The Muslim Link ~ October 14, 2011

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Occupy DC: American Fall After Arab Spring?

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

FBI Meets Local Muslim Leaders Over Training | pg 5 Special Eid Event About Inclusion, Awareness | pg 7 The Stop the Machine protest, also joined by already on-going Occupy DC protests (then in their sixth day), an offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York City. Photos by Andrew Bossi, Flickr.

By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Reporter

Over the last few weeks, thousands of people around the United States have been protesting in the streets. The chants are not the familiar anti-war sentiments that have echoed in the previous years on the steps of Capital

Hill, but rather ones that deeply define the current socio-economic climate of the worlds most powerful nation.

It’s a movement that many protestors are hoping will be America’s “Arab Spring.”

Based on the recent campaign in Cairo’s Tahrir Square,

Occupy Wall Street and its offshoots like local Occupy DC, are protests entrenched in the growing frustration of a stagnant economic climate that is plaguing the United States and the world.

While many still grapple with perceptions of the Middle East as a violent and

unorganized society crippled by political corruption and poverty, organizers of the Occupy movements have looked past the social divides that have often resulted in a hostile worldview. Instead,

>> occupy Pg 11

Domestic Violence Conference Held at UMD | pg 8

Tahrir and McPherson: Congruent Squares? | pg 10 CIVIL RIGHTS: New Comic For Islamophobes | pg 16 ISLAM: Muslims: The Best Neighbors | pg 20 ISLAM: The Mysterious World of the Jinn | pg 20 The Muslim Link

the patient art | PG 5

Creeping Sharia | pg 6

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INDEX

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inside This Issue 03 Community News 17 Civil Rights

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18 Opinion 20 Islam 25 Marketplace

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Community News First Muslim Appointed to Maryland’s Highest Court appointed as Higher Education Chairman in March 2011, having served as a commissioner on the committee since 2007.” All the appointments are on merit.

We happen to be Muslim.” Hasan says the appointment of Judge El-Amin “is a great honor for the Muslim community and for his work that he has done over the years in the district court.”

By Rana Khan

Muslim Link Staff Writer Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley made an historic decision on September 28, 2011, appointing a Muslim, Judge Hassan Ali El-Amin, to Maryland’s highest court.

Judge El-Amin is now one of seven Circuit Court judges in Maryland; he will serve in Prince George’s County, having served as a District Court judge in the county since July 25, 2000.

Governor O’Malley’s second term in office has been marked by several other key appointments of Muslims, reflecting his commitment to mirror the diversity of Maryland’s citizens in his administration. These other appointments include Sam Abed as Secretary of Juvenile Services and Anwer Hasan as Chairman of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

“The appointment of judges is one of

Judge Hassan Ali El-Amin. Photo from Washington Post. the most important responsibilities of any chief executive,” said Governor O’Malley, according to a statement issued from his office on September 28, 2011.

“I am pleased to announce today the appointment of seven highly qualified, talented and diverse candidates from

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across the State to serve on Maryland’s bench.”

Governor O’Malley has always sought “competent, qualified individuals in his administration and that reflects in his selection,” says Anwer Hasan, who was

Anwer says he feels “very honored” in his own public service role, though he has to “make some difficult decisions every day” in his position. “A lot of students’ future depends on the decisions made.

We work very closely with the Secretary and her staff on those decisions,” said Hasan. These decisions involve aspects like approving new programs in schools, awarding scholarships and developing state plans, such as increasing college graduate levels to 55% from the current 41% rate.

>> appointed Pg 12

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COMMUNITY NEWS

|5

Montgomery County Civil Rights Activists Blast Islamophobia At ‘Creeping Sharia’ Forum

By Fatimah Waseem

Muslim Link Staff Writer Is Creeping Shariah a real threat or a trumped up scare tactic?

It’s a question that’s been asked by Congressmen, state legislators, and the everyday legal professionals, and on Saturday, September 24, it was a question clearly and confidently tackled by the Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition’s (MCCRC) forum on Shariah Law. “I come with the solution to the wars of ‘sharia law,’” Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin said to a room of 60 people, “We don’t need any extra law against any imposition of religious law, we’ve got one and it’s called the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”

His comments were met by loud applause - a response that was characteristic of the forum as every speaker took the mike.

Speakers included CAIR’s national legislative director Corey Saylor, civil

liberties activist Thomas Nephew, and Howard University’s Professor of African Studies Sulayman Nyang.

However, there was one guest speaker never took the mike. Or his seat. His name was Fred Grandy, an anti-Muslim bigot who was the reason why MCCRC organized the event in the first place.

The Chevy Chase Women’s Republic Club invited Fred Grandy to speak to club members about Islamic extremism.

Grandy, a former radio talk show house who reportedly resigned due to his wife’s comment that drew a link between Muslims and Nazis, has said that there are risks associated with having Muslims working the U.S. government - a risk he dubs “creeping Shariah.”

Montgomery High School Muslim student Elsa Lakew uncovered the invitation when a stranger handed her a printout of the group’s Facebook invitation. She leaked the information about the event titled “The Grand Old Party – to Maryland Juice, a website dedicated to revealing controversial information about the

From right, Corey Saylor from CAIR, Shahid Buttar from Bordc, and prof. Sulayman Nyang. Photos courtesy of Montgomery County Civil Rights Coalition.

Maryland area.

Deeply disturbed by the Chevy Chase Women’s Republican Club’s invitation, MCCRC sprung back by organizing a forum of their own.

In a statement to the Gazette newspaper,

the Chevy Chase Women’s Republic Club head said the club has every right to engage any person it deems relevant - even a Muslim critic. As of September 16, over 15 state legislators have signed

>> islamophobia Pg 14

FBI Meets with Local Muslim Leaders Over Islamophobic Training Material

By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Writer On Friday September 16, 2011, Assistant Director in Charge James W. McJunkin of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Washington Field Office requested a conference call to discuss the recent controversy surrounding anti-Muslim FBI training.

Six different local Muslim organizations were represented in the conference call among them the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), as well as the Duane Morris Law Firm.

McJunkin then requested a physical

follow-up meeting for October 3, 2011 to further discuss the topics brought up in the conference call.

Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS Interfaith, Government, and Media Committee Co-Chair described the meetings as “a very open and frank discussion,” in a recent e-mail to the ADAMS community. McJunkin is said to have begun looking into the issue with the FBI headquarters and intends on working toward rebuilding a trusting relationship with the Muslim community.

Muslim community leaders expressed their concerned about the training and

why it happened, as well as suggested ways to prevent such missteps in the future through a comprehensive review of FBI training material and trainers as well as an open dialogue between the community and FBI leaders.

The FBI recently fell under fire after FBI training material was found to include statements that “main stream [sic] American Muslims are likely to be terrorist sympathizers,” that the Prophet Mohammed was a ‘cult leader,” and suggesting that the more religious a Muslim the more likely that he or she would be violent. One FBI presentation also added, “The strategic themes animating these Islamic values are not

fringe; they are main stream.”

The FBI has since released several statements regarding their official review of FBI training material including an official statement responding to the media’s reports regarding the training program.

“The training segment that is the subject of recent media reports does not reflect the views of the FBI and is not consistent with the overall instruction provided to FBI personnel. It was conducted six months ago, one time >> fbi Pg 12

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

6 | COMMUNITY NEWS

The Patient Art

Local Calligrapher Inspired By Beauty of Qur’an

Right, a calligraphic rendering of “Muhammad” (peace be upon him) made of small tiles. Left, Artist Ahmed Belal works in his home studio. Photos by the author.

By Wafa Unus

Muslim Link Staff Reporter On a small street in the suburbs of Maryland, outside a quaint house stood a man in a white thobe with a gentle smile.

Behind him on a large tree was bolted a nearly four foot stone slab, adorned with the name of Allah in calligraphic form.

Ahmed Belal, a gentleman now in his sixties has been a calligrapher since his youth. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Belal has been creating calligraphic work, honing his skills and developing an expertise in the Kufic style for over forty years.

A pioneer of Islamic calligraphic art in the United States, he came to America in 1976 and shared his work at an exhibition celebrating America’s bicentennial. Since then has shared his love for calligraphic art form to the West and believes its potential outside the Muslim world is far greater for the positive perception of Muslims. For him, calligraphy is his way of giving Daw’ah.

“I”m sending a message to [non Muslim communities]. We are not bad people. We are not terrorists that are killing and bombing. We have a big civilization and calligraphy is one of

our contributions,” he said.

modern calligraphers face today.

It’s a lofty goal that he takes extremely seriously. Belal transformed his small suburban Maryland basement into an art studio. Strewn with artwork hanging on shelves, sitting on easels and resting gently against the walls, the room boasts of decades of work and painstaking attention to detail. No wall is left unadorned by the words of Allah in Kufic calligraphic form. His worktable is littered with containers of supplies, a poetic chaos that only Belal seems to know his way around.

“Young artists don’t always have patience to spend a long time in front of piece of Qur’an or piece of art. I don’t know why.

Everyone today is rushing,” he said.

Sometimes, he said, he spends weeks, even months in his studio working on pieces.

While many simply admire the beauty of his completed work, Belal describes the process as the most important part.

The weeks and months he spends on individual pieces is an act of worship in his eyes. The virtue of patience in calligraphy is paralleled by the virtue of patience in Islam. For him, internalizing the calligraphic text and its meaning is just as important as creating it. Like you cannot rush reading the Qur’an, you cannot rush through writing it either.

This is the flaw that Belal feels many

Because of the desire for quick turn around and the advent of computer software that generates calligraphic text at the push of a button, Belal is concerned about the future of classical calligraphic styles. Though more and more people are able to create it, he worries that the true importance and significance of working with the words of Allah is taking a back seat to more quick and easy styles of modern calligraphy.

“I don’t know,” he said, “[The future] could be good. I hope people understand [classical] calligraphy and have a taste for it in the future.”

Sitting in his family room on a small red chair, Belal recounted a story that strengthened his conviction in the need for patience and time in calligraphy. In 1999 Gulluk, a western Turkish town sixty miles east of Istanbul was rattled by a devastating earthquake. Amidst rubble, a centuries old mosque remained seemingly unharmed.

The mosque remained standing, he said, because of the way it was constructed.

It was not constructed overnight. It was constructed brick by brick and designed to last. It was built by hand and with Iman. Calligraphy should be approached the same way, he continued.

Some of his best work begins as he’s listening to Qur’anic recitation.

“Sometimes when I listen to Quran and I hear a verse that I really like, I make it as art,” said Belal.

Though Belal has been a calligrapher for decades, he is still constantly trying to improve and build on his skills. He pulled out a stack of textbooks and began flipping through the pages. He stopped on a page every so often to explain the details of the calligraphy and how he hopes to learn and add onto the style.

Skilled calligraphers from centuries ago act as his teachers. Like people follow major Muslim scholars, he also spends time learning from major Muslim calligraphers in hopes of keeping their knowledge relevant today. The beauty of c a l l i g ra p h y, h e s a i d , c o m e s fro m t h e c a l l i g ra p h e r, n o t t h e m a t e ri a l s >> ART Pg 14

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Special Eid Event About Inclusion, Awareness

By Mona Al-Mousa

they had to sit still for a long time.

Muslim Link Staff Writer

Mohammed, 11, sits at the coloring station angrily stomping his foot, because he is unable to open up all the colors.

Mohammed has Autism. Children who have Autism have problems with sensory integration, and they depend mostly on their visual senses. For Mohammed, a box of colors is an intense experience.

Mohammed finally spreads out almost all the colors in front of him. “It’s important for Muslims to have events like this,” said Rasha Abulohom, his sister and one of the organizers of a similar special needs Eid event at the Muslim American Society center in 2010.

Four year-old Zaki waits patiently in line as a volunteer fills his bag with popcorn.

Before he could get a taste of the salty snack, his older sister grabbed the bag and took off running. Zaki’s head dropped with disappointment.

Zaki’s mom, Nureen Huda, explained that her daughter grabbed the popcorn to make sure it was OK for Zaki to eat it. Zaki has Down syndrome.

On Sunday, September 5, 2011, the EquallyAble Foundation and Global Deaf Muslims joined together with All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center to host an Eid Event for children with special needs.

The ADAMS center gym was set-up with two giant moon bounces, coloring and face painting stations, and plenty of food.

Everything at the event was free.

“One in three families has a child with special needs, but we rarely see them in our community, or at the masjid,” Mohammed Yousuf who chaired the event along with co-chairperson Altaf Hussain.

The event lasted from 6pm till 9pm with no set arrival time; special needs children often need more time to prepare for events outside the home.

This was first special needs awareness event held at ADAMS. The organizers hope to see some of the families come back

Mohammed Abulohom, 11, colors at an Eid celebration for children with special needs. Mohammed has Autism, a condition where colors often play a critical role in learning and perception. Photo by Danyah Alwazir. to ADAMS center in the future. Yousuf said ADAMS has some accommodations for people with special needs such as ramps and elevators.

Zaki eventually was allowed to eat the popcorn, but only after his mother checked it out. Nureen Huda takes Zaki with her everywhere to help integrate him into the community. She’s always happy to bring him to events such as this one, especially because she always meets families who can relate to her experiences raising a special needs child.

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A major goal of the Eid event was inclusion. Even though it was mainly for children with special needs, the celebration was open to everyone, so as not to create any limitations. This made the children feel a part of the community, explained organizers.

Volunteer Tahamin Ala, 15, said many more children showed up at the special needs event than at other, similar children’s events at ADAMS. She noticed that the children at this event took keen interest in the face painting and chose the more intricate designs even though that meant

Abulohom says that although it’s easier to take Mohammed to special events such as this one, she still feels like she can take him everywhere. She says it just gets overwhelming sometimes trying to bring him to the Eid celebrations, because sometimes people are not as understanding.

Altaf Hussain pointed out one girl that was having trouble staying inside the gym because her condition made her more sensitive to loud noises. At any other Eid event this may have been distressful to her mother, who was following closely behind her, but at this event she didn’t need to explain her daughter’s behavior.

As for Zaki, the event kept him up way past his usual 6:30pm bedtime. He took in the scene, sitting on the moon bounce, munching on popcorn.

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

8 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Domestic Violence Conference Held at UMD

By Mona Al-Mousa

organizers, and guest speakers all pointed out that domestic violence is an issue found throughout all religions and cultures. Sharon O’ Brian from Peaceful Families project pointed out that Islam is different, because it directly prohibits domestic violence. In Islam divorce is permissible and can be initiated by women.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter October is domestic violence awareness month, so Baltimore’s Muslimat AlNisaa’s shelter for homeless women planned an event to raise awareness about the issue, largely taboo in the Muslim community.

As in previous years, the daytime conference did not draw that many people; guests were outnumbered by vendors and volunteers. Around 6 pm, however, the banquet all the tables were filled with only a few chairs to spare. “The turnout has been excellent. Community advocates, professionals, and people concerned about the issue all came out” Said Sharon O’ Brian.

“This affair should have been promoted more, these rooms should be full,” said one attendee who attended the conference preceding a fundraising banquet for Muslimat An-Nisaa. In response another women explained that domestic violence is a very intimate ‘don’t kiss and don’t tell’ situation. On why people don’t discuss the issue more, she said “you’re not going to get a ra-ra rally against domestic violence.”

The tables for the banquet were decorated with purple and yellow table cloths, which are Muslimat Al-Nisaa’s traditional colors. Each attendee received pamphlets and information booklets about domestic violence along with a ribbon and a bracelet in observance with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Over 4 million women in America are subjected to domestic violence every year, and less than 1% of incidents are reported.

The October 9, 2011 Muslimat AlNisaa domestic violence conference and fundraising banquet was held at the University of Maryland’s Colony Ballroom in the Stamp Student Union.

Guest speakers included Dr. Sherman Jackson, and Imam Siraj Wahaj.

There were many vendors set up throughout the ballroom. Also many social service organizations such as: Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Help (F.A.I.T.H) and the Peaceful Families Project (PFP).

F.A.I.T.H is a non-profit organization located in Herndon. They have a food pantry, thrift shop, orphans program, and they provide social service to people in the area Muslims as well as non Muslims. PFP is dedicated to ending domestic violence specifically in Muslim households by educating Imams on how to deal with these situations. Tooba University, a new degree-granting Islamic university based in College Park, Maryland also supported the event with a vending table.

Many of the attendees were happy with

Guest speaker Dr. Sherman Jackson spoke directly to the social service organizations and said: “I hope that eventually as a community we will be able to put you out of business”. He stressed that the community as a whole should feel a responsibility for this problem, because everyone is affected by it.

Top, Imam Siraj Wahaj explains that shelters are not the ideal place for Muslim women, but sometimes they are the only safe place when they are victimes of domestic abuse. Bottom, organizers said the evening banquet for Muslimat An-Nisaa had a good turnout. Photos by Danyah Alwazir. the information they received from the panel of speakers which included Dr. Jimmy Jones, Muhammad Ibn Bashir, Sharon O’ Brian, and Dr. Sulayman Nyang. They felt more informed, and felt the need for change in the community.

A short film put together by Peaceful Families was presented to the attendees.

The film went through each step of the

domestic violence cycle. It followed the story of five Muslim women survivors, and it talked about how to end domestic violence in Muslim families.

Domestic violence consists of verbal, emotional, sexual, physical, and psychological violence. Women subjected to domestic violence live in a state of constant fear and anxiety. Attendees,

Dr. Jackson asked everyone to think holistically as a community, because if the issue is not solved then it will reproduce itself. He explained how domestic violence is cycle because even if you are not affected by it directly, someone’s child is, and that child will grow up and get married and fall into the same thing if the people are not educated. “We need to rise to our obligation as a community. Change comes step by step with consistency,” he said.

Dr. Sulayman Nyang from Howard BANQUET Pg 12

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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10 |COMMUNITY NEWS

Tahrir and McPherson: Congruent Squares?

By Wafa Unus

unfamiliar with the plight of Occupy DC. Alwazir meets with donors and speaks with a few protestors who were looking things to do. As she steps away to attend to some personal work, I took a gander around the park on my own.

Muslim Link Staff Reporter I waited at the edge of McPherson Square for a young woman whom I had connected with earlier about the Occupy DC protests. My phone chimed and a new text message read “Hey, I’m next to the food bench.” As I approached the food bench, littered with boxes filled with everything from open boxes of crackers to crates of bottled water, I was greeted

by Rooj Alwazir, a young woman in her early twenties dressed in jeans and a tshirt. Large sunglasses adorning her eyes on the particularly sunny and pleasant Saturday afternoon.

Just moments earlier the day’s first General Body meeting had come to a close. The voice of a young man dressed in skinny black jeans and a white shirt rang over a megaphone. He was addressing a group of sixty-some people splayed across a corner of the park. Though his voice was muffled from where I stood, the message he conveyed is heard loud and clear across the country in a movement that is being compared to the “Arab Spring” After exchanging pleasantries Alwazir and I took a walk around the park. She explained to me the dynamics of days events in McPherson Square. As we weaved through groups of people, young and old, some dressed in T-shirts and jeans and others in collared shirts and trousers, we talked about the daily schedule.

Alwazir’s day with OccupyDC starts at around 9 am as she heads to the Square from her home outside the city. Though she is not one of them, many protestors sleep at McPherson Square, Occupy DCs official base. It’s significance, Alwazir notes, is just as powerful as Wall Street.

“Wall Street is where it all happens but K street is where [corporations] actually come and pick up their money,” she said.

As we spoke, a young man stopped Alwazir and let her know that across the park was a donor who wants to speak with her. He’s wearing a black top hat she’s told. Though OccupyDC has no official positions or hierarchy, Alwazir is the unofficial fundraising contact for the

Groups of young men and women gathered underneath park trees to discuss one of the days main issues, creating a formal declaration of governance for OccupyDC. In another corner protestors made signs for upcoming protests.

A sign board at the Occupy DC rally. Photo by Andrew Bossi, Flickr local movement.

As we walked around the park in search of the man in the top hat, she began to tell me about how she got involved in the movement.

A recent graduate of Marymount University with a degree in Marketing, Alwazir was able to find employment but was laid off and has been out of work for almost eleven months. Though she has her mother in the area and lives in the family home, she has considerable student loans.

Because she has a roof over her head and some income to rely on, Alwazir ranks among the more well off protestors. On the flip side are many people, her age, who are homeless, unemployed, drowning in debt or all of the above. She immediately recognized that she was one of the lucky ones in a situation that has knocked many young American citizens off their feet and left them dazed and confused as to where to turn for support.

She hopes that OccupyDC will be the place they turn to.

“People are frustrated and angered at the status of our government and economy but people are beginning to feel empowered and positive about things. They are more energized because they know now that the whole world is watching and is standing by their side,” said Alwazir.

We approached the man with the top hat that Alwazir had been searching for.

The tall slender man pulled her aside and spoke with her, voicing his financial support for the movement. As she finished her conversation with the donor, another protestor called her name. He handed her a few bills that were given to him by another man who had attended the General Assembly meeting. She placed donations in a large white bucket.

“This is for the shopping cart,” the young man said as he handed over the bills.

Alwazir thanked him and we continued our walk. I asked her about the shopping cart. I had heard an older gentleman stand up earlier at the General Assembly meeting and offer to purchase a shopping cart from a local convenience store near the Square. He had to leave, so he decided to leave the cash for the protestors to make the purchase.

“We’re being allowed to stay in the park but we really don’t know when we may be made to leave. Things like shopping carts help us stay organized and move things quickly if needed. We’re always looking for containers or things like that to help us stay organized and efficient,” explained Alwazir The tasks of the day included welcoming new people to the protests and passing out fliers and educating those who are

After taking care of business, the protestors have some downtime. McPherson square quickly transforms from discussions of corporate greed to pockets of artistic expression. In one corner a small group gathered, clapping and cheering. A band had arrived to entertain the crowd. They sang a set or two as people danced, cheered and clapped. There cheery tunes served as an uplifting reminder that the protestors were not alone and that their cause did not have to be one of constant hardship. For those who had been camping out, the entertainment was a welcome distraction.

As the band packed up one protestor exclaimed, “Thank you so much! We needed that!”

There was a distinct juxtaposition of energy and helplessness. Just a quick turn from where the band had played to a cheering crowd were strews of sleeping bags and tarps lining the grass. In the light of afternoon several people felt safer huddled underneath their belongings or tucked in their sleeping bags.

An overwhelming sense of vulnerability mixed cautiously with glimmers of hope.

So many felt they had done everything right to realize an American dream that seemed to have vanished from in front of them. Dreams of home ownership, steady incomes and financial stability that their parents and grandparents based their lives in America on are seemingly no longer an option for majority of Americans.

Alwazir had hoped for a brighter future for

McPherson Pg 13

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COMMUNITY NEWS | 11

occupy

>> continued from pg 1

they have taken a lesson from the young people who stood in Tahrir Square with a simple yet extremely significant call for change.

In a region where religion and war are often the main topics of conversation in U.S. media coverage, Tahrir Square gave rise to a different headline, a simple idea that the people had had enough of financial corruption in the government and demanded economic change that benefited the citizens, not corporations.

It was a sentiment that rang true in the United States as well and served as a powerful sign of hope for a young generation of Americans still grasping for a fading American dream.

One young man traveled from the Occupy Wall Street movement to Washington D.C. in hopes of rallying up more support for the cause in the nations capital. John Anthony Rodriquez, called Geko by his fellow protestors is a self proclaimed “former suit” who used to work on Wall Street. Recently out of work, he found himself trading in his suit for a pair of jeans and a cargo jacket. Written in black permanent marker on the back of his jacket were the worlds ‘Occupy DC.’ Resting atop his head was a Guy Fawkes mask, a symbol of revolution. Rodriquez joined the movement motivated by the power and potential behind similar protests like in Tahrir Square.

“It just shows that there is no limitations to what any one person or one body of persons can do to impact the world. This is not only taking place in America, this is

The scene at Occupy DC at McPherson Square where protestors slept and organized for each day of protest action.

Many signs mocked the corporate executives who protestors accuse of profiting off of middle and lower income Americans.

“Occupations” protests have spread across the nation. Photos by the author. taking place in the world. There is Occupy Tokyo. There is Occupy Moscow. There is Occupy Berlin. There is Occupy London Stock Exchange,” said Rodriquez

payoff, they ask? The American economic system is broken and they’ve found themselves the unsuspecting victims of a global crisis.

While the U.S. government stood behind the protests in Tahrir Square movement, there is growing frustration in McPherson Square as protesters wait and wonder what type of support and action they will see from their own government.

As protestors began to set up camp in the Square at the start of October, preparing to take their stand against an economic corruption that was forcing them out of their homes and further into debt, they were met by those who were all too familiar with their struggles.

Young, well educated, men and women have set up camp in the Square with no intention of leaving anytime soon.

Many have been laid off from jobs or unable to find employment after graduating from some of the nations premier universities. For many, their dream is not one of luxurious lifestyles or fatter paychecks. Most simply put, they’re looking for answers. They worked hard.

They followed the rules. Where is the

While some of Washington D.C.s homeless moved away from the protestors, others made a point to join in on the movement.

One man who called himself “Bear” took a special interest in Occupy DC. A tall, portly man with a weathered face but a soft voice, Bear volunteers as the local medic.

In January, Bear found himself in one of the most significant places in the world

at one of the most significant times in modern history, completely by accident.

He and his wife had decided to take the little money they had and use it to travel.

With friends in Cairo, Egypt they knew they’d have a safe place to stay. When they arrived in Cairo, their friends asked them to join them at a local protest in Tahrir Square. Completely unaware that the trip would change his world perspective, Bear gladly joined in and has since brought his experiences back with him as a lesson for how Americans can begin for America what Egyptians did for Egypt and the Middle East.

“I believe its great. I believe it’ll be effective here. Yes, this is modeled after the movement in the Middle East. It’s worked there. It can work here also,” he said.

OCCUPY II Pg 15

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12 |COMMUNITY NEWS appointed

>> continued from pg 4

One of the projects Hasan is currently involved in is aligning K-12 education with higher education. “Right now, folks who come up from K-12 are not ready for college,” says Hasan. “They have to take remedial courses, which cost time and money. [We are trying] to avoid additional courses taken by the students.”

Judge Hassan El-Amin says over his 11 years as a District Court judge he has presided over cases requiring general jurisdiction, small claims, large claims, bond reviews, misdemeanors and domestic violence. “The Circuit Court involves intimate jurisdiction,” explains Judge El-Amin, “with no limits to the amount of money involved [in the cases].

The jurisdiction is much larger and deeper from the District Court,” he says. The Circuit Court, which includes Family Court and Juvenile Court, also has jury trials with cases involving felonies like murder and manslaughter, whereas the

District Court only tries misdemeanor cases.

When asked how he feels as a Muslim American in his role, Judge El-Amin reflected how he was worried about conflicts when he first took his job as a judge. However, he had “great confidence in the constitution of America and the great principles and Quranic principles [within it], such as the sanctity of human life and the free will that every man and woman possesses.”

“In many, many ways the legal system in this country is more Islamic than in some Muslim countries,” says El-Amin.

“Sometimes there are problems, such as the high interest rates we have to impose, which religiously seem usurious.

[However] I am an officer of the law and I have to fulfill my oaths. Sometimes its difficult, like putting people out of their homes because they are not paying rent or mortgage.”

El-Amin says he has never experienced a “severe contradiction” between serving as a judge and being Muslim. “As a matter of fact, it is refreshing,” he says. “In my job, I am able to be an agent of peace,

mercy and justice.” He reflected warmly on Governor O’Malley’s outreach to the Muslim community, including hosting an iftar during Ramadan for the past 5 years, of which Judge El-Amin has attended 4 years. He recalls how his interview for this position was in Ramadan and how upon meeting him that day, Governor O’Malley greeted him with “Assalam alaikum” and “Ramadan Mubarak”.

“Maryland is a fairly progressive state and the Maryland Judiciary has been very progressive, under Chief Judge Robert M. Bell,” says El-Amin. In 2006, El-Amin organized and conducted a workshop entitled, “What Judges Need to Know About Islam” at a Maryland Judicial Conference in Cambridge, Maryland.

“This was at the request of my colleagues in the judicial system,” says El-Amin.

Among the speakers he invited for the workshop were the late W.D.Muhammad and Arsalan Iftekar of CAIR from the Council on American Islamic Relations.

The title of the workshop was suggested by retired Judge Alan Wilner, who is of the Jewish faith. fbi

>> continued from pg 5

only, and was quickly discontinued because it was inconsistent with FBI standards on this topic,” read the statement.

However, exclusive reporting from WIRED magazine showed the antiMuslim training was conducted at more than one location and on several different dates.

BANQUET

>> continued from pg 8 University told those in attendance to see themselves as leaders of the community and to come as one and put an end to this issue.

He pointed out that there are pre-marital and marital counseling programs provided by many of the Muslim organizations.

“If she is your wife, she is your sister in Islam” said Siraj Wahaj imam of Al-Taqwa mosque in Brooklyn New York. He pointed out that men in Islam are supposed to protect, but women are being brutalized in their own home.

“It was a very fine seminar,” recalls ElAmin. “It is important [for the judges] to get exposure to all of the Abrahamic faiths,” he says, noting that they had previously all gone to the Holocaust Museum in 2004.

“There is so much misunderstanding [about Islam],” notes El-Amin. “A lot of exposure that judges and the judicial system get to Islam is through prisoners [who convert to Islam during incarceration for violent crimes]. Between ‘terrorists’ and ‘criminal converts’, a lot of people in the justice system get a very skewed perspective on Islam.”

El-Amin reflected on a quote by Nelson Mandela, “Bigotry and prejudice are grandchildren of ignorance and fear.”

“Judges work hard to dispel and abolish these two enemies, so decisions can be made in light of justice and fairness,” says Judge El-Amin. “Anyone who comes into court should expect to be treated with the dignity and respect that all God’s children deserve. That is the duty of the court.”

Since the exposure of these training documents to the public, the FBI has been on damage control, facing severe criticism not only from Muslim rights organizations but from Congress as well. However, FBI Director Robert Mueller insisted when testifying in Congress that the Bureau was no longer engaging in these “rare” and “isolated” training sessions. However, questions remain as to whether or not the FBI’s Quantico library, a private resource for agents, still carries numerous books written by anti-Islam authors.

Imam Siraj Wahaj told everyone in attendance to make a pledge to never abuse. He urged everyone to do what the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam) said which is helping your brother if he is oppressed or if he is an oppressor. If he is oppressed help him, and if he is an oppressor stop him.

“Shelters are not the ultimate answer but if the women have nowhere to go, it is the best answer” said imam Wahaj.

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October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011 McPherson

>> continued from pg 10

herself after completing her education but soon realized that was no longer a right, but an opportunity she would have to fight for. Unemployed for almost a year and still facing student loans, she’s simply had enough.

This is not Alwazir’s first protest for economic equality. Since the Arab Spring broke out in January, she has been protesting almost none stop.

This is her Arab-Spring.

“When people in Tahrir started protesting it gave me great hope that if something were to start in the U.S. this is how to do it. Occupation and determination is key.

America stood with the Tahrir protestors, so the US government should stand by Occupy DC protestors now too. We aren’t doing anything illegal. We just want our rights and our dignity back,” she said.

She believes that protestors in the U.S.

COMMUNITY NEWS | 13

are fighting the same battle that those in Tahrir Square fought, financial corruption in the government.

“I think the Egyptian revolution in particular restored hope in people. Their peaceful calls were unfortunately met with brutal violence. We can learn from Tahrir that when that happened it only brought more people our to the streets.

I suppose no one told the NYC police that though, when the two girls in NYC were pepper-sprayed and others beat with batons. More people took to the streets just like Egypt.”

Alwazir hopes that those involved in OccupyDC and similar protests around the nation can learn from Egypt and from the ‘Arab Spring.’

“If they succeeded, we can too.

This nonviolent leaderless movement is a step in the right direction. We may not have the numbers of Tahrir but it will not stop us. This model taken by the Arabs to occupy and demand our voices be heard is what is needed.”

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October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

14 |COMMUNITY NEWS islamophobia

>> continued from pg 5

a letter protesting the invitation.

While CCWRC is allowed to invite speakers it wishes, the MCCRC is very concerned that such an event would send out a wrong message: that Muslims were a threat to society.

Saqib Ali - former Maryland State Delegate - felt the best way to tackle the club’s invitation was to “have a debate in an open public forum... where people can hear and judge.”

Given Saturday’s events, however, it seems this gesture was met with silence.

Shahid Buttar, executive director of the Bill of Rights Defense Commitee and civil rights lawyer, said that despite the set back, the way forward was not to humiliate, embarrass, or fight - only to “fight bad speech with good speech.”

At the forum, guest speakers were unable to fight this “bad speech” directly. But they did send out a strong message, with plenty of good speech going around.

Corey Saylor challenged fear-mongers directly, citing that he will continue to fight against Oklahoma’s anti-Sharia amendment. “Wrap your head around this,” Saylor said, “We’re at the forefront

of defending the Constitution from people who are looking to undermine it because they want to protect its symbolic value by getting rid of its real protections.”

Guest speakers also stressed that the fact that Muslims cannot sit back and relax, knowing that they are protected by the clauses of the Bill of Rights. “If law meant anything in this country we would have that too, but we don’t live in a country governed by the rule of law any more,” Buttar said.

Though set back by the lack of dialogue between the opposing sides, Ali and MCCRC organizers say they will continue to work to protect civil rights and civil liberties. The MCCRC has launched a campaign “It’s not just unconstitutional, it’s stupid!” to eliminate the Metro bag search program and opposed the county youth curfew.

MCCRC is a coalition of organizations organizing to protect our civil liberties and civil rights everywhere by protecting them where we live — in Montgomery County, Maryland. It advocates a Montgomery County Civil Rights Restoration Act based on a model ordinance developed by the Bill of Rights Defense Committee.

-----------------------------------------------For full footage of the forum visit: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P L9BD1D619C4B1098C

ART

>> continued from pg 6 a n d m e t h o d s.

Belal hopes that one day his work will motivate the hearts and minds of others as calligraphers before him motivated his work.

“I’d like to see my work in many mosques, in any mosque in America. Not in a Saudi Arabian mosque, but in America to show everyone, Christians, Jews and nonMuslims our contribution,” he said.

As for sharing his unique talents, he has plans to begin teaching calligraphy but knows that finding the right students will be the most challenging task.

“They have to have good hand, good taste and good feeling. If one day they find a good verse from the Qur’an and they feel good about this verse and they study it, then they’ll start doing art,” said Belal.

He walked into his upstairs office to show exactly what he meant. On each wall hung two or three pieces of calligraphy made from a wide variety of materials including canvas, wood, plastics, tile, glass and stone. Each focused around the text “Allah,” but took a slightly different form and style. He explained that though they all say the same thing, the styles

convey different feelings. Some show a softness in curves, others a sharpness.

While some are made with materials that shine and reflect, others exhibit distinct complexities in design. The style and material choices are a reflection of the feelings he had when he encountered the verse and how he visualized the beauty of their meaning.

A quiet man of few words, Belal prefers to speak through his calligraphy.

“A lot of people make Daw’ah by speech.

No one uses art for Daw’ah. This is my feeling, to show people Islam by art, not by speech,” he said. “We are looking for peace and can contribute something beautiful to the world.”

Belal’s work is displayed in several local area mosques and can be seen on his website abislamicart.com.

Though Belal’s work is for sale, his motivation is not for profit.

“For me, this is not about business, it’s worship,” he said.

His calligraphy is as classic as he is.

Beginning as a young man in Egypt, Belal found his way to the suburbs of the D.C. metropolitan area, his calligraphy a constant source of unwavering worship that connects his past, enriches his present and motivates his future.

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October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011 occupy ii

>> continued from pg 11 As for taking cues from the Middle East, Bear admits the American public may not be completely ready to admit that examples can be taken from an Arab nation.

“There is a lot of anti-arab feeling in this country. I don’t care where you’re from or who you are. Black, white, Muslim, Sikh, from Mars, we’re all in this together. That’s what makes America great. We do not have room or time for any racism or prejudice in this movement,” Bear said.

After his time in Tahrir Square, he knows one thing for sure.

“The night that Mubarak stepped down there was a lot of shredded paper. If I ever run into anyone who says Arabs are lazy again. I’m going to stuff them with that shredded paper. I kept some,” he laughed. “[Tahrir Square] did cause me to think and really want to be here today.”

Like Tahrir Square, the Occupy DC movement is highly dependent on social media to get the word out and to encourage civic involvement. Though Occupy DC is still in its infancy compared to its mother movement Occupy Wall Street, protestors believe that many more will join in as the word spread. According to the Occupy DC website activists from Occupy Wall Street have traveled down to the district to help protestors set up live stream cameras.

Twitter is filled with #OccupyDC updates and Facebook pages are being constantly updated with new information on General Assembly meetings and protest plans.

Since protestors set up in McPherson Square, numbers have grown from ten to fifteen to hundreds and continue to increase daily. Rodriquez, who spends most of his time engaging passerby’s in discussions about the movement and sharing what the movement is about, believes that slow and steady will most certainly win this race.

“You can’t rush perfection. You can’t rush art. You can’t rush revolution.” he said.

While the media has struggled to ascertain the exact agenda behind Occupy DC, the protestors continue to insist that there is no specific agenda or list of demands, and likely will not be for some time.

“Why do we need to answer to [the media] now just because [they] want an answer

COMMUNITY NEWS | 15

now? We don’t have an answer now. We’re working on it,” said Rodriquez.

Nothing, he continued, would be done on the media’s time table. As for definitive answers on that subject, the world would just have to wait and see.

However, one issue remains clear in the Occupy DC movement, protestors want to be heard by a government that is willing to work towards the needs of its people, not for the money of corporations.

For those who don’t have a clue why hundreds are gathering in McPherson Square at night, or why thousands around the world are raising their collective voice, the answer is neither elusive nor complex, according to Rodriquez.

“All you have to do is open up a Forbes Magazine. All you have to do is open a newspaper. All you have to do is open an international newspaper. All you have to do is go online. Find this information out for yourself. Find out what’s wrong with America.”

Though the agenda or demands of Occupy DC remain unknown to many within the movement and on the outside, there is a sense of hope among the protestors that though there may be no quick fixes or immediate answers, a group of like minded, passionate individuals can stand up, occupy and see a change, just like they did in Tahrir Square.

The question remains, is this the “American Fall” after the “Arab Spring?”

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16 | CIVIL RIGHTS

Civil Rights

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

Frank Miller’s Holy Terror Is Fodder for Anti-Islam Set That means it’s a mistake to write off Holy Terror as unimportant or a stumble in an otherwise great career.

It’s a cultural flag, planted to serve as a “reminder that we’re in the midst of a long war,” Miller told Comic-Con International this year, against an enemy that’s “pernicious, deceptive and merciless and wants nothing less than total destruction.”

By Spencer Ackerman WIRED Magazine September 28, 2011

Frank Miller doesn’t do things halfway.

One of the true comic-book greats, he’s created several of the most extraordinary stories ever to grace the art form. So perhaps it’s fitting that now he’s produced one of the most appalling, offensive and vindictive comics of all time.

Holy Terror, Miller ’s long, long, long-awaited statement on 9/11 and counterterrorism, hit comic book stores Wednesday. Longtime Miller watchers have viewed it with apprehension, hoping that his dark views about the source of that national trauma wouldn’t turn the comic into a vulgar, one-dimensional revenge fantasy. They were wrong. It’s even worse than that.

Miller’s Holy Terror is a screed against Islam, completely uninterested in any nuance or empathy toward 1.2 billion people he conflates with a few murderous conspiracy theorists. It’s no accident that it’s being released ten years after 9/11. This comic would be unthinkable during the unity that the U.S. felt after the attack.

Instead, it’s a perfect cultural artifact of this dark period in American life, when the FBI teaches its agents that “mainstream” Islam is indistinguishable from terrorism and a community center near Ground Zero gets labeled a “victory mosque.” Call it the artwork of 9/11 decadence, when all that remains of a horror is a carefully nurtured grievance.

Holy Terror, the inaugural offering from Legendary Comics, starts out with the Fixer, an ersatz Batman, enjoying a tryst with an ersatz Catwoman when they’re interrupted by a nail bomb. The culprit: a “humanities major” named Amina, an Islamist version of the psychopathic Rorschach from Watchmen, who sneers that the “haughty” skyline of Empire City is like “sharpened sticks aimed at

the eyes of God.” The Fixer’s response is to go to war — indiscriminately. “We give them what they want, minus the innocent victims,” the Fixer thinks as he opens fire. To bring the point home Miller draws 14 stereotypical Muslim faces around the righteous anti-hero. Naturally, the only way to learn more about the next attack is to torture a surviving terrorist — which Miller illustrates pornographically — even though the Scary Muslim says “pain means nothing to me,” so it’s not like the Fixer is torturing, you know, a human being.

“So Mohammed,” the Fixer says, “Pardon me for guessing your name, but you’ve got to admit the odds are pretty good that it’s Mohammed.” Naturally, the terrorists are amassing an army in a mosque, against whose walls “the night winds blow away seven centuries.” That’s the tenor of the book, though I won’t spoil the ending.

The tragedy is that Miller is no hack.

Throughout his 35-year career, he’s been one of comics’ few undisputed geniuses.

Check the resume: from Daredevil to Ronin to Sin City, Miller excels at exploring the dark side of humanity without reducing his characters to simplistic killing machines. His Dark Knight Returns was one of the gamechanging comics of the 1980s, the greatest Batman story ever told, a book that rivals Watchmen in its ability to prove that comics are literature. As an artist, Miller’s forte is in stark black-and-white color schemes, yet he creates worlds where the morality is a subtle gray.

He is also at the height of his cultural influence. The film adaptations of Sin City and 300 were so successful that Hollywood actually let him direct The Spirit. Christopher Nolan’s rebooted Batman trilogy would be unthinkable if Miller had never created The Dark Knight Returns. Word is that the upcoming Daredevil movie reboot will be based on Miller’s “Born Again” storyline.

That quote, and Holy Terror itself, ignores practically everything about the actual strategic situation the United States is in. The jihadists of Holy Terror are legion, killing American civilians at will. In reality, al-Qaida is decimated, relentlessly battered by drone strikes, its iconic leader killed by U.S. Navy SEALs, and unable to pull off even relatively unsophisticated plots like packing bombs into printer cartridges and detonating them on cargo planes.

Terrorists lack the capacity to do lasting damage to the U.S., and so they rely on American overreaction to do the job for them. Readers of Holy Terror will never know any of that — nor will they know that al-Qaida’s victims are mostly Muslims themselves. If Miller was really interested in delivering a propaganda blow to al-Qaida, he would have made a comic book laughing at its incompetence.

So it’s hard to escape the conclusion that Miller is emotionally unprepared for actually defeating al-Qaida. He’s bought into the myth of a “Long War” for so long that the only measurement he has for victory is that the U.S. keeps aimlessly fighting. Once the Fixer has his mission, he observes, “I am at peace.

And at war.”

Oh, and Miller has one other metric for success: “really p***[ing] people off,” as he told Comic-Con. By that he means his fellow Americans, who are at risk of believing that Islam isn’t out to kill their

>> miller Pg 17

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011 miller

>> continued from pg 16

grandmothers. Americans are “naïve,” one of the plotters in Holy Terror cackles.

Miller is hardly the only one to think so. His comic is the latest in a recent line of bigoted statements against Islam masquerading as a truth that liberals are too craven to accept. The same dreck is on display with the group that led the summer 2010 fight against the so-called “Ground Zero Mosque”: Stop Islamization of America, which the Anti-Defamation League has labeled a “conspiratorial” extremist group. One of its ringleaders, the blogger Pamela Geller, is now threatening to sue New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority for rejecting one of her ads, which calls opponents of Israel “savages.”

For Geller’s self-righteous ilk, rejection by the mainstream is proof of their selfevident virtue, a reminder that the rest of the country just can’t handle the reality of

the “Muslim threat.”

That sentiment has made its way into the halls of the FBI. In January, one of its field offices entertained a lecture on Islamic law from Stephen Coughlin, a former Pentagon consultant on the subject.

Coughlin’s typical spiel contends that there’s a “ten-year plan” to make “defamation of Islam a crime” around the world. His PowerPoints blare that “The SILENCE in the mainstream media on this DIRECT ASSAULT is DEAFENING! — not just on speech — but on thought itself!!” The FBI retains a counterterrorism analyst, William Gawthrop, who analogizes Islam to the Death Star and has called al-Qaida “irrelevant” compared to the threat of Islam itself. Gawthrop has taught this material to the FBI’s newly minted counterterrorism agents at Quantico.

It would seem that the near-total defeat of al-Qaida isn’t enough for this cohort,

CIVIL RIGHTS so they enlarge the problem to all of Islam. Through this prism, they play-act a civilizational war, one that’s supposed to give life — and America — meaning beyond the mundane reality of vigilant counterterrorism. It’s more of a fantasy than anything you get on Wednesday at the comic store.

It’s ironic: In the aftermath of 9/11, even George W. Bush went out of his way to embrace Muslim-American citizens.

“The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends; it is not our many Arab friends,” Bush said. Yet Coughlin, in his master’s thesis, said Bush’s tolerance had “a chilling effect on those tasked to define the enemy’s doctrine by effectively placing a policy bar on the unconstrained analysis of Islamic doctrine as a basis for this threat.”

And following 9/11, Miller himself had a sophisticated, complex reaction, intolerant of anyone’s easy pieties.

As David Brothers at Comic Alliance

| 17

reminds, Miller contributed to a volume called 9-11 Artists Respond by offering a scathing, stark series of captions — “I’m sick of flags. I’m sick of God. I’ve seen the power of faith.” — over a haunting illustration of the World Trade Center wreckage.

But it wasn’t God who knocked down the Towers. It was fanatics who believed themselves to have deciphered His true message. Miller doesn’t realize that by portraying them as true disciples of Islam, he’s giving the murderers what they want most. That’s the real terror of Holy Terror, the real lie, and the real naïveté.

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

18 | OPINION

Opinion

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

Anwar al-Awlaki: A Missed Opportunity Written by Asim Qureshi, Cageprisoners.com

The current US administration should reflect on the opportunity that it missed in Anwar al-Awlaki to understand the needs of the Muslim community and engage with it in order to reach a wider audience.

Over the last year, Anwar al-Awlaki has been a figure of interest to the world due to various incidents that he is alleged to have been involved in. The media has attempted to portray al-Awlaki as everything from a radical preacher to Al-Qaeda’s spiritual guide in Yemen. The reality is that for the first time, the media is facing a Muslim figure who, at one point, had extremely wide appeal particularly with Muslims who have grown up with English as their first language. This of course provides a conundrum for all those who engage with his message/s - for there is a clear disparity between the Anwar al-Awlaki pre-detention in Yemen to the one that we see today. The issue is even more confusing for those who still listen to his lectures of the past and find them to be of great value in their lives.

Anwar Al-awlaki Pre-detention His invitation to have lunch at the Pentagon and also his condemnation of the 9/11 attacks set al-Awlaki up as the perfect individual to help provide some balance and understanding at the time that it was needed most. This was further evidenced by the clearing he received by to preach the Friday sermon at the mosque on Capitol Hill after 9/11 at the invitation of Jameel Johnson, the Chief of Staff to Congressman Gregory Meeks. At the time security was so tight, that both the FBI and the secret service vetted him for clearance to conduct the sermon - they had no problem with him proceeding despite the thorough checks.

This is not to say that al-Awlaki was a pacifist, rather part of his message was to aid those who were being oppressed, but

at that time, it was not to take the lives of civilians.

R a t h e r, h e specifically condemned the actions of those who chose to carry out the 9/11 attacks and this fact was recognised in the widespread popularity he had with Muslims from all the various communities and sects.

Even after the US invasion of Afghanistan, Anwar al-Awlaki continued to preach in the US and was invited by the Washington Post to speak about the Muslim holy month of Ramadan by answering any questions that were posed to him by the American public - the Q&A was extremely telling of his views at the time.

Through the questions he was asked in his capacity as an Imam, the opportunity to speak to a major news outlet was used by him in order to preach a message of peace, “There are inter-faith services held in our mosque and around the greater DC area and in all over the country. The best thing our non-Muslim friends could do is to do some reading of the Quran. The Quran is the center of the religion and by reading it one would be able to get the best explanation of what Islam is about. We definitely need more mutual understanding.”

When specifically questioned about his criticism of the war against Afghanistan, his reply was: “The Taliban said: show us the evidence and we will turn over whoever is guilty with the crime. The US should have given them the benefit of the doubt. Also our government could have dealt with the terrorist attacks as a crime against America rather than as a war against

America. So the guilty would be tried and only them would be punished rather than bombing an already destroyed country.

I do not restrict myself to US media. I check out Aljazeerah and European media such as the BBC. I am seeing something that you are not seeing because of the one-sidedness of the US media. I see the carnage of Afghanistan. I see the innocent civilian deaths. That is why my opinion is different.

Keep in mind that I have no sympathy for whoever committed the crimes of Sep 11th. But that doesn’t mean that I would approve the killing of my Muslim brothers and sisters in Afghanistan. Even though this is a dissenting view nowadays but as an American I do have the right to have a contrary opinion.”

The final question of interest in relation to his views on the burqa and its imposition and the education of women. Again his response is one that has much sympathy within the Muslim world, “The imposing of the Burqa on women by a government never happened in the 1400 year history of the Muslim world.

The Taliban have no precedence in this.

The Prophet along with his companions who ruled over the Muslims after him never did that.

According to Prophet Muhammad: “Education is mandatory on every Muslim male and female.” That is the teaching of Islam and if anyone does otherwise they have disobeyed the Prophet of Islam himself. About killing, the greatest sin in Islam after associating other gods besides Allah is killing an innocent soul.”

The views expressed above were not simply for the non-Muslim public as a public relations exercise, rather the content and themes of everything that he explained have been well recorded in the series of lectures that he is most well known for. Specifically, the sets that he produced on The Lives of the Prophets

and the The Life of Prophet Muhammad have found their way into millions of Muslim homes around the world. Their message and appeal was one that was well recognised and taken on as Muslims sought to understand the life of their Prophet, particularly in relation to the world we live in today. It is specifically because of these series, that at times he would receive over 800 attendees to his lectures per day, even when they spanned over two weeks periods.

Detention It was during a teaching sabbatical to his home country of Yemen that Anwar alAwlaki became cognisant of the suspicion that he was under. Despite his status as a US citizen, he was denied re-entry into the country of his nationality and was forced to remain in Yemen.

On 17 October 2006 eight foreigners were detained by the Yemeni security police who were claimed to be under surveillance of the CIA and British intelligence agencies. The Yemeni authorities claimed at the time that they had broken a Yemen Al-Qaeda network that was running guns into Somalia.

It was subsequently reported that the key to the raids was Anwar al-Awlaki (identified in the media as Abu Atiq) who was arrested six weeks before the 17 October arrests. Media reports allege that Abu Atiq was an associate of two of the 9/11 hijackers and a protégé of Abdul al-Majid al-Zindani - one of the most highly respected scholars in Yemen (and the Muslim world) - who was wanted by the US on terror related charges. At the time mention was also made of his alleged role in a foiled Al-Qaeda plot to bomb oil and gas facilities in Yemen.

He was held in the Central Security Prison in Sana’a - a prison with an appalling >> opportunity Pg 19

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011 opportunity

>> continued from pg 18

human rights record and well known for its abuse of detainees. He was detained in the prison for a period of nearly one and half years until his release on 12 December 2007.

It was on his release that Anwar alAwlaki gave an exclusive interview with Cageprisoners about the circumstances of his detention and the conditions that he was forced to endure. What was clearly evident from the start of his detention, was the fact that it was not the Yemenis who wished to detain him, rather his detention was at the specific behest of the US, “... they began asking me questions about my local Islamic activities here, and later on it was becoming clear that I was being held due to the request of the US government.

That was what they were telling me here, and that the Americans wanted to meet me.” It was during his detention that the FBI came to question al-Awlaki about various matters and that they tried to put pressure on him, “There was some pressure, which I refused to accept and that led to a conflict that occurred between me and them, because I felt that it was improper behaviour from their behalf. That led to an issue between me and them during the interrogation. That was solved however, later on, and they apologised.”

What Cageprisoners did not include in the published interview, at the request of al-Awlaki, was the abuse that he suffered in the prison. Along with the solitary confinement that he was forced to endure for such a long period, he was also subjected to various forms of abuse.

Despite all of this though, Anwar alAwlaki was still released from prison a free man without any charges having been filed against him or any of the allegations by the US having been followed up.

This in itself is important as by the end of the December 2007, al-Awlaki’s new perspective on the US and its War on Terror had not surfaced.

Over the next two years, Cageprisoners invited Anwar al-Awlaki to speak about being a detainee during the month of Ramadan at our annual fundraising dinners. Due to al-Awlaki never having been charged with any crime, we felt it appropriate that he speak about his

experiences in prison due to the wide appeal he has always had with the wider Muslim public.

At the time of our 2009 Kensington Town Hall fundraising event, Cageprisoners became aware of a document that had been issued by al-Awlaki entitled, 44 ways to support the jihad. The document is a theological argument for the support of jihad as a generality rather than having any specific instructions in relation to specific conflicts. Although we did not agree with some of the language and sentiments expressed in the document, we also felt that there was nothing criminally wrong in what he had written and were happy to proceed with him on our platform, especially as he had not espoused any views relating to the killing of civilians. We read the document in the same vein as the theological arguments that were used during the Soviet-Afghan and Balkan conflicts which were backed by the US and UK governments - that resistance in conflicts was an inherent right of the people who were invaded or occupied.

The Change: Anwar Al-awlaki Post-detention The Cageprisoners interview did not reveal any insights into the direction that al-Awlaki would take after his release, but he soon began to speak openly about his new feelings regarding the conflict and the way in which it should be conducted. Over the last three years, and in particular the last two, al-Awlaki’s opinions regarding jihad become increasingly at odds with the positions that he took prior to his detention, although initially they were justified by him through the discourse of the rules of armed conflicts. The first major interview of significance was conducted with Al Jazeera after the November 2009 shooting of US soldiers by Major Nidal Hassan, where he stated, “Because Nidal’s target was a military target inside America and there is no dispute over it. Also, these soldiers weren’t normal ones, but they were prepared and getting ready to take off to fight and kill weakened Muslims and commit crimes in Afghanistan. So, how could I, or other advocates, be silent, after some of those claiming Sharia knowledge criminalised Nidal’s operation.”

This sentiment was taken further in the interview conducted with Al Jazeera in February 2010 after the Christmas

OPINION | 19 Day bomb attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmuttalib. The Al Jazeera journalist posed the question directly that al-Awlaki had sought to justify Nidal Hasan’s operation by claiming it was against a military target, however with Umar Farouk, the airline flight was clearly civilian. The response is indicative of the changing opinion held by him, “It would have been better if the plane was a military one or if it was a US military target. Al-Qaeda organisation has its options, and the American people live [in] a democratic system and that is why they are held responsible for their policies.

The American people are the ones who have voted twice for Bush the criminal and elected Obama who is not different from Bush as his first remarks stated that he would not abandon Israel, despite the fact that there were other anti-war candidates in the US elections, but they won very few votes. The American people take part in all its government’s crimes.

If they oppose that, let them change their government. They pay the taxes which are spent on the army and they send their sons to the military, and that is why they bear responsibility.”

This feeling is well known in certain circles in the Muslim world, it is the same logic that allowed other bombings to take place such as in London and Madrid. It is the logic that finds its roots in grievance, and this is best characterised by al-Awlaki again in the 2010 interview, “Yes, I support what Umar Farouk has done after I have been seeing my brothers being killed in Palestine for more than 60 years, and others being killed in Iraq and in Afghanistan. And in my tribe too, US missiles have killed 17 women and 23 children, so do not ask me if al-Qaeda has killed or blown up a US civil jet after all this. The 300 Americans are nothing comparing to the thousands of Muslims who have been killed.”

A Missed Opportunity The current US administration should reflect on the opportunity that it missed in Anwar al-Awlaki to understand the needs of the Muslim community and engage with it in order to reach a wider audience.

Instead, the toxic legacy of torture and arbitrary detention instituted by the US has resulted in the marginalisation of

those who may have served another purpose.

It is the politics of grievance that have set the agenda for the way that some individuals have chosen to react to the conflicts they see around the world. The stabbing of the British MP Stephen Timms

by Roshonara Choudhry has become another example of this. Choudhry’s criminal act will forever be juxtaposed against the words of the sentencing judge in her case, “You intended to kill in a political cause and to strike at those in government by doing so”, a tragic message of Choudhry fell victim to her own anger.

The suggestion that YouTube should remove all links to al-Awlaki lectures however fundamentally misses the point.

It essentially puts forward the position that had Choudhry not accessed alAwlaki’s material, she would never have committed that crime - a position that is disingenuous, particularly due to the vast amount of material available on the internet which makes the points al-Awlaki makes in even stronger terms.

Muslims are not supposed to regard their religious scholars as infallible saints.

When they err in their judgements, they should be corrected by other scholars and be ignored for those opinions which are contrary to the religion. When Muslims listen to the series of lectures by Anwar al-Awlaki, they will always remember him as the Imam who brought so much good into their lives, but that will always exist against the backdrop of knowing that the abuse carried out against him, led him to another path and a door closed on bringing some semblance of peace between two worlds which seem to be moving further apart.

Cageprisoners campaigned for Anwar al-Awlaki when he was detained without charge in line with the remit of our work.

Since his release we have been opposed to a number of positions he has taken, particularly in relation to the killing of civilians, however we cannot agree with the order by President Obama to have him targeted for assassination. We will always work towards due process, and as long as we do so, we will defend his right not to be extra-judicially killed. --- Cageprisoners. com, September 29, 2011

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

20 | ISLAM

Islam

Everyone Should Want a Muslim Neighbor Via www.islamweb.net “Choose your neighbor before choosing your residence,” is a widespread Arabic proverb that means that it is according to the value and merit of the neighbor that the price of the residence should be estimated. A good neighbor is a source of happiness.

The Virtue of Being Kind to one’s Neighbor in Islam Islam considers the rights of the neighbor to be extremely important. The angel Jibreel (Gabriel) continued to urge the Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam to treat neighbors with kindness until he thought that the Sharee’ah would assign him a share of his neighbor’s inheritance.

The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said: “Jibreel kept on recommending me to treat neighbors kindly and politely so that I thought that Allaah would order [me] to make them [my] heirs.”The Quran recommends treating neighbors kindly. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): Worship Allaah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near

neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side… [Quran 4:36] Look how the Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam exhorted Muslims to be good to their neighbors and to honor them when he said: “… and whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, should serve his neighbor generously.” The narration of Muslim states: “Should be good to his neighbor.”

The matter reached the degree that loving goodness for one’s neighbor is considered a part of faith under the Sharee’ah. The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said: “By the One in whose Hands[1] my soul is, no slave of Allaah has true faith unless he likes for his neighbor what he likes for himself.” A person who is good to his neighbor is the best of people in the sight of Allaah The Almighty, as the Prophet said: “The best companion in the sight of Allaah is the one who is best to his companion, and the best neighbor in the sight of Allaah is the one who is the best to his neighbor.”

Throughout history man has always had a deep attraction for the supernatural and the unseen. The existence of a world parallel to our own has always fascinated people. This world is commonly referred to as the spirit world, and almost every set of people have some concept of one.

With some people, these spirits are no more then the souls of dead people- or ghosts. With others, spirits are either the forces of good or the forces of evil - both battling against one another to

Some Forms of Neighborliness Some people think that the neighbor is only the one who lives near your residence. Undoubtedly, this is one of the commonest forms; however, there are other forms that are included in the concept of neighborliness. There is the neighbor at work, in the market, on the farm, in the classroom, and many others.

Who is the Neighbor?

Some Rights of the Neighbor

The neighbor is the person who lives near one, regardless of whether he is a Muslim

There is no doubt that the neighbor has many rights of which we will mention

The World of the Jinn Via www.missionislam.com

or a non-Muslim. Scholars have different opinions regarding the boundaries to which one is considered a neighbor. The closest opinion to the truth is that they are determined according to what people are accustomed to regarding such a limit, and Allaah Knows best. The degrees of neighbors vary: there is the Muslim neighbor who is a relative, the Muslim neighbor who is not, the disbeliever who is a relative, and a disbelieving neighbor who is not. All these types of neighbors share many rights while some of them are distinguished with additional rights according to their state and degree.

gain influence over humanity. However, both of these explanations are more in tune with folk tales and fantasy. The true explanation of such a world comes from Islam.

Like every other way, Islam also claims to explain this realm of the unseen. It is from this realm that Islam explains to us about the world of the Jinn. The Islamic explanation of the Jinn provides us with so many answers to modem day mysteries. Without the knowledge of this world, the Muslims would become like the non-Muslims and be running around

looking for any old answer to come their way. So, who or what are the Jinn?

Existence The Jinn are beings created with free will, living on earth in a world parallel to mankind. The Arabic word Jinn is from the verb ‘Janna’ which means to hide or conceal. Thus, they are physically invisible from man as their description suggests. This invisibility is one of the reasons why some people have denied their existence. However, (as will be seen) the affect which the world of the Jinn has upon our world, is enough to refute this modern denial of one of God’s creation. The origins of the Jinn can be traced from the Quran and the Sunnah.

some, the most important of which, are: 1- Returning his greetings and accepting his invitations: although this is a general right for all Muslims, it is even more important with regards to neighbors, as it has a good effect in spreading amiability and affection.

2Refraining from harming him: in fact, this is one of the greatest rights of neighbors. Harming anyone, in general, is unlawful; however, this ruling is intensified if the harm befalls the neighbor.

The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam strictly warned, in various ways, about harming the neighbor. The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said: “By Allaah, he is not a believer! By Allaah, he is not a believer! By Allaah, he is not a believer.” It was asked, “Who, O Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “One whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.”When it was said to him: “O Messenger of Allaah, a woman performs voluntary prayers at night and fasts during the day, but she offends her neighbors with her tongue.” He said: “There is no

>> neighbor Pg 21

God says: “Indeed We created man from dried clay of black smooth mud. And We created the Jinn before that from the smokeless flame of fire” (Quran 15:26-27) Thus the Jinn were created before man.

As for their physical origin, then the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, has confirmed the above verse when he said: “The Angels were created from light and the Jinn from smokeless fire.” (Saheeh Muslim) >> jinn Pg 23

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

SALAAH TIMES | 21

Salaah times for October 14th - October 27th, 2011 If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it fi ve times a day, do you think he would have any fi lth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “That is like the fi ve daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.”

---Hadith in Sahih al Bukhari and Muslim

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

neighbor

>> continued from pg 20

good in her; she is in Hell.” The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam also said: “He does not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not secure from his evil.”

A man came to the Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam complaining about the harm of his neighbor. The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said to him: “Put your belongings in the road.” The man did so, and whenever people passed by him and asked him why he had done so, and came to know about how his neighbor was harming him, they cursed this neighbor. Then, the bad neighbor came to the Messenger of Allaah Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam complaining about the people cursing him. The Messenger of Allaah Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said: “Allaah has cursed you before the people did.”

3- Bearing the harm of the neighbor, which is a trait of noble, chivalrous people and those of high aspiration. This is because many people can refrain from harming others, but bearing their harm with patience while seeking the reward of Allaah is of a higher degree, as Allaah

Day

Date

Hijri

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Fri

Oct 14

16/11

6:04

7:16

12:55

4:03

6:32

7:45

Sat

15

17/11

6:05

7:17

12:54

4:02

6:30

7:43

Sun

16

18/11

6:06

7:18

12:54

4:01

6:29

7:42

Mon

17

19/11

6:07

7:19

12:54

4:00

6:28

7:41

Tue

18

20/11

6:08

7:20

12:54

3:59

6:26

7:39

Wed

19

21/11

6:09

7:21

12:54

3:58

6:25

7:38

Thu

20

22/11

6:10

7:22

12:53

3:56

6:23

7:37

Fri

21

23/11

6:11

7:23

12:53

3:55

6:22

7:35

Sat

22

24/11

6:12

7:24

12:53

3:54

6:21

7:34

Sun

23

25/11

6:13

7:25

12:53

3:53

6:19

7:33

Mon

24

26/11

6:14

7:26

12:53

3:52

6:18

7:32

Tue

25

27/11

6:15

7:27

12:53

3:51

6:17

7:31

Wed

26

28/11

6:16

7:28

12:53

3:50

6:16

7:29

Thu

27

29/11

6:17

7:29

12:52

3:49

6:14

7:28

The Almighty Says (what means) Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil. [Quran 23:96] And whoever is patient and forgives indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination. [Quran 42:43] Al-Hasan said: “Being a good neighbor is not by refraining from harming; rather, being a good neighbor is to bear harm.”

4Pursuing and accomplishing his needs: the Messenger Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam said: “He who spends the night satiated while knowing that his next door neighbor is hungry does not truly believe in me.” The righteous predecessors would check upon their neighbors and make efforts to fulfill their needs. Sometimes a Companion of the Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam would receive a gift and then send it to his neighbor, who would send it to another neighbor, who would send it to another neighbor, and it would circulate around more than ten houses until it finally reached the first one again.

When ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar slaughtered a sheep, he said to his servant, “When you skin it, begin [distributing it] by going to our Jewish neighbor.” ‘Aa’ishah asked

the messenger of Allaah Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam “I have two neighbors, to which of them should I offer a gift?’’He replied:“To the one whose door is nearer to you.”

5- Concealing his secrets and guarding his honor: this is one of the most sacred of rights. Due to living in the same neighborhood, the neighbor may know some secret matters of his neighbor; he should accustom himself to concealing these secrets with the intention that if he does so Allaah The Almighty would conceal his secrets in the worldly life and the Hereafter. However, if he reveals such matters, then, he is subjecting himself to be repaid with the same kind of treatment. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants. [Quran 41:46] In the pre-Islamic era, the Arabs would boast about guarding their neighbors’ honor. ‘Antarah said: “I lower my gaze if my [female] neighbor comes out until she returns into her dwelling.” There was a Muslim poet who said, “My [female]neighbor is not harmed if I am her neighbor and her house has no curtains, as I behave as if I am blind when she comes

out until the shelter conceals her.”

Finally, we should be aware that happiness, unity and the spread of love among the members of a society cannot be accomplished without observing these rights and others which are brought by the Sharee’ah. The reality of many people proves that these rights are being neglected, to the extent that they may not know the name of their next door neighbor. Some people usurp the rights of their neighbors and may even betray their neighbors and trifle with their honor and the honor of their women. This is surely the gravest of the grave major sins. The Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam was asked: “What is the greatest sin?” In his answer he mentioned: “To commit adultery with your neighbor’s wife.”

We supplicate to Allaah The Almighty to help us and all Muslims to observe the rights of our neighbors.

[1] We believe in and affirm the attributes of Allaah that occur in the Quran and authentic Hadeeths of the Prophet Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam without distorting their wordings or meanings, nor denying them, nor asking how they are, nor drawing resemblance between Allaah and any of His creation.

22 | OBITS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Request For Dua’s

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

Upcoming Events In Your Area

{ To Allah We Belong , and t o Him i s O u r R e t u rn }

“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)” 9-23-11 We would like to inform you of the sad news of the passing of our

dear Brother Mohamed Ikramullah - Father of Sr. Anjum Smith. The Janazah prayer was on September 23, 2011 in Richmond, Virginia. Please pray for his forgiveness and that Allah grants him Jannatul Firdaus. (Source: O. Smith)

9-30-11 Sr. Rashida Duranni has passed away. Her Janazah prayers were on September 30, 2011 in Sterling, Virginia. May Allah(swt) have mercy on her and Grant her highest level in Jannatul Firdous - Ameen. (Source: ADAMS) 10-2-11 It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the

passing of br. Ayub Lohani, the older brother of Althaf Lohani. We ask Allah (SWT) to shower him with His mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and to grant him the highest ranks in paradise, and give his family support and patience during these difficult times. (Source: DAT)

10-6-11 Sr. Catherine Jackson, mother of Sr. Zainab Abdur Raheem,

has passed away. May Allah forgive her sins and accept her in Jannat ul Firdaus. Aameen. Salaat ul Janazah was on October 6, 2011 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Source: ICM)

10-6-11 Dr. Shahnaz Umme Rumman, wife of Kazi Shakawat Hossain, has

passed away. May Allah forgive her sins, accept her in Jannat ul Firdaus and grant Sabr to the grieving family, Aameen. Salaat ul Janazah was on October 8, 2011 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Source: ICM)

10-7-11 Abdur Rahim Dadi, the father of Br. Omar Dadi, has passed away.

May Allah forgive his sins, accept his good deeds and enter him in Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen. (Source: ICM)

10-9-11 Abdul Karim Chowdhury, father of Moeen Chowdhury, has passed

away. May Allah forgive his sins and accept him in Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen.

Salaat ul Janazah was on October 9, 2011 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

(Source: ICM)

10-9-11 Zahida Fakroddin, mother of Nilofer Fakroddin, has passed away.

May Allah forgive her sins and accept her in Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen.

Salaat ul Janazah was on October 10, 2011 in Frederick, Maryland. (Source: ICM) 10-10-11 The wife of Brother Abdullah Hindi, uncle of Imam Yehia Hindi,

has passed away. We ask Allah swt to accept her among assalehen, forgive her sins, and enter her in jannato Al na’eem. Amin. (Source: ISG)

10-11-11 We would like to inform you of the sad news of the passing of our

dear sister Naseem Husain, wife of Br. Tarik Husain, who has passed away.

May Allah forgive her sins and accept her in Jannat ul Firdaus, Aameen.

Salaat ul Janazah was on October 12, 2011 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

(Source: DUS)

CAIR Leadership Conference and 17th Annual Banquet Saturday, October 15 2011, 8:00am - 11:00pm Making Democracy Work for Everyone Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) 17th Annual Banquet and Leadership Conference will be on Saturday, Oct 15th at the Marriot Crystal Gateway (1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy; Arlington, VA 22202) Speakers include: Congressman Jim Moran Imam Siraj Wahaj Tickets are available at www.cair.com/banquet or by calling 202-488-8787 Prices: Conference Only: $169 Banquet: $65 Both Conference and Banquet $199 Childcare is Available $15 per child. Location: Marriott Crystal Gateway 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy Arlington, VA 22202 Contact: 202-488-8787 or buy tickets online www.cair.com/banquet --------------------------------------------------------------------Young Muslims & ICNA DC Metro Area Youth Conference Saturday, October 15 2011, 10:30am - 6:30pm Young Muslims and ICNA Washington DC Metro Area Presents: Meeting the Challenges, Making the Change; A Youth Conference. Speakers: Br Nouman Ali Khan, Sh. Omar Suleiman, Dr. Aamir Sheikh, Dr. Arif Hussain. Entertainment, Halal Food, and much more! For more details and free online registration visit www.icnadc.org Free Admission. Location: Islamic Society of Baltimore, 6631 Johnnycake Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244. Contact: For more information, calll ISB 410747-4869 or e-mail: youthconference@icnadc.org --------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al-Hijrah Annual Family Seminar Saturday, October 15 2011, 11:00am - 8:00pm Dar Al-Hijrah presents it’s Annual Family Seminar. Speakers: Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hanooti, Mufti Washington, DC Metropolitan area; Sheikh Shaker El-Sayed, Imam of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center; Sis Ameedah Rashid, Mental Health Therapist/Family Life Coach; Dr. Mohammed Nasir.

Complimentary snacks, lunch and babysitting provided to registered attendees. Please register by sending an email to familyseminar@dah.net . $5 attendance fee per adult charged at the door.

Location: Dar Al-Hijrah, 3159 Row Street, Falls Church, VA 22044. Contact: 703-536-1030 --------------------------------------------------------------------Companionships Retreat 2011: Shared Experiences Sunday, October 16 2011, 11:00am - 3:00pm Companionships is offering an enlightening afternoon of food, fun, and focus for your journey towards marriage. Imam Mohammad Magid of the ADAMS center (President of ISNA) will be there to hear what you have to say and give his guidance. This is a private event and no admissions will be at the door. Early registration cost is $50 until Oct 9th. Then, $60 from October 10th - 14th, 2011. To register and for more information: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2244088128/ eorg. Location: Tysons Corner, Virginia. Contact: info@companionships.org --------------------------------------------------------------------PGMA Annual Fall Bazaar & Picnic Sunday, October 16 2011, 12:00pm - 5:00pm Join us for a day of family fun, food, Islamic fashions, and gifts for Eid. There will be moon bounces, play equipment, popcorn, and cotton candy for the young and the young at heart. Interested vendors are asked to contact sisters@pgmamd.org to reserve spaces.Admission is free to all.

Location: PGMA (front parking area), 9150 Lanham-Severn Road, Lanham, MD 20706 Contact: For more information & directions, visit www.pgmamd.org or call (301) 459-4942 Islamic Community School 35 Years Anniversary Banquet Sunday, October 16 2011, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Come join the oldest continuously operating full-time Islamic school in the United States celebrate 35 years of Islamic Education. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from a staff member, parent, or online at www.icsbanquet.eventbrite.com. Location: Ivy Family Center, 3515 Dolfield Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011 jinn Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager: Stephanie Benmoha Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Fatimah Waseem Farha Marfani Rashad Mulla Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Imam Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published every other week on Fridays and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas. TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam.

The views expressed in The Muslim Link do not necessarily reflect those of Dar-us-Salaam or TML management or their underwriters. Dar-usSalaam and TML are not responsible for the accuracy of information presented by advertisers, or for the religious compliance of events, products, or services published in TML. This publication contains the names of ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta’ala).

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All Rights Reserved 2011

>> continued from pg 20

It is this description of the Jinn which tells us so much about them. Because they were created from fire, their nature has generally been fiery and thus their relationship with man has been built upon this. Like humans, they too are required to worship God and follow Islam. Their purpose in life is exactly the same as ours, as God says: “I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran 51:56) Jinns can thus be Muslims or nonMuslims. However, due to their fiery nature the majority of them are nonMuslims. All these non-Muslim Jinns form a part of the army of the most famous Jinn, Satan[1]. Consequently, these disbelieving Jinns are also called devils.

Jinns also become Muslims, as they did in the time of the Prophet when a group of them were amazed by the recitation of the Quran. God orders the Prophet to tell the people of this event: “Say (O’ Muhammed): It has been revealed to me that a group of Jinn listened and said; ‘Indeed we have heard a marvelous Quran. It guides unto righteousness so we have believed in it, and we will never make partners with our lord’.”(Quran 72:1-2) In many aspects of their world, the Jinn are very similar to us. They eat and drink, they marry, have children and they die.

The life span however, is far greater then ours. Like us, they will also be subject to a Final Reckoning by God the Most High. They will be present with mankind on the Day of Judgment and will either go to Paradise or Hell.

Abilities That which clearly distinguishes the

| 23 Jinn from mankind, are their powers and abilities. God has given them these powers as a test for them. If they oppress others with them, then they will be held accountable. By knowing of their powers, we can often make sense of much of the mysteries which go on around us. One of the powers of the Jinn, is that they are able to take on any physical form they like.

Thus, they can appear as humans, animals trees and anything else. Thousands of people have sighted strange looking creatures all over the world - and it seems more plausible all the sightings of such creatures may have been Jinns parading in different forms.

The ability to possess and take over the minds and bodies of other creatures is also a power which the Jinn have utilized greatly over the centuries. This however, is something which has been prohibited to them as it is a great oppression to possess another being. Human possession is something which has always brought about great attention. But the true knowledge of this subject is rare. Over the last 3 decades the subject of possession has become very commercialized. During the 70’s, films such as The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby were used to educate people about possession. However, because such institutions (the film industry) were heavily influenced by Christianity, knowledge of the subject was non-existent. Rather then educate people about Jinn possession, films such as The Exorcist just tended to scare the living daylights out of us!

Only through Islam can we understand such a phenomena. We know as Muslims, that Jinns possess people for many reasons. Sometimes it is because the Jinn or its family has been hurt accidentally.

It could be because the Jinn has fallen in love with the person. However, most of the time possession occurs because the Jinn is simply malicious and wicked. For this reason we have been commanded to recite the Quran frequently in our houses

as the Prophet said: “Indeed, Satan flees from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah (the 2nd chapter of the Quran) is recited.” (Al-Tirmidhi) If a person does become possessed, then the name of God has to be used in expelling the Jinn. If we look at the practice of the Prophet and his companions, we find many invocations to exorcise the Jinn. All of them invoke God to help the possessed person. How contrary this is to many modern-day exorcists. Many exorcists, often invoke the names of others besides God to exorcise the Jinn. When the Jinn does leave, these people believe that their way was successful. However, this is a ploy of the Jinn, as it knows that if it obeys the exorcist, then it has succeeded in making him worship others besides God. The Jinn often returns when the exorcist leaves, as it knows that nothing except the words of God can stop it from oppressing others.

It is not only humans which are possessed, but also animals, trees and other objects.

By doing this, the evil Jinn hope to make people worship others besides God. The possession of idols is one way to do this. Not so long ago the world-wide phenomenon of Hindu idols drinking milk, shocked the world. From Bombay to London, Delhi to California, countless idols were lapping up milk. Ganesh the elephant god, Hanuman the monkey god and even Shiva lingam, the male private organ (!), all seemed to guzzle down the milk as if there was no tomorrow!

Unfortunately people were taken in by this and many flocked to feed the Hindu gods. This feat was undoubtedly done by the Jinn as a classic attempt to make people worship false gods.

-----------------------------------------------Footnotes: [1] Unlike Christianity, Islam maintains that Satan (Lucifer) was from the Jinn and not an angel. Angels do not have a free will to disobey.

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MASJID LOCATOR

24 |

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

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

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

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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

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

Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-320-7333 www.icVA1.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Greater Richmond (Isgr): 6324 Rigsby Road, Richamond, VA 23226 Tel: 804-673-4177 www.isgr.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al Rahman: 1305 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224 Tel: 804-232-7640 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjidullah Of Richmond: 211 North Ave., Richmond, VA 23222 Tel: 804-321-8864/804-647-4297 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-ul Huda: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111 www.darulhuda.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Foundation of America: 6606 Electronic Drive, Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Noor: 8608 Pohick Rd, Springfield, VA 22153 Tel: 703-451-7615 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Adams Center: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325 www.adamscenter.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Heritage Center (Ihc): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON D.C.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------First Hijra Muslim Comm. Center: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20011 www.firsthijrah.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Ivy City Masjid: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Tel: 202-529-3100 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-islam: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, D.C. 20019 E-mail: Imammusa@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Muhammad: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832 | www. masjidmuhammad.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Muslim Society Of Washington, D.c.

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

The Islamic Center: 2551 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343 www.theislamiccenter.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARYLAND

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Annapolis (Isa): 2635 Riva Rd. Suite 110, Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 www.isamd.org Email: Info@islamannapolis.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bait-Allah Masjid of Baltimore Inc 1935 Frederick Ave Baltimore, MD 21223 Imam’s cell: 571-721-9938 email: baitallahmasjid@yahoo.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Bilal Dawah Center, Inc: 1910 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223 Tel: 410-945-1515 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar ul Uloom: 6334 Dogwoood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207, Tel: 410-493-0785 Email: Darululoommd@aol.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ul-haq: 514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-728-1363 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-mumineen: 2642 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: 410-467-8798 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Jamaat Al-Muslimeen: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Tel: 410-891-8451 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-rahmah/isb: 6631 Johnnycake Rd., Baltimore, MD 21244 Tel: 410-747-4869 | www.isb.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid As Saffat: 1335 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-669-0655 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Easton 126 Port Street Unit # 1 Easton, MD 21601 Tel: 410-829 7924 islamicsocietyofeastonmd.yolasite.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Irhsca (Islamic Research And Hum. Services Center Of America): 1 Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MD Tel: 301-324-5040 www.irhsca.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Southern Pg County (Isspgc): P O Box 99, Clinton, MD 20735 5410 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745 Tel: 240 603 4618

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar-us-Salaam: 5301 Edgewood Rd., College Park, MD 20740, Tel: 301-982-9848 www.duscommunity.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Zamzam 1510 Lynch Road, Dundalk, MD 21222 Tel: 410-284-2840 www.masjidzamzam.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar al-Taqwa: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711 www.taqwa.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Al-Hikmah: 11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Frederick (Isf): 1250 Key Parkway, Frederick,md 21702 Tel: 301-682-6090 www.isfmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Center Of Maryland (Icm): 19411 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg,md 20879 Tel:301-840-9440 www.icomd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Makkah Learning Center (Mlc): 814 Brandy Farms Ln., Gambrills, MD 21054 Tel: 410-721-5880 www.isamd.org Email: Info@mlcmd.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society Of Germantown (Isg): 19900 Brandermill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 Tel: (240)-277-7758 www.isgtown.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------Masjid Ibn Taymiyyah: 8000 Mlk Highway, Glenarden MD Tel: 301-461-9325 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Islamic Society of Western Maryland: 2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-797-0922 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Southern Maryland Islamic Center (Smic): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639 Tel: 410-535-0000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Avondale Islamic Center: 4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782 Tel: 301-779-9292 --------------------------------------------------------------------------Prince Georges Muslim Assoc.(Pgma): 9150 Lanham Severn Rd., Lanham, MD, 20706, Tel: 301-459-4942

www.pgmamd.org Imam’s Office: 301-459-1441 E-mail: Imam@pgmamd.org.

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

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

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MARKETPLACE

Restaurant Review

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011 |

Dining Out: Crepes a Go Go Sweet Or Savory? Going Ga Ga for Crepes a Go Go

Cuisine: Breakfast & Brunch, Creperies | Address: 514 Main St. , Gaithersburg, MD, 20878 | Phone: (301) 519-9777 | Website: www.crepes-a-gogo.com Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday - 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday - 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

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surprise the crepes also filled our 10” dinner plates, a well-sized portion alone, and we had two more of the sweet ones waiting! These crepes were absolutely delicious.

Muslim Link Staff Writer

TML SAYS: ‘Crepes a Go Go’ is good for: Selection

Service

Quality

This month TML dined at Crepes a Go Go in the Market Square of Kentlands, Gaithersburg.

The area is very quaint in the setting of a small village of brick buildings, with plenty of free parking throughout. Crepes a Go Go sits beside the courtyard.

The venue is simple, with tables to seat up to about 30 people, and ample infant seats to bring the whole family. As soon as you enter Crepes a Go Go you see the menu boards hung above the ordering counter displaying the 75+ different crepe options of either Savory or Sweet variety to choose from, and a full selection of coffee drinks, juices and milk.

Crepes are the famous French thin, delicate pancakes, most often made from wheat. They are usually rolled and filled with anything from chocolate to spinach.

Not being familiar with the portions we ordered a savory and sweet option each in planning our meal followed up with a treat. Well, let me tell you, we could have shared only 2 or 3 and still been well fed, as we had leftovers. The variety of crepes ranges from a plain crepe, a crepe with only butter to the legendary “sweetest” crepe on their menu called “King Samm” made of Almond powder, banana, coconut, Nutella chocolate spread and whipped cream. So the prices range respectively from $3 to $9.95 each.

For our savory selections we first chose a “build your own” crepe of cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and roasted turkey, and the “Feta” crepe including spinach, black olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts.

Both of these had very fresh ingredients, bright in both color and flavor. However, much to our

For dessert the sweet crepes we had started with a “build your own” ricotta cheese with honey, and the banana and berries with chocolate crepe too. The ricotta cheese blended perfectly with the honey, and the tender, fluffy crepe. The berries and chocolate crepe was loaded with all fresh berries, large blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries and bananas between the layers of crepe with melted chocolate inside and out. This was an amazing meal. All the ingredients fresh, the flavors well blended, the prices quite reasonable, the venue was clean and easily accessible.

The owner of Crepes a Go Go is owned and managed by Muslims, so despite seeing that there is ham on the menu, I was assured that they keep strict separation of ingredients so that there is no cross contamination, so whether you choose the chicken or turkey meats, or to choose meatless varieties, there is no need to be concerned with that.

And the other great bonus to the menu selection at Crepes a Go Go is the variety of Gelato ice cream, hand dipped to your liking.

Crepe a Go Go is open 7 days a week, as late as 11pm on weekends, and even 8pm on Sundays, TML suggests you pay a visit and see for yourself why you want to make this a regular stop on your dining adventures.

----------------------------------------------------------There are about 80 different varieties of crepes at Crepes A-Go-Go in Gaithersburg, Maryland. At top, two of the “savory” options with vegetables and cheese fillings, and at bottom, crepes for the sweet tooth. The relaxed atmosphere at Crepes A-Go-Go makes it a great Sunday brunch spot for the family.

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159 Hillwood Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046

Saleem Shah (pharmacist)

pattersonparkpharmacy@gmail.com

We accept all major insurance plans

FREE DELIVERY

PHD Salon Barber Shop Specializing in Natural Hair Care Braids, Twists, Locs, Press & Curl, Shampoo & Conditioner, Corn Rows, Weaves, Set-Roller Wrap, and much more...

For Sisters: Private Area on 2nd Floor Available by Appt. Only Call Sylist Cealia at 240.501.3985

For Men and Boys 1st Floor Level Walk Ins Welcome Phone # 301.604.6980

216 Main Street (Off Route-1) , Laurel, MD 20707

Farida Khattak, d.d.s SPECIALIZING IN: • General Dentistry • Pediatric Dentistry • Endodontics • Orthodontics • Cosmetic Dentistry CONTACT US: Tel: 703 531 0010 Fax: 703 531 1330 www.dynamicfamilydentistry.com Dynamicdental1@hotmail.com Info@dynamicfamilydentistry.com

General Dentistry Services We Offer: Oral Examination Oral Cancer Screening Periodontal Evaluation Root Canals Crowns Bridges Veneers

Sealants Teeth Whitening Prophylaxis White fillings Extractions Dentures Restore Implants

Fazil Alie D.D.S., P.A. Over 25 years in private practice Member of ADA, MDA, SMDS, ADHA & MDHA

Riaaz N. Alie D.D.S., B.A. Riyad F. Alie R.D.H., B.S.

Two Locations 6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite U8B College Park, Md 20740

301.220.7260

616 Charles Street, Suite 201 La Plata, Md 20646

301.870.3367

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 35

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October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

To Advertise in the Muslim Link Call

301-982-1020

BACK PAIN?

HEADACHES SHOULDER PAIN KNEE PAIN NECK PAIN LEG PAIN If you’ve been injured in a car accident or at work, relief is just one visit away ...

LITTLE RIVER CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Dr Ramin Afzaly 6601 Little River Turnpike, Suite 310, Alexandria, VA 22312 Call today for a FREE CONSULTATION 703.941.4464

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

MP - CLASSIFIED ADS | 37

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

Childcare Exchange

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BABY SITTING FACILITY AVAILABLE

Muslim Brother, African-American, seeks an honest muslim sister for marriage. I weigh 165lbs, 5’7”, OK looks, very honest, athletic body built and most important I make my salats and performs the five pilliars of faith.

I’m preparing to make Hajj soon, InshaAllah. I’m seeking a Muslima that have some traits as mines. Mainly very honest, height and weight similiar to mines. Please give me a call at 410-9635807 and my name is Michael Shahid and that is my legal name, or send a email to twirladrain@hotmail.com.

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Baby Sitting managed by Muslim trained Montessori teacher at her home. Closer to Al Rehma Mosque. Available with effect from September. Please contact Mrs. Malik at 443-636-5215 after 6 PM on working days, Saturday 11-2 PM and Sunday All Day. ------------------------------------------------

AUNTIE RURU’S PLACE

Licensed, Muslim Daycare Provider, Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Infant to 5 years. Pre-school Curriculum.

3 minutes from Masjid AlRahmah.

Call Ruwaydah at 443-449-3244 or email auntierurusplace@yahoo.com.

matrimonial SEEKING GOOD BROTHER

A 37 year old, Pakistani (female-US citizen) looking for a Muslim brother with a good heart and who practices Islam in his daily life. Prefer ages between 37 to 43 and Pakistani. You can respond to LaserSunshine@gmail.com with serious inquires only.

SEEKING MUSLIMA

SEEKING MUSLIMA

American-born Muslim man of Arabic origin, 42 years old, divorced with 2 kids, self-employed, living in Virgina; Seeks Muslima under 40 years old, slim, prefers someone attractive, any nationality okay. If interested, call 571277-6241.

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SEEKING GOOD BROTHER

We are seeking good match for our daughter 5’ 4” age 24 studying Law, Green card holder, looking for someone with good qualifications 5’ 11” or above with moderate Islamic views, prefer

Pakistani background, send pictures and details to Blessing381@live.com ------------------------------------------------

SEEKING HUSBAND

Sunni Muslim Urdu-speaking Indian parents(UP) from religious family seek alliance for their daughter Pharm.D from USA,5’3’’, 33 years, family oriented, pious (performs hajj/ umrah), never married , good natured ,beautiful, seeking educated professional from similar background. Pediatric Pharmacist in a prestigious hospital in Maryland. Contact: 91- 9323692722 OR 443-858-2605(MD)

Services HOME SERVICES

Licensed contractor. Home Improvement work, interior/exterior painting, drywall install/repair, brick/concrete repair.

License #30385946 Estimates done.

Contact Br. Allen Scott at 410-467-1259 or 443-538-7643(cell) ------------------------------------------------

HANDYMAN AVAILABLE

Assalamu’alaykum! My name is Varga Syahroni. I am an experienced technician in D.C. and Maryland. I offer service and repair for cooling, heating, plumbing, refrigerator, dish washers,

dryer machines and much more. Call me for reliable service! Free estimates (301) 792-1004 or email varga_syahroni@ yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------

LICENSED PLUMBER

Reduce Major Plumbing Bills. Give Twirl-A-Drain a call at 410-963-5807 for sewer and water pipe replacement underground. Free estimates given, Michael D. Shahid.

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JANITORIAL SERVICES

Q A Building Services, LLC. Specializing in Janitorial & Building related services. If the appearance and cleanness of your business matters, contact us today for a free quote. Please visit or website for a complete list of services. Boned & Insured Phone: 202486-7505 Email:Lirving@qabservices. com Web:www.qabservices.com ------------------------------------------------

COMPLETE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

In Maryland, D.C., & Northern Virginia Certified, Licensed & Insured Professional, Ethical, Detailed & Highly Reliable 7-Days A Week.

Ph: 202-560-2145 Waqar www.

MarylandHomeInspection.org

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October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

Honey Heals Skin Disease and Hair Loss Every Muslim has read

that the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam told his ummah about the wonderful nature of honey.

In the Qur’an in Surah An-Nahl, Allah described honey as a “drink of varying color wherein is healing for men”.

Its no wonder that scientists are spending more and more resources examining, testing, and developing honey-based medical treatments.

As early as December 26, 2007, the Associated Press ran a story titled “Honey makes medical comeback”.

One company that has believed in the restorative power of honey for a long time is HoneyDerm, Inc., a Lansing, Michigan based company that spent years bringing the healing power of honey to people suffering from hair loss, dandruff, and skin disease.

Their most famous product line is Hairback Lotion and Hairtonix Shampoo, that “helps stimulate new hair growth and thicken existing hair”. Honeyderm, Inc also claims the products solve dandruff and scalp psoriasis.

The Muslim Link requested access to some of Honeyderm’s customers, and Brother Mahmoud from Honeyderm gladly offered us some phone numbers.

Brother Hasan, in his late 30’s is from Maryland and suffers from the common skin disease eczema. “I’ve had eczema

since high school, and it got worse as the years went on. I went to a dermatologist and he recommended a cortisone-type prescription cream.

It did stop the itch, but my skin was still dry and tight. I’ve tried lotions and shampoos from Aveeno, Lubiderm, Vaseline, and others.

Alhumdulillah, I found Honeyderm’s Dermatonic-P, and it is really, really a blessing for people with Eczema or other skin illnesses. I no longer wake up sweating at night! AllahuAkbar!.”

We called Abdurihman Khalil from Chicago. He did not know we were going to call. Abdurihman started losing his hair when he was about 28. He discovered the Hairback product line at a convention and decided to test its claims. “The hair loss stopped completely,” said Abdurihman. “It’s excellent, and I’ve been using it now for 6 years.”

We also called Brother Mustafa Al-Omary in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He decided to do something about his thinning hair at age 40 and tried the Hairback treatment. Asked how long it took for him to see results, he told us “Oh gosh, less than a month. My thin spots filled in within 3 months,.”

He said he would “absolutely” recommend the product to anyone.

“It’s not a fly-by-night product, its awesome,” said Mustafa.

We

also called Najeebudheen Appat, a 30-year old living in Los Angeles, CA. He’s had a severe dandruff

“Alhumdulillah, I found Honeyderm’s

Dermatonic-P, and it is really, really a blessing for people with Eczema or other skin illnesses.

I no longer wake up sweating at night!

Allahu-Akbar!.” -- Br.Hasan, Maryland problem for a long-time, and had been searching for a solution. “I tried so many different products like tonics and shampoos, I can’t even remember them all, until I found this product around 2002. My problem was solved completely, the entire thing is taken care of. I even called [Honeyderm] with the great feedback,” recalled Najeebudheen.

He told us that Allah creates shifa in many things, and Honeyderm’s products are a part of that. “For dandruff problems, this is the total solution,” he told us from his mobile phone.

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

On Honeyderm’s website, there are many more testimonials from Muslims and non-Muslims from around the nation and the world.

There is also a gallery of “before and after” pictures of both hair loss treatments as well as skin treatments. And best of all, for those of us who’ve “tried it all”, there is a full money back guarantee.

Allah said honey heals. The Prophet Sallallahu’alyhi wa sallam said honey heals. The people we called said honey heals. With a money back guarantee, there is absolutely nothing to lose, and everything to gain – your hair and skin!

BEFORE

AFTER

Honey-Based Healing for:

Hair Loss, Hair growth, Itching, dandruff, and Scalp Psoriasis.

Acne, Wrinkles, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, and Rosacea.

Plus Supplements for Diabetics, Immunity, and Liver Health.

Order Risk Free Today by calling (800) 424 - 7710 or buy online at www.honeyderm.com 2522 East Michigan Ave Lansing, Michigan 48912 MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

HoneyDerm is very confident that its products will definitely help you. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the product, we offer you a full money back guarantee with the return of any remaining portion of the product in their original containers. See our website for time restrictions.

All products are 100% drug free and are not intended to change any of the body physiological functions or treat any disease or possess any drug claim.

October 14th 2011 - October 27th 2011

MP - ADVERTISEMENT | 39

UDHIYA / QURBANI

A Time for Sacriice

Share the tradition of Udhiya/Qurbani with families worldwide at ZAKAT.ORG

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receive crowns, fillings and veneers. All can be done in one visit, saving

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This is the place to come for evaluation!

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