The Muslim Link ~ July 24, 2009 ~ Sha'ban Issue

AQABAH KARATE LOOKS FOR GOLD AND GETS IT AT LOCAL TOURNAMENT >> PG 5

PROOF THAT AFGHANS KNOW MORE THAN KABOBS

>> PG 33

TheMusl mL nk Sha’ban 1430 A.H. Issue

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

July 24, 2009 – August 20, 2009

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

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

TRAPPED IN THEIR OWN LAND

Local Uyghurs Speak Up About The Occupation Of East Turkestan pg 08

Woodbridge Youth Gunned Down by Miami Police | pg 4 ISNA Attracts 30,000 Muslims to Nation’s Capitol | pg 6 Abuses of Religious Freedoms In East Turkistan | pg 8 Unrest in East Turkestan: What China is Hiding| pg 9

Judge Orders Seif Chapman Transferred to Medical Facility Muslim Link Staff On Friday, July 17, 2009 at an emergency hearing at the federal courthouse in Akexandria, Virginia, Judge Leonie Brinkema ordered the government to transfer incarcerated Northern Virginia youth Seifullah Chapman to a medical prison facility.

Seifullah Chapman, now 36,

was arrested along with ten other y o u n g Muslim men mostly from the Washington DC area in June of 2003 in what has been called the “Paintball Jihad” case due to the government’s claim that the men played paintball in Virginia to train for jihad in

Kashmir.

Since his incarceration, Seifullah said he has been subjected to mistreatment by prison officials, being singled out, harassed, and prevented from taking critical insulin doses as needed; Chapman is a type-1 diabetic.

Type-1 diabetics cannot produce insulin like healthy

bodies. Insulin is needed to take sugars from the blood to the cells. Delaying scheduled insulin doses to a type-1 diabetic can rapidly deteriorate their health, send their bodies into shock, and even lead to death.

Seifullah’s attorney John Zwerling petitioned the court to >> CHAPMAN Pg 7

Muslim Women’s Group Meets with Ellison, Carson | pg 15 ISLAM: Showing Off Negates Sincerity | pg 17

Marketplace Your Guide to Products and Services for Your Muslim Lifestyle

PG 30

ML_10.25x12.25_ramadan2009.pdf

7/13/09

3:03:27 PM

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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INDEX

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

RAJAB 1430 | July 24 - August 20 , 2009

03

Community News

17

Islam

25

Salaah Times

26

Obits/Events

27

Editor’s Desk

30

Marketplace

4

COMMUNITY NEWS

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

Community News Creating links through mutual understanding and cooperation

Woodbridge Youth Gunned Down by Miami Police Officers claim error, but questioned if youth was ‘arabic’ before shooting

By Rola Ghannam Muslim Link Contributing Writer Husien Shehada was a young man from Woodbridge, VA, someone whose family describes as being so full of energy and life. He brought joy to others and lit up a room with his radiant smile, always putting family first. One look at his MySpace page, which is full of pictures of family, cousins, and cousins’ children, is all it takes to see his devotion to his family. Hours before his death, he called up a few of his cousins, as he always did, just to see what they were up to and check up on them.

To his mother, he was not only a son, but a friend, provider, and a father figure to his 2 sisters, whose father passed away 16 years ago. Husien’s father died of a heart attack, leaving his older brother and him to support and provide for the family, as well as care for their ill mother. It took the Shehada family years to recover both emotionally and financially after their fathers passing.

It wasn’t until the four children were old enough to work and help their mother financially before they could stop depending on social services for assistance.

Arabic.” The family was also shocked to learn that the officer who killed Husien was allowed to return to full duty just four days after an internal investigation cleared him of any wrong doing. Even more shocking was that hours after his first day back on duty, that same officer shot and killed another unarmed man.

Husein Shehada was gunned down by a police officer who had killed an unarmed person previously. Donations to help the family can be made at www.justiceforshehada.com.

the last vacation he would ever take.

Husien, 29, was unjustly shot and killed by a Miami police officer in the early morning hours on Sunday, June 14th, 2009. He had been walking down the street with his older brother, Samer, at the time. The police officer who killed him alleged that Husien and his brother Samer fit the description of two armed men that they were looking for, but came to discover that Husien was unarmed only after taking his life.

Devastated by the loss of Husien, his family is once again in dire need of assistance from the community. Friends and family of Husien Shehada are asking that you take a second to visit the following website: www.justiceforshehada.com, read Husien’s story, and donate what you can. The Miami police department has ironically tried to dehumanize Husien, in an effort to defend the police brutality and excessive force that they demonstrated the night Husien was killed. For many residents of Miami, this is an all too familiar scene in what has essentially come to be known as a police state.

The money you donate will go to a fund setup on Husien’s behalf, and allow the family to hire the experts they need to ensure that justice is served and the family gets closure for their loss. Husien’s family is urging others to donate to the cause and consider that Husien could have been their brother, cousin, husband, child or neighbor.

He was an innocent 29 year old who was doing what anyone his age would have

been doing on a dream vacation-shopping, swimming, eating out, and enjoying himself.

He too had a family, friends, and people who cared about him. Husien’s leaves behind his 2 younger sisters, an older brother, who was also his best friend, and his mother.

Husien’s cousin, Najwa Ghannam, says that she “never thought something like this could hit so close to home, but it did.”

She says that she has been asked to donate money to charities in the past, and has in a few cases, but there are a lot of times where she declined. “Now I realize that people don’t ask for help unless they really need it,” she says.

Husien’s death has tremendously affected his family and relatives, who say that this experience has strengthened their faith and helped them to become closer to Allah.

With Ramadan just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to give charity and show our devotion to Allah in the service of fulfilling people’s needs. Please donate generously and keep Husien and his family in your duaa’s. Jazakallahu khairan.

May Allah reward you in this life and the hereafter.

Husien was a hard worker who worked tirelessly to support his family. Earlier in the year he began to plan a trip to Miami and started saving money for a much deserved dream vacation. Unfortunately, this was

The ADC (American-Arab AntiDiscrimination Committee) is investigating to determine if this may have been a case of racial profiling, as Samer’s friend, Karlia Karpel (a witness at the crime scene) revealed that the officer who killed Husien later inquired if Husien was “Arabic, or spoke

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Aqabah Karate Brings Home the Gold Wendy Diaz Muslim Link Contributing Writer Aqabah Karate proved to be a force to be reckoned with on Saturday, June 27 at the 4th Annual United States Goodwill Tang Soo Do Association National Championship in Waldorf, Md. Team Aqabah, led by Muhib Rahman, participated in their first tournament in school history. Even though most of their competitors were rookies, they came home as champions, racking up a total of 62 medals - 28 gold, 21 silver, and 13 bronze.

Aqabah also received the trophy for the “Most Supportive School.”

The tournament, located in the Capital Clubhouse, included over 200 competitors.

Grandmaster Song Ki Kim, who has practiced Tang Soo Do for more than 50 years, made a special appearance in the tournament after flying from Korea.

Muslim families met together in support of the men, women, and children representing Aqabah Karate. The competitors wowed the audience.

“Muslims can get down, too,” one member of the audience said.

Of the more than 20 east coast schools participating in the tournament, Aqabah had the most number of participants, even though the students learned of the tournament with little time to prepare, said Abu Uthman Hernan, assistant instructor of Aqabah Karate.

Aqabah Karate“We announced it to the students only two weeks in advance and the amount of dedication that they put forth in those two weeks to strengthen their forms and their sparring was absolutely amazing,” said Hernan, himself a black belt candidate who brought home two gold medals.

Inter view with Muhib Rahman, Head Instructor of Aqabah Karate

By Wendy Diaz Muslim Link Contributing Writer Muhib Rahman is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and the founder and head instructor of Aqabah Karate.

What was your overall impression of the tournament?

It was very good. I thought it was very well organized. It was small and that was what we needed for our school since it was

“The kids worked hard to get themselves physically and mentally prepared and it paid off.”

Black Belt Team Sparring was the first event.

Aqabah’s team consisted of head instructor Muhib Rahman, assistant instructor Abu Uthman and women’s instructor Saira Khan. The men sparred against men and the women sparred against women.

It was a great motivation for the team to watch their instructors compete first, according to Rahman.

“I wanted to lead from the front,” Rahman said. “I did not think I would participate again after 11 years, but I wanted to encourage my students because most of them were competing for the first time and they were nervous.”

Rahman demonstrated that there was nothing to be nervous about and led his team courageously, losing third place by only one point, but receiving Honorable Mention in Team Sparring. The confident students took their places in their respective rings and the fierce competition began simultaneously in all corners of the arena.

The Aqabah competitors’ families gathered along the walls and the rings in support of their loved ones and soon enough, the students were being called to the podium to receive medals.

“I enjoyed seeing all the participants getting medals: first, second, and third place,” said Khan, who also competed in the individual competitions and brought home a medal.

However, watching her students winning was the highlight of her day.

Nobody bothers these little Aqabah Karate dragons! Top, Muhammd strikes a much larger opponent on his way to gold in sparring, joining young Khadija, below, who also took gold in sparring. Photo courtesy of Aqabah Karate.

This event opened many doors for Muslim athletes to feel comfortable about competing without compromising their beliefs, some participants said.

“I liked seeing the excitement in their eyes,” she said.

“Every time someone from Aqabah Karate stood on that podium to receive their awards, my heart just lit up with joy and

our first tournament. The organizers were very accommodating to our religious and cultural needs. So overall, the tournament went very well, we did really well. I think it was a big success.

Did you participate?

After 11 years, I thought I would not participate again but I did only because I wanted to lead from the front. A lot of my students, actually most of them, were competing for the first time so I wanted to encourage them. A lot of them were nervous and scared so I told them that even I, who hadn’t practiced in a while, [could compete] after 11 years. I wanted to show them that there was nothing to be scared or nervous about.

What was the parent’s reaction to the tournament afterwards?

All the reactions that I got were definitely overwhelmingly positive. They were very happy; some had never gone to karate tournaments and some may have gone before but they really thought this was well put together and they also liked the fact that we went as a team. So they really liked it and they are looking forward to more tournaments.

What do you think this tournament means to Aqabah Karate?

It is definitely a step forward, a big step forward, because the program has been here for a long time, but only in the last year and a half has it [become] structured. The

happiness for that Muslim sister or brother,” said another adult competitor from Aqabah Karate.

Khadija Spurlock white helmet fighting her

>> Karate Pg 16

tournament itself was a big step in making the structure bigger and more established.

So for the students, it was motivating and they are motivated to train right now so insha’Allah, I am hoping it will bring good to the program and to Dar-us-Salaam.

What were some of the highlights of the tournament? What did you enjoy the most?

Definitely watching the students getting their medals. It was awesome to see our [brothers and sisters] taking their medals, getting on the podium for everyone to see that the Muslims are part of their society and they are very competitive and willing to put their best forward.

6

COMMUNITY NEWS

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

ISNA Attracts 30K to Nation’s Capitol Muslim Link Staff Tens of thousands of Muslim Americans converged into the nation’s capital this July 4th weekend, not to spread a lawn blanket and watch the fireworks, but to underscore their place in the American pursuit for life, liberty, and happiness, the theme of this year’s annual convention for the Islamic Society of North America.

Starting Friday, July 4, with a khutbah delivered by All Dulles Area Muslims Society Imam Muhmmad Magid attended

by several thousand people, the all-weekend event held at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center attracted 30,000-35,000 attendees, according to Rizwan Jaka, who headed the convention steering committee.

“We had to reserve [the Convention Center] years in advance,” said Jaka, who added that ISNA plans to return to D.C. for their annual convention possibly in 2012. Past conventions have been held in metropolitan areas with large Muslim populations, most notably in Chicago. Last year’s took place

in Columbus, Ohio.

This year’s convention had many notable figures address the audience during the main session, like megachurch pastor Rick Warren, who said he came to build bridges of understanding with the Muslim community despite criticism from many of his co-evangelicals. Warren delivered the invocation at the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

This year’s bazaar – always a major attraction for attendees – boasted 500

vendors. Besides the staple bazaar offerings of clothing, books, toys, perfumes, jewelry, and artwork, there were several local Islamic organizations like the Islamic Society for the Washington Area and others soliciting for donations to complete masjid construction projects. The Seventh Day Adventists, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Navy also had booths.

The cost for the convention was approximately one million dollars, and over 250 volunteers helped make the convention run smoothly, according to Jaka.

Businesses, Organizations Come From Far to Attend ISNA

By Rashad Mulla Muslim Link Staff Writer This year at the 46th annual Islamic Society of North America Convention in D.C. on the July 4th weekend, 500 vendors came to have a go at the more than 30,000 people who converged upon the Convention Center.

The products ranged from useful to unheard of, the sellers came from as far away as Pakistan and some vendors, including ISNA veterans, boasted terrific sales during the bazaar’s three and a half days.

Al-Talib Newsmagazine (http://www. al-talib.com), the largest Muslim student newsmagazine in the United States, came all the way from the University of California, Los Angeles. The quarterly publication, which the UCLA MSA started in 1990, prints 20,000 copies per issue. The staff claims to have readers in 56,000 readers in 45 states, and they have 1200 paid subscribers to boot.

The magazine covers current events in an in-depth, cutting-edge manner not seen in

currently holds activities for youth, a Sunday school and Friday prayers.

mainstream media, editor-in-chief Naqib Shifa said. The magazine is one of five large projects of the Muslim Students Association at UCLA.

In the new building, ICCAA hopes to have an Islamic school, daycare, playground, library, conference rooms and many other services. According to Jobarteh, the organization got a good boost from being at the ISNA convention.

“We try to represent the Muslim student voice in America,” Shifa said. “There aren’t that many Muslim student publications in the country, and we’ve been around for almost 20 years. We provide very refreshing perspectives on issues.”

These issues include civil rights, social debates and even spiritual issues, such as the month of Ramadan.

“We try to find out what Islam’s answers are,” said Habib Hamidi, Al-Talib’s publishing manager. “Our style of journalism is to look at an issue from multiple sides and to present that to the reader so he or she is more educated.”

The writers are mostly UCLAstudents, Hamidi said. While UCLA does not have an official journalism program, the newsmagazine is one of seven ethnic student news publications the university publishes. Al-Talib is funded mostly by the university and through off-campus grants, but their representatives came to the ISNA convention looking to sign up subscribers more than solicit donations.

“We get all our subscriptions by going through conferences and face-to-face As usual, clothing was a hot item at this year’s ISNA bazaar. Ethnic communication,” clothing as well as off the wall t-shirts and techno-thobes moved well for Hamidi said. “We vendors. Photo by Muslim Link staff. want to get a huge

“It’s worth it to come here,” Jobarteh said.

“Despite the economy, a lot of people gave us very generous donations.”

Any bottle could become a “lotta” for use in the bathroom with this device. Photo by Muslim Link staff.

database of subscribers and then be able to tell UCLA that this [publication] is something people are benefiting from.”

A nearby booth hosted an organization from farther up – much farther up -- the Pacific coastline. The Islamic Community Center of Anchorage, Alaska (http://www. alaskamasjid.com), currently in the midst of multi-year, $1.5 million project to build the first masjid in the frigid, picturesque state, sent representatives to the ISNA convention for the third time.

The Anchorage-area Muslim community of approximately 4,000 raised the $600,000 needed to complete the first phase of the renovation – purchasing two 35,000 square foot plots of land. Lamin Jobarteh, ICCAA president, said the second phase – beginning to build the foundation – would be under way at the end of July. The goal is a lofty one, but not unrealistic, according to Jobarteh.

“Our focus is to finish this by 2011,” he said.

“We’ve been working on this aggressively since 2007.”

The Anchorage Muslims currently pray in a rented facility, the capacity of which they have far exceeded, Jobarteh said. ICCAA

People were also generous with their wealth when it came to checking out the Ramadan Fasting Tablet (http://www.ramadantablet. com), an oddly self-explanatory product launching to the public and making its debut at the ISNA convention.

A product of Berlanti International, LLC, a subsidiary of Sasha Cosmetics Corp. in Garden Grove, Calif., the Ramadan Fasting Tablet is a “suhoor supplement,” meaning it should be taken instead of the morning meal during the month of fasting. It’s a selfdescribed hunger buster and thirst quencher which provides balance and 10-12 hours of energy per dosage. A person should take one pill per 50 pounds they weigh, once a day, according to marketing director Raid Younis.

“It gives you balance and keeps you sustained throughout the day,” Younis said.

“Your body will ask for food and water only if you have no energy.”

There are a lot of questions Muslims have about the Belgian chocolate-flavored supplement. Is it healthy? Is it halal (permissible in Islam)?

To answer those questions, Younis points to a pair of certifications. The product is >> See Bazaar on Pg 16

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

7

COMMUNITY NEWS

Pursuing Life, Liberty, and Justice Outside the ISNA Hall Muslim Link Staff As thousands of ISNA convention goers left the juma’ prayer which unofficially marks the start of the annual weekend convention, this time in Washington DC, a small group of protestors gathered on the sidewalk outside the main entrance to the Convention Center.

Mauri Saalakhan’s Peace and Justice Foundation spearheaded a “mobilization” of activists and organizations fighting for justice for scores of incarcerated Muslims, arrested during the Bush ‘war on terror’.

Many of the cases involved entrapment and classified evidence.

The crowd at the mobilization was made up of onlookers, as well as many family members of imprisoned young Muslim Americans. Right, the family of the ‘Fort Dix 5’. Three brothers from the family pictured are serving time in that case. Photos courtesy of John Staggs.

Saalakhan gathered several families whose loved ones are imprisoned. The high profiles cases around the country represented on the sidewalk in many ways mirrored the well known “Paintball Jihad” case of several local area youth. Saalakhan moderated the almost two hour protest and rally. Imam

Siraj Wahaj and CAIR’s Nihad Awad both spoke breifly at the event. Family membes held up signs and passed out literature with information about their cases.

A post rally town hall meeting arranged across the street in the Historical Society

building was not well attended.

“Nothing (and I mean NOTHING) going on in the Convention Center across the street could have equaled in importance what was taking place in the Historical Society,” wrote Saalakhan in an email.

Judge Orders Chapman Transferred to Medical Facility CHAPMAN >> continued from pg 1

call for the emergency hearing. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also wrote to the court, urging them to address allegations of mistreatment and abuse in the prison. At the hearing, prosecutor Gordon Kromberg represented the government and argued that the mistreatment allegations were hearsay.

However, Seifullah’s wife presented a sworn affidavit of her communication with her husband, including details of a July 4, 2009 visit at his federal prison in Pennsylvania.

“The minute Seif walked to the room I couldn’t believe what I saw. I asked him, “Oh my God how much do you weight now?” He told me that they didn’t want to weigh him.

He looked so pale and so tired. I asked him about his sugar level and he told me it is been

between 400 and 500. He told me he was not able to eat anything for the past 9 days. I am sure he lost more 20 pounds in this short amount of time. My kids were sitting next to me listening to the whole conversation and this has deeply affected them. My younger daughter keeps asking me why they want to kill her father. We are all concerned about Seif’s health. Seif doesn’t know why they are doing this to him. He told me every time he asked someone they pointed their finger at someone else. I am sure that if this treatment continues, my husband’s life is in serious jeopardy,” she wrote.

Six of the original “Paintball Jihad” defendants plead guilty, and two others were acquitted. Only Seifullah Chapman, Masoud Khan, and Hammad Abdur-Raheem went to trial. All threewere convicted; AbdurRaheem has sincebeen released after serving his sentence. Seifullah was given 85 years, while Masoud Khan was given life.

Even Judge Brinkema, though she imposed the sentence, said Seifullah’s sentence was “sticking in my craw.’’

“What Mr. Chapman has been found guilty of is a serious crime, but there are murderers who have served far less time ... I have sentenced al Qaeda members who were planning attacks on these shores to far less time,” she told a packed courthouse at the original sentencing in 2004.

At a re-sentencing on July 29, 2005 prompted by an earlier Supreme Court decision making mandatory sentencing guidelines advisory, judge Brinkema reduced Seifullah’s sentence to 65 years. On that day, both Seifullah and his attorney made Brinkema aware of the mistreatment he was facing, including mistreatment directly affecting his medical condition.

“I will either go free one day, and this is

victory because I am innocent and should be with my family, or I will die with patience in a maximum security prison for crimes that I have not committed, and this is severe oppression which can only be rewarded by Allah’s Mercy. Your honor, this sentence is not justice. In the end, when all is said and done, what this sentence cries is: Justice…

Justice…Muslims need not apply. Muslims are no longer welcome here,” Seifullah told the court in his sentencing statement.

Seifullah’s attorney, John K. Zwerling, called the case and the sentences imposed in 2004 “the greatest miscarriage of justice I have ever been involved in.”

In late May of 2007, the United States Supreme Court declined the defense’s request to intervene in the case.

For more information on the “Paintball Jihad” case, search the Muslim Link website

8

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

TRAPPED IN THEIR OWN LAND Local Uyghurs Speak About Living Under A Godless Occupation News earlier this July about clashes in western China between police and student protesters put the East Turkestan region and its people -- Uyghur Muslims -- in the international spotlight.

For the past several decades, the Communist Chinese government has engaged in a massive, sustained campaign to change the demographics of the resource-rich region -known to the Chinese as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and to its centuries old inhabitants as their homeland, East Turkestan. Using iron-fisted techniques like religious repression, removal of the native Uyghur language from the public school system, and importing tens of millions of Han Chinese people from the mainland to become preferred settlers in the region, the tension in the Uyghur population increases day by day.

The Muslim Link was fortunate enough to be guided to Uyghurs living among us in the Greater Washington metropolitan area. These men and women grew up under the Communist occupation. They are taking personal and family risks to let the public know about the reality of the occupation of their land.

“Brother Khalid” came to the Washington DC metropolitan area after 2000. Raised in occupied East Turkestan region,

Khalid excelled in his university studies, learning the Mandarin (Chinese) language to excel at a large Chinese university, and learning English to eventually study in the United States. Very few Uyghur students are able to get accepted to US universities due to the language barrier.

Quiet and unassuming, he does not consider himself a Uyghur activist, but has participated in some rallies. Khalid agreed to speak to the Muslim Link on condition details of this interview that could be used to identify him are changed, including his name. Local Uyghurs fear Chinese government reprisals on their families for activity they do deemed “political” or “separatist”. Khalid hasn’t visited his home in almost one decade. --TML TML: How is it living as a Muslim minority in China?

We never felt like [we were living as a minority] because we are the majority, especially where I grew up. But in the northern part [of the East Turkestan region], the population of Uyghurs and Chinese might be equal, or there might be a Chinese majority, because the Chinese [immigrants] are coming in from the north. In the southern parts, we are still the majority. In [Khalid’s City], we are probably about 80% compared to maybe 95% twenty years ago, but that might be

East Turkestan has some of the oldest and most magnificent Islamic strucutres in Central Asia. Photo by D. Domingo.

changing fast. There is a big influx of [Chinese] because of encouraging [government] policies, while at the same time [the government] is trying to move the [Uyghur] work force

Abuses of Religious Freedoms In East Turkistan Source: World Uyghur Congress Since the Silk Road first opened twenty centuries ago, religion has played a major role in the life of the inhabitants of the region. Buddhist temples and cave complexes, vast collections of spiritual art which demonstrate a profound effect on the Uyghur people, remain from a time when Buddhism was making its way to China.

Those Buddhist traditions are still being upheld by the Yellow Uyghurs (Yugurs) in the Gansu province of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). As recently as 1993, these followers of the Yellow-Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism appealed to the Dalai Lama of Tibet to aid in training and educating a new generation of teachers and leaders to

The guidelines “Concerning our Countr y’s Basic Standpoint and Policy on Religious Questions” (1982) set out a “magnificent goal” for China’s Communist Party: “an era when all the various religious expressions of the actual world finally disappear”. replace those who had become the victims of the Communist Chinese occupation. In 934 CE, during the Karakhanid Uyghur Kingdom under Satuk Bughra Khan, many Uyghur people embraced Islam and

and literature flourish as the Islamic religious institutions enabled the pursuit of an advanced culture. In Kashgar alone, there were 18 Madrasas with enrollments of up to two thousand students in any given year. The schools were essential in teaching Uyghur children not only reading, writing and Islamic subjects, but also such familiar subjects as logic, arithmetic, geometry, ethics, astronomy, medicine, and agriculture.

the building of temples and monasteries gave way to the building of Mosques and Madrasas (mosque-schools).

Soon after the takeover of the Uyghur homeland by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), all the mosques and mosque-schools

The next thousand years saw art, sciences,

>> See ABUSES on Pg 12

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009 to the inner parts of China [to spread them out].

Politically, you may call me a Chinese Muslim but I don’t agree with it. We were taken over by the Chinese government. If China invades Pakistan [and takes over], it doesn’t make the Pakistanis now Chinese Muslims. We are not ethnically Chinese. Out of the 40 million Muslims in China or whatever the number is, the Chinese Muslims [called Hui, culturally close to the majority Han population -- TML] are more than the Uyghur Muslims. Hui are also considered a separate ethnic group.

TML: How are the Muslims in Your Home City?

They all claim to be Muslims, but not many people practice.

Growing up, we didn’t learn much about religion. Religious education was not available to regular people. We were actually taught atheism all along in the public school system.

That’s one of its goals, to teach atheism to the students. The

9

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS a farmer, and he gave up one of his labor force – one of his sons – to learn religion. Of course he also had to pay for his son’s education.

[Religiously educated people] had respect from the general people.

Religious people started to be under the watch of the government, and my cousin actually spent a few years in prison. He felt there was religious suppression, so he tried to go to a Muslim country. At the airport, he was arrested for helping a friend with some money, and this friend was involved in political activity. After that, whenever some religious thing came up, [the Chinese] would arrest him and detain him for a while.

TML: Are all Uyghurs Muslim?

The East Turkestan region is in a constant state of tension due to Communist China’s religious repression and discrimination of the region’s native Uyghur inhabitants, now living under occupation. Internet Photo.

Mostly all. Non-Muslim Uyghurs are atheists. In recent times some are converting to Christiany.

Western missionaries are making a concerted effort to spread Christianity. They come as teachers in universities and target young people with an inclination to western culture.

thinking more about religion at that time. Once I came here, I found the atmosphere especially in [this DC region] very good. I did not think I would much religious information here in the US. I was very surprised to see how lively the environment was, with so many lectures and scholars at the time.

TML: Were there masajid in your city?

Yes, we had the athan and juma’ prayer, but not many people would go. I was never taken by anyone, and I did not know what was going on inside [the masjid]. I did not know how to pray. I would go to Eid prayer and follow along with everyone else. The imam would tell people how to make the prayer.

Uyghur children. Photo by Roy Choi.

TML: How did you find your way back to Islam?

language of instruction when I was growing up was Uyghur.

We learned Chinese as a second language. My parents grew up in the communist system, and they did not learn much religion. The only person I know who learned something about Islam was my cousin who lived in the countryside, and my uncle sent him from childhood to a religious school up till high school. This was not common. My uncle was

I found out more about Islam when I went to study at a Chinese university. Some Uyghur classmates from some villages gave me some literature on Islam; it was very basic and theoretical, but it was in Uyghur. So I found it very interesting. Only when I came to the US, I started praying.

Although I came to the US for academic pursuits, I was also

TML: What memories do you have of Islam being repressed?

When I was young, the government policy [against Islam] was very concealed. Only the [Uyghur] government officials would be banned from attending public religious ceremonies like Eid prayer. They were members of the Communist Party [Communist Party membership is normally a requirement to hold a government position in China, local or otherwise.

As a Communist Party member, belief in religion was not allowed. -- TML].

Right now the trend is in two directions at the same time.

The number of people becoming more religious and more non-religious is increasing. Its not just in our community, but its the same whenever religious revival happens. If I were a non-Muslim >> See UYGHURS on Pg 14

Unrest in East Turkestan: What China is Not Telling the Media The following statement was made by Ms. Rebiya Kadeer, the president of the World Uyghur Congress, at the National Press Club in Washington DC on July 20, 2009. The event was sponsored by the Uyghur American Association. Kadeer lives in Northern Virginia. The Chinese government accuses Kadeer and the World Uyghur Congress of fomenting unrest in the occupied East Turkestan, called the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by communist China which considers the region part of its territory. Uyghur are Turkic people, having much in common with the people of Central Asia like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan,and Afghanistan and having little connection to the majority of Chinese peoples. Uyghurs are overwhelmingly Muslim.

The Chinese government, through its proxies in the official media, is obscuring the truth in order to conceal a mass killing of Uyghurs by Chinese security forces.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

Before we begin, I would like to thank the National Press Club for the organization of this event, especially Mr. Peter Hickman.

I would also like to thank you for your attendance here today.

Since the unrest in Urumchi on July 5, 2009, the official Chinese media, led by Xinhua news agency and Chinese Central Television, has vigorously presented to the world the Chinese government’s version of events and the cause of the discontent shown

by Uyghurs in the streets of East Turkestan’s

regional capital. Today’s press conference is to shed light on that reporting.

The version of the Urumchi unrest that has been presented to the world by the Chinese government follows this narrative. On July 5, Uyghur “plotters” took to the streets and in a display of “beating, smashing, looting, and burning” killed 197 people and injured 1,721. The riot was masterminded by Rebiya Kadeer and the World Uyghur Congress.

Yesterday, Nur Bekri, the Chairman of what the Chinese government calls the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, admitted that Chinese security forces used live >> See UNREST I on Pg 10

10 UNREST I >> continued from pg 9

ammunition and shot dead protesters, who were referred to as “mobsters” in the official media, to control the unrest.

This version of events, as is so often the case with Chinese reporting, is not true. For instance, we know that far more than 12 Uyghurs were shot by Chinese authorities.

The Chinese government, through its proxies in the official media, is obscuring the truth in order to conceal a mass killing of Uyghurs by Chinese security forces.

Furthermore, through its demonization of Uyghur protesters in the official media, it is attempting to justify the impending mass executions of Uyghurs as promised by Chinese officials.

The actual events in Urumchi according to eyewitness reports are as follows.

In the days leading up to July 5, an unknown person or persons posted on the forums of China-based websites an appeal to Uyghurs in Urumchi to peacefully protest the Chinese government’s mishandling of multiple killings of Uyghurs by Han Chinese at a toy factory in Shaoguan, Guangdong province.

The forum post surprisingly remained online, which is contrary to the known behavior of Chinese government censors.

On July 5, Uyghurs, mostly young men and women, some of whom carried the flag of the People’s Republic of China, assembled and marched peacefully in Urumchi toward People’s Square. They asked for justice for the victims in Shaoguan and expressed sympathy with the families of those killed and injured. They also demanded to meet with government officials but none came out to meet with them.

As the protest was public knowledge, the protesters were met en route by a show of force, including four kinds of Chinese police- regular police; anti-riot police;

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS special police and People’s Armed Police.

The police surrounded the protesters and tensions between police and protesters grew. According to an eyewitness caller to our offices, the protesters were incited by plain clothes agents to respond to the police presence. As tensions became heated, police started beating, kicking, and arresting protesters. Then, under the cover of darkness, Chinese security forces began to fire upon Uyghur protesters.

Protesters fled to other points of the city, where they were forced into several closed areas from which they could not escape. The protesters were indiscriminately shot and killed in these locations, and those remaining were arrested. Reports indicate that Chinese authorities turned off the street lighting in the areas where protesters were present. These reports also describe the possible killing of Han Chinese bystanders in the shootings by Chinese police, which may explain the high numbers of Han Chinese fatalities. That Han Chinese civilians may have been killed

by Chinese police must be investigated by

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

Protesters fled to other points of the city, where they were forced into several closed areas from which they could not escape. The protesters were indiscriminately shot and killed in these locations, and those remaining were arrested. lost control.” In that same report, Reuters also stated that “a spray of bullet holes could be seen on the glass front of a Bank of China office…Many Uighur residents say they heard or saw gunfire.” That Chinese security forces used live ammunition in suppressing the protest was confirmed in several calls to our office received on Sunday night from protest participants.

Some Uyghurs reacted to the intimidation of Chinese policing. Uyghurs killed and injured Han Chinese in violent attacks. Here, I would like to say that I strongly condemn the violence which took place in Urumchi.

In the immediate aftermath of the violence,

Urumchi Communist Party secretar y, Li Zhi, at a press conference on July 8, stated that executions would be used to deal with protesters. independent journalists.

In another phone call to our offices, a protester at Xinjiang University reported that Uyghurs were being fired upon by Chinese police “right now”, and in the background we could hear the screams of people in the vicinity. The caller stated that they could see approximately 50 Uyghurs lying dead from Chinese police shooting in an area around the stop for the number 1 city bus.

On July 11, Reuters quoted a Uyghur resident of Urumchi who said that the official death toll is “the Han people’s number. We have our own number…Maybe many, many more Uighurs died. The police were scared and

Chinese security forces conducted massarrests of Uyghurs, according to sources quoted by Radio Free Asia in a July 9 report. A caller to our offices stated that the dormitories at Xinjiang University were broken into by Chinese police in a bid to arrest Uyghurs deemed to have been involved in the unrest. In a Xinhua report dated July 7, Urumchi Communist Party secretary, Li Zhi, was quoted as saying that authorities had detained 1,434 people for their role in the Urumchi unrest. The World Uyghur Congress contests that number, as it has not been independently verified. A July 19 Financial Times report states that more than 4,000 Uyghurs have been arrested and that Urumchi’s prisons are so full that detainees are being held in People’s Liberation Army warehouses. We fear that these detainees face execution in non-transparent judicial procedures.

In further communications with our offices, Uyghurs reported that some of the Uyghur wounded from July 5 did not go to the hospital for fear of arrest. Those who did go to the hospital reported that they were either turned away or charged for treatment, while Han Chinese victims received assistance free of charge.

On July 6-7, 3,000 to 4,000 armed Han Chinese took to the streets attacking and killing Uyghurs. Radio Free Asia reports an eyewitness as seeing 150 to 200 dead Uyghurs in the Hualin district. There have been no reported arrests of Han Chinese

from these two days of violence against the Uyghur community in Urumchi. Radio Free Asia reported a Uyghur man as saying that “[w]hen the Chinese came out with batons and clubs, there is no one to stop them.

They are pretending to stop them, but they are not really strict… If the Uyghurs had come out with batons and clubs, they would immediately be fired upon.”

In a further act of heavy handed policing, on July 13 reports detailed the fatal shooting

by Chinese armed police of two unarmed Uyghurs.

The Chinese government’s crackdown on ordinary Uyghurs in East Turkestan is in full swing. The July 19 Financial Times report states that Chinese armed police have established checkpoints on all roads in and out of Urumchi and that “[p]rivate cars without Uighur passengers were waved through after a quick document check for the drivers. Vehicles with Uighur drivers or with Uighur passengers were being searched at gunpoint.” The report added that numbers of armed police in the region would be raised to 130,000 by October 1, 2009, the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The Chinese government has been vocal about the fact that it allowed the western media into Urumchi to confirm its version of events in order to create a veneer of legitimacy. This is most certainly a change of policy from the ban it imposed on foreign journalists during the March 2008 unrest in Lhasa. However, scratching below the surface, a careful media management strategy is evident. Through this strategy the Chinese government is attempting to conceal the events surrounding the Urumchi unrest, as it is the events surrounding the Shaoguan killings, which precipitated the Urumchi protests. Nevertheless details of those two events have filtered through Chinese censors to present a picture far different than that reported by the official media.

The official Chinese media reports that two Uyghurs were killed during the Han Chinese mob attack at the toy factory in Shaoguan on June 26.

This is not true.

In the U.K. Guardian newspaper, Jonathan Watts reports an interview with a Han Chinese man involved in the Shaoguan killings, who >> See UNREST II on Pg 11

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009 states that he personally “helped to kill seven or eight Uighurs, battering them until they stopped screaming.” The eyewitness added that the death toll could be around 30, a figure which tallies with reports we have received from workers at the toy factory who have been brave enough to call us.

In a Far Eastern Economic Review piece titled Fear Grips Shaoguan’s Uighurs, Kathleen E. McLaughlin reports that 700 Uyghurs from the Shaoguan toy factory are now being detained at an abandoned factory ten miles away. The official Chinese media is not reporting this because, as eyewitness accounts testify, the version of events at Shaoguan it has given the world is false.

The unlawful detention of these workers illustrates that if the real details of the Shaoguan killings emerge, they will reveal the unwillingness of the Chinese authorities to protect Uyghur citizens from Han Chinese mob violence.

The permission given to western journalists to report from East Turkestan is not all that it seems. Not only was the western media carefully guided through its stay in Urumchi, but reporters also faced detention if they ventured out themselves. Reporters from Radio Free Asia, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and TV Tokyo were expelled or detained in the region because the authorities felt that they could not manage them sufficiently. Journalists who have reported a version of events which has strayed from the official path have received death threats from Han Chinese nationalists.

In the wake of the unrest, internet and wireless communications went down in Urumchi, and in the region. This was for a very good reason – to prevent an Iranian style spread of news from citizen journalists.

The Chinese authorities’ deep fear that that a different version of events will emerge from the one reported in the official media has spread to a threat issued to the legal community. According to the CongressionalExecutive Commission on China (CECC), the Beijing Municipal Judicial Bureau

11

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS

“issued a notice on its Web site on July 8 calling on justice bureaus, the municipal lawyers association, and law offices in Beijing to ‘exercise caution’ in representing cases related to events” in East Turkestan.

The Chinese reporting on the Urumchi unrest has also not given any prominence to the involvement of key government officials in exacerbating disharmony between Han Chinese and Uyghurs.

Urumchi Communist Party secretary, Li Zhi, at a press conference on July 8, stated that executions would be used to deal with

to the disgraceful nature of some of the remarks left on its comments section by Han Chinese nationalist “netizens”. The remarks not only attacked the newspaper, calling for a boycott of the publication, but also a number of distressing personal comments were made about myself. Xinhua, in a July 13 report, went so far as to congratulate those people who had left these abusive ultra-nationalist comments.

Rightfully so, if free speech is to be respected, the Wall Street Journal published a letter from Wang Baodong, the spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington,

Let the world understand the real events. The streets of cities in East Turkestan are littered with closed-circuit television. The tapes from cameras on the streets of Urumchi during the unrest should be made freely available to western journalists.

freedom of religion.

The six decades-long repression of Uyghurs by the Chinese government is the true cause of the unrest in Urumchi.

At this point in the East Turkestan issue, I seek an independent and international investigation into the Shaoguan killings and into the Urumchi unrest. Let the world understand the real events. The streets of cities in East Turkestan are littered with closed-circuit television. The tapes from cameras on the streets of Urumchi during the unrest should be made freely available to western journalists. If the truth were to emerge, this would surely contribute to a path of dialogue between Han Chinese and Uyghur based on equality and trust.

I also urge the Chinese government to allow journalists access to East Turkestan and Uyghurs without any conditions. It is wellknown that Uyghurs who speak to western journalists often disappear. No one knows the whereabouts of Dilkex Tiliwaldi, a Uyghur who disappeared after speaking to a PBS journalist several years ago.

protesters. The well-documented lack of transparency in the Chinese judicial system, especially for Uyghurs, coupled with the state-sanctioned threats towards lawyers who may represent protesters, illustrates that these executions, when they do take place, are political.

D.C., on July 15. However, Mr. Wang used his opportunity to chastise the western media for its exercise of freedom of speech by stating that “[t]he Chinese government and people are very much displeased with the Journal’s decision to publish Rebiya Kadeer’s…op-ed”.

However, Xinhua did find it reasonable to report Li Zhi’s inflammatory chanting of “Down with Rebiya”, at the scene of the unrest, further fanning the flames of Han Chinese nationalism and dividing Uyghurs and Han Chinese. Indeed, official comments have taken on an even more hyperbolic nature, as the China Daily charges that the Urumchi unrest can be linked to Al-Qaeda.

The attack on freedom of speech in the western media was also taken to Australia.

The cultural attaché at the Chinese consulate in Melbourne, Chen Chunmei, urged organizers of the Melbourne International Film Festival to withdraw a film about my advocacy work. The festival organizers dismissed the pressure.

This access to East Turkestan will be critical in the coming days as looming executions of Uyghurs on political charges come ever nearer (see CECC’s Authorities Pledge Crackdown Following Xinjiang Demonstration and Clashes). We fear that a number of Uyghurs are going to be executed unnoticed by the world. In order to prevent such state-sanctioned killing we require the eyes of the world’s media and the world’s governments to remain on East Turkestan and to speak out against a further abuse of the Uyghur people’s human rights.

Naturally, what is missing from the Chinese official media’s reporting of the Urumchi unrest is the larger picture of repression of Uyghurs in China. This repression includes the forced transfer of young Uyghur women to Chinese sweatshops; the demolition of Uyghur cultural heritage in Kashgar; a monolingual language-planning policy; discriminatory hiring practices; torture and execution on political charges; and curbs on

My last appeal is to western journalists.

Please consider carefully the information you receive from the official Chinese media.

I understand that the Chinese government’s management of information makes it difficult for you to produce work under tight deadlines, but please consider the source of the information, the Chinese government, and the political motives that drive its output of news. Thank you.

Since the Urumchi unrest, the Chinese government has made a number of high profile attacks on freedom of speech in western countries to suffocate Uyghurs in exile.

On July 8, I published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. I commend the Wall Street Journal’s decision to publish the piece due

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12 ABUSES >> continued from pg 8

were closed. Religious leaders were jailed by the thousands and sentenced to hardlabor. All the lands which once belonged to the religious institutions were confiscated and the Communist Chinese government began a policy to eliminate religious instruction, practice, and thought. Chinese schools were soon set up and no longer did the Uyghur people study about their history, religion, scientific achievements or culture.

The new schools forced students to learn the Chinese language, learn about Chinese culture and Chinese literature, and the “great accomplishments of Chairman Mao Ze-dong”. All aspects of Uyghur culture and civilization were erased from serious study.

Religious study and training, which formed the backbone for the continued survival of Uyghur culture and civilization were decimated.

Communist Chinese Policy Underlying Chinese Communist Party policy on religion is a commitment to the “natural withering away” of religion. The guidelines “Concerning our Country’s Basic Standpoint and Policy on Religious Questions” (1982) set out a “magnificent goal” for Party members: “an era when all the various religious expressions of the actual world finally disappear”. The practice of religion in East Turkistan (Uyghurstan) is subject to strict controls within carefully prescribed limits. It is these controls which are destroying the root of Uyghurs’ religion, Islam, an integral part of East Turkistan (Uyghurstan) society.

Chinese policy on religion in East Turkistan over the last 45 years can be divided into five periods 1. 1950-59: Religion was officially endorsed in the 1954 Constitution, but religious activity was strictly controlled through state-run associations.

2. 1959-66: China consolidated its control over Eastern Turkistan (Uyghurstan) mosques were targeted as the backbone of Uyghurs’ society. By 1966, before the Cultural Revolution began, most of mosques had been destroyed.

3. 1966-77: During the Cultural Revolution, all religious activity was banned; religious institutions were razed; texts and sacred objects destroyed; religious leaders imprisoned and tortured; many were killed.

Abuses of religious freedom reached its peak.

4. 1977-early 90s: In 1977, some religious activities were allowed. Liberalization policies were initiated by Hu Yao-bang in 1980. Uyghurs rebuilt or newly built many

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS mosques using private funds and donated labor. The period between 1983 and 1987 was one of rapid growth for mosques and religious practitioners with little government interference.

5. Early 90s-present: The Chinese government placed severe restrictions on

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

Religious practitioners cannot be Party members, which affects access to housing and employment as well as political influence.

Article 36 of the 1982 Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) says its members enjoy freedom of religious belief.

But Article 36 also says religious rituals; festivals and meetings can be banned on the

The head of every mosque is appointed by the Religious Affairs Bureau, a state-run (Chinese Communist Party controlled) body founded in 1952. building new mosques and completely banned all private religious schools (There are no public religious schools in East Turkistan (Uyghurstan) except an Islamic College located in the capital city, Urumchi, but this school is used exclusively by the government to re-educate Uyghur religious leaders). They have also exercised very strict control over all the religious activities among Uyghurs.

Administration of the Mosques The head of every mosque is appointed by the ReligiousAffairs Bureau, a state-run (Chinese Communist Party controlled) body founded in 1952. The Chinese authorities appoint a Democratic Committee for Religious Affairs within each mosque, which acts as a liaison group with the local government.

Most members of both organizations are communist party members and avowed atheists. That is, persons who do not believe in religion have been placed in charge of it. Calls came from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Communist Party in late 1994 for these committees to more effectively control Uyghur religion in mosques. Mollahs and Ahuns are examined for political correctness and trained under Party super vision. They must not have been involved in “unpatriotic” activities.

The authorities have set up work teams, groups of people who have received special political education in various levels of CCP schools, to control the political education of religious institutions. These work teams are funded by the provincial governments and work under the direction of provincial CCP governments. They organize special sessions of political education in various levels of political schools to religious leaders, such as Ahuns and Mollas, and teach them CCP’s policies and regulations, communistic ideas and CCP’s religious ideals.

grounds of disrupting social order. Religious education is banned from schools.

Overseas Organizations The Party guidelines on religion state that no contact with overseas religious organizations is tolerated, rendering communication with any foreign Islamic organization unlawful.

This has led to a situation in which Uyghurs have been completely isolated in religious aspects in the past 45 years from the outside world.

New laws promulgated in January 1994 sharply increase the Communist government’s control over religious activity in China and Eastern Turkistan (Uyghurstan), banning foreign proselytizing and forbidding mosques from “destructive, independent, unauthorized or overseasfinanced activities”, strengthening the isolation of Uyghurs from the outside world.

Religion and ‘Superstition’ Under Article 99 of the Chinese Criminal Law, heavy penalties can be exacted for the use of “feudal superstition and superstitious sects” to “carry on counter-revolutionary activities”. The distinction between superstition and religion is left unclear, and

Muslim peoples, especially from ethnic Han-Chinese, in China. Uyghurs not only never raise pigs in their houses, but also consider it a severe violation of Islamic principles to come close to a pig or to smell pork. However, during the Cultural Revolution, in most of the countrysides in East Turkistan (Uyghurstan), each family was required to raise pigs according to their household numbers, to be used by Han-Chinese settlers as a food supply. For example, if an Uyghur had 7 people in his family, he had to raise 7 pigs in his house.

The people who did not obey this policy were treated as criminals, imprisoned and sometimes killed. Even worse, most of the mosques were changed into pigpens as a state law, and pigs received more and better measured foods than Uyghur people. As a result, the number of pigs far exceeded the number of Han-Chinese settlers in East Turkistan (Uyghurstan). In contrast to this situation, most Uyghurs farmers did not get any lamb for several years.

Religious leaders were abused in front of large organized people gatherings, asked questions such as “Where is your God? Why doesn’t it come to rescue you?”, and were executed right at the spot.

In 1996, the Chinese government started a “strike-hard” campaign under the slogan of cracking down on various criminal activities.

But this campaign took a completely different form in East Turkistan (Uyghurstan). During this campaign, all religious activities were labeled as illegal activities, and all the nonpro-Chinese religious leaders and followers, including high school and college students, were labeled as pro-independence suspects and jailed. Some unofficial estimates claim that up to 570,000 jailings of Uyghurs have happened in Eastern Turkistan (Uyghurstan) since 1996. A substantial number of the Uyghur people, some as young as 14 years old, who were imprisoned since the “strikehard” campaign still remain in Chinese jails as political prisoners. These kinds of mass arrests have led to the enormously high level of ethnic unrest in East Turkistan

During the Cultural Revolution, in most of the countrysides in East Turkistan (Uyghurstan), each family was required to raise pigs according to their household numbers, to be used by Han-Chinese settlers as a food supply.

Mosques given state funds to be restored tend to be those on the tourist route. However, more than 95% of mosques have been built with private funds and donated labor. In rural areas reconstruction is completely banned.

the ban on superstition can be applied to religious practices.

Religion outside the Mosques

Eating pork or not is the biggest symbol that separates Muslim Uyghurs from non-

Several Examples on Abuses of East Turkistan Religious Freedom

(Uyghurstan).

One of such incident of unrest occurred in the spring of 1997. On February 5th and 6th, some Uyghur residents of Ghulja (also called Ili), a city 4000 kilometers away from Beijing with an Uyghur majority, carried out a peaceful demonstration on the streets

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009 against the arrest of 30 prestigious religious leaders during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Following the demonstration, the Chinese armed police and PLA soldiers opened fire on the defenseless, peaceful Uyghur demonstrators, killing 103 people, and critically injuring another 184. About 3000 people were arrested according to eyewitnesses (Government acknowledged 10 dead, 198 injured).

Following that incident the entire Ghulja valley, the capital city - Urumchi, and some other major East Turkistan (Uyghurstan) cities came under martial law. Police made swift arrests of thousands of Uyghur men, women and even children with “separatist and counter revolutionary” charges. Chinese police tortured the arrested Uyghurs using very cruel means, such as forcing them to stand barefooted on ice for hours, burning the women’s breasts with cigarettes and asking questions such as “Where is your God? Why doesn’t your God come to rescue you?”, releasing police dogs to bite them and forcing the Uyghur girls to share the same prison cells with Chinese male criminals.

According to Chinese sources, on April 24, 1997, three arrested demonstrators were sentenced to death and executed on the same day. Twenty-seven others were sentenced for life in prison. Paramilitary forces shot three people to death when the families of the convicted came to bid a final farewell to their loved ones. On July 22, 1997, seven more people were sentenced to death and executed on the same day, three were sentenced for suspended death, seven for life in prison, and ten for lengthy jail terms. According to witnesses from the area, many people were executed behind the scenes. The death toll related to the Ghulja incident alone is estimated to be around 250.

The number of arrested reached 5,000.

Closing Remarks It has become apparent that the communist Chinese government is currently carrying out a deliberate policy of cultural genocide in Eastern Turkistan (Uyghurstan). They are planning to wipe out the Uyghur people from the face of the earth using ethnic assimilation.

To this end, they have accelerated the speed of planned population transfer of ethnic HanChinese into East Turkistan (Uyghurstan) on one hand, and have tightened their control over the Uyghur religion and intensified the infamous “strike-hard” campaign against Uyghur nationalism and religion on the other. Therefore, the violations of Uyghurs human rights and the abuses of Uyghurs religious freedoms have a distinct character, and are aimed at preventing Uyghurs as a people from asserting their own identity and culture and their wish to preserve it.

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS

13

Ethnic Tensions in China Turn Bloody as Uighurs and Han Chinese Clash in Western China

Certainly, mob violence – regardless of who instigates it or suffers from it – cannot be a way forward for Chinese Muslims or Chinese of any description.

crackdown on local news reporting, internet and Twitter access in the region.

The killing must stop immediately, for the sake of all human beings.

There are also reports of systematic Han reprisals against Uighur Muslims who seek to pray, or to fast during the upcoming month of Ramadan.

We should morn the deaths and injuries resulting from this latest wave of violent attacks. But the Muslim population of Xinjiang, from all indications, has numerous legitimate grievances that can only be addressed by negotiation with the Chinese national government. And the world is waiting to see if such possibilities exist, or if mechanisms for settling the disputes might be operative.

July 8, 2009

By Ibrahim Abdil-Mu’id Ramey MAS Freedom Foundation Most of the world is aware of the tension in China over the occupation, and some might say, oppression of the Buddhist majority of Tibet by the majority Han people who rule the People’s Republic. Since 1950, untold numbers of monasteries and other Tibetan cultural institutions have been destroyed, while the massive resettlement of ethnic Han Chinese in Tibet has altered the cultural landscape of the region perhaps for all time.

Now we are witnessing yet another spasm of ethnic/racial violence in the world’s most populous nation; but this time the killing involves people of the Uighur nationality, made up of roughly 20 million Chinese Muslims.

To date, news reports indicate numerous clashes in the streets of the city of Urumqi in China’s western Xingiang province, with more than 150 persons – likely far more - killed and scores seriously injured.

After an incident in which two Uighurs were killed in a factory fight, Uighurs began attacking Han people on the streets, which led to the retaliation of local Han residents along with a

But the deeper underlying conflicts are not widely known. The Uighur population of China, like the people of Tibet, has been dealing with attempts by the central Chinese government to vigorously oppose the free practice of Islam, and to enforce the secularization of the Uighur society, including the imposition of Communist/atheist education in local schools. Moreover, the Uighur people, like the Tibetans, have witnessed the displacement of vast areas of their pastoral lands by energy and industrial operations. Like in Tibet, ethnic Han people have also been massively settled by the government into the region.

This spasm of mass killing should force us to confront some central questions: do all Chinese ethnic groups have equal access to the Chinese economic miracle. Is freedom of religion a right for Chinese citizens who belong to religious minorities? And are there any mechanisms in place to deal with the frustrations of the Uighurs (and others) that are regarded as marginalized within the larger society.

Michael Prysner Reflects on Gaza Journey Iraq war veteran and ANSWER Coalition representative Michael Prysner shares his experience as a member of the Viva Palestina delegation to Gaza.

soldiers in full riot gear. We passed through the gates to see children waving Palestinian flags.

We were in Gaza. We broke the siege—we crossed the hardest border in the world to cross, with aid that the most powerful empire in the world has worked mercilessly to keep out.

Before our arrival in Gaza, British MP George Galloway asked his Palestinian contacts there what they needed the most. Among other things, they said they needed vehicles, medical aid and school supplies. But the number one thing that they needed, the one thing they wanted above all else, was us. They wanted to see our faces, to have us there with them. They wanted to know that they were not abandoned, that we were fighting for them in the United States, that we were standing with them as they resisted.

I stepped foot in Gaza for all of our sisters and brothers in the ANSWER Coalition, who have worked tirelessly to build the movement against the Zionist colonial project, who were working day and night to show the world that we stood against the massacre in Gaza, and that we stood with all of its people. I stepped foot in Gaza on behalf of all of the dedicated activists in the United States who have been in the streets year after year demanding a free Palestine, who have battled against the

We were told that Palestinians see all the pictures from our demonstrations. They know that we are in the streets in solidarity, they know that our movement is dedicated and strong—and growing.

We had to overcome many hurdles placed on our path before reaching Gaza. Our first attempt to just get close to it resulted in a 15hour standoff at the Suez Canal, where we were ultimately turned around. The very next day, Egypt allowed two Israeli warships to pass through the canal—but not the wheelchairs and notebook paper that we had.

We finally found ourselves at the gates of the Rafah crossing. Gaza lay behind a massive concrete wall, barbed wire and Egyptian

Muslim Uighurs, like Buddhists in Tibet, should enjoy the full human rights afforded to all citizens of their nation. These rights include the freedom of worship and cultural expression. They are conveyed upon human beings by our creator, and they must never be arbitrarily abolished or truncated by the powers of a state.

The majority Han government may be a powerful one, but Muslims should be prepared to voice their concern for the freedoms of our brothers and sisters in faith, and indeed, the human rights of all the citizens of China.

If the world cares about the situation in Tibet – as we should – we must also care about the sad plight of religious Muslims in China.

Zionists and reactionaries, who have handed out thousands upon thousands of leaflets and marched countless miles under the banner of the right to return.

We were greeted by a crowd of people, smiling and chanting, who have seen our demonstrations, who know of our work and dedication, and who now have seen our faces.

I stepped foot in Gaza with all of our comrades in this struggle in my heart, and to deliver a message on our behalf to the people of Gaza.

With my first step on Gaza soil, I grabbed the first person I saw and hugged him, as tight as I could.

We will continue to struggle, we will continue to challenge the siege and the blockade, until the day we can cross the border into a free Palestine.

14 UYGHURS >> continued from pg 9

policy maker, I would just let people keep doing what they were doing. Repression makes people increase their attachment to religion. You try to blow out the fire, and it just gets bigger.

TML: China has a one child law to slow their population growth. Does that apply to Uyghurs?

Uyghurs are allowed only two children, and its strictly enforced. One of my wife’s relatives was pregnant. Somehow [the government] discovered her, and she was hiding all along [in the home]. The child was ready to be delivered, it was healthy.

They gave her the injection, but [even so] the baby was born alive, around 10 lbs, seemed very healthy, he cried in front of the mother [in the hospital delivery room], and then they gave him another injection to kill him. Thats how far they go.

TML: Do Uyghurs give da’wa to the Han Chinese?

Among Uighurs, somehow, the Chinese are just considered ‘kuffar’ and that’s it. No dawa is given. In fact, they are called ‘black kuffar’. In the Uighur language, you call cancer a ‘black tumor’, so the term is very severe. It means the Chinese are deep rooted kuffar and they will not change. Thats the mindset. I never knew a Chinese Muslim growing up. Some younger Uyghur are now changing their thinking and giving da’wa to the Chinese. In [a large Chinese city] I know of an Imam who is giving dawa to Chinese, and he helepd many Chinese become Muslim. The women started wearing hijab.

It was like a novelty for me, because I grew up with the “black kuffar” mentality. We thought they were a lost cause. To see some Chinese following the sunnah more closely than many of us. It seemed unusual.

SPECIAL FOCUS ON UYGHUR MUSLIMS The middle class and upper class were basically wiped out. Even in the early 1980s [the Chinese government] was discussing whether to allow people to become millionaires. Someone became a millionaire, and this [issue] went all the way to the leader of the country. [When I was growing up], the condition of the people was homogeneous, living in apartments like here. You wouldn’t see someone with a distinct 2-story house.

Other than that, it was like any other city.

TML: So its dangerous to become wealthy?

Hiding wealth has been the case for a long time, especially in my city. A lot of tradesman did not want to show they had money, they were afraid to be raided by the government. I heard many stories of tradesman who inherited wealth but did not want to show it. Once someone was digging and found a jar full of precious metals, mostly gold, and no one even dared to claim it, this was in the suburbs of [Khalid’s City].

So the government took it. The claim of the government is that everything below the land belongs to the government. You can build a house on a piece of land, but they own the land. You are only paying for the right to use that land [not own it].

TML: How do you keep up with what’s happening in your city?

I look at the Uyghur websites. I cannot ask questions to my family over the phone. The phone is listened to live, not later. I don’t ask any questions about [political things].

Urumchi [the city where Chinese forces killed hundreds of Uyghur protesters earlier this month -- TML] is north of my city.

One of my sisters is there. I had a hard time trying to find out if they are OK. I had to go through a chinese VOIP company and make it like a local call [from inside China] so the government cannot block it. I called my family for about one minute and asked “is everything allright?” They said fine. I said “how about the people in Uramchi?” They said fine. I said “OK”, and then hung up.

TML: How has Communism effected life in East Turkestan?

TML: How did most Uyghurs in the United States get here?

When the Communist Chinese under Mao invaded East Turkestan [in 1949], they destroyed most of the upper and middle class people, took their lands and distributed it to poor [The upper class and land owners are looked at with suspicion in the Communist ideology – TML] They also executed or arrested many religious scholars. This happened long before I was born, but I heard stories about it.

Getting the passport is extra hard for Uyghurs, there are a lot of local policies against us. Uyghurs in the whole US number around 2,000. Most of us know each other.

When I someone speaking Uyghur [in public here], I’ll just go [up to them] and meet him.

Ten to twenty years ago most of the Uyghurs coming were students. Now there are more people asking for political asylum.

My mother said my grandfather was taken because he was relatively well off. He had a leather shop. He treated his apprentices well and they gave testimony that he did not oppress them , so he was eventually released.

The US never says they are allowing Uyghurs into the country [with an open door], but you have to have people to make noise [against China] so the US can [tell China], hey, what about these people and your treatment of them. This is just my reading.

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

TML: Do the Uyghurs have some expectations or hope in Obama?

That’s been the hope for a long while, but even in this [Urumchi] clash [the US government] claims they don’t have enough information to know the situation. I was disheartened to see even the major media reports as if they basically translated from the chinese media. The East Turkestan Islamic Party has been declared a terrorist organization by the US. China asked for that when the whole decision about Iraq was going on. But as China blocked the resolution at the UN, the party was taken off the US list of organizations designted “terrorist”.

TML: The Urumchi clashes between Uyghurs and the Han Chinese brought to light the huge divide among these two groups East Turkestan. Can you give our readers some perspective?

All of the western region of [what is now China] and the surrounding countries like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, is all one region, one people for the most part.

I can understand 90% of what Uzbeks and Kazaks speak. These borders are a divide and conquer effort from Russia and others.

[Chairman] Mao declared East Turkestan to be the Xinjiang Uyghur “Autonomous Region”, and the autonomous part was mainly supposed to be keeping the Uyghur language. As far as the local condition, now most schools use Chinese as the official language. The Chinese pushed the adoption of latin [characters] for [written Uyghur lanaguage], but the Uyghurs changed it back to [the original] arabic [style] script.

There are no official statistics, but you can tell if you go to the train stations and see how many Han people are coming every day into the area [for the past several decades, the government has been pushing a mass immigration of Han Chinese from main land China into the Uyghur lands to the West. -- TML] The official statement to [these Han migrants] is to “go and help in the border region” They get preferential treatment, pay no water taxes nor land taxes because they are ‘helping the region’. They get better farming lands in terms of quality and irrigation, the government gives them lands that are upstream. Even as I grew up I saw these changes. If [the Han] plant the same things as the locals, you can sell it much cheaper. The locals can’t keep up.

And if your not a farmer or tradesman, most probably your a government employee. And government employees can’t pray, or they will lose their jobs. During Ramadhan they are given lunch. During the whole year they aren’t given anything, but during Ramadhan they are given lunch every day [to ensure they are not fasting]. Below 18 they are prohibited from going to masajid [because the government says] they are too young to be exposed to religion. If you are a college

student or an employee of the college -because it’s a government university -- you can’t go to the masjid either.

It used to be that at 2:30 in the morning it would be like a fair outside, with food and vendors during Ramadhan. Now there are people who go around on campus before suhoor time to see if there are any lights on or activity going on.

The government took away my parents’ passports. They had to put down a [collateral] of the equivalent of over ten thousand dollars to get them back. Then they were given conditions [to travel here to the US] that you cannot participate in any political activity, and you cannot go [from the US] to hajj. If they went to hajj, they would lose their deposit. Also, if you are retired and on government pension, they stop those payments for good, to zero.

I don’t know about my son, but of course I have a strong attachment to my homeland. I wish I could go back.

Any incident, a small fight on the street, between a Chinese and a Uyghur gets special attention. There is a special number to call, 110, and they treat it as a separatist activity. If you go to many businesses [looking for a job], they will tell you on your face that we only accept Chinese. There is clear discrimination. Also, the Chinese are trying gather any Uyghur suspected of “political” or “separatist” activities. They even send police buses to Kazakstan to arrest Uyghurs.

TML: What do you tell your American colleagues when they ask you about the news from Urumchi?

I remind them about Tianamen Square. The Chinese said they did not kill anyone. My wife was there on the eve of the crackdown.

She left when the authorities told everyone to leave. It was a blatant lie. All the evidence shows how many people were killed, not just shot but run over by tanks.

TML: Do you hope to return to East Turkestan? Will you remain active speaking about the on-going oppression by the Chinese government?

Although some local Uyghur are trying to activate me, at this point, I’m not that active.

We never predicted that there would be so much media attention on the Uyghur issue. I can’t go back, especially with all the things going on, and I also participated in some of the rallies. There is clear oppression, we have to say at least something.

NEXT ISSUE: The Story of One Courageous Local Uyghur Muslimah Who Left Her Homeland and Family for the Sake of Allah

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

15

COMMUNITY NEWS

President’s Cairo Speech Inspires CAIR ‘Share the Quran’ Campaign Laurie Jaghlit Muslim Link Contributing Writer Inspired in part by President Obama’s Cairo speech in which he quoted the Holy Quran, the Council on American-Islamic Relation (CAIR) launched the second phase of its “Explore the Quran” campaign, called “Share the Quran,” at a recent news conference in Washington, D.C. “When the President quoted the Quran on the fundamental values we share, such as the sanctity of human life, respecting diversity and the importance of speaking the truth, we believe it was a surprise to many people not familiar with Islam,” CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.

He said the new “Share the Quran” campaign is designed to educate and enhance understanding of Islam by opinion leaders and policymakers nationwide.

A correlation between increasing knowledge of Islam and decreasing antiMuslim prejudice was also motivation for CAIR’s new initiative. According to

CAIR public opinion surveys, only two percent of Americans say they are “very knowledgeable” about Islam, and almost 60 percent say they are “not very knowledgeable” or “not at all knowledgeable” about the faith.

CAIR is asking members of the Muslim community to sponsor copies of the Quran for only $45. The sponsor can choose an elected official or public servant they would like to have the Quran sent to and CAIR will then package and ship the orders.

People wishing to sponsor a Quran may do so online at www.explorethequran.com or mail their check to the CAIR office (453 New Jersey Ave. S.E., 20003) in Washington D.C. The copies of the Quran distributed in CAIR’s “Share the Quran” campaign are published by the Book Foundation. They contain the original Arabic script, an English translation

by Muhammad Asad, transliteration of the Arabic text, and notes and commentary on individual verses.

Each copy of the Quran sponsored by Muslims will include a bookmark guide

CAIR’s Nihad Awad and Ibrahim Hooper discuss the ‘Share the Qur’an’ campaign with the press. The Qur’an will be printed by International Graphics press in Maryland. Photo courtesy of CAIR.

to the verses cited by the president and to references related to topics such as women’s rights, social justice, respect for other faiths, and similar issues related to international events.

The response from those who have received a

copy of the Quran has been overwhelmingly positive. Many are surprised when they open the box to find such a beautiful, high-quality volume. One recipient commented that they >> See CAMPAIGN on Pg 19

Muslim Women’s Group Meets with Ellison, Carson

By Amalia Rehman Muslim Link Contributing Writer Set in an intimate meeting room, in the bowels of Capital Hill, both Andre Carson and Keith Ellison, the two Muslim Congressmen on Capitol Hill, expressed words of high expectation for the legal ladies of the women’s organization Karamah who the Congressmen met with on Friday July 17, 2009.

The Karamah group consisted of “twentyfive amazing and inspirational women” as described by Sister Lubabah Abdullah, the event coordinator.

“Look at Hilary Clinton, she almost made it, considering the history of sexism in this country, this was great progress,” said Carson.

Representative Carson referred to himself as “I was raised by women to be a man… but I have sensitivities…” He went on to describe the abuse of women in this country as a taboo subject. “Just a few months ago a women was beheaded by her husband and we don’t hear a word about it. We need women at the forefront in order to change the situation in this country. “

Karamah is an organization of female lawyers whose primary concern is global human rights. Each summer they hold a series of workshops and bring together women from around the world who are struggling in their community to make a difference. Part of the summer program was this meeting with Andre Carson and Keith Ellison. This summer the group consisted of seven Belgians, two Egyptians, one Saudi, two Bengalis, two Afghanis, seven Americans and two Canadians. Among the attendees was Ilyassah Shabbaz, the daughter of Malcolm X.

Keith Ellison spoke about how our present society is a global one and that the world needs “urgent actions of women now”.

He went on to say, “It is so important that you see yourselves not as just leaders of tomorrow but as leaders of today. There are these fundamental and rudimentary issues such as malaria and clean water [maternal mortality rate at child birth]…they needed to be solved. We have seen women stepping up to the plate and devoting themselves to causes such as the prevention of [maternal mortality rate]. For example we now have midwives in areas where there are no doctors…”

Andre Carson referred to women as “future rulers of the world.”

Congressman Ellison continued, “[We need to] help elevate the feminine personality

with the male personality so that the world will be in balance.”

The women of the Karamah group talked openly about the barriers they face in their efforts to work in their communities with the enthusiasm that youth lends to all subjects.

Sister Ihsane, who is working on a Master in Management Sciences in Belgium, stated, “Women in Belgium get less pay even in Beligum where women’s rights are well developed. You have to make yourself better. You have to have confidence. You have to expect that you will be evaluated on an individual basis [on your own merit].”

A Karamah associate named Prianka who studies economics in Bangladesh stated, “The hijab is criticized very much in Bangladesh. It is seen as extremist. It is viewed in a discriminating way. [These women] have the lowest pay and the worst positions. But someway or another women always win.”

Sister Dua, a law student from Canada, commented “There has been a recent debate about reasonable accommodation [in Canada] and the main focus was women with hijab. The issue was about people professing their religion in public places. The idea was to limit the wearing of the hijab in certain professions like law, police, education, etc.

This debate brought Muslim groups and

women in general out to protest. Although it was very negative in its origin and in the back of your mind you think that it could turn out like France, the communication brought out awareness in the general community so it turned out to be a good thing.”

Rahila is a political science student from Afghanistan. She also spends her free time teaching Afghan women how to read and write. She commented, “There is a profound problem in Afghanistan. The problem is the misunderstanding between religion and culture. Many women have accepted that they are not as good as men. They are brainwashed and believe it is their duty to be second class citizens. The biggest problem I have in teaching is to convince these women that they deserve to be educated. It is very common in my village that if a woman serves dinner fifteen minutes late she is beaten. So now, non-Muslims see this as Islam, not just culture.”

Nancy, a diplomacy and International Relations student from New Jersey, commented that Karamah brings women together and we learn about women’s roles in other countries. “This really puts things in perspective… It has been inspirational to see women facing such barriers and having persevered.”

16

COMMUNITY NEWS

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

Taking Advantage of Ramadan One Sister Reaches Out to Her Neighbors

By Sana Nazar Muslim Link Contributing Writer The blessed month of Ramadan is right around the corner. During this month, Muslims try to increase their righteous deeds and become closer to Allah by reading Quran or engaging in more voluntary acts of worship.

One sister in the community does something different.

Sr. N, a first-grade teacher at Al-Huda School in College Park, Md., reaches out to her neighbors with food and fliers in preparation for this holy month. Two hadith are her main reasons for doing so.

“The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Bazaar >> continued from pg 6 approved by the FDA, and is also endorsed by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America, the leading Halal food certification organization in the U.S. The product is also 100 percent natural, Younis said, and those who take the pill must be 12 and older and at least 50 pounds, to justify the one pill per 50 pound rule. “[The pill] shifts your metabolism,” Younis said. “Regular suhoor gets digested after three hours. The Ramadan Tablet uses the stored fat in your body as energy.”

Younis said Berlanti was shipping more tablets to ISNA after they realized the initial supply of 2,000 would not be enough to make it through the weekend. Berlanti was selling the tablets for $20 a bottle (90 tablets). The Web site, which has been up for three weeks, has already received 10,000

Karate >> continued from pg 5 way to 1st placeThe judges and staff were very supportive of the contestants’ religious beliefs, allowing them certain liberties not common to the other schools. For example, bowing is a gesture of respect within martial arts, but Rahman explained to the organizers of the event that Muslims only bow to Allah.

The judges also recognized the Islamic prohibitions of shaking hands between opposite genders.

Both students and their families were pleased with the level of respect that the staff had for the Islamic traditions.

‘Jibrail continued to recommend me about treating the neighbors kindly and politely so much so that I thought he would order me to make them as my heirs,’” said Sr. N, who declined to be named for this article.

“He also said to Aisha (the Prophet’s wife, peace be upon her), regarding which of two neighbors should get the gift she had, that it should go to the one whose gate is closer to yours. So every Ramadan I take the opportunity to not only reach out to my neighbors but also spread the message of Islam.”

As a result, every Ramadan Sr. N prepares 20 plates full of dates. She also attaches a letter, which she addresses to the neighbors.

In little less than a page, Sr. N introduces her family and writes about their practices as hits, some from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan.

The product has people talking all over the Internet – many people are interested in the product, but some still have questions.

Buried deep in booth 750, Islamic State of Mind, LLC (http://www.islamicstateofmind. com), brought the buzz to the backyard.

A D.C.-based organization, Islamic State of Mind sells graphic t-shirts, for men and women, with Islamic themes, sayings and artwork printed across the front. Women also had other options to choose from, including ethnic clothing, scarves and homemade creams and lotions.

Ayyoob Nurul-Haqq, the printer, seller and mind behind these graphic t-shirts, said he has been coming to the ISNA convention on and off for the last 8 years. He typically sells at big Islamic events throughout the country. He attended the Islamic Games in New Jersey in May, and on the weekend before ISNA, his wife, Sarah Kelly, sold at the Muslim Women United of Richmond, “I think we gave a good impression and I think it was a positive reaction,” said Ilyas Korme, the father of two Aqabah students, Zakariya and Aisha. “I would definitely encourage my children to participate in future tournaments.”

The younger group of Aqabah students seemed to be the most thrilled by this event.

“Even though I didn’t win, I still got a certificate from the people who sponsored,” said Aisha Korme, a 9-year-old brown belt. “Everyone would get something and I thought that was a big thing.”

Another 9-year-old brown belt, Sukina Abdul Wakeel, who won a bronze medal

Muslims. She also explains the significance of the holy month of Ramadan.

One neighbor who has received a letter from Sr. N in the past said that it was very informative.

“I am a preschool teacher and I took the plate of dates to class and explained to my students what I had learned from [the] letter,” the neighbor said.

Why would someone go out of their way to do something like this?

“For the pleasure of Allah first,” Sr. N said.

“Then to get to know the neighbors around our home.”

Va. conference.

He had sold an estimated 35 shirts on Friday and Saturday, before a rampant Sunday crowd crashed his booth and bought all of certain sizes and designs. Nurul-Haqq had to postpone an interview request to deal with all of his customers.

“You have to have ingenuity,” he said. “I want something related to Islam. I love Islam, and I want other people to represent.”

Some of Nurul-Haqq’s Islamic-themed shirts included one with the design of a man praying, while his outline is covered with the translation of Surah Al-Asr. Other shirts included slogans such as “Deen Before Dishonor” and “Basic Training,” one which included the Arabic alphabet. Women’s long-sleeved t-shirts were also a big hit.

“Sisters want to be modest in their appearance, but they also want to represent,” Nurul-Haqq said.

With the help of her family, she passes the plates around to all the houses near hers.

Because of this, her relationship with the neighbors has gotten stronger, she said.

Another great outcome is the reward for doing such a small deed for the sake of Allah.

The Muslim community should start their preparations for Ramadan now, Sr. N said.

Muslims should take the time to reach out to their neighbors, she said.

This is one sister who believes putting Islam into practice leads to a friendly, understanding environment for everyone.

Other organizations, coming from far and near, made their presence felt as well.

Rasheed’s Calligraphy boasted artwork from a Pakistani artist, who flew to D.C. just for the convention. The State Department was one government group setting up shop at ISNA. They were there to talk about what they do with the Muslim community, a representative said. Islamic education groups Al-Maghrib, Al-Madina and the Zaytuna Institute all set up booths – Zaytuna even offered a chance at a free iPod. Silver Envelope offered free gift wrappings and accessories. One vendor was even peddling a “Portable Lota,” a tool meant to turn any old bottle into a bathroom accessory.

One thing was clear. While these vendors paid a hefty price to set up booths as ISNA – some well above $1,0000 -- many felt it was worth it, judging by those who were not first-timers.

in sparring, said her favorite part of the tournament was watching the black belt masters compete. Talha Muhib, Rahman’s son, said his most memorable moments were “getting medals.”

he got a lot of positive feedback.

Parents were also proud of the school’s achievement.

The tournament wrapped up with the last of the participants packing up their medals and belts, but the competitive spirit of Aqabah Karate lives on, dedicated to success at the highest level.

“It was very exciting and it was a good opportunity for Muslims to participate is such a sporting event,” said Habib Ali, the father of competitor Omar Ali. “[Aqabah’s] success reflects that their training is in accordance with the standards of other schools and it means the coaches are doing a good job.”

Assistant instructor Uthman Eberle, 20, said

“People were impressed that there is a good Muslim school doing Karate,” he said. “But there is still a lot of work to do.”

more pictures online at www.muslimlinkpaper.com

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

17

ISLAM

Islam

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

Showing Off Negates Sincerity Once ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azîz (rahimahullâh) was advised,“O ‘Umar, beware of being the ally of Allâh in open, while being His enemy in secret. If one’s nature in open and secret do not equate then he is a hypocrite, and the hypocrites occupy the lowest level in the Hellfire.”

From amongst the most difficult things one can acquire is sincerity and because of this, the pious predecessors would try to block off all their acts of worship from riyaa (showing off) by hiding their good deeds just as they would hide their evil deeds.

They would advise each other with words such as “Do not be an enemy to Shaytaan in public and his friend in private”; or in other words, make sure you are the same person in public as you are when in seclusion.

Because of this, they loved to be alone and busy in acts of worship wherein only Allah could see them.

As for those deeds which were public, then the following story would suffice: a student of Abdullah bin Masoud once hosted a blind man for a meal and decorated his meal as if he could see. When the people inquired as to why he was decorating the food to for a man who couldn’t even see, he replied by saying “But Allah can see!”

Because of this, one of the best definitions of sincerity is to forget about the creation by

constantly looking at the Creator (in terms of gaining admiration for your deeds); thereby not caring whether or not the people see any single act of worship. So when a man gets up to worship, he does not think about the people’s thoughts and does not care whether they praise him, or if they criticize him because he only sees Allah in front of him,

thereby reaching the level of ihsan. …Then he (the man) said, “Inform me about Ihsan.” He (the Messenger of Allah) answered, “It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, and even though you cannot see Him yet He sees you.” - Muslim So when one reaches ihsan, he does not become like those who Ali bin Abi Talib said regarding the insincere: “The one who shows off has three characteristics: he is lazy when by himself, he is lively and energetic

The Value of Being Impartial Impartiality is a value, and it is a noble one.

It exists in a spirit of objectivity and a love of knowledge, which despises prejudice towards any position or party.

Our pious predecessors expressed their impartiality with the simple phrase: “I don’t know.” They used to say: “Half of knowledge is to recognize that you do not

Because of the difficulty of sincerity, the early Muslims considered themselves to be hypocrites as it was said that a Tabi’e met thirty companions of the Prophet (peace be

“The one who shows off has three characteristics: he is lazy when by himself, he is lively and energetic when with others and he increases in his actions when he is praised and decreases in them when he is criticised.”

“Allah Knows Best”

By Sheikh Salman al-Oadah

when with others and he increases in his actions when he is praised and decreases in them when he is criticised.”

know something.” They also said: “Whoever refuses to admit that he does not know, that person will soon be disgraced.”

Another way of expressing one’s neutrality and impartiality on an issue is to say: “Allah knows best.” This is more eloquent, since it comes with the added meaning of affirming Allah’s knowledge of all things.

Scholars of Islamic legal theory refer to this neutrality as suspension of judgment

upon him) and all of them feared hypocrisy for themselves. These were the companions of the Prophet, those men and women who Allah was pleased with and who were pleased with Allah, so how about someone lower than them, people like us who act as if we have been granted Paradise while living on earth. And what is even more astonishing than this is Umar bin al-Khattab’s asking Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman if he (Umar) were among the hypocrites!

So one can never be sincere if he thinks himself to be sincere; since sincerity is to

lose the vision of sincerity in oneself. And because of the greatness of sincerity, the early Muslims would say “whoever had a single instance in his lifetime which was purely and sincerely for the sake of Allah will be saved” since it has the capacity to purify you from all your sins. One of these early Muslims once remarked on how happy he would be if he only knew Allah accepted even two rakaat of salaah from him!

Because of their sincerity they lived a pure life, free from anxiety and grief since it was to Allah that they turned to in both good and bad times. And perhaps ibn al-Qayyim reflected on this when he said: Ikhlaas and Tawheed are a tree in the heart, its branches are good actions and its fruits are a good life in this world, and eternal comfort in the Hereafter; and just like in Paradise where the fruits whose supply is not cut off, nor are they out of reach, likewise are the fruits of Tawheed and Ikhlaas in this world. [Ibn al-Qayyim – ‘al-Fawaid’ 292] So be sincere O servants of Allah and leave the inner cravings for attention for indeed the short-term pleasure attained from people’s admiration is not worth the anger and wrath of Allah and He is not unaware of what you do. And if you were to reflect on the people of insincerity, you would realize how pathetic their situation is, for indeed the one who is insincere cannot see anything

>> See SINCERITY on Pg 24

I said that some extreme factions in the West have started to declare: “You are either with us or against us.” At the same time, some extremists among the Muslims say: “You are either with us or against God!” (tawaqquf). This is a specific scholarly position towards a matter of Islamic faith or Islamic Law, where the scholar determines the evidence to be equally weighted towards two variant rulings.

It is also an expression of extra caution in matters where a person fears speaking about

a matter outside the scope of his or her knowledge. It is not a legal pronouncement, but rather a deferment of the matter to others. It is a sign of integrity and personal strength.

>> See IMPARTIAL on Pg 24

18

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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Campaign >> continued from pg 15 would cherish it as a family heirloom while others have placed it in their office reference libraries.

“The most valuable gift we can give is the Quran,” Awad explained. “Giving this prestigious gift to the leaders of our society is in accordance with Islamic etiquette and by giving this exquisite copy we are honoring and respecting the recipients as well as reflecting the high regard in which we hold the Quran.’

As a special promotion at the ISNA convention, CAIR held a drawing in which three sponsors were chosen to send a copy of the Quran to President Obama, Vice President Biden and Speaker Nancy Pelosi in their name. A local Silver Spring woman, Naima Salim, was chosen to have a Quran sent in her name to Speaker Pelosi.

“I believe Muslims should get involved and sponsor a Quran through CAIR’s program because I often hear public officials misquoting the Quran or taking a line out of context,” said Naima. She added, “With the full Quran to refer to, I hope Speaker Pelosi and other leaders will open their hearts and become more knowledgeable about Islam.”

The long-term goal of the campaign is to put one million Qurans in the hands of ordinary Americans of all faiths over the next 10 years. “Share the Quran” materials will be made available to Islamic centers and mosques nationwide for distribution at events such as open houses or public iftars.

“With the month of the Quran approaching,

we hope people will seize this opportunity to share the Quran,” said Awad.

CAIR is asking imams to inform their congregations about the importance of supporting this campaign. Awad pointed out that if each masjid were able to sponsor at least 100 Qurans, CAIR would easily reach its goal.

He added, “There are more than 10,000 elected officials in the Washington metro area who need to be sponsored. With the support of the community, I believe we can achieve our objective and deliver a Quran to every official here and nationwide.”

Awad will be giving the khutba and sharing more about the project at the Islamic Center of Maryland in Gaithersburg on July 31st.

For more information or to sponsor a Quran go to www.explorethequran.com To host an event or to volunteer, email

19

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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8

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

8/26/09

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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���������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� Every Muslim knows about the miraculous healing power of honey. In the Qur’an, Allah described honey as a “drink of varying color wherein is healing for men”.

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23

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Scientists continue to study honeybased medical treatments. As early as December 26, 2007, the Associated Press ran a story titled “Honey makes medical comeback”.

One company that believes in the restorative power of honey is Honeyderm, Inc., a Lansing, Michiganbased company whose mission is to bring the healing power of honey to people suffering from hair loss, dandruff, and skin disease.

Honeyderm President and founder, Doctor Mahmoud Mousa, studied the medical use of herbs and honey in his native Egypt before coming

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24

CONTINUED

IMPARTIAL >> continued from pg 17 The Caliph `Umar b. al-Khattâb once, while delivering a sermon on the pulpit, read the verse 31 form Sûrah `Abasa: “And fruits and fodder.”

The word translated here as “fodder” and also sometimes as “herbage” or “grasses” is the Arabic word abb. `Umar admitted on the pulpit that he did not know what this word means.

The very same admission has also been related from Abû Bakr.

We would be hard-pressed to find in our history any Islamic scholar who never admitted he did not know certain things or who never declined to answer certain questions that were asked of him.

This holds equally true for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Someone once asked him: “Which land is most beloved to Allah, and which land is most despised by Him?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “I do not know until I ask the angel Gabriel.”

Thereafter, Gabriel informed him that the most beloved places are the mosques and the most disliked are the marketplaces.

[Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abî Ya`la, and Mustadrak al-Hâkim]

Many people speak hastily before giving the matter sufficient study. Had they only done their research, they would easily have seen how wrong they are. Alas, some people are just not prepared, mentally or emotionally, to deal with difficult issues and to research them with the required degree of thoroughness and rigor.

The media has emboldened the general public even further. Many people now regard it as a weakness when a scholar remains silent on an issue or admits he does not know the answer. They feel ashamed themselves not to have an opinion about everything, even if it is a singularly difficult question of Islamic Law or a tenet of religious belief. Every topic has become the same – politics, economics, ancient and modern history – and it makes no difference how much specialization is required to do justice to the matter.

What makes matters worse is when people become polarized about these opinions.

They identify themselves and others on the basis of the views that they hold. Then they rally to defend their views using whatever means and resources are at their disposal, often belittling and berating their opponents in the process. It is sad how people invest so much energy into these conflicts, where none of the opposing parties has any real appreciation of the issues or the alternatives.

So often, such people become fully distracted by these arguments from the essential truths of their faith and from the worship of their Lord. Instead, their hearts become full of resentment and rancor towards others.

In stark contrast to the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), the Companions, and the eminent Islamic scholars throughout the ages, we find many laymen who are quite willing to speak with authority on every matter, great and small, regardless of how well informed they are. Sometimes, they take sides just to dispute. So if one person says “true” the other says “false”. If one says “lawful” the other says “forbidden”.

Once before I made an observation, comparing extremists in the West and among ourselves. I said that some extreme factions in the West have started to declare: “You are either with us or against us.” At the same time, some extremists among the Muslims say: “You are either with us or against God!”

SINCERITY >> continued from pg 17

or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter.

except for what is in front of them, thereby unable to have high aspirations and unable to undergo hardship for anything worthy. {30:7} They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating

This is why a scholar of jurisprudence once

And if they could see beyond the outside appearance of this world, they would know with certainty that the only thing that separates them from looking up at the face of Allah is death; and they would never risk insincerity for a miserable gain such as fame in this world for how quick is the passing of this world and how forgetful do people

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

observed: “I find that the general public is more zealous about issues of Islamic Law than the scholars are.”

The reason for this is that a scholar who gives legal verdicts knows the issues and all the opinions and proofs that surround them. He knows the evidence for each opinion, and he knows who held it among the Companions, the Successors, and the leading jurists. On this basis, he gives preference to one opinion while being fully aware that other legitimate opinions exist that are also supported by evidence. Because of this, he does not state his opinion forcefully, nor does he become overzealous about it, nor does he overreact.

On the other hand, we have a novice student or an average Muslim who receives this verdict from the scholar without having the proofs of the other opinions mentioned to him and without the issue being placed in a proper and objective framework. His heart becomes filled with the verdict and he sees it as if it is the religion itself. He becomes zealous about the legal opinion that he receives from the scholar and combative with anyone who disagrees with it, even if the one who disagrees with him is capable of juristic reasoning and might possibly be the one holding the correct opinion.

Are You Looking For A Masjid in the DC Metro area?

Al-Shâfi`î, universally recognized as one of the greatest scholars of the Sunnah, used to say: “I believe my opinion to be correct, while entertaining the possibility that it may be wrong. I hold my opponent’s opinion to be wrong, though I entertain the possibility that it may be correct.”

We need to get used to showing respect to ourselves and to others. We need to respect the very values that we believe in and not use them as a means to elevate our disagreements to the level of being some sort of conflict between truth and falsehood or between faith and unbelief.

Source: Islamtoday.net

become of each other and finally how useless is the deed that is bereft of sincerity; for indeed the only one Satan is able to lead astray is the one who is insincere.

82: [Iblees] said, “By your might, I will surely mislead them all 83: Except, among them, Your sincere and chosen servants.”

--Submitted by a Muslim Link reader

If you would like the Muslim Link to be available at your establishment give us a call.

301.982.1020

Check out TML’s Masjid Locator PG 33

or at muslimlinkpaper.com

Over 50 Masajid Listed!

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

25

SALAH TIMES

Salaah times for 2 Sha’ban - 29 Shaban 1430 A.H. Day

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

STAFF WRITERS WANTED

Date

Hijri

Fajr

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Asr

Maghrib

Isha

Fri

July 24

2/8

4:35

6:01

1:15

5:08

8:27

9:55

Sat

25

3/8

4:36

6:02

1:15

5:08

8:26

9:53

Sun

26

4/8

4:37

6:03

1:15

5:08

8:25

9:52

Mon

27

5/8

4:38

6:04

1:15

5:08

8:24

9:51

Tue

28

6/8

4:40

6:05

1:15

5:08

8:23

9:50

Wed

29

7/8

4:41

6:06

1:15

5:07

8:22

9:48

Thu

30

8/8

4:42

6:06

1:15

5:07

8:21

9:47

Fri

31

9/8

4:43

6:07

1:15

5:07

8:20

9:46

Sat

August 1

10/8

4:45

6:08

1:15

5:06

8:19

9:44

Sun

2

11/8

4:46

6:09

1:14

5:06

8:18

9:43

Mon

3

12/8

4:47

6:10

1:14

5:06

8:17

9:42

Tue

4

13/8

4:48

6:11

1:14

5:05

8:16

9:40

Wed

5

14/8

4:50

6:12

1:14

5:05

8:15

9:39

Thu

6

15/8

4:51

6:13

1:14

5:05

8:14

9:37

Fri

7

16/8

4:52

6:14

1:14

5:04

8:13

9:36

Sat

8

17/8

4:53

6:14

1:14

5:04

8:12

9:34

Sun

9

18/8

4:54

6:15

1:14

5:03

8:10

9:33

Mon

10

19/8

4:56

6:16

1:14

5:03

8:09

9:31

Tue

11

20/8

4:57

6:17

1:13

5:02

8:08

9:30

Wed

12

21/8

4:58

6:18

1:13

5:02

8:07

9:28

Thu

13

22/8

4:59

6:19

1:13

5:01

8:05

9:27

Fri

14

23/8

5:01

6:20

1:13

5:01

8:04

9:25

Sat

15

24/8

5:02

6:21

1:13

5:00

8:03

9:23

Sun

16

25/8

5:03

6:22

1:12

4:59

8:01

9:22

Mon

17

26/8

5:04

6:23

1:12

4:59

8:00

9:20

Tue

18

27/8

5:05

6:24

1:12

4:58

7:59

9:19

Wed

19

28/8

5:07

6:24

1:12

4:58

7:57

9:17

Thu

20

29/8

5:08

6:25

1:12

4:57

7:56

9:15

The Muslim Link newspaper is looking for full and part-time candidates to fill upcoming staff writer positions.

The ideal candidates are committed Muslims who have a penchant for good writing, are involved in community work, have a strong work ethic, and believe in establishing Muslim media.

To join our team and start on a job which offers ground breaking opportunities and excitement, send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to the editor.

Start your involvement in Muslim media today!

Email editor@muslimlinkpaper.com.

26

OBITS & EVENTS

Request For Dua’s

{ To A l l a h We Belong, and to Him is Our Return } “Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and good, and to Us you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Anbiya:35)” 6-25-09 Brother Leon Faruq passed away. Inna lillahi wa innah ilaihi rajioon.

Brother Leon was one of the founders of the Gwynn Oak Islamic Community and director of the East Baltimore Gang Prevention Program. He has received many accolades and awards not only from the Islamic community but also from past mayors and state of Maryland officials. In 2008 he received an award for being one of the most innovative people in the City of Baltimore. He leaves his wife Noni Faruq. His salat ul-janaazah was held at ISB. (Source: ISB) 6-25-09 Haj Taher Bassyouni Hajer, the father of Dr. Basyouni Taher Basyounis Hajar, passed away. May Allah bless his soul and grant him mercy and forgiveness, ameen. The family received condolences at the Dar Al Hijrah Masjid. Haj Basyouni was on a visit and he became sick and struggled with cancer. (Source: Dar al Hijrah) 6-26-09 The mother of Alper Ahmet Kerman of Frederick, Maryland , returned to her Lord. May Allah (SWT) forgive her sins; enter her into Jannat ul Firdaus and give sabr to the family to bear this loss. Aameen. Salaat ul janaazah was held for her at Islamic Center of Maryland. Her burial was at at Al-Firdaus Memorial Gardens in Frederick, MD(Source: ICM) 6-28-09 Mohammed Mian, brother-in-law of Ahmad Ibne Ameen, has passed on. May Allah have mercy on him and grant him paradise. May Allah give patience to his family in this time of difficulty. The janaazah salat was held for him at Dar Alnoor Islamic Community Center in Manassas, VA. (Source: Mirza Baig) 7-2-09 Abdul Ghaffar Shukur passed away last week in India. Inna lillahi wa innah ilaihi rajioon. May Allah forgive his sins and enter him into Jannat ul Firdaus, aameen. Brother Shukur was the father of Br. Abdul Yunus of Germantown, Maryland. (Source: ICM) 7-8-09 Dr. Mohamed Afzal Khan, husband of Jameelunisa Khan and father of Dr. Nasreen Khan passed away in Chambersburg PA.. May Allah (swt) forgive his sins and enter him into Jannat ul Firdaus, aameen. Salaat ul Janaazah was at the Islamic Society of Frederick. His burial at Al-Firdaus Memorial Gardens in Frederick, MD (Source: ICM) 7-17-09 The step-son of our brother Abu Jafer passed away yesterday in Gambia.

We Ask Allah(swt) to forgive his sins and give sabr to his family and enter him into Janat Al firdaws Ameen. (Source: Islamic Society of Germantown) 7-17-09 The father of our brother Azam Abdelkareem passed away last night in Amman Jordan. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon. We Ask Allah (swt) to forgive his sins and enter him into Janat ul Firdaus, and give Sabr to his family and to all Muslims everywhere, aameen. (Source: Islamic Society of Germantown)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO POST YOUR EVENT ?

CALL 301-982-1020

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

Upcoming Events In Your Area Janaazah Workshop Saturday, July 25 2009; 9:00am -5:00pm

Join Dar at-Taqwa and Dar us-Salaam for an informative and inspirational course with subjects ranging from the signs of a good death to step-by-step instruction of janaazah preparation. Class led by Imam Safi Khan. Certification of Competency presented upon successful completion of written test and practical exam, and qualifies the individual ato assist with actual Janaazah preparations in the community. The class is free of charge, but registration is strongly encouraged. Register via email at classes@LearnAboutIslam.org . Janazaah kits will be available for purchase on site.

Location: Dar al Taqwa, 10740 Clarksville Pike (Rt. 108), Ellicott City, MD 21042. Contact: 410-977-5711, or 301982-9848

Landmark Forum for Muslims Sunday, July 26 2009; 2:00pm - 5:00pm

An introduction to Landmark Forum especially for Muslims. This Landmark Forum is a secular course adapted for Muslims as a life-coaching workshop. This workshop will introduce you to the Landmark Forum. Find out what the Landmark Forum is about. Location: Landmark Education, Plaza 500, 6295 Edsall Rd, Alexandria, VA. This introduction is free of charge, but subsequent courses require sign up and payments. Location: Landmark Education, Plaza 500, 6295 Edsall Rd, Alexandria, VA. Contact: Abdul Hakim 301-776-8326 or Sis. Hiba 202-431-5843

Summer Intensive Arabic Language Program June 27, 2009 to Aug 1, 2009; 10 am-2 pm.

Pathways to Quality Education is pleased to announce the 2009 summer intensive program for Arabic language for children ages 8-13 years as well as for adults. 2 levels; Beginners and Intermediate depending on their level in Arabic.

Teachers will use authentic Arabic materials and advanced methods to help instill in students the love and practice of Arabic. The language curriculum is story-based. Tuition: $150 for both kids and Adults. Seats are limited! For more registration, please contact us at Pqe2007@gmail.com. Location: El-Iman Center 3431 Carlin Springs, Falls Church, VA 22041. Contact: 703-856-7005

Islamic Broadcasting Network PSA Production and Scriptwriting Competition Friday, July 31 2009

Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN) is looking for talented individuals to enter the IBN Public Service Announcement Production and Scriptwriting Competition for video production and script writing. The winners will have their 30second or 60-second PSA broadcast for international viewing. The best scripts will be produced by IBN TV. Second and third place prizes will be awarded. Pick a topic; write a script; grab a camera; tell it YOUR way; show the world your talent! ISLAMIC STANDARDS ARE REQUIRED IN ALL PRODUCTIONS. Registration deadline: July 31, 2009 ; Submission deadline; September 30, 2009. Contact: Sis. Wafa Unus at wafaunus@gmail.com

WHYIslam at Asian Festival D.C.!

Saturday, August 1 2009 and Sunday, August 2, 2009

WHYIslam will have a both at the Asian Festival D.C. August 1st and August 2nd! Come join us and spread the word about Islam to friends, family and neighbors. Thousands of people visit this two-day Asian Festival providing us an excellent opportunity to be there, answer questions and remove many misconceptions. We’re seeking volunteers to help out with dawah activities. Shifts are Saturday, 8/1: 10:00am – 2:00pm ; 2:00pm – 6:00pm ; 6:00pm – 8:30pm . Sunday, 8/2: 10:00am – 1:00pm ; 1:00pm – 4:00pm ; 4:00pm – 7:00pm Send an email with your preferred shift timings to: Atif Sajid at atif.sajid@gmail.com . Location: Baron Cameron Ave., Reston VA 20190. Contact: 877-WHYISLAM

International Food Festival and Bazaar Saturday, August 1 2009; 11:00am - 5:00pm

ICM is pleased to host the International Food Festival & Bazaar this year. The festival gives an opportunity to sample crafts and food from countries throughout the world., and will include booths representing Morocco, Ethiopia, Palestine, Russia, Turkey, Iran, India, Malaysia, and many other countries, showcasing the richness and diversity in our foods, clothing, and handicrafts.

If you would like to help volunteer by showcasing your heritage or would like to be a vendor please visit the following link.http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=plOmLW73Sxb-dhpTrYfLnXQ Location: Islamic Center of Maryland, 19411 Woodfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD. Contact: 301-840-9440

MANA Healing and Reconciliation Fundraising Dinner & Discussion Saturday, August 1 2009; 5:00pm - 9:00pm

The Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) presents a special fundraising dinner and panel discussion on “Healing and Reconciliation: Reconciling the historical differences within the American Muslim community”. Featured speakers are Dr. Jamal Badawi, Imam Siraj Wahaj, Altaf Husain, Asma Hanif, and others. Tickets: $25 per person. Visit www. mana-net.org, www.adamscenter.org. Location: ADAMS Center, 46903 Sugarland Road Sterling,VA 20164. Contact: 773-748-7800, 704-777-3611, or 703-433-1325

CAIR’s Evening of Networking: “Art and the American Muslim Perspective” August 6, 2009; 6:30pm – 8pm

Come and celebrate CAIR’s 15th anniversary with a relaxing evening of networking and Islamic artwork. You will have a chance to introduce yourself to the greater Muslim community, dialogue with local professionals, and connect with prominent Muslim business leaders. This amazing opportunity will be accompanied by an intriguing exhibit and silent auction of works by both undiscovered and distinguished American Muslim artists. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by e-mail to cairintern09@yahoo.com or call (360) 584-7018 before 5 p.m. on July 31st, 2009. Please include “Networking Event” in the subject line of your email, or call Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Location: 453 New Jersey Ave. SE Washington, DC. Contact: (360) 584-7018

Boy’s Leadership Retreat - Boys ages 10-13 Saturday, August 8 2009; 5:15am - 10:15pm

Islamic Leadership Institute of America presents “Mountain Strong!; Patience Into Practice”. Your child will experience activities to build their Islamic identity, and be exposed to several key concepts related to patience and perseverance.

Based on the Quran and Sunnah, this leadership retreat for pre-teens provides an opportunity for youth to develop in their deen and put it into practice. Fees: 40 per person before July 27th, $55 after July 27th, limited financial aid available for eligible participants. Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, leadership booklets/handouts, certificates of attendance.

Location: Shenandoah, VA. Contact: info@islamicleadership.org http://www.eventbrite.com/event/383519116 or http://www.islamicleadership.org/

Zakah Workshop Saturday, August 8, 2009; 9:30am – 12:30pm

This class, led by Imam Safi Khan, will guide you through calculating your Islamic financial obligation. Your questions will be answered along the way. Workshop is free, donations are welcome. Location: Dar us-Salaam, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park, MD 20740. Contact: zakah@duscommunity.org

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

EDITORS DESK Editor-in-Chief: Minhaj Hasan Office Manager : Jann McClary News Desk: Rashad Mulla Layout & Design: Fadlullah Firman Staff Writers: Farkhunda Ali Farha Marfani Rashad Mulla Maryam bint DawudMussallihullah Sharia Advisors: Sheikh Salah as-Sawi Imam Safi Khan The Muslim Link (TML) is published on the first Friday of every Islamic month (Hijri calendar) and distributed throughout the Washington, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia Metropolitan Areas.

TML is a non-profit publication and is based at Dar-us-Salaam in College Park, Maryland, USA. Staff and contributors are not necessarily affiliated with Dar-us-Salaam.

The views expressed in The Muslim Link do not necessarily reflect those of Dar-us-Salaam or TML management or their underwriters. Dar-us-Salaam and TML are not responsible for the accuracy of information presented by advertisers, or for the religious compliance of events, products, or services published in TML. This publication contains the names of ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). Please keep, recycle, or share it with others The Muslim Link 5301 Edgewood Road College Park, MD 20740 Phone : (301) 982-1020 Fax: 240-209-0702 editor@muslimlinkpaper.com Advertising: 301-982-1020 or email us at ads@muslimlinkpaper.com The Muslim Link. All Rights Reserved 2009

27

EDITOR’S DESK

Letter to the Editor Are Non-Muslims Infiltrating Muslim Groups?

Feeling particularly social one day, I decided to check out Meetup to see what may be out there. I came across a so called Progressive network for Muslims (since then, they have changed their name). The group had a lengthy piece on how they were apolitical and not attached to an “Progressive” political connotations per se. So I decided to join up.

noorani vibe that was completely absent.

Perhaps then, she was merely a Muslim by marriage? But then, why would she be organizing all these events (and there are many that she organizes)? Further, on meeting her husband, it was clear he was least interested in meeting other Muslims, and did not appear particularly inclined to the faith. These Muslim social activities, it came to be known, were completely the lady’s initiative.

I became a little confused when the first event that came up was an “interfaith” movie about a Jew and a Muslim having an affair in Paris. It did not seem particularly apolitical activity, nor family oriented, nor something you’d see put under the banner of an Islamic social organization without implications.

Nevertheless, I imagined this was merely a one-off, and shuttered any implications.

In contrast to her, another convert that I had the grace of meeting, “Becky” if I recall correctly, had an incredible amount of noor (spiritual light) radiating from her face. Her speech, dress, manner and vibe overwhelmingly shouted out that she was a Muslim (and a far better one than myself).

The contrast of these two cases was truly startling to me.

My suspicion really increased when I attended the summer picnic. The person who runs most of the events, a convert to Islam (or not, Allah knows best), was there in a “nightytype dress” (excuse my lack of dress jargon) that exposed her chest, arms, shoulders, etc.

Now, I am not a person to judge people by their dress, but someone who is running an Islamic social organization, and is hosting such an event, could generally be expected to wear something more appropriate, right?

Not necessarily hijab clad or burkha, but just some minimal decency and respect?

The food was supposed to be halal, and I trust that most people brought halal food.

But halal food becomes a poor joke when you use a grill that has been used by the general American public to barbecue pork.

The person doing the barbecue barely cleaned the grill. A simple solution is to use an aluminum foil over the grill but this was not done either. The opinion of those who were to eat this was not also enlisted.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

More than the dress, the personal vibe that one gets from meeting a fellow Muslim was completely absent. Converts (as I presumed her to be) typically have this very strong

While walking back after the picnic, I chanced upon another attendee and without any hints from me, she spoke out and questioned the controversial organizer - on whether she was Muslim and what her real motives were. I was surprised that another attendee was thinking on the same lines.

We both lamented the situation at hand and dearly wished we Muslims of the DC-VAMD Metro area, numbering almost 100,000 had organizations that could organize simple non-controversial, non-boring events for “normal” Muslims. I decided to do a little more research on this meetup group.

I scored through their past events and found the most hilarious topics. For instance, a book club event of a book by a journalistfeminist-lesbian-Muslim. A teenage girl’s anti-Islam pangs in Paris. Did I already mention a Jewish and Muslim’s illicit affair?

And more.

Inevitably, the question arises: Who are the people behind what is going on in the larger picture? From the little research I have done, 3 of the 4 key people have non-Muslim names. Where does their funding come? No idea. What do they want? In all probability, to make Muslims more “moderate” by changing what we view as the psychological boundary between Islamic activity and our typical non-Islamic Westernized life. Thus far, most Muslims here have embraced many parts of the western lifestyle. But this is not enough, we must shed our Islam into a new hip, modern, progressive wave and create yet another color-coded revolution.

I wish my fellow DC-VA-MD Area Muslims the best in navigating this quicksand of psychological gamesmanship. May Allah protect us all.

M. Hussain, m.hussain@grandestrategy.com

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28

OPINION

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

Racing Together to Jannah Can Burn Some Serious Fat

By Abu Saliha The Quran and Hadith are full of examples of taking care of our bodies. “Do not cast yourselves into destruction by your own hands.” (2:195). The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) warned us about the dangers and health hazards of overeating. He advised us to fill our stomach with the following formula: “1/3 for food, 1/3 for drink, and 1/3 for air.” Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him), said to her: “Come I will race you so I raced with him and I won. After I became heavier he raced me and he won, so he laughed and said this one for that one.” (Abu Dawood).

• 50% of women aged 20 to 74 are overweight or obese in the US • 11% of children are obese in the US • Obese pregnant women are more at risk of dying, suffering heart disease, miscarriage, diabetes, infections and blood clots.

Muslims in America are not immune from obesity. Unfortunately, with the American Muslim Ummah as a whole, it has become more prevalent with prosperity. We are following the general populace in this and sometimes I believe we exceed them in area of health problems. From our leaders, to our children, from young to old, male and females, this is a problem that needs addressing.

The statistics for obesity are staggering: • 70% of Gulf Arab State females are considered obese • According to Economist: The top countries for the highest obese populations are Muslim Arab Countries: Lebanon, Gaza/Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait • More than 64% of American adults are overweight

The solutions are simple and logical but not easy to implement. We could be more moderate in our eating and drinking habits, we could become more physically active, have a more regular sleep schedule, drink more water rather than soda and sugary drinks, establish networks to help us in these goals and engage in more prayer and dhikhr.

STAFF WRITERS WANTED

After hitting my early 40’s, I realize that I was becoming physically unfit. I used to workout in high school but then like everyone else I became busy with college, my job, my family, my community, etc and time passed and before you know it your middle aged. I no longer have illusions of attaining a bodybuilder’s physique, but I realize the importance of good health. Recall one of the five things the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us to take advantage of before five was “your health before you fall sick”.

It doesn’t cost much to get physically fit in terms of time or money. It can be as inexpensive as walking daily, doing calisthenics (jumping jack, sit-ups, pushups, pull-ups, etc), jogging or running. If you are so inclined, you could buy some simple equipment to work out at home. You could join a gym or health club; there are facilities that cater to both men and women.

I personally have found a passion for running. After tearing my meniscus in my

knee twice (once playing basketball), I found I needed something more suitable for my age and something aerobic. I entered a 2-mile Fun Run at work in April and though I finished the race, I was very disappointed in my performance. I was like the hare in the old fable tale about the tortoise and the hare. I ran and stopped many times. That’s when I vowed to start getting in shape. I started running and slowly building up my endurance and distance. I hope to be ready to run the semi-annual race at work in October of this year. In fact, I think we should encourage running amongst Muslims and we could have our own “Fun Run”.

If you have not exercised before or it’s been a long time, working with your doctor ahead of time may be the best way to plan an exercise program that’s right for you.

Consider it the first step on the path to physical fitness.

For those interested in running or helping develop a Muslim Fun Run, contact me at abe@linkintech.com.

The Muslim Link newspaper is looking for full and part-time candidates to fill upcoming staff writer positions.

The ideal candidates are committed Muslims who have a penchant for good writing, are involved in community work, have a strong work ethic, and believe in establishing Muslim media.

To join our team and start on a job which offers ground breaking opportunities and excitement, send your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to the editor.

Start your involvement in Muslim media today!

Email editor@muslimlinkpaper.com.

www.IslamicBookstore.com 2048 Lord Baltimore Dr, Baltimore, MD 21244-2501 USA | Tel: 410-265-0020 ext.15 | Fax: 410-265-1233

SUPPORT

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

29

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Muslim Link worth to you?

Alhumdulillah, many of ou rreaders responded to our appeal at the start of the year, donating $50,000 to keep us in operation.

However, after advertising income, we still need around $80,000 to continue for the rest of 2009. If you’ve already donated, consider donating more or encouraging friends and family to donate.

If you haven’t donated, please ask yourself if having a voice is important to you. Donate to this non-profit voice by sending your check or money order payable to the muslim link to: the muslim link, 5301 edgewood road, college park md 20740.

30

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

MARKETPLACE

Marketplace

Your Guide to Products and Services for Your Muslim Lifestyle

Proof That Afghans Know More Than Kabobs

Crown Fried Chicken & Kabob House

restaurant review

PG 33

The Muslim Link Coupons • All existing customers who have an ad half page or larger in either the Main section or Marketplace section get a FREE coupon in each issue their ad runs.

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

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

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

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

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

31

MARKETPLACE: TRAVEL

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If so, you can help get TML out to area Muslims!

If you would like to earn blessings from Allah and help the Muslim Link, consider helping us with our distribution. We need help from people who regularly pray juma at area college campuses. To learn more, email office@muslimlinkpaper.com or call 301-982-1020

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MARKETPLACE: EDUCATION / GROCERY

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

33

MARKETPLACE: DINING REVIEW

Proof That Afghans Know More Than Kabobs

Crown Fried Chicken & Kabob House

By Jann McClary Muslim Link Staff Writer A comfortable and relaxing atmosphere is always nice. Lots of natural light, great location and easy directions are great, too.

Well planned design and complimentary colors are always nice to have. But when it comes down to it, a good piece of chicken is what most people really want from a restaurant.

Crown Fried Chicken and Kabob House delivers on that. Situated near the busy

corner of Livingston Road and Swan Creek Road in Ft. Washington, MD, it’s a former chain pizza-place that seems to be thoroughly enjoying it’s reincarnation as the area’s place to be for some home-style fried chicken.

It’s a boxy little restaurant, all white and unassuming on the outside, and done up in contemporary bright blue and white checks with yellow accents placed here and there.

The old beamed ceilings were removed and green curtains taken down to open up the space and give it a light, breathable feeling. The fastfood atmosphere has been upgraded by shiny burled walnut tables and a huge, suspended flat screen TV to keep you company if you’re dining alone. Roomy and comfortable blue and white booths are high-backed, so no one has to see you forgo your table manners as

The Muslim Community Center (MCC) Invites all to

Arabic Language Classes Classes Start: August 22nd, 2009 Location: 15200 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905 Registration, in-person: Saturday, August 15th, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (MCC Main Hall) Placement test for new students: Saturday, August 15th, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Class information: Classes will be held every Saturday and Sunday for 2 hours each day between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Tuition: $300 per semester plus $50 registration fee.

Program Goal: Upon completion of this course (approx.

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you tear into your chicken.

Open since November 2008, owner and sometime cook Br. Rahmutullah Ayuby has brought a bit of his Afghanistan heritage to an otherwise t h o r o u g h l y American menu with tender whole baby okra stewed in mellow and everso-slightly sweet tomatoes. It’s a side dish that can easily veer off into the gooey range, but Crown’s kitchen handles it properly by not cutting the okra, and then thoughtfully mixing it into the tomatoes right at the end of cooking, so the okra retains its firmness without ever getting mushy on you.

Top: Lamb chops, okra, basmati reice, samosa, salad, naan, Bottom: Fried chicken, biscuits, mac & cheese.

The samosas may not be as big as some you’ve seen, but they make up for it with a flaky, light crust, and a lightly spicy potato and green pea filling that’s not greasy in the least. Br. Rahmutullah likes to promote healthy foods, so order the hand-stretched whole wheat naan for a pleasant chewiness and homemade flavor.

The chicken here is going through an identity crisis because the fried breasts are surely trying to pass themselves off as dark meat. Bite into one and you get the unmistakable juice and texture of a thigh or leg. The coating is minimal and the skin crispy. This is some of the best chicken the area has to offer.

Venture off the conventional menu for a moment and try the lamb chops for a treat. Br. Rahmutullah’s wife Sis. Sadiqa marinates them in her special mix of sumac, lemon juice, olive oil and other spices, then grills them till they’ve formed a nice crust to seal in the flavors. They’re dainty looking, but strong on flavor, with a meaty, dense texture that will have you cleaning off every bit of meat from the bones.

Crown’s customers are both Muslin and

non-Muslims so not every meat offering is halal, but all of the chicken is, with the exception of the hot wings. The kabobs, gyros, and chops are all halal, too. But Br. Rahmatuallah encourages you to make sure to ask about the cheesesteak sandwiches, which come in a conventional version, and then the halal version especially for his Muslim customers. And if you’re in for breakfast request the halal turkey bacon to round out your morning meal.

They’re located conveniently close to Masjid al Hikmah, and you’ll frequently see groups of brothers and sisters enjoying a meal after jumu’ah. Stop by the masjid during Ramadhan and enjoy the blessing of iftar, courtesy of Crown Fried Chicken and Kabob House.

Crown Fried Chicken and Kabob House 11911 Livingston Rd, Ft. Washington. MD 20744. 301-203-0010. Open 7 days a week; Sunday - Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm; Friday - Saturday 7 am to 12 am; Serving breakfast 7am to 12 pm.

34

MARKETPLACE: HEALTHCARE

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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MARKETPLACE: REAL ESTATE / SERVICES

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

CLASSIFIEDS

TML Classifieds

Place a personal classified ad. Call us at 301-982-1020 $1 per 3 words. You may place a classified on muslimlinkpaper.com free of charge. All classifieds run 3 months in the marketplace section. To place a classified, email office@muslimlinkpaper.com with the exact text of the classified, and send a check or money order payable to the Muslim Link to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park MD 20740.

EMPLOYMENT www.WorkHalal.com A Job Site for Muslims 06-23-09

FOR SALE AUTO FOR SALE

2004 Mercury Sable. Gray interior/exterior.

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Good condition. $6000 obo. Contact Shezad A. Khan 301-535-6188 06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

RESTAURANT FOR SALE

Established business in northern Virginia.

Owner moving. $95,000. Contact Latif 703937-7348 07-10-09

MATRIMONIAL IN SEARCH OF MUSLIMA

Sunni Muslim, 30, sincere and patient student of Islam. ISO Muslima for correspondence, laughter and marriage.

Age, race unimportant. Write: Jose Diaz, #03A1777, E.N.Y.C.F., PO Box 388, Napanoch, NY 12458-0338 06-08-09 ----------------------------------------------------

SEEKING A MUSLIMA

Jamaican Sunni Muslim, age 32, handsome, honest and loyal, seeking an empress/ Muslima between 20-45 to become one with. Ethnicity is irrelevant. Please respond with your biography and photo, insha Allah, to: Orville Tucker, #50259-004, U.S. Penitentiary, PO Box 7000, Florence, CO 81226-7000 06-08-09 ----------------------------------------------------

GENTLEMAN SEEKING MUSLIMA

Gentleman,52 years old, Sunni Muslim, U.S. citizen. BS degree, seeking Muslim lady for marriage. 703-931-5303 or 703379-0405. 2500 N. Van Dorn St. #711 Park Place, Alexandria, VA 22314 06-08-09 ----------------------------------------------------

MUSLIM SEEKING WIFE

African American, following Ahlus-Sunnah was Jama’ah, community (amir), educated.

Drug-free. disease-free, non-smoker, healthy , weightlifter, no kids, born 5-31-70, 5ft 7in., 170 lbs. Never married, light-brown skin,

reverted to Islam 1992. Honest, trustworthy, generous, thorough, loving, caring, patient, respectable, studious, protective.

Caller to the right, forbidder of the wrong, seeker of Paradise. My parents are alive, retired, living together. I’m seeking a wife between the ages of 21-41. Must believe in One God without committing any shirk.

Race, nationality unimportant, wanting kids, attractive, classy, a match to my characteristics, seeking Paradise. Sincere religious women’s inquiries only. Contact through mail: Vincent Sanders #320-328, MCTC, 18800 Roxbury Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21746 06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

INVITING INQUIRY FOR MARRIAGE

Indo Pakistani Sunni Muslim parents are inviting communication from a well educated, financially independent & secure, practicing Muslim for their 42 year-old daughter. She is divorced, independent, charming, and well educated in US with a Masters degree; she has a 18 year old, highly disciplined son who will soon be independent. Contact with details & a recent photo: matrimonials@shah.org 06-12-09 ----------------------------------------------------

SEEKING MUSLIM WOMAN

Handsome, smart, African-American Sunni Muslim. I’m kind-hearted, gentle and physically in shape. Seeking Muslimah.

Race, nationality unimportant. If interested, write. I have photos on standby. Amir Abdul Wali Naqib ibn Griffin, #376023, WRSP, P.O. Box 759, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 06-18-09 ----------------------------------------------------

SERIOUS MUSLIM SEEKING WIFE

Bismillah, alhamdulillah.

Striving, studious, serious Sunni Muslim serious about deen, seeking wife. Write to Jesse Brown, #05B2118, ENYCF, P O Box 338, Napanoch, NY 12458.

07-17-09 ----------------------------------------------------

SEEKING POSSIBLE WIFE

Incarcerated Black male, 27 years old, Sunni Muslim, seeking possible wife. Write: Jesse Williams, #04A3239, ENYCF, P O Box 338, Napanoch, NY 12458-0338 07-17-09

MISCELLANEOUS Labaik Allahumma Labaik! “Action, education behind the walls, action-Paradise

outside the walls”. We seek sabaha!

Financial, educational material, training outside, contact Yusuf Mustafa Abdul Wahab #856264, 5501 S. 1100 W., Westville, IN 46931. After screening, another address will be provided. To review “charter” of our studies, intelligence, information as to the structure of our operation, request such when writing.

06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Start your own VoIP or Calling Card Business! Investment begins at $ 5,000. Call today. 703-871-5273 bizop@ipsmarx.com 06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE

MASSAGE FOR BROTHERS

1 hour Deep Tissue Massage $ 50 for Brothers by appointment only at 4802 Niagara Rd., College Park, MD 20740. Please call 202903-6419 or e-mail roycaspari@yahoo. com).

06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

HOME SERVICES

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

Estimates done. Contact Br. Allen Scott at 443 538 7643 or 410 467 1259 06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

Store hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, 5115 Park Heights, Baltimore, MD 21215. Donation accepted or pickup. Slighted worn items only. 410 542-6925, or 443 538 7643 06-10-09

RENTAL BASEMENT FOR RENT

1-bedroom basement located in Burtonsville.

Private separate entrance, private deck opens to garden, full windows, full kitchen, fireplace. Available immediately. Please call (301)520-1703.

06-08-09 ----------------------------------------------------

ROOM FOR RENT

Room for rent for brother only rent is $ 425 + utilities. Please call 202-903-6419 or email roycaspari@yahoo.com 06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

OFFICE RENTAL

Excellent Office location in Baltimore , on Security Blvd is available for rent .

Please call Muhammad Asif at 443-7428800 for more details 06-10-09 ----------------------------------------------------

ROOMMATE

Only 375.00/mo. plus 1/2 utilities. Looking for male roommate starting in August/ September. Metro D.C., Crofton (MD).

Nice, spacious townhouse in friendly, safe neighborhood. Close to Masjid. Call Abdelmajid, 352-484-1075.

06-10-09

SERVICES

Looking for a place for your ad?

Stop looking! try our classified section Call the muslim link now !

301.982.1020 Call Now . . . !

FREE FREE FREE Online Personal Classifieds are FREE at muslimlinkpaper.com !

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

37

MASJID LOCATOR

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.

MASJID LOCATOR

IRHSCA (ISLAMIC RESEARCH AND HUM. SERVICES OF AMERICA): Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MD Tel: 301-324-5040, www.irhsca.org.

ISLAMIC CENTER OF MARYLAND (ICM): 19401 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg,MD 20879 Tel:301-840-9440, www.icomd.org.

ISLAMIC CENTER OF NORTHERN VA TRUST (ICNVT): 4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-941-6558, E-mail: info@icnvt.org www.icnvt.org

ISLAMIC COM. CENTER OF LAUREL (ICCL): 7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707 Tel: 301-317-4584, www.icclmd.org.

ISLAMIC FOUND. OF AMERICA (IFA): ADAMS CENTER: 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325, www.adamscenter.org.

AVONDALE ISLAMIC CENTER: 4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782, Tel: 301-779-9292.

BAITUL MUKARRAM: 2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550.

DAR AL HIJRAH: 3159 Rowe St., Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030, www.hijrah.org.

DAR AL-SALAAM: 15250 Dumfries Rd., Mannassas,VA 20112.

DAR UL-GHURABA (Masjid ur Rahmah): 155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487, Tel. 434-348-786.

DAR-UL HUDA: 6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150, Tel: 703-922-0111, www.darulhuda.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.

DAR-US-SALAAM: 5301 Edgewood Rd. College Park, MD 20740, Tel: 301-982-9848, www.darussalaam.org.

DAR AL-TAQWA: 10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711, www.taqwa.net.

FIRST HIJRA MUSLIM COMM. CENTER: 4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, DC 20011 www.firsthijrah.org.

ICNA VA CENTER: 2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306.

IDARA DAWAT-O-IRSHAD: 4803 Valley St, Alexandria, VA 22312 703-256-8622, www.irshad.org.

INDONESIAN MUSLIM ASSOC. IN AMERICA (IMAAM): 1611 Veirs Mill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20851 Tel: 240-453-0808, e-mail: fkadir@imaamnet.org.

INST.OF ISLAMIC AND ARABIC SCIENCES IN AMERICA (IIASA): 8500 Hilltop Rd., Fairfax, VA 22031 Tel: 703-641-4890, www.iiasa.org

6606 Electronic Dr., Springfield, VA 22151 Tel: 703-914-4982, www.ifa.ws.

ISLAMIC HERITAGE CENTER (IHC): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180 Tel: 703-206-9056.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF ANNAPOLIS (ISA): 2635 Riva RdSuite 110Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 www.islamannapolis.org, Email: info@islamannapolis.org

ISLAMIC SOC. OF FREDERICK (ISF): 1250 Key Parkway , Frederick,MD 21702 Tel: 301-682-6090, www.isfmd.org.

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN (ISG): 19900 Brandermill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876 Tel: (301)-972-0504, www.isgtown.org.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF SOUTHERN PG COUNTY (ISSPGC): PO Box 251 Upper Marlboro, MD 20773; 7400 Temple Hill Rd., Camp Springs, MD Tel: 301-627-5710.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF THE WASHINGTON AREA (ISWA): 2701 Briggs Chaney Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-879-0930, www.iswamd.org.

MASJID AL-ISLAM: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, DC 20019 Tel: 202-581-1616, e-mail: imammusa@hotmail.com

MASJID AL-INSHIRAH: 7832 Fairbrook Road , Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Tel: 410-298-2977, Fax: 410-298-0266, www.al-inshirahweb.net.

MASJID AL-MUMINEEN: 2642 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21218 Tel: 410-467-8798.

MASJID JAMAAT AL-MUSLIMEEN: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212 Tel. 410-435-5000.

MASJID MUHAMMAD: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001 Tel: 202-483-8832.

MASJID AL-NOOR: 10012 Harford Rd., Carney, MD 21234 Tel: 410-663-9637, Fax: 410-663-9817.

MASJID AL-RAHMAH/ISB: 6631 Johnny Cake Rd. Baltimore, MD 21244 Tel: 410-747-4869, www.isb.org

MASJID AS SAFFAT: 1335 W. North Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-669-0655.

MASJID BAIT-ALLAH: 1910 Frederick Avenue (2 Floor) Baltimore, MD 21223 Tel: 443-224-4423, E-mail:info@masjidbaitallah.org. www.masjidbaitallah.org

MASJID TAQWA ANNOOR: 8000 MLK Highway, Glenarden MD Tel: 301-772-5969.

MASJID ZAMZAM 1510 Lynch Road, Dundalk, MD 21222 Phone: 410-284-2840

ISLAMIC SOC. OF WESTERN MARYLAND: 2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-797-0922.

IVY CITY MASJID: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-529-3100.

LA PLATA MASJID: 111 Howard Street, La Plata, MD 20646 Tel: 301-609-8769.

MAKKAH LEARNING CENTER (MLC): 814 Brandy Farms Ln Gambrills, MD 21054 Tel: 410-721-5880 www.mlcmd.org, Email: info@mlcmd.org

MANASSAS MOSQUE: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VA Tel: 703-257-5537.

MASJID AL-GHURABAA: 8220 Washington St., South, Laurel, MD 20724. Tel: 301-604-3295.

MASJID AL-HIKMAH: 11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009.

MASJID UL-HAQ: 514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217 Tel: 410-728-1363.

MEDINA CENTER: 9426 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda MD 20814 www.medinacenter.net

MUSLIM COM. CENTER (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20904 Tel: 301-384-3454, www.mccmd.org.

MUSLIM SOC. OF WASHINGTON, D.C. (MSWDC): Howard Center, Room 805 (Above HU Bookstore) Tel: 202-328-3236, www.mswdc.org.

MUSTAFA CENTER: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003.

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, imam@pgmamd.org.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND ISLAMIC CENTER(SMIC): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639.

Tel: 410- 535-0000 THE ISLAMIC CENTER: 2551 Mass. Ave. NW Washington D.C. 20008 Tel: 202-332-8343.

38

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TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

TML, Sha’ban 1430 | July 24 - August 20, 2009

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No Recovery, No Fee Phone (Office/Daytime):

410.744.4313 Cell (Evenings & Weekends)

443.538.5661 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Email

melvinbilal@yahoo.com

2 East Rolling Crossroads Suite 151 Catonsville, MD 21228

Personal Injury

Auto Accident, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice,Slip & Fall Injuries, Airplane, Train & Bus Accidents

39

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Every Saturday evening during Ramadan Khan el Khalili will be hosting Islamicthemed open houses. A different aspect of Islam from the religious to the cultural will be showcased.

Browse through our home department with original hand-crafted Middle Eastern furniture and home accessories. Meet with our designers and buyers for unique pieces and special custom works.

The Evening Stroll will begin each Saturday at 7pm till midnight with tea, dates and sweets being served after iftar.

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Meet with our in-house perfumer to make your own personal perfume or special bakhour for your home.

Our private Mezzanine will host an Islamic trunk show with the most current Islamic fashions as well as traditional fashions and accessories

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www.khanelkhaliliusa.com 5826 Seminary Road, Falls Church, VA 22041 703.671.1286

���������� ������������� Browse through our extensive Quran and Islamic DVDs along with Islamic children’s teaching guides.

Ramadan 2009 Prayer Schedule