The Muslim Link, May 26 2017 by The Muslim Link

Shaban 1438 A.H. Issue | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

W I S H ES YO U R A M A DA N M U BA R A K

Shaban 30 - Ramadan 28, 1438 A.H. May 26 - June 22, 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

ADAMS Center Steps Into a New Phase Masjid Inauguration Completes Major Phase of Expansion By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter After eighteen months of construction, a well-lit extensive lobby with a slick beige floor and a formal reception table welcomes visitors. Make a left and a hallway takes you to the men’s entrance. Two dark wood doors patterned in classic Islamic geometric design open up the women’s entrance to the new masjid. After 30 years, the ADAMS

main center in Sterling, Va. has a dedicated permanent masjid and a lovely space it is.

Muslims Engage on National Advocacy Day | pg 5

>> ADAMS Pg 16

ISB Revisits the Rights of Neighbors at 'Beautiful' Event It was Stephen L. Verch’s first time in the building. He watched the worshipers bow down and rise up from the red carpet in sets. The sky was orange and blue as the sun set against the iconic wall of glass, ascribed with the 99 names of Allah. Some

members of the masjid were chatting and joking around in the back. A young man with a hip beard came and gave his buddy a big hug. Verch turned around from observing

>> ISB Pg 17

UM Minorities React to Campus Terrorist Attack | pg 4 Muslims Take Part on Racism at Museum Roundtable | pg 4

A floral fern green musallah rug, a contemporary minbar with classic geometric pattern detailing over a modified pointed Moorish arch merge

By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

the worshipers to watching the camaraderie amongst the young men —reminding him of his church. An elderly Jewish neighbor with plastic bags wrapped around her shoes rustled into the sacred space - it was hard for her to bend and take her shoes off, so volunteers made her makeshift shoes covers. Other

visitors leaned in to hear the recitation of the Qur'an, feeling divinely inspired. Verch, an employment lawyer, is a member of the school board in Baltimore county schools and was one of the 200 guests at the interfaith night at the Islamic Society of Baltimore- one of the Mid-

Silat Martial Arts Wins Locally and Internationally | pg 6 This May Be Your Last Ramadan...! | pg 24 Ramadan in History | pg 24

May 26 - June 22, 2017

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

INDEX

Inside This Issue

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COMMUNITY NEWS 04 NATIONAL NEWS 20 ISLAM 24

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

UM College Park Minorities React to Campus Terrorist Attack By Muslim Link Staff Richard W. Collins III was scheduled to graduate on Tuesday from Bowie State University. On Monday, his university held a candlelight vigil held for him. A University of Maryland student, Sean Urbanski, killed him at 3:00 am on Sunday as he waited for an Uber ride on a campus bus stop with friends, stabbing him several times. According to witnesses, Urbanski said, “Step left, step left if you know what’s best for you.” Collins refused and paid with his life. Urbanski was a member of the white supremacist group, Alt-Reich Nation. Talib Karim, an instructor of business and labor relations law at Bowie State University, describes Collins as articulate, respectful, and bright. Racial incidents are not new on the diverse campus at College Park, Md. where many from of the Muslim community in Maryland attend university. From racist emails, to a noose (a sign of lynching to terrorize African American’s) hanging from the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity kitchen, prompted students to protest with a sit-in on May 10, 2017. Several student

groups have been actively opposing racism on campus for many years, and have recently challenged the administration and campus police for downplaying the danger and protecting or covering up racist speech. The students feel this has emboldened the extreme racists and created the environment for Richard Collins' murder. “I don't even want you living on campus anymore. I didn't know that u all had TERRORISTS on campus, “ a friend consoled another on social media. There is anxiety amongst parents. Andrea Nicole Williams-Salaam’s daughter graduated from UMCP on Monday. “The fact that the events at UMCP is not shocking is what is ultimately shocking. My own child has experienced racially charged confrontations and situations; on a campus known for its long history of racial tension and discrimination,” she comments.” “Sadly, it was the perfect storm fueled by a growing vocalization of racial prejudice and discrimination; mixed with young people with poor [im]pulse control; fed by

UNDER THE HASHTAG FEARTHETURTLE, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND STUDENTS CHRONICLED RACIST EXPERIENCES THAT THEY HAVE FACED ON CAMPUS. drugs and alcohol,” noted William-Salaam. Her daughter worked for three and a half years as the Events Coordinator in the Adele Stamp Student Center, where she was responsible for enforcing university policy. At an event last summer sponsored by a student organization, she informed the hosts that they could not eat or access other areas of the Student Center and would be written up for violating university policy after being warned twice. “This resulted in a confrontation between my daughter, the

hosts and their adult guests in which they followed her to her office calling her racial slurs and threatening her physically. The confrontation ended with University police being called,” said Salaam. “Personally, my daughter became fearful of walking on campus alone. She ultimately quit her job after being there 3 ½ years,” she shared with Muslim Link. Under the hashtag feartheturtle, University

>> ATTACK Pg 18

Muslims Take Part on Racism at Museum Roundtable By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong. Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then. Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America.

....

This poem by Langston Hughes is social protest in written form, where he awaits a place at the table of democracy. At the home of African American history on the national mall, this poem was celebrated at the inaugural Seat at Our Table event at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, on May 20, 2017. Deep black-brown painted metal panels of the museum cover 5 stories of exhibits of horrific slavery and powerful resilience. In this powerful place, a panel and roundtable discussions were held to jump-start critical thinking and creative conversations. Designed to explore ways to address systemic racism and reach a more compassionate society, facilitators used round-table discussions to ask guests to share personal stories and answer challenging questions on what the ‘seat on the table’ meant to them personally.

“WE DON’T JUST WANT TO SIT ON THE BUS, WE WANT THE BUSES TO TAKE US WHERE THE JOBS ARE,” SHE EXPLAINED.

Namira Islam, co founder and executive director of Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative spoke on the panel with Angela Glover Blackwell of Policy Link and facilitator Trina Jackson of the Network of Immigrant and African Americans in Solidarity. To have a Muslim millennial speak at the inaugural

event was a testament to the role Muslims are playing in conversations about social justice.

>> RACISM Pg 15

May 26 - June 22, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS

Muslim Delegations Converge, Engage on Capitol Hill on National Advocacy Day By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter

DIVERSE GRASSROOTS ADVOCATES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY COME TO THE NATION’S CAPITOL TO MEET WITH THEIR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES FOR ALL, FOR POLICIES THAT PROTECT THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF IMMIGRANTS. The newly renovated dome of the Capitol shone in the background as hundreds of Muslim delegates from around the country gathered on the steps, after a morning key issues briefing and training session on May 1, 2017, before heading off to scheduled meetings with their elected officials, both in the House and Senate. More than 400 people registered for the event representing 30 states. Delegates, including youth and children, met with around 230 elected officials

Finding Her Place on Capitol Hill A Muslim Woman's First Advocacy Day By Hena Zuberi Muslim Link Staff Reporter A message on a Maryland Muslim Women’s Whatsapp chat popped up on Soubia Balkhi’s cell phone.

and congressional staffers during the record-breaking third annual “National Muslim Advocacy Day” on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., despite the anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies disseminating from the White House. Last year 330 delegates from more than 28 states trekked across the maze of the Congressional campus and met with 225 elected officials and congressional staffers. Muslim delegates participating in this year’s advocacy day event met with a third

“Register for the Annual Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, organized by USCMO.” “What is that?” she thought. Soubia is a teacher by profession and homeschools two of her four children. Two attend Al-Rahmah School, where Soubia is a student at the seminary. She didn’t vote in the last election. “I am not very involved,” she says. On April 25th, she logs on her computer after Asr prayers and attended the webinar arranged by USCMO. A CAIR rep was on sharing tips. “Don’t be concerned if we meet with staff

The Muslim delegates in a group photo at last year's National Advocacy Day in April 2016. Photo from USCMO.

of the House of Representatives and almost half of the Senate. The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of several leading national and local Muslim organizations and institutions, organizes the annual event. The Washington D.C. delegation was led by the Nation’s Mosque leader, Imam Talib Shareef. Diverse grassroots advocates from across the country come to the nation’s capitol to meet with their members of Congress to garner support for civil liberties for all, for policies that protect the human rights and dignity of immigrants. They addressed issues such as anti-profiling, the Bridge Act that protects Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and protecting religious freedom at the borders. More than 752,000 young people in the U.S. have received DACA. The temporary three-years of protection granted under the BRIDGE Act ensures that these young

rather than your member of Congress. In many cases, this can prove to be equally or more productive.” Then a man from Florida chimed, a woman from Ohio, then Texas. Soubia was surprised. People were coming in from across the country, paying for hotels, asking about rental cars. More than 400 people registered for the event representing 30 states. “That really motivated me. I live so close how can I sit at home when people are flying in to have their voices heard for the ummah.” Ever since the election, she felt as if she was perpetually griping to her husband, friends and family —anyone

people can continue to work and study and be protected from deportation while Congress debates broader immigration reform. Sen Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sen Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen Corey Booker (D-NJ), Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sen Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), Sen Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Sen Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), Congressman Al Green (D-TX), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Congressman Gary Palmer (D-AL), Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin were among the elected officials who met Muslim leaders and delegates. There are several bills in both House and the Senate that seek protection from the Presidential Executive Order on travel, effectively known as the Muslim Ban, as

>> USCMO Pg 10

who would listen. But that is where it would stop. She never did anything. “I need to do this.” She called up her friend Assma. “What do you think about going?” Over chai, the two decided that they could do this. “I don’t know much but there is power in numbers,” said Assma. Now, they just had to ask the husbands. “As long as you go with someone,” said Soubia’s husband.

>> See FIRST DAY PAGE 12

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COMMUNITY NEWS

May 26 - June 22, 2017

Al-Huda Students Recognized In C-SPAN Documentary Contest By Muslim Link Staff Three winners of the national 2017 C-SPAN StudentCam documentary competition are young women from the tenth grade at Al Huda School in College Park, Md. Ameena Bharde, Hibbah Karim and Maryam Farooqui won honorable mention for their short film Obamacare: The Path to Making America Healthy Again. The documentary video was an answer to the StudentCam contest question: “Your message to Washington: What is the most urgent issue for the new president and Congress to address in 2017?” The girls chose the topics after research and discussions with their teacher Nabila Zerrarka. Rich in graphs, digestible facts, and interviews with Maryland Healthcare providers as well as representatives of the Maryland Health Exchange, the documentary examined the effects of repealing the Affordable Healthcare Act on the people of the United States. “Your voices are being heard locally and nationally and that is why C-SPAN does this,” said C-SPAN's Joel Bacon who came to the school on May 11, 2017 to honor the students with $250 prize and certificates of merit. “This is a big deal!” This is the second year the school took part

in the competition. Last year, Wadi Ahmed, Habeeb Hijazi and Rayyan Nahavandi also achieved honorable mention as eight graders who produced "The State of the Corporate Tax System". Each year, since 2006, C-SPAN partners with local cable affiliates in communities nationwide to invite middle school students and high school students to produce short documentaries on an issue of national importance. This year about 5,600 students from across the nation participated. At a gathering with C-SPAN at the school, Haroon Baqai, Principal of Al-Huda School, applauded the three students. “We are here together to celebrate their achievement and thank their teachers, parents and mentors,” he said. The young women said the most difficult part was getting the interviews that completed the documentary. “Start early,” Karim advised other students. They divided the labor and leaned heavily on their teacher and parents for support. Edith Perry, community liaison from the office of the delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, presented. Ms. Perry will exhibit the film to

the Health and Government Operations Committee at the State of Maryland. “Your voice is an important part of the American story,” she read from the citation. “I also want to say this is a national special recognition this is amazing,” she said. “The amount of time spent, especially on a subject as controversial as healthcare, that took courage.” “Legislative District 21 is behind the school,” she added. Zerrarka, the social studies teacher and mentor to the students, says that this class project gives students the opportunity to compete, conduct research, and get connected to current events and issues that concern society. “It raises civic awareness and critical thinking,” she says. Zerrarka teaches her students to approach [issues] beyond the clichés. “It is important for our student to understand the issues, examine various positions and take a stand and hopefully in the future organize and make their voice heard,” she shared. Each group produced media pieces that channel different opinions. We worked on the basic research skills, narrowed down topics. Listen watch read and then assess what is balanced and what is biased. “ We loved this initiative from C-span as

it encourages students to be informed citizens,” she added. Pokuaa Owusu-Acheaw, Outreach Director from the Senator Chris Van Hollen’s office called the documentary ’impressive’ and at par with college level work. She presented the students with proclamations. Ryna Luckert Quinones, from Patrick Wojohn’s office read the letter from the mayor to the students. “With over 2,903 entries nationwide and over 5,600 participants in this year’s competition, your 7-minute documentary stood out and its recognition is well deserved. Your documentary is not only very timely, but touches on a topic that affects many of our nation’s citizens including those within our own community. It is wonderful to see our College Park students so engaged and discussing issues that affect our nation as a whole,” it read. The C-SPAN Education Foundation sponsors the annual competition. According to C-Span, videos are evaluated by a panel of educators and C-SPAN representatives based on the thoughtful examination of the competition’s theme, quality of expression, inclusion of varying sides of the documentary’s topic, and effective incorporation of C-SPAN programming.

Silat Martial Arts Wins Locally and Internationally By Abdul-Malik Ahmad | Muslim Link Contributing Writer Silat (or formally known as Pencak Silat) is a martial art from Muslim majority countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. There are hundreds of styles of Silat dating back thousands of years. Silat was further developed as an effective art during the independence from the Dutch, Japanese and other invaders. In the last several decades, an exciting sport has developed out of the art that is gaining world-wide popularity.

fighter from Malaysia.

On December 2016, the USA Silat Federation team took three athletes to Bali Indonesia to compete at the 17th International Pencak Silat Championships to compete with athletes from over 40 countries. The tournament which is held every two years, is the biggest event for Pencak Silat, the second being the Asian Games which is Asia's equivalent of the Olympics. Adam Pereira won bronze metal after beating fighters from Turkey, Germany and India. He lost to a world champion

Finally, on May 6-7, Silat instructor AbdulMalik Ahmad traveled to Belgium for the largest Silat competition in Europe: 'The Belgium Open'. Silat is popular in Europe and the tournament was attended by teams from UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Swiss and more. Also in attendance were the top South East Asian teams from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Abdul-Malik Ahmad won a silver metal in the masters category (ages 35-45).

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Next, on April 29, 25 members of the Silat Martial Arts Academy competed in the Eastern Regional Karate Championships in Rockville, Maryland. This tournament attracted hundreds competitors from various styles including Karate, Kungfu, Taekwondo, etc. Silat students from both Maryland and Virginia branches brought home 22 trophies, alhamdulillah.

Abdul-Malik Ahmad, fourth from right, won a silver medal at the Belgium Open, the largest Silat tournament in Europe, held May 6-7, 2017. Photo courtesy of the author.

Silat Martial Arts School continues to hold classes focusing on both the traditional Silat and sport Silat. The school plans on competing in several national tournaments

in the fall and next year again at the Belgium Open, insha'Allah. Silat Martial Arts School has branches in Sterling, Virgina and Rockville, Maryland.

May 26 - June 22, 2017

Deprived of Gummy Bears? Local Couple's Halal Lifestyle Firm Has An Answer By Hena Zuberi | Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Coming to a store near you- a premium halal gummy vitamin that tastes yummy. Samia Muhammad, a pharmacist, moves across the pond from London to Virginia after getting married to a doctor from Chicago, Akif N. Syed, who has also studied regulation and policy at John Hopkins University. He has worked with consulting companies and governmental agencies. Committed to giving back to Muslim Student Associations and organizations like ICNA that shaped his Muslim identity, he is involved with local MSAs. The couple put all their education and talent launched a company based in Centreville, Va. called Medsquare in 2014, and developed a lifestyle brand, New Age & Co. with a mission to make organic, natural lifestyle. They sell cotton neckties, T-shirts, handcrafted soaps, facial toners and beard oils.

Growing up, Muhammad had a hard time finding quality organic, vegan beauty products that she could use and afford. She wants to help her community access trusted organic and vegan product that of high standards, that didn’t cost hundreds of dollars. Gummy candy or vitamins were off limits for families who follow the sunnah of halal. “We always wanted to eat gummies, but never could as there was gelatin in them,” she lamented. “We want to have the exact same quality without compromising our values,” says Syed. Taking halal a step further they started a nutritional supplements line in 2016, and made sure that their vitamin products were plant based and veganfriendly, so there would be no shadow of doubt about it’s halal certified

status. Pectin makes sure that that Medsquare’s vitamins are gelatin-free. Medsquare is also working with Scan Halal, a halal consumer app, to get halal certified.

The omega used is derived from chia seed oil to stay away from the fishy taste that deters customers from taking

>> GUMMY Pg 11

Jobs at al-Huda scHool in College Park, MD & Harrisburg, PA

AdministrAtors: Minimum qualifications: Master’s in Education K-12 Certified teAChers*: Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in education ArAbiC, Qur’An & islAmiC studies teAChers: Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Arabic Language Counselors: With experience in Islamic counseling Computer teAChers: 1-2 years teaching experience in the field

highsChool teAChers: Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in education with a specialization in Advanced Placement (AP) level Math, English, Biology, or History pe teAChers: 1-2 years teaching experience in the field presChool direCtor, AssistAnt direCtor & pre-K teAChers: Candidates with appropriate course work and experience

sChool informAtion: • Full-time Islamic school established in 1995 • Accredited by the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools • Grades: PreK - 12th grade • Student body: 600+ • Facility: 26 classrooms, 54,000 sqft building on 9.7 acre land • A project of Dar-us-Salaam** benefits: • Competitive salaries • Excellent health benefits (medical and dental insurance) • Excellent Islamic working environment • Paid sick/personal leave • Paid holidays that match the Islamic calendar (i.e. both Eids) • Professional development programs

Send reSume along with a cover letter and references to the following address: Dar-us-Salaam c/o, Employment, P.O Box 596, College Park, MD 20741-0596 Email: jobs@duscommunity.org | Website: www.duscommunity.org | Fax: 301-982-2325 | For more information please call: 301-982-2402 ** Dar-us-Salaam: Striving to build a vibrant Islamic community that can serve as an effective vehicle to call people to Islam. Dar-us-Salaam encompasses a variety of services, including a preschool, a private full-time elementary, middle and high school, full time hifzh school, various businesses ventures, a newspaper, and other education and community services. Visit us on the web at www.duscommunity.org to learn more about our mission and for a more complete listing of available positions.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

May 26 - June 22, 2017

Outdoor Arabian Market Pops Up for a Day in Fairfax

bring neighbors and area residents out to socialize and develop bonds. Almost 1,000 people came out throughout the day, shopping and browsing the 32 mostly women owned businesses which included home decor, modest apparel, handmade jewelry and crafts , essential oils , natural skin products, delicious food and desserts , and some vendors you could find at "Al Souk," the name given to the event.

By Contributing Writer Nothern Virginia residents had the opportunity to browse an Arabian market last month, without even leaving their city.

Held at Lake Fairfax Park, children enjoyed moon bouncing, face painting, and henna art.

Sisters-in-law Rana Emad and Leina Wahba organized an outdoor "Arabian Market" event on April 30, 2017.

Two nonprofit organizations were presenting crafts and foods made by Syrian refugees and Palestinian widows. One organization presented their health awareness projects in

The event was intended to provide families with a fun day, area vendors with an opportunity to show off their wares and make some sales, and to

rural Sudan. The event was covered by the Fairfax Connection and NRT Iraqi TV network.

Arabian Market is "to empower women entrepreneurs by providing a platform through which they can market and grow their businesses .

Rana Emad and Leina Wahba said their goal in organizing the outdoor

Al-Rahmah School Earns Re-Accreditation by Middle States Association Asalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh Alhamdulillah, two weeks after hosting the it’s annual fundraiser, Al-Rahmah School (ARS) engaged in a week-long, thorough evaluation by the Middle States Association (MSA) for reaccreditation. The MSA team issued glowingly positive reviews. While many of you may have heard about it for weeks or months, the work started long before. It required a high level of commitment from the entire ARS faculty and staff, the Board of Education (BOE), and leadership and staff of the Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB). The MSA site visit team was composed of four independent senior educators. They provided an oral report of their findings and recommendations. Here is a sampling of those findings:

The team observed ARS living out our “ … belief system [that] is based on the Qur’an with its focus on developing the whole child spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically.” They made particular note of our diverse and demanding program of academics, student life opportunities and spiritual formation. They commented on our encouragement of students to take ownership in their learning, accept the challenges of academics, engage in service to others, and maintain a moral and spiritual code of conduct rooted in the central beliefs of our faith – Islam. “The stakeholders of Al-Rahmah School have created a school system where religious and academic instruction go hand in hand. If God is the central reality of life, He must be the central reality of education.” The mission and belief statements that continue

over time reflect the values and goals of the community. A warm and welcoming student body. They are an articulate group of young people who appear self-confident, passionate and committed to their participation in the community. Your students are your most visible and valuable assets. The team also noted the collaborative work between ARS, BOE, and ISB in preparation for this visit. Specifically, it was mentioned that this collaboration is what yielded a well-organized and efficient planning process, which was evident during their visit. After touring, observing, conducting interviews, and deliberating over their findings, the fourmember team unanimously recommended continuous accreditation for ARS. This means

that ARS will continue to be accredited by the Middle States Association. ARS will continue working on the action plans that were developed during this process and the team’s recommendations for continued growth. On behalf of the Council, I would like to extend our congratulations and gratitude to everyone at ARS including Dr. Fawzia Fazily and her leadership team, the staff, the BOE, the parents, and, most importantly, the students for this awesome achievement. When you see them, please thank them for all that they do. JazakumAllah Khair, Dr. Ed Tori, President, Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB)

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

CIVIL RIGHTS

'White without the privilege': Arab Americans Demand Census Recognition Arab American groups say being counted as white on US census undermines their communities By Ali Harb Middle East Eye, April 21, 2017

Arab Americans are white without the privilege, community advocates say as they press the US government to widen ethnic categories in the US census, which classes even black Sudanese Arabs as "white". Activists are pushing for a "Middle East and North Africa" box to be included in the next census in 2020, after a study by the US Census Bureau said its inclusion would improve results and give a clearer picture of American society. Samer Khalaf, the president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), said the lack of the MENA category inevitably leads to the marginalisation of his community. "Dearborn, Michigan - considered the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States - it is classified as a majority white city. Why? Because all the Arabs are considered white," he told Middle East Eye. US election laws dictate that if a language other than English is widely spoken in an area, it must be represented on ballot papers. "There is nowhere where Arabic [translation] is on the ballot because we can't prove that we are a certain percentage in any one district," he said. The census maps out the US population and demographic features - location, ethnicity, income, household size,

Even in areas of high concentration of Arab Americans, there is no Arabic translation on ballots (AFP)

age and gender. Its data is available to the public and used by government agencies and NGOs. Khalaf said having no representation meant the community was invisible; for example, the National Institutes of Health had never conducted a study on Arab Americans because of the lack of demographic data on their communities. Khalaf said the MENA category was a compromise to include smaller ethnic groups from the Middle East that do not consider themselves Arab, such as the Kurds, Berbers and Assyrians. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are not white'

Amer Zahr, a Palestinian American comedian who produced a feature documentary titled We Are Not White, said he would prefer an "Arab American" category to a MENA one. He said the term "Middle East" was imposed on Arabs by the west, adding that the different groups who come from the region, including Turks, Iranians and Israelis, do not share the same culture or language as Arabs. "But look, I'll take what I can get because I think the good from the box outweighs the bad," he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We don't enjoy, obviously, any of the benefits of white privilege as they exist in

America," Zahr added. Hassan Jaber, the executive director of ACCESS, a Dearborn-based Arab American social services organisation, said adding the MENA category on the next census would have "significant implications" for the community. "We can actually start to know the needs, the challenges, the makeup of the community," he told MEE. "We can also start to address any issues of inequity when it comes to health,

>> SEE WHITE ON Pg 10

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10 COMMUNITY NEWS WHITE

>> continued from pg 9

when it comes to employment, when it comes to small businesses." He added that census inclusion would give Arab Americans "critical data" to document discrimination and enforce civil rights issues. But creating a new demographic category to the census is a complicated process, according to Jaber. It requires multiple studies and focus groups before it is adopted by the Office of Management and Budget. It also needs congressional approval. The research so far has been overwhelmingly in support of the MENA box, he said. The case of George Dow Although Arab Americans now want to disassociate themselves from the white label, it was early Arab immigrants who fought for and earned that designation. In early American history, only "aliens being free white persons"

USCMO

>> continued from pg 5

well as a registry based on religion. This year, the big ask was to support Sen. Ben Cardin’s End Racial and Religious Profiling Act of 2017 (ERRPA), a bill that would effectively eliminate racial, religious, and other forms of discriminatory profiling by law enforcement. The organizations that form USCMO believe there is no rational justification for profiling and draws attention to the damaging effects it has on minority community trust of law enforcement. M. Farooq Qadree, board member of the Muslims of America, felt privileged to represent American Muslims on Capitol Hill and advocate for his fellow Americans’ rights. His home in Islamberg was threatened by a terrorist attack by the extremist Robert Duggart.

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May 26 - June 22, 2017 were eligible for naturalisation. After the civil war, immigrants of African descent were also able to acquire US citizenship with the passage of the Naturalisation Act of 1870. The law effectively banned Asian immigrants from becoming citizens. At the turn of the 20th century, the bulk of Arabs in the United States came from the Levant, a part of western Asia. George Dow, a Syrian immigrant, sued the federal government for turning down his request for naturalisation. After two appeals, he secured a pronouncement from a federal judge in 1915 that Syrians could be classified as white. Undercounting The US Census does provide periodic estimates on the number of Arab Americans, based on ancestry data. But the approach leads to drastic undercounting, according to the Arab American Institute (AAI), a Washington-based think-tank. In 2015, AAI estimated the number of Arabs in the United States to be 3.7 million, more than twice the number calculated by the federal government.

"We have been invisible when it comes to much-needed programmes, services and research, but highly visible and targeted by government programmes that view us through a securitised lens. Both are untenable," Maya Berry, the institute's director, told Middle East Eye in a statement. But with the prospects of Donald Trump's re-election, some activists fear that census data on Arabs may be misused by the government to crack down on civil rights. Jaber, who is a member of the Census National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic and Other Populations, has been a fervent advocate of Arab representation on the census. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the study's data could be utilised to spy on the community. Trump has hinted at creating a Muslim registry. Jaber said federal laws prohibit sharing the information of individual respondents with other government agencies, but added that privacy concerns are warranted, especially under the current political climate.

“Muslim Advocacy Day teaches the community that our civil duty does not start and end at the ballot box,” said Khalil Meek, executive director of Muslim Legal Fund of America, a national charity that funds legal work to defend constitutional rights for Muslims in America. “We have to be actively engaged with legislators and other communities to advocate for laws that are good for all Americans.”

the fabric of this country. Today I do not expect that we will meet our representatives and we will magically, just automatically change their minds. But we will get to know them and they will get to know us. And time after time, our values and our causes will become more familiar. And time after time it will become increasingly difficult to target any group, Muslim or non-Muslim that is active."

On Tuesday, May 2, 2017, advocates continued their meetings with their members of Congress and Senators and their staffers to share their stories about the impact of anti-Muslim policies such as profiling, the Muslim ban and CVE. “We had a great meeting [with Sen. Dianne Feinstein] where we were able to voice our concerns and clarify misconceptions,” shared Shaykha Lubna Molla, who came with the California delegation with participants from Sacramento to San Diego.

“I think it has been very tough on the American Muslim community because so many people have distorted what the truth is,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri reassuring advocates of her support. She was attending the reception held at the St Mark’s Church. This was a hub of networking, punctuated with announcements and comments by elected officials as they came in to meet and greet. One such announcement was that Dr. Asif Mahmood of Pasadena, CA is running for the position of the lieutenant governor in 2018. A pulmonologist and a Muslim immigrant from “the great blue state of CA”, he calls himself a triple threat to the

MAS Executive Director Mazen Mokhtar said: "The time has come for everyone to realize that we are an integral part of

"We need to measure this risk, and measure the long-term benefits for our community… It's a risk that we have to take in order to be included," he said. Jaber called for vigilance to protect the community's rights. Berry, of AAI, echoed his comments, saying the organisation understands and shares the privacy concerns. As examples, she cited government using the census during the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and the surveillance of Arab and Muslim communities by the New York Police Department after 9/11. "That is why we will continue to fight for the MENA category while remaining vigilant. A year from this month, we are likely to be looking at the new category for the first time and that is a very good thing. I know we need it," Berry said. But whether Arab Americans would feel safe checking the MENA box and filling out the census form is a question that needs to be addressed in 2020.

President. Dr. Mahmood said, "I'll be a strong voice for all people he [President Donald Trump] is trying to silence. Let's get tough on the right things — on hate, division, poverty and poor healthcare." Another source of good news received by the delegates at the reception was Congressman Beto O'Rourke’s declaration that he's running against Senator Ted Cruz in 2018. He was met with cheers. On Muslim Hill Day 2016, Sen Cruz had refused to meet with his Muslim constituents. "Muslim Advocacy Day provides our community with a platform to build relationships with their legislators and to advocate for issues that positively shape our local communities,” said CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher. “The growing success of Muslim Advocacy Day illustrates that New York Muslims are growing their political muscle and helping influence state politics for a more inclusive, tolerant and just society."

May 26 - June 22, 2017 GUMMY

>> continued from pg 7

in the essential fatty acid. The American Heart Association recommends people with coronary heart disease consume 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily while those with high triglycerides may need 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day. Because they are sugar-free, Medsquare are a great choice for diabetics and young children, says Muhammad. The couple makes sure that they give 10 percent of their income to charitable organizations such as ICNA Relief and Vitamin Angels.

CONTINUED 11 certified facility and National Science Foundation. After much research, they chose a U.S. factory that they can visit easily and would be required to follow state and federal laws. This was extremely important to them as Muslim entrepreneurs they wanted to make sure the quality of the product was high enough for their own personal consumption. The Muslim Link asked Dr Husain that despite the fact that not one

public health organization (national or international) recommends high doses of vitamins why are they so popular?

vitamins to her patients and is glad that more halal options, like Medsquare, are coming into the market.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most vitamins are over the counter and it gives patients a sense of control over their health. Media has played role big time. We have to be careful and check with the doctor about what we are consuming from the market as excessive intake of vitamins is also not safe and they have their toxicities,â&#x20AC;? she advised TML readers. She often recommends Noor and Amanah

Syed hopes to work closely with stores such as Whole Foods as well as health food chains, gyms and fitness stores as well as Muslim owned businesses to stock their brand. Talks with Amazon are also in the works. Customers in the U.S. can order monthly supplies with free shipping from www.medsquare. net

With thirty-one billion dollars in revenue the Vitamin and Supplement Manufacturing industry has grown rapidly over the past five years, benefiting from increased demand from a larger mainstream, healthconscious consumer base and an increasingly aging population. Like any other industry there is the good, the bad and the ugly. Dr Sadia Husain, an internal medicine specialist in Silver Springs, Md, says that as long as we have a balanced diet that includes vegetables, proteins and healthy fat we do not need extra vitamin supplements. However most of us are deficient in Vitamin D due to lack of ample sun exposure. It is important to replace it. She does recommend vitamins for eye health, especially amongst those who are aging, to slow down degeneration. As a Muslim doctor, she is concerned that the vitamins in the market have adequate daily-recommended value and they should be gelatin free. Medsquare meets both requirements. A 1994 law, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which prevents the products from the scrutiny and approval given to other drugs, makes sure that the federal government doesn't have much power over the supplements industry. Medsquare does make sure that their products come up to any standards set by the FDA. The manufacturing plant that the Medsquare outsources their vitamins to is a CGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice)

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12 COMMUNITY NEWS FIRST DAY

>> continued from pg 5

There was barely any traffic on I-95. Soubia and Assma drove down the Beltway from Catonsville. Parking the car at metered parking, they walked a block to the Capitol Visitors Center. With them was Assma’s 7-year-old son, the youngest member of the Maryland delegation. Soubia wears niqab. She was expecting to be profiled by the security. “Like the TSA,” she quipped. “It was pleasantly surprising that I was treated like the rest of the visitors,” she shared. Security kept a young woman’s half filled bottle of perfume but they let her in. An elder from the group stood outside trying to finish up the sandwich she had bought with her. Security was not allowing any food or water in the building. “Don’t want to waste anything.” The renovated Congress dome was stripped of the ugly scaffolding that had scarred the DC skyline for a few years. Hundreds of Muslim delegates from around the country gathered on the steps, after a morning key issues briefing and training session on May 1, 2017, before heading off to scheduled meetings with their elected officials, both in the House and Senate. They took photos, lots of photos. The large delegation walked from “the Hill” to the Cannon building, holding up xeroxed signs: Maryland. First on the list of meetings was a stop at Maryland’s only Republican Congressman- Dr Andy Harris from the first district. “Does everyone who which district they live in?” asked a sister who obviously had been doing this for a while. Very few hands went up. A rather tall, lanky man in dark suit came and greeted the Maryland delegation. “Are we just going to stand in the hallway? Won’t he invite us in? That is so rude,” grumbled a 16-year-old youth in a pale pink duster, as a custodian drove cleaning carts through the crowd and Dr Zainab Chaudry of CAIR geared

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May 26 - June 22, 2017 up to speak to Harris’ legislative aide. Soubia agreed. She wasn’t expecting to hold a meeting in the hallway! Don’t they have a conference room? she wondered, as she watched team leader, Dr Chaudry, share talking points. Was the Congressman scared of having Muslims in his office? It was not a good start of the day. She needed some chai to focus as the walk through the labyrinth of the House buildings was exhausting. The big ornate door housed overstuffed glorified cubicles. “I really expected them to be larger,” Soubia said,

What are the etiquettes? Now, I am somewhat trained,” she says. “It feels less intimidating,” she says. Soubia also no longer felt like an outsider. “This elected official represents me too.” “The new president. That is what prompted me get up off my seat- it was wakeup call.” “It was liberating being in the same room. I felt like I have a voice even though I didn’t say a word. When I heard [Dutch’s] staffer agree on the topics that we mentioned, it made it real,” she says. “Half the time we don’t know how to engage with those in government. It sounds much more

It was liberating being in the same room. I felt like I have a voice even though I didn’t say a word. When I heard [Dutch’s] staffer agree on the topics that we mentioned, it made it real. surprised.

complicated than it is.”

The experience was totally different in her representative from District 2’s office in the Rayburn House Office Building. Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger’s legislative assistant, David A Heitlinger, came out and ushered them into the crimson colored room. A cool jug of water sat on an ornate round conference table. Soubia sat on the velvet couch and observed as members of the delegation presented their concerns about the Muslim ban, immigration concerns and asked the Congressman to support bills.

As the meeting stretched through the afternoon, a brother from the Imaam Center carried two slices of pizza from the Longworth cafeteria to make those who needed to take their medication had something to eat.

That small action of kindness made a profound statement on Soubia compare to the encounter with Dr. Harris’s staff in the hallway. “Many of us just don’t know,” she says. Soubia never calls her district offices about an issue that she is concerned with. “I always felt that you have to have a political background to carry a conversation with the person on the other line. This wasn’t my territory.

“I had realized there upon seeing thousands of people coming to address their issues and I had every right to do the same. Uncles, Aunties, the young and the old quickly grasped onto that realization -- everybody was speaking and explaining issues that are very important issues that concerned the Muslim communities throughout Maryland. Many of the Congressmen were absent and we spoke to their staff. Most of them were uninformed and surprised about the information that we would present to them,” added Zaynub, a 16-year old attending for the first time. Soubia wanted to stay the entire time but had to head home. Her children were waiting to be picked from school.

Assma and Soubia walked out the Cannon tunnel, its walls decked with artwork from students from across the country. The rest of the delegation got on an underground tram that took them through the House buildings. There are two sets of subway cars. The newer, window-enclosed subway cars service the Dirksen and Hart Senate buildings. The older, open-air subway cars service the Russell building. Staring up at the roof of the Congress building, Zaynub was reminded of the brutal history of slavery and the treatment of the indigenous people. The rotunda, 96 feet in diameter and 180 feet in height located in the center of the United States Capitol on the second floor hails the conquerors. Statues of former presidents, and leaders from individual states, stood shoulder to shoulder, cast in white marble and bronze. A bust of Winston Churchill stares at her. “It’s daring you to ask for your rights.,’ jokes Zaynub. They hurried past the statue of Sam Houston under the scarlet drapes and the black and white floor. The Rotunda canopy featured the painting entitled The Apotheosis of Washington, but if they stopped to look at it they would miss their meeting so they scurried. “My feet are swelling,” she says. They had at least 14,000 steps clocked on a Fitbit. As they crossed the temple devoted to white men, Zaynub thought no wonder many of them only see the world through their point of view. She asked if there were any women represented. Apparently there were one or two, but they were now in a very modern building. A fruitful meeting with the Van Hollen staff awaited them in the Hart Building. “The idea of attending, representing, and stating our concerns at the Capitol to US Senators was very imposing. As the meetings began, I noticed that the grandiosity of the meetings in my mind and hesitancy to speak to the senators and staff on Capitol Hill quickly began >> NEXT PAGE

May 26 - June 22, 2017 to fade,” says Zaynub. A pair of pink flats was tucked into a corner outside Senator Van Hollen’s conference room. Zaynub came out barefoot. The delegation was using the space for their Zuhr salah after their meeting. Senator Ben Cardin’s End Racial and Religious Profiling act of 2017 (S. 411) was on the list of asks compiled by USCMO. The delegation had to stop and thank the Senator and bring up their concerns about some local CVE programs. An intern led the delegation to the large conference table. “Her name sounds oddly South Asian but you can never tell these days. Was she Muslim or wasn’t she? The elders in the group asked a hundred questions. Turns out her parents were Muslim. In one generation between when her father arrived from a city the intern could not pronounce without doing some serious verbal gymnastics, she didn’t identify as Muslim.” Senator Ben Cardin’s legislative policy director came and spoke to them at length. Zaynub shared a Muslim youth’s perspective, punctuated with personal stories of her friends and the effects of profiling on them. A mother in the delegation shared how she was scared for her young son and profiling of Muslim students on school campuses.

COMMUNITY NEWS 13

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The Maryland delegates prayed in the Senate conference room after meeting with Cardin’s staff. As the men prayed in one area, Zaynub snapchatted, “Creeping sharia in Senate!” “I think I am going to post this on Twitter,” said Zaynub.

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The days ended with a reception at the brick covered St Mark’s Episcopal Church a long walk from the Hill. As the group straggled in the tail end, a Pakistani American doctor from California was announcing his run for Lieutenant Governor.

What a day. #

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14 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 26 - June 22, 2017

Obedience, Ijtihad & Taqlid: A Fresh Approach to Examining Blind Following and Its Effects Thirdly, the book makes clear that if a Muslim is not able to perform ijtihad, either due to limited intellect or an inability to gain access to source texts which would help him on an unclear matter, then following a scholar whose opinion in the unclear matter is considered to be sound, is permissible for him, and this is taqlid, a second tool. However, if another opinion which has stronger evidence than the first becomes known to him, it is more correct for him to leave the first opinion and conform his actions with the second.

A Review by Jann McClary Muslim Link Contributing Writer Waldorf, MD author M. Mushifiqur Rahman has penned an entirely beneficial and well-researched book titled “Obedience, Ijtihad & Taqlid: A Fresh Approach to Examining Blind Following and Its Effects” which is meant to clarify the three concepts of obedience, ijtihad and taqlid for the understanding and correct ibaadah of the Muslim layman. It is an explanation of what is meant by obedience to Allah ‘azza wa jal and His Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). It is a clarification of what ijtihad and taqlid mean, and the criteria and circumstances for their correct application. It is an exhortation to the Muslims to be ”pro-evidence, and not pro-affiliation when it comes to following opinions.” And finally, it is an exposition of and warning against the deleterious and negative effects of blind following on the aqeedah and cohesiveness of the ummah. Open any book and most commonly within the first five to seven pages you will come across the title page, copyright information, a dedication page and possibly a page or two of brief reviews by other authors, and then the contents. With Br. Rahman’s book, however, one encounters straight away on page three the core of this book’s message: the following of the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah as evidence in a matter is paramount to any person’s or group’s opinion, no matter how dear the person or group, or how attractive the opinion. Verses from the Qur’an, quotes from sahih ahaadith, and declarations from imams Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Shafi’i all state clearly and unequivocally that the Qur’an and Sunnah are the ultimate authority, and anything that does not conform to them is to be discarded. Br. Rahman brings to the reader’s attention that the first order of business is to understand whom the Muslim must obey over and above everybody, before he or she follows anybody, namely, Allah subhanah wa ta‘ala, and His Rasool (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). With these two, and in that order, the Muslim has the mortar with which to hold together the bricks of his deen. Secondly, the book asserts that the Muslim who is mature and of sound mind has a duty, first, to acquire the basic knowledge of deen so that he

....

There are two noteworthy features of the book, one of which is the section which exposes and warns the Muslim against following biased and dubious evidences, and innovative “spiritual” practices which go against the Qur’an and Sunnah; the other is the section utilizing a diagram which takes the reader through a logical progression in developing a correct understanding of obedience or following. Br. Rahman’s book serves to aide the Muslim in taking his deen to another level of maturity and understanding so that he is able to “live by Islam in his daily life as intended by Allah Most High.” understands its duties and obligations, and its permissions and prohibitions. But if an unclear matter arises he must use effort and intellect to search out the most sound opinion from what is read and understood from Qur’an, Sunnah, and the texts which explain them, and this is ijtihad, a tool to apply the mortar.

“Obedience, Ijtihad & Taqlid: A Fresh Approach to Examining Blind Following and Its Effects”, 291 pp., Fitrah Press, (2016). Available through www.fitrahpress.com.

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS 15

RACISM

>> continued from pg 4 Glover, a long time worker in the equity movement, stated that equity looks at outcomes, not inputs. “We don’t just want to sit on the bus, we want the buses to take us where the jobs are,” she explained. Islam spoke of invisiblized labor of those that built and set the table. “If you set the table you should be invited to sit there,” she said. Islam provided the translation for Quranic verse 49:13 and noted that the idea of ta'arafu among communities of color in the powerful space of the museum. Her speech also highlighted the role of the virtual table as many who were not given a place as decision makers have taken to online activism to bring equity to society. “I'm humbled and strengthened by this experience, and will be carrying it with me for life,’ she declared. Members of Muslim ARC attended the discussion and shared their thoughts on the seat at the table with immigrants of color. The history contained in the museum from the windowed silk-lined pine coffin that once held the ravaged body of Emmett Till, the young teenager murdered in Mississippi in 1955 for supposedly whistling with a white woman to lynching photographs, to a white satin Ku Klux Klan hood to tiny iron rings that once held child slaves is an education that is must for every immigrant who comes to this land. The museum recognizes that Islam has been a piece of the American religious fabric since the first settlers arrived in the North America. Two documents, on loan from the State Archives of North Carolina, incorrectly labeled the 23rd Psalm and The Lord’s Prayer, provide insight into the methods of resistance used by enslaved Muslims. According to museum sources, despite significant obstacles, enslaved Muslims used their faith and bilingual literacy to build community, resist slavery, and pursue freedom. They left numerous written accounts of their experiences in America in the form of letters, diaries, and autobiographies, most of them in Arabic. And they strategically used Arabic to communicate with one another and to undermine slavery. “It is not wonderful but it is the truth,” said an artist who was volunteering as a facilitator at the event.

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16 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 26 - June 22, 2017

ADAMS Center Steps Into a New Phase ADAMS

>> continued from pg 1 the center’s Islamic and American identities. The aesthetic is very American Muslim. Three shallow dividers separate the men from the women. A viewing glass gallery for guests frames one side of the second floor. Another open gallery running the width of the masjid leads to offices on the second floor.

graduating high school who grew up in the community but hasn’t been to the masjid in a while. “It doesn’t feel like ADAMS!” quips her friend Naila, taking in the changes. The original building fused into the new structure now houses a youth lounge, game room and a private sisters workout

food pantry, ESL classes, a wellness center which does mental and physical health seminars and find links to providers. Adhan rings out as worshipers gather for the first of three Friday prayers. The center was expecting large crowds, like Afrah who drove 40 minutes for the inauguration.

“The ADAMS Center is not in Loudoun County. It is of Loudoun County,” says Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randal.

Dr Yaqub Mirza and his family are recognized for their contributions to the masjid. “After 9/11, the challenge was great,” he reminisces, as he expressed gratitude for the completion of the masjid, as the huffaz of the community sit and watch.

ADAMS hired a professional audio-visual tech company to set up a state of the art system. A camera is positioned in the roof of the new masjid to capture Friday khutbahs and other presentations so they can be live streamed on the ADAMS campus as well as online. Wali Ashparie of AVIT Systems, walks around with an iPad. He is designed a system keeping in mind the unique needs of the masjid, making it easy to use for a changing pool of volunteers. Asma Saqib, the education administrator of ADAMS, says that that the center can now hold bigger and better programming with the new technology.

“30 years ago, we prayed Jummah between the shelves of the library,” expresses Sanober Yacoob, board member, Principal of the Preschool at ADAMS, and a founding member of the ADAMS community. She recalled how children of the community, now professionals in their 30s and 40s, sold Eid cards, wore placards and held bake sales to raise money for the masjid. “I think that day, Allah accepted our niyyah,” she says, her voice cracking with emotions and her cheeks wet with tears. As she walks back into the women’s area, she is greeted with hugs and warm wishes from young and old.

Over the weekend, ADAMS raised over $260,000. “We still need over $480,000 to cover the remaining costs of the Phase III construction,” writes Imam Magid, in an appeal to the community.

“It was an amazing journey,” said Rizwan Jaka, the Chairman of the Board, who was reelected on May 21, 2017. “Freedom is not free, it takes time, money and effort,” he says. Booths showcased every service and program offered from scouts, to social services, the Qurtaba Institute to Radiant Hearts Academy.

“I’m shook,” says Nabiha, a senior

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The weekend celebration includes the ADAMS imams, Imam Mohamed Hag Magid and Sheikh Abdur Rafa, going 5 on 5 on the basketball court in a "Once in a Lifetime" game of basketball. On Sunday, May 7, 2017, elected official and public officials, including members of Congress, the General Assembly and the Board of Supervisors were invited for a separate ribbon cutting ceremony.

For the ADAMS community, the weekend of May 5th marks more than a masjid inauguration. It marked over 30 years of ADAMS ‘striving to grow, flourish and become a 'model masjid' as envisioned by founding member, Dr Jamal Barzinji.

Seven-year-old Ayesha was feeling very happy at the crafts table. “Everything in the masjid is so much fun right now and I like the new doors,” she says, gluing glitter on her card.

design is good, but the size is not good,” he says. Kids tend to say what is in their hearts —hashtag real talk. He thinks the space is too small for the large number for congregants.

area. Staff is emptying the space as new offices and boardroom were built for them in Phase 3. Social Services Director, Suheir Kafri, informs community members of the variety of services offered by her department: a

Executive Director and former Chairman Wael Alkhairo is the first khateeb. The multipurpose hall is used as overflow space for both men and women during prayer times. Hifdh student, Amin, gives the masjid project a 7 out of 10. “The

In a thank you letter to his community, he writes, “Your prayers, hours of volunteering, word of mouth and donations have allowed ADAMS Center to , complete Phase III and build the next chapter for our community, in particular our youth. The next generation of young adults are standing by your side in the musallah [sic]. They are playing basketball in the gym. And they are with you during the ups and downs of being a Muslim in today's society.” “ADAMS has become a safety net for the youth, elderly and those who have been dis-engaged from society,” he adds.

May 26 - June 22, 2017

COMMUNITY NEWS 17

ISB Revisits the Rights of Neighbors at 'Beautiful' Event ISB

>> continued from pg 1 Atlantic region’s largest Islamic Centers with more than 3000 congregants. He put his shoes back on and reentered the gymnasium, nodding at Ahmed Mahmood, who was registering guests and handing them preprinted badges to the “Love thy neighbor ”event. White hydrangeas and ivory candles on the tables set the formal tone for a gathering of neighbors at Mahmood’s childhood masjid, the Islamic Society of Baltimore.

“[THE CENTER] IS BEHIND LOTS OF TREES, SO WE NEVER VENTURED IN,” SHARED SUSANNA WHO CAME WITH HER PASTOR FROM THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. IT WAS ALSO HER FIRST TIME IN THE MASJID.

Love is built on familiarity and trust, he said. For us to bring this realization to our communities, we have to go back to basics,” said Sheikh Yaseen. “We have to see people for their basic humanness.” As he enlightened the visitors, his congregation met the beloved scholar’s words with a heavy heart as he is leaving for his home country, England.

“[The center] is behind lots of trees, so we never ventured in,” shared Susanna who came with her pastor from the Presbyterian Church. It was also her first time in the masjid. The center is open to all on Wednesdays– anyone in the neighborhood can use the basketball courts, grab a bite to eat at the cafeteria and on Sundays get free doctors visits at the health clinic.

Reverend Dorothy Boulton, Associate Pastor Catonsville Presbyterian Church leads chapel time for 3-4 years old. She spoke of her faith being centered by the love of God, love of each other, referring to her teaching children about the real meaning of love thy neighbor. “To love your neighbor is to care for them in their need. When some are wounded and ill giving them health care, feeding them when they hungry,” she preached. “Count me and all the people of our church to be your neighbor,” ended Reverend Boulton. She led the audience in a version of the song, ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’, and then in a version with in ‘her hands’.

Earlier, Dr Edmund Tori, the new president of the center, opened the night with a salutation. Naira, a student as Al Rahmah School recited verses of the Qur'an to open the event. Another young woman read the translation.

“That really resonated with me. This is a

She was inspired by the words of ISB resident scholar Yaseen Sheikh who said in his speech to guests “we need to stop being a pseudo community”. Sheikh Yasin – in his crisp British manner, thanked the audience and asked them if they understood the statement —Love They Neighbor— and reflected over it’s meaning. He quoted the ayah of the Qur'an asking about neighbors and relayed the rights of the neighbors from the Hadith of Gabriel 'alyhis salaam. He said we pretend to accept people and their diversity, however until we can talk about our differences we cannot become a community. Bringing in the concept of radical hospitality, which requires intentional invitation, he relayed the stories of the Madani helpers, the Ansar.

”I was 13 years old in 1969,” said Verch. Richard Nixon was president. That was the year the Islamic Society of Baltimore was established. In 1985 the land was purchased on Johnnycake Road. Verch lives nearby and had not known about the center. He does know the community as he voted for Eid equality in Baltimore County schools. He came today because he was invited, he said, sipping a mini can of Dr. Pepper.

Danette Zaghari-Mask, the chair of the program, flitted around the room welcoming and seating each ‘valued guest.’ Many local police officers, council members and elected officials were on her guest list for the "Love Thy Neighbor Dinner", which she calls “a celebration of our diverse interfaith community and community leaders, and a testament of hope for the potential of that community”. Guests included Susan Goering from the American Civil Liberties as well as Colonel Al Jones of the Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Sheriff R J Fisher, and Chamber of Commerce CEO Keith Scott. Maryland State delegates Bilal Ali and Charles Syndor and representatives from both Maryland Senators' offices were all in attendance.

Jewish and does join the Baltimore Jewish Congregation from time to time. The couple was interested in an open discussion and found that on their table.

Friar Michael Murphy from the St Joseph’s Monastery Parish shared the history of his church. His work with death row prisoners before executions has shaped his vision of what ‘being neighborly’ means. historic masjid because President Barack Obama came to speak here last year”, shared an observer, commenting on Zaghari-Mask’s words of welcome.

origins of the sweet dishes- the baklava, kheer, and even the chocolate cake. Most of the guests were seniors and the intergenerational banter was refreshing.

“I remember walking up the courthouse. I could feel the anger of the victim’s family. They wanted justice for their loved one. The man was mentally ill and the priest was going to go testify for him in court.”

Guests lined up for a buffet meal, chatting among themselves. Youth from the community served dessert, explaining the

Elyssa came with her five-year-old and her husband who ‘sometimes’ attends St Mark’s Catholic Church. She was raised

>> ISB II Pg 18

....

18 COMMUNITY NEWS

May 26 - June 22, 2017 and admin did nothing [sic].”

ATTACK

>> continued from pg 4

of Maryland students chronicled racist experiences that they have faced on campus. “Native of PG county. Called the N word first time in my life on frat row at UMD,” tweeted Clarissa. “It has been 20 years since I stayed on campus and nothing has changed. That is why I became a commuter student. It was never a place for us to live,” says Tabi Davenport, a Muslim mother of a college student. Sarah Eshera, a Muslim student on campus, tweeted that “All warning signs of white supremacy were there, we call for action

Erica Fuentes, tweeted that she suggested mandatory anti-racism and diversity training for students and faculty. “[President Loh] told me that it was a waste of time,” In December 2016, minority students had made a list of 64 demands for change on campus. In November 2016, they led a walkout and rally to support marginalized student groups and protest misogyny, xenophobia, racism, and bigotry on campus at the University of Maryland at College Park. Protecting immigrants and undocumented students who are part of the UMD community was one of the central themes of the rally. “I attend evening classes and I am really worried about myself and the rest of the Muslim student’s safety,” shared an elder sister of African origin.

UNDER THE HASHTAG FEARTHETURTLE, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND STUDENTS CHRONICLED RACIST EXPERIENCES THAT THEY HAVE FACED ON CAMPUS.

I keep seeing (especially politicians) say "hate has no place here" and I want to scream because people have been telling you that hate is here! It's been here! It never left! It built this place! Then there is the space we make for "devil's advocates" and the gymnastics we do for "free speech." Advocating violence is not protected speech. “Stop protecting hate speech and saying that it is free speech,’ said a College Park resident.

SARAH ESHERA, A MUSLIM STUDENT ON CAMPUS, TWEETED THAT “ALL WARNING SIGNS OF WHITE SUPREMACY WERE THERE, WE CALL FOR ACTION AND ADMIN DID NOTHING [SIC].”

ISB II

>> continued from pg 17

He said that sometimes we have to step out our comfort zones to heal. Rabbi Ruth Smith, Staff Chaplain and University of Maryland Medical Center felt so welcomed. She called the event a first step to becoming a true community.

“We believe that it is imperative to condemn thoughts connected to hate speech because of its undoubting ability to manifest as racist violence,” stated a release by the Black Student Union. Before the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, African Americans were routinely excluded from institutions of higher learning,

“Right in the middle of the Torah is the Holiness code,” she shared. The culmination of this chapter is verse 18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” She shared that the word used meant companionship in Hebrew, which to her means that time needs to be spent together to create community.

together to honor that service was truly beautiful. But what made it more so, was the acknowledgment that we often fall short in this duty. Tonight was a call back to that duty - a call back to the way of the prophets (peace be upon them all) to know, to love and to serve our neighbors,” he commented.

Mahmood noted that everyone who came in was friendly and interested in learning. “What a beautiful evening,” exclaimed Dr Tori. “To see so many people who already serve our neighborhoods coming

“Inspired by our unique faiths in the Ab ra h a m ic t ra d i t ion, we sou l fu l ly harmonized. It is inspiring to be a part of a movement, focused on shared values and aspirations, rather than differences in

leading to the formation of Historically Black Colleges. Four of which are located in the state of Maryland, including Bowie State University, the oldest Historically Black University in Maryland, founded in 1865. The others are Morgan State, Coppin State, both in Baltimore, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The first African-American, Hiram Whittle, was admitted to the University of Maryland in 1951. According to local sources, American Muslim judge Zakia Mahasa, who was appointed in 1997 to preside over Circuit Court cases of Baltimore City is the first known Muslim to graduate from University of Maryland Law School in the early eighties. Judge Mahasa obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland at College Park where she accepted Islam as an undergraduate student.

a political climate that seems to reward divisiveness. I am grateful to be part of a wider community of people who persistently and sincerely love one another,” shared organizer Zaghari-Mask. The night played the tune of Sheikh Yaseen’s words: diverse cultures can coexist and respect their differences with the thought that every individual has a right to God’s Land.

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20 NATIONAL NEWS

May 26 - June 22, 2017

NATIONAL NEWS

NJ Fines Five Paterson Businesses For Halal Violations Before Ramadan By Jerry DeMarco | South Passaic Daily Voice, May 22, 2017

PATERSON, N.J. -- With Ramadan approaching, state officials cited five Paterson businesses -- a full third of those receiving summonses statewide -- for failing to properly disclose practices relating to the preparation, handling, and sale of food sold or served as halal. The use of halal foods – i.e., those permitted by Islamic dietary rules – is centrally important to the celebration of the monthlong Muslim religious holiday, which begins on or about Friday of this year. The Paterson businesses: Al Hilal Meat & Fish Market in Paterson; Al-Kumah Restaurant & Halal Meat in Paterson; Banglatown Supermarket in Paterson; Paradise Halal Meat (two stores) in Paterson; and Star Halal Meat in Paterson. Inspections from the Halal Enforcement Unit within the state Office of Consumer Protection visited 110 establishments statewide to ensure compliance with the state laws designed to protect the halal-buying public, Attorney General Christopher Porrino said. “Consumers shopping for halal foods, especially during Ramadan, must be able to trust that the foods they buy tmeet their personal standards and interpretation of Islamic dietary guidelines,” Porino said.

Because “halal” is a religious designation with standards that differ among Muslim communities, state authorities don't attempt to define halal by statute or regulation. However, Porrino noted, the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act requires businesses to live up to the promises and representations they make when selling merchandise, including food, to the public. Among the state laws pertaining to the sale of halal food, dealers must prominently display disclosure statements providing important information about the foods they prepare and market as halal. That includes whether it contains pork products or alcohol and whether it was prepared using the same or separate cutting boards, refrigerators, etc. used for non-halal foods. These and other practices are permitted under state law as long as the business accurately provides the information in a disclosure statement readily visible to consumers. The business must also provide the same information to the Division of Consumer Affairs. Each notice of violation carries a $500 fine. New Jersey 17 years ago became one

of the first states to specifically protect the halal-buying public by requiring food sellers to disclose important information to the public. An exception applies to businesses that sell halal foods in sealed packages from the original producers. Sellers of halal foods may choose to be supervised and certified by an independent halal certification agency. All halal certification agencies that supervise food dealers in New Jersey must provide the DCA with an annually updated list

of the names, addresses, and types of establishments they supervise. MORE INFO: (973) 792-421 7. Or: www. njconsumeraffairs.gov/halal . Investigators Murat Botas, Jennifer Micco, Jared O’Cone, and Brian Penn of the DCA's Office of Consumer Protection, conducted the investigations. Deputy Attorney General Jesse Sierant from the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section within the Division of Law is handling the prosecutions.

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

Liberal Fascination With “Islam-Lite” and the Humanizing Muslims Industry By Riad Alarian Muftah, May 20, 2017 The second season of the popular Netflix series, Master of None, is being hailed by many as one of the best shows offered by a streaming service today. One reviewer called the show warm, welcoming, and audacious, while another enthusiastically praised it as “a perfect mix of sarcasm and sincerity.” Perhaps the most unique and amusing review, however, comes from comedienne Negin Farsad, who wrote in The Guardian that Master of None is a “nuanced portrayal of Muslim life” and a “refreshing change” from the otherwise antagonistic depictions of Muslims as “terrorists” in mainstream media. As Farsad claims, “Aziz Ansari’s hit Netflix comedy provides a muchneeded, bacon-eating, Tinder-using, liberal-minded antidote to tired terrorist stereotypes.” She goes on to state that the show’s tour de force lies in its ability to humanize Muslims, by showing how they too, like anyone else, can “make up silly jingles with their friends, [or] go on horrible first dates, and that they sometimes drunktext.” The ultimate takeaway, we are told, is that Muslims “don’t come in one violent shape. They’re not born with weapons and beards. Some of them are cute but slight.” On the surface, Farsad’s Master of None review may seem to be a celebration of Muslim diversity. But, in esteeming an image of the Muslim that is practically detached from anything Islamic in the theological sense, it represents an attempt to gratify liberal fears of the religiously conservative Other. In other words, it is a celebration not of diversity in Islam, but of “Islam-lite”—the visible absence of Islam in the actions and

....

mannerisms of self-identified Muslims. Indeed, Farsad tries to sensitize readers to the idea of a “friendly” and “normal” Muslim without actually centralizing Islam in the discussion, in any way. By ascribing positive value only to actions, which prescriptively defy the ethical norms of Islam, she is promoting an unabashedly secularized semblance of the religion.

Farsad’s desire to break the so-called Muslim binary—of “pious” versus “extreme”—is problematic because it involves throwing conservative Muslims under the proverbial bus. By subtly implying that the religiously conservative and the violent extremist are both equally contemptible categories, Farsad leaves us with only one conclusion: that Muslims who are

Simply put, this “industry” involves making the Muslim palatable to Western audiences by identifying her with mainstream liberal norms—instead of the orthodoxy of Islamic ethics—and thereby secularizing the very idea of what it means to be a Muslim. Consider, for example, how Farsad commends the fact the show’s main character proudly eats pork. In a sense, she is critiquing her own tradition from the outside—through the perspective of a liberal—to tell us why we ought to be happy that a Muslim is openly flouting basic Islamic rules. In doing so, Farsad not only encourages the “secular Muslim” as an ideal (unlike the sandal-wearing, miswak-using, Salafi-bearded, halal-eating Muslim), but also makes normative assertions about what is “good” and “bad” by drawing on the moral standards of mainstream liberal culture. The reason why a pork-eating, alcohol-drinking Muslim is a “good” thing is because “it gives Muslims the same sense of spectrum that Christians and Jews have long enjoyed.” That is to say, it makes Muslims “American” in the most unavailing, regimental sense of the term. Apparently, this is something worth celebration.

fully assimilated into the habits and customs of mainstream liberal culture are the “normal” ones. Notably, Farsad’s article is part of a broader phenomenon, which I have previously referred to as the Humanizing Muslims Industry. Simply put, this “industry” involves making the Muslim palatable to Western audiences by identifying her with mainstream liberal norms—instead of the orthodoxy of Islamic ethics—and thereby secularizing the very idea of what it means to be a Muslim. In a short piece I authored in June 2016, I claimed this industry “attempts to make Muslims ‘relatable’ by focusing almost exclusively on moral, cultural, and political qualities that resonate with, and therefore appease, mainstream American culture,” which is the precise deficiency of Farsad’s article. It is, like other notable examples of the Humanizing Muslims

Industry, just “a very sad attempt to prove Muslims are worthy of the same respect and belonging that all other people should have.” The problem with the Humanizing Muslims Industry is that, rather than challenging mainstream liberal culture, it actively affirms it. What Farsad and other members of this “industry” fail to understand is that the more they “humanize” Muslims in a secular light, the more conservative-leaning Muslims will become sidelined, feared, and ultimately Othered. More importantly, the purportedly “nuanced” portrayals of Muslims they champion also visibly disregard, and thereby further entrench, the moral double standard mainstream liberal culture applies toward Islam. Time and time again, this double standard appears in news stories, movies, and other media and art forms to remind us that the only way mainstream liberal culture will ever be truly satisfied with Muslims is if they contort their moral boundaries and appear “secular” like everyone else. Muslims, whether “secular” or “conservative,” have very little to gain and much to lose from the Humanizing Muslims Industry. At best, the “bad” ones will be sidelined in contempt, as the “good” ones are treated like spectacles, to be observed and inspected in the literary bastions of liberal high culture, like The Guardian. There has never been anything desirable about shooting yourself in the foot, but the Humanizing Muslims Industry continues to do just that— with a smile. [Source:muftah.org]

May 26 - June 22, 2017

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

ISLAM

This May Be Your Last Ramadan...! All praise is due to Allah Ta'ala, may peace and salutations be upon His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), his household and companions. We are once again blessed with the Honourable month of Ramadan... A month for renewing our faith, strengthening our willpower, and seeking forgiveness, a unique opportunity to strengthen the bond of love with our Creator, through fasting, recitation of the Qur'an, Taraweeh salaah, and through acts of charity. People approach Ramadan... in different ways. Ramadan... means different things to different people. Some people view Ramadan... as a period of expressing their undying love for the Beloved. For them, Ramadan... is a valuable, precious, and rare occasion. They spend all their time doing good, convinced that the reward of each act is multiplied manifold. Patience, sympathy, and generosity beautify the demeanour. They guard their tongues and remain preoccupied in chanting Laa ilahaa illallah, seeking forgiveness, begging for Jannah, and seeking protection from Jahannam. They are driven by the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that say: “The fish in the sea, seek forgiveness for them until they break their fast. Everyday Allah decorates Jannah for them and says to it: The time is near when my faithful

servants shall cast the great trials (of the world) and come to you... On the last night of Ramadan... they are forgiven..." (Ahmad) Th e re a re o t h e r s wh o ' we l c o m e ' Ramadan... with sighs of reluctance. To them Ramadan... is an unfair imposition, a month of deprivation and hardship. They grudgingly keep fast and drag themselves to the Masjid for the Taraweeh prayer. Their concept of fasting is limited to physical abstention of food, drink, and sexual relationship. They spend their time in gossip, watching sport, and wasting their nights parked at cafe corners and restaurants. They are hardly ever stirred to Tilawah, Zikr, and dua, nor are they careful of their salaah. Their goal in Ramadan... IS to prepare for Eid. The words of Rasulullah(sallallanu alayhi wa sallam) aptly describes their spiritless endeavors: " Many are the ones who fast attaining nothing by such fasting except hunger , and many perform salaah by night attaining nothing by it except the discomfort of staying awake." (Ibn Majah)Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) further stated that: " Allah does not require the discarding food and drink of the person who fasts but does not refrain from bad speech and action." (Sahih Bukhari) There is yet a third group who is hardly ever moved by Ramadan... They neither

Ramadan in History Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick All praises to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Qur'an, "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you asit was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa)," (2:185). And may blessings and peace of Allah be upon His last Messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah, forever. O you who believe, Ramadan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah's presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering

....

of this world. Allah has informed us that, "Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." (65:2) Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities of a fasting person. They go into a state of semi- hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bed. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return

>> HISTORY Pg 26

read salaah, nor fast. They continue living recklessly in sin. They neither have the will or the time to make any sort of change in their dai Iy routines. The following words of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) should serve as a grim reminder to them: " ...Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) appeared before me and said: " Woe to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan... and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness." Upon that I said: Aameen. (Sahih Bukhari) He also said: "Whoever does not fast for even one day in Ramadan..., without a valid excuse, shall never be able to repay that day even if he fasts for the rest of his life" (Ahmad) Brothers and sisters in Islam! Fear Allah Ta'ala and beware of wasting your life away in futile activities. Make use of your time by being positive and constructive, for it is by doing so you can achieve the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala. This may well be your last Ramadan..., your last opportunity to benefit from the special blessings and forgiveness that accompanies this month. Know that Ramadan... is a manifestation of Allah Ta'ala's bountiful blessings on His slaves. Use it as a turning point in your life; a time for transformation towards a better way of life; a change from the ignominy of sins to the glory of obedience; from weakness and laziness to strength and vigour; from bad customs and detestable

habits to righteousness and upright conduct. Resolve O' Honorable Muslim!

• • • • • • • •

• •

To perform the five daily salaah with the congregation, To perform the Taraweeh salaah diligently. To spend as much time as possible in dua, Tilawah, and Zikr To take part in the various Ramadan... programs at your Masjid. To protect your fast by guarding your tongue, eyes, and thoughts. To beautify your fast by sharing your iftaar with your neighbours and the needy. To be patient, tolerant, and sympathetic. Especially to your parents and spouse. To be kind and generous to the poor and needy. Especially to our destitute Muslim brothers and sisters from foreign countries. To serve at least one sick, aged, or disabled person during this Ramadan... To make dua for the Ummah daily before iftaar.

May Allah Ta' grant us the faith, strength, and spirit to make this a unique and special Ramadan... May He grant us the ability to be consistent in our endeavors. May He protect and preserve our faith.

Serious Consequences Of Falling Short In Raising Children Question: My mother is not compassionate or understanding. Since we were small, she has treated us harshly and has never shown us an ounce of compassion, and we have grown up in this atmosphere. She has never supported me as a girl and has never taught me how to interact with suitors or with people in a feminine way. She never taught me many things pertaining to the life of a girl, and she has fallen short with us in many matters. Will Allah hold her accountable for that, as He will hold a son accountable for his defiance towards his mother and not being kind to her? I hope that you will reply. Answer: Praise be to Allah. Just as the parents have rights over their children, so too the children have rights over their parents. Allah, may He be exalted, says

(interpretation of the meaning): “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded” [at-Tahreem 66:6]. And the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd of her

>> CHILDREN Pg 29

May 26 - June 22, 2017

ISLAM 25

Salaah times for May 26th - June 22nd, 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

May 26

Fri

04:18 AM

05:47 AM

Sat

04:17 AM

Sun

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

01:06 PM 05:00 PM

08:23 PM

09:54 PM

05:47 AM

01:06 PM 05:01 PM

08:24 PM

09:55 PM

04:16 AM

05:46 AM

01:06 PM 05:01 PM

08:25 PM

09:56 PM

Mon

04:15 AM

05:46 AM

01:06 PM 05:01 PM

08:25 PM

09:57 PM

Tue

04:14 AM

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01:06 PM 05:01 PM

08:26 PM

09:58 PM

Wed

04:14 AM

05:45 AM

01:06 PM 05:02 PM

08:27 PM

09:59 PM

June 1

Thu

04:13 AM

05:44 AM

01:06 PM 05:02 PM

08:28 PM

10:00 PM

Fri

04:12 AM

05:44 AM

01:07 PM

05:02 PM

08:28 PM

10:01 PM

Sat

04:12 AM

05:44 AM

01:07 PM

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08:29 PM

10:02 PM

Sun

04:11 AM

05:43 AM

01:07 PM

05:03 PM

08:30 PM

10:02 PM

Mon

04:11 AM

05:43 AM

01:07 PM

05:03 PM

08:30 PM

10:03 PM

Tue

04:10 AM

05:43 AM

01:07 PM

05:03 PM

08:31 PM

10:04 PM

Wed

04:10 AM

05:43 AM

01:07 PM

05:03 PM

08:32 PM

10:05 PM

Thu

04:10 AM

05:42 AM

01:08 PM 05:04 PM

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Fri

04:09 AM

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Sat

04:09 AM

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01:08 PM 05:04 PM

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10:07 PM

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04:09 AM

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Mon

04:08 AM

05:42 AM

01:08 PM 05:05 PM

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Tue

04:08 AM

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01:09 PM 05:05 PM

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Fri

04:08 AM

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08:36 PM

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Sat

04:08 AM

05:42 AM

01:09 PM 05:06 PM

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Sun

04:08 AM

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01:10 PM 05:06 PM

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Mon

04:08 AM

05:42 AM

01:10 PM 05:06 PM

08:37 PM

10:11 PM

Tue

04:08 AM

05:42 AM

01:10 PM 05:06 PM

08:37 PM

10:12 PM

Wed

04:09 AM

05:42 AM

01:10 PM

05:07 PM

08:37 PM

10:12 PM

Thu

04:09 AM

05:43 AM

01:11 PM

05:07 PM

08:37 PM

10:12 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). ....

26 ISLAM

May 26 - June 22, 2017

HISTORY

>> continued from pg 24 to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull- witted and often cranky. Ramadan is actually a time of increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah The Prophet, sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam, passed through approximately nine Ramadans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah. In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet, sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam, sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped suspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated byMajdy ibn Umar al- Juhany. The Hypocrites of Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid adDirar). The Prophet, sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam, ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadan. On the seventeenth of Ramadan, 3 A.H., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. The Prophet, sallallahu àlaihi wa sallam, and 313 of his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It was led by Abu Sufyan himself, and estimated at 50,000 dinars. They were met, instead, by a wellequipped army of the nobility of Quraish, intend on putting out the light of Islam. Despite being outnumbered three to one and appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with a burning desire to protect the Prophet and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadan, that would never be forgotten. In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the most protected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. She was killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadan. By Ramadan of 8 A.H., the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad, sallallahu àlaihi

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MANY MUSLIMS TODAY HAVE A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT FASTING AND THE ACTIVITIES OF A FASTING PERSON. THEY GO INTO A STATE OF SEMI- HIBERNATION, SPENDING MOST OF THEIR DAYLIGHT HOURS IN BED. wa sallam, felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer the city of Mecca. Allah has declared His Sanctuary a place of peace, security and religious sanctity. Now the time had come to purify the Ka`bah of nakedness and abomination. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam set out with an army having more armed men than al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army's ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers, guided by the Will of Allah, became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on 20 Ramadan. This was one of the most

had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was under the tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six millions serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa in order to be delivered. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded by sending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they were confronted with a combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory, silver, and precious gems and drawn by white mules.

MAY ALLAH MAKE US OF THOSE WHO CARRY OUT OUR ISLAM DURING RAMADAN AND AFTER IT, AND MAY HE NOT MAKE US OF THOSE WHO SAY WHAT THEY DO NOT DO. important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols of Makkah, detachments were sent to the other major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed. Such was the month of Ramadan in the time of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding the evil, and striving hard with one's life and wealth. After the death of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, Muslims carried on this tradition and Allah used the true believers to affect the course of history. Ramadan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events. Ninety-two years after the Hijrah, Islam

After burning his boats, Tariq preached to the Muslims warning them that victory and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and the sea lay to the rear. They burst forth with great enthusiasm and Allah manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief. Not only was Roderic killed and his forces completely annihilated, but also Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700 years. In the year 582 A.H., Salahuddin AlAyyubi, after battling with the Crusaders for years, finally drove them out of Syria and the whole of their occupied lands in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most frightening challenges.

In the seventh century A.H. the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything that lay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself "the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins". In 617 A.H., Samarkand, Ray and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H., Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction. Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the surviving Muslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan (call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world and then Europe being subjected to the same fate, Allah raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on 25th of Ramadan, 458 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the civilized world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam. This was the spirit of Ramadan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. Today, the Muslim world is faced with drought, military aggression, widespread corruption and tempting materialism. Surely we are in need or believers who can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the countless heroes of Islam. Surely we are in need of believers who are unafraid of the threats of the disbelievers, yet kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst. May Allah raise up a generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe in a manner that befits our age, and may He give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations for them. May Allah make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadan and after it, and may He not make us of those who say what they do not do. Surely Allah and His Angels invoke blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad. O you who believe, send blessings and peace to him forever.

May 26 - June 22, 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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May 26 - June 22, 2017

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29 CHILDREN

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>> continued from pg 24 husband’s household and is responsible for her flock…” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (893) and Muslim (1829). And the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no person whom Allah puts in charge of others, and when he dies he is insincere to his subjects, but Allah will forbid Paradise to him.” Narrated by Muslim (142). Therefore children have rights over their parents to which the parents must pay attention. These rights are many and include the following: 1. A man must choose a good wife for himself and a woman must choose a good husband for herself. A man should choose a woman who will be a good mother for his children in the future, and a woman should choose a man who will be a good father to her children. 2. Giving the child a good name, taking care of him, and fulfilling his basic needs of food, drink, clothing and accommodation, according to what one can afford, without falling short or being extravagant. 3. One of the most important rights that children have over their parents is that they should give them a good upbringing and take care of them, paying attention

to their manners and behaviour, and their practice of their religion in a manner that is pleasing to Allah, and following up with them regarding worldly matters in such a way that will help them to live a dignified and righteous life. Many parents fall short with regard to this duty that they owe to their children, then they suffer the consequences of their falling short, which is defiant disobedience from their children, and the children’s mistreatment of them. Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Whoever neglects to teach his child that which will benefit him, and leaves him without any guidance, has wronged him gravely. Most children’s deviance is because of their parents and the parents’ neglect and failure to teach them the obligatory religious duties and the sunnah of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), so they neglected them when they were small.… How many are the parents who were the cause of their children’s misfortune and suffering in this world and the hereafter, because of their negligence and failure to discipline the child, and their encouraging and helping him to pursue his whims and desires. By doing that, they think that they are being kind to the child, at the time when they are disgracing him, and they think that they are showing mercy to him at the time when they are wronging him. Thus the child will be of no benefit to his parent, and the

parent is the cause of the child’s misfortune and of his missing out on opportunities for success in this world and the hereafter… If you think of the causes of children’s misguidance and corruption, you will see that it is mostly the fault of the parents. End quote from Tuhfat al-Mawdood bi Ahkaam al-Mawlood (p. 229, 242). It should be noted that if the father and mother fall short in raising their child, that does not mean that the child should fall short in his duties towards his parents and mistreat them; rather he has to treat them kindly and forgive any mistreatment on their part towards him. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): “and to parents, good treatment” [al-Isra’ 17:23] “But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness” [Luqmaan 31:15]. For more information on the rights of children over their parents, please see question no. 20064. And Allah knows best. [Source: islamqa.com]

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