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MD Court Rejects Islamic Divorce Procedure But Marriage Contracts Still Valid Says Muslim Attorney

By Talib I. Karim Muslim Link Contributing Writer On May 6, 2008, a ruling of Maryland’s highest court refused to recognize procedures for beginning and ending a marriage under Shariah (Islamic Law).

In a unanimous decision, the Maryland Court of Appeals denied an appeal by Montgomery County resident Irfan Aleem challenging a lower court ruling invalidating a decree issued by a Pakistani court granting Mr. Aleem an absolute divorce to his wife, Farah Aleem, and enforcing the terms of the Aleems’ Islamic marriage contract.

>> Procedure Pg 08

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Senator Ben Cardin Speaks to the Muslim Community TML Capitol Hill interview touches foreign relations, Masjid surveillance, and anti-Islamic sentiment in the US United States Senator Ben C a rd i n ( D MD) paid a visit to Pakistan a few weeks ago, meeting with President Musharraf and the Prime Minister Yousuf Gilani separately to discuss the need for security in the tribal regions. In light of his trip, the Muslim Link conducted a brief in-person interview with him at his office in the Capitol; we took the opportunity to ask him other questions related to the local Muslim community. We present the full-transcript here, edited only for clarity. -- TML

your trip? And was this your first time to Pakistan?

TML: What did you learn from

The security issues are difficult

SENATOR: It was my first trip to Pakistan…my first trip to that part of the world. The purpose of going to Pakistan was to see first hand as to the security issue in the country.

I was in Kazakhstan for human rights and I took the opportunity to travel to Pakistan for the day. I got there mid morning and we left early evening. I got a chance to meet with the President Musharaf and the Prime Minister. To hear first hand their vision for dealing with the security problems and Pakistan is a very important country for the United States. We have a very good relationship with Pakistan.

for the new government. The new government is trying to deal with the tribal areas. In the mean time the security issues have gotten even more desperate. As it relates to both terrorists, who hide in the tribal areas has and try and get into Afghanistan as well as criminal and terrorists elements that operate throughout Pakistan.

And I think that the government fully understands that and indicated that they were going to take more aggressive steps to deal with it and I think the message I received was encouraging and I told the Pakistani government that it was clear and well received.

SENATOR: I’m on the Foreign Relations Committee. I went as part of the Helsinki commission to present in Kazakhstan our annual parliamentary meeting. My chair won the delegation to go to Pakistan.

TML: A lot of the Muslim Americans, especially the Pakistani Muslims, are very anxious right now. There are reports in Pakistani papers that the US is planning a major strike on the whole tribal area. And some fringe papers are also saying that the US will occupy the area with a massive troop

TML: And did you go as part of a committee?

>> Interview Pg 15

IBN TV – The Best Kept Secret in America Senate Discusses “Islamist” Ideological Threat

Emphasize Difference Between “Islamism” and the Islamic Religion

By Rashad Mulla Muslim Link Staff Writer Five panelists spoke in front of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) Thursday, July 10 in Washington. The hearing was the seventh in a series designed to explore the roots of “homegrown violent Islamist extremism,” said Committee chairman Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn. >> Secret Pg 14

The purpose of the hearing was to

identify the connections between “Islamism,” which Lieberman defined as an “extreme variation of Islamic ideology,” and terrorism.

He, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, made up the Senate committee “We are particularly interested in how the ideology facilitates the radicalization process, the end point of which is the planning and

>> Threat Pg 06

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PGMA, ISB Teams Take Top Parliamentarian Honors

By Muslim Link Contributing Writers After months of hard work and preparation from the area’s young parliamentarians, the 3rd Annual Muslim Youth Debate Tournament took place at Dar Al-Taqwa on June 22,

represented 6 Islamic centers/Schools across the Greater Metro DC area. Representative centers included: ADAMS center, Sterling VA, Al-Rahmah School of Baltimore, Al Huda School of College Park, MD, PGMA, Dar al-Taqwa, Muslim Community Center, and Islamic Society of Baltimore

New for this year, the debate featured ‘points of information’, where the opponents could interrupt the speaker at any time and ask a question or make a comment keeping the debaters on their toes and testing their confidence and wit.

2008.

TAQI (Tafseer Al-Qur’an Institute) of PGMA and the Debate Connoisseurs of Al Rahmah school/Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB) were declared the champions for Middle and High School respectively.

Abdullah Ahmad, Faraz Ahsan and Sadiya

The all-girls High School Al-Rahmah team defeated an excellent and formidable opponent, ADAMS Youth, to win first place in the High School category while TAQI of PGMA, participating for the first time, conquered one of Al Rahmah’s cohorts in the Middle School category.

Of the 25 judges that were willing to judge, only a few met the strict criteria set by organizers.

Bashir represented TAQI Hifzh School and Ishrath Farzana, Ghonva Gauri, and Iffath Farzana represented ISB High School team.

There were 10 Middle and 8 High School teams registered for the tournament and they

Faraz Ahsan of TAQI in the Middle and Sereen Tahir of ADAMS center in High School Category earned the title of best debater with the highest cumulative score in all the debates.

Muslims in the Media: Participants needed for research surrounding Canadian sitcom

By Karen Suvankham Muslim Link Contributing Writer The Canadian sitcom Little Mosque on the Prairie has been so successful that Fox network recently announced plans to do a remake for the U.S. What is behind the success? What has the show done right?

Why have viewers responded as they have?

And how are Muslims represented in this popular show?

Graduate student, Karen Suvankham is pursuing a master’s degree in Mass

Communication through the University of Leicester. In conjunction with her master’s thesis, she is researching questions such as these. She seeks perspectives from both Muslims and non-Muslims, and is able to include participants who have seen the show as well as those who have not.

Two types of research seek to draw on the perspectives of those who may be interested

>> Research Pg 9

From right, Abdullah Ahmad, Faraz Ahsan and Sadiya Bashir represented TAQI Hifzh School from PGMA and took top honors in the Middle School category of the Annual Muslim Youth Debate Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Mafiq Foundation) The Muslim Youth Debate Tournament has been taking giant leaps each year and raising the bar on all -- the debaters, coaches and adjudicators.

Last year they introduced the Parliamentary Style of debating which is used locally and internationally in academic institutions. New for this year, the debate featured ‘points of information’, where the opponents could interrupt the speaker at any time and ask a question or make a comment keeping the debaters on their toes and testing their confidence and wit.

Working in teams of three taught the debaters teamwork and it made debating more fun.

Organizers concentrated on skill building and understanding the technical know how of argumentation that comes with debating.

These skills are a great tool in da’wah and in everyday life. They also are extremely useful in writing papers and taking exams as you learn organized, structured, and quick thinking. Debaters learned to think laterally and logically and were coached in the elements of argumentation and taught the difference between mere assertions and logical reasoning with evidence. They also learned how to structure their arguments both

>> Debate Pg 10

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ISWA Launches ‘Brick by Brick’ Campaign for New Masjid

By Farkhunda Ali Muslim Link Staff Writer The fundraising momentum began when children, all under the age of twelve, joined a line leading to the stage to put their personal savings, the cash from their parents’ pockets, or the money they had set aside from their weekly allowance into a nicely decorated box for the Masjid’s expansion.

It was Islamic Society of Washington Area’s (ISWA) 9th annual fundraiser in Silver Spring, Maryland. The crowd was the same. The theme was new.

“Brick by Brick” Renovation Project was first introduced to the greater community members sitting under a white canopy at ISWA’s

check donations. The treasurer of the board of directors at ISWA said they hope to receive an additional amount of $10,000 in pledges within the next month.

“We thank Allah first and then the community for their continuous support,” said Imam Faizul Khan of ISWA. The fundraising goal for the night was $100,000. ISWA members said they are certain they will able to raise that in a few months.

The expansion project will cost $1.4 million dollars. They have already secured $600,000 from small community members’ donations to large Muslim owned businesses’ contributions.

They are depending on their community to

“We don’t want to go to any banks for loans, not even Islamic banks,” said Faizil Alie president of the board of directors at ISWA. “We want to make this happen within our own community, and Inshallah we will.” parking lot on Saturday, July 12, 2008.

Like every year, the evening dinner not only attracted Muslims from Silver Spring, but from the entire DC Metro region. Among the 200 attendees of the evening dinner and fundraiser, ten said they came from as far as Baltimore and Northern Virginia because they love the community and want to support its expansion project.

The community raised $40,000 in cash and

come up with the rest of the funds in the next three years to complete construction of the new masjid, being built on top and around the existing house which has served as the masjid since the early 1990s.

Already, several community members and area Muslim businesses have committed to give their support in manpower and large monetary donations toward the renovation project. In the next few months, ISWA board members plan to ask for loans from Muslims in the DC Area. They said they want to make

A model of the new masjid which incorporates the existing house on the ISWA property in Silver Spring, MD. The design uses practically the same land area being used by the existing house, but with a much larger capacity for prayers and activities. Photo by Muslim Link Staff. contractual agreements to pay them back in a reasonable period. They said this is their best option instead of taking out loans with interests.

“We don’t want to go to any banks for loans, not even Islamic banks,” said Faizil Alie president of the board of directors at ISWA. “We want to make this happen within our own community, and Inshallah we will.”

The event fundraiser was Khalid Iqbal, formerly of the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and now the Executive Director of the ADAMS center in Herndon, VA. Brother Khalid said he admires ISWA because of its diversity and enjoys the warm welcoming he always receives by its community members.

Al-Maghrib Continues to Attract Students at Sacred Scrolls Seminar

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Contributing Writer This past weekend, July 11-13, Al-Maghrib Institute held a weekend intensive seminar about the 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi called “The Sacred Scrolls”.

This grassroots educational program, which was started locally at Dar-Us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland under the guidance of Muhammad Al-Shareef in 2003, is now an international educational phenomenon.

The seminar attracted around 400 students, some traveling from as far away as Boston, MA for the class.

Not all 40 hadith were covered, but the curriculum was designed to give students a glimpse at the enormous benefits these ahadith contain.

Its seminars are attracting hundreds of participants and it has educational centers in 17 major cities such as New York, Chicago, Detroit, Sacramento, Houston, Seattle, Toronto and as far as London.

Mobeen Vaid, the local Virginia Amir of AlMaghrib Institute stated, “I remember when I first attended an Al-Maghrib seminar. There were about 30 participants. Today we have about 400 attendees at this seminar”. Brother Mobeen attributes the success of Al-Maghrib Institute and its growth to a number of factors.

“I think it is because the speakers connect with the audience, they have the ability to translate Islam to Muslims in this country.

It’s a matter of contextualizing Islam… It is also an effective model. It is easy for someone to commit to one weekend rather than a

long course of study where things come up and they miss classes… We also have good, professional advertising and there is a real concerted effort involved in that”.

Although Al-Maghrib Institute has a reputation for attracting young adults, this is not by design. It is true that most of the participants are between the ages of 18-35, but

>> Seminar Pg 09

ISWA has been working with Montgomery County for a few years to approve zoning licenses and planning permits. The county officials now approved the expansion project.

The construction will begin in Ramadan, according to ISWA officials.

The sixteen-month transition will not stop the activities of the Masjid. ISWA board members said they have already reserved a nearby church for the weekly Jummah prayers.

Currently, they are making arrangements with local Montgomery County schools to hold the Ramadan activities and the weekend

>> ISWA Pg 09

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ADAMS Office of Health: Seed of Nation’s First Muslim Hospital ?

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Contributing Writer ADAMS Center has initiated an Office of Health and has hired Doctor Zubair Saeed as the Director of Health Education & Programs.

Although Dr. Saeed has been with ADAMS for the last year, this is a new position created this last April.

Presently, ADAMS has joined with a variety of free and low cost medical facilities in Fairfax and Loudon Counties to provide medical care to parts of the community that often falls between the cracks; those families and individuals that earn too much to qualify for Medicare yet don’t earn enough to be able to afford medical care.

Presently, ADAMS Center works closely with the Fairfax County Health Department and is better able to disseminate information to community members through the ADAMS Office of Health. But the ADAMS community

continued >> Threat from pg 01 execution of a terrorist attack.” Lieberman said.

has much grander plans in the works.

The ultimate goal is to build the first Muslim hospital in the United States. A grand goal indeed, but according to Zubair Saeed, ADAMS is not the only Muslim organization

this may not seem like much, Dr. Saeed stated, “In order to run a full time clinic, you only need about 30 doctors who are willing to volunteer one or two days a week… The short term goal of ADAMS now is to start a free health clinic that is off site.” For the

The ultimate goal is to build the first Muslim hospital in the United States. A grand goal indeed, but according to Zubair Saeed, ADAMS is not the only Muslim organization to have this goal in mind. And, “the race is on.” to have this goal in mind. And, “the race is on.”

Dr. Saeed is also a member of the Fairfax County Multicultural Healthcare Advisory Council and is anxious to get more medical doctors involved. Presently, ADAMS has approximately 10 local physicians who have signed up to volunteer to donate services.

About half are female physicians. Although Both the committee and the panelists said Islamism was different than the Islamic religion.

Islamist extremists find their motivation from the former, said the panelists. Islamism is a political ideology, not a religion, said Maajid Nawaz, director of the Quilliam Foundation, a “counter extremism think tank” based in Britain.

first time “resources have been committed” to move forward with plans for a free health clinic in Sterling and it seems that this first phase of their plan is ready to move forward.

Dr. Saeed went on to say, “For now, the best thing is for people to contact ADAMS Office of Health to get referral information that is best suited to their needs…”

ADAMS Center offering discounted health insurance premiums to official members.

“ADAMS is also considering providing health insurance policies to its members…

By offering a large number of members you can get discounted premiums from health insurance companies.” stated Dr. Saeed.

Dr. Saeed noted that ADAMS Center has been working hard to develop this Office of Health. It strives to be a forerunner in providing free medical/health seminars to the Muslim community as well as partnering with INOVA blood donor services to help with the blood shortages that exist throughout the United States. ADAMS Center will be listed in the Washington Post for its work with blood drives.

For those wanting to contact ADAMS Office of Health, they should look online at ADAMSCenter.org and look at the right menu item ‘ADAMS Services’. There they will find the link to ‘Health Programs’.

Another idea in the works is the possibility of

“The vast majority of Muslims lead peaceful lives, following the tenets of faith, prayer, fasting, charity and pilgrimage that characterize mainstream Islam,” Sen. Collins said. “…

But there also exists a subset of violent Islamist extremists, who seek to impose their worldview – including the creation of a global totalitarian state – through all means, including violence.”

Nawaz talked about his experience with Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), which he describes as an extremist Islamist group. He was with the group for 13 years, some of which he spent in leadership positions in London. He oversaw the expansion of the group to Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Syria, among other locations.

He began attending Newham College in London so he could recruit more members for HT, he said. There, someone was murdered on campus in an activity related to his group, he said.

“I didn’t realize the problem was not in the associations we made, of people who were naturally inclined to violence,” Nawaz said. “The problem was in the very ideas themselves.”

Nawaz was captured in Egypt in 2002 and put in jail for five years. There, he and his group members were put through torture, he said.

“People were electrocuted before my eyes for being associated with us,” he said.

After his release, he decided to quit HT in May 2007. In September 2007, he appeared on national television to denounce Islamism.

He founded Quilliam earlier this year. This hearing was the first time he traveled to the United States.

And while his experience was solely in the UK, the panel’s main purpose was to explore terrorism in the U.S. Peter Mandaville, Associate Professor of Government and Politics at George Mason

University, said Islamism attracts “easily influenced young people trying to find a way for themselves in the world.”

“While ideas are undoubtedly important,” Mandaville said. “…They will only drive certain individuals to action if articulated in terms that resonate with, and seem to provide solutions that seem to address life’s circumstances in need.”

Fathali Moghaddam, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Georgetown University, Zeyno Baran, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, and Michael E. Leiter, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, also spoke to the Senate committee.

Baran had pointed remarks directed towards the Islamic Society of North America, the Muslim Students Association and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. She said CAIR’s political focus, and ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, discredits their claims of being a mainstream Islamic group.

“There are other ways to reach the Muslim community, just not through CAIR,” she said.

Mandaville and Moghaddam chose not to comment on the specifics of CAIR, but they said that the organization cannot be completely discounted as a religious outlet to Islam.

While the panelists and the committee mentioned multiple times that the hearing was not meant to target Muslims, the regular use of the term “Islamism” caused The American Civil Liberties Union to publish a press release on July 10 detailing their skepticism toward the event. The ACLU still saw the program as a form of alienating the U.S. Islamic community.

“Making certain people, simply because of their religious beliefs and backgrounds, terror suspects is a grave national security mistake,” Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU’s Washington Legislative Office said in the press release.”

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

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Rep Ellison To MPAC Youth Delegates: You’re the Best That We’ve Got

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Contributing Writer Representative Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to serve in Congress, was the keynote speaker at a banquet sponsored by the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) at the Hyatt Regency on July 10, 2008.

Also in attendance was Dan Sutherland, the Officer of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at the Department of Homeland Security. Dan Sutherland was the recipient, that evening, of the Freedom and Security Award.

This annual Delegates Banquet was the closing ceremony for the 2008 Youth Leaders Summit. The 25 delegates selected from throughout the nation are some of the brightest future Muslim leaders. Each summer MPAC selects the most promising candidates to spend three days on Capital Hill. These delegates have the opportunity to meet with congressman, senators, and a variety of prestigious organizations. MPAC has devoted about $30,000 dollars to this endeavor.

Representative Ellison made an inspirational

“… Presently, there are 2800 foreclosures a day. The housing market has taken a trillion dollar fall… I believe that our system of Sharia financing can help the United States out of the housing crisis.” speech to these young future leaders and stated, “There is a great need for Muslims to participate in government... the United States does not need another ethnic group closing itself off in a small community. It is not enough to just show up, take pictures and leave. Muslims need to advocate and know they are wanted in government... Throughout the nation Muslims are winning elections large and small...” Representative Ellison went on to say that we need Muslims to partake in issues that affect the Muslim community.

“Who protects what is labeled halal? You better believe that if something is labeled kosher, it better be kosher...” Representative Ellison also stated that Muslims have much

to offer to the United States in general. One example is Sharia financing. “… Presently, there are 2800 foreclosures a day. The housing market has taken a trillion dollar fall… I believe that our system of Sharia financing can help the United States out of the housing crisis.” Representative Ellison stated, about the MPAC ‘delegates’, “You may have doubts about yourself ...but you’re the best that we’ve got.”

Dan Sutherland gave a heartwarming speech regarding how much he has learned from the patience and friendship of people like Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC Executive Director, and Faisal Gill, who ran for Republican Delegate

last year. Mr. Sutherland described himself as not having experience with much diversity as he was growing up. He referred to himself as “white bread” and discussed how daunting his position seemed when he first began. Mr. Sutherland stated, “I come from Maine…

I am sure there are Muslims in Maine, but when I was growing up Maine was full of trees and potatoes…” In his position at the Department of Homeland Security, he has learned to greatly value the diversity of people he has met and with which he has worked. Mr. Sutherland expressed gratitude and genuine appreciation for the honor he received that evening.

Part of the evening’s agenda also included brief speeches by two of the ‘delegates’, Tatiana Oueini from Porter Ranch, California and Shabbir Chaudhury from Jamaica Estates, New York. Both attested to the enormous impression the last three days had on them and how humbled and appreciative they were for the opportunity they had been given by MPAC. In the audience were some

>> Delegates Pg 10

Summertime Alive At Masjid Al-Islam

By Muhaafiz Khan Muslim Link Contributing Writer On Saturdays throughout the summer, the sights and smells of summertime will not be missed at Masjid Al-Islam.

Every weekend (insha’Allah), the charming smell of an irresistible barbecue will be spreading in every direction from the front of the masjid, which is located on Benning

the attention of other passersby. In the front of one table, piled high with donated clothing items, was a big sign which read “Everything $1”; a deal that could not be passed up. Other merchandise being sold by participants in the community’s flea market included beauty products, soap, perfumes, oils, T-shirts, hijabs, and books, all at affordable prices.

Due to the major successes of a yard sale and fundraising cookout held on separate

Sauda Mawaasi, a vendor of bath and beauty products, was touched by a comment made by one of her customers, a local resident. “She told me, ‘I’m so glad y’all are out here because it makes the neighborhood feel alive.’”

Road, one of the main thoroughfares in Southeast DC. Such was the case on Saturday, July 12th.

Drawing neighborhood residents like a magnet, the cookout satiated hungers with a plate which included a nice, thick hamburger or two scrumptious hot dogs (100% zabiha halal), a side of baked beans or potato chips, and a cold drink, all for $5.

Tables filled with attractive merchandise drew

weekends during the month of June, the community at Masjid Al-Islam decided to make them a weekly item on Saturdays throughout the summer, and open up the opportunity for others to vend. The previous activities had been successful not only from the point of view of fundraising, but also da’wah. A lot of neighborhood residents had come by and mingled; some asked about Islam and made requests for literature.

Sauda Mawaasi, a vendor of bath and

Vendors take a break at Masjid Al-Islam’s weekly flea market, which is open to non-Muslim vendors from the neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Masjid Al-Islam volunteers.

beauty products, was touched by a comment made by one of her customers, a local resident. “She told me, ‘I’m so glad y’all are out here because it makes the neighborhood feel alive.’”

Over the years, there have been da’wah programs, classes, seminars, and a medical screening that were open to the masjid’s

>> Alive Pg 011

8 continued >> Procedure from pg 01 The legal story of this case actually begins in 1980, when Irfan and Farhah Aleem were married in Pakistan according to Islamic law, which is applied by Pakistani courts.

Based upon Islamic tradition, the marriage of the couple was, in essence, an agreement between Irfan, supported by his family, with Farah and her family. Under the agreement, Irfan, who at the time was a 29-year old student headed to graduate school, promised to give, as his mahar (dower), 51,000 rupees5 to his intended bride, who at the time was an 18-year old high school graduate. Farah on her own will signed the agreement.

Shortly after their marriage, Irfan moved to England to complete his studies at Oxford, and was later joined by his wife. After four years, in 1985, the couple moved to United States and began to reside in Maryland while Irfan worked at the World Bank. The couple had two children and they resided together in Maryland for 20 years until 2003 when Farah sought a divorce from her husband.

Rather than following the guidelines of Shariah seeking a khul’ (Islamic divorce initiated by the wife), Farah petitioned the Montgomery County Circuit Court for a divorce.

The couple’s marital property, valued at $2 million, consisted mostly of assets acquired

by Irfan Aleem, such as his pension from World Bank valued at approximately one million dollars.

Aleem answered his wife’s divorce petition and filed a counterclaim, therefore granting the Maryland courts with “jurisdiction” (undisputed authority to hear and decide the complaint).

This is where Anu Kemet, a Muslim attorney specializing in family law, believes that Irfan Aleem began to err. By answering the divorce complaint in the first place, Aleem gave Maryland courts the power to hear the case, which could have been disputed contends Kemet. According to Kemet, a partner with the College Park, MD firm of Kemet & Hunt, since the Aleems were both Pakistani citizens who were married in Pakistan under Pakistani codification of Islamic Law, an argument could have been made that Maryland courts had no authority to hear his wife’s petition for divorce at all.

The fact that throughout the Aleems’ residency in Maryland, Irfan Aleem was employed with the World Bank, is another important factor.

“World Bank employees are considered to have diplomat-like status” contends Kemet.

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concluding that Pakistan lacked jurisdiction to dissolve the parties’ marriage because the parties resided in Maryland on diplomatic visas.

property, confers insufficient due process to his wife. Accordingly, for this additional reason the courts of Maryland shall not recognize the talaq divorce performed here.”

Both questions were answered by the court in the negative.

The reaction to the Maryland Appeals Court ruling was mixed.

By answering the divorce complaint in the first place, Aleem gave Maryland courts the power to hear the case, which could have been disputed contends Kemet.

“I don’t even know how to express how happy I am. I am ecstatic, relieved,” Farah Aleem, age 46, said in a Washington Post article.

“All I ever wanted was my fair share, not a penny more,” added Aleem according to the Post article.

However, Kemet notes, by filing an answer to the petition, Irfan Aleem submitted himself to the laws of the State of Maryland.

Irfan Aleem took another step, considered pivotal by the Maryland Appeals Court, he went to the Embassy of Pakistan, based

in the District of Columbia, and executed a document to effectuate a talaaq (divorce initiated by the husband) in accordance with Pakistani court’s interpretation of Islamic Law. In the document, Irfan Aleem, declared to his wife, Farah, before an official with the Pakistani embassy, “I divorce thee . . .” three times. While Farah Aleem was not present,

The Court held: “The talaq divorce of countries applying Islamic law, unless substantially modified, is contrary to the public policy of this state and we decline to give talaq, as it is presented in this case, any comity. The Pakistani statutes providing that property owned by the parties to a marriage, follows

Irfan Aleem, who now lives in retirement in Pakistan, pointed out several flaws of the Court ruling including “[T]he Pakistani marriage contract under which my wife and I were married explicitly set forth the division of property in the event of divorce, much as a prenuptial agreement does in the United States.” this procedure was sufficient to provide Irfan Aleem with an absolute divorce pursuant to a Pakistani court decision issued before the Maryland Appellate decision.

The Maryland Appellate Court decision was largely a criticism for this procedure.

Legally, only two issues were considered by the Court. The first issue centered on whether the lower court disregarded well-

title upon the dissolution of the marriage unless there are agreements otherwise, conflicts with the laws of this State where, in the absence of valid agreements otherwise or in the absence of waiver, marital property is subject to fair and equitable division. Thus the Pakistani statutes are wholly in conflict with the public policy of this State as expressed in our statutes and we shall afford no comity to those Pakistani statutes.”

In response to the Maryland high court decision and the resulting Washington Post article, Irfan Aleem, wrote a letter to the Washington Post, criticizing its coverage as containing “several misconceptions that I feel compelled to correct, not only because of my own case but, more important, because they cast aspersions on Islamic marriages and Pakistani law.”

Irfan Aleem, who now lives in retirement in Pakistan, pointed out several flaws of the Court ruling including “[T]he Pakistani marriage contract under which my wife and I were married explicitly set forth the division of property in the event of divorce, much as a prenuptial agreement does in the United States.”

Attorney Kemet agrees. “Prenuptial agreements in the United States are commonly recognized. By definition and application, an Islamic marriage contract is a prenuptial agreement. Yet it’s better because under U.S. law, prenuptial agreements only provide the woman rights in case of divorce. However under Islamic law, the prenuptial Islamic marriage agreement gives the woman rights both during the marriage and after the marriage” notes Kemet.

In Kemet’s opinion, he does not believe that the recent Maryland Court of Appeals ruling means that Maryland Courts won’t ever recognize Islamic Law governing divorce.

Under Islamic law, the prenuptial Islamic marriage agreement gives the woman rights both during the marriage and after the marriage notes Kemet.

“The issue of divorce is one thing and the issue of property [division] is another matter. If you don’t want to be subject of the law of this land, you need to be advised about the law of the land before you enter into a marriage contract.

This means you need a lawyer, just like if you were drawing up a will,” advises Kemet.

accepted principles of international comity (obligating one country to recognize and enforce agreements and court rulings of another country) in refusing to recognize a Pakistani divorce because Pakistan and Maryland employ different rules for the division of property between spouses.

Given the Maryland high court decision in Aleem v. Aleem, Kemet’s suggestion may very well amount to million dollar advice for both Muslim men and women in and around Maryland.

The second issue raised by Irfan Aleem was whether the lower court committed an error by

In addition, the Court stated: “A procedure that permits a man (and him only unless he agrees otherwise) to evade a divorce action begun in this State by rushing to the embassy of a country recognizing talaq and, without prior notice to the wife, perform “I divorce thee . . .” three times and thus summarily terminate the marriage and deprive his wife of marital

To view the Maryland court decision in its entirety, visit www.courts.state.md.us/ opinions/coa/2008/108a07.pdf.

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

COMMUNITY NEWS

continued >> ISWA from pg 05

media center, separate prayer areas and bathrooms for men and women, and a playground. The renovated building will have three stories including basement, ground level, and an upper level.

programs.

“I am supportive of this community because they are always in the forefront of addressing the social needs of the Muslim community and doing great interfaith outreach work,” said Asma Hanif, chair-person of the Coordinating Council for Muslim Organizations (CCMO).

ISWA wants to properly utilize the entire 5.3 acre of land that is available to them.

Although they own the entire five acres, the county has given permission to expand the Masjid on only ten percent of the land.

ISWA will utilize this opportunity to the best of their ability. The president of ISWA said they have a detailed plan to use half acre of the land and turn it into a multi-purpose facility.

Community members have been collaborating with architects and engineers to come up with an extensive design of an edifice, which will accommodate various aspects of the community’s needs.

ISWA is only capable of accommodating 200 people at one time for congregational prayers. The new building will allow the center to allow approximately 800 at one time for Jummah prayers and other community functions.

The multi-faceted center will have a kitchen, gymnasium, classrooms, book store, library,

continued >> Research from pg 04

to participate. Anyone who has seen the program is asked to participate in a short online survey, which can be accessed by going to http://www.hostedsurvey.com/ takesurvey.asp?c=Maryland92852 . Surveys are mostly multiple choice and include only about 20 questions.

Additionally, focus groups are needed for a more in-depth look at opinions and perspectives. Focus group participants will first be shown a clip from the show,

The event included a silent auction where community members donated items to be sold to the highest bidder. To name a few, some of the auction items included Islamic pictures, oriental and Persian rugs, gourmet food baskets, hand crafted jewelry, prayer mats, and collection of Islamic books.

Imam Faizul Khan said the auction makes the donations worthwhile for some people.

“People give easily when they are getting something in return for it. We sold ninety percent of the donated items during the silent auction,” said Imam Faizul.

The food was donated by a Muslim owned business in the area.

To learn more or donate, visit ISWA on the web at www.iswamd.org. and discussion will follow, so this form of research can include both those who have previously seen the program, and those who have not. If you are in the Silver Spring area and would like to participate in a focus group, you are invited to contact Karen at: suvankham@gmail.com . Focus groups may be scheduled near the end of July or in early August, at a time to be determined.

Your perspectives are valuable and your participation is needed! Remember, even if you have not seen the show, you may still be able to participate in a focus group. Share your thoughts around this interesting topic.

Take this opportunity to let your voice be heard.

continued >> Seminar from pg 05

residents familiar with the area, which helps to contribute to the smooth organization of these events.

Al-Maghrib Institute is making a concerted effort to broaden their audience. “We have plans to develop our advertising to attract more of our community members.” stated Brother Mobeen.

When asked about the ideology of AlMaghrib Institute, Brother Mobeen stated, “Al-Maghrib Institute is trying to spread the knowledge of Islam, according to the Quran and Sunnah. Al-Maghrib Institute goes out of its way to stay away from labels or labeling others”. The Institute helps to maintain its broad appeal by engaging speakers who are able to connect with their audience and engage them. Additionally, these speakers possess a broad spectrum of positions on religious issues and do not ascribe to one specific religious view. This past weekend, Yasir Qadhi and Suhaib Webb were the speakers. Both are passionate, dynamic and engaging yet each one is distinctive in his teaching style, opinions and perspectives.

This is an important factor in maintaining AlMaghrib Institute as an organization that is all inclusive. Even with the sea of many sisters who wore niqab, one sister, who did not wear a hijab, attended the seminar.

Nonetheless, Al-Maghrib Institute seems to be filling a void in the modern day Muslim community. Its seminars are attracting hundreds of participants and it has educational centers in 17 major cities such as New York, Chicago, Detroit, Sacramento, Houston, Seattle, Toronto and as far as London.

These centers are chosen based on the large Muslim communities in the area and each education center is comprised of an organizing committee. “Each location where classes are offered functions as a qabeelah and has its own local organization. Each qabeelah has an Amir and Amira and a group of volunteers that help it to function locally.” stated Brother Mobeen. It is this fact, that organizers are local

9

COMMUNITY NEWS

10 continued >> Debate from pg 04

amongst the team members and within their own speech, were introduced to the science of refutation, how to dismiss an argument as irrelevant or insignificant, and how to turn an argument around and make it prove your side or how to meet an argument head on through a complete logical rebuttal. They were also taught how to avoid and pick up logical fallacies that without a trained ear would go unnoticed or worse serve to advance an argument. All of these skills were in addition to the confidence acquired through speaking publicly with conviction and style.

Interestingly, the debaters were not the only ones getting training.

Sessions were held for coaches and judges as well. These sessions included a sample debate to give a real life example of what a coach should concentrate on and what a judge

continued >> Delegates from pg 07

of last year’s ‘delegates’ as well as many impressive young Muslims interning in the DC area. Sitting at the table with me was a young Muslim woman who now works for

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

should look for. It was in fact a struggle to get volunteer judges who were willing to get trained or read up on the material sent. Of the 25 judges that were willing to judge, only a few met the strict criteria set by organizers.

The organizers felt that it would not have been fair on the debaters if certain skills or format was emphasized and the judge would not know what to look for, or incorrectly weighed certain skills or aspects of format pre-defined by established guidelines, or worse simply get taken by an impressive speech. After the debate, judges unanimously agreed that all the training was needed and that they would not have been qualified to judge without it.

to see more participation from other Masajid and schools in and around this area. One key feature that was learned in keeping the team intact is to have a committed coach in stimulating youths’ mind and engaging them in critical thinking. Coaches are essential in keeping the team engaged and the impact of coaches’ efforts is clearly demonstrated in this year’s tournament. The debaters are already asking the coaches when the next training sessions will start. We are hoping to have year round debate clubs so that this becomes a constant exercise for the minds of the debaters and not only in the last few months before the tournament.

The June 22 debate tournament was conducted at a higher standard than previous tournaments.

Of course there is more to learn and the organizers are thinking of having more than one preliminary round a kind of league based competition instead of knock-out round as in this year’s tournament, and skipping the semi finals so as to give all debaters more chance of debating. To raise the bar further, they are thinking of having an impromptu topic for at least one of the rounds. They are also hoping

The Muslim Youth Debate Tournament is organized by MAFIQ Foundation and is a result of the hard work of a few committed and dedicated brothers and sisters. The organizer intends to develop a rewarding and challenging educational platform for our youth to promote capacity building and lateral thinking. Particularly the core issue of dealing with multiple viewpoints and encourage Muslim Youths to think critically

World Bank where she investigates in-house corruption. Another young Muslim Woman at the table interns with ISNA in the interfaith program, and a third interns with Unity Productions Foundation, the film production company the produced “Mohammad, Legacy of a Prophet”. The majority of the attendees were made up of ambitious, hard-working and highly achieving young Muslim adults ready to take on what the world has to bring.

about their worlds and to gain confidence in using them in the society at large is the focus of this effort. The organizers worked hard to make it a worthy platform for the debaters and stakeholders. Generous contributions and continued supports of the sponsors of the event and the dedication and unwavering commitment of our judges, and volunteers are greatly appreciated. This year’s sponsors included: ADAMS center, Amana Publications, Dar Al Taqwa, The Fairfax Institute, IslamicBookstore.com, PGMA, Simply Halal and SearchIslam.org.

For information on the future debate event, or any comments or questions on the 3rd Muslim Youth Debate Tournament, please contact the author or write an email to Debate@Mafiq. org.

(Brothers Mostafiz Choudhury and Zafer Manejwala and Sister Faiza Alvi prepared this report. All of them were involved in running the debate tournament.)

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The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

In Touch with the ‘Worst of the Worst” Guantanamo translator talks about her book in DC

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Contributing Writer Mahvish Rukhsana Khan is the author of “My Guantanamo Diary”. On July 15, 2008, she attended a reading and book signing at Busboys and Poets, a DC non-profit bookstore whose proceeds go to a program called “Teaching for Change” which is a program that helps to build social justice starting in

people I would meet… I wore a shawl that had Peshawar embroidery. I found Dr. Ali Khan to be as nervous as I was… When he noticed my shawl he smiled at me. I said our traditional greeting which means ‘peace be with you’ and we shook hands”. Dr. Ali Khan is a pediatrician and his wife is an economist.

According to Ms. Khan’s portrayal “He was a man who maintained his grace and dignity in small ways, in spite of the injustice, indignity and torture he experienced… He would stand

those being detained at Guantanamo Bay were not necessarily the “worst of the worst,” or the meaningless numbers that they are referred to at Guantanamo, but they are pediatricians, teachers, goat herders and elderly paraplegics. They could be your grandfather, your brother, your uncle. the classroom. Ms. Khan’s book is a series of portraits of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, for whom she served as a Pashtu interpreter.

As a law student at the University of Miami, Ms. Khan became concerned with what was going on. “I was amazed that these medieval torture practices were being debated in our country and that a lawless state was being established in Guantanamo.” Ms. Khan said she was greatly perplexed by the fact that these detainees were not given the right of habeas corpus, a right that even a murderer in our society does not have taken away. When she was considering her course, her mother, an Afghan immigrant, told her, “This is not the time to be complacent.” So, following an extensive background search by the FBI, she became the first Pashto interpreter for the attorneys representing clients at Guantanamo Bay. Ms. Khan, in a sober, level voice, conveyed her powerful story, “At my first interview I wore a cover because I was not sure about the

continued >> Alive I from pg 07

non-Muslim neighbors, but the familiar and comfortable atmosphere of a cookout and flea market was much more inviting and offered a better chance for interaction.

“A cookout is universal,” explained Salahudeen Mawaasi, the chief grill captain at Saturday’s cookout. “We don’t want a separatist attitude.

We want people to get to know us, and see us working together and developing institutions in the community.”

when we entered the room and would insist on sharing the food that we brought for him”.

11

Revived MYNA Draws Area Youth

By Ishrath Farzana Muslim Link Contributing Writer “We are the youth, okay! M-Y-N-A!” --Sound familiar? Well, for many of us in the Maryland, D.C., and Virginia area, this little chant was just one of many things to be discovered this summer.

Founded decades ago, MYNA (Muslim Youth of North America) is an organization created for the youth, by the youth as a place for children and teens ages 12 to 18 to be involved and actively participate in Islamic events nationwide. Many people in our region may recognize this organization through the sessions they hold at ISNA (Islamic Society of North America), but it does much more than just this. It has been through a revival in recent years and is now stronger and better than ever.

In fact, MYNA has been hosting several camps since the revival every year all across the country, organized by the youth with the help of adult advisors. This summer, this

national youth group hosted a leadership retreat in Carsonville, Michigan from June 22nd to the 29th titled, “Hira, A Revival of Youth”. The camp, set by the crystal clear waters of beautiful Lake Huron, offered most of us an opportunity to not only meet other youth with similar interests, but to develop our leadership skills as well. From Imam Siraj Wahaj’s animated lectures to the youth’s very own entertaining skits, the leadership retreat was a week of intense training full of fun and gorgeous views.

But again, MYNA is more than just ISNA sessions and week-long camps. Although this year’s leadership retreat in Michigan was the first real MYNA experience for many of us in the Maryland, D.C, and Virginia area, we quickly found that it is open to our ideas and is truly a place for us to be a part of something big. “[MYNA] is a movement where Muslim youth can just be themselves and organize

>> Youth Pg 14

After the first interview at Guantanamo Bay, Ms. Khan walked away, “Feeling cheated and lied to. Were these people really ‘the worst of the worst’” as we had all been told by our government? It was these experiences that led Ms. Khan to writing this book, a book of testimony. The book tells the stories of these men and is a testament to what will surely become an infamous period in our history.

Ms. Khan also spoke of Hajji Nasrat who was an 80 year old paraplegic. Hajji Nasrat was actually brought to Guantanamo on a stretcher. In spite of his disability and age, he was shackled to the floors by his feet during their meetings. His physical pain was often evident and his feet would swell in those shackles.

>> Worst Pg 16

“It offers the neighborhood a glimpse into the warm relations and positive values that emanate from Islam. This way of life is an alternative that’s really needed here in the inner-city,” observed one participant.

Funds from the cookout will be going toward the Backyard Beautification Project, an effort initiated by the staff of the masjid’s full time Islamic school. The goal is to raise $5,000 to make improvements to a large open space behind the masjid: leveling the ground, planting new grass, and blocking off the parking area from a playing area for children with cement posts; as well as purchasing a new playground set, recycled rubber turf, and picnic tables and benches if a sufficient amount is raised. So far, close to $2,000

Imam Siraj Wahaj speaks to MYNA retreat attendees in a calm, natural environment at Michigan’s Lake Huron. Photo courtesy of MYNA representatives. has been raised, including about $400 from cookouts.

“It was alhamdulillah,” said Sarah NurulHaqq, owner of the up-and-coming Scents

By Sarah enterprise, which sells beauty products, hijabs, Islamically-appropriate clothing, Islamically-themed T-shirts, and other items oriented toward women in general and Muslim women in particular.

“I think the flea markets at Masjid Al-Islam will really help awaken the spirit of the community,” remarked Khalida Ismael, a vendor of iced tea and lemonade which became famous along Benning Road within hours.

“This is an open invitation for Muslims in other communities to come take part and join us over the summer, and vend anything that they like, as long as it’s not haram,” said Bahiyah Ali, one of the flea market’s main organizers.

-------Flea markets are being held weekly in front of Masjid Al-Islam, from 12 pm to Maghrib, on Saturdays throughout the summer. Vending space is available but you must bring your own tables. Call sis.

Bahiyah (202.903.8977) or Br. Muhaafiz Khan (202.581.1591) for more information, or e-mail sisterbahiyah@hotmail.com.

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The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

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14

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

IBN TV – The Best Kept Secret in America

By Muslim Link Staff Mamdouh Rezeika believes in dawa – spreading the message of Islam to everyone around him.

That’s why he’s spent the last few decades working hard to build Muslim media. With a bachelors and a masters degree in Radio, Television, and Film, the former media and conventions director for the Islamic Society of North America is more than well equipped to do it.

He founded the non-profit Islamic Media Foundation (IMF) in 1998. The first project of IMF was the Islamic Broadcasting Network Radio, which launched in January of 2001 in the DC area. The daily radio broadcast featured news, Islamic lectures, Qur’an recitation, nasheeds, youth views, and talk shows focused on current events. However, after pressure from Islamophobic groups, the owner of the radio frequency broke their contract with IBN in 2003 and IBN was forced to switch to broadcasting over the Internet.

But this setback did not stop Brother Mamdouh.

Tucked away in an unassuming professional area of Sterling , Virginia is what Brother Mamdouh calls the “best kept secret in America” for the Muslim community.

After about 2 years of research and fundraising, IMF launched its newest project, the Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN), complete with a dazzling $2 million dollar studio setup with everything needed to produce cutting edge, live TV and radio broadcasts.

There are editing rooms, make-up rooms, control rooms, and a large studio with computer controlled lighting, cameras,

continued >> Myth from pg 11 events in order to see changes that they want to see in America,” said one 15-year old Muslimah from Baltimore who attended the Michigan retreat. Using the knowledge, resources, contacts, and inspiration she gained from the retreat, East Zone regional representatives – including members from the Baltimore area -- hope to plan several events in the near future in order to get other youth involved locally.

Even those who are no longer within MYNA’s age range can still be involved. Ilana Alezzah, a 19 year old student from Woodbridge, Virginia was once a regional representative for her area. Now, she is a member of the Executive Committee and looking back she says, “MYNA has taught me the potential of myself and of others. The world would be completely and utterly changed if every youth

and a full range of visualization and audio equipment.

Currently the brand new studio is producing radio programs for IBN Radio -- their internet radio website – but the TV production facilities have not been used. IBN had to make painful staff cuts last year, and is now seeking support to get the sound, lighting, and editing professionals on board.

On Saturday, July 12, IBN invited select community members to an open-house at its Sterling studio. The roughly two dozen invitees were amazed at what IBN has setup.

“Here we are in America and everything is available to us. But we have never really addressed the public on a daily basis ... and we have to fulfill that. Dawa is not a choice,” said Brother Mamdouh, explaining the mission of IBN.

IBN has assembled a television and radio studio that far out rivals anything the American Muslim community has. Photos courtesy of IBN staff.

Because TV and radio frequencies are all taken by the big media corporations in America, smaller independent media like IBN need to rely on Internet, Satellite, and Cable to get programs out into the public.

Again, funding is a major challenge. Leasing a channel on Dish Network costs about $90,000 per month.

Now, the best kept secret is out. But Brother Mamdouh and his dedicated volunteer staff want to spread it far and wide.

“I need younger people to take charge,” he said. “We need a lot of dua.”

To learn more about IBN and about how you can get involved, visit ibn.net.

IBN Executive Director Mamdouh Rezeika talks to guests at an open house about what is needed to get IBN into production.

realized the time is now, because later in life they may be busy with jobs, babies, etc.”

Ilana’s testimonial is very similar to the testimonials that most, if not all MYNA attendees provide. So, after reflecting on our MYNA experiences, we all agreed that we need to raise awareness of this tremendous organization in our region. The bright, responsible, friendly youth, along with the Islamic, educational and entertaining environment allows it to be as successful as it is. But those who have yet to attend one of its events are really missing out. So, to find out how to be involved or to simply see for yourself what this hype is about, contact your regional representative at md@myna. org, va1@myna.org, or va2@myna.org.

Remember, MYNA is here to serve as a platform for which youth can express their concerns and not only present solutions to these concerns, but carry them out as well.

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The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008 continued >> Interview from pg 1

deployment. Can you say anything to rest the fears of the Pakistani Americans?

SENATOR: I think that the United States recognizes the sovereignty of Pakistan and works very closely [with them on the] security issue on the Afghan boarder. There is also a recognition by the Pakistani government that there is a security issue within the tribal areas and historically has been difficult for the national government to police. The growing amount of extreme activities in Pakistan is a major concern for the government of Pakistan.

It is certainly my expectation that the US will work in cooperation with the Pakistani government and all of our military operation within the country of Pakistan will be in conjunction with the Pakistani government.

TML: You were in Pakistan for a day?

SENATOR: No, it was about 8-9 hours.

TML: So you weren’t able to interact with society?

SENATOR: It’s not easy to do that for an American in Pakistan today…in Islamabad TML: Given the relationship between Pakistan and America is very important, and relations between the US and a lot of other Islamic nations [are also very important], do you see a role for American Muslims in fostering better relationships?

SENATOR: Good question. US is a country that prides itself with diversity. We believe that diversity is our strength. On of the strong points of having a diversified/ ethnic population, it give us the ability to develop ties to other nations. So Pakistani Americas who have added so much to this country can also help us in developing closer economic and political ties with Pakistan. So yes I do think we look at the ethnic community as it helps directly with United States but bilaterally with Pakistan .

TML: Practically what would that mean?

SENATOR: Well its economic ties. There are opportunities to improve the economic relations in both countries United States and Pakistan. Pakistan is a significant economic country. It is a country that has developed a nuclear capacity. Its very improved to keep a close tie on that so the relationship is very good in that regard. It’s a country that is strategic to America’s interest. I think the more relationships we have the better it is for both countries.

TML: Would you consider forming some committee or commissions, or some envoy from the Muslim Americans to send as pseudo-ambassadors on certain issues?

SENATOR: Well I think that’s a great suggestion [but] that’s an executive decision not a legislative decision. So I would certainly recommend that to the Administration for the good will for the United States who have ties to other countries. Pakistani Americans who

COMMUNITY NEWS have close ties can me extremely helpful.

TML: Also you supported the development for a PG County [group] that opened up trade with Africa ...

of those witnesses. This make [the Muslim community] feel that they’re in a real difficult position ... like they’re under pressure. Do you have any advice to the community or to the American Public?

SENATOR: Yes, I helped Prince George’s County to establish a trade office that will help small/minority businesses to establish diverse contact with companies in Africa ... so that there are tremendous needs of service in Africa. If you’re a small business person, its daunting to figure out how you get through the international bureaucracy to establish

SENATOR: First let me clarify ... I’ve been on the international scene as one of the leaders of the United States initiated action plans [involving] all of the countries of the OSCE countries, Europe, Central Asia, North America to develop action plans to [fight] all forms of discrimination, to develop strategies to identify anti-Semitism, and also racism and

In the United States with the problem with anti-Semitism, problems with racism, problems with Muslim population you need to deal with it. It starts at the local level. contractual relationship in a county, many of the Countries in Africa. Trade office access that bridge so you do the business and you get the work in Africa. Its mutually helps Africa and it helps the United States.

TML: Would you support something like that for the Islamic countries?

SENATOR: Absolutely, I think it opens doors. We think that having closer economic

xenophobia. We’ve added a third area for antiIslam/Muslim activities. All areas are related and have similar structures within the OSCE. All get a specific responsibility that shares an office that deals with these issues and this is all initiatives that were started by the U.S delegation. We take great pride in fighting all forms of discrimination and identifying specific problems with people and Muslims.

We feel that is an important priority. In the United States with the problem with anti-

If these are government officials coming in this is unacceptable. It’s a violation of basic privacy. Absent of information that there is credible belief there is a specific problem within their mosque and that is what I view as unAmerican, and if its not illegal, we should make it illegal. ties with other countries is a good way to promote strong relations between two countries, as well as process opportunities that [helps] the development of modern states which is in one of our interests.

TML: You’ve been doing some work to help bolster the efforts to combat anti-Semitism and I believe you’ve been in Europe recently with some gathering. A lot of Muslim Americans feel there is an anti-Islamic sentiment [in

Semitism, problems with racism, problems with Muslim population you need to deal with it. Its starts at the local level. I have been part of a project that have brought communities together. With the Muslim community on several occasions we talked about it, interfaith activities, we have better understanding among the people, which I think is important.

We issued statements after the 9/11 attack this was not an issue. We had to be careful in how we respond against countries with respect to

This is a great country for political involvement. A single person can make a huge difference. There are a lot of ways of getting involved in our system, and I think it is important for the Muslim community to be involved in all aspects .

America]. In fact sent one of our reporters last Thursday I believe to attend a hearing chaired

by Senator Lieberman on “home grown Islamic Extremism” or something like that. In that meeting certain witnesses were brought up [who made comments about] organizations who represent the modern mainstream Muslim America and how they were terrorists or terrorism linked. When Muslim Americans hear these things coming from Senate subcommittee hearings, I know its not coming from the senators, but its coming from some

the Muslim population in the United States.

So there is a role to play locally, there is a role to play in our country and internationally, and it all has to do with a better understanding and to take action against all forms of discrimination ... some of which are subtle, and some of which [we need to have a] zero tolerance on. Racial profiling is one of the programs that is embedded in discrimination.

We need education programs for our schools ..the young are the most impressionable. We can do a good job with preventing the future

15

generations from experiencing the stuff that we’ve experienced in a life time.

TML: I just had a couple of more questions.

In California, a few months ago, the California Muslim community asked the FBI office whether their mosques were being surveyed.

In Maryland, a lot of the Islamic Centers, the leaders are very on edge when new people come into the mosque because they feel that there is a high likelihood that their mosque is being surveyed or the government is putting agents in to provoke people. We have people who just come in to our mosque and no one has ever seen then before. They talk about Kashmir and Chechnya, then they disappear.

Do you have any advice to the Muslim leadership on how to deal with this? The environment is nearly always tense.

SENATOR: If these are government officials coming in this is unacceptable. It’s a violation of basic privacy. Absent of information that there is credible belief there is a specific problem within their mosque and that is what I view as un-American, and if its not illegal, we should make it illegal. That to me is a conduct that should not be allowed to be continued. If this is happening I think we should be talking to the local police, local office officials and we should make sure that it stops.

TML: If a mosque is being surveyed, do you feel that the FBI, without court oversight should answer questions about that from the mosque leadership?

SENATOR: Yes, absent specific information.

If its not illegal it should be made illegal.

TML: The Muslim community as you know is just now getting politically active, although they have been here for a long time. They are citizens of this country. Do you have any advice for the young community that is just getting involved in politics?

SENATOR: This is a great country for political involvement. A single person can make a huge difference. There are a lot of ways of getting involved in our system, and I think it is important for the Muslim community to be involved in all aspects . As far as in school, community activities, just get involved, make it as broad as possible.

Then collectively I think you come on a lot as a group, so there’s nothing wrong with organizing a Muslim political committee that can help with strategy for electing office.

Concentrate on important issues that can help the Muslim community. Also help establish a more effective way of being active in our system legitimately. So I think this is a rich area where our country will be better off with you activeness.

TML: Do you have any particular message that you would like to convey to the Maryland Muslim Community?

SENATOR: The Muslim community is diverse. For those who had the courage to leave their countries to live in the United States, we thank them for helping build a strong country.

TML: Thank you.

16

COMMUNITY NEWS

continued >> Worst from pg 011

When asked how she had handled the intense emotions she must have felt as she heard the stories of torture, humiliation and denial experienced by the detainees, Ms. Khan stated, “The first few times I would burst out into tears. There were times during interviews where I could not translate anymore and would just cry. But then I noticed … this made the detainees hesitant to talk about abuse for fear they would upset me. I realized I was not there for myself, but for them and I had to control my feelings and focus on the purpose and goal for which I had come.”

Ms. Khan also read to the public the suicide note of a detainee named Jummah. Jummah handed a letter to his attorney and had asked to be escorted to the restroom. After some time had passed the attorney had become concerned, and discovered Jummah hanging above a large pool of blood. Jummah was saved. Later his attorney would read his letter consisting of an apology for the suicide, a statement that he had just suffered too much with imprisonment, torture, humiliation and the denial of being with his family. The letter also states that Jummah blamed the world for letting the detainees down and for the world governments who did nothing about it. He asked that his letter be shown to the world, so that the world would know their agony. Ms. Khan stated, “He was tortured horrifically and humiliated with nudity. Now he was finally released and is married. He talks about how his wife tries to make him not look back into the past but to look into the future”.

Ms. Khan describes her book as intimate glimpses of these peoples’ personalities and not accounts focused on torture and gloom.

In spite of its weighty subject, there are moments of humor. Taj Muhammad was a

goat herder in Afghanistan. He was young and often developed crushes on his female interrogators. He was opinionated, sarcastic and somewhat of a misogynistic. “During the four years he was there he taught himself perfect English”. When he had asked his attorney for a Pashtu-English dictionary, the attorney responded that he thought he could not get a book to him. Taj responded, ‘If you can not even bring me a book, how will you to get me out of here? Even the guards are able to give me books’.

With the publication of this book, Ms. Khan has been accused of being disloyal to the United States. Ms. Khan stated, “I feel this is the duty of every American… I do not believe that the U.S. Military has acted with malice. I do believe the U.S. Military wants to protect the United States… It is fear and anger, following the events of 9/11, which led to the development of Guantanamo Bay.” According to Ms. Khan, it is ignorance and a sense of payback that has led to a lot of mistakes. Many Americans don’t even know about the bounty system that led to these arrests. Following the fall of the Taliban, the American military dropped thousands of leaflets that offered up to 25 thousand dollars as reward for turning in members of the Taliban and those that actively supported the Taliban. Keep in mind that the average Afghani earns about $300 a year. The temptation of that much money led to many arbitrary identifications.

Ms. Khan’s purpose in writing this book, which was published with the full knowledge and authorization of the men profiled in the book, was written in hopes of informing the world that those being detained at Guantanamo Bay were not necessarily the “worst of the worst,” or the meaningless numbers that they are referred to at Guantanamo, but they are pediatricians, teachers, goat herders and elderly paraplegics. They could be your grandfather, your brother, your uncle.

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Upcoming Events In Your Area GLOBAL MUSLIM DAY HIKE Saturday, July 19, 2008

Join Muslims from across the nation as we get outdoors and explore the creation of Allah (swt). Participation is Easy 1Grab a friend or form a team 2- Choose a hiking trail 3- Spread the word 4- Hike the trail........Share your experience! ... NOMAD CAMPS 443-458-0921 nomadcamps@gmail.com -------------------------

Islamic Will Seminar Saturday, July 19, 2008

Al-Rahmah School Educational Trust (ASET) is Hosting a seminar titled “Islamic Will Preparation” On July 19th at 10 AM at the Islamic Society of Baltimore 6631 Johnnycake Rd Baltimore 21244. Guest Speaker: Dr. Yaqub Mirza, President & CEO of Sterling Management Group. For more info contact ASET at: board@alrahmahtrust .org or 410.988.4699 www.alrahmahtrust. org ... web: www.alrahmahtrust.org email: board@alrahmahtrust .org or Phone: 410.988.4699 board@alrahmahtrust .org -------------------------

Israeli-Palestinian Confederation Panel Discussion Saturday, July 19, 2008

Panel of experts and scholars on the IsraeliPalestinian Conflict will debate the question of an Israeli Palestinian Confederation helping to solve this conflict. They will debate the feasibility and implementation of a novel proposal to help these long-time adversaries achieve peace. As the panel represents different backgrounds and points of view, the event promises to be lively, engaging, and controversial. At the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street. Washington D.C. ALL ARE ...

CONTACT: Josef Avesar, President, Israeli-Palestinian Confederation. Phone: (818) 783-2934, josefavesar@sbcglobal. net josefavesar@sbcglobal.net -------------------------

This is to acknowlegedge the achievements of our kids at different school levels from HS to PhDs in different disciplines. Let us work together to increase the awareness in our community on achieving the dreams of our kids. Also they will fell more attached to this commuinty. ... Alameddine Kaddoura info@muslimeducationfoundation.org -------------------------

ISB Summer Festival Saturday, July 26, 2008 Masjid AL-Rahmah is holding its Annual SummerFest! Dont miss this oppurtunity to have a fun filled day of activities, rides, entertainment, and the Ultimate BBQ. Vendor and Sponsor information please contact events@isb.org. For more information visit www.isb.org ...

ISB YOUTH GROUP youth@isb.org events@isb.org -------------------------

Adventure Connection Day Camp (SISTERS ONLY) Sunday, July 27, 2008 Join Muslim sisters from around the region for a day of teambuilding, skill development, and most importantly FUN as they navigate their way through three exciting activities: Archery Canoeing Low Ropes Course This is a summer SISTERS ONLY event you don’t want to miss! ... NOMAD CAMPS 443-458-0921 nomadcamps@gmail.com -------------------------

First Annual Muslim Women Appreciation Dinner Sunday, July 27, 2008 This is an event given for Muslim sisters to show how they are loved, respected and appreciated by their Muslim brothers.

The event is only $7.50 for women and $15.00 for men. We want to give gifts to each woman who attends so donations are welcomed and encouraged. ... Imam Hassan A. Amin or Sister Zakia Amin @ (410) 4483371 imamhassanamin@verizon.net -------------------------

Muslim Link Unbound - Virginia Saturday, July 19, 2008 Islamic Poetry Competition The Muslim Link’s “Unbound” fundraising event comes to Virginia with guests Al- Thursday, July 31, 2008 Jazeera journalist Sami Al-Hajj recently released from 6 years of unjust detention in Guantanamo, and award winning Iraq war reporter Dahr Jamail. Help us unbind your media! ... For more info, contact the Muslim Link at 301-982-1020 or email office@muslimlinkpaper.com. office@muslimlinkpaper.com -------------------------

Graduation Ceremony for HS,colleges and Universities in Metro Washington Saturday, July 19, 2008

This is the deadline for submissions. ...

703-856 7005 islamic_poetry@creativean dcoolcompetitions.net -------------------------

Shelter Our Sisters Saturday, August 2, 2008

Muslimat Al-Nisaa Conference and Fund Raising Banquet ... Asma Hanif, Director Muslimat Al-Nisaa (410) 466-8686 Imam Faizul Khan, Islamic Social Services Director (301) 879-0930 info@mnisaa.org -------------------------

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008 continued >> Healing from pg 21

will reward him for his taqwa as occurs in the hadeeth: That the one who passionately loves someone yet holds back, conceals this and is patient, then dies upon this, will be a martyr.

(A da’eef hadeeth . refer to the discussion concerning its authenticity in al-Jawaab alKaafee and Rawdha al-Muhibbeen of Ibn al Qayyim and Silsilah ad-Da’eefah of alAlbaanee.)

This hadeeth is known to be the report of Yahya al-Qataat from Mujaahid from Ibn Abbas from the Prophet (saaw) but it is problematic and such a hadeeth is not to be depended upon.

But it is known from the evidences of the Shareeah that if one were to hold back from performing that which is unlawful, be it looking, speaking or acting, and he conceals this and does not articulate it so as not to fall into that which is prohibited and he is patient in his obedience to Allah and keeps away from disobedience to Allah, despite the pain that his heart feels due to this passionate love (similar to the case of the one who is patient through a calamity), then indeed this person would gain the same reward as those who have feared Allah and been patient.

“Verily, he who fears Allah and is patient, then surely Allah makes not the reward of the doers good to be lost.” [Surah Yusuf: Ayah 90]

continued >> Respond from pg 19

Al Arian was asked to admit to having helped his brother-in-law with immigration matters, and not telling a reporter about a colleague’s political associations (both of which were true, and neither of which were crimes) - and in return the Bush administration would agree to call the non-violent acts “evidence of a conspiracy,” and recommend his release by the end of May 2006.

Still, al-Arian and his attorneys insisted “no-deal.” He could not bring himself to “co-operate” with a “Justice Department” that had set him up for an expensive, time consuming and oppressive prosecution for political reasons. Consequently, the Bushadministration “blinked” again in its effort to avoid another embarrassing defeat.

The “grand jury co-operation” requirement was removed because, as they admitted in court, it was the only way to get al-Arian’s signature on the dotted line. They also admitted in a court proceeding that terms of the agreement (which also specifically applied to the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia) had been approved in Washington, D.C. at the highest levels.

On May 1, 2006, Dr. Sami al-Arian appeared in court, expecting the agreement to become final and to be released before the month

“But as for him who feared the standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode”. [Surah an-Naaziaat: Ayah 40] When the soul loves something, it will do all it can to attain it, so the one who does this out of having a blameworthy love or hatred then this action of his would be sinful. For example, his hating a person due to envying him and thereby harming whosoever is linked to that person. As one poet affected by this said: “For the sake of a Sudanese girl he loved Sudan to the point that he loved the black dogs due to his love of her.”

Ibn al Qayyim al Jawziyyah’s al Fawaaid (p111-112) “The slave is not afflicted with a punishment greater in severity then the hardening of the heart and being distant from Allah. For the Fire was created to melt the hardened heart.

The most distant heart from Allah is the heart which is hardened. If the heart becomes hardened, the eye becomes dry.

If four matters are exceeded in quantity, beyond what is necessary, the heart shall become hardened: Food, sleep, speech and sexual intercourse.

A body afflicted by disease does not derive nourishment from food or water, similarly a heart diseased by desire does not benefit from admonishment and exhortation.

“Whosoever desires to purify his heart, then let him prefer Allah to his desires.

was out, but the game had changed. While Judge James Moody accepted the deportation agreement, and all other charges were dropped, instead of a “time-served” release and deportation, the judge sentenced him to the maximum sentence under the law (another year in prison), and read a prepared statement publicly declaring him guilty of “killing women and children in Israel.”

In violation of both the letter and spirit of the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Judge Moody convicted Dr. Sami al-Arian of the same violent offenses for which the jury had found him innocent!

(Several of the jurors went public after the sentencing to express their outrage of the judge having ignored their verdict.)

Instead of beginning a new life in May 2006, as the Bush Administration led him to believe would happen, Dr. Sami al-Arian has remained in prison until now (July 2008) – for most of this time subject to Guantanamo-like imprisonment conditions. He is now on the verge of a new trial, which is scheduled to begin NEXT MONTH in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

When the trial begins, he and his family should not stand alone!

To be continued.....

El-Hajj Mauri’ Saalakhan serves as Director of Operations for The Peace And Justice Foundation. He can be reached at

“The heart which is clinging to its desires is veiled from Allah, commensurate to the degree that it is attached to them, the hearts are the vessels of Allah upon his earth, hence the most beloved of them to him, are the ones most compassionate, pure and resistant to deviation.

“They (the transgressors) preoccupied their hearts [in the pursuance] of the Dunya, would that they preoccupied them with Allah and the hereafter, then surely they would have reflected upon the intended meaning of his poignant words and verses. Their hearts would have returned to their masters with wisdom, marvelously curious and [in possession] of the rarest of precious gems.

“If the heart is nourished with remembrance, its thirst quenched with contemplation and cleansed from corruption, it shall witness remarkable and wondrous matters, inspiring wisdom.

“Not every individual who is endowed with knowledge and wisdom, and assumes its character is form amongst its people. Rather the people of knowledge and wisdom are those who infused life into their hearts by slaying their desires. As for the one who slays his heart and vitalized his desires, then knowledge and wisdom is naked upon his tongue.

“The destruction of the heart occurs by security [in this Dunya] and negligence, its fortification occurs by fear and remembrance.

If the heart renounces the pleasures of the Dunya, it settles upon the [pursuance of]

17 pleasures of the Hereafter, and amongst those who call towards it.

Should the heart become content with the pleasures of the Dunya, those pleasures [of the hereafter] cease [to continue].

“Yearning for Allah and his meeting is like the gentle breeze blowing upon the heart, extinguishing the blaze of the Dunya.

Whosoever caused his heart to settle with his Lord shall be in a state, clam and tranquil, and whosoever sent it amongst the people shall be disturbed and excessively perturbed.

For the love of Allah shall not enter a heart, which contains the love of this world, except as a camel, which passes through the eye of a needle.

“Hence, the most beloved servant before Allah is the one whom He places in His servitude, whom He selects for His love, whom He causes to purify his worship for Him, dedicates his objectives for Him, his tongue for His remembrance, and his limbs for His service.

“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah and protection [from transgression].

“It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is at-Taqwa. It becomes hungry and thirsty as the body becomes hungry and thirst, and its food and drink are knowledge, love, dependence, repentance and servitude.”

20 18

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

ISWA Youth Visit Katrina Stricken Community Faiza A. Jinadu-Mustapha Muslim Link Contributing Writer The journey of a thousand years; they say, begins with a single step! This is exactly what is hoped, by Allah’s mercy that the youth group of the Islamic Society of the Washington area has been able to embark on.

In the tradition of the Prophet(peace be upon him) and as exemplified by our Imam and the community of Iswa, the youths have always been at the fore front of heeding to community needs and partnering with others as needed.

It was to be expected that the youth group, having previously partnered with the Jewish youth group in cleaning up the Annacostia river in South East as well as the cloths closet in Montgomery County; to volunteering with Islamic relief in 2007, at the Humanitarian day would take on the ambitious but necessary mission of planning to make a visit to New Orleans. This mind set of assisting where needed is particularly evident in our logo, which refers to enjoining that which is good as expressed in the Holy Quran.

The purpose of the visit was to primarily commiserate with our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters impacted by Hurricane Katrina, to assist in whatever way was crucial to the building up of the community as a whole, to better understand the interconnectivity of humanity and the majesty of Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala). As such we set out to work with Habitat for Humanity and a local Masjid. The mission would have a service component and a reflection exercise through daily journaling.

The youths could also earn community service hours.

Most of the youths had for the past 3 years, been puzzled about the lack of significant mention of the activities of Muslims and the impact of the disaster on the Muslim community in the aftermath of the event.

Alhamdullilah, the patience of the youths from our working with them over the past year of planning the visit appears to have paid off by the understanding and actually seeing the total picture at the conclusion of our mission, that Muslims do for the sake of Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala), and not for show.

So how did the plan of a year come to fruition?

The group began discussions on the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the needs of the New Orleans community during some of the monthly youth group meetings held at the mosque. They brain stormed ideas to make the visit a reality and how they could significantly assist in the rebuilding efforts.

The youth group was blessed with a tremendous support of good wishes and offer of assistance from the Mosque board and Iswa community at large. Our ticket deposit was made possible in part by funds earned earlier in the year from recycled ink jets and cartridges, a project of the youth group.

Fast forward to the spring of 2008, fundraising activities began in earnest after a mandatory planning and information session with the parents of the youths. Discussion centered around purpose of trip, behavioral expectations,

fees, transportation, the program in New Orleans, time lines, contributions and medical necessities as well as permission slips and items to pack etc.

and for car pooling to the train station. The excitement was evident all around despite knowledge that there would be no T.V for a whole week!

by a Muslim brother on the evening of our arrival. By this time, everyone was ready to call it a night after making calls again to the parents in Maryland.

We began by selling popcorn at Jumuaah, at Iswa weekend school and to families, friends and neighbors. We also sold home baked cakes and other goodies supplied by our dear sis. Maimun Khan, sisters Nancy, Khadijah, Umi, Faiza, Mariam, Fatou and Fanta. The highlight of our fundraising effort thanks to the generosity of the Briggs Chaney volunteer fire department for use of their premises; was our

Thanks to the assistance of bro. Kaba, we arrived timely to board our train after purchasing the evening meal. Most of the youths had never been on a train. The night passed on without any significant incidents.

Sunday morning saw us exploring our new surroundings and preparing to navigate our way to Baton Rouge to meet with a Dhikr group. We saw 1st hand how very quickly less than an hour of rain could cause much overflowing of water. Allah’s majesty was once again manifest as we discovered that while it was raining heavily in New Orleans, Baton Rouge was dry! The drive took us through the Mississippi and the grove trees growing through the body of water. It was such a sight to behold and the youths took lots of photographs. The visit with the dhikr group was a real taste of Southern and Nigerian hospitality!

Saturday on the train before arrival in New Orleans 26 hours after we boarded proved to be a challenge as the youths began to get

The purpose of the visit was to primarily commiserate with our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters impacted by Hurricane Katrina, to assist in whatever way was crucial to the building up of the community as a whole, to better understand the interconnectivity of humanity and the majesty of Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala). car washes and BBQ sales and supplies man powered by sis Sally, Fatima, bro. Teslim and Sulayman amongst others. We got rained out at the last one in May but nonetheless made our goal through various other donations, such as from the women’s group at Iswa. It is worth mentioning that we got tremendous outpouring of support from other members of the community outside of Iswa as well during the car washes, once individuals knew what we intended to do with the funds. Folks who had been to New Orleans in the aftermath of the devastation had pointers and tips for us. One of such was bro. Tariq who linked us with bro.

Handera and our hosts-Masjid-ur-Rahim. Sis. Katrina who was one of 2 individuals I read about in the Muslim link highlighting their

restless. Mash’Allah, we safely arrived in New Orleans to the delight of our hosts who had been waiting with about 5 vehicles to transport us to the mosque and dinner generously provided by them. Finally, all the weeks of planning with Imam Rafiq Nu’man of Masjidur-Rahim had come together.

It was gratifying to note that Masjid-urRahim met all expectations as a Masjid that had participated in the Pluralism project as researched. The youths remarked that the manner of welcome and administration of Imam Rafiq reminded them so much of our own Imam Faizul, ever the tireless worker, upfront example and pleasant host, along with his dear wife. The mosque does

Mash’Allah, we safely arrived in New Orleans to the delight of our hosts who had been waiting with about 5 vehicles to transport us to the mosque and dinner generously provided by them. Finally, all the weeks of planning with Imam Rafiq Nu’man of Masjid-ur-Rahim had come together. contributions to the initial clean up efforts, had practical advice for us. May Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala) reward them all abundantly.

Parents, youths and coordinator continued to correspond via e-mail, telephone and face to face as we checked our lists again and again.

Parents also began to donate care packages at this time. The week of our trip, saw us putting together the individual and group packages at Iswa.

significant community outreach and inter and intra faith coalitions. The mosque is particularly recognized within the community for operating a food kitchen and also a school.

Unfortunately, the fate of the school was still uncertain at the time of our visit because a significant number of the young students had resettled in other parts of the country, mostly Texas. The mosque however, lost no time in partnering with other neighborhood schools to provide needed services.

Friday, the 13th finally arrived. The 14 youths and 5 chaperones dressed in their Iswa ‘T’ shirts and white caps armed with water canteens gathered at Iswa for prayers, final checks including emergency info lists, group and tasks assignments as well as menu and program breakdowns; review of expectations

The Masjid which had by Allah’s mercy been spared from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and had actually been a refuge for Muslims and non Muslims alike, was most welcoming. Our lodgings had a welcome note on the board; fruits, veggies and water awaited us after a dinner of Pizza at a pizzeria owned

That evening we had a program with Masjidur-Rahim focused on self esteem and we engaged in chatting about our 2 communities.

We got a chance to meet other members of the masjid’s community at a dinner sponsored by the Masjid and with some dishes made by us.

A significant number of our group enjoyed bean pie for the 1st time; the pies were made especially by the imam’s wife. This was yet another thing in common between our host mosque and us. We wondered if it was a requirement that the imam’s wives enjoy baking!

Our youths had the opportunity to call the Adhan and read from the Hadith of the prophet(peace be upon him) at this gathering.

Monday, had promised to be our 1st busy day but as Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala) willed, our project at a food bank with Habitat fell through. While waiting on the final word regarding this project, the youths engaged in a reflection circle. They were naturally quite disappointed the project fell through, but we managed to engage in working another scheduled project, at a thrift store managed by a member of the Masjid’s board, that catered to the needs of the residents still recovering from the Hurricane effects. The boys also went out on dawah work with the Imam delivering newspapers.

The evening had some of the youths and chaperones visit the 5th district community police command. The youths delivered baked goods supplied by sis. Joyce, the imam’s wife.

We saw 1st hand to our joy and in fulfillment of part of our mission; how the Imam and the Masjid were involved in community affairs.

The police command was in the process of moving to a permanent base after spending significant time working out of a trailer at a children’s playground!

It is also worthy to note that the imam is a member of the interfaith coalition and actively working with other faith based organizations to complete an interfaith community center.

We got the opportunity to tour this facility under construction.

>> Community Pg 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008 continued >> Community from pg 18 We next sat in on a town hall meeting between residents, the faith communities and the members of the education system as they addressed the rebuilding of the school system and how to play ‘catch up’. Our youths who attended were really excited at some of the interventions designed to bridge the gap left in the education process by Katrina. This was also an opportunity to observe up close, the damages to structures from the Hurricane Katrina.

The day ended with our visit to Masjid alTawbah, another welcoming community of Muslims, who hosted us with Pizzas and baklavas after a lecture on inclusiveness and community; citing examples from the life of the prophet(peace be upon him).

We got a real treat on Tuesday, when Imam Rafiq guided us to City Hall to meet with council member at large Arnie Fielkow who was most accommodating to us. We listened to a short talk on the history of New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina and the rebuilding efforts.

We had a question and answer session as well as the opportunity to speak about our own community and the plans of Iswa youth group to begin an ongoing relationship of support and assistance in the rebuilding project. One could see that all around, the community was helping itself! The emphasis was on interfaith projects to rebuild the over 80% areas of New Orleans devastated by Katrina.

We continued our tour through the downtown area and the Neighborhood housing office (where we got a tour of their facilities, saw and heard of the rebuilding work the organization was doing with residents who had returned).

I was particularly struck by the sadness evident in a neighborhood left fallow after the trailers had been removed from what used to be a children’s playground! It was however gratifying to see the 1st New Orleans mosque affected by the Hurricane continuing it’s rebuilding efforts.

Some of the youths worked at the thrift store today while others worked at a ‘green school’ this afternoon, and had lunch with the school and other Iswa youths prior to the whole group touring the organic gardens of the school. This was really a sight to behold. The youths got a thrill from actually plucking fruits from the garden instead of having it ready made via the grocery chains. Our tour guide, a teacher who works with students at the garden gave a very engaging and complete presentation. We got into a great discussion about Allah’s bounties to mankind.

This project was topped by a visit to a famous New Orleans snow cone depot to cool down, especially for those who had worked hard at the garden.

The youths got a chance to contribute to New Orleans economy when we visited a prominent book store. The store owner was most welcoming and pleased that we had come from Maryland to lend our support to the rebuilding effort. Some of the youths benefited from the giveaways of reading material.

Courtesy of Imam Rafiq and his wife, the evening was spent at an African restaurant.

The day ended after Isha prayers and dhikr

at the mosque.

Our last full day on Wednesday, had us at the initial breaking point of the levees in the 9th ward. We listened to history and narration by Imam Rafiq as we stood in awe of Allah’s mercy upon seeing the after effects of Hurricane Katrina 3 years after. We next visited with Masjid- ur- Yaseen that was located a couple of yards from this intense devastation and in the process of rebuilding.

The youth group got to make a small donation with a pledge to continue this effort at a later time.

We continued on to the museum of African American history passing a group of individuals in tents under a bridge waiting on food distribution. We made another dawah run as a group at the famous Canal Street to complete our outdoor service project.

Upon thorough clean up of the Masjid and our lodging quarters, the group embarked on a mission to further support the economy by purchasing souvenirs for family members and friends. Most of the youth also got to go on their 1st ferry ride.

The day ended after Salat-ul- Isha and hadith reading by our youths after a most hospitable farewell reception and dinner of New Orleans specialty crawfish etc courtesy of 3 Nigerian brothers and the Mosque with a little contribution of veggies and melon by us. We returned to finish packing amidst mixed feelings that it was now time to return to Maryland.

We got up promptly at 3:30am, Thursday; at least the boys did! Our rides to the train station arrived promptly at the time given by the imam. It was such a joy to see the youths observe promptness in action, as specified by our faith. We began our journey back right after Fajr.

Breakfast after check in at the train station was another New Orleans delicacy of beignets courtesy of Imam Rafiq.

The ride back was somber and full of reflection.

I look forward to reading and engaging in discussion of all the reflection journals and following up with ways Iswa youth group can continue to assist in the rebuilding process.

I thank Allah(Subhanahu wa ta’ala) for the opportunity to fulfill this mission, for bringing us all those who made it possible, for linking us with Masjid ur-Rahim, Imam Rafiq, the hospitable communities of the Masjids Tawbah and Yaseen, other community members who welcomed us with open arms and shared their experiences and aspirations with us; and for making us open to reflecting upon this experience with the added blessing of a promise to be meaningfully engaged within our own community and beyond. May Allah in his infinite mercy continue to bless all our communities and make it possible for us to dialog with one another as we strive to enjoin each other to goodness and grow to know one another. Amin.

The author, Faiza A. Jinadu-Mustapha, is the Coordinator of the ISWA Youth Group.

19

The Re-Trial of Dr. Sami al-Arian: Why We Must Respond! – Part 1

By El-Hajj Mauri’ Saalakhan In February 2003, following media coverage of a shackled Dr. Sami al-Arian being removed from his home by a SWAT team (with his children cowering in the background), former U.S. Attorney-General John Ashcroft announced at an overseas Moscow press conference, “the major North American financier for terrorism in the Middle-East” had been captured by the FBI in Tampa, Florida.

By July 2005, when the trial finally began for Dr. al-Arian and his three co-defendants, the 200 charges in the original indictment were reduced to 94 “terrorism-related” counts, which still could have resulted in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

However, after six months of evidence from over 80 prosecution witnesses (including Israelis shipped over for emotional impact) and hundreds of hours of FISA wiretaps (recorded over a 10 year period), the trial – which was estimated to cost over $50 million – ended in a stunning defeat for the U.S. government.

As one observer noted, “the jury refused to find any of the defendants guilty of anything.”

In December of that same year (2005) TIME Magazine called Dr. Al Arian’s acquittal “the biggest defeat for the Bush Administration

to date.”

Of the 17 counts brought against the star defendant, the jury found him innocent on the most serious, and “hung” (10 to 2 FOR ACQUITTAL) on the remaining, less serious counts. Within days the administration announced that they were going to re-try Sami al Arian on the lesser charges; a decision that is highly unusual when evidence is so clearly rejected by a jury.

But while the Bush administration announced its intent to re-try Dr. Sami al Arian on the unresolved counts, in early 2006 they secretly approached his lawyers (Bill Moffitt and Linda Moreno) with an offer al-Arian “couldn’t refuse.” To avoid being embarrassed by another acquittal the government reportedly promised to: (a) drop all charges; (b) release Dr. al-Arian within a 30 day period; and (c) assist in deporting him to a country of his choice upon his release.

To access the deal, however, he would have to plead guilty to a “crime,” and agree to the standard “grand jury co-operation” clause.

When Sami al-Arian refused, the Bush administration panicked and sweetened its offer.

>> Respond Pg 17

20

WORLD PRESS

World Press

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

News you might have missed. News that might have missed you.

London’s IslamExpo 2008 Attracts 40K

By Muslim Link Contributing Writer IslamExpo 2008 was held at London’s Olympia this past weekend July 11th through the 14th. The event attracted some 40,000 people who came together at Europe’s largest celebration of Islamic culture, arts and innovation.

The 4 day exhibition was designed to offer a unique opportunity for dialogue and developing of good community relations.

IslamExpo endeavors to promote awareness and understanding within Muslim and nonMuslim communities.

The opening ceremony welcomed visitors to celebrate diversity within Islam. A number of high profile personalities took part in the ceremony, inclusive of the former Mayor of London Ken Livingston; Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) and Simon Hughes (Chair Liberal Democrats). Also present were numerous academics, intellectuals and journalists .

When announcing the coming of the event, Ismail Patel, Director of IslamExpo said “This year promises to be bigger and better”.

Visitors were able to choose from a wide variety of activities.

Qur’anic recitation and tafseer by well known personalities like Sheikh Muhammad Jebri from Egypt, poetry and storytelling in an “Islamic Garden” created based on Qur’anic descriptions by specialists, and nasheed by Zain Bhika and other well known munshid.

Theatre plays by British group Khayaal engaged the audience, as well as films, documentaries and cartoons such as ‘Islam: Legacy of Peace’.

Comedians like Bilal The Halal entertained

visitors and a Silat art of self-defense performance was presented by British born convert Abdur-Rahman.

Many also attended informative debates and participated in lively discussions. This year’s themes included forums on key issues affecting society and the world today; and topics such as the following were tackled: How to understand the Quran, Who represents British Muslims?, The Islamist Threat: Myth or Reality?, and Muslims and the Environment: The Green Jihad.

About 80 renowned speakers from around the globe attended the event. Among them were Dr. Jamal Badawi, Professor at Saint Mary’s University in Canada; Waddah Khanfar, Managing Director of Aljazeera TV Broadcast; Merve Kavakci, Turkish politician currently professor at George Washington University; Frank Gardner, the leading expert and reporter on the “global war on terror” for BBC, George Galloway, Member of Parliament; Edie Friedman, Founder and director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality; Zaghloul ElNajjar, Scientist and Author; John Esposito, Professor and Editor-in-chief of The Oxford Islamic Encyclopaedia; Alastair Crooke, Former Security Advisor to Javier Solana; Nihad Awad, Executive Director of CAIR; Imam Johari Abdul Malik; Yvonne Ridley, Journalist and Activist and many others.

The exhibition saw wonders in the fields of calligraphy, showcasing the rich artistic tradition of this Islamic treasure of the Muslim world. With the presence of figures like Pakistan’s Pride of Performance in Arts and Culture Award holder Rasheed Butt whose work has the honor to be displayed at places such as Mecca Gate. Chinese eminent master of Arabic calligraphy Haji Noor Deen, the first Chinese Muslim to be admitted as a member of the Association of Egyptian Calligraphy. Syrian calligrapher, designer

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and writer Mounir El-Shaaran; Turkish calligrapher Eytan Tiryaki whos caligraphy Ijaza- certificate describes her as “the first woman of calligraphy” as well as younger talents in the field such as Iraqi born residing in England Sabah Arbilli and London born Soraya Syed Sanders.

The Plastic and Graphic Arts also witnessed wonderful treasures. Captivated: Art of the Interned, a unique exhibition by Cageprisoners, comprising the works of men detained without trial in the UK, to highlight the mental health concerns and the hidden human tragedy taking place, all in the name of security.

IslamExpo’s vast exhibition space which featured 14 themed zones over 2 floors also comprised: sports, cookery from all over the Muslim world, family activities, fashion, health & lifestyle, knowledge, education and much more.

IslamExpo is a Non-Profit organization and counted with over 40 sponsors who helped make the event a success. It is of high significance the large number of volunteers who committed and worked long hours very hard to make possible this exhibition advertised as Europe’s biggest Islamic cultural extravaganza.

Ismail Patel, Executive Director of Islam Expo, stated “The primary purpose of Islam Expo is to build bridges between Britain’s Muslim communities and the rest of society”, and regardless Shahid Malik, Britain’s first Muslim minister being prevented by Labour officials from addressing the Islamic conference, IslamExpo is being recognized by either grouching enemies or friends as a highly professional and organized effort.

Visitors has the opportunity to discover the significant contributions the Islamic world has made to art over the centuries.

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

Islam

ISLAM

21

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

Dead Hearts Indeed the more alive a person’s heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims.” (A’alaam al-Muwaqqi’een, volume 2, page 176).

By Imaam ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah Taken from Al Jumuah, Vol 8 Issue 4 While thousands of Muslims are killed all over the world, and while tens of thousands are imprisoned and tortured for calling to the path of Allah and for enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, most Muslims remain remarkably silent and have no worry except for the material things of life. Their hearts have been filled with the love of this life and the forgetfulness of the Hereafter.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than those who do not believe in Resurrection. Each one of them wishes he could be given a life of

a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from due punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.”

(Al Baqarah, 2:96) Many Muslims today have become so much attached to their life that their desire is to dwell among their family, house, money and commerce. They have forgotten that matters of the Hereafter should come before matters of this life and that we must strive to follow the orders of Allah, not just those we find easy and convenient to follow.

Some Muslims today claim that it is better to perform extra prayers and extra fasting rather than enjoin the good and forbid the evil or defend the lives of weak Muslims.

Such people would even blame the Muslims who strive to perform these obligations.

This is what Ibn al-Qayyim had to say about such people: ‘’The Shaitan has misled most people by beautifying for them the performance of certain voluntary acts of worship such as voluntary prayers and voluntary fasting while neglecting other obligatory acts of worship such as enjoining the good and eradicating the evil, to the extent that they do not even make the intention of performing them whenever they are able to.

“Such people are considered by the scholars to be on the bottom of the scale of religion: For the essence of our religion is to perform what Allah ordered us to do. The one who does not perform his obligations is actually worse than the one who performs sins.

“Anyone having some knowledge about the revelation of Allah, the

guidance of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and the life of the companions would conclude that those who are pointed at today as the most pious people are in fact the least pious. Indeed, what kind of piety is there in a person who witnesses Allah’s sanctities being violated, his religion abandoned, the Sunnah of His Messenger shunned, and yet remains still with a cold heart and a shut mouth?

Such a person is like a dumb Shaitan! In the same way the one who talks falsehood is a speaking Shaitan.

“Isn’t the misfortune of Islam due only to those who whenever their life and food are secure, would not care about what happens to the religion? The best among them would offer a sorry face. But if they were challenged in one of the things their heart is attached to like their money, they would spare no efforts to get it back. These people, besides deserving the anger of Allah, are afflicted with the greatest calamity without even knowing it: They have a dead heart. Indeed the more alive a person’s heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims.”

(A’alaam al-Muwaqqi’een, volume 2, page 176).

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• that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the US? • that the fastest growing segment of the US Muslim population is women?

• that the largest Muslim nation is Indonesia?

• that Muslims worship only One God - the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Mary, and Jesus?

• that Muslims believe that all people are born pure, without sin?

• that only 12 percent of Muslims live in the Middle East?

• that Moses is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Qur’an?

• that Muslims accept Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, the Word of God, and that his mother was pure and righteous?

• that Muslims believe that Jesus will return at the End of Time to defeat an Anti-Christ?

• that Muslims do not worship Jesus or any prophet, but instead pray to the same God that the prophets prayed to?

• that during war Islam forbids the killing of women, children, elderly, men who aren’t fighting, animals, and even crops and fruitbearing trees?

• that by the year 2020 Islam is projected to be the largest religionin the world? *** For further info/questions on Islam please call 301-982-9463 or email info@learnaboutislam.com

Some Words to Heal the Broken Heart

By Shaykh ul-Islaam ibn Taymiyyah

or afflicting the body through weakness and emancipation.

Taken from “Diseases of the Hearts and their Cures”

But the purpose here is to discuss its effect on the heart, for passionate love is the fundament that makes the soul covet that which would harm it, similar to the one weak of body who covets that which harms it, and if he is not satiated by that then he is grieved, and if he is satiated then his

As for the sickness of desire and passionate love then this is the soul loving that which would harm it coupled with this is a hatred of that which would benefit it.

“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah and protection [from transgression].

Passionate love is a psychological sickness, and when it’s effects become noticeable on the body, it becomes a sickness that afflicts the mind also. Either by afflicting the mind by the likeness of melancholy,

sickness increases. The same applies to the heart afflicted with this love, for it is harmed by its connection to the loved, either by seeing, hearing, touching or even thinking about it.

And if he were to curb the love then the heart is hurt and grieved by this,

“Whosoever desires to purify his heart, then let him prefer Allah to his desires. and if he gives in to the desire then the sickness becomes stronger and becomes a means through which the grievance is increased.

In the hadeeth concerning the saying of Moosa reported by Wahb*, which is recorded by Imam Ahmad in azZuhd: Allah says: Indeed I drive away My friends from the delights of this world and its opulence and comfort just as the compassionate shepherd drives away his camel from the dangerous grazing lands.

And indeed I make them avoid its tranquility and livelihood, just as the compassionate shepherd makes his camel to avoid the resting

placers wherein it would be easy prey. This is not because I consider them to be insignificant, but so they may complete their portion of My kindness in safety and abundance, the delights of the world will not attract him and neither would desires overcome him. *Wahb ibn Munabbih is a noble taabi’ee, but this hadeeth is reported from him directly to the Prophet (saaw) and is not authentic.

Therefore the only cure for the sick lies in his removing the sickness by removing this blameworthy love from his heart.

There are some whose hearts

contain the disease of desire and whose perceptions are only skin deep. When the object of the desire submits, the sickness is satiated, and this satiation strengthens the desire and pursuit of the object and hence strengthens the sickness. This is in contrast to the one whose objective is not met, for this failure results in the removing the satiation that would strengthen the sickness and thereby the desire is weakened, as is the love. This is because the person definitely intends that there be action accompanying his desire, for otherwise all his desire would be is just whisperings of the soul, unless there is some speech or looking accompanying this.

As for the one who sis afflicted with this passionate love but holds back and is patient, then indeed Allah

>> Healing Pg 17

22

FATAAWA

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

Fataawa Questions about Islamic life and practice

Swimming Pool Wudu?

Question: While swimming at the beach or at a pool and swimming underwater, a person’s whole body becomes wet. Does this mean that when the person gets out of the water, he or she can dispense with wudû’ and pray immediately?

Answered by the Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by Sheikh `Abd alWahhâb al-Turayrî The critical matter here is the intention. If he swims in the water without having an intention of removing his ritual impurity, then he will not be considered as someone who has performed wudû’ or ghusl.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Actions are only according to their intentions, and each person will have only what he intends.”

[Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim] Therefore, if while swimming a person has the intention of removing ritual impurity, then he will not need to offer a separate wudû’. According to the view that rinsing the mouth and nose are obligatory for wudû’, he would have to make sure to do this as well.

This opinion that full immersion suffices for wudû’ is held even by those scholars who say that it is obligatory to performing the acts of wudû’ in a particular order, like the scholars of the Shâfi’î school of thought.

This is because a person who is completely immersed in water will have all of his body parts touched for a duration of time, so this condition will be effectively fulfilled.

It might also be mentioned that the majority of scholars are of the opinion that a full purifying bath (ghusl) takes the place of wudû’. This means that the specific motions of wudû’ are not necessary as long as the conditions for the bath are fulfilled. They support their opinion with the following evidence: 1. Allah says: “Approach not the prayers… in a state of major ceremonial impurity except for one who is just passing (through the mosque) until after washing your whole body.” [Sûrah al-Nisâ’: 43] This apparent meaning of this verse indicates that bathing is sufficient as purification for prayer, since neither wudû’ nor anything else is mentioned as a condition for purification.

2. Some people came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him about ghusl after sexual intercourse. They told him

that they live in a cold place. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told them: “It would be enough for the one of you to pour water over his head three times.” In another narration he said: “For me, I pour water over my head thrice.” [Sâhîh Muslim (328)] The obvious meaning of this hadîth is that performing ghusl where the whole body is touched by water suffices for wudû’. And Allah knows best.

-----------------------------------------------------

Zakah On Gold?

Question: When paying one’s Zakah on gold or silver, will the monetary amount due be based upon the original purchase price of the precious metal or its present market value?

Answered by the Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by Sheikh `Abd alWahhâb al-Turayrî Originally, the Zakâh on gold and silver was paid as a percentage (2.5%) of the gold or silver itself. Gold and silver were the currency at that time. Therefore, if a person had kept a thousand gold coins (dinâr) in savings for a year, he would simply pay 25 gold coins as Zakâh at the end of that year.

Answered by the Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by S h e i k h ` A b d a l - Wa h h â b a l - Tu r a y r î A hadîth is narrated in Musnad Ahmad (21163), Sunan al-Bayhaqî (3/409), and Mustadrak alHâkim (3390) that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) buried Umm Kulthûm, he recited verse “From it We created you, and into it We shall send you back, and from it will We raise you a second time.” [Sûrah TâHâ: 55].

The hadîth is weak at best. Moreover, it does not indicate in any way that the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited the three phrases of the verse in conjunction with a separate toss of a handful of dirt.

Al-Albânî says in Ahkâm al-Janâ’iz (1/153): “The hadîth does not indicate the supposedly preferable division of phrases, even if it had an authentic line of transmission… The hadîth is extremely weak. Indeed, Ibn Hibbân declares it to be a fabrication.”

Therefore, the practice is not established by textual evidence. And Allah knows best.

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Dua for Wearing New Clothes Question: what is a Muslim supposed to say when he or she puts on a new article of clothing for the first time?

Answered by the Fatwa Department Research Committee - chaired by S h e i k h ` A b d a l - Wa h h â b a l - Tu r a y r î The Prophet (peace be upon him) offered the following supplication upon wearing a garment for the first time. He would state what item it was - turban, shirt, waistcloth…

- then say: “O Allah! Yours is the praise, as You have clothed me with this. I ask You the good of it, and the good that it was made for; and I seek refuge with You from the evil of it, and the evil it was made for.”

(Allâhumma! Lakal-hamd, kamâ kasawtanîhi. As’aluka khayrahu wa khayra na suni`a lahu, wa a`ûdhu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma suni`a lahu.)

This supplication is narrated in Sunan alTirmidhî (1689) and Sunan Abî Dâwûd (3504). It is an authentic narration.

Today, gold and silver are not used as currencies, but rather as an investment.

Consequently, people usually prefer to pay the value of the gold or silver in in cash so they can keep their investment intact.

The present market value of the gold or silver at the time of paying Zakâh should be used to determine the amount of Zakâh that is due, since paying the equivalent in currency is taking the place of paying the Zakâh from the precious metal itself. And Allah knows best.

-----------------------------------------------------

Throwing Three Handfuls at the Grave Question: Many scholars hold the opinion that when burying a body in the grave, upon throwing the first handful one should say, “Of this (i.e. the earth) We created you,” and on the second handful one should say, “And to it shall We cause you to return,” and on the third handful one should say, “And of it We shall cause you to be resurrected a second time.” Is this practice established by the Sunnah?

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

The Muslim Link, JULY 18, 2008

EDITORS DESK Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager : Jann McClary News Desk: Umm ‘Abdullah (Events) Distribution: Elwaleed Elshowya Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Lensay Abadula Amina Ali Farkhunda Ali Fasiha Khan Farha Marfani Rashad Mulla Maryam bint DawudMussallihullah Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published every other Friday on a Bi-Weekly Schedule and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas. TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam.

The views expressed in The Muslim Link do not necessarily reflect those of Dar-us-Salaam or TML management or their underwriters. Dar-usSalaam and TML are not responsible for the accuracy of information presented by advertisers, or for the religious compliance of events, products, or services published in TML. This publication contains the names of ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). Please keep, recycle, or share it with others The Muslim Link 5301 Edgewood Road College Park, MD 20740 Phone : (301) 982-1020 Fax: 240-209-0702 editor@muslimlinkpaper.com Advertising: 301-982-1020 or email us at ads@muslimlinkpaper.com The Muslim Link. All Rights Reserved 2008

23

Letters to the Editor Confusion on 0% Financing Asalamualaikum, I was just reading the article on Habitat for Humanity and the effort of the VA community to get involved in the program and I was a little confused about the message of the article. It seemed to be stating that HFH was offering a way for low income Muslim families to purchase homes without getting into Riba because they offer 0% financing.

However, it is my understanding that 0%

A Poem from a Non-Muslim Canadian Reader Hi, My name is Adam Stern and I am currently going into my 3rd year at Queen’s University in Psychology and International Development. I wrote a poem on the issues of the Hijab for women within Canada as an outside, but I really tried to be fair and as well, understand the issue from a woman’s perspective. I did my final paper in my Race and Ethnic Relations course, on the issue of the Hijab and the complexities and multimeanings of the veil and how it receives a lot of unjustified negative public attention.

I also created a poster for an assignment on the issue and had a chance to showcase my work to the students at Queen’s and the local people.

I was wondering if my poem could be of use to raise awareness and give a different perspective on the issue. I just trying to make a difference anyway I can, and I am always up for feedback on my work.

Thanks Adam Stern Canada

financing (for homes or cars) is not “Riba Free” because even though there is 0% financing on a mortgage payments, there are clauses for late fees and payment of interest in certain situations included in the contract and these are Riba as well.

Therefor, (in my understanding) because the contract contains Riba clauses, signing such a contract, even if you never actually pay interest, is not allowed. I believe even writing such a contract (like what real estate agents do) or witnessing it being signed is not allowed based on the following hadeeth..

“Jab ir s aid th at A l la h’s Me sse nger cursed the acceptor of interest and its payer, and one who records it, and the

Hijab – Control, Confusion, Confidence By: Adam Stern

Perceived as oppressive by male domination, For an outsider, this clothing has negative affiliation, But is this Hijab REALLY society’s rough deterioration?

Those who can open their minds to greater knowledge, Realize that Muslim women indeed do attend college, The truth is the majority of Canadian women cover by choice, It’s a misconception to think they are repressed and silent with no voice.

One stereotype is that it’s worn to contain men’s sexual desire, Hijab attracts media attention like a vicious burning fire, But the truth is simply that it can be worn to empower and inspire.

Although freedom of choice is the reality for the majority, Some live in societies where religion is the authority.

two witnesses; and he said; They are all equal.” (Sahih Muslim Vol.3, No. 3881) It might be helpful to address this issue in TML for the benefit of the Muslim community insha-Allah. It is such a hot topic and so many people are confused about it, TML can lead the way in sorting out the facts.

Asalamualaikum, Sr. Cilia Baltimore, MD Wa’alykum as salaam and jazakillahu khayra for your advice. We are planning a series on Islamic finance in coming issues, insha’Allah – TML

It is a stereotype to think it only occurs in the Middle East.

In fact, gender inequality exists within OUR own society.

Think of job opportunities, salaries, and religious piety.

Are women who fall victim to physical and material judgment ruly “free”?

Shouldn’t all women be judged on intellect, character, and personality?

So there seems to be an issue of what IS proper religious morality?

For many Canadian feminist, Islam cannot fit their ideology.

But those who look deeper into the truth of hijab realize the complexity, And recognize it’s a constant changing symbol which depends upon society.

So why is Western egocentric mentality the “right” and “best” perspective?

There does not seem to be a simple answer for it seems to be subjective.

The true battle Muslim women experience everyday by the hour, Is a UNIVERSAL issue, a struggle for social and political power.

Equality between genders is unbalanced to say the least,

Attention Inmates:

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