The Muslim Link, January 22, 2016 by The Muslim Link

>>PG 25

MORE INFO PAGE 7

12 RABI AL-THANI - 9 JUMADA AL-AWWAL 1437 A.H. | WWW.MUSLIMLINKPAPER.COM January 22nd - February 18th 2016

MD, VA, and DC Metropolitan Area Monthly Newspaper | FREE

ICCL Seminar Dissects Extremist's Call Muslim Link Staff Reporter

With headlines screaming of bloodshed from Istanbul to Cameroon to Jakarta in every newspaper, a seminar held on maintaining faith in times of extremism at the Islamic Community Center of Laurel in Laurel, Maryland on January 10, 2016 drew a large crowd. Centering around Islamic definitions of extremism and faith-based solutions, it was presented by American scholars Mufti Hussain Kamani of the Qalam Institute and Imam Mikaeel Smith of the Islamic Society of Annapolis. The seminar focused on the reasons for the extremism and what Muslims of the area should be doing to build a healthy community.

Forum on Guantanamo, US Terror Prisons Held in DC | pg 5

Mufti Kamani shared that extremism rises due to exclusivity (declaring people non Muslims), decontextualizing sacred texts, and lack of suhbah (companionship) with learned scholars. “The first group of people who lead to

extremism are those who speak without knowledge. When we see someone with ibadaah, we tend to assume that the person also has attained knowledge,” said Mufti Kamani. He explained the function of a hafidh

>> SEMINAR Pg 19

In Syrian Town Cut Off From the World, Glimpses of Deprivation New York Times, 1/14/16

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Nisrine kept teaching school for months as the siege tightened around the Syrian town of Madaya, but had to give up a few weeks ago when her students got too weak from starvation to walk to class. A local medic has been surviving on the rehydration

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Scholar to Muslims: Worry for the People of America | pg 5

By Hena Zuberi

By Anne Barnard & Hwaida Saad

LIKE & FOLLOW US THE MUSLIM LINK

Marylanders Charged With Terror-Related Crimes | pg 8 Students Expelled Framed Muslim Classmate | pg 10 Meet the Nigerian Imam of the Avondale Islamic Center | pg 12

salts he gives patients, while a business school graduate makes soup from grass for his 70-year-old father, consulting shepherds about which kinds their long-since-slaughtered flocks liked best. The people of Madaya and neighboring Zabadani have tried, since the siege by progovernment forces began in July, to keep society functioning and adjust to their surreal new set of dynamics.

HoCo School Calendar Gets Muslim, Hindu Holidays| pg 6

VA Man Accused of Planning to Join ISIS In Syria | pg 14

There is the black market across blockade lines, for instance, and the quiet or

“I Have Pardoned Every Muslim Who Has Harmed Me.” | pg 25 >> SYRIAN Pg 30

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

A Humbling Story of Gratitude

Meet Fatemah and her big brother, Mahmoud of Aleppo, Syria. When our Mercy-USA field team arrived at their home to install a new stove and to bring fuel, we found that their home had all but been destroyed a couple days earlier. Even sitting amongst the rubble that was once his home, Mahmoud told us, “It’s not important to have a beautiful house. What matters now

is we have a stove for warmth and praise God, we didn’t lose any family members in the bombing.” We’re humbled by their smiles and grateful spirit despite the misery they’re enduring. You can help by giving generously to Mercy-USA; your donation reaches Syrian children with food, medical care and winter warmth.

Visit our website for more details on our winter projects for Syria:

mercyusa.org

Donate Online: www.mercyusa.org Call Toll-Free: 800-55-MERCY (800-556-3729) ....

44450 Pinetree Dr., Ste. 201 • Plymouth, MI 48170-3869

Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/MercyUSA

@Mercy-USA

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

INDEX

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Voice Array Communications Inc | 50

EMPLOYMENT Diyanet Center of America Job Openings | 9, 56 PGMA - Prince George's Muslim Association | 14

TRAVEL Almultazam Hajj and Umrah Services | 58 Madina Travel | 57 Rendezvous Travel | 11 Zohery Tours | 59

....

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

COMMUNITY NEWS

Community News Scholar to Muslims: Worry for the People of Your Country By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Writer For three weeks in the winter holidays of 2015-2016, the DC Metro was graced with the presence of Shaykh Muhammad Ya'qub ibn Yusuf Al Dehlavi of the Islamic University of Madinah. He was teaching an intensive class on Sahih Muslim (AlMusnadu Al-Sahihu bi Naklil Adli) at the Madinatul Uloom in Virginia, a full time Islamic seminary in Woodbridge, VA and lecturing in local masajid. Shaykh Muhammad al-Dehlawi was born in Makkah Mukarramah and raised in the Madina Munawwarah. He is the former Chairman of the Islamic Judicial Law Department at the Islamic University of Madinah and has been teaching there for the past 37 years. He is also an alumni, receiving his bachelors, masters and PhD

from the institute. Some of his areas of expertise are fiqh, labor law and executive power. He has published several books in Arabic on women’s rights and shariah law. The shaykh currently trains active duty judges and qadhis in Saudi courts, as well as teaching and traveling for speaking engagements. From criminal law to inheritance law, he lectures on a variety of topics. He speaks fluent Urdu and has lead taraweeh at historical masajid such as Masjid Qiblatain (the mosque of the two qiblahs) and Masjid Quba (the first masjid whose foundations were laid by the Prophet (peace be upon him) He often leads Jumaah at the Masjid Khalil in Madinah, a masjid which he constructed. Shaykh Ya’qub’s family immigrated to the Saudi Arabia in the early 1900s, from Delhi, India. His father built a masjid there

that later became a part of Jannatul Baqi. He has six daughters, whom he talks about with pride. One of his daughters, currently a resident of Vienna, VA, is a candidate for her doctorate in Psychometrics at Morgan State University, and completed her masters from the King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah. When asked to give advice for American Muslims, the esteemed shaykh made three points: “Live life according to these verses of the Quran: You are the best community that has been raised for mankind. You enjoin good and forbid evil and you believe in Allah." [Aal-e-Imran, 3:110]. There are three kinds of people I have

observed here: those who have completely assimilated into society and have lost the brilliance of their Islamic identity. Then they are those who are concerned with their own ibadat and muamalaat (worship and dealings) and don’t even worry about their children, neighbors or community, blocking their akhirat, included in this group are those who adhere to Islam but seclude themselves from society. The third kind are those who do fikr. Be people of fikr (concern)— worry for the state of the people of your country. Your duty is not just for yourself, it is to the people. Allah says that we took you out for the people. Whichever mu’min does good deeds, Allah promises them a pure life in this world, not a good life but a pure life. ‘Who is more true than Allah?’

>> SHAYKH Pg 17

Forum on Guantanamo, US Terror Prisons Held in DC By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Writer Despite the cold rain, the First Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Washington DC was full of supporters for the ‘Less Than Human: Guantanamo Bay, Guantanamo North and the Criminalization of Muslims in the War on Terror’ panel. The January 9, 2016 event was organized by the Witness Against Torture, whose members have been fasting in protest against Guantanamo Bay. The fasters were in attendance, along with U.S. military veterans, church members and activists. The panel was moderated by Darakshan Raja, a community organizer and founder of the Muslim American Women's Policy Forum. In the words of the organizers, it examined the physical confinement and conditions under which the Muslim body has been held in the War on Terror. Using

specific examples, panelists spoke about Guantanamo Bay, and Communication Management Units, two prisons that are notorious for their treatment of Muslim prisoners. The discussion aimed to focus on ‘the ways in which Muslims have been criminalized by virtue of their religious and racialized identity and subjected to a separate system of justice’. Dr. Maha Hilal, Executive Director of the National Coalition to Protect Civil Freedoms, spoke about the dehumanization of Muslims and the civilizational rehab of target communities as a motive behind anti-Muslim bigotry. She explained the term Islamophobia using the University of California Berkeley's Center of Race and Gender very comprehensive definition which explains the reasons behind the fear: Islamophobia is a contrived fear or prejudice fomented

by the existing Eurocentric and Orientalist global power structure. It is directed at a perceived or real Muslim threat through the maintenance and extension of existing disparities in economic, political, social and cultural relations, while rationalizing the necessity to deploy violence as a tool to achieve "civilizational rehab" of the target communities (Muslim or otherwise). Islamophobia reintroduces and reaffirms a global racial structure through which resource distribution disparities are maintained and extended. Based on her research, Dr Hilal said it is easier to eradicate a people when you dehumanize them. It is not easy to corral support to inflict violence at this level without massive support, she said referring to the countless Muslims killed worldwide. She listed ways the Muslims are treated as less than human: Muslims are not allowed to be victims or to be angry, use of drones where the carnage

is not seen, usage of hunting language in headlines about Muslim perpetrators and the notion that all people linked to terrorist organizations cannot be rehabilitated. Muslims are also dehumanized in way that their anger is interpreted, said Dr Hilal. Anger is not viewed in the context of foreign intervention and the devastation caused, she said. “We say things like [Muslims] are against modernism and secularism as concepts,” she said,” and do not look at what these concepts have led to in practice.” She ended with a call to an end to this systematic repression. Following Dr Hilal, Major Raashid Williams, counsel for the U.S. Department of Defense, spoke on behalf of Ammar Al-Baluchi. Born Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, AlBaluchi was arrested in 2003 and held at

>> WITNESS Pg 20

....

COMMUNITY NEWS

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Howard County Adds Muslim, Hindu Holidays To School Calendar By Lisa Philip Howard County Times, January 15, 2016

After considering how best to create an inclusive academic calendar — either by removing all but state-mandated public school holidays or by adding more holidays — the Howard County Board of Education voted to close schools for students on a Muslim and a Hindu holiday for the first time in the school system's history. "I am extremely pleased by the Board's ability to discuss and unanimously agree to seek ways to recognize the diverse backgrounds of Howard County's students and families," said Board of Education Chairwoman Christine O'Connor. "We want to do our best to find flexibility within the calendar to provide opportunities for all students to experience all cultures within our community." The motion, which was proposed by board member Janet Siddiqui and voted

....

"I'll tell you what: Howard County is no longer majority Judeo-Christian. We are made up of all kinds of people," said school board member Ann De Lacy. "

for by all eight board members, will give students days off on Lunar New Year Eve, as is the case in the current year, but also the Hindu holiday of Diwali, and the Muslim religious observance, Eid al-Adha -- either through school closings or professional development days for teachers. Schools will continue to be closed on the two holiest days of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur and

Rosh Hashana. "While I did not foresee a unanimous decision," said school board candidate Kirsten Coombs, "I am happy that everyone recognized the multiple cultures that make Howard County a special place." "This vote is proof that it is indeed

possible to accommodate the religious needs of multiple faith communities in diverse school districts," said Council of American-Islamic Relations Maryland Outreach Manager Zainab Chaudry. "Religious pluralism is the hallmark of an integrated and inclusive society. We see that reflected in the Howard County Board of Education's decision." Standing in for Superintendent Renee Foose at the board's meeting on Thursday night, Deputy Superintendent Linda Wise recommended a plan to close schools on state-mandated holidays and on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana, as it has done in years past — a recent proposal to close schools only on state-mandated holidays and therefore open schools on the two Jewish holidays for the first time in more than three decades drew over 300 people to a public hearing in December.

>> HOLIDAYS Pg 18

roads, past Liberty Heights Avenue, past the under construction Shoprite and serene Gwynn Oaks Park,

in Baltimore City; a model community with a model masjid which resonates with the call to prayer. Cen-

of growth in the brand new masjid, of the school district making the high school into a magnet school,

and convenient commute to

VA Muslim Cemetery Might Be Largest In America | pg 20

Home of the Heart Beats Faster with Yaqeen Boost Around 1,800 Supports Help Raise $1.95M at Dec 15 Dinner nd th By Muslim Link Staff

January 22 - February 18 2016

Call this event the "December 15 miracle". Or call it the "the winter 2013 miracle".

Should College Applicants Discuss Their Muslim Identity? | pg 28 Egypt Closes Vital Gateways Into and Out of Gaza | pg 29 The Muslim Link

Or, just call it "yaqeen".

Coupons PG 38

>> yaqeen Pg 18

group or based on her expertise. By pooling money together, they recently had

Homeschooling Cooperative, based on a consensus model where every member

Pray In Masjid This Year | pg 15

>> Gwynn Oak Pg 6

>> schools Pg 10

made in Sr. Andini's art classes held at Dar Al-Taqwa in Maryland. Photo by Muslim Link.

ADAMS Medical Clinic Offers Compassion at No Cost By Hena Zuberi

the masjid is the new health clinic for the ADAMS Compassionate Health Network (ACHN). ACHN is a volunteer-based operation dedicated to providing quality healthcare to community members in need,

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Across the street from the post office in Chantilly, VA, right off Route 28 is the ADAMS-Sully Center. It can be spotted by the army of The Cleaning Authority company cars parked in the shared parking lot. Next to

Support, New Ideas | pg 12 ARTS: Local Author Filling Gap in Children's Books | pg 26 WPRESS: Guantanamo -- Tell the World the Truth | pg 30 ISLAM: The “Sunnah” of Divorce and Reconcilliation | pg 31

The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

>> comPassion Pg 14

MARCH 26

They’ve seen the results of what their parents and grandparents have tried. They know about 40-60 years of trying everything else. They don’t want the same things their parents have tried with little success,” Anthony

Muhammad, Vice President for the 7th District Citizen’s Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Police Department told the Muslim Link.

“There are five Masjids in Southeast

>> surge Pg 22

WPRESS: Project to Name Civilian Victims of US Drones | pg 25 CIVILRIGHTS: Did President Obama Kill Al-Awlaki? | pg 26

With Doors Open for All, MCC Clinic ISLAM: The Sunnah 7 of |Love, Celebrates Expansion ADVERTISEMENTTenderness,|Romance pg 28 By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter Shabana Izhar, a new immigrant who lives in Bowie adjusts her shalwar kameez and settles down in the chairs in the wait-

ing pavilion at the Muslim Community Center Clinic. A regular United Nations of patients surrounds her; a Hispanic woman coming from a nearby church,

RECIPES: Sister Heather Returns with a Winter Warmer | pg 34 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 35

>> latina Pg 15

Pays Wifepm SaturDay fBi 5:00 running for the hills to inform on THIRSTY? AT MONTGOMERY husBand BLAIR HIGHSCHOOL 51 uNIVErSIty BLVD SILVEr SPrING, MD As Ramadan Approaches, Date Buyers Seek IMAAM Center Realizes 20 Year Old Dream

Running foR the hills Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

>> PG 22

>> PG 45

>> PG 24

PResentIng YouR 2013 Ramadan suPeRheRoes! Pg 26

local leadeR focus:

IsB ResIdent scholaR Yaseen sheIkh Pg 10

>> PG 23

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African American Muslims Featured at Newseum | pg 4

to Avoid Israeli Fruits Grown On Stolen Land By Hena Zuberi As halal grocery stores in the region start their planning their Ramadan purchasing, a concern on many Muslims’ minds are the origins of the dates that are carried in the stores. Some come from California or Saudia, but others marketed under the name Jordan Valley are from Israel. After the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel captured the Jordan Valley from Jordan, tracts of land were taken

the Jordan Valley holds 28.3 percent of the West Bank’s land, and is ‘the largest single Palestinian territory under

Modest Fashion, Fashionistas Take the Runway in DC | pg 10 >> stolen Pg 12

ard County Department of Planning and Zoning issued a twelve page report recommending Dar-us-Salaam's application -- called a "request for a conditional use" -- be granted for "a child day care center, a religious facil-

ity, and private school." The report issued on February 27, 2014 was submitted to the Howard County Hearing Examiner for her consideration. This month she will hear testimony from Dar-usSalaam, neighbors, and area

OPED: Disabled Muslims and Masjid Accommodation | pg 27 Somalis Say NGOs Killing Their Incentive to Farm | pg 31

>> imaam center Pg 1

Urban Farm Raises Goats, Sheep, and Young Men

residents before deciding on Dar-us-Salaam's application. Her decision is subject to appeal to the five member Howard County Board of Appeals.

By Hena Zuberi

ISLAM: Revive Your Heart by Worshipping In Secret | pg 32

You may have seen him selling outside your masjid after Jummah, selling artisan goat cheese, yogurt, goats milk and fresh, free range organic eggs.

phone doesn't ring— it bleats and brays. He drives a truck with an exquisite deer skull strapped to the hood. He shows me the natural engraving on the skull, finding beauty in the bizarre. Down the dirt road with neat wooden signs showcasing the art of manliness

Matt Jose is an urban farmer; his

>> farm Pg 18

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Coupons PG 38

Young Researchers Present Findings at MYFIKR | pg 10 Islamic Relief, FAITH Join Hands for Eid Al-Adha Charity | pg 11

Author Reverts to Islam | pg 26

WhY AAfiA?

TICKETS: 25/person | 5 Childcare

>> PG 26

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Janaza for Richmond Imam Fills Neighborhood Streets | pg 5

MCC Aims to Be Model for Senior Supportive Masajid | pg 6

By Zainab Arain ICNA.org

Baltimore, MD (May 27, 2013) – The energy in the air was palpable on Saturday morning, as people lined up to register before the event officially began. Thousands from across the country gathered at the Baltimore Convention Center over Memorial Day weekend to attend the 39th annual ICNAMAS convention. The theme – Faith. Submission. Service. –

Immigrants, Elders Warned of Scammers Posing as IRS | pg 6 Local Leader Writes On FaithBased Wealth Building | pg 8 sought to generate reflection upon the multiple facets of faith and the path on which it directs humanity. It focused the theology of Islam and its manifestation as service to

God and service to mankind. In addition to those attending several thousands more watched the live broadcast of the sessions.

More than 120 international scholars, intellectuals, and community activists,

Gay Congress Hopeful Is “Great Friend” of Muslims | pg 14

>> icna Pg 24

CIVIL RIGHTS: Hate Ad Sparks US Free Speech Debate | pg 30

Howard County Approves Dar-us-Salaam Campus Plan ISLAM: Fasting Before Ramadan Dar-us-Salaam to establish a By Muslim Link Staff

On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, after over a year of engineering studies and public hearings, Howard County approved the Dar-us-Salaam Education and Community Campus plan. The approval by Howard County Hearing Examier Michele LeFaivre allows

In Sha'ban | pg 34

campus on the 66-acre former Woodmont Academy site with 275,300 square feet of building space including a 56,000 square foot masjid, elementary, middle, and high schools, a daycare, two gymnasiums, and two indoor pools.

FULL COLOR RAMADAN POSTER WALL CALENDAR INSIDE | pg 39 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

The decision comes after the >> dar-us-salaam Pg 39

The STory Which BindS: The Seerah and Your KIdS PG 20

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Yasmin Loya, Shahana Khan and Azra Malik are friends living in the Germantown area for nearly 30 years. They raised their children here, got them married, cooked Ramadan meals, and for decades hosted donation drives in their garages and halaqas in their living rooms. They remember starting to dream of a masjid in their city in 1996. They are a part of an active community, a portion of the almost 100,000 Muslims in Montgomery County, which just needed a place—a masjid to call their second home— to pray, mourn, celebrate and grow. On November 8, 2014 with much fanfare this dream was realized.

The Muslim Community: Just a Click Away? By Wafa Unus Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Chances are you’re reading this article on the Internet and not in its “antiquated” paper form. Chances are even greater that you didn’t type in a URL to get to the digital version but rather clicked on a link from a Twitter feed or a Facebook post. If you want to share this with someone, and you know you do, chances are that even if you are reading

this on hard copy, you’re going to send the digital version via a social media platform or e-mail.

Quickly fading are the days of newspaper clippings and passing the paper across the breakfast table.

As social media becomes more common, businesses, organizations and even religious congregations have begun adopting the virtual tools not only to further their causes but to create a new type of boundless virtual community that risks no fire code violations and requires no million dollar blueprint plans. Islamic Relief USA (IR) is >> CLiCK Pg 12

Area Syrians Watch Events With Worry, Anger By Wafa Unus Muslim Link Staff Reporter

With death tolls in Syria reported between six and seven thousand in the past 11 months, some American Syrians are faced with continued concern for the safety of their loved ones back home. The region, riddled with political upheaval and protest against Syrian President Basher Al-Assad’s dynastic rule has seen an unprec-

Big Step for the Safety the Dar AlHijrah Congregation | pg 5

OP-Ed: Europe Setting Up Clash of Civilizations? | pg 21 LETTERS: Your Reactions To Last Issue’s Stories | pg 25 The Muslim Link

anniversary of the March to Washington and Rev. Martin Luther King’s “I Have Dream” speech.

The theme of the three day convention was based on the beloved community

- Envisioning a More Perfect Union and featured over 100 speakers including Congressman Andre Carson, Dr. Altaf Husain,

CIVILRIGHTS: Inside the NYPD's Muslim Spying Program | pg 32 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 43

>> iSNa Pg 12

all aboard for hoMe of the heart lunch cruise Pg 9 Like & Follow us

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May 17th 2013 - June 13th 2013

Shopping and Shipping for Syria Winter Relief | pg 8

turkish prime minister breAks ground for $100m mAsjid complex in mArylAnd, pg 22

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CAIR-MD Relaunches with Inaugural Banquet | pg 21 New Women's Group Forms After Anti-Hijab Event | pg 5 Palestinian Journalists In the Line of Fire | pg 5

New Masjid, Islamic Academy Planned for Chantilly | pg 9

Alzouman, a young man from Saudi Arabia who studied in the United States, wondered how he could perform a

historic deed like that and be recognized by Allah for that deed on the day of judgement. An avid outdoorsman, Alzouman thought that maybe -- if Allah accepts it -- he could be the first Muslim ever to call the athan from the highest point on planet Earth -- Mount Everest -and be raised with Bilal on the Day of Judgement.

From the time he entered Nepal, it took Alzouman two months, and a mountain of perseverance and willpower, to make the climb. Here his amazing story at Dar-us-Salaam's Annual Banquet on December 14, 2014 at the Bethesda North Marriott. For more information, see the ad on page 2 of this issue.

Running Muslim: The Other Boston Story | pg 4

THE STORY OF AN AMAZING NECKLACE

HOW MUCH DOES WAR COST YOU?

MuslIM Fundraising dcInterscholastIc Dinner

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Digging

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Photo Essay of ICM’S Ground Breaking -- PG 22

Muslim FunFest 2012 Beats the Heat

The largest annual social gathering of Muslims in the region, the carnival offers large mechanical rides similar to

tournaMent results Pg 9

MD, VA, and DC Metropolitan Area Bi-Weekly Newspaper | FREE

June 1st 2012 - June 14th 2012

Despite almost 90 degree heat, several thousand Muslims from the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan region as well as hundreds from surrounding states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania took a day for fun and socializing at the 5th annual Muslim FunFest family carnival.

VA Burial of Boston Bombing Suspect Causes Anger | pg 9

Al-rAhmAh school mArks 25 yeArs

Interfaith Coalition Opposes VA Foreign Law Bill | pg 4

ISLAM: Winter - The Best Season for Worshipers | pg 18

Dynamic sessions, packed halls and up and coming speakers marked the 50th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

and Muslim Student Association (MSA) Nationals during the long Labor Day weekend, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The conference came on the shoulders of the 50th

'A symbol of friendship'

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WPRESS: Report Shows Drones Target Civilians | pg 16

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

More Special Eids, Special Days Needed for Special Kids | pg 6

Bullied Youth Finds Little Help From School System | pg 4

CIVIL: NYPD Targeting Masajid For Intel Gathering | pg 14

By Hena Zuberi

NATION: Inside America's First Muslim Frat House | pg 30

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Dar Al-Hijrah Food Bank Helps Falls Church Needy | pg 5

A Look at ISNA’s 50th Year Anniversary Convention

ISLAM: Top 8 Excuses Not to Go for Hajj | pg 34

Wives of Incarcerated Terrorism Suspects March In DC | pg 6

Like most Muslim youth around the world, Farouq Alzouman knew the story of the companion Bilal Ibn Rabah (Allah be pleased with him) who was the first Muslim to ever call the Athan.

PG 30

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Five Decades On, American Muslims Still In Search of the ‘Beloved Community’

By Muslim Link Staff

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Muslims Organize for VA Attorney General Hopeful | pg 18

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society bought the parcel of land — nearly an acre—at 19825 Blunt Road >> masjid Pg 14

Locals Who Witnessed Egypt Massacres Speak | pg 17

Cabbie Records Hateful Speech, Attack from Passenger | pg 6

PG 13

The Muslim Link

issues are as diverse as the American Muslim community in the DC Metro area. American-Muslims are scattered all over the country. >> marriage Pg 16

First Muslim to Raise the Qur'an and Call Athan from Everest to Tell Story of Perseverance at DUS Banquet

MuSLIMS FeeL BeTraYed BY FBI

18 Rabi Al-Awaal - 1 Rabi Al-Thani, 1433 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

Men and women who really want to get married often face a myriad of issues in finding a good match. The

Adherence to cultural norms and expectations, generational disparity and the neglect of the Islamic standard for the choice of partners are also hurdles single American Muslims face

Women's Shelter In VA To Be Managed by ICNA | pg 8

The Islamic Society of Germantown opened its doors to politicians, imams, and hundreds of visitors and most importantly to those who had been waiting for the past 13 years when the

Sh.Yusuf Islahi: Be Optimistic About Our Ummah | pg 7

but first,

Many Muslim men and women face hardships in meeting a spouse. The Muslim Link took a closer look at the issue of finding a suitable partner in our community and the resources we have to respond to this crisis.

MD, Va, and Dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | free

MD, VA, and DC Metropolitan Area Monthly Newspaper | FREE

3Di Athletics Holds First Weekend Basketball Camp | pg 6

w w w. M u S L i M L i n k Pa P e r . c o M

november 21st - December 18th 2014

Meeting venues and forums are few and this seems to be one major deterrent to suitable marriages.

A major part of creating a beloved community is the creation of a family. However, the Muslim marriage crisis is at our doorstep.

dining out? order now with our halal Menus section Pg 38

www.muslimlinkpaper.com ALLAHU AKBAR: Finally, Athan Sounds ICNA-Mas Convention 2014: from Masjid In Germantown 301-982-1020 A New Venue, A New Record The Muslim Link

8 S h a b a n - R a m a d a n 1 4 3 5 A . H . | w w w . M u s l i m L i n k P a p e r. c o m

June 6th 2014 - July 10th 2014

By Hena Zuberi Muslim Link Staff Reporter

>> PG 21

>> PG 18

Running foR the hills Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Finding What's Missing At An Orphanage In Mexico | pg 5

THE GOOD NEWS As Egypt Rolls Back On Democracy, US Bolsters Sisi | pg 25

The Muslim Link

md, Va, and dc metropolitan area monthly newspaper | fRee

MoCo Muslims Distribute Udhiya Meat to Area Needy | pg 5

Rise in Abused Children Prompts New FAITH Program | pg 14

Internationally renowned running for the hills da’eeHomestead & debater Halal

w w w . M u s l i m L i n k P a p e r. c o m

The Muslim Link Asks: How Hard Is It to Find a Life Partner In the DMV Area?

Masjid Al-Rahmah Gets $74K Federal Security Grant | pg 12

TZORTZIS

The Muslim Link

The Muslim Marriage Crisis

Muslim Youth Learn How to Get a Grip with Golf | pg 8 Founding IMAAM member Firdaus Kadir welcomes Indonesian president Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (far right) at the grand opening of the IMAAM Center

7 Thul Qedah - 5 Thul-Hijjah, 1434 A.H. september 13th - october 10th 2013

Muslim Family Day At Six Flag Caps Summer for 6,000 | pg 5

Do Homeless Have Right to Occupy Public Property? | pg 6

FEaturING HAMZA

Dept Staff Report a Positive Step Towards Final Approval in Coming Months

After a detailed study and assessment of Dar-us-Salaam's application to develop an education and community campus in Western Howard County, Maryland, the How-

After two decades, the dream of establishing a masjid and community center in Maryland finally became a reality, and the presidential benefactor who facilitated a three million dollar donation to purchase a church and convert it to a masjid came with a delegation to witness the opening of the Indonesian Muslim Association in America (IMAAM) in Silver Spring, Maryland.

DUS Wins 10th DC MIST Tournament, Full Results | pg 8

HoCo Dept of Planning and Zoning Recommends Approval of DUS Campus Plan By Muslim Link Staff

For hundreds of Indonesian-American families and Maryland Muslims, "grand opening" couldn't have more meaning than it did on Friday, September 26, 2014.

TML Interviews Al-Rahmah School Principal | pg 7

from Palestinian farmers and allocated to settlements and military camps. According to the Inter Press Agency report,

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

By Muslim Link Staff

Greening Our Sacred Grounds Seminar Held In MD | pg 6

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

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those found in large theme parks and a huge collection of vendors offering products and services for sale, all in an Islamic environment. The carnival shuts down at each salah time and the congregational prayer is held in the center of the carnival area. Muslim FunFest is a project of the Dar-usSalaam community. We capture it in photos on

>>PG 24

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2 Jumada Al-Akhir - 6 Rajab, 1434 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

Study Links Masjid Involvement, Voting | pg 5 Diabetes High Among Immigrant Groups | pg 5

Annapolis Muslims Hope For New Masjid| pg 6 MD Dept of Health Does Faith Specific Outreach | pg 6 Essay and Debate Competition Marks 10 Years | pg 8 ISLAM: The Questioning In the Grave | pg 30 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 37

Lack of Muslim Foster Families Resulting In Children Losing Islam By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

The phone rings at 8:30pm, after Anna and Muhammad Ismail have tucked their twins in bed. The Northern Virginia couple fostered the 6-year old twin girls for a year before they legally adopted them. The twin girls birth parents were abusive, and their parental rights were terminated by the court. The Ismails tried to keep some connection with the birth parents but

The Muslim Link

Md, Va, and dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | Free

april 12th 2013 - May 16th 2013

they were unsuccessful.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

PG, Anne Arundel Muslims Meet With Rep. Donna Edwards | pg 4 Practice of Hijamah Making Slow Comback In Community| pg 5

The phone call this evening is coming from the Fairfax County Foster and Adoption Program Coordinator. The coordinator needs to place a 16year old Pakistani female removed from her parent's home. Her religious background is similar to the Ismails; they are prepared for this call as registered foster parents with Fairfax County.

Porn Addiction Afflicting Youth, Adults Say Experts | pg 5 ISWA Imam Offers Brief History of Muslims in Guyana | pg 15 FAMILY: Spiritual Reflections on Special Needs Parenting | pg 16

>> foster Pg 26

Muslim Community Center Breaks New Ground The ground was ready for spring and a crowd of over 200 well-wish-

The original founders, Dr. Hashim and his wife

WORLD: 10 Years On, Rally for Justice for Aafia Siddiqui | pg 20 ISLAM: Taking Care of Things at Home Is Part of Piety | pg 29

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COMMUNITY NEWS

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Marylanders Charged With Terrorism-Related Crimes Tim Prudente

The Baltimore Sun, January 14, 2016

At least seven Marylanders have been charged with terrorism-related crimes in recent years: Maalik Alim Jones, formerly of Windsor Mill, was indicted on charges of supporting and receiving military training from an African terrorist group connected with al-Qaida. The 31-year-old pleaded not guilty Wednesday and his lawyer said he will fight the charges. Jones, a U.S. citizen, left Baltimore in 2011 and traveled to Somalia, where he was taken to an al-Shabab training camp, according to the indictment. He allegedly took part in a battle in the Somali town of Afmadow against Kenyan soldiers. M o h a m e d E l s h i n a w y, 3 0 , o f

An undated photo of Mohammad Hassan Khalid, a teenager from Ellicott City, who was sentenced in 2014 to five years in prison for his involvement in a plot with Colleen LaRose, known as “Jihad Jane.

Edgewood, was arrested in December on charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Federal prosecutors said the Harford County man pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State and received thousands

of dollars from overseas to carry out an attack. The FBI says in court documents that Elshinawy told investigators he was scamming his terrorist contacts and milking them for money. Prosecutors say that was a lie and that Elshinawy was actually trying to cover his tracks. Prosecutors said Thursday Elshinawy has been indicted by a federal grand jury. If convicted, he could be sentenced to decades in prison. Mohammad Hassan Khalid, a teenager from Ellicott City, was sentenced in 2014 to five years in prison for his involvement in a plot with Colleen LaRose, known as "Jihad Jane," to kill a Swedish cartoonist who had drawn the head of the prophet Muhammad on the body of a dog. Khalid became one of the youngest people ever convicted in federal court of conspiracy to aid terrorists. He graduated from Mount

Hebron High School in 2011 with a full math and science scholarship to the Johns Hopkins University. Craig Benedict Baxam, an Army private from Laurel, pleaded guilty in January 2014 to destroying his computer in an attempt to cover his tracks before flying to Africa in a bid to join al-Shabab. The 2005 Laurel High School graduate was sentenced to seven years in prison on the charge of destroying records he thought could be used in a terrorism investigation. Antonio Benjamin Martinez, who lived in Gwynn Oak and Windsor Mill, pleaded guilty in February 2012 to attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction in the failed 2010 bombing of the Armed Forces Career >> TERRORISM Pg 20

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10 | COMMUNITY NEWS

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Two Students Expelled for Framing Muslim Classmate By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Writer A Muslim student was framed by two seniors at the Washington Latin Public Charter School, a prestigious school in the nation’s capital. According to The Washington Post, the incident happened on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 when 600 students and alumni received an email with the subject title, “Bomb.” The email reportedly reportedly read, “Friday there will be big boom.” The students were expelled by Head of School Martha Cutts for the hoax. After seeing the email, administration informed DC police about the threat and the school began their own investigation. They learned the Muslim student hadn't sent the email after all. She told reporters the culprits were two high school seniors that were identified and expelled for threatening violence.

Cutts said the students came across a shared laptop in a classroom and noticed

that the previous user, the Muslim student, didn’t sign out of the email account. They took this opportunity to send out the email from the Muslim student’s account. Mrs. Syed, a Muslim parent in the DC metro region, is happy that swift action

Days: Saturdays & Sundays Time: 11:20 am to 1:20 pm

"It's based on the overall atmosphere of Islamophobia in our society," said Ibrahim Hooper of CAIR. If the students weren't "hearing and seeing this kind of anti-Muslim sentiment in their daily lives, they wouldn't have even thought to use a Muslim student's email account to send a bomb threat."

occurrences. “It can ruin a person’s life and career,” said another mother. “Muslim parents should reach out to the family of the expelled students,” stated one father who believes that change in attitudes can only come with sustained

Rockville Maryland Days: Saturdays & Wednesdays Time: Saturday: 10 am to 12 pm Wednesday: 5:30 pm - 7 pm

contacts. There is heightened concern amongst parents of Muslim children for the safety of their children in public schools after the news of the arrests of Texas "clock boy " Ahmed Mohamed and a similar case of a Sikh student, Armaan Singh, because they were accused of hoaxes in their schools.

Six-hundred students and alumni at a prestigious Washington DC charter school received an email with the subject title, “Bomb.” The email reportedly reportedly read, “Friday there will be big boom” and was sent from the email account of a Muslim student. Two classmates were expelled for framing the Muslim student.

College Park Maryland

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was taken by the school and says that there should be zero tolerance for such

He said anti-Muslim incidents have spiked since the Paris and San Bernardino attacks. He blamed the anti-Muslim rhetoric of Donald Trump and other politicians that he said have helped make Islamophobia part of mainstream culture. "It's been a really bad few months," he said.

Baltimore Maryland

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016

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12 | COMMUNITY NEWS

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Nigerian Imam Quietly Works, Dispells Stereotypes By Hena Zuberi

studied Quranic tafsir and the science of hadith.

In a brown thobe and embroidered Nigerian cap, Abdul Kareem Afinnih, the imam of the Avondale Islamic Center in Mt Rainier, Maryland strides into the Dar us Salaam campus to meet with students and staff. This Imam Malik-quoting pharmacist leads a vibrant congregation in Prince George’s County, Maryland and is visiting the neighboring DUS community. The Muslim Link had a chance to talk to him about his life and community.

Before moving to the United States, Imam Afinnih was enrolled in the Ahmed Bello University. He moved to Maryland in the 1990s and attended Montgomery College, and then attained a doctorate in Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy where he was the president of the Muslim Students Association. In Maryland, he also studied Arabic with Dr Salah Al Sadr.

Muslim Link Staff Writer

He started his education under the tutelage of his mother and then studied the Quran with Shaykh Abla Hameed Olohunlomejoda in Lagos, Nigeria. Although he studied under several more teachers his main teacher was Sh Yushau Al Mubarak, the Ameer of the Tabligh movement in Nigeria with whom he

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He lives with his wife, Dr Baraka Abdul Kareem and his 3 children in Prince George’s County, Md. When a group of families approached him to start the Quran and Sunnah based mission of the Avondale Islamic Center he agreed and they laid the foundation in 2000. The center is a member chapter of the National Council of Nigerian Muslim

Organizations in the USA. The National Council of Nigeria Muslim Organization was inaugurated in Washington DC in 1976, with three foundation chapters from New Jersey, Washington DC and New York. It now has 24 active chapters in the United States and conducts an annual family convention. An avid reader, you can find him reading anything from Tafsir Ibn Kathir to books on world economy to Ayn Rand. African Muslims are usually stereotyped, and African Islam and scholars are not well known, he said. His community has dealt with bigotry because of violence overseas and local media “Treat people for who they are not for the stereotype,” is the message that he gives his congregation.

“Boko Haram is Haram,” he says when asked about the terrorist organization which has plagued the country of his origin. He emphasized the importance of education in Islam and says anyone who denies that is ‘kicking against the sunnah’. We are all interconnected, he says. “I remember when I was in Lagos I could walk into any masjid and feel safe and now they bomb the very masjid where the Emir of Kano prays,” he said. After 15 years of existence, Avondale Islamic Center is bursting at the seams. It serves a diverse population in the area. The Avondale Muslim Youth Group has served the homeless at the Catholic Charities Men's Shelter consistently for the past five years. The program is >> AVONDALE Pg 14

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

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14 | COMMUNITY NEWS

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Virginia Man Accused Of Planning To Join The Islamic State In Syria By Matt Zapotosky

The Washington Post, January 16, 2016 Federal authorities announced Saturday that they had arrested a Northern Virginia man who they say planned to join the Islamic State in Syria, intercepting him just before he departed from Richmond International Airport for the first leg of his journey. They also charged a man who gave him a ride, alleging he was in on the plan and lied to FBI agents about it. In court papers, authorities said Joseph Hassan Farrokh, 28, and Mahmoud Amin Mohamed Elhassan, 25, both of Woodbridge, had been unknowingly working with law enforcement informants for months, plotting to have Farrokh join the Islamic State in Syria while the FBI monitored their communications. Investigators took Farrokh into custody Friday as he walked to his departure gate, charging him with attempting to provide material support to terrorists, according to court documents. They arrested Elhassan, who had given Farrokh a ride to Richmond, in Woodbridge some time later, charging him with aiding and abetting Farrokh’s plot, the documents say. Relatives of Farrokh could not immediately be reached. A man who identified himself as Elhassan’s brother said Elhassan had never shown signs of

AVONDALE

>> continued from pg 12

supported by dedicated volunteer groups from local faith communities, businesses and community groups who prepare and serve evening meals Monday through Friday. The center is especially busy during the weekend, with weekend school classes as well as the very popular lecture series which attracts 200 regular attendees. “It gets so packed that I had to park a mile away last weekend at my own masjid,” says Imam Afinnih. Every Saturday

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supporting the Islamic State, and he did not believe the allegations. “I 100 percent believe my brother is an innocent person, and by the end of the story, they’re going to find what a big mistake they did to him,” Elhassan’s brother said. Asked to spell his name, the brother said he was driving and had to discontinue the phone call. If the allegations are true, the case would mark the latest example of an American buying into the Islamic State’s agenda and trying to lend a hand. Federal prosecutors have charged more than 70 men and women across the country with crimes related to the Islamic State, and December seemed to mark an especially busy month on that front. The man who identified himself as Elhassan's brother said Elhassan was a student at Northern Virginia Community College and had a license to drive a cab. The man, 45, said Elhassan came from a family of “simple, normal, middle class, Middle Eastern Muslims” who did not support the Islamic State. “Personally, we believe that ISIS is something bad, something wrong, and we don’t support them,” the man said, using an acronym for the Islamic State. “We don’t deserve this. We work so hard for this country.” The man said he had not yet been able to talk to his brother.

and Sunday, the center’s Al-Mubarak Academy provides classes to youth on recitation and memorization of the Qur'an. Additionally, Islamic manners, jurisprudence, Fiqh, Aqeedah and Tajweed are also taught on the weekends. A halaqa in Amharic and another for the Nigerian community draws big crowds. The imam often hosts visiting scholars from Nigeria such as Dr. Musa Olaofe, the Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Abuja and Imam Baba n Gbaja. The center holds Taraweeh services and serves iftar everyday during Ramadan. Salaat is lead by local huffaz of the Qur'an. Eid Salaah also takes place at the center.

Less could be learned immediately about Farrokh. An affidavit signed by U.S. Secret Service Agent Walter T. Johnson Jr. says Farrokh was born in Pennsylvania and had been living in Woodbridge since July. It says Elhassan was originally from Sudan but became a legal, permanent U.S. resident in 2012 and also lived in Woodbridge. It remains unclear precisely how or when agents were tipped to Farrokh’s and Elhassan’s alleged intentions, but the affidavit says Elhassan introduced Farrokh to an informant in August, and agents were able to keep tabs on the men via that informant and others in the months that followed. The affidavit alleges that Farrokh said at various points that he had been wanting to travel to Syria for a year, and that he wanted to die a martyr for Allah. Based on the affidavit's account, Farrokh seemed wary of law enforcement thwarting his plans. The FBI recorded

a meeting between Farrokh and two confidential informants — one who Farrokh thought was an Islamic State facilitator — in November, and Farrokh talked of not wanting to go to jail for 15 years, according to the affidavit. The affidavit claims the informants told Farrokh he did not have to talk if he was not comfortable, and Farrokh suggested they swear an oath that those working with non-Muslims would suffer the curse of Allah. Later, Farrokh questioned why it was necessary that he formally declare an oath of allegiance in the United States, where he might be prosecuted for it, and why he had to give them copies of his passport and other documentation, which would prove his intent to travel. He also allegedly mentioned to Elhassan the arrest of 25-year-old Emanuel Lutchman, who authorities said was plotting a New Year’s Eve attack for the Islamic State. >> ISIS Pg 15

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

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ISIS

>> continued from pg 14

According to an affidavit in that case, Lutchman was conspiring with people working for the FBI, one of whom gave him $40 to buy ski masks, zip ties, knives and other supplies. The informants, according to the affidavit, gave Farrokh the chance to back out at various points, but he ultimately pressed forward. Farrokh's family seems not to have known about his plan. He told an informant that he had told them he was planning to go to Saudi Arabia to study, and he feared that if he lingered too long in Jordan — where he planned to fly before heading to Syria — his family might realize what he was up to. The affidavit indicates Farrokh was married but offers no details about his wife. In one phone call, according to the affidavit, Farrokh’s mother told him he sounded aggressive, and he responded that he had asked Allah to destroy Christians because they are the enemies of humanity. Farrokh ultimately purchased a ticket to fly out of Richmond to Jordan, with a layover in Chicago, according to the affidavit. He told an informant he planned to trim and style his beard so he would look more American. Elhassan, according to the affidavit, knew of Farrokh’s plans, and he and Farrokh left for Richmond in Elhassan’s taxi just before 8 a.m. Friday. Agents arrested Farrokh soon after he passed airport security, according to the affidavit. They later took Elhassan into custody in Woodbridge, and he told agents — falsely, according to the affidavit — that Farrokh was flying to a friend’s funeral in California, and he was leaving out of Dulles International Airport. Elhassan’s brother said investigators searched the family’s home. Both Farrokh and Elhassan are scheduled to appear in federal court in Alexandria Tuesday. Matt Zapotosky covers the federal district courthouse in Alexandria, where he tries to break news from a windowless office in which he is not allowed to bring his cell phone.

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16 | COMMUNITY NEWS

PRESS RELEASE

from the Muslim Association of Virginia The Muslim Association of Virginia (MAV) is deeply concerned by news of two individuals from Woodbridge arrested for allegedly joining and aiding ISIS. We completely and utterly reject the philosophy and deviant teachings of ISIS, and condemn terrorism and extremism in all forms. MAV encourages Muslims everywhere

January 22nd - February 18th 2016 in America (and worldwide) to continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials, and we urge anyone aware of these individuals' activities, and any suspicious activities in general, to contact law enforcement and the FBI Washington Field Office (202-324-3000). As the US Attorney's office noted, "Criminal complaints are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty." We consequently call for a full and fair investigation of these, or any other individuals found to be violating the laws of our country, and for appropriate trial and prosecution, and appropriate punishment if they are found guilty.

The actions of fringe criminals should NOT vilify and stereotype peaceful and law abiding Muslim communities in America, Europe and worldwide. American Muslims are partners in national security and we work closely with law enforcement to protect all communities . There is no justification for any member of our community, or any other American, to tolerate violent extremists. We should immediately report all suspicious behavior, whether perpetrated by a violent extremist, or even by any informant. Open dialogue and cooperation between the Muslim community and

law enforcement is the best way to protect our nation's safety while safeguarding individual civil rights guaranteed by the US Constitution. Our previous meetings with the FBI over mutual concerns have created many ways to enhance and strengthen our cooperation, and to expand that outreach so we can all continue to safeguard the lives and rights of all Americans throughout our great nation. Rafi Uddin Ahmed Civic / Public Relations Chairman Muslim Association of Virginia (571) 334-3011

Family Grieves After Fatal Hit-and-Run by Garbage Truck in MD By Jay Korff, ABC7 Tuesday, January 19, 2016 Wilbert McCowin Jr. and Ghada Ahmed met 20 years ago, had four children and built a life together in Upper Marlboro that many dream of. "When I say I had the best wife ever I mean that I had the best wife ever," says McCowin. McCowin's family was unexpectedly torn apart Tuesday morning after police say a garage truck collided with the pick-up truck Ahmed was driving on Pennsylvania Avenue near I-495. Ahmed's vehicle slammed into a pole. The 37-year-old mother died at the scene.

Fadi Antar (third from right), a Syrian refugee, and Secretary John Kerry meet with refugees resettled in Silver Spring, Maryland with help from the International Rescue Committee, on January 13, 2016 to reinforce the Obama Administration's support for the US refugee Assistance Program. These families have escaped violence and terror in countries like Syria, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “They’ve escaped a threat to their lives and their families. And they have come here looking for the possibility of a new life. Everybody has said that – they need and want a new life,” said the Secretary Kerry. [Source: Syrian Refugees Coalition of Baltimore]

McCowin says, "She was a phenomenal woman. She is going to be missing and I will never stop loving my wife." Ahmed's husband tells us the outpouring of support from friends is allowing him to cope. But he's dreading what comes next: telling his youngest children that their mother has died. McCowin says, "And I'm still trying to figure out how to explain it to them. Your mom is never going to walk through that door again. And it hurts, it hurts tremendously."

Police say the driver of the trash truck kept driving, never stopped. This husband, while mourning the loss of the love of his life, is calling on the person responsible to ease this family's pain. "And I just hope that the person that's responsible for it come forth and bring closure to it. That's the right thing to do. That's the only thing to do," says McCowin. The garbage truck has been described as green or blue with red lettering with damage on the passenger side. Police say it's possible, due to the large size of the garbage truck, that its driver did not realize he hit another vehicle. [The Dar-us-Salaam community extends its deepest condolences to the family of Sister Ghada Ahmed who passed away yesterday in a car accident. Sister Ghada is the mother of Laila, Dalia, Zayd and Jamal-al-Din and wife of Br Jamal Ahmed ( Wilbert McCowin). Sr Ghada's aunt, Sr Azza Abou-Bakr, is an Islamic Studies teacher at the Al-Huda School. Three of Sr Ghada's children attend the Al-Huda School. Please remember sister Ghada and her family in your prayers. May Allah forgive Sr Ghada and grant her Jannah al-Firdaus. May Allah grant strength and patience to her family, Br Jamal Ahmed, her children, Sr Azza, and

their extended family.]

MORE INFO PAGE 7

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016 SHAYKH

>> continued from pg 5

When you do fikr about others than Allah makes a good life for you. Remember that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was is worried about the people. Be an example. Fix your Adaab and your dealings with people. Don’t worry, if there are only a few of you; don’t give up. Don’t let the current climate affect you. The Muslims have faced far worse. Be people who are beacons of light for the masses. In your quest for comfort and a better life, don’t forget the reason why you are here. “ “Stay connected to the masajid, to the mahad (religious institutions of learning). Populate the mosques, don’t leave them. You are doing yourself a favor by serving the masajid, schools, and Islamic organizations—by donating to Islamic causes you're giving a loan to Allah. No other religion on this Earth speaks of

COMMUNITY NEWS | 17 unity more than Islam. We are instructed to meet each other 5 times a day, to meet our community at least once a week, meet our larger community twice a year. Why is this? So you know about each other, this is unity which will bring purity. Stop the infighting, do ta’awun

He was happy to hear of news of many people who accept Islam everyday but said that we have worry about keeping them in Islam. He spoke about how he has met converts who say Islam is great but many Muslims have left behind the teachings of humanity, egalitarianism. “Don’t be the people that turn people

"Be people of fikr (concern)— worry for the state of the people of your country. Your duty is not just for yourself, it is to the people." (cooperation); no one is asked what are you in Makkah and Medinah. You need to stop asking for party or grouping before meet people properly, this causes ikhtilaf. If differences are highlighted your roob will vanish, you will fail to inspire awe. Differences will occur but you are still brothers and sisters.”

away from Islam with bad dealings, alcohol, bad suluk (mannerisms),” he said. “Don’t lose hope— Muslims have gone through much worse times, they were in a much worse state in 656 Hijri. He related the history of the Muslims in Iraq when the Tatars attacked Baghdad

and the main square was red with blood of the entire population of the city and the rivers black with ink from the books that were destroyed. They burnt the libraries and the schools but Muslims didn't die. American Muslims, as long as they remain on the path of Allah, will survive this.” [On the need for women scholarship and importance of Islamically educating girls in current times]: One girl with understanding of deen is a whole institution in herself. One mother with understanding of the religion affects the home, family and community.” The young women who took Sh Ya’qub’s session on Sahih Muslim were honored to have a scholar of his calibre, someone with 37 years of experience teaching, give them ijazah in 1118 hadith. “Whatever he taught [the students] was full of wisdom and knowledge; his stories moved and inspired us,” said Ustadha Humaira. “There was so much barakah in his time, we sat through an intense and long classes with him without feeling like it was so long,” she said. “He teaches from the heart,” shared A.A.

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18 | COMMUNITY NEWS HOLIDAYS

>> continued from pg 6

But several board members expressed the need for next year's academic calendar to go beyond closing schools on the two Jewish holidays, to be more inclusive of the county's increasingly diverse population and to allow non-JudeoChristian students to celebrate their religious and cultural traditions.

January 22nd - February 18th 2016 al-Adha, to give students the day off. Anne Arundel schools went in the other direction and decided to hold classes on Rosh Hashana next year because the system needed more instruction time. But Howard County board members

anything that is not inclusive."

process for handling the requests.

"My thought was that, going ahead and trying something next year will make the study richer and give us a better group of data points," said board member Cindy Vaillancourt. "And I think it's very clear

"We will find it very hard to manage that as more requests come forward," she said. "We owe it to the community to establish process by which we say, this is what we're going to do."

"These groups aren't asking for an unreasonable amount of days off. They just want one day to celebrate their family's traditions," said the board's student member, Rachel Lin, adding that the board received over 500 emails about the inclusion of more holidays on the calendar. "With the amount of school work that students are getting in their classes, it's difficult for students to want to miss a day of school. They might lose their traditions, because they are not able to celebrate."

said that observing cultural and religious holidays was just as important, if not more valuable, than curricular time for students.

that this is not from here until infinity and beyond, that this is something that we want to take care of. But let's try it."

As of the 2014-2015 school year, 42 percent of Howard County students were white, 22 percent were black, 19 percent were Asian, 9 percent were Hispanic and 6 percent were of two or more races. The school system does not record the religious backgrounds of its students.

"I encourage students to invite others to their holidays, so we can continue the learning process," said Siddiqui. "The key thing is that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re spending time with their families, learning about their cultures with their families so that this can go on for generations and generations."

"If people considered for a minute what it would be like to have to take a major exam or hand in a major project the day after Christmas, maybe you can begin to understand how difficult that would be for people who celebrate alternative holidays," said board member Bess Altwerger.

"I know people that have gone to the synagogue for Jewish celebrations on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Jewish, to learn about the culture and festivities with the day off," Lin said, "If we did have school those days, it would be basically a normal school day and nobody would care enough to research it."

Members of the East Asian, Muslim and Hindu communities have advocated for the inclusion of their religious holidays for at least the past two school years. Eid al-Adha, an important holiday on the Muslim calendar, and Diwali, equally as important for the Hindu community, have not previously been recognized on the county's school calendar.

Many of the state-mandated school holidays fall on Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. Local school systems determine additional days off. "I strongly believe that our school calendar should be inclusive of the cultures and religions of all Howard County residents," said board member Janet Siddiqui. "I moved here thirty years ago, because of the schools, but more because of the diversity. In a county where we pride ourselves on our diversity, we have to demonstrate that in terms of our actions." Nearby Montgomery County's school board recently voted to place a professional development day for teachers on Eid

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Foose recommended that, before changing the school calendar, the board -- via an independent firm -- survey the community to determine the impact of student and staff absenteeism on days of religious and cultural observance, so that this data could be used to develop the 2017-2018 calendar. While Board members voted to move forward with this data collection, they also wanted to see more immediate change. "I'll tell you what: Howard County is no longer majority Judeo-Christian. We are made up of all kinds of people," said school board member Ann De Lacy. "There is nothing to study in my opinion. It's either all or none. I cannot vote for

"I think we've juggled with this over the years," Siddiqui said. "Now we have the opportunity to really show what Howard County is and how we respect diverse cultures and religions." Last year after hearing requests from the Chinese and Korean communities, the board voted to place a professional development day on the Lunar New Year in the 2015-2016 school year. But the superintendent's proposals for the 20162017 calendar did not include similar arrangements to give students the day off on Lunar New Year Eve (Lunar New Year will fall on a Saturday next year). The board's vice chairwoman, Ellen Flynn Giles, and board member Sandie French brought up concerns about adding school holidays without first collecting data. By granting days off for the three East Asian, Muslim and Hindu holidays, Flynn Giles said, the board would be opening itself up to more requests without a

Because of the need for separation between church and state, French said, holidays cannot be given to students for religious reasons, but rather must be given for logistical reasons. This requires more data, she said. "What I need to know is at what point, at what percentage of student absenteeism, is there a negative impact on our school system and therefore requires us to close schools for everyone," French said. "What is that tipping point? And it's changing. I think that we need to be more informed right now." In 1979, the county's school board voted to close schools on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana because approximately 12 percent of staff members were absent on those days. Despite Flynn Giles's and French's concerns, the two voted in favor of placing student breaks on Diwali, Lunar New Year's Eve and Eid al-Adha in the 2016-2017 school year. Now the calendar committee must develop plans for how to incorporate these holidays without impacting instruction time and without altering the start and end dates of the next school year. In the meantime, different cultural groups that have advocated for including additional holidays have already responded to the board's decision on Thursday night. "School is a place to foster well-rounded children who are proud of who they are, where they come from. School is also a place to raise future citizens who will contribute to this country as allAmericans when they grow up," Jean Xu, president of the Chinese American Parents Association, wrote in an email. "A school system that recognizes and accommodates family traditions will certainly help achieving this goal in a diverse society."

January 22nd - February 18th 2016 SEMINAR

>> continued from pg 1 is to preserve the Qur'an. “His knowledge of the intricacies of Fiqh and understanding its principles and being able to give legal verdicts do not exist because he memorized the Qur'an when he was 8 or 9 years old. There is no guarantee of the comprehension of the deen from a person who has memorized the Qur'an. People will soon be quoted the MBC Omar series! I understand everyone wants to give an opinion [but] I want to give you one piece of advice,” he said. Quoting Ali (by Allah be pleased with him), he suggested that if you do not know something and are sitting in front of those who do know something, the best thing to do is to remain silent. “Silence has never harmed anyone, whereas speaking has,” said Mufti Kamani. The second group of people the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned us about are the people who have hijacked the religion, he said. “Corrupted scholarship is an unknown enemy— one wrong word from the podium has an effect on the whole community.” “Extremists are people who are already tampering in the Deen. These are people who are not ignorant, they are knowledgeable, but they have a wrong agenda. They are attributing falsehood to the deen. They are attributing

CONTINUED| 19 false things to the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). This is very dangerous.” He shared that when he first heard that Baghdadi had declared a caliphate, he called around to ask about him. “He announced his Khilafah on YouTube … on YouTube! Who is this guy?” He called teachers and scholars in Iraq and Syria and no one knew him. “We couldn’t profile these guys. I tried but I could not find a single book attributed to this person,” said Mufti Kamani. He said this is not the first time in Islamic history that we are dealing with extremism. The first group known for their deviance in Islamic history is a group known as the Khawarij. This was one of the first times Muslims saw extremism as a political platform. The Khawarij came after 25 years of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) death, and the Prophet Muhammad had warned the Muslim ummah of a group of people who will be very righteous outwardly, but internally their faith and their knowledge will have zero impact on the hearts. These will be people who will be void of spirituality, so the knowledge will manifest itself externally but internally these will be people with lost souls, as they won’t be connected to Allah, he said. “Just because someone has ibadaah does not make him or her credible in matters of jurisprudence, Islamic politics, or theology,” said Mufti Kamani.

He advised parents to connect their children to trusted people of knowledge from their local communities. “The crux of this situation of extremism is the lack of companionship— the kids who leave to Syria or Turkey etc., they don’t have exposure to orthodox Islam and companionship,” he stressed. “What we have deduced from this situation so far is that the psychology of [ISIS] is that they don’t want to include – they want to exclude. Because they create certain parameters of religion around you that are so extreme that naturally every single person will fall outside those boundaries and the only person left in that boundary will be you. That’s the nature of it. Islam is not to restrict someone's life. Islam is a very natural [way of] life – it’s a fitrah [innate nature],” he said. Imam Mikaeel Smith, who is of African American heritage, presented solutions to the community hungry for practical ways to maintain the faith of their families. “Sometimes your weaknesses are your actual strength,” he said, noting that this time of pressure can make us stronger in faith. He spoke to the largely immigrant community: ”You are not the first class citizens as you believed [you would be] when you moved here; you will be moved to the back of the bus like we were; you will have to prove yourself just as African Americans had to,” he said. He urged the community to realize that they

were placed in the United States for a reason. If immigrants had come here for a comfortable life, they should change their intention and renew it for Allah’s sake. He gave clear suggestions: Build ties with other minorities especially the African Americans’ as they are the Bani Hashim of our times, and tap into the spiritual power by connecting to Allah through prayers. He also reprimanded people for going on national media and claiming that Muslims are exactly like everyone else. “When you say you are like everyone else you lose the ability to correct and critique the society,” said Imam Mikaeel. While doing this he said the community should work on projects that humanize Muslims. “We as a society have to engage the whole community on the platform of Muslims. We must ‘break bread’; we have to add the human element.” Imam Mikaeel also urged masajid to cater to the youth, the elders and women. “The seminar was a need of the times,” said S. S., a mother of five boys. An African American attendee was pleased to hear the solutions and was happy with the inclusive nature of the event. “I thoroughly enjoyed it and will implement some of these suggestion in my teaching,” she said.

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20 | COMMUNITY NEWS

WITNESS

>> continued from pg 5

the “Salt Pit” secret black site near Kabul, Afghanistan, before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2006. There have been large number of transfers out of Guantanamo in the past couple of weeks. Two people were transferred this January to Ghana which has accepted 17 transfers [as of publication, 10 more detainees were moved to Oman]. 146 prisoners have been cleared to release but had not been transferred for the past 5 years, he noted. Of the current 104 detainees, the number of convictions after a decade are in the single digits, said Williams, reminding the audience that these are human beings that are being discussed. “If this was a prosecutor's conviction rate anywhere in the country, the prosecutor would be fired,” he said. He sourced newspaper articles that President Obama’s attempts to close the military base have been thwarted by the Pentagon. Speaking about his client, Williams said that his treatment has gone through cycles depending on the command structure— that changes every 2-3 years. “You never know what you are going to get,” said Williams about the treatment from the guard force which changes every 8 months. He shared how it is extremely hard to meet with his client. “Guantanamo is legal outer space. The

TERRORISM

>> continued from pg 8

Center in Catonsville. Martinez was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. Majid Shoukat Khan, a 1999 graduate of Owings Mills High School, pleaded guilty in February 2012 to murder, espionage and conspiracy for his role in the deadly 2003 bombing of a hotel in Indonesia and plots to assassinate Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016

protections of the Geneva Conventions do not apply. The constitution does not apply to these men; they are not allowed to talk to another. The [prisoners] can’t pray together, they can’t eat communally.”

one disciplinary report. “I was sleeping on my bed and failed the 4 o'clock count [due to medication given by the medical staff] and was sent to the [Terre Haute] terrorism unit [for three years],” he says.

“These are human beings, fathers, brothers, sons, detained for decades,” he said. The scandal of the collaboration of the American Psychology Association with the government in relation to the torture at Guantanamo has affected mental health care there. The trauma my client, who still doesn’t have a set trial date, suffered in this pre-trial punishment is not treated, shared Williams.

The federal penitentiary at Terre Haute, Indiana had the reputation of being the most racist and brutal prison in the federal prison system where many guards were Ku Klux Klan members and supporters, according to writer and former prisoner Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin. The ACLU has accused the penitentiary where Imam Abdul-'Aliyy was held of having "grossly inadequate" conditions, saying that “those on death row were routinely denied basic medical care, mental health services, and were subject to incessant noise that causes sleep deprivation.” Imam Abdul'Aliyy shared how diabetic prisoners were denied medication as a way to torture and punish them.

Speaking on the incarceration of American citizens in special jails like the condemned Terre Haute death row unit, was Imam Abdul-'Aliyy (Avon Twitty) of Dar AtTawheed Masjid in Washington DC, A former Communication Management Unit (CMU) prisoner, he was released from prison in 2011. CMUs are US-based prisons, militarized to use Guantanamostyle torture techniques against prisoners. Communication management units house a disproportionate number of Muslims. “They reopened a condemned unit and filled it up with Muslims,” he said. Abdul'Aliyy says he was placed in a CMU for a disciplinary act and put in restrictive housing for filing two legal complaints regarding prison record keeping that may have lengthened the amount of time he spent behind bars. In almost 28 years of imprisonment he had

blow up gas stations in the United States. A native of Pakistan who landed in Catonsville, Khan agreed to testify against other terror suspects in exchange for 19-year sentence. Mahmud F. Brent, a former cabdriver from Baltimore, was sentenced in July 2007 to 15 years in prison for providing of material support to a terrorist organization. In 2002, Brent attended a training camp in Pakistan that was run by the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, an Islamic extremist group whose name roughly translates as "Army of the Pure." [Source: Baltimore Sun reports]

Imam Abdul-'Aliyy shared the conditions of the cells where black sludge inches down the walls and when it rained the cells flood until the calves of a standing man are deep in slimy water. In the words of Imam Abdul-'Aliyy, he was not ‘an armed combative’ nor had he ever set foot outside the country or made an international phone call in his life. He was in prison for a street murder since the 1980s. “Don’t think that they will grab someone in Afghanistan running their mouth, and

you are safe running your mouth here! It’s not happening.” he said. He spoke about how any American citizen can end up in a CMU. “Once the law is on the books it affects everyone no matter who it was put in there for,” said Imam Abdul-'Aliyy. “It’s not the American people that we are tired off; it’s the American government [harming us] the American people.” “Have you read the Patriot Act?” asked Imam Abdul-'Aliyy said to applause. The "War on Terror" has targeted exclusively Muslims, and activists in the anti-war and pro-civil liberties movement need to partner with Muslims and include them in the discussions, said Dr Hilal, advising the many people in the audience, as organizers collected money to send books to the prisoners at Guantanamo. Artwork was available for purchase by Mohammed Shnewer, a Muslim prisoner of the Fort Dix Five Case. “Loved the panel, the panelists and everyone that made it through. [I] have benefited greatly indeed. Keep on fighting for justice! We will stand by you by the will of Allah.....side by side,” said attendee Mona Mahmoud. Dr Hilal ended the event by reading a letter that she had written to ‘the brothers’ in Guantanamo. There is a current petition online asking the White House to close Guantanamo.

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Civil Rights

CIVIL RIGHTS

| 21

Dispute Over Prayer Breaks Divides Muslim Meatpacking Workers By Luke Runyon

NPR, January 15, 2016

hard for me," Nurto says.

In Fort Morgan, Colo., 150 Muslim workers were fired in late 2015 after a dispute over prayer breaks at a Cargill beef processing plant.

After four years of work at Cargill, Sadiyo says, she became accustomed to taking these short breaks, with little to no pushback from management.

In early 2016, the company changed its rehire policy to allow the fired employees to reapply for their jobs. But some community leaders say damage has already been done. The city's residents of East African descent, some of whom still have their jobs, are now at odds with those who do not. And the relationships among Cargill and the refugee populations it relies on for labor are frayed.

In mid-December, the sisters say that changed. They say a shift supervisor told a group of 11 employees they could no longer leave their stations on the meatcutting line to pray.

In early January, Nurto and Sadiyo Abdi enjoyed a midday cup of spiced tea with milk at their apartment in Fort Morgan. Normally, the 20-something sisters would be spending this time preparing for their afternoon shift at the Cargill plant a short drive down the road.

Although Cargill disputes this claim, the incident snowballed. The sisters joined with nearly 200 other workers, staying home to protest what they saw as a change in company policy. Until then, they say, they'd been allowed to take a short fiveminute break to pray. After three days of failing to show up, they were fired.

The sisters are refugees, finding their way to Fort Morgan five years ago after leaving their home country of Somalia. Five times a day the sisters stop to pray, an essential part of their Muslim faith, Nurto says. Praying at work involves leaving the cutting room floor, changing out of a blood-spattered frock, and returning after five minutes. The timing of the prayer during the plant's second shift can change with the seasons and requires some flexibility in the plant's operations to accommodate. "If I stop my prayer time, everything is

"Four times we pray in our homes," Nurto says. "Only one time [per shift] we pray in Cargill. And they say we don't have time to go to prayer time."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which represents some of the fired workers, says the company's supervisors were sometimes hostile to prayer requests and that Cargill's existing religious accommodation policy is vague and ambiguous.

levels an individual request for prayer may not be granted at a specific time on a specific day." During the past decade, America's meatpacking plants have become increasingly diverse, with more immigrants from various cultural and religious backgrounds filling jobs to cut meat. Cargill has attempted to keep up, Martin says, installing reflection rooms for prayer in its facilities and being flexible with break times. Still, crosscultural misunderstanding and tension seem inevitable. "It would be hard to go year-round without someone misperceiving something," Martin says. "But this seems to be on a different level." Workplace disputes are difficult to discuss in abstract terms, says Rachel ArnowRichman, director of the University of Denver's workplace law program. They involve dynamic circumstances, complex relationships and fact-dependent cases. And increasingly in the country's meatpacking facilities, shifts are often staffed by a mix of workers who hold strong religious and cultural beliefs.

employer, a company has the right to refuse the request, Arnow-Richman says. "The subtleties of what is required or what the employer permits, versus what a supervisor actually does, those can certainly get lost in any workplace, not even accounting for language and cultural differences," Arnow-Richman says. In a bid to compromise and give some workers a chance at getting their jobs back, Cargill is allowing the fired employees to reapply sooner rather than later. But Michaela Holdridge, executive director of One Morgan County, a nonprofit that focuses on diversity in Fort Morgan, says it might be too little too late. "We already have word of about 20 families or so who have already left," she says. Holdridge says the families are scattering across the Midwest and Great Plains, heading to Wyoming, Nebraska, Minnesota and Ohio to find jobs. "If you don't have your job here, there's not much to stay for," she adds.

Cargill doesn't see it that way.

"The reality is that it's not always clear what constitutes a reasonable accommodation, or an undue hardship," says Arnow-Richman.

With a large number of workers leaving town, and their jobs, all at once, Holdridge says a new wave of immigrants with their own religious and cultural traditions could pursue the open jobs at the Cargill plant.

"Nobody was ever told that prayer was abolished. Or that prayer could not be accommodated," says Mike Martin, a Cargill spokesman. "There are times, specific times, when because of staffing

In a large slaughterhouse, for example, one person missing for 10 minutes can slow down an entire shift. If a religious accommodation, like a prayer break, imposes a significant cost on the

Luke Runyon reports from Colorado for KUNC and Harvest Public Media, a public radio reporting collaboration that focuses on agriculture and food production issues.

MORE INFO PAGE 7

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22 | HEALTH & FAMILY

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Running for the Hills

The Road Less Graveled In May of 2011, Sister Jann McClary and her husband Tariq moved from the Washington DC metropolitan area to establish a new home in the mountains of Colorado, building it from the ground up as part of their plan to become free of the spiritual and physical stress of modern urban life. Sister Jann is documenting her experiences for the Muslim Link. See her earlier installments at www.muslimlinkpaper.com by searching for “Running for the Hills”. Make sure you select “Exact Phrase” in the search options. – TML clay. Otherwise known in wet weather as mud. Thick, heavy, tire-sucking, slowBy Jann McClary drying mud. And when you live outside Muslim Link Contributing Writer the city limits that's what 90 percent of It's dark and rich like chocolate. It's thick the roads here are. The county road clay and smooth like pudding. It's slippery and gets cleverly disguised as a normal rural dangerous like a layer of black petroleum road by tons and tons of what's called road jelly, so obviously I'm not talking about base, a mixture of sand and various-sized everyone's favorite dessert. I'm talking gravel. Over the years it gets packed down about the muddy little country road that and graded smooth over and over again leads to our little sanctuary back in the until it's hard and relatively smooth. And woods. Funny thing about back in the the deeper it's packed, 8 to 10 inches is woods: you often have to carve your own ideal, the better the road. Works pretty well when it's being paid for by the way to get there. county's dime, but at $200 for 15 tons of Making your way off the beaten track and road base that will only stretch about 70into the wilds of anywhere is an adventure 90 feet at 3 inches deep, you can imagine often fraught with uncertainty, risk how long it'll take us to build up the five and vulnerability, but also anticipation roads we've put on our property. of the benefits that lay ahead at the destination. The muhajiroon left situations Homesteading involves designing and of familiarity, stability and maybe some building your own infrastructure, and the degree of comfort to travel over byways roads you build to make your way around and passages from Makkah to Madinah. your place are key. Sure, you could just Traveling through the desert is a tricky keep hopping over and scrambling around thing when you're following only a every rock, bush and tree to get where you direction and there are no signposts or want to go, but how's that gonna work discernible roads, just landmarks and for efficiency? After a short while you'll shifting sands. But sand's a good thing. get tired of all the wasted energy and It doesn't stick to your tires, and because frustration you'd have put out to go from it's desert sand, well, it doesn't get wet too point A to point B, stubbing your toes on very often and cause you to say things to one obstacle after another. There's gotta the road that might make your recording be a better way, right? angels blush. Sand and gravel take care of the foundation On the other hand, a continent away, for your physical road. Niyyah is like the there's the Rocky Mountains. I found out clay base for your spiritual road. How the first year we were here and I tried deep and weighty it is will make the road to dig out garden beds as if I were still firm enough to hold in place what comes in Maryland, that they're called Rocky Mountains for good reason. Now I know what holds all those rocks together. It's >> ROAD Pg 33

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From top: muddy driveway before graveling; main road full of muck; graveled driveway after road base; and main road all smooth. Photos by the author.

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

National News

NATIONAL NEWS | 23

Al Jazeera America to Shut Down in April by Tom Kludt and Brian Stelter

news to the assembled staff.

launch.

In a memo, Al Jazeera America CEO Al Anstey applauded the work done at the channel.

In prime time the channel only averages between 20,000 and 40,000 viewers on a typical day. The channel's end appears to have been prompted by the plunging price of oil, which dropped below $30 a barrel on Tuesday for the first time in 12 years. That's significant because Al Jazeera America is owned by Al Jazeera Media Group, which in turn is owned by the government of Qatar.

CNMoney, January 13, 2016

Al Jazeera America will shut down on April 30 after a little more than two years on the air. The news was announced at a sudden staffwide meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The mood inside the newsroom ahead of Wednesday afternoon's meeting was gloomy, with employees expecting the worst. "There are executives here in tears," said one senior staffer. "Doom and gloom." Those fears were confirmed at the meeting when a tearful Kate O'Brian, Al Jazeera America's president, delivered the grim

"I greatly respect the unrivaled commitment and excellent work of our team, which has created great journalism," Anstey said in the memo. "We have increasingly set ourselves apart from all the rest, and the achievements of the past two-and-a-half years should be a source of immense pride for everyone." The memo indicated that Al Jazeera Media Network plans to "expand its existing international digital services" in the United States. Al Jazeera America had invested in some in-depth reporting and commentary, but its ratings have remained anemic since

Al Jazeera America launched in 2013 after its parent company in Doha bought Current TV from Al Gore and others for $500 million. The channel was billed as a more sober alternative to the rancor and sensationalism that typifies other cable news outlets.

"Viewers will see a news channel unlike the others, as our programming proves Al Jazeera America will air fact-based, unbiased and in-depth news," the channel's former CEO Ehab Al Shihabi said around the time of the launch. But from the beginning, Al Jazeera America has been beset by lousy ratings and internal strife.Two former employees filed lawsuits last year against the company with charges of anti-Semitism and sexism in the newsroom. Al Shihabi, who was named as a defendant in one of the lawsuits, was ousted in May and replaced by Anstey, who had previously served as managing director of Al Jazeera English. [Source: CNNMoney]

Imam of Haram Keynotes 2015 Parliament of World Religions Conference By Contributing Writers Over 10,000 people representing 80 countries and about 50 religious traditions converged at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah from October 15 through October 19, 2015. What made the 2015 Parliament of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Religions extraordinary is the Muslim presence and participation. Thanks to the efforts of President of the Parliament, Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, who is also the President of Sound Vision, as well as Prof. Ahmadullah Siddiqi, Imam Musa Azam, and Janaan Hashim from Sound Vision, the Parliament pulled a record number of Muslim attendees,

speakers, and plenaries. More Muslims attended the Parliament than Catholics or Mormons. Some of the prominent Muslim scholars and presenters included the Imam of Kabaa, Shaikh Dr. Saleh Abdullah bin Humaid, Dr. Tariq Ramadan, Shk. Omar Suleiman, Dawud Wharnsby, Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, Dr. Eboo Patel, Janaan Hashim, Sheikha Tamara Gray, Rami Nashashibi, Prof. Ahmadullah Siddiqi, and Dr. Hamid Slimi. The engagement of these Muslim intellectuals and presenters at the largest conference of peace spoke volumes. It >> RELIGIOUS Pg 27

On right, Haram Imam Shaikh Salih Abdullah Humaid presents a gift to Dr. Abdul Malik Mujahid, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Council for a Parliament of the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Religions.

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24 | WORLD PRESS

World Press

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Muslim Activist Jibril Hough: Why I Got Thrown Out of Trump’s Rallies As a Muslim, I feel the need to counter his Islamophobia January 12, 2016. From Jibril Hough, a Muslim activist from Charlotte who was thrown out of two Donald Trump rallies in South Carolina recently: The politics of fear is nothing new in America. Donald Trump’s presidential run has capitalized on this fear tactic and run with it. He has taken it to levels that even many of his Republican colleagues will not openly support. I say “openly” because Trump is the monster the Republican party has created. As Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric continued to climb, I felt compelled to do something. I joined a Facebook group called Go Yellow Against Hate. This group was formed to counter the increase in Islamophobia and attacks on Muslims. The group’s primary focus is not solely Trump, for he is just a product of the racism and Islamophobia we are trying to counter. I first joined my friends in Go Yellow

Against Hate at a Trump rally in Aiken, S.C. Being a visible Muslim at a Trump rally brought much curiosity and looks, even a talk with the Secret Service. But it wasn’t until I stood up as an unapologetic Muslim stating, “Islam Is Not The Enemy” that all hell broke loose. His supporters started grabbing and pulling and shouting at me. I finally was aggressively escorted out by police. After looking at footage of the rally, I really connected with what I had done as well as those like Martin Luther King and others who stood in the face of vicious racists to expose the system. After being in the belly of this beast you know that this type of work must continue. The stench of racism, bigotry and Islamophobia is the energy behind the Trump phenomenon. The crowds are cultlike. His supporters are not concerned with his agenda (or lack thereof). They just feed off the red meat of building a wall and attacking Islam. They also support the Second Amendment much

Jibril Hough is escorted out of a Donald Trump rally in Aiken, S.C., last month. more than the First. All of this makes for a dangerous mix. When we received notification of Trump’s Rock Hill visit, I knew I had to return. Opposing Trump’s anti-Muslim proposals has become like a civil rights movement. And some of our strategies draw from the historic struggle against racism. I was again forcibly removed at the Rock Hill rally after I stood up and said,

“Islam Is Not The Problem.” As I was aggressively removed from the arena, cuffed and pushed against the wall, I again connected with King, Malcolm X and so many others who have stood in the face of racism. Leaving the arena, my hands were cuffed, but my mind and purpose were free as a bird. [Source: www.charlotteobserver.com ]

Popular Exams In UK To Be Rescheduled To Avoid Ramadan Exam boards aim to avoid clash for next three years between exam season and the height of Ramadan, when Muslim pupils would be fasting By Richard Adams

The Guardian, January 6, 2016

Some crucial GCSE and A-level exams will be rescheduled over the next three years to avoid clashing with the height of the Ramadan holy month, when observant Muslim pupils would be expected to fast. While many exams will still take place during Ramadan, which this year is expected to start in early June, examination boards say they have held talks with Muslim groups

....

and aim to avoid holding exams in the most popular subjects during the period. “Where possible, large-entry GCSE and GCE [A-level] subjects are timetabled prior to the commencement of Ramadan and consideration is given to whether they are timetabled in the morning or afternoon,” said the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), which represents examination boards

>> EXAMS Pg 27

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

ISLAM | 25

“I Have Pardoned Every Muslim Who Has Harmed Me.” By Ustadh Ali Hammuda

Ibnu Taymiyyah would be jailed time and time again for no other reason than the fabrications of the envious. They were people who had collapsed at the arena of debate and thus found no way to let out their spite against Ibnu Taymiyyah other than approaching the state. He would be jailed and tortured, and one of these smear campaigns was led by Nasr AlMunjibi, Al-Ameer Rukn Al-Deen Bebers (the student of Al-Munjibi) and several other Fuqahaa and scholars who were supporting the new government that had overthrown the previous one.

November 17, 2015

When the life of Shaykh al-Islam Ibnu Taymiyyah is discussed the focus, many a time, is on the dimensions of his knowledge, his flawless memory, his Jihaad, his enjoining of good and forbidding of evil, his trials, his ʿIbaadah, his fearlessness and bravery, and his eloquence. But, such discussions often miss one of the most beautiful dimensions of the life of this marvel of a man, a dimension which the Ummah of Islaam needs now more than any other time before. This is the dimension of the pardoning of others. One of his slogans in life was: should in fact be executed. “I have pardoned every Muslim who has harmed me.” What was even more amazing than this statement of his is his application of it. How easy it is to put together expressive words pertaining to the Musaamaha (pardoning of others); how easy it is to share and retweet them; how easy it is to photoshop beautifully decorated designs which frames maxims pertaining to Musaamaha, and yet, it is at the arena of application where many crumble. Let us consider how he lived by the principles that he called towards. Ibnu Taymiyyah and his adversary ʿAli Ibn Yaʿqub Al-Bakri Al-Sūfi Ibnu Taymiyyah had authored a piece titled “Al-Istighaatha” which speaks about the rulings pertaining to the asking for help in Duʿaa’. An academic piece which was substantiated with evidences. Instead of challenging this piece intellectually, his adversary ʿAli Al-Bakri issued a Fatwah declaring that Ibnu Taymiyyah was a Kaafir. Not only that, he would hurl insults at Ibnu Taymiyyah and urged the state to persecute him. In the year 707AH, those in power decided to do so but ʿAli Al-Bakri insisted that Ibnu Taymiyyah

The Fitnah continued to escalate, for in year 711AH, an extreme group of the Sūfiyyah, led by ʿAli Al-Bakri followed Ibnu Taymiyyah until he was alone. They then cornered him and began to beat him. This in fact happened more than once. As the allies of Ibnu Taymiyyah caught wind of what was happening, they began

They were not happy with this response and urged him to take revenge. He responded: “The right which you want me to claim either belongs to me, or to you or to Allaah. If this right belongs to me, then I have pardoned him. If it belongs to you, then if you will not listen to me then do as you wish. If this right belongs to Allaah, then Allah will claim His right when and how He wishes.”

“We have never seen a man like Ibnu Taymiyyah. We incited people against him but failed to get hold of him. But when he got hold of us, he pardoned us and argued on our behalf.” hunting for ʿAli Al-Bakri to teach him a lesson. SubhaanaAllaah, time continued to pass and now the state itself was on the search for ʿAli Al-Bakri and so he went on the run. The state asked Ibnu Taymiyyah to advise on how he wished that ʿAli Al-Bakri be dealt with; his response was remarkable. He said, “I do not take revenge for myself.”

The state however was not going to let ʿAli Al-Bakri go. So when ʿAli Al-Bakri realised this, where did he choose to hide? He went to Egypt and hid in the house of Shaykh al-Islaam Ibnu Taymiyyah himself. Ibnu Taymiyyah then interceded and persuaded the Sultan to drop the case of ʿAli Al-Bakri.

Time would pass however and the previous ruler, Nasir Ibn Qalaawūn, would regain power and instantly freed Ibnu Taymiyyah. He honoured him and invited him to the palace, where he would stand up upon seeing Ibn Taymiyyah and displayed tremendous respect to Shaykh al-Islaam. The ruler then sat in privacy with Ibn Taymiyyah and expressed to him his intent to execute certain scholars and jurists because of their support for the overthrow of government when he was in power. He requested from Ibn Taymiyyah Fataawa to justify his intent, as he reminded him of what these scholars had done to him. But he was above this. Ibn Taymiyyah began praising them and told him that they must not be harmed and said, “If you kill these men, you will not find anyone like them.” The sultan responded, “They abused you and wanted to kill you!” Ibn Taymiyyah said: “Whoever harms me, I have pardoned him. But whoever levels harm at Allaah and His messenger, Allaah will avenge Himself. As for me, I do not avenge myself.” The Sultan tried and tried but Ibn Taymiyya was insistent until he persuaded the Sultan to pardon them all.[1] Al-Qaadi Ibnu Makhlūf Al-Maaliki was one of those scholars who were pardoned by the Sultan. Ibnu Makhlūf would

>> PARDONED Pg 28

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016

26 | Salaat Times

Salaah times for January 22nd - February 18th 2016

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

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

Day

Date

Hijri

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Fri

12/4

6:05

7:22

12:20

Sat

13/4

6:04

7:21

12:20

2:58

5:18

6:35

2:59

5:19

6:36

Sun

14/4

6:04

7:20

12:21

3:00

5:20

6:37

Mon

15/4

6:03

7:20

12:21

3:01

5:21

6:38

Tue

16/4

6:03

7:19

12:21

3:02

5:22

6:39

Wed

17/4

6:02

7:18

12:21

3:03

5:24

6:40

Thu

18/4

6:02

7:18

12:21

3:04

5:25

6:41

Fri

19/4

6:01

7:17

12:22

3:05

5:26

6:42

Sat

20/4

6:00

7:16

12:22

3:06

5:27

6:43

Sun

21/4

6:00

7:15

12:22

3:07

5:28

6:44

Mon

22/4

6:00

7:15

12:22

3:07

5:28

6:44

Tue

23/4

5:59

7:14

12:22

3:08

5:29

6:45

Wed

24/4

5:57

7:12

12:22

3:10

5:32

6:47

Thu

25/4

5:56

7:11

12:22

3:11

5:33

6:48

Fri

26/4

5:56

7:11

12:23

3:12

5:34

6:50

Sat

27/4

5:55

7:10

12:23

3:13

5:35

6:51

Sun

28/4

5:54

7:08

12:23

3:14

5:36

6:52

Mon

29/4

5:53

7:07

12:23

3:15

5:38

6:53

Tue

30/4

5:52

7:06

12:23

3:15

5:39

6:54

Wed

1/5

5:51

7:05

12:23

3:16

5:40

6:55

Thu

2/5

5:50

7:04

12:23

3:17

5:41

6:56

Fri

3/5

5:49

7:03

12:23

3:18

5:42

6:57

Sat

4/5

5:48

7:02

12:23

3:19

5:43

6:58

Sun

5/5

5:47

7:01

12:23

3:20

5:44

6:59

Mon

6/5

5:46

6:59

12:23

3:21

5:46

7:00

Tue

7/5

5:46

6:59

12:23

3:21

5:46

7:00

Wed

8/5

5:44

6:58

12:23

3:22

5:47

7:01

Thu

9/5

5:42

6:56

12:23

3:23

5:49

7:03

Source: Islamicfinder.org

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016 EXAMS

>> continued from pg 24

in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Ramadan – when the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, is believed to have been revealed to the prophet Muhammad – is commemorated by Muslims with fasting during the hours of daylight. Headteachers fear that Muslim pupils could suffer as a result during the stress of sitting exams. As Ramadan is set by a lunar calendar, its date changes by 11 days every year. In 2016 the holy month is scheduled to run from 7 June to 5 July, overlapping with the traditional summer exam season in May and June. Ramadan will continue to fall during peak periods in the exam season for

RELIGIOUS

>> continued from pg 23

spoke louder than words. Parliament 2015 also featured a number of Muslim-themed plenary sessions, considering that Muslims are at the receiving end of the rising Islamophobia and the brunt of war, terrorism, and poverty globally. Moreover, Sound Vision and Burma Task Force booths in the Parliament’s bustling bazaar served as a welcoming hub to everyone on behalf of the Muslim community. “As more than 40 percent of America listens to pulpits every week, we must

CONTINUED | 27 the next two years as well, being forecast to begin on 27 May in 2017 and 16 May in 2018. The exam boards say they can schedule big examinations – such as GCSE English and maths – before Ramadan begins or after it ends. But exams in many subjects will still take place during the holy month. “The small window in which examinations can be taken, the large number of candidates taking examinations and the diverse range of subjects available to candidates places significant limitations on the changes that can be accommodated for any one group. However, JCQ meets the needs of various groups as far as possible,” it said. “JCQ and the qualifications regulator Ofqual have previously met with Muslim groups to discuss the timetabling of examinations in not only preach the gospel of sharing more and consuming less. But also, we must do our best to influence the guiding institutions to become more serious in urgently developing the relevant public policies.” explained Imam Mujahid. “Better public policies and better consumer behavior both are needed. And this is a major theme in the 2015 Parliament of the World’s Religions,” Imam Mujahid concluded. Sheikh Omar Suleiman, scholar in residence at Valley Ranch Islamic Center in Dallas, said, “We can wish well for one another. We can pray for one another. We can try to make sure that everyone enjoys the rights that we want to enjoy. We can collectively try to offer to people meaning in this life because the most dangerous

light of Ramadan moving into the examination period.” The Department for Education said timetabling was a matter for the JCQ and its member exam boards to decide. Anne Longfield, the government’s children’s commissioner for England, said she applauded the move. “It’s really important this takes place and important we understand the individual children in this,” Longfield told parliament’s education committee at a hearing on Wednesday. “Clearly, there needs to be rigour around the examinations themselves, but I welcome the discussion,” she said. The Association of School and College Leaders, which represents most state secondary school heads in person in the world is someone who has nothing to live for." Dr. Tariq Ramadan, one of the most influential contemporary Muslim thinkers, remarked, “We have to take peace seriously and when we speak about peace, it takes effort.” “This is a jihad, this is the right jihad. And I am calling every one of you to the jihad against poverty, to the jihad against hate,” said Dr. Ramadan.The Imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, Dr. Shaikh Salih Abdullah Humaid, called on the weekly Friday congregational prayers held at the Parliament of the World’s Religions to partake of kindness and ease in all matters. He also delivered the keynote address— the first time ever that a grand Imam of Makkah delivered a keynote for

England and Wales, said it had also been meeting with Muslim groups to gauge the impact of Ramadan falling within the exam season. “School and college leaders are very keen to work with communities to ensure young people are able to observe Ramadan without any detrimental impact on their examinations,” Malcolm Trobe, ASCL’s deputy general secretary, said. ASCL said it also plans to issue guidance to its members ahead of this year’s exams. “The guidance will be non-prescriptive and will not advise families or students on how they should address the question of fasting during Ramadan, which we agree is a matter for the individuals concerned, along with parents, carers and faith leaders,” Trobe said.

the Parliament. “Kindness is everything,” said Shaikh Abdullah Humaid in his sermon. “May Allah bless you to take matters by its best and ease. It is the true wisdom and proof of maturity of the mind.” “Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, states, ‘Whenever good manners enter anything it will beautify it and whenever it is removed from something, it will be made worse,’ ” the Imam advised. “It is kindness – it is controlling one’s desires with patience and disciplining them away from violence.” [Source: based on several news sources]

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016

28 | CONTINUED PARDONED

>> continued from pg 25

therefore say, “We have never seen a man like Ibnu Taymiyyah. We incited people against him but failed to get hold of him. But when he got hold of us, he pardoned us and argued on our behalf.” He would say: “I do not want anyone to avenge me, even if they have lied against me, or oppressed and commit aggression. I have pardoned every Muslim and I want goodness for all of them just as I want it for myself. As for those who have lied and oppressed me, I have excused them all.” Why is this topic so important? Because every single one of us has made mistakes in the past and continues to do so, and there is somebody out there whom we have wronged and thus we need their forgiveness before Allaah is to forgive us. Therefore we must treat others the same way we need them to treat us; forgive people the same way we need certain individuals to forgive us. “Would you not like that Allaah should forgive you?”[2] This aayah on its own should be enough for us, if we are genuine and sincere, to immediately make amendments, pardon others and extend the bridges of Salaam once again. How did Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allaahu ʿanhu) react when he heard this aayah? He cried and he forgave the one who did wrong to him, Mistah b. Uthaatha (raḍiy Allaahu ʿanhu), his very own cousin. He was a poor man from the Muhaajirūn (immigrants) who was living entirely off the spending of Abū Bakr. When the slandering of our mother ʿaa’isha (raḍiy Allaahu ʿanha) began to spread, falsely accusing her of a very evil sin, there were a few companions who spoke negatively about our mother. However aayaat from Sūrat Al-Nūr were later revealed, declaring her innocence from what they had attributed to her. At this point, Abū Bakr became angry at how Mistah said what he said about his daughter and he took an oath to never spend on Mistah again. But Allaah revealed an aayah addressing Abū Bakr, saying: “Those of virtue among you and wealth should not swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants

....

He will say, “If you suppress your anger and do not retaliate, your heart will fill with spite and these poisons will not be healthy! Go and let out some anger!” for the cause of Allaah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allaah is Forgiving and Merciful.” Abū Bakr cried and said, “Yes, I do want you to forgive me!” So he rushed back to Mistah and his family and vowed to never stop spending on him again. This is how Abū Bakr reacted to this aayah, al-Siddeeq al-Akbar, this was his behaviour. The greatest human being to walk the earth after the Prophets and Messengers wanted Allaah to forgive him and so he forgave.

[Satan] said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”[3] Whatever good Muslims try to do, we will find him there and he will do what he can to turn us back. The path of Islaah (reconciliation) is one of which he will try blocking and he will debate with you. Let us go through the conversation which usually takes place between a person and Shaytaan when wanting to reconcile with another Muslim.

How will we react to this aayah? Are we

“The deeds of people are presented to Allaah every Monday and Thursday and Allaah forgives the sins of every Muslim who does not associate a partner with Allaah, with the exception of two people who have fallen out. It is said, “Do not forgive their sins until they reconcile”. scared of our sins? Do we have serious sins that need dropping before we meet Allaah? If yes, emulate the prophets, emulate the Siddeeqūn: prove your desire for forgiveness by forgiving those who have wronged you. Shaytaan will stand in every one of our paths when journeying to Allaah and will persuade us to re-route, to go back, it is a dead end.

He will say, “If you suppress your anger and do not retaliate, your heart will fill with spite and these poisons will not be healthy! Go and let out some anger!” How do we respond? With the hadeeth of the Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam): “There is not a swallowing which is more beloved to Allaah then the swallowing of anger for the sake of Allaah. Whenever one does so, Allaah will most certainly fill him with eemaan”[4]

Notice, Shaytaan says ‘suppressing it will fill you with poison’, Allaah says, ‘suppressing it will fill you with eemaan’ Shaytaan will try again however and will say, “Look, you have so many other good deeds! You pray at night, read Qur’aan, take part in circles of knowledge, so surely Allaah will pardon you for this one fallout!” How do we respond to this? With the hadeeth of the Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam): “The deeds of people are presented to Allaah every Monday and Thursday and Allaah forgives the sins of every Muslim who does not associate a partner with Allaah, with the exception of two people who have fallen out. It is said, “Do not forgive their sins until they reconcile”.[5] Despite an individual’s many good deeds this “one fall out” will block the forgiveness of their sins. Shaytaan will not give up and he will say, “Do not retaliate. Make friends, but not now. Give it a year or so” How do we respond to this? With the hadeeth of the Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam): “Whoever boycotts his brother for over a year then it is as if he has spilled his blood” Shaytaan will say, “Very well; not a year, but give it a week or so. You both need to cool down!” How do we respond? With the hadeeth of the Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam): “It is not permissible for a Muslim to boycott his brother for over three days, and whoever does so and then dies, will enter the fire.” “Do not retaliate or hate or even leave it for a week. But, at least wait for him to initiate the apology!” How do we respond to this? With the hadeeth of the Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam): “The best of the two who have fallen out is the one who initiates Salaam first.”[6] “Ah! But what if he rejects your apology?!” Shaytaan will say, “Your effort to reconcile is wasted.” Respond with the hadeeth of the Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam):

>> PARDONED II Pg 29

January 22nd - February 18th 2016 PARDONED II

>> continued from pg 28

“It is not permissible for a believer to boycott his brother for over three days, therefore if three days pass, let him meet him and give him Salaam. If he responds, then they are both rewarded. But if he rejects him, then only he will be sinful whilst the other has freed himself from blame.” [7] Shaytaan will make one last effort as he begs us to change our mind and he will say, “Your pride will be thrown out the window if he rejects your apology! Then that is a point scored against you!” Respond with the hadeeth where our Prophet (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) this time takes an oath by Allaah’s name that this is false, when he said: “There are three things which I take an oath by Allaah’s name will happen: 1 – When one gives wealth in charity, your wealth has not decreased. 2 – When one pardons, Allaah will increase you in dignity. 3 – Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will raise him.”[8] After hearing all of this, what do you make of a person who insists in continuing the boycott? Who insists on not picking up the phone and apologising? This is a person who is arrogant, whose heart has died, who does not want paradise and is not afraid of the fire. Be the better believer, humiliate Shaytaan. Pick up the phone, apologize and remove every obstacle in your way before arrival at the court of Allaah. We have already got enough to be asked about as it is. Therefore do not be a person who is ‘difficult to repair’. Al-A’mash said that Al-Sha’bi said, “The honourable are the quickest of

CONTINUED | 29 all people to make up and the slowest to make enemies. They are like silver vessels; Hard to break and easy to repair. As for the ill-mannered, they are the slowest of all people to make up and the quickest to make enemies. They are like glass vessels; Easy to break and hard to repair!”[9] Let us ease up, accept apologies and continue our journey to the home of the hereafter with the fewest enemies possible.

‘Ata Ibn Yasar said, “I met Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As and asked him, “Tell me about the description of Allaah’s Prophet as was mentioned in the Old Testament.” He replied, “Yes. By Allaah, he is described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Qur’aan as follows: “O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness and a giver of good news and a warner. And guardian of the illiterates. You are My slave and My messenger. I have named you “AlMutawakkil” (reliant upon Allah). You

Be the better believer, humiliate Shaytaan. Pick up the phone, apologize and remove every obstacle in your way before arrival at the court of Allaah. Allow me to now issue a special message to those brothers and sisters who have put themselves forward for Allaah’s cause; those who are concerned for the Da’wah and are planning and contributing within their capacity. I say to them, carry the most abundant portion of this quality over anyone else. This is because, those who tread the path of Islaah (reconciliation) will be blamed for the problems of the world, will be slandered and backstabbed the most, and sometimes by Muslims; will be abused and accused the most, and sometimes by Muslims; will be labeled as backward or extreme, and sometimes by Muslims, thus you will not be able to continue on this beautiful path until you equip yourself with this trait. As such, it was part of the personality of every Prophet and Messenger, and at the forefront of them was our Messenger (sall Allaahu ʿalayhi wa sallam). He is described as follows in the Old Testament:

are neither discourteous, harsh nor a noise-maker in the markets. And you do not meet evil with evil, but you forgive and pardon. Allaah will not let him die until he straightens the crooked religion, by making them say: “None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah” and until blind eyes, deaf hearts and enveloped hearts are opened through him.[10] Of course, Islaam is the way of balance, nuance and human reality, and as such not absolutely every mistake and sin must be overlooked; for example those sins that involve serious violation of rights of others, or ongoing abuse, must be taken to an appropriate authority for justice. However, the pardoning of others discussed in this article is in reference to those fallouts between Muslims which are not Islamically justified, over petty matters, when the conditions of Al-Hajr (Islamic boycott) are not fulfilled. The

overwhelming majority of our fallouts with other Muslims are of this category; not justified in the least. Even those who claim that their boycotting (Hajr) of another Muslim is for Allaah, ask them “What are the condition of Al-Hajr?” and they do not know, which makes it evident that their boycotting of this person is due to Hawaa (desire) and no portion of it is for Allaah. To conclude, we must take heed of Allaah’s saying, “Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allaah.”[11] And be amongst those who: “and when they are angry, they forgive.”[12] Work with Allaah’s advice: “Repel evil with what is better. Then he, whom between you and him was enmity, will become like a close friend. But none are given this quality except those who are patient, and none are given this quality except those who have a *mighty great fortune*”[13] [Source: www.islam21c.com] Reconcile, the Islamic arbitration service, specializes is bringing hearts together. If you have a dispute with anyone click below to learn more. [1] Al Bidaaya wa anNihaaya [2] Al-Qur’aan, 24:22 [3] Al-Qur’aan, 7:17-18 [4] Ibnu Abbas, Musnad Ahmad [5] Muslim, Abū Hurairah [6] Mutafaq, Abu Ayyub [7] Abū Daawūd, Hassan [8] Muslim, Abu Hurairah [9] Rawdatul ‘Uqalaa’ [10] Bukhari [11] Al-Qur’aan, 42:40 [12] Al-Qur’aan, 42:37 [13] Al-Qur’aan, 41:34-35

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January 22nd - February 18th 2016

30 | CONTINUED SYRIAN

The medical clinic in Madaya, which works with Doctors Without Borders, was bombed, and thus was moved to a basement. Mr. Mohammad, an anesthesia technician who has been acting as a doctor, said he was overwhelmed with cases he could not treat properly: broken bones, amputations, abdominal wounds. He performed primitive C-sections. Lately, he has resorted to giving the most endangered children syrupy medicines, for the glucose, further depleting supplies.

>> continued from pg 1

unexpected ways this type of warfare can kill: heart attacks, stillbirths, a step on a land mine while foraging for food. And there is the relentless physical and psychological contraction of their communities, only an hour’s drive from Damascus, Syria, and two from Beirut — yet suddenly sealed off from the outside world.

Once, Mr. Mohammad said, medics persuaded Hezbollah guards to allow a 16-year-old boy with a bladder infection to leave for treatment.

“I don’t go anywhere,” said Maleka Jabir, 85, who said she inherited American citizenship from her father, a World War I veteran, and is so disabled from hunger and heart problems she can hardly walk. “I just crumple up and stay in bed.” Convoys reached Madaya and two nearby towns on Thursday, taking basic food, medicine and aid for the second time this week, as Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations declared that “the use of food as a weapon is a war crime” and called on the Syrian government and all warring parties to lift their sieges immediately. Although a limited number of people were evacuated on Monday, aid workers say hundreds of people in Madaya remain in acute need: At least 28 have died since Dec. 1, according to Khaled Mohammad, the medical worker surviving on salts, including a 37-yearold man on Wednesday, Ali Awkar, who was from Zabadani and had taken refuge in Madaya. Hanaa Singer, Unicef’s top official in Syria, said that she was accosted during the aid visit to Madaya on Monday by a woman with six malnourished children. “She threw herself on me and kissed my shoulder and bent down to my hands,” Ms. Singer recalled. “She said: ‘My 17-year-old son died of hunger. Please keep the rest of them alive.’” This portrait of life in Madaya is drawn from interviews with more than a dozen residents, conducted over several months and in recent days by telephone and over the Internet; many spoke on the condition that they be identified only by first name, for safety. While details of their experiences could not be independently confirmed, international aid workers who have visited the town or been in direct contact with groups on the ground provided accounts that echoed

....

“We kissed their shoes,” Mr. Mohammad said later. “We’re ready to surrender, but the regime has frozen everything,” he added. “I’m asking Bashar’s regime to launch a rocket and end our lives.” Hungry women’s breast milk began to dry up. Rima, 25, said her newborn died for lack of an incubator.

the residents’.

Nusra Front.

After nearly five years of civil war in Syria, the United Nations estimates that 400,000 people are trapped behind battle lines by the government, the Islamic State or rival insurgents.

Weeks of bombardment last summer by Hezbollah did not dislodge the insurgents. Pro-government forces ramped up pressure by cordoning off Zabadani and Madaya, where many civilians from Zabadani — including Nisrine, the teacher — had taken refuge. Looking for leverage, rebels allied with the local insurgents began blockading and bombarding Fouaa and Kfarya, two isolated, pro-government Shiite towns in Idlib Province, in Syria’s northwest.

While parts of Homs and the Damascus suburbs have been blockaded for years, Madaya managed to survive relatively unscathed, until last summer. Madaya and Zabadani lie at the southeastern end of the Qalamoun mountains along Syria’s border with Lebanon. Zabadani, where local rebels took control in 2012, became a haven for insurgents driven from other border areas by Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militia allied with Syria’s president, Bashar alAssad. Both local residents and Hezbollah officials say most of the fighters in Zabadani are affiliated with a Syrian Islamist group called Ahrar al-Sham, and smaller numbers with the more moderate Free Syrian Army and the Qaeda-linked

It worked, partly. A cease-fire was struck in September, but with Russia’s new air campaign in Syria, promises to evacuate the wounded and lift the sieges were never carried out. Madaya residents say the siege tightened instead. Nisrine stopped getting her salary. Her school was bombarded. She sent her own son to school without breakfast, and students began to lose focus. “How can I ask him to learn, and he’s hungry?” she said in October.

“I didn’t feed him, didn’t give him warmth,” she said quietly in an interview days after his death. “I only saw him in a photo.” Finding food was getting harder. Aid workers and residents said fighters on both sides profited from smuggling it across the lines. There were bribes to cross checkpoints, price-gouging and regular merchants jacking up prices for scarce supplies. Basic goods could cost $100 a pound. An antigovernment activist named Firas has managed to smuggle in small batches of bulgur wheat that he delivers door to door. “Oh God, oh God, I hope he’s bringing more,” Samar al-Hussein, 45, a traditional medicine practitioner, said one recent evening as Firas went slowly up her street. A dozen other women, she said by phone, were watching quietly from their doorways. Firas, though, was in shock. He had taken a meal to the house of Suleiman Fares, 63 >> SYRAIAN II Pg 33

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

CONTINUED| 31

Request For Duaa

To Allah We Belong, and to Him is Our Return “Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and good, and to Us you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Anbiya:35)” 12-23-2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the father of Qari Zahid and Qari Abid. We ask Allah to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, grant him the highest ranks in paradise and give his family support and patience during this difficult time. (Source: ISB) 12-24-2015 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sr. Jamal Ara Siddiqi, the mother of Br. Furqan Siddiqi and sister-in-law of Br. Salman Siddiqi. We ask Allah to shower her with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, grant her the highest ranks in paradise and give her family support and patience during this difficult time. (Source: ISB) 12-25-2015 PGMA sends condolences to the family of Brother Michael Ni Kader who has passed away. Salaat al-Janaazah was held on December 26, 2015 in Lanham, Maryland. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannat ul Firdaus, Ameen. (Source: PGMA) 12-26-2015 The Dar-us-Salaam community extends its condolences to the family of brother Alaa Negeda whose mother passed away. May Allah forgive brother Alaa's mother and grant her Jannah al-firdaus. May Allah grant strength and patience to brother Alaa's family during this time. (Source: Dar-us-Salaam) 12-28-2015 It is with great sadness we announced that Br. Arif Muhammad Hanif Syed has returned to his creator. He is survived by his wife Rana Syed, Son Amir Syed, daughters Sr. Sabeen Sheikh and Aisha Syed, also son-inlaw Br. Usman Sheikh. Janazah prayer was on December 28, 2015 in Sterling, Virginia. May Allah forgive all his sins, shower HIS mercy upon him, widen his grave and grant him the highest place in Jannat ul-Firdaus. May Allah give them patience in this difficult time, protect us all and only call us back when He is most pleased with us. Aameen. (source: E. Baig) 12-28-2015 It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our brother Latif Ahmad, father of Dr Huma Shakil. Salat-ul-Janaza was on December 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. We Ask Allah to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant him the highest rank in paradise, and give his family support and patience during these difficult times. (Source: Masjid Fatima) 12-30-2015 PGMA sends condolences to the family of Sister Adama Bah who has passed away. Salaat alJanazah for Sister Adamah Bah was on December 31, 2015 in Lanham, Maryland. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Jannat ul Firdaus, Ameen. May He grant her family patience and ease, Ameen. (Source: PGMA) 12-31-2015 It is with great sadness we announce that Sr. Shukri Mohamud Alas, mother of Sr. Jamila, Thoriya and Naeema Abdi has returned to her creator. Janazah prayer was on December 31, 2015 in Falls Church, Virginia. May Allah forgive all her sins, shower HIS mercy upon her, widen her grave and grant her the highest place in Jannat ul-Firdaus. May Allah give them patience in this difficult time, protect us all and only call us back when He is most pleased with us. Aameen. (Source: E. Baig) 12-31-2015 It is with great sadness we inform that, Brother Saeed Durrani, loving Brother of Sr. Naila Alam, and Sr. Yasmeen Durrani of Express care, and Community social workers, has passed away. May Allah swt forgive all his sins, shower HIS mercy upon him, widen his grave and grant him the highest level of Jannah. May Allah swt give them patience in this difficult time, Ameen. (Source: S. Alam) 01-02-2016 It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our community member Brother Nazir Ahmed Ashai, father of Dr. Khalid Ashai. Janazah was on January 3, 2016 in Ellicott

City, Maryland. We ask Allah to shower hin 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: Maryum Center) 01-03-2016 PGMA sends condolences to the family of Brother Ahmadu Abubakar who has passed away. Brother Ahmadu was the husband of Sister Aminat Abubakar, and father of Yusuf Abubakar. Salaat al-Janazah for Brother Ahmadu Abubakar was on January 4, 2016 in Lanham, Maryland. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Jannat ul Firdaus. May Allah grant the family patience and ease. Ameen. (Source: PGMA) 01-04-2016 It is with great sadness we announced that Br. Khalid Mahmood has passed away. He is survived by his wife Shahnaz Mahmood, daughters Sr. Rabia, Aamna and Siddiqa Mahmood. Janazah prayer was on January 4, 2016 in Sterling, Virginia. May Allah forgive all his sins, shower HIS mercy upon him, widen his grave and grant him the highest place in Jannat ul-Firdaus. May Allah give them patience in this difficult time, protect us all and only call us back when He is most pleased with us. Aameen. (Source: E. Baig) 01-04-2016 It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Dumitru Stroe, father of Sister Florentina Akkad. Janazah was on January 5, 2016 in Ellicott City, Maryland. We ask Allah 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) 01-07-2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Br. Farhat Mehmood. We ask Allah to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, grant him the highest ranks in paradise and give his family support and patience during this difficult time. (Source: ISB) 01-07-2016 It is with great sadness we announce that five year old boy Trey Jamel Hosetosavit, son of Br. Calvin, has passed away. Janazah prayer was on January 8, 2016 in Sterling, Virginia. May Allah shower His mercy upon him, widen his grave and grant him the highest place in Jannat ul-Firdaus. Aameen. (Source: E. Baig) 01-08-2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Imdadul Haque. We ask Allah to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, grant him the highest ranks in paradise and give his family support and patience during this difficult time. (Source: ISB) 01-11-2016 It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our community member Nourreddine & Asma Raouafi's Infant Baby Ayate Raouafi. Janazah was on January 11, 2016 in Ellicott City, Maryland. We ask Allah 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) 01-12-2016 Mohsina Islam, wife of A. M. Nurul Islam, has passed away. Salat-ul-Janaza was on January 13, 2016 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. May Allah accept her good deeds, forgive her shortcomings and enter her into Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen. (Source: ICM) 01-12-2016 It is with sadness we inform you of the passing away of Br. Khaled Emira's mother. Br. Khaled is one of our regular Juma khateebs and a Qur'an teacher at ICM. May Allah accept her good deeds, forgive her shortcomings and enter her into Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen. (Source: ICM)

Upcoming Events In Your Area How to Deal with Islamophobia Saturday, January 30, 2016 06:00pm - 08:30pm Muslim Kids Club presents How to Deal with Islamophobia. Suggested for middle school to high school age. Refreshments available to purchase.Location : ISB Gym, 6631 Johnnycake Rd, Baltimore, MD 21244 Contact : www.alrahmahquranacademy.org -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al-Huda School SGA Ice Skating Friday, February 19, 2016 03:00pm - 04:20pm Al-Huda School SGA Presents Ice Skating. $15 On-site registration, $10 Online at www.alhuda.org Separate rinks for both boys and girls! Location : The Gardens Ice House, 13800 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 Contact : For additional info, please contact the Al-Huda School SGA at alhuda.sga@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dar Al-Hijrah Annual Banquet Sunday, March 06, 2016 05:00pm - 10:00pm

Dar Al-Hijrah Annual Banquet, Fulfilling the Dream. Conference features: Imam Shaker Elsayed, Imam of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center; Altaf Husain, MSW Pd.D. Vice President ISNA. Registration information: Single ticket $65, Table Reservation (10 people per table) $700, Babysitting $10/Child between ages 2-9. Location : Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Contact : Questions? Interested in Sponsoring Us? Asra@mirzapr.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11th Central Virginia Quran Competition Saturday, March 12, 2016 09:30am - 02:00pm Qur'an Testing, March 12th, 2016 - 9:30 - 2:00 at ICVA. Award Ceremony, March 19th, 2016 - 1:30 - 5:00 at ICVA. Guest Speaker: Br Haroon Baqai. To register or donate, please visit our website, www.cvqc.org. Valueable prizes, gifts and Halal Zabiha Meal will be served. Contact : 804-552-0131, centralvaqcc@gmail.com -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

But First, Good News ~ The Muslim Link Fundraising Dinner Saturday, March 28, 5:00 PM Featuring internationally renowened da'ee and debater, Hamza Tzortzis. Come out to support your independendent media! Your Voice, The Muslim Link Tickets: $25, Childcare available $5. Location: Montgomery Blair Highschool, 51 University Blvd E, Silver Spring, MD 20901 Purchase Tickets online: Muslimlinkpaper.com or call 301-982-1020

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32 |

MASJID LISTING

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

Do you have additions, changes, or corrections to the event listings in the Muslim Link? Email us at events@muslimlinkpaper.com, or call us at 301-982-1020. Listing is organized by name of city. NORTHERN VIRGINIA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------All Muslim Brothers Association 3900 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: 703-647-0515 Jumma Prayer Only - 1:15 P.m --------------------------------------------------------------------------ICNA VA Center: 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306. Tel: 703-660-1255 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Idara Dawat-o-irshad: 4803 VAlley St, Alexandria, VA 22312 Tel: 703-256-8622 | ww.irshad.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Mustafa Center: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003 Tel: 703-658-7134 www.mustafacenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Baitul Mukarram: 2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Zakaria Masjid 26243 Gum Spring Road, Chantilly, VA 20152, USA

Tel: 571-969-2123|www.ziacademy.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Badr Community Center Of Dumfries: 17794 Main Street, Dumfries, VA 22026 Tel: 703-554-7983 www.bccd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Ul-ghuraba (Masjid Ur Rahmah): 155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al Hijrah: 3159 Rowe St., Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030 | www.hijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Moroccan American community Organization Center 5697 Columbia pike , #200 Falls Church , VA 22041 Info@macous.org | www.macous.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Northern VA Trust (Icnvt): 4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-591-0999 www.icnvt.org | E-mail: Info@icnvt.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al-noor (Muslim Assoc. Of VA): 5404 Hoadly Rd., Manassas, VA 20112, Tel: 703-580-0808 Fax: 703-221-8513 www.daralnoor.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Manassas Mosque: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VA Tel: 703-257-5537 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Virginia: 1241 Buford Rd., Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-320-7333 www.icva1.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Greater Richmond 6324 Rigsby Road, Richamond, VA 23226 Tel: 804-673-4177 | www.isgr.org

....

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al Rahman: 1305 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224 Tel: 804-232-7640 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjidullah Of Richmond: 211 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222 Tel: 804-321-8864/804-647-4297 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-ul Huda: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111 | www.darulhuda.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Foundation of America: 6606 Electronic Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Noor: 8608 Pohick Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 Tel: 703-451-7615 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Adams Center: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325 www.adamscenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Ummah of Fredericksburg Masjid Ar Raja 10127 Piney Branch Road Spotsylvania VA 22553 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Heritage Center (IHC): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Falah 14918 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge, VA 22191 Tel: 703-490-2220|masjidal-falah.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON D.C.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Ivy City Masjid: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Tel: 202-904-9668 E-mail: masjidivycity@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Muhammad: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832 www.masjidmuhammad.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------The Islamic Center: 2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343 www.theislamiccenter.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------First Hijra Muslim Comm. Center: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20011 www.firsthijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-islam: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, D.C. 20019 E-mail: Imammusa@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------New Africa Islamic Community Center of Washington. DC. 1628 Good Hope Road, SE Washington, DC. 20020 202.678-1881 | www.naiccdc.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Darr ul Tawheed 3765 First St SE Washington DC 20032 202-520-9997 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Society Of Washington, D.C.: Howard Center, Room 805 (Above Hu Bookstore) Tel: 202-328-3236 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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: 443-804-5620 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-rahmah/ISB: 6631 Johnnycake Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244 Tel: 410-747-4869 | www.isb.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid As Saffat: 1335 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-669-0655 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Fatima 1928 Powers Lane Catonsville MD, 21228 Phone: 410 800 4880 Email: info@masjidfatima.com Website: www.masjidfatima.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 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Easton 126 Port Street Unit # 1 Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-829 7924 islamicsocietyofeastonmd.yolasite.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Zamzam 1510 Lynch Road, Dundalk, MD 21222 Tel: 410-284-2840 www.masjidzamzam.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar al-Taqwa: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711 www.taqwa.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------Maryum Islamic Center (MIC) 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): 19825 Blunt Rd., Germantown, MD 20874 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 Imamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office: 301-459-1441 E-mail: Imam@pgmamd.org. --------------------------------------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Community Center of Potomac 10601River Road, Potomac MD 20854 www.iccpmd.com | 301-983-0383 E-mail: info@iccpmd.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Randallstown Islamic Center 3117 Rices Lane Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 443-845-3504 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 Center (Indonesian Muslim Association of America): 9100 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910 Tel: 301-588-0693 | www.imaam.org Email: infoimaam@gmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid An-nur: 5418 Ebenezer Road, White Marsh, MD 21162 Tel: 410-663-9637 Fax: 410-663-9817 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-inshirah: 7832 Fairbrook Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 410-298-2977

January 22nd - February 18th 2016

CONTINUED | 33 ROAD

Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager: Stephanie Benmoha Layout: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Urooj Fatima Yaman Shalabi Fatimah Waseem Hena Zuberi Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Imam Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published once a month on Fridays and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas. TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam. The views expressed in The Muslim Link do not necessarily reflect those of Dar-us-Salaam or TML management or their underwriters. Dar-us-Salaam and TML are not responsible for the accuracy of information presented by advertisers, or for the religious compliance of events, products, or services published in TML. This publication contains the names of ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). Please keep, recycle, or share it with others

>> continued from pg 22

next; the ibaadah, du'ah and dhikr which are the grains of sand that enrich the clay and save you from sinking down in it and going nowhere. And what holds this all together? The little pebbles and stones.

SYRIAN II

>> continued from pg 30

and bone-thin, in hopes of saving his life, only to find him already dead. Frustrated, Firas declared that far to the north, rebels allied with those in Madaya ought to resume shelling the two pro-government towns, Fouaa and Kfarya — towns full of civilians who are also suffering, tit for tat, a siege from the other side. “Better to die fighting,” he said that night, “than to starve.” Before Monday, only one shipment of humanitarian aid had made it through during the siege, on Oct. 18. But half of the high-energy biscuits in that delivery had expired, making some people sick; United Nations officials blamed an error in the loading process in Damascus.

The good deeds. Without adding them to the mix, the sand and clay might look like a road, but test it with some weight and you'll still have trouble moving down your road. Clay and sand look solid on a good, sunny, dry day, but when the weather gets rough and the clay gets hit with rain and snow you'll see how much the pebbles and stones complete and perfect

it. Ali (radiallahu anhu) once remarked how the journey is long, the provision is short and the way is dangerous. This trip back to Allah subhana wa ta'ala can be challenging to navigate, so make your path to Him filled with the road base that keeps you sure-footed and on solid ground.

food, he referred mainly to water, spices and sometimes grass. “But nowadays there is no more grass,” Hamoudi lamented. “The whole area is covered with snow, and some of the grass is bitter.”

to say,” the father said in a telephone interview. “Even kids are acting like adults. He no longer asks me to bring sweets — just bread.”

When a donkey was slaughtered, he took home a few ounces of meat, though eating it is prohibited by Islam. “Starvation is infidel,” he explained. “There is no more halal and haram,” he added, referring to religiously permitted and prohibited foods. “We’re eating everything.” Finally, in December, a few hundred wounded fighters were evacuated from Zabadani, Fouaa and Kfarya. Nisrine’s husband, Ahmed, was bused from Zabadani to Beirut, then flown to Turkey, and from there shuttled into rebel-held Idlib Province.

The business school graduate, Hamoudi, who is 27, said his father sometimes refuses to eat, “saving it for us.”

Nisrine and their 10-year-old son, Abdullah, remained stuck in Madaya. Ahmed said he had recently spoken to the boy.

“We don’t eat in the morning. We save the food until evening,” he explained. By

“I know he’s hungry, but he doesn’t want

Their neighbors had just slaughtered the last horse in town. “I know that horse,” Ahmed said wistfully. “I don’t know what the regime wants,” he added. “We are ready to leave, but they want us to die there.” Ms. Singer, the Unicef official, said that when she arrived with aid on Monday, crowds of children gathered around her in the dark, pleading, “Auntie, auntie, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, do you have a piece of bread?” “That’s what killed me,” she said. “That they were apologizing.” In the food packs were basics like bulgur and oil, a few pounds per person. But not flour. Or bread. Nick Cumming-Bruce contributed reporting from Geneva.

The Muslim Link PO Box 596 College Park, MD 20741 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 2016

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Your Guide to Products and Services for Your Muslim Lifestyle

Mustafa Sharif is getting ready for the Gwynn Oak Islamic Community (GIC) Masjid’s Open house.

teal building is a magnificent sight in the snowfall.

Driving past suburban roads, past Liberty Heights Avenue, past the under construction Shoprite and serene Gwynn Oaks Park,

A welcoming community in Baltimore City; a model community with a model masjid which resonates with the call to prayer. Cen-

trally located near the beltway, there is optimistic talk of growth in the brand new masjid, of the school district making the high school into a magnet school,

of quiet streets, historic homes, open green spaces, and convenient commute to >> Gwynn Oak Pg 6

January 22 - February 18 2016 nd

Germantown Leaders Hope To Pray In Masjid This Year | pg 15 VA Muslim Cemetery Might Be Largest In America | pg 20

Home of the Heart Beats Faster with Yaqeen Boost

Should College Applicants Discuss Their Muslim Identity? | pg 28

Around 1,800 Supports Help Raise $1.95M at Dec 15 Dinner

Restaurant Section By Muslim Link Staff

Egypt Closes Vital Gateways Into and Out of Gaza | pg 29

Call this event the "December 15 miracle". Or call it the "the winter 2013 miracle".

The Muslim Link

Or, just call it "yaqeen".

Coupons PG 38

>> yaqeen Pg 18

In one room, Asmaa ElHaggan, mother of a ten year old son, teaches Model U.N Debate class. Seven weeks of classes are taught by mothers divided by age on topics of interest to the group or based on her expertise. By pooling money together, they recently had

showing off snow globe art projects. A cluster of 20 mothers meet in the multipurpose room, tending toddlers and babies, chatting, and readying lunch. They form the Al-Ansar Homeschooling Cooperative, based on a consensus model where every member

Even ADAMS Expansion Sites Need Expanding | pg 14

Tips are shared: ‘get an educator’s card at the library and you can get six weeks to check out books’, ‘present your portfolio for review in a binder and show

>> schools Pg 10

ADAMS Medical Clinic Offers Compassion at No Cost By Hena Zuberi

the masjid is the new health clinic for the ADAMS Compassionate Health Network (ACHN). ACHN is a volunteer-based operation dedicated to providing quality healthcare to community members in need,

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Second Muslim Store Owner Murdered In Richmond | pg 5

nearing 20%, schools are struggling and there’s a church on nearly every corner Islam is growing at a rapid pace, especially among young males.

Dar Al-Hijrah Expands Social Services w/ Thrift Shop | pg 7 An Al Ansar Homeschooler showing off her snow globe made in Sr. Andini's art classes held at Dar Al-Taqwa in Maryland. Photo by Muslim Link.

MakeSpace Fundraiser Attracts Support, New Ideas | pg 12 ARTS: Local Author Filling Gap in Children's Books | pg 26 WPRESS: Guantanamo -- Tell the World the Truth | pg 30

“People are looking for a change. They’ve seen the results of what their parents and grandparents have tried. They know about 40-60 years of trying everything else. They don’t want the same things their parents have tried with little success,” Anthony

Support Group Forming for HIV Positive Muslims | pg 10 Muhammad, Vice President for the 7th District Citizen’s Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Police Department told the Muslim Link.

WPRESS: Project to Name Civilian Victims of US Drones | pg 25

“There are five Masjids in Southeast

CIVILRIGHTS: Did President Obama Kill Al-Awlaki? | pg 26

>> surge Pg 22

With Doors Open for All, MCC Clinic Celebrates Expansion

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 35

ISLAM: The “Sunnah” of Divorce and Reconcilliation | pg 31

The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

>> comPassion Pg 14

MARCH 26

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Shabana Izhar, a new immigrant who lives in Bowie adjusts her shalwar kameez and settles down in the chairs in the wait-

ISLAM: The Sunnah of Love, Tenderness, Romance | pg 28

ing pavilion at the Muslim Community Center Clinic. A regular United Nations of patients surrounds her; a Hispanic woman coming from a nearby church,

RECIPES: Sister Heather Returns with a Winter Warmer | pg 34 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 35

>> latina Pg 15

Running foR the hills Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

>> PG 22

>> PG 45

>> PG 24

PResentIng YouR 2013 Ramadan suPeRheRoes! Pg 26

local leadeR focus:

IsB ResIdent scholaR Yaseen sheIkh Pg 10

>> PG 23

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13 Jumada Al-Awwal - Jumada Al-Akhir 3 1435 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

30 THuL-HIjjaH 1435 a.H. - 27 MuHaRRaM 1436 a.H. | www.MuSLIMLInkPaPeR.coM

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African American Muslims Featured at Newseum | pg 4

Modest Fashion, Fashionistas Take the Runway in DC | pg 10 >> stolen Pg 12

OPED: Disabled Muslims and Masjid Accommodation | pg 27 Somalis Say NGOs Killing Their Incentive to Farm | pg 31

>> imaam center Pg 1

Urban Farm Raises Goats, Sheep, and Young Men

residents before deciding on Dar-us-Salaam's application. Her decision is subject to appeal to the five member Howard County Board of Appeals.

By Hena Zuberi

ISLAM: Revive Your Heart by Worshipping In Secret | pg 32

You may have seen him selling outside your masjid after Jummah, selling artisan goat cheese, yogurt, goats milk and fresh, free range organic eggs.

Matt Jose is an urban farmer; his

>> farm Pg 18

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Coupons PG 38

Young Researchers Present Findings at MYFIKR | pg 10 Islamic Relief, FAITH Join Hands for Eid Al-Adha Charity | pg 11

Author Reverts to Islam | pg 26

WhY AAfiA?

TICKETS: 25/person | 5 Childcare

>> PG 26

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CHILDCARE NEEDED Looking for a nanny to assist us 12 - 15 days a month Monday to Friday 9-5. Near Masjid AlRahmah. Please call Mansoor Saeed 240-353-4193

MCC Aims to Be Model for Senior Supportive Masajid | pg 6

ICNA.org

God and service to mankind. In addition to those attending several thousands more watched the live broadcast of the sessions.

More than 120 international scholars, intellectuals, and community activists,

Gay Congress Hopeful Is “Great Friend” of Muslims | pg 14

>> icna Pg 24

CIVIL RIGHTS: Hate Ad Sparks US Free Speech Debate | pg 30

Howard County Approves Dar-us-Salaam Campus Plan ISLAM: Fasting Before Ramadan Dar-us-Salaam to establish a By Muslim Link Staff

In Sha'ban | pg 34

FULL COLOR RAMADAN POSTER WALL CALENDAR INSIDE | pg 39 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

The decision comes after the >> dar-us-salaam Pg 39

The STory Which BindS: The Seerah and Your KIdS PG 20

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Big Step for the Safety the Dar AlHijrah Congregation | pg 5

>> CLiCK Pg 12

Area Syrians Watch Events With Worry, Anger

WPRESS: Report Shows Drones Target Civilians | pg 16

ISLAM: Winter - The Best Season for Worshipers | pg 18

By Wafa Unus Muslim Link Staff Reporter

With death tolls in Syria reported between six and seven thousand in the past 11 months, some American Syrians are faced with continued concern for the safety of their loved ones back home.

OP-Ed: Europe Setting Up Clash of Civilizations? | pg 21 LETTERS: Your Reactions To Last Issue’s Stories | pg 25

The region, riddled with political upheaval and protest against Syrian President Basher Al-Assad’s dynastic rule has seen an unprec-

>> syria Pg 10

CIVIL: NYPD Targeting Masajid For Intel Gathering | pg 14

The Muslim Link Some local Syrian Americans are active in Washington DC protests against the Syrian regime’s brutal crackdown against protesters there, while others are avoiding speaking out for fear their families in Syria will be punished. Photo courtesy of Hussain Abdul-Hussain.

Coupons PG 26

The theme of the three day convention was based on the beloved community

- Envisioning a More Perfect Union and featured over 100 speakers including Congressman Andre Carson, Dr. Altaf Husain,

NATION: Inside America's First Muslim Frat House | pg 30 CIVILRIGHTS: Inside the NYPD's Muslim Spying Program | pg 32 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 43

>> iSNa Pg 12

all aboard for hoMe of the heart lunch cruise Pg 9 Like & Follow us

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Md, Va, and dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | free

May 17th 2013 - June 13th 2013

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CAIR-MD Relaunches with Inaugural Banquet | pg 21 New Women's Group Forms After Anti-Hijab Event | pg 5 Palestinian Journalists In the Line of Fire | pg 5

New Masjid, Islamic Academy Planned for Chantilly | pg 9

Alzouman, a young man from Saudi Arabia who studied in the United States, wondered how he could perform a

An avid outdoorsman, Alzouman thought that maybe -- if Allah accepts it -- he could be the first Muslim ever to call the athan from the highest point on planet Earth -- Mount Everest -and be raised with Bilal on the Day of Judgement.

Running Muslim: The Other Boston Story | pg 4

THE STORY OF AN AMAZING NECKLACE

HOW MUCH DOES WAR COST YOU?

with largest event ever, baltimore school has big plans for next 25 years, pg 34

IntroducIng the MuslIM lInk halal Menus sectIon Pg 38

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Muslim FunFest 2012 Beats the Heat

The largest annual social gathering of Muslims in the region, the carnival offers large mechanical rides similar to

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Fundraising Dinner

dc MuslIM InterscholastIc tournaMent results Pg 9

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VA Burial of Boston Bombing Suspect Causes Anger | pg 9

Al-rAhmAh school mArks 25 yeArs

Bullied Youth Finds Little Help From School System | pg 4

Islamic Relief USA (IR) is

Dynamic sessions, packed halls and up and coming speakers marked the 50th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

anniversary of the March to Washington and Rev. Martin Luther King’s “I Have Dream” speech.

turkish prime minister breAks ground for $100m mAsjid complex in mArylAnd, pg 22

Interfaith Coalition Opposes VA Foreign Law Bill | pg 4

Quickly fading are the days of newspaper clippings and passing the paper across the breakfast table.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

'A symbol of friendship'

By Wafa Unus

this on hard copy, you’re going to send the digital version via a social media platform or e-mail.

By Hena Zuberi

Shopping and Shipping for Syria Winter Relief | pg 8

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Dar Al-Hijrah Food Bank Helps Falls Church Needy | pg 5

A Look at ISNA’s 50th Year Anniversary Convention

More Special Eids, Special Days Needed for Special Kids | pg 6

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Five Decades On, American Muslims Still In Search of the ‘Beloved Community’

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The Muslim Community: Just a Click Away? As social media becomes more common, businesses, organizations and even religious congregations have begun adopting the virtual tools not only to further their causes but to create a new type of boundless virtual community that risks no fire code violations and requires no million dollar blueprint plans.

Muslims Organize for VA Attorney General Hopeful | pg 18

ISLAM: Top 8 Excuses Not to Go for Hajj | pg 34

Cabbie Records Hateful Speech, Attack from Passenger | pg 6

historic deed like that and be recognized by Allah for that deed on the day of judgement.

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Locals Who Witnessed Egypt Massacres Speak | pg 17

Wives of Incarcerated Terrorism Suspects March In DC | pg 6

Like most Muslim youth around the world, Farouq Alzouman knew the story of the companion Bilal Ibn Rabah (Allah be pleased with him) who was the first Muslim to ever call the Athan.

PG 30

The Muslim Link

issues are as diverse as the American Muslim community in the DC Metro area. American-Muslims are scattered all over the country. >> marriage Pg 16

By Muslim Link Staff

PG 13

Md, Va, and dC Metropolitan area Bi-Weekly newspaper | Free

Sh.Yusuf Islahi: Be Optimistic About Our Ummah | pg 7

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society bought the parcel of land — nearly an acre—at 19825 Blunt Road >> masjid Pg 14

3Di Athletics Holds First Weekend Basketball Camp | pg 6

First Muslim to Raise the Qur'an and Call Athan from Everest to Tell Story of Perseverance at DUS Banquet

MuSLIMS FeeL BeTraYed BY FBI

18 Rabi Al-Awaal - 1 Rabi Al-Thani, 1433 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com February 10th 2012 - February 23rd 2012

Men and women who really want to get married often face a myriad of issues in finding a good match. The

Adherence to cultural norms and expectations, generational disparity and the neglect of the Islamic standard for the choice of partners are also hurdles single American Muslims face

Women's Shelter In VA To Be Managed by ICNA | pg 8

The Islamic Society of Germantown opened its doors to politicians, imams, and hundreds of visitors and most importantly to those who had been waiting for the past 13 years when the

Finding What's Missing At An Orphanage In Mexico | pg 5

but first,

MD, Va, and Dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | free

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Janaza for Richmond Imam Fills Neighborhood Streets | pg 5

Meeting venues and forums are few and this seems to be one major deterrent to suitable marriages.

w w w. M u S L i M L i n k Pa P e r . c o M

november 21st - December 18th 2014

MD, VA, and DC Metropolitan Area Monthly Newspaper | FREE

By Zainab Arain

A major part of creating a beloved community is the creation of a family. However, the Muslim marriage crisis is at our doorstep.

dining out? order now with our halal Menus section Pg 38

www.muslimlinkpaper.com ALLAHU AKBAR: Finally, Athan Sounds ICNA-Mas Convention 2014: from Masjid In Germantown 301-982-1020 A New Venue, A New Record 8 S h a b a n - R a m a d a n 1 4 3 5 A . H . | w w w . M u s l i m L i n k P a p e r. c o m

June 6th 2014 - July 10th 2014

The Muslim Link Asks: How Hard Is It to Find a Life Partner In the DMV Area?

>> PG 21

>> PG 18

Running foR the hills Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

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THE GOOD NEWS As Egypt Rolls Back On Democracy, US Bolsters Sisi | pg 25

Internationally renowned running for the hills da’eeHomestead & debater Halal

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md, Va, and dc metropolitan area monthly newspaper | fRee

By Hena Zuberi Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Rise in Abused Children Prompts New FAITH Program | pg 14

w w w . M u s l i m L i n k P a p e r. c o m

MoCo Muslims Distribute Udhiya Meat to Area Needy | pg 5

Masjid Al-Rahmah Gets $74K Federal Security Grant | pg 12

TZORTZIS

The Muslim Link

The Muslim Marriage Crisis

7 Thul Qedah - 5 Thul-Hijjah, 1434 A.H. september 13th - october 10th 2013

Muslim Family Day At Six Flag Caps Summer for 6,000 | pg 5

Do Homeless Have Right to Occupy Public Property? | pg 6

FEaturING HAMZA

Dept Staff Report a Positive Step Towards Final Approval in Coming Months

After a detailed study and assessment of Dar-us-Salaam's application to develop an education and community campus in Western Howard County, Maryland, the How-

DUS Wins 10th DC MIST Tournament, Full Results | pg 8 the Jordan Valley holds 28.3 percent of the West Bank’s land, and is ‘the largest single Palestinian territory under

HoCo Dept of Planning and Zoning Recommends Approval of DUS Campus Plan By Muslim Link Staff

For hundreds of Indonesian-American families and Maryland Muslims, "grand opening" couldn't have more meaning than it did on Friday, September 26, 2014.

TML Interviews Al-Rahmah School Principal | pg 7

from Palestinian farmers and allocated to settlements and military camps. According to the Inter Press Agency report,

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By Muslim Link Staff

Greening Our Sacred Grounds Seminar Held In MD | pg 6

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Diabetes High Among Immigrant Groups | pg 5

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Lack of Muslim Foster Families Resulting In Children Losing Islam By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

The Muslim Link

Md, Va, and dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | Free

april 12th 2013 - May 16th 2013

Study Links Masjid Involvement, Voting | pg 5

they were unsuccessful. The phone call this evening is coming from the Fairfax County Foster and Adoption Program Coordinator. The coordinator needs to place a 16year old Pakistani female removed from her parent's home. Her religious background is similar to the Ismails; they are prepared for this call as registered foster parents with Fairfax County.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

PG, Anne Arundel Muslims Meet With Rep. Donna Edwards | pg 4 Practice of Hijamah Making Slow Comback In Community| pg 5 Porn Addiction Afflicting Youth, Adults Say Experts | pg 5 ISWA Imam Offers Brief History of Muslims in Guyana | pg 15 FAMILY: Spiritual Reflections on Special Needs Parenting | pg 16

>> foster Pg 26

Muslim Community Center Breaks New Ground The ground was ready for spring and a crowd The original founders, of over 200 well-wish- Dr. Hashim and his wife ers had gathered on Suzie, Dr. and Mrs. Aziz March 24th, 2013 for Ali Muhammad, Sajthe groundbreaking of jad Durrani, and Arshad the Muslim Community Quraishi as well as chilCenter expansion proj- dren and youth in conect in Silver Spring, MD. struction hats and cerImam Mohamed Abdul- emonial spades dug the lahi started with recita- ground. "Allah started it tion from the Quran and and if it is dedicated to a special prayer for the successful completion >> MCC Pg 6 of the project.

WORLD: 10 Years On, Rally for Justice for Aafia Siddiqui | pg 20 ISLAM: Taking Care of Things at Home Is Part of Piety | pg 29 OPED: Imams Must Develop Solutions for Foster Kids | pg 32 The Muslim Link

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muslim martial arts expo fuses 'chi', islam

RUNNINg FOR THE HILLS Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

>> PG 8

NelsoN maNdela aNd south africaN muslims: brothers-iN-arms >> PG 5

MATH CONFERENCE FEATURES MUSLIM CONTRIBUTIONS

tracIng roots: afrIcan MuslIM slaVe settled In dc Pg 9

IntroducIng the MuslIM lInk halal Menus sectIon Pg 38

>> PG 36

>> PG 24 Like & Follow us

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2 Rabi Al-Awwal - 6 Rabi Al-Thani, 1435 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

Build It, Because They’ve Already Come

Baltimore City’s First Masjid Built from the Ground Up to Serve Existing Muslim Neighborhood By Hena Zuberi He shovels the fresh snow, and sprinkles salt on the driveway. It is the first snow of the season and Mustafa Sharif is getting ready for the Gwynn Oak Islamic Community (GIC) Masjid’s Open house.

past friendly neighbors helping each other park stalled cars on the icy roads, the cream and teal building is a magnificent sight in the snowfall.

Driving past suburban roads, past Liberty Heights Avenue, past the under construction Shoprite and serene Gwynn Oaks Park,

A welcoming community in Baltimore City; a model community with a model masjid which resonates with the call to prayer. Cen-

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Profile of the Moroccan American Community Organization | pg 5 MD Local Interviews Philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi | pg 7

of quiet streets, historic homes, open green spaces, and convenient commute to >> Gwynn Oak Pg 6

Even ADAMS Expansion Sites Need Expanding | pg 14 Germantown Leaders Hope To Pray In Masjid This Year | pg 15 VA Muslim Cemetery Might Be Largest In America | pg 20

Home of the Heart Beats Faster with Yaqeen Boost

Should College Applicants Discuss Their Muslim Identity? | pg 28

Around 1,800 Supports Help Raise $1.95M at Dec 15 Dinner By Muslim Link Staff

Egypt Closes Vital Gateways Into and Out of Gaza | pg 29

Call this event the "December 15 miracle". Or call it the "the winter 2013 miracle".

The Muslim Link

Or, just call it "yaqeen".

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>> yaqeen Pg 18

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Journeys In Islamic Homeschooling By Hena Zuberi

Head of Moroccan Party Discusses Arab Spring | pg 6

a nutritionist teach a class on healthy food choices. They hold an annual Art Fair and a Science Fair, and even hand out certificates. There are no charges except minor material fees for supplies.

participates by volunteering to teach or clean up, essentially ‘pulling their weight.’ They settle down to listen to Elizabeth, a founding member give a talk on classroom management. In one room, Asmaa ElHaggan, mother of a ten year old son, teaches Model U.N Debate class. Seven weeks of classes are taught by mothers divided by age on topics of interest to the group or based on her expertise. By pooling money together, they recently had

Tips are shared: ‘get an educator’s card at the library and you can get six weeks to check out books’, ‘present your portfolio for review in a binder and show

>> schools Pg 10

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Our Masajid Are Unprepared to Assist In Case of Disaster | pg 4

Nisa Muhammad

Muslim Brutally Murdered in Gaithersburg 7-Eleven | pg 7

Fairfax Talk Opposing Hijab Called Bigoted, Intolerant | pg 5

In the poorest areas of the nation’s capital, Wards Seven and Eight, where unemployment is in double digits nearing 20%, schools are struggling and there’s a church on nearly every corner Islam is growing at a rapid pace, especially among young males.

the masjid is the new health clinic for the ADAMS Compassionate Health Network (ACHN). ACHN is a volunteer-based operation dedicated to providing quality healthcare to community members in need,

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

South East DC Experiencing Surge In Teens, Youth Entering Into Islam Muslim Link Contributing Writer

ADAMS Medical Clinic Offers Compassion at No Cost By Hena Zuberi

Md, Va, and dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | free

february 15th 2012 - March 14th 2013

DC Muslim Is Deputy Campaign Manager for Gray | pg 4

On Monday afternoons, the halls of Dar al Taqwa are filled with voices of excited children, playing tag with siblings and friends, showing off snow globe art projects. A cluster of 20 mothers meet in the multipurpose room, tending toddlers and babies, chatting, and readying lunch. They form the Al-Ansar Homeschooling Cooperative, based on a consensus model where every member

MakeSpace Fundraiser Attracts Support, New Ideas | pg 12

ARTS: Local Author Filling Gap in Children's Books | pg 26 WPRESS: Guantanamo -- Tell the World the Truth | pg 30

By Hena Zuberi

The Muslim Link

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Coupons PG 38

MARCH 26

Second Muslim Store Owner Murdered In Richmond | pg 5 Support Group Forming for HIV Positive Muslims | pg 10 Muhammad, Vice President for the 7th District Citizen’s Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Police Department told the Muslim Link.

“There are five Masjids in Southeast

Shabana Izhar, a new immigrant who lives in Bowie adjusts her shalwar kameez and settles down in the chairs in the wait-

WPRESS: Project to Name Civilian Victims of US Drones | pg 25 CIVILRIGHTS: Did President Obama Kill Al-Awlaki? | pg 26

>> surge Pg 22

With Doors Open for All, MCC Clinic Celebrates Expansion

ISLAM: The “Sunnah” of Divorce and Reconcilliation | pg 31

>> comPassion Pg 14

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Outgrowing Schools: Muslim Link Staff Reporter

VA Muslims Might Have Helped McAuliffe Win Gov Race | pg 12

trally located near the beltway, there is optimistic talk of growth in the brand new masjid, of the school district making the high school into a magnet school,

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ISLAM: The Sunnah of Love, Tenderness, Romance | pg 28

ing pavilion at the Muslim Community Center Clinic. A regular United Nations of patients surrounds her; a Hispanic woman coming from a nearby church,

RECIPES: Sister Heather Returns with a Winter Warmer | pg 34 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 35

>> latina Pg 15

Running foR the hills Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

>> PG 22

>> PG 45

>> PG 24

PResentIng YouR 2013 Ramadan suPeRheRoes! Pg 26

local leadeR focus:

IsB ResIdent scholaR Yaseen sheIkh Pg 10

>> PG 23

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African American Muslims Featured at Newseum | pg 4

from Palestinian farmers and allocated to settlements and military camps. According to the Inter Press Agency report,

the Jordan Valley holds 28.3 percent of the West Bank’s land, and is ‘the largest single Palestinian territory under

Modest Fashion, Fashionistas Take the Runway in DC | pg 10 >> stolen Pg 12

OPED: Disabled Muslims and Masjid Accommodation | pg 27 Somalis Say NGOs Killing Their Incentive to Farm | pg 31

>> imaam center Pg 1

Urban Farm Raises Goats, Sheep, and Young Men

residents before deciding on Dar-us-Salaam's application. Her decision is subject to appeal to the five member Howard County Board of Appeals.

By Hena Zuberi

ISLAM: Revive Your Heart by Worshipping In Secret | pg 32

You may have seen him selling outside your masjid after Jummah, selling artisan goat cheese, yogurt, goats milk and fresh, free range organic eggs.

Matt Jose is an urban farmer; his

>> farm Pg 18

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Coupons PG 38

MoCo Muslims Distribute Udhiya Meat to Area Needy | pg 5

By Hena Zuberi Muslim Link Staff Reporter A major part of creating a beloved community is the creation of a family. However, the Muslim marriage crisis is at our doorstep.

Islamic Relief, FAITH Join Hands for Eid Al-Adha Charity | pg 11

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Dynamic sessions, packed halls and up and coming speakers marked the 50th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

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Janaza for Richmond Imam Fills Neighborhood Streets | pg 5

MCC Aims to Be Model for Senior Supportive Masajid | pg 6

By Zainab Arain ICNA.org

God and service to mankind. In addition to those attending several thousands more watched the live broadcast of the sessions.

More than 120 international scholars, intellectuals, and community activists,

Gay Congress Hopeful Is “Great Friend” of Muslims | pg 14

>> icna Pg 24

CIVIL RIGHTS: Hate Ad Sparks US Free Speech Debate | pg 30

Howard County Approves Dar-us-Salaam Campus Plan ISLAM: Fasting Before Ramadan Dar-us-Salaam to establish a By Muslim Link Staff

On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, after over a year of engineering studies and public hearings, Howard County approved the Dar-us-Salaam Education and Community Campus plan.

In Sha'ban | pg 34

FULL COLOR RAMADAN POSTER WALL CALENDAR INSIDE | pg 39 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

The decision comes after the >> dar-us-salaam Pg 39

The STory Which BindS: The Seerah and Your KIdS PG 20

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

The Islamic Society of Germantown opened its doors to politicians, imams, and hundreds of visitors and most importantly to those who had been waiting for the past 13 years when the

Big Step for the Safety the Dar AlHijrah Congregation | pg 5

Islamic Relief USA (IR) is >> CLiCK Pg 12

Area Syrians Watch Events With Worry, Anger By Wafa Unus Muslim Link Staff Reporter

With death tolls in Syria reported between six and seven thousand in the past 11 months, some American Syrians are faced with con-

CIVIL: NYPD Targeting Masajid For Intel Gathering | pg 14 WPRESS: Report Shows Drones Target Civilians | pg 16

ISLAM: Winter - The Best Season for Worshipers | pg 18 OP-Ed: Europe Setting Up Clash of Civilizations? | pg 21

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CAIR-MD Relaunches with Inaugural Banquet | pg 21 New Women's Group Forms After Anti-Hijab Event | pg 5 Palestinian Journalists In the Line of Fire | pg 5

New Masjid, Islamic Academy Planned for Chantilly | pg 9

Running Muslim: The Other Boston Story | pg 4 Cabbie Records Hateful Speech, Attack from Passenger | pg 6

Like most Muslim youth around the world, Farouq Alzouman knew the story of the companion Bilal Ibn Rabah (Allah be pleased with him) who was the first Muslim to ever call the Athan. Alzouman, a young man from Saudi Arabia who studied in the United States, wondered how he could perform a

THE STORY OF AN AMAZING NECKLACE

HOW MUCH DOES WAR COST YOU?

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VA Burial of Boston Bombing Suspect Causes Anger | pg 9

Al-rAhmAh school mArks 25 yeArs

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Quickly fading are the days of newspaper clippings and passing the paper across the breakfast table.

turkish prime minister breAks ground for $100m mAsjid complex in mArylAnd, pg 22

Bullied Youth Finds Little Help From School System | pg 4

this on hard copy, you’re going to send the digital version via a social media platform or e-mail.

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Shopping and Shipping for Syria Winter Relief | pg 8

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'A symbol of friendship'

Interfaith Coalition Opposes VA Foreign Law Bill | pg 4

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More Special Eids, Special Days Needed for Special Kids | pg 6

By Wafa Unus Muslim Link Staff Reporter

CIVILRIGHTS: Inside the NYPD's Muslim Spying Program | pg 32

Wives of Incarcerated Terrorism Suspects March In DC | pg 6

historic deed like that and be recognized by Allah for that deed on the day of judgement.

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ISLAM: Top 8 Excuses Not to Go for Hajj | pg 34

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Locals Who Witnessed Egypt Massacres Speak | pg 17

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society bought the parcel of land — nearly an acre—at 19825 Blunt Road >> masjid Pg 14

Sh.Yusuf Islahi: Be Optimistic About Our Ummah | pg 7

First Muslim to Raise the Qur'an and Call Athan from Everest to Tell Story of Perseverance at DUS Banquet

PG 13

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The theme of the three day convention was based on the beloved community

- Envisioning a More Perfect Union and featured over 100 speakers including Congressman Andre Carson, Dr. Altaf Husain,

Women's Shelter In VA To Be Managed by ICNA | pg 8

MuSLIMS FeeL BeTraYed BY FBI

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anniversary of the March to Washington and Rev. Martin Luther King’s “I Have Dream” speech.

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dining out? order now with our halal Menus section Pg 38

June 6th 2014 - July 10th 2014

3Di Athletics Holds First Weekend Basketball Camp | pg 6

>> PG 21

TICKETS: 25/person | 5 Childcare

>> PG 26

Finding What's Missing At An Orphanage In Mexico | pg 5

THE GOOD NEWS

WhY AAfiA?

issues are as diverse as the American Muslim community in the DC Metro area. American-Muslims are scattered all over the country. >> marriage Pg 16

A Look at ISNA’s 50th Year Anniversary Convention

Author Reverts to Islam | pg 26

>> PG 18

Men and women who really want to get married often face a myriad of issues in finding a good match. The

Adherence to cultural norms and expectations, generational disparity and the neglect of the Islamic standard for the choice of partners are also hurdles single American Muslims face

Five Decades On, American Muslims Still In Search of the ‘Beloved Community’

Running foR the hills Dispatches from muslim homesteaDers

Meeting venues and forums are few and this seems to be one major deterrent to suitable marriages.

but first,

Young Researchers Present Findings at MYFIKR | pg 10

As Egypt Rolls Back On Democracy, US Bolsters Sisi | pg 25

Internationally renowned running for the hills da’eeHomestead & debater Halal

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Rise in Abused Children Prompts New FAITH Program | pg 14

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The Muslim Marriage Crisis

Masjid Al-Rahmah Gets $74K Federal Security Grant | pg 12

TZORTZIS

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Muslim Family Day At Six Flag Caps Summer for 6,000 | pg 5

september 13th - october 10th 2013

Do Homeless Have Right to Occupy Public Property? | pg 6

FEaturING HAMZA

Dept Staff Report a Positive Step Towards Final Approval in Coming Months

After a detailed study and assessment of Dar-us-Salaam's application to develop an education and community campus in Western Howard County, Maryland, the How-

DUS Wins 10th DC MIST Tournament, Full Results | pg 8

HoCo Dept of Planning and Zoning Recommends Approval of DUS Campus Plan By Muslim Link Staff

For hundreds of Indonesian-American families and Maryland Muslims, "grand opening" couldn't have more meaning than it did on Friday, September 26, 2014.

TML Interviews Al-Rahmah School Principal | pg 7

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Greening Our Sacred Grounds Seminar Held In MD | pg 6

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Study Links Masjid Involvement, Voting | pg 5 Diabetes High Among Immigrant Groups | pg 5

Annapolis Muslims Hope For New Masjid| pg 6 MD Dept of Health Does Faith Specific Outreach | pg 6 Essay and Debate Competition Marks 10 Years | pg 8

Lack of Muslim Foster Families Resulting In Children Losing Islam By Hena Zuberi

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>> foster Pg 26

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Mustafa Sharif is getting ready for the Gwynn Oak Islamic Community (GIC) Masjid’s Open house.

teal building is a magnificent sight in the snowfall.

Driving past suburban roads, past Liberty Heights Avenue, past the under construction Shoprite and serene Gwynn Oaks Park,

A welcoming community in Baltimore City; a model community with a model masjid which resonates with the call to prayer. Cen-

trally located near the beltway, there is optimistic talk of growth in the brand new masjid, of the school district making the high school into a magnet school,

of quiet streets, historic homes, open green spaces, and convenient commute to >> Gwynn Oak Pg 6

Should College Applicants Discuss Their Muslim Identity? | pg 28

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Egypt Closes Vital Gateways Into and Out of Gaza | pg 29

Call this event the "December 15 miracle". Or call it the "the winter 2013 miracle".

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Or, just call it "yaqeen".

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Even ADAMS Expansion Sites Need Expanding | pg 14

Tips are shared: ‘get an educator’s card at the library and you can get six weeks to check out books’, ‘present your portfolio for review in a binder and show

>> schools Pg 10

ADAMS Medical Clinic Offers Compassion at No Cost By Hena Zuberi

MakeSpace Fundraiser Attracts Support, New Ideas | pg 12

ARTS: Local Author Filling Gap in Children's Books | pg 26 WPRESS: Guantanamo -- Tell the World the Truth | pg 30

Murdered In Richmond | pg 5 Support Group Forming for HIV Positive Muslims | pg 10 Muhammad, Vice President for the 7th District Citizen’s Advisory Council for the Metropolitan Police Department told the Muslim Link.

“There are five Masjids in Southeast

WPRESS: Project to Name Civilian Victims of US Drones | pg 25 CIVILRIGHTS: Did President Obama Kill Al-Awlaki? | pg 26

>> surge Pg 22

With Doors Open for All, MCC Clinic

January 22 - February 18 2016

the masjid is the new health clinic for the ADAMS Compassionate Health Network (ACHN). ACHN is a volunteer-based operation dedicated to providing quality healthcare to community members in need,

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

nearing 20%, schools are struggling and there’s a church on nearly every corner Islam is growing at a rapid pace, especially among young males.

ISLAM: The “Sunnah” of Divorce and Reconcilliation | pg 31

ndCelebrates Expansion

The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

>> comPassion Pg 14

MARCH 26

By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Shabana Izhar, a new immigrant who lives in Bowie adjusts her shalwar kameez and settles down in the chairs in the wait-

ISLAM: The Sunnah of Love, Tenderness, Romance | pg 28

ing pavilion at the Muslim Community Center Clinic. A regular United Nations of patients surrounds her; a Hispanic woman coming from a nearby church,

RECIPES: Sister Heather Returns with a Winter Warmer | pg 34 The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 35

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30 THuL-HIjjaH 1435 a.H. - 27 MuHaRRaM 1436 a.H. | www.MuSLIMLInkPaPeR.coM

MD, VA, and DC Metropolitan Area Monthly Newspaper | FREE

March 14th - April 3rd 2014

october 24th - november 20th 2014

African American Muslims Featured at Newseum | pg 4

Modest Fashion, Fashionistas Take the Runway in DC | pg 10 >> stolen Pg 12

OPED: Disabled Muslims and Masjid Accommodation | pg 27 Somalis Say NGOs Killing Their Incentive to Farm | pg 31

>> imaam center Pg 1

Urban Farm Raises Goats, Sheep, and Young Men

residents before deciding on Dar-us-Salaam's application. Her decision is subject to appeal to the five member Howard County Board of Appeals.

By Hena Zuberi

ISLAM: Revive Your Heart by Worshipping In Secret | pg 32

You may have seen him selling outside your masjid after Jummah, selling artisan goat cheese, yogurt, goats milk and fresh, free range organic eggs.

Matt Jose is an urban farmer; his

>> farm Pg 18

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Coupons PG 38

Author Reverts to Islam | pg 26

WhY AAfiA?

TICKETS: 25/person | 5 Childcare

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God and service to mankind. In addition to those attending several thousands more watched the live broadcast of the sessions.

More than 120 international scholars, intellectuals, and community activists,

Gay Congress Hopeful Is “Great Friend” of Muslims | pg 14

>> icna Pg 24

CIVIL RIGHTS: Hate Ad Sparks US Free Speech Debate | pg 30

By Muslim Link Staff

They are a part of an active community, a portion of the almost 100,000 Muslims in Montgomery County, which just needed a place—a masjid to call their second home— to pray, mourn, celebrate and grow. On November 8, 2014 with much fanfare this dream was realized.

In Sha'ban | pg 34

FULL COLOR RAMADAN POSTER WALL CALENDAR INSIDE | pg 39

Coupons PG 38

The STory Which BindS: The Seerah and Your KIdS PG 20

Big Step for the Safety the Dar AlHijrah Congregation | pg 5

THE STORY OF AN AMAZING NECKLACE

Area Syrians Watch Events With Worry, Anger

WPRESS: Report Shows Drones Target Civilians | pg 16

ISLAM: Winter - The Best Season for Worshipers | pg 18

By Wafa Unus Muslim Link Staff Reporter

With death tolls in Syria reported between six and seven thousand in the past 11 months, some American Syrians are faced with continued concern for the safety of their loved ones back home.

The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 43

all aboard for hoMe of the heart lunch cruise Pg 9

The Muslim Link

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Md, Va, and dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | free

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

CAIR-MD Relaunches with Inaugural Banquet | pg 21 New Women's Group Forms After Anti-Hijab Event | pg 5 Palestinian Journalists In the Line of Fire | pg 5 Running Muslim: The Other Boston Story | pg 4

VA Burial of Boston Bombing Suspect Causes Anger | pg 9

with largest event ever, baltimore school has big plans for next 25 years, pg 34

The Muslim Link

Coupons PG 38

Fundraising Dinner

dc MuslIM InterscholastIc tournaMent results Pg 9

IntroducIng the MuslIM lInk halal Menus sectIon Pg 38

The Muslim Link

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June 1st 2012 - June 14th 2012

Bullied Youth Finds Little Help From School System | pg 4

>> CLiCK Pg 12

May 17th 2013 - June 13th 2013

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CIVILRIGHTS: Inside the NYPD's Muslim Spying Program | pg 32

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7 Rajab - 4 Shaban, 1434 A.H.

PG 28

Interfaith Coalition Opposes VA Foreign Law Bill | pg 4

Islamic Relief USA (IR) is

NATION: Inside America's First Muslim Frat House | pg 30

>> iSNa Pg 12

Al-rAhmAh school mArks 25 yeArs

HOW MUCH DOES WAR COST YOU?

1 1 R a j a b - 2 4 R a j a b , 1 4 3 3 A . H . | w w w . M u s l i m L i n k P a p e r. c o m

Dar Al-Hijrah Food Bank Helps Falls Church Needy | pg 5

The theme of the three day convention was based on the beloved community

- Envisioning a More Perfect Union and featured over 100 speakers including Congressman Andre Carson, Dr. Altaf Husain,

New Masjid, Islamic Academy Planned for Chantilly | pg 9

By Wafa Unus

Quickly fading are the days of newspaper clippings and passing the paper across the breakfast table.

Dynamic sessions, packed halls and up and coming speakers marked the 50th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

anniversary of the March to Washington and Rev. Martin Luther King’s “I Have Dream” speech.

turkish prime minister breAks ground for $100m mAsjid complex in mArylAnd, pg 22

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

this on hard copy, you’re going to send the digital version via a social media platform or e-mail.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

'A symbol of friendship'

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

By Hena Zuberi

Shopping and Shipping for Syria Winter Relief | pg 8

A Look at ISNA’s 50th Year Anniversary Convention

More Special Eids, Special Days Needed for Special Kids | pg 6

Like & Follow us

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Five Decades On, American Muslims Still In Search of the ‘Beloved Community’

Like & foLLow uS THe MuSLiM Link

PG 30

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Muslims Organize for VA Attorney General Hopeful | pg 18

ISLAM: Top 8 Excuses Not to Go for Hajj | pg 34

Cabbie Records Hateful Speech, Attack from Passenger | pg 6

PG 13

Md, Va, and dC Metropolitan area Bi-Weekly newspaper | Free

Locals Who Witnessed Egypt Massacres Speak | pg 17

Wives of Incarcerated Terrorism Suspects March In DC | pg 6

historic deed like that and be recognized by Allah for that deed on the day of judgement.

MuSLIMS FeeL BeTraYed BY FBI

18 Rabi Al-Awaal - 1 Rabi Al-Thani, 1433 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

issues are as diverse as the American Muslim community in the DC Metro area. American-Muslims are scattered all over the country. >> marriage Pg 16

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

society bought the parcel of land — nearly an acre—at 19825 Blunt Road >> masjid Pg 14

Sh.Yusuf Islahi: Be Optimistic About Our Ummah | pg 7

By Muslim Link Staff

Alzouman, a young man from Saudi Arabia who studied in the United States, wondered how he could perform a

Men and women who really want to get married often face a myriad of issues in finding a good match. The

Adherence to cultural norms and expectations, generational disparity and the neglect of the Islamic standard for the choice of partners are also hurdles single American Muslims face

Women's Shelter In VA To Be Managed by ICNA | pg 8

The Islamic Society of Germantown opened its doors to politicians, imams, and hundreds of visitors and most importantly to those who had been waiting for the past 13 years when the

3Di Athletics Holds First Weekend Basketball Camp | pg 6

First Muslim to Raise the Qur'an and Call Athan from Everest to Tell Story of Perseverance at DUS Banquet Like most Muslim youth around the world, Farouq Alzouman knew the story of the companion Bilal Ibn Rabah (Allah be pleased with him) who was the first Muslim to ever call the Athan.

The Muslim Link

The decision comes after the >> dar-us-salaam Pg 39

February 10th 2012 - February 23rd 2012

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Howard County Approves Dar-us-Salaam Campus Plan ISLAM: Fasting Before Ramadan Dar-us-Salaam to establish a

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By Hena Zuberi

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MCC Aims to Be Model for Senior Supportive Masajid | pg 6

By Zainab Arain

Finding What's Missing At An Orphanage In Mexico | pg 5

but first,

MD, Va, and Dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | free

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ICNA.org

Meeting venues and forums are few and this seems to be one major deterrent to suitable marriages.

w w w. M u S L i M L i n k Pa P e r . c o M

november 21st - December 18th 2014

The Muslim Link

A major part of creating a beloved community is the creation of a family. However, the Muslim marriage crisis is at our doorstep.

dining out? order now with our halal Menus section Pg 38

June 6th 2014 - July 10th 2014

The Muslim Link Asks: How Hard Is It to Find a Life Partner In the DMV Area?

>> PG 21

>> PG 18

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

THE GOOD NEWS As Egypt Rolls Back On Democracy, US Bolsters Sisi | pg 25

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Islamic Relief, FAITH Join Hands for Eid Al-Adha Charity | pg 11

Rise in Abused Children Prompts New FAITH Program | pg 14

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By Hena Zuberi Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Young Researchers Present Findings at MYFIKR | pg 10

The Muslim Link

w w w . M u s l i m L i n k P a p e r. c o m

MoCo Muslims Distribute Udhiya Meat to Area Needy | pg 5

Masjid Al-Rahmah Gets $74K Federal Security Grant | pg 12

TZORTZIS

The Muslim Link

The Muslim Marriage Crisis

7 Thul Qedah - 5 Thul-Hijjah, 1434 A.H. september 13th - october 10th 2013

Muslim Family Day At Six Flag Caps Summer for 6,000 | pg 5

Do Homeless Have Right to Occupy Public Property? | pg 6

FEaturING HAMZA

Dept Staff Report a Positive Step Towards Final Approval in Coming Months

After a detailed study and assessment of Dar-us-Salaam's application to develop an education and community campus in Western Howard County, Maryland, the How-

DUS Wins 10th DC MIST Tournament, Full Results | pg 8 the Jordan Valley holds 28.3 percent of the West Bank’s land, and is ‘the largest single Palestinian territory under

HoCo Dept of Planning and Zoning Recommends Approval of DUS Campus Plan By Muslim Link Staff

For hundreds of Indonesian-American families and Maryland Muslims, "grand opening" couldn't have more meaning than it did on Friday, September 26, 2014.

TML Interviews Al-Rahmah School Principal | pg 7

from Palestinian farmers and allocated to settlements and military camps. According to the Inter Press Agency report,

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By Muslim Link Staff

Greening Our Sacred Grounds Seminar Held In MD | pg 6

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

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MD, Va, and Dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | FRee

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After the 1967 Six-Day War when Israel captured the Jordan Valley from Jordan, tracts of land were taken

PResentIng YouR 2013 Ramadan suPeRheRoes! Pg 26

local leadeR focus:

IsB ResIdent scholaR Yaseen sheIkh Pg 10

>> PG 23

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13 Jumada Al-Awwal - Jumada Al-Akhir 3 1435 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

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Muslim FunFest 2012 Beats the Heat

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Md, Va, and dc Metropolitan area Monthly newspaper | Free

april 12th 2013 - May 16th 2013

Study Links Masjid Involvement, Voting | pg 5 Diabetes High Among Immigrant Groups | pg 5

Annapolis Muslims Hope For New Masjid| pg 6 MD Dept of Health Does Faith Specific Outreach | pg 6 Essay and Debate Competition Marks 10 Years | pg 8

The Muslim Link

2 Jumada Al-Akhir - 6 Rajab, 1434 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

Lack of Muslim Foster Families Resulting In Children Losing Islam By Hena Zuberi

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Affordable Phone service for your business! OP-Ed: Europe Setting Up Clash of Civilizations? | pg 21

LETTERS: Your Reactions To Last Issue’s Stories | pg 25

The region, riddled with political upheaval and protest against Syrian President Basher Al-Assad’s dynastic rule has seen an unprec-

>> syria Pg 10

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Some local Syrian Americans are active in Washington DC protests against the Syrian regime’s brutal crackdown against protesters there, while others are avoiding speaking out for fear their families in Syria will be punished. Photo courtesy of Hussain Abdul-Hussain.

Coupons PG 26

>>PG 24

ISLAM: The Questioning In the Grave | pg 30 The Muslim Link

FAMILY: Spiritual Reflections on Special Needs Parenting | pg 16

>> foster Pg 26

Muslim Community Center Breaks New Ground

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The ground was ready for spring and a crowd The original founders, of over 200 well-wish- Dr. Hashim and his wife ers had gathered on Suzie, Dr. and Mrs. Aziz March 24th, 2013 for Ali Muhammad, Sajthe groundbreaking of jad Durrani, and Arshad the Muslim Community Quraishi as well as chilCenter expansion proj- dren and youth in conect in Silver Spring, MD. struction hats and cerImam Mohamed Abdul- emonial spades dug the lahi started with recita- ground. "Allah started it tion from the Quran and and if it is dedicated to a special prayer for the successful completion >> MCC Pg 6 of the project.

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stop genocide of Muslims In Burma Before

After

Out of the 5 million Muslims in Burma only 3 million are left. They cannot hold a job, enter the masjid, go to school, marry, or have children although Rohingyas are indigenous people living in their ancestral lands in Burma. This is the reason 7 Nobel Laureates have declared it a genocide!

Give 10 Minutes a Day To Stop Genocide

The satellite images above by Human Rights Watch show the destruction of homes and property in the Rohingya Muslim area of Kyauk Pyu. There are many towns like that. The Impact of our United Efforts and Phone Calls 1) The US Congress passed H.Res. 418 supporting Rohingyas. 2) At least 3 attacks on Muslims in Burma have been stopped. 3) The US has re-imposed some of the restrictions on aid to Burma this January. 4) Media is no longer dismissing it as a conflict between the two communities. A whole lot of work must be done to stop this genocide. Burmese Muslims have asked us to put pressure on their government to protect them. We are counting on your generosity to do this work professionally.

Justice for All

Muslim MUNA

Muslim Ummah

Peace Coalition USA North America

Atlanta shura

ISNA • CAIR • IONA • MANA • MUNA • Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) • Justice For All • Muslim Peace Coalition USA • Majlis Shura of Atlanta • ICNA Canada • DawaNet Majlis Ash-Shura of Metropolitan New York • Michigan Muslim Community Council (MMCC) • Burmese Rohingya Association of North America • Free Rohingya Campaign

www.BurmaTaskForce.org

Muslim Link btf advt Aug 27, 2015.indd 1

.... 8/27/15 4:39 PM