is the true criterion of superiority.

Qutaadah said: it means showing off in walking; or it was said that it means vanity.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, the most honourable of you with Allaah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqoon (the pious)” [al-Hujuraat 49:13] The arrogant Muslim should realize that no matter what he achieves, he is still too weak to attain a stature like the mountains in height or rend nor penetrate the earth (cf. alIsra’ 17:37), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allaah likes not any arrogant boaster. And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the braying of the donkeys” [Luqmaan 31:18-19] Al-Qurtubi said: The phrase “nor walk in insolence through the earth” is a prohibition of arrogance and is enjoining humility. Marah (translated here as insolence) is excessive joy, or it was said that it means being arrogant in walking, or thinking too

All of these suggestions are close in meaning, but they may be divided into two categories: those which are blameworthy and those which are praiseworthy. Arrogance, vanity, showing off and thinking too highly of oneself are blameworthy; joy and energy are praiseworthy. [Tafseer alQurtubi, 10/260] Another remedy for arrogance is for a person to realize that on the Day of Resurrection he will be gathered in a small form like an ant which will be trampled underfoot. Arrogant people are hated by other people just as they are hated by Allaah; people love humble, tolerant and gentle people, and they hate those who are harsh and cruel to people. Another remedy is to remember that he and urine came out of the same place; that he began as a despised drop of sperm and he will end up as a rotten corpse, and that in between he is a vessel for feces. So what does he have to feel so proud and arrogant about?! We ask Allaah to rid us all of arrogance and make us humble. And Allaah knows best. [Source: Islamqa.com with some edits]

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April 28 - May 25, 2017 NORTHERN VIRGINIA All Muslim Brothers Association 3900 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: 703-647-0515 Jumma Prayer Only - 1:15 P.m --------------------------------------------------------------------------ICNA VA Center: 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306. Tel: 703-660-1255 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Idara Dawat-o-irshad: 4803 VAlley St, Alexandria, VA 22312 Tel: 703-256-8622 | ww.irshad.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mustafa Center: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003 Tel: 703-658-7134 www.mustafacenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Baitul Mukarram: 2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Madani Masjid 43083 John Mosby Hwy., Chantilly, VA 20152 Tel: 571-969-2123|www.ziacademy.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Zakaria Masjid 26243 Gum Spring Road, Chantilly, VA 20152 Tel: 571-969-2123|www.ziacademy.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Badr Community Center Of Dumfries: 17794 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026 Tel: 703-554-7983 www.bccd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Ul-ghuraba (Masjid Ur Rahmah): 155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al Hijrah: 3159 Rowe St., Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030 | www.hijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Moroccan American community Organization Center 5697 Columbia pike , #200 Falls Church , VA 22041 Info@macous.org | www.macous.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Northern VA Trust (Icnvt): 4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-591-0999 www.icnvt.org | E-mail: Info@icnvt.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al-noor (Muslim Assoc. Of VA): 5404 Hoadly Rd., Manassas, VA 20112, Tel: 703-580-0808 Fax: 703-221-8513 www.daralnoor.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Manassas Mosque: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VA Tel: 703-257-5537 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Virginia: 1241 Buford Rd., Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-320-7333

MASJID LISTING www.icva1.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Greater Richmond 6324 Rigsby Road, Richamond, VA 23226 Tel: 804-673-4177 | www.isgr.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al Rahman: 1305 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224 Tel: 804-232-7640 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjidullah Of Richmond: 211 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222 Tel: 804-321-8864/804-647-4297 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-ul Huda: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111 www.darulhuda.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Foundation of America: 6606 Electronic Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Noor: 8608 Pohick Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 Tel: 703-451-7615 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Adams Center: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325 www.adamscenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Ummah of Fredericksburg Masjid Ar Raja 10127 Piney Branch Rd, Spotsylvania, VA 22553 sheikh.ummah@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Heritage Center (IHC): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Falah 14918 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge, VA 22191 Tel: 703-490-2220|masjidal-falah.com WASHINGTON D.C. Ivy City Masjid: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Tel: 202-904-9668 E-mail: masjidivycity@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Muhammad: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832 www.masjidmuhammad.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------The Islamic Center: 2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343 www.theislamiccenter.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------First Hijra Muslim Comm. Center: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20011 www.firsthijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-islam: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, D.C. 20019 E-mail: Imammusa@hotmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------New Africa Islamic Community Center of Washington. DC. 1628 Good Hope Road, SE Washington, DC. 20020 202.678-1881 | www.naiccdc.org Muslim Society Of Washington, D.C.:

Howard Center, Room 805 (Above Hu Bookstore) Tel: 202-328-3236 MARYLAND

Islamic Society Of Annapolis: 2635 Riva Rd. Suite 110, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 | www.isamd.org Email: Info@islamannapolis.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bait-Allah Masjid of Baltimore Inc 200 S. Calhoun Street Baltimore, MD 21223 email: baitallahmasjid@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bilal Dawah Center, Inc: 1910 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223 Tel: 410-945-1515 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bilal Ibn Rabah Hall 4903 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21207 www.islamicleadership.org/bilal --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar ul Uloom: 6334 Dogwoood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207, Tel: 410-493-0785 Email: Darululoommd@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Gwynn Oak Islamic Community (Masjid Al Ihsan) 3723 Gwynn Oak Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21207 www.gicoak.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ul-haq: 514 Islamic Way (Wilson St.), Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-728-1363 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-mumineen: 2642 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: 410-467-8798 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Jamaat Al-Muslimeen: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Tel: 443-804-5620 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-rahmah/ISB: 6631 Johnnycake Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244 Tel: 410-747-4869 | www.isb.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid As Saffat: 1335 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-669-0655 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Nigeria Muslim Council A project of Brentwood Islamic Center

4411 41st Street, Brentwood, MD 20722 Tel: 301-887-0901 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Fatima 1928 Powers Lane Catonsville MD, 21228 Tel: 410 800 4880 Email: info@masjidfatima.com www.masjidfatima.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------IRHSCA: 1 Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MD Tel: 301-324-5040 | www.irhsca.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-us-Salaam: 5301 Edgewood Rd., College Park, MD 20740, Tel: 301-982-9848 www.duscommunity.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Easton 126 Port Street Unit # 1 Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-829 7924 islamicsocietyofeastonmd.yolasite.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Zamzam 1510 Lynch Road, Dundalk, MD 21222 Tel: 410-284-2840 www.masjidzamzam.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar al-Taqwa: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711 | www.taqwa.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------Maryum Islamic Center (MIC) 9150 Rumsey Rd., Suite A-4 Columbia MD 21045 Tel: 443-574-5188 www.maryumcenter.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Hikmah: 11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Frederick (ISF): 1250 Key Parkway, Frederick, MD 21702 Tel: 301-682-6090 | www.isfmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Maryland (ICM): 19411 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Tel:301-840-9440 www.icomd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Makkah Learning Center (MLC): 814 Brandy Farms Ln., Gambrills, MD 21054 Tel: 410-721-5880 | www.isamd.org Email: Info@mlcmd.org--------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Germantown (ISG): 19825 Blunt Rd., Germantown, MD 20874 Tel: 301-540-4748 | www.isgtown.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ibn Taymiyyah: 8000 Mlk Highway, Glenarden MD Tel: 301-322-8105 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Western Maryland: 2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-797-0922 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Southern Maryland Islamic Center (SMIC): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639 Tel: 410-535-0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Avondale Islamic Center: 4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782 Tel: 301-779-9292 -------------------------------------------------------------------------Prince Georges Muslim Assoc.: 9150 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, MD, 20706, Tel: 301-459-4942

www.pgmamd.org E-mail: Imam@pgmamd.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turkish American Community Center

Diyanet Center of America 9704 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706 www.diyanetamerica.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------La Plata Masjid: 111 Howard Street, La Plata, MD 20646 Tel: 301-609-8769 --------------------------------------------------------------------------ICCL: 7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707 Tel: 301-317-4584 | www.icclmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Lexington Park 22583 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20619 Tel: 240-538-7839 or 561-414-0994 www.iclpmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center of Owings Mills 11436 Cronhill Drive, Unit 4A Owings Mills, MD 21117 icommd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Southern Pg County

P O Box 99, Clinton, MD 20735 5410 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 | Tel: 240 603 4618 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Community Center of Potomac 10601River Road, Potomac MD 20854 www.iccpmd.com | 301-983-0383 E-mail: info@iccpmd.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of The Washington Area (ISWA): 2701 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-879-0930 | www.iswamd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Education Society of Maryland 11504 Veirs Mills Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Tel: 301- 933-3838 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Community Center (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20905 Tel: 301-384-3454 | www.mccmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------IMAAM Center (Indonesian Muslim Association of America): 9100 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-588-0693 | www.imaam.org Email: infoimaam@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid An-nur: 5418 Ebenezer Road, White Marsh, MD 21162 Tel: 410-663-9637 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-inshirah: 7832 Fairbrook Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 410-298-2977 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Randallstown Islamic Center 3117 Rices Lane Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 443-845-3504 www.ricbaltimore.org E-mail: Info@ricbaltimore.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. Listing is organized by name of city.

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

Upcoming Events In Your Area Sister's Halaqa On Women's Health Saturday, April 29, 2017 6:30pm - 8:00pm By George Washington Researcher, Ghada Khan, MPH. Topic: Women's Health. Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring a dessert to share. Location: First Hijrah VA Branch, 6577 Edsall Rd, Springfield, VA ======================================= Defeat the Drought Aid for Africa Saturday, April 29, 2017 11:00am - 5:00pm Help provide these four non-perishable food basics for less than 30 dollars ( Only Walmart Great Value brand items accepted, All items must have exp date of at least one year. All products must be purchased in sized mentioned) 20 lb bag of Great Value rice, 5 lb bag of Great Value Pinto Beans, 4 lb bag of Great Value pure cane sugar, 1 gallon bottle of Great Value Vegetable oil; Food Drive will run through May 31st. Location: Drop off at HHRD Office/Warehouse, 1817 Whitehead Rd, Woodlawn, MD 21207 Contact: Br Asif Khan at 301-2527553 ======================================= Syrian Refugees Succeeding in America Saturday, April 29, 2017 10:00am - 3:00pm The Islamic Leadership Institute of America presents a day-long seminar for Syrian Refugees to learn the importance of education and other skills that will help them and their families become hard-working citizens of the US. Ages: 12-18. Location: Diyanet Center of America Cultural Center, 9704 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706 Contact: www.islamicleadership.org ======================================= Sisters Brunch and Beauty Day Saturday, May 6, 2017 11:00am - 5:00pm

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navigating the increasingly complicated legal landscape affecting Muslims in America. Whether it’s the Muslim ban, immigration delays, watch-lists or compliance-related nonprofit shutdowns, American Muslim community leaders face many legal challenges. Understanding these challenges is the first step in safeguarding organizations and the communities they serve. Location : Diyanet Center of America in Lanham, MD Contact : https://www. mlfa.org/event/muslim-nonprofit-leadership-conferencemaryland/#.WPUqmtIrKUm ======================================= ADAMS Spring Festival Saturday, May 13, 2017 11:00am - 06:00pm Shopping: Traditional & Islamic Clothing, Cultural Art, Jewelry, and Decorations. Lunch served from 11AM to 3PM and thereafter till supplies last: Kulfi, Biryani, Samosa, Middle Eastern Food, Channa Chaat, Dahi Phulki, Haleem, Hummas, Kashmri Chai, Cotton Candy, Hot Dogs, Nachos, Snow Cones. Children's Activites: Decorate your own cookies and cupcakes, Arts & Crafts, Games, Face Painting, Henna. Location : 46903 Sugarland Road, Sterling, VA 20164 Contact : festivals@ adamscenter.org ======================================= Fazko Education Scholarship Dinner Saturday, May 13, 2017 05:00pm

We are doing it again! Al-Huda School will host a day of shopping, pampering, learning and Sisterhood - all for a great cause! www.alhuda.org/brunchandbeauty Location: 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park, MD 20740 ======================================= ADAMS Fundraising Dinner Saturday, May 06, 2017 05:00pm

Fazko Education Scholarship program invites all Muslims to join its efforts to provide tuition assistance and educational support to Muslim girls at its fundraising dinner, themed "Empoewring Our Girls in Today's Society." Guest speakers include former South African Ambassador to the United States Ebrahim Rasool, Nadia Hasan of the Young Leaders Institute, Sabah Muktar of the UMBC MSA, and Imam Johari Abdul-Malik from Dar Al-Hijrah. Catering provided by Sweet Tooth. For tickets please call 240-319-7813. Location : Diyanet Center of America, 9704 Good Luck Road, Lanham MD 20706 Contact : 240-319-7813 Tickets: $25 for adults, $15 for children 11 and up, $5 for childcare ======================================= First Hijrah Foundation Ramadan Bazaar Sunday, May 14, 2017 10:00am - 07:00pm

ADAMS Center's Annual fundraising Dinner "A Compassionate Community" is on May 6 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Dulles. Join Imam Mohamed Magid and Dr. Altaf Husain as well as ADAMS youth and support ADAMS! Location : Hyatt Regency Dulles, 2300 Dulles Corner Blvd, Herndon VA 20171 Contact : www.adamscenter. brownpapertickets.com ======================================= ISWA Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction Saturday, May 06, 2017 06:00pm - 09:00pm

For male, female and children - shoes, blouse, skirts, dresses, sandals, women accessories, tradition dresses. Perfumes, bekhur, incenses. Rugs, thermoses, coffee and tea cups. Food and snacks: Dates, Baklava, samosa, Melewah, Anebabero and more. Location : Land Mark Plaza Contact : For more info, Sister Suad Mohammed 703-851-8271 ======================================= Water For Life Fundraising Dinner Friday, May 19, 2017 06:30pm

Come and Celebrate Islamic Society of the Washington Area's Annual Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction. Support our Parking Lot Project! Tickets: $50, Single per person and under 12 years Free. Location : 2701 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905 Contact : Tickets available at Main Office: 301-879-0930 ======================================= Muslim Nonprofit Leadership Conference Saturday, May 13, 2017 08:30am - 06:00pm

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Shaykh Yaser Birjas, AlMaghrib Institute; Motivational Speaker: Dr Altaf Husain, Vice President, ISNA; Entertainment: Preacher Moss, Comedian. Tickets; $20 per person - ages 5 and up; $75 for Family of 5; $150 Pre-reserved table of 10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hhrd.org or by calling 301-524-1024 Location: The Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd, Columbia, MD 21044 Contact: For more information, call Br Asif Khan at 301252-7553

Muslim Legal Fund of America’s Muslim Nonprofit Leadership Conference delivers practical information about laws impacting mosques and other Muslim nonprofit organizations as well as the imams, board members, staff and attorneys who serve them. The goal of this one-day intensive law conference is to equip Muslim community leaders with the knowledge and resources for successfully

REQUEST FOR DUAA

TO ALLAH 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)”

03-29-2017 Sister Reyad Tellawi, mother of Dr. Essam Tellawi, has passed away. Dr. Essam Tellawi is a longtime member of our community, an educator, and leader with so much contribution to Dar al Noor community. Janazah prayer was March 30, 2017 in Falls Church, Virginia. May Allah have mercy on her and grant her a highest place in Jannah. (Source: Dar Alnoor) 04-02-2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Naseer Akhtar, mother of Arshad Javaid and motherin-law of Amjad Waince. The Salat ul Janaza was on April 3, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. We ask Allah to shower her with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, grant her the highest ranks in paradise and give her family support and patience during this difficult time. (Source: ISB) 04-06-2017 We are deeply saddened to inform you of the departure of Sr. Dilara Malik. Janaazah prayer was on April 6, 2017 in Silver Spring, Maryland. May Allah forgive her sins and grant her Jannatul Firdaus, ameen. May Allah honor her family and others with best comfort and peace, ameen. (Source: MCC) 04-07-2017 The Prince George's Muslim Association extends sincere condolences to the family of Brother Sahid Kargbo, who passed away. Brother Sahid Kargbo was the dear son of Brother Samuel and Sister Elizabeth Sesay, and husband of Sister Kimba. The Janazah Salat was on April 8, 2017 in Lanham, Maryland. May Allah admit him to Jannatul Firdaus, and may HE grant his family patience and ease, Ameen. (Source: PGMA) 04-07-2017 The Prince George's Muslim Association extends sincere condolences to the family of Brother Mashudis Cisse, who passed away. The Janazah Salat was on April 9, 2017 in Lanham, Maryland. May Allah admit him to Jannatul Firdaus, and may HE grant his family patience and ease, Ameen. (Source: PGMA) 04-15-2017 Brother Mosadder Ali Khan has passed away. He is survived by his wife Selina Ahmed Khan, his two sons Munawwar Ali Khan, Musawwir Ali Khan, and five grand children Mira, Zara, Yusef, Noura and Armaan. Brother Mosadder was an active senior community member and volunteer at MCC. Janaza prayer was on April 15, 2017 in Silver Spring, Maryland. May Allah, forgive his sins and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, ameen. May Allah, honor his family and others with best comfort and peace, ameen. (Source: MCC) 04-15-2017 Aunt of Br. Shahidul Islam has passed away. The Janazah was on April 16, 2017 in Manassas, Virginia. May Allah have mercy on her soul, may all of her sins be forgiven and she be granted a highest place in Jannah. (Source: Dar Alnoor) 04-20-2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rashida Begum, mother of Mohammad Azam. The Salat ul Janaza was on April 20, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. We ask Allah to shower her with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, grant her the highest ranks in paradise and give her family support and patience during this difficult time. (Source: ISB)

April 28 - May 25, 2017

Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Advertising Manager: Stephanie Benmoha Staff Writers: Hena Zuberi

The Muslim Link urges all masjid and community organization leaders -- board members, shura members, trustees, Imams, committee heads -- both current and past -- to make every effort to attend the Muslim Legal Fund of America Nonprofit Leadership Conference onImams, Saturday, May 13, 2017 Please encourage Board Members Staff ofwork your Local Mosques (see advertisement below). In this time of heightened threatsand to Islamic from hateful groups and andmasajid other Muslim Nonprofits to attend. government agencies directed by hateful ideologies, our and organizations must not be compromised by operating contrary to the law -- whether by negligence or ignorance. -- TML

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The Muslim Link (TML) is published once a month on Fridays and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas. TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam. The views expressed in The Muslim Link do not necessarily reflect those of Dar-us-Salaam or TML management or their underwriters. Dar-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 PO Box 596 College Park, MD 20741 Phone : (301) 982-1020 Fax: (240) 209-0702 editor@muslimlinkpaper.com

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

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April 28 - May 25, 2017

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About 250,000 have been taken to concentration camps. About 2 million have been forced to live in refugee camps of the neighboring countries.

Can marry without a license

Cannot marry unless they get government permission, which is rarely issued. Marrying without permission results in 10 years in prison

Can have as many children as they wish

Are allowed only 2 children per family

Can seek school admission

Cannot enter a school

Can be employed

Cannot have a job

Can worship freely

Cannot worship freely. Mosques are closed during Ramadan. Friday prayers are not allowed

Can travel freely

Cannot travel freely

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