The Muslim Link, November 16, 2012

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November 16st 2012 - December 13th 2012

Here to Vote?

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Please See the Lady In the Blue Hijab

Sharia Demystified at Georgetown Univ Event | pg 5 Montgomery County High School MSAs Hold Joint Eid Bash | pg 06 Al-Azhar Silat School Opens New Branch In Virginia | pg 08 Seniors Gather at MCC to Support Aging Population | pg 09

By Hena Zuberi Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Faiza Coleman –Salako, 38, is a teacher of Ad-

vanced Placement U.S. Government at the AlHuda School in Prince George’s County. A mother of three children, this was

the first time she was an election judge in a polling station in Maryland during the US Elections held on November 6, 2012. Being

a teacher of AP Government and her strong feel-

>> vote Pg 26

Eid Holiday to Stay Off Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

There will be no Eid holidays on the Montgomery County School calendar at least for the next school year. Eid ul Adha and Eid al Fitr will remain non-

testing days and will be excused absences in the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) system.

On November 13, 2012 >> eid Pg 29

EID

Expert Qur'anic Reciter Joins Ranks at Dar Al-Hijrah | pg 10 Post Election Thoughts Offerred

by Muslim Libertarian | pg 14 Readers Submit Their Eid Photos| pg 16 ISLAM: 25 Ways to Enter Jannah… | pg 32 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 43

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Community News Virginia Scout Leader Also Election Problem Solver

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

With people with this level of expertise in the Muslim community, masajid and Islamic Centers should use their knowledge in insuring their own election process is efficient and transparent.

There is an operose process that takes place behind the scene at a polling station. A precinct is managed and various problems are solved. Election Officers set up voting equipment and prepare the polling place for voting, they process voters by checking names on list of registered voters, admit voters to voting machines, respond to challengers challenging an elector, tally results, secure voting and close the polling place.

One of these problem solvers is Abdul 'Rashid' Abdullah, 40, of Herndon, VA. His day job is in the Information Technology field, a Muslim Scout Leader and an Assistant Chief Election Officer.

A firm sense of pride and duty has kept him involved in the election process since May 2008.

A busy man, even this interview was given while driving back from work and before a dinner date with his wife,

he doesn't let life come between his civic duty.

He has dealt with plenty of belligerent voters. "Ill-prepared, disappointed when you tell them that they cannot vote or are ineligible to vote in a cer-

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tain precinct. It's the only once in four year voters that register at the last minute that usually get emotional, I can tell from the tone, language, body language that some come is close to being violent," he said.

On the flip side, he says that it is great to see someone who just turned 18 immediately exercise their right to vote "I have seen people who haven't voted in the past 20 years suddenly wake up and vote, its super to see people who can

barely speak English try to go and vote because they cherish the right that they have while others don't see the beauty of the gift," he says emphatically.

In the state of Virginia, federal offices are elected in even-numbered years, and statewide offices are elected in oddnumbered years. County Board and School Board members serve four-year, >> election Pg 25

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

|5

Shariah Demystified, Destigmatized At Georgetown Event

By Hena Zuberi

cational movement, whose quest was to drive colonials out. Many teachers and shuyookh were killed, which created a vacuum, leading to a dearth of qualified teachers, so layman started examining scripture without knowledge. To future stagnate critical thought, scholarship lost independence that they sustained through endowments, when institutes of learning such the Al-Azhar were nationalized," he stressed. Today, he informed the audience, in many Muslim countries imams are government employees, paid by the government.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter "Why do you hate Shariah?" The question resonated across the lecture hall filled with more than a hundred students, alumni, professors as well as other attendees, in the historic WhiteGravenor Hall. The topic was hot off the press: Shariah. The word has been maligned beyond recognition and one of the main reason for the Muslim Chaplaincy at Georgetown University to host a presentation was to set the record straight.

"Taliban, jihadist, the Shabab? That is all they know about Shariah!" said Imam Yahya Hendi, the popular Muslim Chaplain at the university who has spoken on Islam in over 63 countries.

"Shariah is a set of paradigms, principles not "Islamic Law". these are two different terms. Fiqh is the law, the actual practices and moral concerns," clarified Hendi.

"If you ban Shariah, you ban our prayers five times a day, which is against the constitution. You cannot legislate against your own constitution," stressed Hendi, " Shariah is our aqeedah (creed),

3

our Ibadah our worship, translating our theology into practice our living the sacred text, the scripture, shariah is Islam.

Do you understand why this offends Muslims?"

To explain why the world does witness violence and an antithesis of Islamic texts in Muslim countries, the chaplain led the audience through a brief synopsis of the history of Islamic religious institutions for perspective. From the era of the Abbasid Khalifas, who en-

couraged critical thinking by rewarding writing or translating books with the weight of the book in gold, he took the audience to the destiny left by colonial powers, who destroyed the intellectual madarasah system in the Muslim world, where algebra, philosophy, science were taught along with language and religion. Women played an active part of these madrasahs.

"Colonialism forced seminaries to go underground, fueling a militarized edu-

Things You Need to Tell Your Neighbors about Shariah 1) Shariah is a set a Ethical Values and Paradigms

2) The Maqasid of Shariah are to safeguard the faith, safeguard the dignity and honor of life, safeguard the wealth, safeguard the mind and intellect, safeguard the land and environment, preserve Justice and Freedom 3) Mercy, Justice, Compassion, anything that lacks these aspects is not from Shariah

Emphasizing the need for Muslims to establish seminaries that encourage open engagement by giving them the environment to think freely, where politically independent ulema can discuss and ask questions, where scholars are not scared of being killed or demonized for differing from the rulers, Imam Hendi defended Islamic scholarship, "the gap is being filled, we are reconnecting with our traditions, openness and critical thinking but we have two hundred years of catch up."

>> shariah Pg 25

Islamic Ethical values of Shariah defined by the Oneness of God

1. Tolerance 2. Justice 3. Forgiveness 4. Trustworthiness 5. Honesty 6. responsibility 7. Honoring Contracts 8. Freedom ....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

6 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Montgomery County High School Students Host Unified Eid Celebration

By Anhar Karim

Muslim Link Contributing Writer On Friday November 2, 2012 at 5:30pm forty-five students from Muslim Student Associations in Northwest, Richard Montgomery, Quince Orchard, Wootton, and Magruder high schools came to the Northwest High School cafeteria to celebrate the Muslim holiday Eid-al-adha.

The event was the first ever Eid event of the Montgomery County Muslim Student Association. The group is a student run organization that brings together Muslims from various high school Muslim Student Associations in the county.

The Montgomery County Muslim Student Association, known by students as the MOCO MSA, was started in 2010 when Richard Montgomery High School student Zaid Bilgrami and Wootton High School student Bilal Naved were volunteering together at that year’s Eid prayer. Bilgrami and Naved were both presidents of their high school Muslim Student Associations, and as they stood by the doors on Eid day handing out bags, the idea came up to somehow bring their two MSAs together.

“All we wanted to do at first was a barbeque.” Said Bilgrami, “Initially we didn't even intend to create an organization out of it.” But what started out as a simple idea to bring together two MSAs quickly grew into something much larger as Bilgrami and Naved contact-

ed the heads of MSAs from Churchill, Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Northwest, and Gaithersburg high schools.

In the fall of that same year the two organized a Montgomery County MSA barbecue with several MSAs in the area. The barbecue was a tremendous success, the only problem was figuring out what the next step for this emerging group would be.

Then came DC MIST 2011, an annual competition for Muslim youth across the DC area. Bilgrami attended the event with his own humble sized high school MSA. Although he did enjoy it, he noticed how larger MSAs seemed to get more out of the experience. A few months later Bilgrami called a meeting with the heads of all the MSAs in the county, and at MIST 2012 each school came to MIST not only as individual high school MSAs, but also as the MOCO MSA.

In 2012, the responsibility of the MOCO MSA was left to the steadily growing Northwest High School MSA. The Northwest MSA started out small eight years ago and just four years ago had to do prayers with only five people in a school storage room. Now, under the presidency of Asim, the Northwest MSA has gotten to around twentyfive members and has regular jummah prayers in a classroom and meetings every week. Looking to do good on their new responsibility, the Northwest

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MSA invited the other school MSAs for the first ever MOCO MSA Eid party.

At 5:30pm Northwest’s MSA members began filing in and dashing to set up decorations for the event.

Within a few minutes balloons were put up across the spacious cafeteria, a lit up sign hung on the left wall reading “Eid Mubaruk,” and a podium with a microphone faced the cafeteria tables.

Slowly the room began filling up with MSA members from across the county.

“The food was wonderful.” Said Zaynub Ibrahim, president of the Wootton High School MSA. It was hard to think of a Muslim culture that wasn’t represented on the table as students from the various schools and backgrounds brought Arab, Indian, American, African, Bengali, Egyptian, and other dishes from around the world.

After a few second helpings of dinner, the event continued with maghrib prayer led by Saad Abbasi from Wootton High School. After maghrib, the night began with a unique game: Islamic Jeopardy. The speakers stood by the podium asking a wide range of Islamic questions as other high schools excitedly raised their hands to guess the answers. Out of the five school teams Wootton High School came out first and Northwest came second, winning a snuggie and a bouncy ball respectively.

After the competition, Shafiq Ahmed,

former Youth Director of the Islamic Center of Maryland and very active member of the local Muslim community, gave a short speech on the story of Eid-al-addha and the struggles of being Muslim in high school. Ahmed told his audience how back in high school there was no real place where he could come together with and be supported by other Muslims. He explained how he only knew two other muslims in his high school community. He expressed how events like these and the MOCO MSA were bringing the Muslim youth together in an amazing way that he never had as a teenager.

“I know it's cliche but it really brings us together.” Says Northwest MSA President Shahzeb Asim regarding the MOCO MSA. The Richard Montgomery MSA President Danish Akbar was particularly grateful for the presence of students from other high schools, “Having a way for schools to come together allows those of us in relatively smaller MSA's to learn from others.” Zaynub Ibrahim summarized the night by saying, “It was also just nice to sit and talk with students from other MSA's. I enjoyed it and made a couple of new friends too.”

“Muslim youth in high schools are immersed in an environment conducive to spiritual deterioration, let alone one conducive to the obstruction of >> unified Pg 8

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

|7

Returning Hujjaaj Share Their Experiences with the Muslim Link Intend to Go Next Hajj. Allah Will Make A Way How did you feel when you first saw the Kaabah?

My wife and I were walked into Masjid Al Haram for the first time and it felt like the Kaabah was right in front of us. It was surreal, I couldn’t stop staring at it. We didn’t have immediate plans to make tawaf but the Kaabah was like a magnet that kept pulling us closer, and the next thing you know we are making tawaf.

How was the experience?

The experience was great. I had been "pre-warned" to be patient because things don’t always go according to plan, so I went into the trip with very low expectations as far as food/ transportation/accommodations but Alhumdullilah things went smoothly........except for the bathrooms in Mina but thats another story :) How did you save up for Hajj?

I was actually saving up for a car for the last few years and had the money in my bank account. I just hadn’t thought of Hajj as a possibility for me because of my three young children.

I always figured that they weren’t old enough to leave behind. My parents went to Hajj last year and when they came back, they began encouraging me to go. Shortly before Ramadan I made the intention to make Hajj this year and things just started falling into place around me. My parents volunteered to take time off from work to stay home with the kids, my brother and his wife also stepped up and offered to come stay with my parents and help out with the kids, and I was approved for vacation time from work!

What more could I ask for?

How did you feel the minute you landed?

I actually went to Madina first and when I landed at the airport I felt calm and relaxed. I knew that I had a week to worship in Masjid Nabawi and just take in our Prophet's city. When I ar-

rived in Makkah, I was a little restless because I wanted to go to the Haram as soon as possible.

What would you change?

Part of the preparation for Hajj is to accept the fact that we don’t have control over anything. The only thing I had control over was the Hajj package I purchased, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. The only major inconvenience that I wish I could have changed was the bathroom accommodation in Mina. Our tent was the "VIP" North American tent which means that its located right near the Jamrat. The bathrooms that were built by the Saudi government for our tents were atrocious. They began to break from the moment we entered the camp, stalls that wouldn’t close/lock, broken toilet seats and shower heads everywhere. I quickly found my "favorite" stall and hoped that it was still in one piece the next time I needed to go.

What were some inspiring moments?

The most inspiring moments for me were when I actually left our tent in Mina and began walking around and seeing how people were "really" living. I saw families huddled on the street under any kind of shade they could find from the blazing sun. I saw people sleeping in any uninhabited patch of land available, from public restrooms to the middle of the street.

Seeing people sacrifice like this to fulfill their Hajj rites made me look at my own accommodations and amenities and realize how good I had it. How can you complain about anything after that? Also, seeing people from all parts of the world coming together to one place for one purpose was pretty inspiring as well. I felt like we were all in this together.

What advice would you offer to others who have yet to fufill this fardh?

My advice is to not delay going to Hajj waiting for the "perfect" moment. No

one knows if that moment will ever come. Make the sincere intention to go to Hajj and Allah will make a way to invite you.

--Anwer Zuberi, System Administrator, 32, Columbia, MD --------------------------------------------

If An Old Lady in a Wheelchair Can Do It ...

As an American convert I didn't really know what to expect. Even if people described to me in detail the intricacies of Hajj and the physical dimensions of Medina and Mecca, I wouldn't have been prepared for the experience.

It was an "experience of a lifetime".

Both Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina and Masjid Al Haram in Mecca should be wonders of the modern world. Hajj itself was intense; physically, mentally and spiritually. It was routine to walk 4 miles in a day, bearing 110 degree heat deep in a crowd of 100,000 pilgrims, with little food and water. In the U.S. people participate in an extreme race called "Tough Mudder". I think people that complete Hajj should where t-shirts that say "Tough Hajjer". Hajj can be challenging for anyone who is claustrophobic or a hypochondriac. Through patience and an

>> hajj Pg 28

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

8 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Silat School Expands, Stays Competitive

By Contributing Writers Blue and red puzzle mats, photos of young students, and decorative Qur'anic verses dress the newly opened Silat martial arts studio in Ashburn, Virginia. Senior Instructors Terra Kurnia and Abdul-Malik Ahmad open the class with a short prayer in Arabic and then teach silat moves in the Indonesian language.

Students uniformed in red and white move gracefully across the mat in a predefined set of movements called 'Jurus.'

A growing number of people in the Washington DC area are learning Pencak Silat – a unique style of martial arts unified

>> continued from pg 6

spiritual development.” says Zaid Bilgrami, “An MSA can be a ray of hope, in that it provides a place where it's ‘normal’ to be a Muslim and practice Islam.” Bilgrami believes that the MOCO MSA is able to provide much needed support and strength for Muslim students in Montgomery County.

The MOCO MSA plans to stay active throughout the year and plan many

....

developed in the Muslim countries of South-East Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

Bethesda branch is taught by Senior Instructor Wona Sumantri and has adult and youth classes open to the public.

The Al-Azhar school of Pencak Silat has been steadily growing for the last several years. Established in 1970 at the Embassy of Indonesia in Wasshington DC, the school is now in its fourth generation of black belt instructors and now has two full-time locations – Bethesda, Maryland and Ashburn, Virginia. The Ashburn branch caters almost entirely to the All Dulles Area Muslim Society's (ADAMS) community members. This new location is within walking distance of the ADAMS Ashburn branch. The

"Our goal was to provide a professional facility for our community members." says Terra Kurnia, Senior Instructor.

"With mats, punching bags, etc. our students can train harder and safer."

more events and opportunities for Muslim high schoolers in the county to come together. Currently, the group has set it’s focus on trying to get Eid as a day off in Montgomery County Public Schools.

When asked what he wanted to see the MOCO MSA do next, Danish Akbar simply replied, “I want to see the moco msa do more events.”

Anhar Karim is the President of the Montgomery County Muslim Student Association

Silat students train regularly for tournaments and competitions. On October 21st, eleven members of Al-Azhar Silat competed at the annual Battle of Baltimore World Championships. This 'open' tournament gathers competitors from multiple styles (Karate, TaeKwondo,

Kungfu, etc.) to compete in forms, traditional weapons, and sparring. Al-Azhar Silat team members placed first, second, and third in weapons, forms, and sparring.

Al-Azhar school is looking to compete in several upcoming tournaments, including the Muslim-organized UMMAA tournament planned for December 25th, 2012. Ahmad is also planning on competing again at the World Silat tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand in November of this year, God willing.

For more information, see www.silatva. com.

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

|9

Seniors Convene at MCC to Empower, Support One Another

By Hena Zuberi

An Aging Population

Muslim Link Staff Reporter The tables filled with local seniors were bustling, the sense of camaraderie and genuine respect was tangible among the members who had spend decades working together for the sake of Allah. Many of the original founders of the Muslim Community Center were in attendance.

As the sun set over the copper dome , they were realizing that the their years were also setting and the same fervor they had when setting the foundations of the Sunday school and masjid for their needs when they were younger needed to be used to get this project going. Past and present presidents of MCC, from Akhtar Zubairi to Tamseel Butt, came to support the event.

The force behind Empowering Muslim Seniors, Identifying their Needs and finding Alternatives and Solutions, a town hall style meeting was "Mama Mona" as she is affectionately known, a soul full of hugs and warmth, greeting everyone who walked in the door.

"This is first ever town hall of its kind to assess the needs of the seniors in the Muslim community of Montgomery County, Maryland. A group effort of all my wonderful partners: Islamic Center of Maryland, Islamic Center of Germantown, Montgomery County Muslim Foundation," said Mona Ngem, who is the Director of Senior Committee at MCC, as she darted back and forth across the room, brimming with energy.

This is a tough topic as there are great cultural barriers to even discussing these needs. The prevalent narrative amongst Muslims is that we take care of our own and do not need services but in reality services are needed and available and pride, language barriers, shame, etc. deter Muslim seniors from using these services. "This unique event helps us identify your needs and helps us go back to county officials and funding sources," said Ngem.

Tufail Ahmad, founder of MCMF, presented the need for the meeting. He spoke about the focus on inter-commu-

"This is first ever town hall of its kind to assess the needs of the seniors in the Muslim community of Montgomery County, Maryland. A group effort of all my wonderful partners: Islamic Center of Maryland, Islamic Center of Germantown, Montgomery County Muslim Foundation," said Mona Ngem, who is the Director of Senior Committee at MCC

• 12 out of 100 adults will reach the age of 100 in Montgomery County • 2020: 1 out of 4 Montgomery County residents will be aged 60 or older • In Montgomery County, seniors are the fastestgrowing age group, according to the county’s Division of Aging and Disability Services.

Assessing Seniors' Needs Seniors were asked to check off areas where they needed assistance.

Transportation/Mobility Needs: Buying groceries ; Medical appointments ; Social/ Cultural Activities Health Care: Do you have health care coverage? Do you have Medicare? Do you have private health insurance? Do you have Medicaid?

Housing: Do you live with family? Do you live alone? Do you live in a senior facility?

"[Our parents] took care of us when we were young and we would take care of them when they got old. They was never any question of of what will we do when we get old. We broke our security net when we left. This vacuum was filled by the Islamic Centers and mosques, look around you. This your extended family."

Social, Cultural & Wellness: Do you need English Classes? Do you participate in cultural programs? Do you visit parks, recreation facilities, or senior centers?

Open-ended questions: Do you feel that a residential facility dedicated to Muslim Seniors is needed? Are you be willing to pay for it? If yes, how much can you pay monthly?

>> empower Pg 27

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

10 |COMMUNITY NEWS

Dar Al-Hijrah Adds Expert Reciter to Its Knowledge Team

By Hena Zuberi

sheikhs such as, Hussein Merdas, alSamadi, and al-Aeshi.”

“O you who wraps himself [in clothing], Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little -, Half of it - or subtract from it a little, Or add to it, and recite the Qur'an with measured recitation.”

[73:1,2,3,4]

What motivates you?

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

“I am always motivated to teach Quran and approach its science to Muslims everywhere as I possibly can, and here in America I love to work hard to teach Quran for non-Arabic speaking Muslims and their children, and even Arabic speaking Muslims’ children who are living far from Islamic culture and the Arabic Language. I have developed an easier way to learn the Quran that fits with our trying times.”

The Dar Al Hijrah community located in Falls Church, VA has added a new member to their team of Shuyukh and dayees. The latest addition is Imam Abdellah Merhoom, an expert in the recitation of Allah's Book.

Born in Morocco in 1983, Abdellah Marhoom memorized the Quran at an early age in his life, following the direct path of the Sahabas traced back to the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam in learning Quran. In 2005, he was chosen in a Quran reading competition for having the best recitation.

Since being in the United States he has been a part of many communities leading the Salat in Ramadan from Boston to Charlotte; as well as been a

part of many other activities in each of these communities. He had the chance to work with notable top Shuyukh in the United States. He has lectured and recited in many major university conventions. Attributing all praise to Allah , he relishes the opportunity to teach the Quran to many literate and illiterate brothers and sisters throughout the U.S. What is your background as an

Imam? Where did you receive your Islamic education?

“I memorized the whole Quran when I was fourteen, then I graduated from Shariah and Ulum Al’-Quran Institute in Morocco in 2006, where I obtained Ijazza (a license) in reading Quran in seven different ways, and Hadith as well. I had been taught Fiqh Maliki, Arabic-grammar, and Quranic calligraphy and intonation by several

What do you hope to accomplish in your position as a new Imam?

“I really wish to help in establishing a university or an institute that majors in Ulum Al-Quran here in America. This project, Inshallah, can instruct the art of memorizing and reading the Quran in different ways for the second and next generations of American Muslims who are looking forward to keep >> knowledge Pg 27

Dear Mr. President ...

Muslim high school students from Al-Huda School in College Park, Maryland were asked what they would say if they could have five minutes with President Obama, to ask just one question. They wrote the following to express their concerns and fears, hoping to influence the President's agenda.

As a Syrian American growing up in the land of freedom, I have become concerned with our choice of humanitarian actions. If I had the chance to ask President Obama a question, I would inquire about his future plan and intended foreign policy towards the problems in Syria.

and was able to connect with Syrian children living in everyday devastation. The country has been through horrible times for over half-a-century.

Syria has gone through political turmoil with short term, unsuccessful presidencies until 1970, when President Hafiz Assad took over - with military action. Ever since the Assad regime has been in power, Syrians have suffered greatly.

Every summer, I was blessed with trips to visit my parents’ homeland,

Syrians were optimistic that changes would be made after his son, Bashar,

On Ending the Syrian Dictatorship:

....

took over in 2000. Unfortunately, he continued his father’s path. A grip of iron. No political party was allowed except the Ba’ath Party. When asking for rights or changes in the economic and political systems, Syrians were met with torture. The situation became worse when Syrians joined the Arab Spring. Without being held to account for its actions, the Syrian government has committed war crimes, including rape, slaughter, abuse, and burning.

America has helped to end other dicta-

torships. If he takes action against the bloodthirsty Syrian Government, the president can make a difference and give Syrian youth their country and dignity back. He can grant a bright future to many, including me, by saving Syria from devastation and preserving our childhood memories.

On Jobs for High School Graduates:

>> president Pg 22

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

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TOOBA UNIVERSITY

Our Spring semester begins this coming January Insha’Allah. We invite you to learn about Allah, the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and so much more. Join the growing student body this Spring and apply today.

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

12 |COMMUNITY NEWS

Gaza Solidarity 5K Run Announced Mark your calendars because the date has been set for the second annual Gaza Solidarity 5K walk/run. June 8, 2013 has been announced by the American Friends of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC for a morning of running, walking, food, fun, and community: all in support of the children of Gaza.

American Friends of UNRWA (AFU) is an independent non-profit organization

that provides support for the humanitarian work of the UNRWA through advocacy, fundraising and education. AFU aims to educate the general American public about the situation of the Palestine refugees and generate support for UNRWA’s programmes in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

This year, over 300 runners and walkers joined American Friends of UNRWA and Kinder USA on June 9th, 2012 in Washington, DC for the first annual

Gaza Solidarity 5K. The first annual Gaza Solidarity 5K raised over $50,000 for UNRWA’s Community Mental Health Program, providing summertime counseling to 1,200 children in Gaza.

The blockade on Gaza has entered its sixth year with no end in sight, and a recent UN report predicts that, if trends continue, Gaza will be unlivable by 2020.The Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip has been blamed for a multitude of problems facing the population there:

malnutrition, unemployment, limited access to electricity, exorbitant cost of books, and potable water. According to the AFU, "the children of Gaza need support now more than ever."

Early Bird Registration is now open, community members interested in early registration can use the promo code “Gaza2013” to save $5 on registration.

Source: UNRWA

Prince George's Muslims Clean Up, Adopt A Road

By Contributing Writers It was a great day for a cleanup. On Saturday, October 27, 2012 a squad from the Islamic Society of Southern Prince George’s County (ISSPGC) claimed its commitment to “Adopt a Highway” under provisions of the Maryland State Highway Administration.

The cleanup campaign began at the ISSPGC Masjid with a breakfast and safety briefing. The squad then proceeded to the cleanup site at Palmer Road and Indian Head Highway and fanned out along a stretch of Indian Head Highway picking up trash and debris in an effort to beautify and bring to mind the need to eliminate litter and blight and to maintain a healthy community environment.

“This effort represents a need to make the community aware of the harmful effects of blight and litter and to demonstrate that individuals, with the help

of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala have the power to make a positive and effective difference when it comes to the state of our community’s health,” said ISSPGC President Brother Khalil Muhammad.

This effort represents the first of four clean up outings to be carried within the course of one year. Signs marking the area adopted by ISSPGC now mark the highway indicating the area the organization has “adopted.”

The Adopt a Highway program has had a positive impact as community groups and organizations have taken some of the burden off taxpayer resources by working to clean up and curtail litter along Maryland State highways. Interested organizations can contact the State Highway Administration to find out how they can participate in this worthwhile and much needed effort. Individuals interested in joining the effort sponsored by ISSPGC should contact The Islamic

Pictured below left to right are Hassan Abdullah, Khalil Muhammad, Ismael, Ragib ad al Malik . Photo courtesy of ISSPGC.

Society of Southern Prince George’s County located at 5410 Indian Head Highway, Oxon Hill Maryland 20735

or contact khalil.muhammad@comcast.net for more information.

301-982-1020 Call Today To Advertise in The Muslim Link ....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

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DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR THE NEXT GREAT INVENTION? LET US KNOW AND YOU COULD WIN! HERE’S HOW TO ENTER Muslim Civilization brought amazing developments in science and technology to the world. In honor of this legacy, the Muslim Link is proud to partner with the National Geographic Museum in a contest to see which of our school age readers has the next great invention idea.

Whether it deals with space, medicine, agriculture, robotics, or any other field of science and technology, tell us your idea in 500 words or less making sure to include how your invention will benefit society, and attach a drawing of your invention if applicable. Four winning submissions will be selected each issue, each receiving four tickets to the National Geographic Museum to see the exhibition, 1001 Inventions: Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization. The top winner in each issue will also receive the companion book to the exhibition. The winning invention ideas will be printed in the Muslim Link.

Submissions can be sent via email to editor@muslimlinkpaper.com, or via postal mail to: The Muslim Link, Attn: Next Great Invention Contest, 5301 Edgewood Road, College Park MD 20740. The contest is open to students from kindergarten through high school; students in home schools are also eligible. The contest will run in the following Muslim Link issues: September 21, 2012, October 19, 2012, and November 16, 2012. Submissions for each issue must be received within 3 weeks of the Muslim Link issue date. Only one entry is allowed per submitter.

Generous local support provided by

Global sponsor

17th & M Streets NW • 10 AM to 6 PM daily 202-857-7700 • ngmuseum.org/1001

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

14 |COMMUNITY NEWS

Libertarian US Senate Candidate Offers Post-Election Thoughts Even though he lost, even though he is exhausted, Imad ‘Dean’Ahmad is stoked. He met his goal. 30,000 people voted for him for U.S. Senate elections. And he did this on a shoestring budget of $15,000. “I spent 50 cents per vote. My opponent’s spent more than 20 times that much money and I broke the record for the Libertarian party in Maryland,” said Ahmad.

“I might run again. I realize the opportunity to educate people and I look forward to others getting involved especially other Muslims. This party doesn’t have prejudice. Muslims can mold the existing party structure where as in other political parties they

The Muslim Link caught up with Ahmad to hear his post-election thoughts.

How did you fare in the various areas in Maryland?

“Many people thanked me for running, Muslims and non-Muslims, they were happy to have an alternative.

“Montgomery County residents gave me the highest amounts of votes, but this was expected as it was my home area. “[I received] 1.6 % of the vote in Howard County, where party workers made individual phone calls to registered voters and in St. Mary’s County where I gave a lecture at the St. Mary’s College. The best investment is to talk to young people.”

Prince George’s County was the biggest disappointment as Ahmad had visited several mosques and had people electioneering for him outside polling stations. He received less than 1% of the county’s vote.

“I was scheduled to speak at the University of Maryland but Allah wills and the super storm Sandy canceled the event, said Ahmad.

“The Libertarian party needs to capitalize on the publicity and plan for the next election if we want to make an impact. They need to start local groups in each county and become relevant.

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would have to mold themselves to the party.

“The election results in Maryland were as expected. President Obama won 70 percent of the vote. Senator Ben Cardin was expected to win by 70 percent but only got 55 percent of the vote. Many Democrats deserted hm as he has deserted his commitment to civil liberties. In the national elections, I saw increasingly dissatisfied voters. Obama won by a very narrow popular vote. The Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson won 1 million votes, which is the largest for any libertarian party candidate. People are increasingly looking for an alternative.

They can predict the fiscal crisis and are finally beginning to admit [that].

This election forced people to realize how similar the Democratic Party is to the Republican party.”

On the 3rd Party “The Democratic and Republican parties have power and have manipulated

>> thoughts Pg 23

They Said It, They Wrote It No one is perfect, so you may be seriously let down if you become enamored by a personality; Islam, on the other hand, is perfect and will never let you down. Get enamored by Islam, not by personalities.

--Ustadh Saad Tasleem ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------"It’s kind of awkward seeing people posing next to the pillars that represent Shaytan to take pictures."

--Mufti Hussain Kamani ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------“On your way to becoming a religious person, don’t become a [bad] human being.”

--Sheikh Omar Suleiman ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------“This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation . . . . And we look to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics. I believe in America. I believe in the people of America..” – Mitt Romney in his concession speech ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------"We are fast approaching a very special month, wherein fasting is most beloved to Allah after the month of Ramadhaan. Ar-Rasool sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said in a Hadeeth: The best fast after the month of Ramadhaan is (the fast of) the month of Allah, Muharram." Muharram will be starting in about a week's time In Shaa Allah. During this month, please encourage your family to fast as much as possible to come closer to Allah subhanahoo wa ta'ala." – Br. Haroon Baqai ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------"America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunities and new security for the middle class. . . . I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and forever will be, the United States of America.

“And together, with your help and God’s grace, we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on earth. Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States" --President Obama during his acceptance speech ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Prior to the election, CAIR identified eleven members of Congress who make repeated use of biased themes regarding Muslims. The antiMuslim caucus is now seven members of the U.S. House and one member of the U.S. Senate.

“Four of its members—Rep. Allen West (R-FL), Rep. Sue Myrick (RNC), Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN) and Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL)—will not be returning for Congress’s’ 113th session. One new member, Senator-elect Ted Cruz (R-TX), joins the group. West and Myrick counted among the four key members of the caucus. The other two, Reps. King (R-NY) and Bachmann (R-MN), won their respective re-election bids.

Bachmann won with a margin of less than two percent." Corey SaylorCAIR >> THEY said it Pg 24

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS | 15

Sandy By the Numbers • Some 170 people were

killed

On Sunday November 4, 2012 MCMF held its Annual Zabiha-Qurbani meat donation. Each year Muslims celebrate the “Solemn festival" of Eid ul-Adha by remembering Prophet Ibrahim’s humility and obedience to the almighty.

In fulfilling a religious obligation by remembering Prophet Ibrahim, Muslims sacrifice an animal and share portions of the meat with the less fortunate. This year thanks to the generosity of our members’ donations totaling $7,680.00, we were able to purchase seven cows. Their generous donations have gone a long way and helped many of our neighbors here in Montgomery County, Maryland.

• Hurricane Sandy is regarded as the largest Atlantic hurricane on record.

This year’s successful distribution wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful partners at Impact Distribution Line Silver Spring. Through their leadership, we were able to distribute the meat to more than 310 families comprising 1,428 total family members. With volunteers from MCMF, Global Communities, El Rosal Sewing Circle, Daniel Leadership Institute (from the Jesus house congregation), and the Long Branch Athletic Association & with Impact Silver Spring staff coordinating; the total distribution time less than two hours!

We are hopeful that we will continue to grow our partnerships so that we can grow our efforts in reaching out and helping our neighbors in need.

Weeknight School to Start At Dar Al Noor

By Muslim Link Staff Dar al Noor is the Islamic Center that serves the city of Manassas and its surroundings. Keeping the needs of the community in mind, Dar al Noor has implemented a weeknight Islamic school program, which has been running for the past four years. Brother Khaled Idris is the program coordinator. " Not everybody can speak Arabic and this program is greatly needed by the community [children]. We used to have many more students but maybe

some people have moved out of the community, our class sizes have decreased to half. We are starting a new year and have added a new curriulum, and new teachers, Sr. Ammara and Sr. Ghada are some of our teachers," he says.

The first day of classes will be Monday, November 19, 2012 In shaa Allah. Classes will be held every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The tuition is a $100 per child, sibling discounts and sponsorships are available.

Volunteers!

• Estimates range between $30 billion and $50 billion for damage costs

Br. Idris can be reached at (703) 8634827 or via email education@daralnoor.org.

These classes are offered for children in grades 1- 8. The new curriculum includes Qur'an memorization and recital (tilaawah), Seerah/Sunnah study of Prophet Mohamed (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam), Arabic Language Reading and Writing,Islamic Studies.

As spaces are limited the coordinator urges people to register on their website as soon as possible. The website is www.daralnoor.org.

• 26 Masjids and 5 Muslim schools that have been identified with mild to severe damage.

• Wagner High School in Staten Island, New York, is currently home to over 400 evacuated people.

• Zakat Foundation handed out hundreds of gallons of free gas • Category 1 storm spanned some 1,000 miles in width • Islamic Relief USA has helped distribute:food to feed 30,000 families for three days • ICNA Relief USA served 3000 zabiha-halal meals • 150,000 Muslims, who live in the areas affected, have moderate to severe damage.

• ICNA Relief Launches Million Dollar “Muslim Response to Hurricane Sandy Survivors (MRTS) (Source: Various news sources)

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16 | CONTINUED

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

Your Eid, Your Camera Muslim Link Readers Submit Their Eid Photos

Not a Leaf Falls But He Knows It. The golden hues of autumn provide a soothing, tranquil backdrop to the parade of colors that is about to pass as thousands of well dressed Eid-goers arrive for a 10AM eid prayer in Prince George's County, Maryland. Photo by Arif Kabir.

Bonding with the Baltimore Brothers. Baltimore friends youth pose for a shot after salah on Eid day at the Islamic Society of Baltimore. Pictured from right to left are Haris Qudsi, Umar Saleem, Talha Ali, Zawar Mehdi , Yasir Rafi , Naveed Ahmed, and Abdul Mateen .Submitted by Haris Qudsi.

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

CONTINUED| 17

A Panorama of Diversity (Captured with 360 Panorama in 21.5 seconds.)At the joint Prince George's county eid in Upper Marlboro, Maryland hosted by the Prince George's Muslim Association, area Muslims listen to the Eid khutbah given by PGMA's Imam Ahmad Azzaari under the open and slightly chilly sky. Submitted by Muhammad Shameem.

Family Time Cousins meet up after the Eid prayer at a rented hall in Maryland. From right, Karim Bekka, his cousin Tariq Bekka, and his sister Nora-Iman Bekka. Submission by Khalid Bekka.

It's Eid?! Allahu Akbar !

2-year old Zara Hasnain is excited about going to ICCL (Laurel Masjid) for Eid prayers in her shiny red Eid regalia. Submitted by Muhammad Khawar Hasnain.

Twice the Happiness, Twice the Chill Factor Friends of the same name meaning “happiness, tranquility, and ease� find each other on Eid day. From right, Na'im Bashir and Naeem Baig. Photo by Arif Kabir

Taking His Son for a Spin Sri Darma Krida gives his son Ibrahim a helicopter ride at the outdoor all-Prince George's County, Maryland eid prayer. Like many immigrants, Krida's immediate family is back home in Indonesia, so he celebrates Eid with his friends from the Muslim community.

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18 |COMMUNITY NEWS

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

Howard County Muslim Council 10th Anniversary Dinner

Around 300 area Muslims and dozens of local, state, and federal elected officials attended the 10th anniversary dinner for the Howard County Muslim Council held on November 11, 2012 in Clarksville, Maryland. Formed in 2002, the Howard County Muslim Council's mission is: “[HCMC] is dedicated to promoting the interests and involvement of Muslims in Howard County. HCMC is committed to supporting, sponsoring and participating in activities of common interest to local Muslims and the broader community of Howard County.” Over the next several years after HCMC formed, counties throughout Maryland formed councils using HCMC as the model. Photo

by Khalid Bekka.

HCMC President Rizwan Siddiqi (center) offers awards to Howard County Council Chairperson Mary Kay Sigaty and Councilman Calvin Ball. “You are now seen as the fiber of our community [in Howard County], you are no longer seen as just Muslims. You are seen as our neighbors and friends,” Sigtay told the audience. Calvin Ball added more congratulatory remarks and read a Howard County honorary resolution recognizing the achievements of the Howard County Muslim Council. The other board members of the HCMC include Vice-President Samina Chowdhury, Secretary Hasan Askari, and Treasurer Aref Baig. Photo by Muslim Link Staff

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

“Over the last ten years what you have done, to reach out and support the community in so many ways deserves a big, big thank you and congratulations to everyone here.

The fact that you've had food drives, clothing drives, health fairs .. you've opened the doors up at Dar Al-Taqwa to break down barriers and educate the broader community is really a tribute to everyone here. You inspire me and you've helped me live up to those values over the last six years as your county executive.” – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman. Photo by Muslim Link Staff

COMMUNITY NEWS | 19

Former Howard County Executive James Robey, now serving in the Maryland Senate, recalled how he first met a group of “distinguished looking men” who wanted to meet him when he was county executive for the sole purpose of explaining “who they were and what they wanted to do for the county”. “I knew nothing about [the Muslim community],” said Robey, saying he was a product of a mostly white, Christian area. Robey recalled how touched he was by the HCMC's willingness to work for the betterment of the county. “You've become my friends.” Photo by Muslim Link Staff

Past presidents of the HCMC were asked to come to the stage to receive recognition and awards. They made brief remarks. Pictured from right to left are Hasan Askari, founder Anwar Hassan, Irfan Malik, Dr. Rashid Chotani, Dr. Raghid Shorbaji, and current president Rizwan Siddiqi. “I'm pleased to see the process of the Howard County Muslim Council working exceptionally well,” said Anwar Hassan, citing how counties across Maryland have modeled their own councils on the HCMC. Photo by Muslim Link Staff

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20 |COMMUNITY NEWS

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

Domestic Violence Walkathon

At the registration table, a volunteer and Br. Mikael Abdur-Rahman have a bite to eat for breakfast as they watch the runners, and sign people in. “This is the second time we’re doing this, and I volunteer at a shelter, so I have a constant reminder of the effect of domestic violence. We really need to raise awareness of this issue in the Muslim Community,” says Abdur-Rahman when asked about why they decided to hold this event. The Walk-a-Thon was held at the ADAMS Center in Sterling, VA.

"I hate domestic violence. I personally aim to follow the rules told by Rasulullah (speace be upon him). He is the best man on earth, who loves his wife and family most,” comments Md. Ghaziul Haq (right), a walker attending the event. On his left stands Fakhrudeen, another walker. He says “Whenever I go out, I always wear something to remember my wife, 24 hours a day. It’s like a symbol of love. I think this walk is a great idea, I enjoy the walking, it’s good exercise, and for a very important cause.”

Different domestic violence support organizations set up their tables near registration, for runners and sponsors to come and take a look in between laps.

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS | 21

The walk began at 9:00, and even though the air was slightly chilly, walkers were already beginning to do rounds around the path. Sohaira Sultan and Shama Shaikh, the coorganizers of this event, had originally done one earlier, in June, with a smaller turnout, and decided to do a large scale at the current time. “It DOES happen, and we need to educate the Muslim Comminuty, and show them that it’s not only physical violence, but psychological as well,” says Sultan. “Sometimes I feel like the Muslim Community lives in a bubble. Like everything is perfect inside of it. But it’s not.”

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

22 | CONTINUED president

>> continued from pg 10

I am apprehensive about the fact that there may not be an adequate job for me once I graduate. A job is necessary for a high school graduate to help avoid college debts.

Recent polls stated that 91% of parents believe that their children will graduate from high school, and only 38% believe that the children will find a good job. I believe that this is important for the future of America.

If graduates were to get a job after high school, it would contribute to the work force, provide great work experience, and young people will be able to pay off debts or not have any at all.

I would bring up the issue of future jobs to the attention of the president.

One idea is to guarantee exceptional high school students jobs upon graduation.

On Ending School Bullying: President Obama, there has been an epidemic of bullying-related suicide spreading throughout schools. According to bullyingstatistic.org, "For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it." Also, according to studies done by Yale University, “Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims”.

Do you have an effective plan to keep families from losing their children to bullying? This question is important to us because the youth are the future of tomorrow, and without them, we can’t say that America will grow and develop for the better with confidence.

President Obama, I know you and the First Lady held the first ever White House conference on Bullying Prevention in March of 2010, and that you and your administration have recorded videos for the "It Gets Better" Project.

But, I wonder if there are steps being taken to ensure that all of the awareness is being translated into improve-

....

ment for kids who have to go to school everyday, only to suffer from ridicule.

children can receive better education and teachers could get paid more.

dress the issue of universal healthcare in America.

I attend a private school and I’ve always personally had a small tight-knit class, so when I hear on the news how many people my age suffer through bullying and some even reach the extreme of committing suicide, it shocks me and makes me extremely thankful for my own school. I cannot imagine struggling to learn in an environment where I do not feel protected.

We need to think about how America’s money is being spent. Not only do we need to think about the money, but also, how our children view the United States. Do they see America as a country that supports peace and equality? Or would we like our children to grow up knowing America helped its "friends" kill innocent children?

As a high school student, it is good that I can remain on my parents’ healthcare plan until the age of 26.

Although the percentage of 18 to 25 year-old Americans lacking health insurance has dropped in recent years from 28.7% to 23.4%, the percentage of uninsured 26 to 65 year-olds has been steadily increasing and is now at 19.4%. The 2012 Affordable Care Act is having a significant impact on young adults, but no impact on Americans 26 to 65 years-old. According to a USA Today/Gallup Poll, 53% percent of Americans remain pessimistic that in 20 years, the Medicare program will still provide adequate healthcare to Americans over 65.

I believe there should be a law stating that all schools must implement antibullying programs to teach students the effects and harms of bullying and punish those who victimize others.

Schools should also provide a safe and secure way of allowing students to tell what's happening to them without exposing themselves. With the combination of these efforts, bullying may become significantly reduced in schools.

We need to think about our future and how to help others positively. The Israeli government is already very powerful.

America should work on building up its own reputation and helping itself grow. Our money should go to people who will use it for the benefit of others, rather than to help people that ruin and destroy the lives of many.

Awareness helps, but is only a first step.

On Closing the Gap Between Rich and Poor:

On Aid to Israel:

The unemployment rate among the uneducated is triple that of the educated.

Shouldn't uneducated people have a chance to be able to support their families?

Why it is that America provides over three billion dollars a year in aid to Israel? Essentially, we are helping Israel make the lives of many poor, innocent Palestinian children miserable, or even to take their lives away.

Believe it or not, this what Israel spends the foreign aid we give for its military. At least 6,617 Palestinans have been killed by the Israeli military. This statistic does not include the ones that have died due to their inability to get medical aid because of Israeli road blocks. This number also does not include those killed by explosives that were set up near Palestinian homes to kill anyone who goes near. Who knows how many others have been killed and not found. What have these people, especially children, done to America or to anyone at all?

Giving foreign aid to Israel is a waste of money. We, as American people, can do so much with such a tremendous amount of money. First, we can try to alleviate hunger amongst all Americans. Second, many families can benefit immensely from this money, right here at home. Third, many

I understand that you plan to create more jobs, Mr. President, but will those jobs benefit everyone? As we prepare for the economy to improve, can we be sure to create opportunities for everyone? It seems, so far, people who own businesses and are in the upper income levels are seeing improvements, but the poorest people aren't.

Is it in your plan to provide people of all classes with equal opportunities to have a life where they can have a family, make ends meet, and give their children happy memories to look back on in the future?

How can the country flourish if some of the people are very rich and some are struggling just to live? It is not fair that people are in such extremes.

On Universal Healthcare: If I had a few minutes to speak with the President, I would ask him to ad-

About 17% of American adults are uninsured. This means more American adults are uninsured now than were from 2008 to 2010. I believe that a healthcare plan should be provided by all employers. The percentage of Americans saying they receive healthcare through their employers is down to 44.8% from 49.8% in January 2008.

I believe healthcare is still a big issue in America that should not exist.

Most other industrialized countries have Universal Healthcare. I believe that America should do the same.

On Lowering Unemployment: In October 2012, the unemployment rate was 7.9 percent. Groups like veterans, who fought for this country, should be able to get jobs to support themselves. As the prices for goods increase, the unemployment rate seems to do the same.

This is an important issue that got a lot of attention during the campaigns.

Everyone has a different idea about how to improve the problem. I agree with those who say that to create more jobs, we have to stop adding to our trillion-dollar debt from spending. We have to save money as a country.

Now, after the election, I am waiting to see how the president will actually reduce the number of Americans who >> president II Pg 23

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012 president II

do not have jobs.

The issue of global warming has become more than just a threat in the past decade and I am afraid for the Earth. I hope that in the future I can be proud to say that my country is indeed green.

On Becoming Even More Green:

On the High-Cost of Healthcare:

A poll done in March of 2012 showed that 47% of Americans were for energy production in the United States and 44% were for environmental protection. If the United States were to act on this information and begin to produce our own energy, then there would not be as much strife over the issue of oil. So, the question is: why are we not fighting to become even more environmentally friendly, faster?

What are President Obama's views on the rising costs of health care? How is he going to continue efforts to fix this issue?

>> continued from pg 22

We have made some investments to find more environmentally safe options for energy. Wind and solar energy are the best options known currently. They are rarely harmful to the environment and allow for a cleaner Earth.

According to The Health Care System "National Health Expenditures and Annual Percent Change, 2002-17", The price of health care was 2.1 trillion dollars in 2006 and increased to 2.2. trillion dollars the following year.

In 2008, health-care cost $7,681 annually for one individual. These fees are unbelievably high for even a middleclass family to pay.

In the last four years, the country’s reliance on foreign oil has reached a 16-year low and solar, wind, and geothermal energy have approximately doubled. These are both improvements but if we are going to provide a healthy world for the coming generations, we must discontinue our country's use of fossil fuels.

The high costs of health care prevent people from being able to go to the doctor when they are sick, or pay for a procedure that they need to have done.

I once had a classmate that was poverty-stricken, her family struggled a lot financially. Her mother was diagnosed with cancer, and went through several procedures and visits to the doctor.

When her mother passed, their family was left motherless and with many bills that were impossible to pay.

Their desperation was obvious. She,

thoughts

sides.”

>> continued from pg 14

the debates in a bipartisan manner.

“Many years ago independent agencies would host the debates on national issues. Third party candidates would attend these [debates]. The two parties stopped attending these debates and refuse to participate. Even this election, national cable hosted a debate with five other candidates and Obama and Romney chose not to attend.

“People need to do research, who is funding these candidates. who is behind them. The insurance industry supported Obama. Many support both

The Maryland Ballot Questions “This ‘marriage’ bill is a transgression to the English language. It was never about the civil rights of gay couples.

The question here is about marriage.

The institution of marriage is about the ability to protect children. The primary purpose is not to defend the rights of the married but to defend the rights of those children born to the couple through their sexual relations.

This possibility does not even apply to gay couples. This was never on the original gay rights mandate until the federal government started imposing 150 intrusions on married couples.

They started asking for this when the government instituted those laws.

CONTINUED | 23 though a teenager, never bought anything she didn't absolutely need, and came to school in the same old clothes everyday.

In a recent survey of 2,314 people who filed for bankruptcy, 61 percent of them became bankrupt because of the inability to pay their medical debts.

We all are aware of “ObamaCare,” its main goal is to make it easier for people to buy insurance and the government will help pay what people cannot afford. I appreciate the benefits it has for middle and low-income people, especially. The plan does have its flaws though. I fear that it is just too expensive for the country and will increase taxes to the middle class. Why not just create a plan to simply make healthcare cost less in the first place?

On More Government Money to Private Schools: If I were able to ask President Obama about a current issue, I would probably ask him about how he could increase financial aid for private schools.

According to a Gallup poll conducted this year, about 60% of parents are dissatisfied with the education being presented to their students in public schools; while, 80% of parents were satisfied with the performance of their students in private schools.

There is no tax break for gay couples, and gay couples are now realizing this and choosing not to get 'married'.

“This bill didn't destroy the institution of marriage. That was done with the popularization of birth control and the prevalence of sexual activity outside marriage.

“Muslims need to stay the course.

Muslims need to take legal action where federal law would impose on Muslims to recognize gay marriages and violate their rights. Imams are not required to officiate gay unions.

“As far as how our children will be affected after the passage of this bill, we need to stop sending our children to public schools. Muslims need to sup-

Personally, I also feel that private schools offer a better quality of education than public schools do. The quality of teaching and informational materials is better in private schools sometimes, because parents pay for it.

Students have a better opportunity of receiving the information they need in comparison to most public schools, where the student body is large and teachers do not have enough time to give each student the attention he/she needs. But what about the children whose parents cannot pay?

Education should be valued because it can change the future of our country.

We do not want only wealthy people's children to have the best opportunities to participate in our future. Private schools, most likely, offer a better education for students and gives them a higher chance of entering a college and pursuing a career befitting their needs and interests. Private schools should receive help and federal funding from the government to pay for school supplies, teachers, and even help the students that are in need pay for tuition.

I feel that if President Obama would take this issue into consideration, it would help benefit our country’s and children’s future.

port private, Islamic schools or need to home school their children. Educate the mothers so they can provide quality education to their children, or be able to give them an Islamic school education. Islamic schools need to also elevate their standards. Raise your children to read, encourage going to the library, and looking up reliable sources of information. Cultivate independent thought so they question propaganda presented to them.

“I was opposed to the gambling bill.

While others were opposed to it for many reasons my greatest problem with this bill was that is was a clear cut case of crony capitalism. A bill to enrich the MGM Grand at the expense of the poor residents of Maryland.”

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

24 | CONTINUED they said it

>> continued from pg 14

--------------------------------------------"Just heard a radio ad for BMW aimed at young people. Justin Beiber sounding dude saying, 'BMW's are like really cool!' and 'you can totally plug in

....

your iPhone!' ending with the worst, "they can like totally finance it for you so you can make payments!' BEWARE, consumerism is a disease of the heart! It can wreck a person's relationship with Allah, family, friends, and others. Live within your means and be grateful for what you have.

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'alyhi wa salaam) said, "Patience is happiness."

--Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda --------------------------------------------"New York and New Jersey we are with you. As neighbors helping neighbors we will get the job done. Together, we can get through this" --Islamic Relief --------------------------------------------"Why do we depend on government welfare when we have our own zakat

system. Why do we send our Muslim sisters to take welfare...Why do you want to come visit the homeless sisters at the shelter? They say it makes them feel like an animal at the zoo.

They don't want your pity they need your help, it is so easy to become homeless." – Asma Hanif, Executive Director Muslimaat Al Nisaa

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012 election

>> continued from pg 4

rotating terms, so at least one member is elected to each position each November. The Constitutional offices are elected every four years in odd-numbered years, except for the Clerk of the Court, who serves an eight-year term.

"There are several elections that are going to take place state board, special elections, Republican primary, even if you are a democrat you can vote in the Republican primary in Virginia," Abdullah reminds our readers, "go out and vote in every single election the little ones are just as important as the big ones, who is your sheriff is just as important as who our president is."

Lessons and Observations from an As-

shariah

>> continued from pg 5

He showed the audience several books by prominent Muslim scholars written in Arabic and read out from them.

Names of chapters such as Community living, Independent Court System, Interest of People to enforce Justice shocked some in the audience who were expecting to hear about banning women's education and violent warfare.

The largely friendly audience asked questions on polygamy and whether women could be leaders and how the shariah deals with these issues. Eluci-

sistant Chief Election Officer to avoid Future Delays and Problems of a Virginia Voter.

1. If you move, contact the Election Office in your County as soon as possible to make sure they have your new address. It doesn’t matter if you move across the street. It could mean a change of precincts. For example, Herndon has two different Congressional Districts in it. The lines are not drawn by the same borders. you and I think they should be.

2. Check to make sure your Voter Registration is in good standing. Go to http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/ and query about yourself to make sure you are in good standing. If you have any doubts or questions, contact your County Elections Office.

dating that the sources of Shariah are the Quran and the Sunnah, followed

by Ijma' (consensus), Qiyas (historical cases from Islamic Jurist), Imam Hendi also explained the concepts of urf or customary practice, isthisan and ijtihad as well as how scholars come to the conclusion whether some thing is allowable or not.

There were no outbursts or accusatory Islamophobic comments during the presentation. One individual asked why there was a sudden deluge of antishariah rhetoric in the past few years.

Largely the listeners were there to learn and engage. Volunteers from the Georgetown Muslim Student Association helped serve a halal dinner.

CONTINUED | 25 3. If you weren’t able to vote but you were asked to complete a Voter Registration form then wait 30 days and check with the election office to make sure you are good. Don’t wait 4 years and then check the day before the elections. It’s too late.

4.If your name is misspelt or your address is incorrect, fix it. With the diversity of names in our community, it is really easy for issues to come up with spelling of names. The good folks at the elections office do their best but mistakes and oversights happen. You know your name and you know how its spelt. Make sure everyone else does too. Print legibly.

5. Look at sample ballots online and research the issues and candidates ahead of time. Again, you can get that in-

Angela, an alumnus of Georgetown was attending from across the Potomac, she now resides in Alexandria, VA. "This is a timely topic, it is very important to be informed and imperative to know our faith, so we can practice Shariah." The session was very informative, a place where we can challenge our own views."

Karen Barnes, an ESL teacher from North Virginia was attending because she is interested in other cultures. " I am trying to understand Shariah. It gives me something to say to friends who are anti-shariah,' said Barnes.

Along with Georgetown University, the first American University to hire a full-time Muslim chaplain, Imam

formation from the County and State Election Web Sites. Different parties will thrust their sample ballots into your hands as you walk into the polls, but just because you might tend to vote for a certain party, doesn’t mean you agree on all the same things. Go into the polls with your own sample ballot.

Be an educated voter. It will ensure you take your elected officials to task if they don’t fulfill their duties and it will also ensure you aren’t grumbling out of ignorance.

6. Don't use the DMV to register to vote. It works maybe 25 percent of the time. Third party voter drives are also nice, but if you don't get a voter card one month before elections, you need to verify you are registered. Make sure you contact your local County Election Office directly instead.

Hendi is also the Muslim Chaplain at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Imam Hendi is a Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellow of the Center for Dispute Resolution of the University of Maryland School of Law and the Maryland Judiciary's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office.

Imam Hendi is the founder and the President of Clergy Beyond Borders, and the founder and the president of the newly founded organization, Imams for Universe, Dignity, Human Rights and Dialogue. A dynamic speaker he lectures all over the world on the topics of interfaith, domestic violence, Middle East conflict amongst others.

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

26 | CONTINUED vote

>> continued from pg 1

ings about Question 6 and 7 motivated her to sign up for the position. She follows politics from around the world and appreciates the political process.

The Muslim Link spoke to her about her experience and the importance of being civically engaged.

“Anyone can sign up who match their criteria (see box). It is a paid position we attended training where we received $50 and in my county, they paid [Election Judges] $200. The money is received 6-8 weeks after services.” In Maryland, election judges make a 2 year commitment so Coleman-Salako will be expected to work in any primary or special elections during the next 2 years.

It was an exhausting sixteen hour day, but Coleman-Salako said that she would do it again as it was so rewarding to see people vote for the first time, parents bringing their children to vote for the first time. “That meant a lot to me as a mother, to see mothers, some who could not vote themselves accompanying their children. My day started at 5:30 a.m. so we were there to set up the polling station before the polls arrived at 7:00 a.m. Early voting helped a lot, 60 percent of the votes were processed already. I voted early and waited for an hour however, there was never a long wait at least in my polling station,” she remarked.

“I was very apprehensive and afraid as there a lot of older retirees in my area.

I didn’t know how they would react to me, would they want to share personal information with me,” she admitted.

She gave a lot of thought into the colors she wore that day to appear the least threatening as possible, finally choosing a blue scarf with subtle yellow hints.

Her co-judges, as they were attending to the voters and registering people started funneling people in line to her by referring to her as the lady with the blue scarf.

“Smiles say a lot,” says Coleman. She was welcoming and was well received by voters. The human experience car-

....

ried her through the day, people smiled back, thanked her for being there to help them out. “It is the unknown that scares them and they realize that you are a human just like them,” she observed.

“We cannot afford to stay inactive; people need to see us not just as owners of pizza shops but also as active citizens.” Coleman-Salako doesn’t think that everyone needs to run for office but just been a good, involved citizen has benefits; people appreciate that when they see goodness.

Coleman-Salako says that she was disappointed that she did not see many Muslims voting. “The number of Muslims was very low, some visible brothers, actually it is hard to tell with Muslim brothers. I received a couple of Assalam alaikums and saw a few sisters, but I know that there are a great deal more Muslims in our area,” she said.

“We have to engage. We sometimes have this cult mentality and we marginalize ourselves,” maintains Coleman-Salako, “I find my students disconnected …. They sometimes feel that they cannot be pious Muslims if they don’t reject the [ills of] larger society, if they stop being the ‘other’. I want to be example to them, how this can also be dawah.”

She found it easy to balance her impartial duties with her strong feelings about the questions on the Maryland Ballot. “We were told that we could not be political. We had to ensure that every single voter gets to vote.”

“I could see people marking their [sample] ballots for or against candidates or choices that I may have had a personal affinity towards but I felt that it was their right to express themselves and my belief is that there is no compulsion in our religion.” ColemanSalako found electioneering tactics were so unwelcome inside the polling station that no one dared to do anything to compromise the atmosphere.

“I really appreciated the process. Election judges are supposed to take many measures to insure that the process is fair. They do a zero vote count in the beginning, padlock the ballot boxes and 2 members from either party are

seated to ensure that nothing goes awry. If we can pattern our activity to the same level of accountability, transparency, lessons we can take to running our own masjid, model it after the elections. Is government transparent? Of course not, scrupulous things happen everywhere but we can apply the lesson of the election process to our relations between Shurah and congregation?” she explained.

At the end of the day, she felt petty for being so afraid. “It was a wonderful experience.

What made me think that that something bad may happen? It is the fear of the unknown and they have the fear of the unknown as well. Every person has some fear of the unknown.

This will [dissipate] when we are proactive and develop as American citizens.”

To Register To Become An Election Judge In Maryland: • You must be a registered voter in Maryland.

• You must be able to withstand at least a 15 hour day of work, read, write, speak and understand the English language.

• You must attend a mandatory training session and be willing to follow instructions concerning election laws and the overall duties of staffing a polling place.

You cannot be an election judge and a: • Candidate or currently hold a public or political office, including State and county political party central committees, or Chairman, campaign manager or treasurer for a political or candidate committee

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012 empower

>> continued from pg 9

nity and interfaith work after 9/11 but said MCMF recognized the needs of the Muslim community in Montgomery County. 3 years ago, MCMF bought a bus for seniors which takes them to Jummah and brings them to the MCC Clinic.

Ahmad also spoke of his research and visit to senior community centers across the ethnic diaspora. The best options he found were divided into if the recipient had Medicare or Medicaid. He gave top marks to the Chinese and Iranian centers for the elderly on Medicaid. "For non-Medicaid, the Korean Center ran a great program," he said, "we can rent a place and provide the same services as other communities, the county give them money."

A survey was presented to a group of 60 seniors, asking question related to transportation, health, "This is not a financial status issue , many seniors are alone a good deal of the day , in this empty time human beings feelings can run the gamut from depressed to bored. The county asks us what is the need of your community. We have never done an assessment we know there is a need but we need to quantify it and for this we have this survey," Guled Kassim of the MCMF as he explained the survey.

"This is a universal need, when people say 'I am taking care of my own', we aren't saying that you aren't but there is help for you depending on the family's needs. There is in-home medical

CONTINUED | 27

care or adult daycare facilities." continued Kassim. "These may seem like personal intrusive questions but there are many seniors who are very fit, but do not speak English so will be able to evaluate the need for classes."

question of of what will we do when we get old. we broke our security net when we left. This vacuum was filled by the Islamic Centers and mosques, look around you. This your extended family."

"If you don't have healthcare or transportation, there is a whole host of services that we can funnel your way. May your needs a more social or recreational. We will be cultural sensitive"

"We explored senior living facilities and want to share with you what we found," he addressed the hall. 6 facilities within the Silver Springs area and more than 12 facilities in the metro area that he researched.

Dr. Ramla came up on stage and reminded the audience of a brand-new daycare called Loving Care which was available for anyone who had Medicaid.

They pick seniors from their homes and bus them into the state of the art facility which serves halal meat, and has full services like a barber, showers, social activities, nursing services etc.

Brochures for free services such as conflict resolution, The Maryland Senior Legal Helpline, and other services were on tables for the audience.

Arshad Quraishi is the Chairman of the board of trustees of MCC, he made a presentation based on his personal research as well as the findings of consultant of the feasibility of building a permanent Muslim Senior Residential Facility on the grounds of MCC. "My house is too big, the snow is heavier, the grass is higher and the yard bigger, I am was thinking of downsizing but the smaller homes are either not being built or they cost more," ruminated Qurashi poignantly. "Most of us come from majority Muslim Countries where our extended family was our security net. They took care of us when we were young and we would take care of them when they got old. They was never any

They had surveyed facilities such as the 5-star Leisure World, to mid-income projects supported by the state of Maryland such as Grandorf which have assisted and independent living options. All these have long waiting list as do for profit facilities such as Brooks Grove Nursing Homes in Olney, MD.

their needs so the the Islamic centers could use resources wisely an offer programs that reflect their priorities.

Pragmatic comments and suggestions accompanied many nods and whispers, with several seniors and those who will be seniors in the near future shared ideas as did audience members in their 20s and 30s, who have parents or were those who realize that they themselves will age one day and need to plan for their future.

Sameera Hussein, an active community member, suggested that the center host positive and uplifting social events to balance ones that address serious issues such as elder abuse and preventive care.

Some of these facilities require a 400K to a 700K upfront deposit plus monthly rent. The deposit is partial refundable in some facilities. "The most practical was the Sunrise facility which would cost approximately $150 a day, "said Quraishi, "these projects are extremely profitable."

Needs were assessed as priorities under transportation, healthcare, recreation, spiritual care, classes on preventative care, physical and mental health. "If you know a senior not here today who needs to go grocery shopping or needs food delivery or needs to be taken to a medical appointment, tell us." said Ngem. " We want to be able to take you to the doctor and once we get there we need to know that you can afford it," said Kassim.

Br. Rasheed Makhdum and Br. Quraishi collaborated on a model for a senior residential facility that would let MCC keep the profit within the Muslim community.

Several speakers stressed that this is a matter of assessing need not financial status. Many people who have the money and still have the need and their needs are not being met.

This 60,000 sq ft 60-unit facility of 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom apartments, a cafeteria, gym, would be run under Islamic guidelines on the current MCC land. This project has not yet been approved by the MCC Board.

"If you know any seniors who are not here, I am willing to visit them. This is a monumental opportunity, we will look back knowing there was a need and that we did not do anything about it," ended Kassim.

Ngem spent the rest of the meeting brainstorming with the audience on

Knowledge

>> continued from pg 10

the Quran in their memory as vividly as a present possession throughout their lives.”

What needs will you fill in the community?

“Encouraging the young generation to return back to Quran, and take it as a reference for their daily life. Simplify-

ing Tajweed rules for all generations, old and young, to read the Quran as accurately as possible. Realizing the differences between various ways of reading Quran.”

Dar al-Hijrah to run a Quran institute for memorizing and teaching Tajweed rules, besides Saturday Tajweed classes and Sunday memorizing circles for young children and adults.”

What are your first priorities?

Why did you choose to be a teacher?

“Teaching Quran and Tajweed rules.”

“I follow what the Prophet Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam said: ‘The best (people) among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it (to others).’ May Allah accept our seeking for good deeds.”

What events have been planned to achieve the BOD and Imam's goals?

“Al Hamdulilah, we have started in

Tell us about your family? Are they new to the area, if so how are they adjusting?

"I am married and have a six-month daughter. My wife, al-Hamdulilah, is a Virginia resident. I like the Washington DC area, it is really a good area.

I don’t feel myself being a stranger here. Al-Hamdulilah, me and my family are surrounded by a Muslim community full of good brothers and sister, al-Hamdulilah.”

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

28 | CONTINUED or considering Hajj, just book the trip and get over there.

hajj

>> continued from pg 7

unyielding trust in Allah, Hajj makes you a better person, a tougher person.

If old ladies in wheelchairs can do it, almost anyone can do it. And the biggest plus of all...for those whose Hajj is accepted in shaa Allah, they return home like a new born baby with their sins forgiven. So for anyone in doubt

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the year we go for Hajj. We had not yet saved and it didn't seem likely. A good friend went last year and said to me "start making plans, pick a group, make a deposit" and since that moment Allah made a way for us. The money literally was there in a moment. Some of my family pitched in. Everything down to childcare for our 3 small children was arranged rather quickly with great support from our family and community.

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We landed in Medina first. A man started to sing in the most beautiful voice Tala al badru alaina-amazing. Everyone on plane was in tears.

Medina was in one word: peace.

Nothing prepares you for that many people, all saying the talbiah.

I had been waiting to see Kaba for so long – years. I could taste it. What a sweet moment. It feels as though you are breathing for the first time. The magnetic pull is difficult to describe.

The need to see it again and again. Every step to the jamarat . Arafat. The ocean of people was overwhelming, and the generosity of the Saudis amazing.

I would tell everyone go. Then go again. Go as soon as you can, drop the excuses. Allah truly provides every step of the way. My husband and I decided anything we endured, anything we did not anticipate was meant for us and made our Hajj, and without it we may have missed the lessons.

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Things will just fall into place somehow. The experience is indescribable.

The meaning of the talbiyah (La bayka Allahu Ma la Bayk, Here I am Oh Allah) describes it all. I did not think of the world I left one minute while there. My world was the haram, Safa and Marwa, Arafa, Musdalifa, Mina and Jamarat. I found the Hajj to be a rejuvenating exercise mentally, physically, and spiritually. I concluded my Hajj visiting our beloved Prophet's mosque. It is huge and beautiful. The voice of Sheikh Hudayfi live...all you feel in Medina is peace. The Saudi people are welcoming, generous and and very patient and do a wonderful job managing the Hajj program. I felt I was very special for receiving the opportunity, and I am very grateful.

--Abdia Mohamed, Office of the Publisher/World Bank, Springfield, VA

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012 EID

>> continued from pg 1

the MCPS Board of Education met to adopt a school calendar for the academic year 2013-2014. President of Council on American Islamic Relations, Maryland Chapter, Dr. Mudasar Raza, Montgomery County Councilman George Leventhal and other Muslim community members presented their testimony at the meeting. " The result was expected, but it is not over yet," said Raza. CAIR-Maryland had been working to bring this issue to forefront again for the past couple of months. According to CAIR-MD, there are significant numbers of American Muslim students and staff who are not treated the same as their classmates and colleagues of other faiths at the MCPS. While MCPS provides system-wide school closings on Christian and Jewish holidays, Muslim students and staff must miss classroom instruction to attend their obligatory religious observances on Eid-ul-Adha and Eidul-Fitr because they are not granted holidays.

CAIR-MD had urged the Muslim community to contact the MCPS Board and Superintendent Joshua Starr to let them know that nothing less than equal treatment for American Muslims is acceptable. Their call was met by an outpouring of emails sent to the Board of Education.

Earlier this year, Montgomery County Councilman George Leventhal wrote to MCPS Superintendent Joshua Starr and Board of Education President Shirley Brandman on May 23, 2012 urging the school system to "provide two school closing days each school year for American Muslims."

Anhar Karim, a student and president of the Montgomery County Muslim Student Association testified at the BOE meeting and spoke about a first grader he knew who thought his holiday was inferior to Christmas because he did not get a day off from school.

Samira Husain, a family services worker with the Montgomery County Public School district, also testified at the meeting. "There will be one Eid in the school year in the next ten years.

As a member of a minority religion, I see the MCPS values and accommodate Jewish and Christian holidays with deliberate accommodation, we are asking for nothing more and nothing less."

Legality was discussed as was the state calendar as legally school systems in the state cannot declare days off solely because they are religious holidays, regardless of population demographics. According to a 1998 Maryland law, school systems must base the decision on attendance rates to avoid violating the establishment clause, which prohibits lawmakers from exerting religious preference.

"We are not asking them to look at this just as a religious issue, we are also asking them to consider the instruction missed by Muslim students on Eid ul Adha and Eid al Fitr," said Raza in an interview to the Muslim Link.

Michael A. Durso, a member of the Board of Education, spoke at length in favor of the proposal to add Eid as a holiday to the school calendar in keeping with the inclusive nature of the county. He questioned the legality requirement of absenteeism. "Do we really mean it, if we did then every Friday in May we would have significant issues getting substitutes and have a

CONTINUED | 29 holiday. What do we say to Muslim parents that we will figure it out? We are in a position that we can be seriously misinterpreted," said Durso.

Christopher Barclay, Vice President of the Board of Education stressed the need to have a standard set for the BOE on this issue. "Do we have a fair and clear standard and what is that standard?" asked Barclay.

Barclay also asked the board to consider the pressure parents feel when students miss credits especially in the higher classes. "We need the clearest data possible, how many elementary students, how many middle and high school students," said Barclay.

According to the statistics read out by a representative from the Montgomery County Public Schools, this Eid five percent of the student body and six percent of the staff were absent on Eid ul Adha. The year before it was four percent respectively.

Looking at the low absences that the MCPS provided, it seems that Muslims themselves do not take this holiday off, for a variety of reasons. Some do not celebrate Eid on the same day due to differing opinions on the method of determining Eid, others send their children in late on Eid after Eid Salah is over, and for other Muslim parents school takes precedence over religious celebrations.

"Muslims have to make it a priority.

I have never missed Eid during my whole life except for once during my fellowship when three out of six of the other fellows were Muslims and I was the most junior," said Raza, who is a doctor by profession.

Dr. Joshua Starr, MCPS Superintendent voted for the calendar without

adding Eid as a holiday as did other members. Only Durso voted in favor of adding the Eid holiday.

John Mannes, a senior at Northwest High School, is the 35th student member of the Board of Education. He is a member of the Policy Committee.

"Are we saying no forever, no, not a precedent, as long as we see the feasibility and back it up."

Comments left on the Bethesda Patch shows the variety of Muslim responses to this issue. "...Let us not compare Muslims with Christians or Jews. We should treat all religions equally. I recommend Muslim parents just get their kids excused for prayers and then they go back to school. We have so many few school year days, our kids need all the milliseconds needed to stay ahead," commented Hussein Ali Usmani "Having gone through the Montgomery County public school system, I remember this idea being discussed at various times over the past 30 years.

I applaud the ... effort to include the Eid holidays among the days off for teachers and students alike, including my own children, and hope it will be fairly considered. It is important to realize during this debate that in certain years, observing the holidays will not require actual days off since they may fall during the summer or other breaks or on weekends," commented Hena Khan.

Raza said CAIR Maryland will be working with other Muslim organizations on this issue.

CAIR- MD is not ruling out the possibility of a lawsuit.

301-982-1020 Call Today To Advertise in The Muslim Link ....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

30 | NATIONAL NEWS

National News

Indian Americans Welcome Congressman Walsh's Defeat As Victory for Pluralism Modi supporter ousted from office in Indian American concentrated district, despite huge SuperPAC funding Indian American Muslim Council November 8, 2012

Indian American Muslim Council (http://www.iamc.com) an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India's pluralist and tolerant ethos has congratulated the citizens of the 8th Congressional District of Illinois, for electing the inclusive vision of Tammy Duckworth, over the divisive agenda of incumbent Congressman Joe Walsh.

Mr. Walsh was the first elected official to openly campaign for granting a visa to Mr. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, whose entry into the US was banned under the International Religious Freedom Act. This law makes any

foreign government official who "was responsible for severe violations of religious freedom" ineligible for a US visa.

The law was invoked for Mr. Modi for his complicity in the horrific Gujarat pogrom of 2002 that claimed the lives of over 2,000 people and displaced over 150,000.

Ms. Duckworth, known for her unwavering commitment to human rights and inclusive politics, handily defeated freshman Walsh, whose unquestioning support for Mr. Modi displayed a level of insensitivity to human rights violations not seen among elected public officials.

Joe Walsh's defeat is also a tribute to the

tenacity of the district, with a high concentration of South Asians who rejected fear tactics and hate-mongering by Super PACs and special interest groups.

SuperPACs like "Indian Americans for Freedom" poured large sums of money into the campaign with ads proclaiming "If you love Modi, send Joe Walsh to Congress." The fact that such an affinity for Modi and the divisiveness he represents backfired at the ballot box is a reassuring sign about the future of pluralism.

"In a nation that cherishes tolerance, Mr. Walsh's defeat demonstrates the futility of divisive agendas and the promotion of human rights violators," said Mr. Shaheen Khateeb, President of IAMC.

"It is clear that Walsh's attack on Duckworth, for being 'on the wrong side of history,' was woefully misguided and rather ironic," added Mr. Khateeb.

IAMC is hopeful that Ms. Duckworth's tenure in the House of Representatives will be marked by a fearless defense of our common values and contribute to the advancement of justice and human rights abroad.

Indian American Muslim Council is the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States with 13 chapters across the nation. CONTACT: Indian American Muslim Council, (800) 839-7270, info@iamc.com

Downfall of Islamophobes Delights US Muslims

By Mohamed Sabry, OnIslam Staff

that is a “very vile and very vicious enemy”.

November 8, 2012

Another Islamophobic lawmaker, Republican Adam Hasner, was voted down by voters in Florida.

CAIRO – American Muslims have hailed the downfall of candidates known for their hostile tone against the sizable minority and their religion in Congressional elections this week.

"These encouraging results clearly show that mainstream Americans reject antiMuslim bigotry by candidates for public office and will demonstrate that rejection at the polls," Nihad Awad, National Executive Director of the umbrella Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said in a statement obtained by OnIslam. net.

Congressional elections on Tuesday, November 6, saw the fall of candidates known for their hostile rhetoric against

....

Hasner is known for championing events to taint the image of Muslims.

In 2009, he sought to block a day, “Florida Muslim Capitol Day”, that marks Muslim achievements.

Congressman Allen West (R-Fla) once described Islam as a “totalitarian theocratic political ideology” that is a “very vile and very vicious enemy” Muslims.

lenger Patrick Murphy.

In Florida, Republican Representative Allen West lost to his Democrat chal-

West has once described Islam as a “totalitarian theocratic political ideology”

Two years earlier, he sponsored the screening of a documentary that scares Americans away from Islam and Muslims for state legislators.

The documentary “Obsession: Radical

delight Pg 35

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

World Press

WORLD PRESS | 31

Street Sweeper’s Life Transforms In Makkah

Hajj season sees man reunited with estranged brother who agrees to restore his fortune

By Habib Toumi, Gulf News Bureau Chief

The older man even managed to have his younger brother sent to prison whenever he asked for his share. The younger brother, disappointed and dejected, opted to leave Bangladesh and work as a sweeper in the holy city of Makkah. As it turns out, the sweeper has become a millionaire in his home country.

November 3, 2012

Manama: An expatriate working as a street sweeper in Makkah saw his life change in a blink during the Haj season after his estranged brother sought to make amends for wronging him by returning his share of the family fortune.

The Bangladeshi man was sweeping Taneem Street in Makkah when an old man wearing the Ihram cloth of Haj pilgrims crossed the busy road and embraced him warmly much to the perplexity of passersby. However, the sweeper returned the embrace, indicating his familiarity with the older man.

The embrace in fact was between two brothers who had not seen each other

He told the people who gathered around him and his brother that he had forgiven his brother who had apologised profusely for mistreating him and that he was ready to return home. for more than five years in the aftermath of a bitter dispute over inheritance rights, Saudi news site Sabq reported.

The two men were from a wealthy family in Bangladesh, but the older brother

had refused to give his sibling his share of the inheritance estimated at 17 million Saudi riyals (Dh16.64 million) in cash in addition to several properties.

The older man said that he had been diagnosed with cancer and that he was not sure how long he would live. >> sweeper Pg 38

Celebrating a Golden Jubilee Kuwait Style: Gulf State Spends ÂŁ10million To Put On Biggest Firework Display Of All Time

By PHIL VINTER Daily Mail UK November 10, 2012 For the paltry sum of just ÂŁ10million Kuwait earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records last night as it celebrated the golden jubilee anniversary of its constitution in style by laying on the biggest fireworks display of all time.

A dazzling array of colours illuminated the skies above the country's capital of Kuwait City as a staggering 77,282 fireworks were launched over the period of an hour.

A representative of Guinness World Records announced the achievement on Kuwait television at the end of the display which had been watched by tens of

thousands of Kuwaitis and expatriates on the Arabian Gulf Road by the sea.

The visual presentation marked 50 years to the day since the late emir Sheikh Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah announced that Kuwait had become the first Arab state in the Gulf to issue a constitution and have a parliament.

Before the festivities Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah pledged the government's continuing commitment to democracy and made a plea for national unity as the wealthy Gulf state struggles with a political crisis.

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

....

32 |

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

ISLAM

Islam

25 1.

Whoever meets Allah without ascribing anything to Him will enter Jannah. [Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

2.

Whoever believes (has emaan) in Allah and His Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan, it is incumbent upon Allah that He enters him in Jannah.

[Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

3.

Whoever builds a masjid seeking by it the Pleasure of Allah, Allah will build for him a similar place in Jannah.

[Bukhari]

....

Ways to Enter Jannah

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

4.

Whoever prays the two cool prayers (Asr and Fajr) will enter Jannah. [Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

5.

Whoever goes to the masjid (every) morning and in the afternoon (for the congregational prayer), Allah will prepare for him an honorable place in Jannah with good hospitality for (what he has done) every morning and afternoon goings.

[Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

6.

Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of)

what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Jannah for him. [Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

7.

Whoever prays 12 rakaat in the day and night, a house in Jannah will be built for him. [Muslim] ---------------------------------------

8.

Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Jannah.

[Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

9.

Whoever repeats after the

muadhdhin from his heart (i.e., sincerely) will enter Jannah. [Abu Dawud] --------------------------------------. There is not one of you who perfects his wudu and prays two rakaat setting about them with his heart as well as his face except that Jannah would be mandatory for him [Abu Dawud]

10

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

11

. Whoever says: “I am pleased with Allah as my Rabb, and with Islam as my Deen, and with Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as my Prophet, Jannah would be mandatory for him.

[Abu Dawud] ---------------------------------------

12

. Whosoever last words are: laa ilaaha il Allah, will enter Paradise.

[Abu Dawud, Saheeh] ---------------------------------------

13

. Whoever says “SubhanAllah alAdheem wa biHamdihi, Glorified and Exalted is Allah, The Great, and with His Praise”, a date-palm will planted for him in Jannah.[Tirmidhi] ---------------------------------------

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

ISLAM | 33

Worship Through the Seasons Sinning and Hastily Repenting Our Benefits Muslims Can Take from Shorter Days, Longer Nights

By Farid Haibatan

Committing sins and falling into error is an unavoidable human trait, such that Allāh’s Messenger Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam said, “By the One in whose hand is my soul, if you were not to commit sin, Allāh would have swept you out of existence and would have brought about another people who commit sin, and then seek forgiveness, and He would then forgive them.”[1] He also said, “All the children of Adam sin repeatedly, and the best of those who sin repeatedly are those who repent frequently.”[2] Repenting to Allah (tawbah) is one of

14.

Whoever dies and is free from three: arrogance, grudges and debt will enter Jannah.

[Tirmidhi] ---------------------------------------

15.

Whoever raises two girls, he and I will enter Jannah.

[Tirmidhi] ---------------------------------------

16.

Whoever calls the adhan for 12 years, Jannah will become mandatory for him[Ibn Maajah]

the greatest characteristics of people of faith; Allāh the Most High says, ‘‘... and turn to Allāh in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”[3] He also says, ‘‘O you who have believed, repent to Allāh with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allāh will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will proceed before them and on their right; they will say, “Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You

>> sinning Pg 38

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

17.

Whoever asks Allah for Jannah three times, Jannah will say: “O Allah, enter him into Jannah.” [Tirmidhi] ---------------------------------------

18.

Whoever visits an ailing person or a brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out: May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah.

[Tirmidhi] ---------------------------------------

19.

Indeed, truthfulness leads to righteousness and indeed righteousness leads to Jannah.

[Bukhari]

By Asif Uddin

ings can often be counterproductive and rather as the proverb goes, if we were to make hay while the sun shines, there is much to gain in living in this era and in this part of the world too.

Many of us when hearing and reading eulogies of past communities, invariably begin to compare that past with that of our present. Naturally we begin to focus on our present days’ failings, For everything there is a season... longing to have lived in that romanticised past, free from most if not all Islam is a divinely ordained way of life, difficulties. Eventually when we climb transcending time and place. In every down out of the clouds and into the real hardship we face, there is wisdom for world we realise, that we cannot change the believer and an opportunity for him the fact that we live in the 21st century. to rise in status with his Lord. “Truly A century seemingly filled with daily with hardship comes ease”[1] and the horrors and devoid of morality, it can sometimes feel unbearably hard to live in; however, wallowing in our misgiv- >> seasons Pg 36

ings), feed the hungry, and pray while the people are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace. [Tirmidhi]

one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Jannah.

[Bukhari]

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

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

20. 22. 24.

Allah guarantees him who strives in His Cause and whose motivation for going out is nothing but Jihad in His Cause and belief in His Word, that He will admit him into Jannah.

[Bukhari]

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

21.

O people, spread the salaam (greet-

(The performance of) Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah.

[Bukhari] ---------------------------------------

I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims[Muslim] ---------------------------------------

25.

23.

Allah has ninetynine Names, one hundred minus

O Allah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except

You, You created me and I am You servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favor upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You. “If somebody recites this invocation during the day, and if he should die then, he will be from the people of Jannah. And if he recites it in the night, and if he should die on the same day, he will be from the people of Jannah.”

[Bukhari]

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

34 | ISLAM

Born Jewish in New York, Outspoken Defender of Islam Passes In Pakistan Maryam Jameelah Authored Over 30 Books

Maryam Jameelah was born Margret Marcus in New York to a Jewish family. She explored Judaism and other faiths, converted to Islam in 1961 and emigrated to Pakistan. She was the author of over thirty books on Islamic culture and history and a prominent female voice for Islam. She was the wife of Muhammad Yusuf Khan of the Jamaat e Islami and lived in the household of South Asian scholar Abu 'Ala Maududi. She passed away on October 31, 2012 in Lahore , Pakistan. Below is her letter that she wrote to her parents from Pakistan many years ago.

“Dear Mother and Father, I have now been living in Pakistan for more than twenty years during which time you have acquired an entire additional family of loved-ones there, adding much to your happiness. You have reached a ripe age, thank God, living longer in good health than I had ever expected. You have read all my books and Islamic literature I have sent you with a broad and open mind. Therefore you need no introduction to the subject I wish to discuss with you now and nothing I have to say will seem strange and new to you.

I wonder if you realize fully how very fortunate you are. So long as you can keep in reasonable health and are able to take care of yourselves, you can continue to enjoy a pleasant life. But do you ever think of the tragic faith of those hundreds of thousands of other older Americans, the victims of chronic illness and infirmities, who crowd to overflowing hospitals and nursing homes (which are really charnel houses), the old-age homes and the senile wards of mental institutions? And do you ever think of those still greater numbers of older people who are widowed and live their lonely lives confined to their dingy rooms in constant fear of muggings, physical attacks and robberies by juvenile delinquents who prey on the old and infirm with no remorse or fear of punishment? The maltreatment of older people is a direct result of the collapse of the home and extended family. Does your elder sister – my aunt Rosalyn, a great-grandmother lovingly sheltered in a close and adoring family and a happy home, ever think how lucky she is and >> defender Pg 37

....

Arabic Instructor Position Available

Education

The Muslim Community Center is adding to its panel of qualified instructors for the Arabic Language Center.

Applicants must be proficient in Arabic and English languages with substantial teaching experience.

MCC’s Arabic Language Center classes Upon completion of this course (approx. 9 semesters), that student will reach a level of skills that will allow meaningful communication in spoken and written Arabic, as well as comprehension of Arabic texts, including the Al-Qur’an.

Meeting Times Classes will be held every Saturday and Sunday for 2 hours each day between 8AM and 10AM.

To apply for this paid position, email your resume to education@mccmd.org.

Qur’an Instructor 2 Positions Available Program Details The MCC Qur’an Program is adding to its panel of qualified Qur’an instructors and teaching assistants.The program is offered year round (4 quarters) and requires teaching on Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:45pm, Sundays from 2:30pm to 4:45pm (summer hours change). The Qur’an instructor positions are paid positions, teaching assistants positions are non-paid internship opportunities to learn how to teach, engage students in a classroom setting and develop under a Qur’an instructor.

Quran Program Instructors • Certification in Teaching Qur’an with Tajweed rules • Qur’anic teaching experience in a classroom setting • Ability to professionally teach and manage 15 young children in a classroom setting • Classroom organizational and administrative skills • Dedication to teach at least 2 years with the program Quran Program Teaching Assistants • Knowledge of tajweed rules • Qur’anic teaching experience is preferred • Support the primary Qur’an instructor in managing 15 young children in a classroom setting • Dedication to teach at least 2 years with the program Benefits • A chance to professionally work in an environment to build his or her skills and eventually become an instructor.

To apply for either position, email your resume to: education@mccmd.org. Please – no phone calls.

The Muslim Community Center

15200 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905

301-384-3454

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

ISLAM | 35

Salaah times for November 16th - December 13th, 2012

If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it fi ve times a day, do you think he would have any fi lth left on him?”

The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “That is like the fi ve daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.”

---Hadith in Sahih al Bukhari and Muslim Prayer times generated from www.islamicfinder.com for the WASHINGTON, DC area.

delight

>> continued from pg 30 Islam's War Against The West”, which presents what it describes as radical Islam's campaign against Christians, America and the West, was shown on college campuses across the country.

It features interviews with commentators famed for their notorious anti-Islam views, including Martin Gilbert, Daniel Pipes and Steve Emerson A third Islamophobic candidate, Terry Kemple, was also defeated in his bid for the Hillsborough County School Board.

Kemple's main issue in the race was seeking to keep Muslim speakers out of local schools.

Day

Date

Hijri

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Fri

Nov 16

2/1

5:37

6:52

11:53

2:33

4:54

6:10

Sat

17

3/1

5:38

6:53

11:54

2:32

4:53

6:10

Sun

18

4/1

5:39

6:54

11:54

2:32

4:52

6:09

Mon

19

5/1

5:40

6:55

11:54

2:31

4:52

6:09

Tue

20

6/1

5:41

6:56

11:54

2:31

4:51

6:08

Wed

21

7/1

5:41

6:57

11:55

2:31

4:51

6:08

Thu

22

8/1

5:42

6:58

11:55

2:30

4:50

6:07

Fri

23

9/1

5:43

7:00

11:55

2:30

4:50

6:07

Sat

24

10/1

5:44

7:01

11:55

2:30

4:49

6:07

Sun

25

11/1

5:44

7:01

11:55

2:30

4:49

6:07

Mon

26

12/1

5:45

7:02

11:56

2:29

4:49

6:06

Tue

27

13/1

5:47

7:04

11:56

2:29

4:48

6:06

Wed

28

14/1

5:48

7:05

11:57

2:29

4:48

6:06

Thu

29

15/1

5:49

7:06

11:57

2:28

4:47

6:06

Fri

30

16/1

5:50

7:07

11:57

2:28

4:47

6:05

Sat

Dec 1

17/1

5:50

7:08

11:58

2:28

4:47

6:05

Sun

2

18/1

5:51

7:09

11:58

2:28

4:47

6:05

Mon

3

19/1

5:52

7:10

11:59

2:28

4:46

6:05

Tue

4

20/1

5:53

7:11

11:59

2:28

4:46

6:05

Wed

5

21/1

5:54

7:11

11:59

2:28

4:46

6:05

Thu

6

22/1

5:54

7:12

12:00

2:28

4:46

6:05

Fri

7

23/1

5:55

7:13

12:00

2:28

4:46

6:05

Sat

8

24/1

5:56

7:14

12:01

2:28

4:46

6:06

Sun

9

25/1

5:57

7:15

12:01

2:28

4:46

6:06

Mon

10

26/1

5:57

7:15

12:01

2:28

4:46

6:06

Tue

11

27/1

5:57

7:16

12:02

2:28

4:47

6:06

Wed

12

28/1

5:59

7:17

12:03

2:29

4:47

6:06

Thu

13

29/1

6:00

7:18

12:03

2:29

4:47

6:07

Tuesday’s election left the Democrats in control of the 100-member Senate, while the Republicans remained in control of the 435-member House of Representatives.

Awareness Muslim leaders have given credit to efforts by American Muslims to raise public awareness about Islam, which led to the defeat of Islamophobic candidates.

"This election witnessed an increased political awareness and mobilization effort among American Muslims that dealt a major blow to the Islamophobia machine,” Award said.

Among those defeated in Tuesday’s election was Republican Representative Joe Walsh, who was defeated in his re-election bid in Illinois.

Walsh angered Muslims earlier this year when he said that radical Islam exits now in the United States.

"It's here. It's in Elk Grove. It's in Addison.

It's in Elgin. It's here."

In Arkansas, Republican candidate Charlie Fuqua lost his bid for Congress to Rep. James McLean.

In a book, Fuqua has called for the deportation of all Muslims.

In Minnesota, Rep. Chip Cravaack (RMN) lost his seat. Cravaack was a key supporter's of Republican Rep. Peter King's hearings on the so-called radicalization of US Muslims.

Muslims have been angry with the Republican Party over the anti-Islam campaigns played by its candidates to win votes.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich had described Islamic Shari`ah as a mortal threat to the United States.

Former Republican candidate Rick Santorum had also described Islamic Shari`ah as "an existential threat" to America.

Former candidate Herman Cain had also said that he would not appoint a Muslim in his administration.

Cain, who withdrew from the race for the White House, later modified his position by calling for an unconstitutional "loyalty" oath for Muslim appointees.

Recently, a Republican Missouri lawmaker described Islam as a disease like polio while another Alaska Rep. branded Muslims as ‘occupiers’ of American neighborhoods.

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

36 | CONTINUED seasons

>> continued from pg 33

Prophetic narration, “How wonderful is the affair of the believer? For his affairs are all good, and this applies to none but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and he is rewarded for that. If something bad befalls him, he bears it with patience and he is rewarded for that” are but a few examples of how Islam ingrains lessons of encouragement and positivity. Realising these lessons should help us counter the excessive complaining, procrastination and general negativity towards life that we find within many of our circles.

The United Kingdom is that part of the consumer world where life is furiously fast. Even Muslims visiting from abroad can often be left puzzled by the widely varying prayer times especially with no public call to prayer to remind them of their daily obligations. The inherent difficulties faced by Muslims here with the seasonal variations in prayer times are part and parcel of life, so what positives can we take from this difficulty?

The winter days are very short, sometimes the end of Fajr is as early as 8.00 am and Maghrib at 4pm, whilst during the summer days, Fajr ends at 4.30am and Maghrib at 9.30pm. There are many advantages we can draw from this: Firstly, the opportunity to pray in congregation three or four times a day in the Mosque during the summer period should be very easy even for those who are working full time. And why would one want to miss out on an opportunity like this when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘The prayer of a person in congregation is twenty seven times better than the prayer of the person individually.’[2] Naturally, the chance to have a wage or salary which is 27 times more for practically doing the same thing at the same time is not an opportunity any of us would want to miss (From this October, 2010, the minimum wage will be £5.93 an hour, so that would mean £160.11 an hour!). So why with our daily prayers, which we must pray within their fixed times, do we not grab that offer? The first offer is one that benefits us in this life and the second offer is one that benefits us in the ever-lasting life of the Hereafter.

....

Secondly, the time between Maghrib and the beginning of Fajr is very short in the summer, so praying the night prayer during the last third of the night is surprisingly easy. In other countries closer to the equator where the nights are much longer, waking up in the last third of the night is harder and praying most of that last third is even more so.

In addition, in the winter (in the UK), the days become so short, we can wake up a short time before Fajr at a quite normal time. We can pray our night prayer after which we can carry on with the rest of our day with as much ease as when we do our daily routine of work, school etc. So, how can we deny ourselves of this opportunity, when the Messenger of Allah (peace and bless-

dle three days of the Islamic months.

Some of our scholars have considered fasting to be one of the greatest actions in Islam. Whilst all actions have a limit to their reward, fasting is an act that has not, as it consists of various types of patience, lessons in self-development and numerous guiding morals.

he spends in performing this worship is much higher than when he does the same in his summer evenings. For instance, since the nights are very short in the summer period, the reward for praying the whole of the night is achieved simply by standing for quite a short time. The opportunity of a lifetime!

Fourthly, praying the recommended mid-morning prayer - Salatul-Duha (or Ishraq) becomes effortless. The time for the mid-morning prayer is from when the Sun has risen to the height of a spear above the horizon, which is around fifteen or twenty minutes after sunrise.

Since Maghrib in the winter period is a lot earlier, it would be safe to pray this slightly earlier, about 10 minutes after sunrise. However, the point is that it

Seventhly, how many times do we hear ourselves bemoaning the terrible weather that the United Kingdom has?

It snows in the summer, we get heat waves in the winter and to top it all off it rains throughout the year! But is complaining about the weather, which is by Allah’s decree, in fact a complaint to the Most High? We need to realise the weather is from the many bounties of Allah and seek from its opportunities in order to raise our taqwa. I will always remember when a respected shaykh from the Middle-East visited the United Kingdom and it began to rain.

As the Muslims all rushed for cover, the shaykh, ran out into the rain and began to cry profusely and make du’a. Later he told us, “In my country, we sometimes get rain just once a year. The Muslims in the United Kingdom are blessed with this opportunity of washing away their sins and thanking Allah for these blessings,” As our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Two are the du’as that are never returned unanswered: the dua made when the prayer is being called, and at the time of rainfall.” [7] Yet it is common practice for us to complain that the weather is bad when it is raining – How much more mistaken can we be?

“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven, when only one third of the night has remained. He says: “Who will invoke Me, so that I may give him?

Who will seek My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him.” ings of Allah be upon him) informed us: “Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven, when only one third of the night has remained. He says: “Who will invoke Me, so that I may give him?

Who will seek My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him.”[3] And in another report, he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) adds: “Then Allah extends His Hand and says: ‘Who wants to invest (good deeds) with the One who is not wasteful or unjust?’ He continues to say this until the dawn arrives.”[4] Thirdly, during the winter, the beginning of Fajr till Maghrib amounts to just ten hours (6am to 4pm) and so fasting should be easy as pie! (Although, eating some pie would kind of defeat the purpose of the fast!) In fact, a person is only expected to miss out on lunch. How can one not do this when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The best fasting is the fast of David (Dawood): he used to fast one day and not the next.”[5] Moreover, there are the recommended Fasts for every Monday and Thursday and the mid-

could be prayed before one leaves for work. How can we miss out on this, when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays Fajr prayer in congregation then awaits patiently until he offers the Shurooq prayer shall have the reward of a person who has completed both Hajj and Umrah, not lacking in any way.”[6] Fifthly, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the du’a from ‘Asr to Maghrib on Friday is one of the blessed times in which it is most likely to be answered. Since the time after ‘Asr till Maghrib, during the shorter days of the year in the United Kingdom, is so small, the effective time we seek to make that assured dua is much easier to achieve.

Sixthly, acts of worship which are restricted by time have a higher reward in terms of the percentage of time spent in worshipping. So if someone only has one hour to do his evening adhkaar – the percentage of time in that evening that

There are plenty of more opportunities you can think of when you ponder and reflect on the blessings Allah has bestowed us all with. Indeed, in everything there is a reason, for everything there is a season…

Source; www.islam21c.com ------------------------------[1] Qur’an, Al-Sharh (The Opening) (94:6) – Translation of the meaning [2] Ibid.

[3] Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim [4] Sahih Muslim [5] Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim [6] Sunan Abu Dawood and At-Tabarani [7] Sunan Abu Dawood classed as Sahih by al-Hakim

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012 defender

>> continued from pg 34

how few of her advanced age in America are left like her?

You must know that society in which you were brought up and have lived all your life is in a state of rapid disintegration on the brink of collapse. Actually the decline in our civilization was evident as far back as World War I but at that time few people except some intellectuals and artists were aware of what was happening. But since the end of World War II and especially during the last two decades, the rot has reached such a stage of advanced decay that nobody can any longer ignore it.

The moral anarchy in the absence of any respected, fixed standards of behavior and conduct, the obsession with perverted sex over the entertainment media, the mistreatment of older people, the divorce rate which has climbed so high that among the new generation, an enduring, happy marriage is becoming rare, child abuse, the destruction of the natural environment, the prodigious waste of scarce and valuable resources, the epidemic of veneral diseases and mental disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, suicides as leading cause of death, crime, vandalism, corruption in the government and contempt for the law in general – all of this has a cause.

The cause of this is the failure of secularism and materialism and the absence of absolute, transcendental theological and moral values. Deed does in the final analysis depend upon creed because if the intention is wrong, the work always suffers.

No doubt that it may bore you to read this. You will protest that if you are not theologians, philosophers or sociologists, then why bother about such “deep” matters when they do not seem to be of any direct concern to you? After all, you are happy and content living just as you are. You only wish to enjoy life right now, live entirely in the present and accept each day as it comes.

If life is a journey, is it not foolhardy only to be concerned with pleasant and comfortable accommodations along the way and never to think about the journey’s end? Why were we born? What is the meaning and purpose of life, why

must we die and what will happen to each of us after death?

Father you have told me more than once that you cannot accept any traditional religion because you are convinced that theology conflicts with modern science. Science and technology have indeed given us much information about the physical world, provided us with abundant comforts and conveniences, increased efficiency and discovered remedies for many diseases that used to be fatal. But science does not and cannot tell us about the meaning of life and death. Science tells us “how” but it never answers the question “why”?.

Can science ever tell us what is right and what is wrong? What is good and what is evil? What is beautiful and what is ugly? And to whom are we account-

CONTINUED | 37 incomprehensive theology which could not resist the impact of the renaissance, the revival of the natural sciences and the radical secularism of the French Revolution. While Christians in Europe and America have deserted their faith wholesale leaving the churches almost empty, the missionaries continue to represent the vanguard of western imperialism and exploitation in Asia and Africa.

After Christianity, the Jews comprise the second largest religious group in America who dominate politically, and economically, as well exercising considerable control over the media. But Judaism has always been parochial and tribal, seldom welcoming converts. It is not and has never been a universal faith.

The Zionist movement which resulted

Thinking people know that secularism has failed to be a sound foundation of our social order. They are anxiously searching in other directions for a solution to the crisis but do not know yet where to find it. able for what we do? Religion does.

Today America is in many ways a repetition of ancient Rome in the terminal stages of her decline and fall. Thinking people know that secularism has failed to be a sound foundation of our social order. They are anxiously searching in other directions for a solution to the crisis but do not know yet where to find it. This is not of concern only to a few sociologists. The disease of national disintegration directly affects you and me and each one of us.

During its most critical period, ancient Rome adopted Christianity as its salvation and henceforth the Church dominated Europe for more than a thousand years. This put an end to many of the worst social and moral evils of decadent Rome and greatly raised the moral and spiritual standards of the people.

Unfortunately during the formative period of its history, the Church compromised with paganism and secularism, adopting an elaborate priesthood and

in the establishment of the state of Israel, is the secular expression of Jewish nationalism and tribalism. The dreadful atrocities committed by the Israelis in occupied Palestine, the unprovoked aggression in Lebanon and adjacent areas and attempted genocide of the Palestine Arabs, depriving them of all human and political rights, is the logical result of this same narrow parochial outlook.

This is the reason why even the most orthodox of the rabbis refuse to believe that Israel can do any wrong and uncritically support everything she does.

These glaring moral and spiritual defects automatically disqualify Judaism as the faith of the future.

The Muslims comprise the third and fastest growing faith in America today.

No longer is Islam confined to remote regions of the deserts and jungles of Asia and Africa. No longer is Islam foreign to the American scene. There are more than three million Muslims in America today and their numbers are increasing fast. There are thousands

of students from all Muslim countries studying in American universities, and well-educated, highly-trained Muslims are busily at work in all professions.

In the last two decades, hundreds of native-born American converts have swelled their ranks. At first most of the converts were black people who found in Islam, dignity, honor, self-respect and racial brotherhood as did MalcolmX, but in recent years more and more white converts of European origin, searching for guidance in all the affairs of their formally chaotic lives, have also embraced Islam, making many sacrifices and enduring much hardships to do so. Few of them are fortunate as I am to have loving parent like you.

Most of them suffer severe frictions with their non-Muslim parents and relatives. Today churches and synagogues are almost deserted but the newly-built mosques and Islamic centers, springing up in every important American city and town, are attracting rapidly growing numbers. Most of the new Muslims in America are young, intelligent and well-educated. What attracts so many young Americans to Islam?

Americans today, both young and old, are desperately searching for guidance.

They know from bitter experience that the personal freedom and opportunities they as Americans enjoy are meaningless and self-destructive without reliable guidance, direction and purpose.

Secularism and materialism are powerless to provide any positive or constructive moral values for Americans either individually or collectively. That is why after Christianity and Judaism have failed them, more and more people in America today are turning towards Islam. In Islam as new Muslims, they find a sane, healthy, clean and honest life.

And for Muslims, everything does not come to an end at death. They look forward to an Eternity of bliss, peace and perfect happiness (in the Hereafter).

This Guidance found in the Holy Qur’an and the recorded words and deeds of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, is not only for foreign races in some far-away corner of the East, centuries ago. Here are to be found the solutions to all economic, social, moral and political problems which face us right here in the West >> defender II Pg 38

....

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

38 | CONTINUED sinning

>> continued from pg 33

are over all things competent”.”[4] Ibn al-Qayyim defines repentance by stating that ‘the reality of repentance is to have regret for that which one has committed in the past, to disassociate oneself from it in the here and now and to have the resolve to not return to it in the future.’[5] When a servant happens to slip and disobey Allāh the Most High, if he is righteous, two inseparable qualities are manifested.

The first is swift remorse and return to Allah – the heart that is alive with īmān (faith) neither continues disobediently nor continues transgressing; it is quick in resorting back to his Lord in repentance. Allāh the Most High says, “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allāh and so seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allāh? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.”[6] He defender II

>> continued from pg 37

today. Furthermore, Islam is not cold, remote and impersonal. Muslims have complete faith in a very personal God who not only created, sustains and rules the universe but also loves and deeply cares about the fate of each of us. The Holy Qur’an tells us that God is nearer to everyone of us than our jugular veins!

Since the Holy Qur’an is divine revsweeper

>> continued from pg 31

He reportedly looked for his brother in several places to ask for his forgiveness and make amends for all the years of deprivation he was forced to endure. He even offered financial rewards to whoever could help him locate his brother.

According to the news site, the younger brother said he was ready to forget the past and move forward with his new life. “I will always be kind with the

....

also says, “And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allāh will find Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.”[7] He also says, “And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far. [It will be said], “This is what you were promised – for every awwāb and keeper [of His covenant]. Who feared the Most Merciful unseen and came with a heart returning [in repentance]”.”[8] Ibn Kathīr said, ‘Awwāb means one who continually returns, repents and renounces.’[9] The second quality is not to regard disobedience as a trivial matter. The righteous servant does not regard sinning as being insignificant regardless how negligible the sin is classified as being.

This is remaining true to the saying of Allāh’s Messenger Sallallahu 'alyhi wa sallam, “Beware of small sins, for the example of slight sins is that of a group of travellers who broke their journey in a valley. Then one of them brought in a stick and another came up with another piece until they were able to gather enough to bake their bread. Remember! If a person is held to account for his small sins, surely they will destroy him.”[10] This is why our righteous

elation, it cannot and will never be changed. Because it is perfect, it cannot be improved, revised or reformed.

Since Muhammad, upon whom be peace, is the final Prophet, his guidance can never be superseded by any other.

The Qur’an and Sunnah are addressed to all peoples, in every country of the West as well as the East. Since it is relevant for all times, in all places, it can never become obsolete or out-of-date.

You are both of very advanced age and there is so little time left. Yet it is not too late if you act now. If your decision is poor and the needy,” he said. “I have learned a lot about deprivation and poverty in the last five years. I will always be fair with everyone after I lived through years of injustice,” he said in Arabic, a language he learned during the time he spent sweeping the streets of Makkah.

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

forefathers, may Allāh be pleased with them, would take the utmost care not to fall into sin (whether major or minor); Anas Ibn Mālik said “You people do deeds which seem in your eyes as minute as a strand of hair while we used to consider those very deeds during the life-time of the Prophet as destructive sins.”[11]

The point is that fear dominates the believer because of the strength of imān he has so he feels unsafe from possible punishment as a result of disobedience.

This is the trait of the Muslim: ever fearful and conscious; he holds as insignificant his righteous actions and is fearful of any minor infraction (against God).’[13]

We find ‘Abdullāh bin Mas‘ūd relating to us that “A believer sees his sins as if he were sitting under a mountain, which he is afraid may fall on him; whereas the wicked person considers his sins as flies passing over his nose and he just drives them away like this.”[12] Abu Shihāb (the sub-narrator) moved his hand over his nose in illustration. Al-Hāfidh Ibn Hajar commented, writing that ‘Ibn Abī Jamrah said, “The reason for this is that the believer’s heart is illuminated and if he sees within himself something which works against the illumination of his heart that disturbs him. The wisdom of using the mountain in the simile is that it could be possible to find some form of rescue from other matters that could well ruin him in contrast to a mountain: if it were to topple over him this would mean sure death in most cases.”

Source: www.islam21c.com. This article is part of a free translation of alIftqar ila Allah, Lubb al-'Ubudiyyah by Ahmad al-Suwayan ----------------------------------------------[1] Related by Ahmad, vol. 20. P.344, no. 13049 and al-Tirmidhī, vol. 4, p.659, no.2499.

[2] Muslim, vo. 4, p. 2106, no. 2749 [3] Sūrah al-Nūr, 24:31 [4] Sūrah al-Taḥrīm, 66:8 [5] Madārij al-Sālikīn, vol. 1, p. 199 [6] Sūrah Ᾱl ‘Imrān, 3:135 [7] Sūrah al-Nisā’, 4:110 [8] Sūrah Qāf, 50:31-33 [9] Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-‘Azīm, vol. 4, p. 229 [10] Related by Ahmad, vol. 37. P.467, no.

22808 [11] Al-Bukhārī, vol. 11, p. 329, no. 6492 [12] Al-Bukhārī, vol. 11, p. 102, no. 6308 [13] Fath al-Bāri’, vol. 11, p. 105

positive, your ties with your loved ones in Pakistan will not only be by blood but also in faith. You cannot only love them in this world but be all together with us forever in eternity.

If your decision is negative, I am very much afraid that your happy, comfortable and pleasant life will very shortly come to an end. As soon as the inevitable occurs, it is too late for remorse and regrets. The punishment will be terrible from which there is no refuge and no escape.

It is as your daughter who loves you and hopes to the end that you will be spared this fate. But the decision rests entirely with you. You have complete freedom to accept or reject: Your future depends upon the choice you make now.

All my love and best wishes. Your devoted daughter -- Maryam Jameelah (Courtesy: The Universal Message).

Also see Iqra: The Islamic Journal, Nairobi, Rabi-ul-Awwal 1407, November 1986, p35-37.

To Advertise in the Muslim Link Call

301-982-1020 or Email us at

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

CONTINUED | 39

For more information about this Class - please contact Hasan.Hammad@isb.org ....

November 16th 2012 -OBITS December 13th 2012 & EVENTS

40 |

Request For Dua’s

{ To A llah We Be l o n g , an d t o Hi m i s Ou r R e tu r n } “Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and good, and to Us you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Anbiya:35)” 10-16-12 It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Sister Noor Iqbal, the daughter of Dr. Mohammed Iqbal and Sister Abida Iqbal. The Janaza Prayer was held on October 17, 2012 in Ellicott City, Maryland. We ask Allah (SWT) to shower her with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant her the highest ranks in paradise, and give her family support and patience during these difficult times. (Source: Dar Al-Taqwa) 10-20-12 Sister Mamasa Tunkarh-Mansaray has passed away. Her Janazah prayer was on October 21, 2012 in Manassas, Virginia. May Allah (SWT) grant her Jannah, accept her in His ercy & Love and grant Sabr to her family. (Source: Dar Alnoor) 10-23-12 Dar Alnoor extends our condolences to sister Mubarikah and her family as her brotherin-law has passed away. May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannah, accept him in His Mercy & Love and grant Sabr to the family. (Source: Dar Alnoor) 10-28-12 Sultan Salahuddin, the grandfather of Ali and Omar Faruqi and Sonia and Adam Wolfer, has passed away. The Namaz-e-Janazah was on October 28, 2012 in Sterling, Virginia.

May Allah purify his soul, forgive him for all his sins and grant him Jannat-ul-Ferdous (ameen).

(Source: A. Wolfer) 10-29-12 Our Father(Omar Jaka), has returned to Allah(SWT). May Allah(SWT) widen his grave and grant him admission into the highest levels of Paradise. May Allah(SWT) Have Mercy on Him and Forgive Him. May Allah(SWT) Reward and Bless Him. Ameen. MayAllah(SWT) shower patience upon his surviving family members and grant them strength and fortitude through this time.

Ameen. (Source: R. Jaka) 10-31-12 Br. Dia'a Shaklyea's Mother has passed away. May Allah(swt) raise her darajjat, and enter her into Al Ferdaws , forgive her sins and to all Muslims and make her from the people of Yameen. Amin. (Source: ISG) 11-2-12 It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Brother Hussain Al-Jawadi, uncle of Brother Mohammed Al-Jawadi. We ask Allah (SWT) to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant him the highest ranks in paradise, and give his family support and patience during these difficult times. (Source: Dar Al-Taqwa) 11-3-12 It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Brother Jalil Rodney Andrew Medford. May Allah (SWT) grant him Jannatul Firdaus and may HE grant the family ease. Janazah Salat for Brother Jalil was on November 4, 2012 in Lanham, Maryland. (Source: PGMA) 11-3-12 Br. Aamer Zain's Father has passed away. Salat Al janaza was on November 4, 2012 in Manassas, Virginia. May Allah(swt) raise his darajjat, and enter him into Al Ferdaw, forgive his sins and to all Muslims and make him from the people of Yameen. Amin. (Source: ISG) 11-3-12 Our dear brother in Islam Mohammad Nafia Al-Saigh, husband of Sr. Nellie Al-Saigh, father of Ayad, Mona, Batul, Cotayba and Iman,and father-in-law of Hany Salah and Mehmood Kazmi, has passed away. Janazah was on November 4, 2012 in Falls Church, Virginia. (Source: U. Jafr) 11-3-12 Mufti Zain-ul-Malook, the father of Aamir, Aaresh and Omer Mufti has passed away.

May ALLAH purify his soul, forgive him for all his sins and grant him Jannat-ul-Ferdous (ameen). The Namaz-e-Janazah was on November 4, 2012 in Manassas, Virginia. (Source: T. Shazlee) 11-4-12 Janazah for Mrs. Fauzia Karim was on November 4, 2012 in Sterling, Virginia. She left behind a son, Shah Karim, and a daughter, Shazia Dunnihoo and four grandchildren. O Allah forgive her and have mercy upon her, grant her well being and pardon her and receive her honorably. Expand her place of entry and bathe her with water, snow and ice and cleanse her of sin as you cleanse a white garment from dirt. Admit her into Paradise and protect her from the punishment of the grave and the torment of the fire, Ameen. (Source: S. Moktadir) 11-9-12 Janazah for Sister Khumar Rzayeda was on November 9, 2012 in Lanham, Maryland.

May Allah SWT Grant her Jannatul Firdaus. (Source: PGMA) 11-9-12 Sister Halima Lodhi, mother of Farrukh Lodhi, has passed away. May Allah (SWT) grant her Jannah, accept her in His Mercy & Love and grant Sabr to her family. (Source: Dar Alnoor) 11-10-12 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Iqbal Qasim's Father.

The Janazah was on November 12, 2012 in Laurel, Maryland. We ask Allah (SWT) to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant him the highest ranks in paradise, and give his family support and patience during these difficult times. (Source: ICCL) 11-10-12 It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Brother Kasam Vohra, father of Brother Mohammed Iqbal. Salat Al-Janazah was on November 12, 2012 in Laurel, Maryland. We ask Allah (SWT) to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant him the highest ranks in paradise, and give his family support and patience during these difficult times. (Source: Dar Al-Taqwa)

....

Upcoming Events In Your Area

4th American Muslim Consumer Conference (AMCC) Saturday, November 17 2012, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Join us at the 4th American Muslim Consumer Conference (AMCC). The team has been working hard to ensure this year’s conference builds on the success of past three conferences. This year’s theme ‘The New Face of Muslim Consumers’ which will analyze and discuss the market as a group of socially conscious, innovative, and engaged consumers. Keynote Speaker is Naif Al-Mutawa, CEO of Teshkeel Media Group and Creator of The 99 Superheros Series. Full day conference featuring 20+ plus speakers from Media, Finance, Business, Food, Fashion, Entrepreneurship: Reza Aslan, Nouman Ali Khan, Nzinga Knight, Haroon Mokhtarzada, Moose Scheib and many more. Please visit www.AmericanMuslimConsumer.com to purchase tickets.

Location: DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel at Newark Airport, NJ Contact: For more information, please contact Sabiha Ansari, sabiha89@yahoo.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ISPU Dinner: Islamophobia and the Future of American Muslims Sunday, November 18 2012, 5:30pm - 9:00pm

Recover from the election season and discuss the effect on the issues you care about with friends and leading scholars. Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) DC area dinner, Islamophobia and the Future of American Muslims, is a chance to get a brief introduction to the work we do, and the impact it makes, from Executive Director Shireen Zaman and Research Director Farid Senzai. Tickets at the door will be extremely limited, please RSVP today.

Registration & Appetizers: 5:30p.m. Dinner & Program: 6:00p.m.

Location: Cherry Blossom Banquet Hall, 46110 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling, VA 20165 Contact: To RSVP, go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=ibzhz8b ab&oeidk=a07e6ey0r99b3b9c273 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lecture: US Political Leadership's Influence on the Rise of Islamophobia

Monday, November 19 2012, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Please join us to hear how US political leadership has influenced increased Islamophobia around the country, trends of the phenomenon, its impact on targeted communities, and ways to get involved. Featuring: Dr. Kevin Lacey Associate Professor Director, Arabic and Near Eastern Studies Program at Binghamton University, State University of New York; Shahid Buttar Executive Director, Bill of Rights Defense Committee and the People’s Campaign for the Constitution (PCC). As space is limited, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and not guaranteed.

Location: ADC ,1990 M Street, NW Suite 610, Washington, DC 20036 Contact: To RSVP, send an email to rsvp@adc.org, and put in the subject line, Arabesque November 2012 RSVP -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADAMS Annual Fundraising Dinner Saturday, December 01 2012

It's that time of year again for the annual ADAMS fundraising dinner. Why should you attend this event? Get the most updated information about the ADAMS expansion project & future Youth Center, learn how ADAMS has grown in the last year with satellite locations, increased educational programs and youth activities and great networking opportunity for professionals.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/285606 Save the date. You do not want to miss this event! Please tell your family and friends. Program information will be released soon in Shaa Allah. The annual fundraising dinner is being organized by the ADAMS Center Youth Group. For more information about ADAMS Youth Group, please visit our website: http://adamsyouthgroup.org/ Location: St. Josephs Banquet Hall Contact: Wakar Khan: wakar101@yahoo.com; Sana Rauf: saunatastic7@yahoo.com; Burhan Raufi: burhanraufi@yahoo.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ICC Workshop: Transforming Offense into an Opportunity for Dialogue Saturday, December 01 2012, 3:00pm - 5:00pm After worldwide protests erupted in reaction to the incendiary video insulting the Prophet of Islam, the International Cultural Center (ICC) is proud to present a timely workshop for the Muslim community, Transforming Offense into an Opportunity for Dialogue. The ICC is delighted to have Dr. Qamar-ul Huda, a scholar of Islam and a Religion and Conflict Management expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace to lead the workshop. The workshop is designed to inform and engage our community on peaceful means of response to offense. Light refreshments will be served. The International Cultural Center (ICC) is a project of WORDE. For more information please visit www.worde.org.

Location: The International Cultural Center, 19650 Club House Road, Suite 205, Montgomery Village, MD 20886 Contact: To RSVP: Please contact Samia Haque at (240) 396 5350 or at samia@theicc.net -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BDesh Foundation Family Night & Fundraising Dinner Saturday, December 08 2012, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Family Night and Fundraising Dinner. Help a Child, Help a Nation. Special Guests: Br Tarif Shraim, Dr Altaf Hossain, Br Adam Kareem. Tickets: $15 Location: St. Joseph Parish Hall, 750 Peachtree street, Herndon, VA 20170 Contact: Masud Hasan 571-212-2257

November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

MASJID LISTING

| 41

Do you have additions, changes, or corrections to the event listings in the Muslim Link? Email us at events@muslimlinkpaper.com, or call us at 301-982-1020.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------NORTHERN VIRGINIA ---------------------------------------------------------------All Muslim Brothers Association 3900 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: 703-647-0515 Jumma Prayer Only - 1:15 P.m ---------------------------------------------------------------Icna VA Center: 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306.

Tel: 703-660-1255 ---------------------------------------------------------------Idara Dawat-o-irshad: 4803 VAlley St, Alexandria, VA 22312 Tel: 703-256-8622 ww.irshad.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Mustafa Center: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003 Tel: 703-658-7134 www.mustafacenter.org E-mail: Mustafacenter@gmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Baitul Mukarram: 2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550 ---------------------------------------------------------------Zakaria Islamic Academy: Galesbury Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151 Tel: 571-969-2123 www.ziacademy.org E-mail: Contact@ziacademy.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Badr Community Center Of Dumfries: 17794 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026 Tel: 703-585-1689/703-554-7983 www.bccd.org E-mail: Info@bccd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar Ul-ghuraba (Masjid Ur Rahmah): 155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487 ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al Hijrah: 3159 Rowe St., Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030 www.hijrah.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Northern VA Trust (Icnvt): 4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-591-0999 www.icnvt.org E-mail: Info@icnvt.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al-noor (Muslim Assoc. Of VA): 5404 Hoadly Rd., Manassas, VA 20112, Tel: 703-580-0808 Fax: 703-221-8513 www.daralnoor.org ----------------------------------------------------------------Manassas Mosque: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VA Tel: 703-257-5537 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Virginia: 1241 Buford Rd., Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-320-7333

www.icVA1.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Greater Richmond (Isgr): 6324 Rigsby Road, Richamond, VA 23226 Tel: 804-673-4177 www.isgr.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al Rahman: 1305 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224 Tel: 804-232-7640 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjidullah Of Richmond: 211 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222 Tel: 804-321-8864/804-647-4297 ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar-ul Huda: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111 www.darulhuda.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Foundation of America: 6606 Electronic Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982 ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Noor: 8608 Pohick Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 Tel: 703-451-7615 ----------------------------------------------------------------Adams Center: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325 www.adamscenter.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Heritage Center (Ihc): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056 ---------------------------------------------------------------WASHINGTON D.C. ---------------------------------------------------------------First Hijra Muslim Comm. Center: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20011 www.firsthijrah.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Ivy City Masjid: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Tel: 202-904-9668 E-mail: masjidivycity@yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-islam: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, D.C. 20019 E-mail: Imammusa@hotmail.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Muhammad: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832 | www. masjidmuhammad.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Society Of Washington, D.c.

(MswDC): Howard Center, Room 805 (Above Hu Bookstore) Tel: 202-328-3236 ---------------------------------------------------------------The Islamic Center: 2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343

www.theislamiccenter.com ---------------------------------------------------------------MARYLAND ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Annapolis (Isa): 2635 Riva Rd. Suite 110, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 www.isamd.org Email: Info@islamannapolis.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Bait-Allah Masjid of Baltimore Inc 200 S. Calhoun Street Baltimore, MD 21223 Imam’s cell: 571-721-9938 email: baitallahmasjid@yahoo.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Bilal Dawah Center, Inc: 1910 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223 Tel: 410-945-1515 ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar ul Uloom: 6334 Dogwoood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207, Tel: 410-493-0785 Email: Darululoommd@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ul-haq: 514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-728-1363 ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-mumineen: 2642 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: 410-467-8798 ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Jamaat Al-Muslimeen: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Tel: 443-622-2962 ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-rahmah/isb: 6631 Johnnycake Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244 Tel: 410-747-4869 | www.isb.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid As Saffat: 1335 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-669-0655 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Easton 126 Port Street Unit # 1 Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-829 7924 islamicsocietyofeastonmd.yolasite.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Irhsca (Islamic Research And Hum. Services Center Of America): 1 Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MD Tel: 301-324-5040 www.irhsca.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Southern Pg County (Isspgc): P O Box 99, Clinton, MD 20735 5410 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 Tel: 240 603 4618 ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar-us-Salaam: 5301 Edgewood Rd., College Park, MD 20740, Tel: 301-982-9848 www.duscommunity.org ----------------------------------------------------------------

Masjid Zamzam 1510 Lynch Road, Dundalk, MD 21222 Tel: 410-284-2840 www.masjidzamzam.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Dar al-Taqwa: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711 www.taqwa.net ---------------------------------------------------------------Maryum Islamic Center (MIC) 3280 Pine Orchard Lane Suite A Ellicott City, MD 21042 Tel: 443-574-5188 www.maryumcenter.com ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Hikmah: 11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Frederick (Isf): 1250 Key Parkway, Frederick,md 21702 Tel: 301-682-6090 www.isfmd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Maryland (Icm): 19411 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg,md 20879 Tel:301-840-9440 www.icomd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Makkah Learning Center (Mlc): 814 Brandy Farms Ln., Gambrills, MD 21054 Tel: 410-721-5880 www.isamd.org Email: Info@mlcmd.org----------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Germantown (Isg): 19900 Brandermill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 Tel: (240)-277-7758 www.isgtown.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ibn Taymiyyah: 8000 Mlk Highway, Glenarden MD Tel: 301-322-8105 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Western Maryland: 2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-797-0922 ---------------------------------------------------------------Southern Maryland Islamic Center (Smic): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639 Tel: 410-535-0000 ---------------------------------------------------------------Avondale Islamic Center: 4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782 Tel: 301-779-9292 ---------------------------------------------------------------Prince Georges Muslim Assoc.(Pgma): 9150 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, MD, 20706, Tel: 301-459-4942 www.pgmamd.org Imam’s Office: 301-459-1441 E-mail: Imam@pgmamd.org.

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Turkish American Community Center 9704 Good Luck Rd, Lanham, MD 20706 Tel: 301-459-9589 www.taccenter.org ---------------------------------------------------------------La Plata Masjid: 111 Howard Street, La Plata, MD 20646 Tel: 301-609-8769 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Com. Center Of Laurel (ICCL): 7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707 Tel: 301-317-4584 www.icclmd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Ghurabaa: 8220 Washington St., South Laurel, MD 20724.

Tel: 301-604-3295 ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Lexington Park 22583 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20619 Tel: 240-538-7839 or 561-414-0994 www.iclpmd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Medina Center: 11600 Falls Road, Potomac MD 20854 www.medinacenter.net E-mail: Admin@medinacenter.net ---------------------------------------------------------------Randallstown Islamic Center 9019 Marcella Ave. Randallstown, MD 21133 Tel: 410-971-4018 www.ricbaltimore.org E-mail: Info@ricbaltimore.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of The Washington Area (Iswa): 2701 Briggs Chaney Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-879-0930 www.iswamd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Education Society of Maryland 11504 Veirs Mills Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Tel: 301- 933-3838 ---------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Community Center (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20905 Tel: 301-384-3454 www.mccmd.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Imaam: (Jumuah Only) Jumuah: 12:50pm 3201 Randolph Rd, Wheaton, MD 20906 www.imaam.org Email: Fridayprayer@imaam.org ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid An-nur: 5418 Ebenezer Road, White Marsh, MD 21162 Tel: 410-663-9637 Fax: 410-663-9817 ---------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-inshirah: 7832 Fairbrook Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 410-298-2977

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

42 | CONTINUED

MCC Education Program Administrator

Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan

Position Available

Office Manager: Stephanie Benmoha

The MCC Education Program Administrator serves as the leader responsible for managing policies, curricula and procedures of all educational programs including, but not limited to Sunday School, Qur’an Program, Arabic Program and English. The Administrator ensures all students are supervised in a safe, traditional Islamic learning environment that meets the approved curricula and mission of each program.

Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Urooj Fatima Anhar Karim Aisha Khatib Yaman Shalabi Fatimah Waseem Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Imam Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published every other week on Fridays and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas. TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam.

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

All Rights Reserved 2012

....

Education

Achieving academic excellence is one of the goals of the MCC Education committee. We strive to create a professional environment that would require the MCC Education Program Administrator to work in collaboration with the program coordinators, supporting all members of the staff to direct and nurture them and guide them to communicate effectively with the parents. Inherent in the position are the responsibilities for oversight of schedules and finances, curriculum and professional development, extracurricular activities, personnel management, and facility operations.

This is a part-time job that requires 20-30 hours a week involvement.

Qualifications and Experience • • • •

Degree in Education or minimum 3 years of recent administrative experience in an educational environment.

Master’s degree preferred.

Minimum of 3 years leadership experience in an Islamic School environment with a proven track record of meeting success benchmarks as outlined by the administration Certification or degree in Islamic Education (Arabic, Quran) strongly preferred Knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic understanding of email platforms is required

Skills and Abilities The Education Program Administrator must possess strong and clear verbal and written communication skills.

This position will require constant communication with the parents via weekly emails, newsletters and in-person meetings to ensure parents are aware of activities and updates related to their children and the relevant program.

This also includes conducting parent, student and staff assessments to identify strengths and target weaknesses of each area of the program’s function.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to the MCC Education Chair and President at: Education@mccmd.org, President@mccmd.org Pay is commensurate with experience.

Please visit mccmd.org/jobs for more details on the role and responsibilities.

The Muslim Community Center 15200 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905

301-384-3454

Subscribe to the Muslim Link!

To get the Muslim Link print edition in the mail, send $5 for shipping and handling per issue using check or money order payable to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Road, College Park MD 20740. To make payments over the phone using a credit card, call the Muslim Link office at 301-982-1020.

Subscribe to the online version of the newspaper so you get it in your email inbox FREE each issue. To subscribe for free, go to muslimlinkpaper.com.

Attention Inmates: As much as we would like to, we are unable to honor requests for free subscriptions at this time. To subscribe, follow the instructions above.

marketplace The Muslim Link

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CONTINUED SALAAH TIMES | |

Your Guide to Products and Services for Your Muslim Lifestyle

When you place a print ad with us in Main or Marketplace you can request a FREE coupon in each issue your ad runs.

For businesses not currently in the paper, coupons are just $10 each issue, paid in advance.

All coupons are one size (approximately half the size of an 1/8 page ad) and are text-only, no images.

You tell us the deal you are offering, and the expiration date The section will be promoted on the front page of the newspaper, directing readers to the actual coupon page inside.

Now is the time to take advantage of this great advertising savings. Drop us an email at ads@muslimlinkpaper.com, or give us a call at 301-982-1020 to get in on it today!

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

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

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

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

International Cultural Center “Sharing Cultures, Building Communities” 19650 Club House Rd, Ste 205 | Montgomery Village, MD 20886 Tel (240) 396-5350 | Email staff@theicc.net

After worldwide protests erupted in reaction to the incendiary video insulting the Prophet of Islam, the International Cultural Center (ICC) is proud to present a timely workshop for the Muslim community.

FREE WORKSHOP! "Transforming Offense into an Opportunity for Dialogue" with Dr. Qamar ul-Huda

Senior Program Officer, Religion and Peacemaking Center, the US Institute of Peace The workshop is designed to inform and engage our community on peaceful means of response to offense. This participatory workshop will address: • What are effective responses to offensive behavior?

• How do we identify and implement Qur'anic values of peaceful conflict resolution?

Event Details: Who: ages 12+ (refreshments served) When: Sat, Dec 1 from 3 to 5 pm Where: 19650 Club House Rd, Ste 205, Montgomery Village, MD 20886 RSVP: Samia at samia@theicc.net or call (240) 396-5350

Speaker Details The ICC is delighted to have Dr. Qamar-ul Huda, a scholar of Islam and a Religion and Conflict Management expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace to lead the workshop.

For more information on Dr. Huda please visit http://www.usip.org/experts/qamar-ul-huda.

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 53

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

Patterson Park Pharmacy 2245 Eastern Ave Baltimore, MD 21231

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November 16th 2012 - December 13th 2012

Classifieds | 55 MP - ADVERTISEMENT

Place a personal classified ad. Call us at 301-982-1020. Office@muslimlinkpaper.com We invite you to place a classified on the web FREE of charge at www.muslimlinkpaper.com. Classifieds in the print edition of the Muslim Link newspaper are only $1 for every 3 words. All classifieds run for 3 issues in the Marketplace section. Get started by emailing your exact text to office@muslimlinkpaper.com and then call in your credit card payment to 301-982-1020 or send a check or money order payable to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park MD 20740.

Employment OPENING FOR OFFICE COORDINATOR Open position for full time Office Coordinator for local Project Management Company in Greenbelt, MD. Must have excellent communication and organizational skills, and be proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word and Excel. Salary based on experience/capabilities, starting at $9-$12/Hr. Email resumes to cmclp@mail.com

---------------------------------------QUR'AN AND ARABIC TEACHERS NEEDED Teacher needed for Qur'an and Arabic Language for the Moroccan American Community Organization Center. If interested, please email macopresident@ gmail.com or call 703-386-6775

Miscellaneous SEEKING PEN FRIEND Pakistani Sunni Muslim Male, age 43, incarcerated. Funny, understanding, and easy-going.

Seeks pen friend. Nadeem Khan #1113005 Box 1900 Pound, VA

24279

Rental 2 ROOMS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY 2 basement rooms, private entrance, kitchenette, bathroom.

Close to Holy Cross hospital and Forest Glen Metro, 5 Mi to UMD. $450/room. 202-446-8095.

Services HOME SERVICES Licensed contractor.

Home improvement work, interior/ exterior painting, drywall install/

repair, brick/concrete repair.

License # 30385946 Estimates done. Contact Br Allen Scott at 410-467-1259 or 443-538-7643 (cell).

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For women: Monday to Thursday.

For students: Saturday. 2 hours per session [small fee]. Contact Touria Elfakir 410 467 1259

Announcements from the Muslim Link New Addition to the Ummah ?

The Muslim Link is now welcoming new souls from Jannah. If your family, by the Mercy of Allah, has recently been blessed with a baby, share the good news with the community. Please send the baby's name, the father's first and last name, the mother's first and last name, time of birth, weight, height, the city of birth, date of birth (both Hijri/Gregorian) , and baby's gender. You can also add who else in the family is welcoming the baby (grandparents, siblings, etc), the name of the people who did the tahneek and read the adhan. Photos of the baby are appreciated. BarakAllah Feekum and may your homes stay blessed.

Announcements should be emailed to announcements@muslimlinkpaper.com.

Just Married?

Have you recently been married? Share the news with your Muslim brothers and sisters through the Muslim Link. Please send the first and last name of the bride, city of origin, first and last name of the groom, city of origin, parents' names, avenue, city where the nikaah was performed, name of the person who officiated the nikaah and the avenue, city of the valima.

May Allah bless you and your spouse and may He unite both of you in goodness.~The Muslim Link Announcements should be emailed to announcements@muslimlinkpaper.com.

Paying Our Respects

The Muslim Link will be tweeting out janazah/funeral information from all area mosques and community centers, In Shaa Allah. Many people miss funerals because they find out too late, so our new service will help inform our readers in real time.

We will use these hashtags: #JanazahDC # JanazahVA and #JanazahMD. Please share janazah information and we will retweet it. Follow us @TheMuslimLink ....

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