by Sandra Gray
Members of the ISGC have been working hard and are determined that a full-time Islamic school will be in operation by next September. The School Formation Committee has met several times with members of both the ISGC and a few members from IFCO. the Formation Committee has assigned four subcommittees, each designed for a specific purpose. The subcommittees are Administrative, Curriculum, Engineering, and Finance. Each of the subgroups have also met several times and are will on the way towards progress.
At the last Formation Committee meeting of November 14, such issues as the acquisition of the school in Whitehall, which is currently up for sale, were discussed. Most members present seem to feel that purchasing an already built school would be more feasible and efficient in terms of finance, zoning, and safety reasons. An Open House for the Whitehall school was held on November 11, where all members of the community were invited to view the school. It was an impressive building, according to many reports, with all the facilities already in place for a school, as well as for a multipurpose centr for the ISGC. Br. Khalid Fareg stressed the importance of community members' participation in and support for this project, or any other school project which may arise. The Formation Committee did not make a final decision for any solid offer on the school, and it is still being discussed. In the November 14th meeting, each of the four subcommittees presented a report of their progress to the entire Formation Committee for open discussion.
The Administrative Committee discussed their pending survey to be sent to all community members which is needed to help in the decision-making process. For example, it was discussed that it could not yet be determined how advanced the school would be (kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school or a combination) without an actual survey of the community's needs and the number of students parents might register. A survey is imperative in this decision-making process and ensures community participation. The Administrative committee also raised the issue of types of private schools which might be plausible, and some members attended a workshop at the Ohio State Department of Education to get information which may be helpful to the ISGC.
The Curriculum Committee discussed their objective of finding and evaluating the best available curricula form the State, private, and successful Islamic schools. Some successful Islamic schools such as the ISNA Islamic School in Ontario and the Madrasatul "Ilm in Indianapolis have already expressed their support and willingness to help in curriculum development. Members stressed the importance of a strong Islamic and bi-lingual orientation in the ISGC school project.
The Finance Committee discussed various means of income for the school, since it would no doubt be an expensive project. Many options were discussed to raise funds, such as fundraisers, tuition as well as tuition aid, donations, and even Islamic-based investments. The survey, to be administered soon, would also in this case be beneficial, since it might help determine how well the community will be able to support the school.
The Engineering Committee has been very busy with details in looking for possible locations for the school, as well as investigating seriously the Whitehall school. It was determined through the advice of this committee that a permanent building would be superior, since classroom bungalows had been discussed. Other locations are also currently being investigated.
Now that it is certain that a full-time Islamic private school will be built, this is the time to encourage members of this community to participate at all levels to ensure the best possible success for our children's' education. the choice is ours: either we get involved and form a superior school with an Islamic-based education, or we leave our children to become absorbed by the mediocre and kufr-based public schools.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Dec 1995 Columbus Holds International Festival
by Mufakharul Islam
The International Festival in Columbus is an annual festival of the international community living in Central Ohio. It is held on the first weekend of November of each year. The organizer of this event is the United Nations chapter of Columbus, Ohio. even though it is held in Columbus, different ethnic people living all over the U.S. attended this event to represent their ethnic and cultural customs. It is interesting to know about the different cultures and the different ethnic groups in this festival. Every year an estimated 40 to 50 thousand visitors attend the festival. This year it was help on November 4th and 5th. There were at least 200 booths where foods, clothes, and different traditional items were for sale.
The Islamic Foundation of central Ohio (IFCO) had a booth in this festival where foods and clothing form different Muslim countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh were sold. Sisters and children from IFCO helped in cooking and selling food. At one end of the booth an "invitation" table was set up to attract visitors. Some brothers from IFCO were there to explain Islamic traditions and principles to them. There were a lot of pamphlets on Islam and the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). There were some Islamic videos displayed for the children, to help them learn about Islam. This turned out to be a key attraction for both parents and children and an opportunity for them to inquire about Islam. IFCO's booth was the only booth with an Islamic agenda. the festival environment may not be suited for Muslim women gatherings but it is good for disseminating ideas about Islam to the attendees.
Due to the fact that this festival attracts a very large crowd, the ISGC and IFCO should take more initiatives to disseminate information about Islam in this festival.
The International Festival in Columbus is an annual festival of the international community living in Central Ohio. It is held on the first weekend of November of each year. The organizer of this event is the United Nations chapter of Columbus, Ohio. even though it is held in Columbus, different ethnic people living all over the U.S. attended this event to represent their ethnic and cultural customs. It is interesting to know about the different cultures and the different ethnic groups in this festival. Every year an estimated 40 to 50 thousand visitors attend the festival. This year it was help on November 4th and 5th. There were at least 200 booths where foods, clothes, and different traditional items were for sale.
The Islamic Foundation of central Ohio (IFCO) had a booth in this festival where foods and clothing form different Muslim countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh were sold. Sisters and children from IFCO helped in cooking and selling food. At one end of the booth an "invitation" table was set up to attract visitors. Some brothers from IFCO were there to explain Islamic traditions and principles to them. There were a lot of pamphlets on Islam and the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). There were some Islamic videos displayed for the children, to help them learn about Islam. This turned out to be a key attraction for both parents and children and an opportunity for them to inquire about Islam. IFCO's booth was the only booth with an Islamic agenda. the festival environment may not be suited for Muslim women gatherings but it is good for disseminating ideas about Islam to the attendees.
Due to the fact that this festival attracts a very large crowd, the ISGC and IFCO should take more initiatives to disseminate information about Islam in this festival.
Nov 1995 Convention Recall ... Why Can't Muslims Organize
IQRA! Survey of the Post-Convention Syndrome
by Ayman Ismail
Almost every independent opinion received, regarding the ISNA convention, was highly positive and admiring. This was expected, for even the blind could tell that planning, organization, thought, and dedication, superseded by pure intention, would bear fruit. However, what puzzles many came after the convention: "how come a community[Columbus] that good cannot come together for a single successful project?"
"I think, wa Allahu 'alam, that the community in Columbus is ready to team up for local projects," says Rached Zantout. "It is only politics that prevent them from doing so, as well as the lack of a charismatic and uniting leadership on each and every side."
The issue of leadership was also seconded by Hazem Gheith. "Sometimes we put unqualified persons who diverge instead of teaming people up."
"For example," cites one commentator, "two projects that the community in Columbus could have united upon, were the cemetery and the new Islamic Center/Masjid/Ful time school. Both the ISGC and IFCO are working one variations of those two projects. IFCO has long had land but problems have ensued in building and maintenance. They also have cemetery land already zoned and ready to be used. Omar Mosque has the manpower, willingness, and money to start projects. Yet breakdowns in communications and methods obstructed the goals for both ISCG and IFCO, despite their being the same.
But didn't the ISNA convention also have problems? In ISNA's case, it was a very clear project with very clear objectives. "The credit goes all to ISNA if we did a good job so there was less incentive for people who play politics to be involved. It does not pay much back in terms of short term political gains in the community," says Rached. The advantage of depoliticizing the work seems twofold. More sincere work, and far fewer conflicts. Given a project that size, it would have seemed logical to have diverse opinins spoil the work! Right?
Not necessarily. The ISNA convention was such a huge project that everybody who wanted to work could do so without being bothered or bothering the other parts of the community which did not think like them. "For example," says a commentator, "One of the objections from IFCO people (some of them) to joint activities with ISGC is that we "separate men and women". Well, in the ISNA convention, if you are against that separation you could have worked with some of the committees that did not care about separation, and if you were with that separation you could have worked in other committees. There was room for everyone.
Another reason appears to be in what social scientists call "community participation". ISNA Convention steering committees turned to the grass roots. This should not take place only at the implementation phase, but right from the start. "Not involving as many people as you can when preparing for a project or event will alienate the project's prime support," says Hazem Gheith.
Is there hope? There is a lot that can be done to bring that convention spirit back. The leaders of ISGC, IGCO, and Masjid Al-Islam should get together and start planning for common projects with the same spirit of the ISNA convention which would keep that unity feeling or raise it up from time to time. Joint lectures, not merely picnics, preparing for the next ISNA convention, a Columbus Islamic Day, a workshop for Muslims about some issues facing them in Columbus, River Clean Up Day by us Muslims, adopting part s of highways that pass through Columbus, etc... And of course, there is the opportunity in the joint full-time Islamic school project.
During the convention the unity of the community became very clear. "None of those who worked expected a reward and none were received," says Altaf Wani. "The satisfaction from within for a job well was enough." Now this community has a new opportunity. Let's wait and see.
The causes of community disagreements seem clear: politicizing of work and lack of leadership. The solution is equally clear: we must learn to work with the spirit of teamwork.
by Ayman Ismail
Almost every independent opinion received, regarding the ISNA convention, was highly positive and admiring. This was expected, for even the blind could tell that planning, organization, thought, and dedication, superseded by pure intention, would bear fruit. However, what puzzles many came after the convention: "how come a community[Columbus] that good cannot come together for a single successful project?"
"I think, wa Allahu 'alam, that the community in Columbus is ready to team up for local projects," says Rached Zantout. "It is only politics that prevent them from doing so, as well as the lack of a charismatic and uniting leadership on each and every side."
The issue of leadership was also seconded by Hazem Gheith. "Sometimes we put unqualified persons who diverge instead of teaming people up."
"For example," cites one commentator, "two projects that the community in Columbus could have united upon, were the cemetery and the new Islamic Center/Masjid/Ful time school. Both the ISGC and IFCO are working one variations of those two projects. IFCO has long had land but problems have ensued in building and maintenance. They also have cemetery land already zoned and ready to be used. Omar Mosque has the manpower, willingness, and money to start projects. Yet breakdowns in communications and methods obstructed the goals for both ISCG and IFCO, despite their being the same.
But didn't the ISNA convention also have problems? In ISNA's case, it was a very clear project with very clear objectives. "The credit goes all to ISNA if we did a good job so there was less incentive for people who play politics to be involved. It does not pay much back in terms of short term political gains in the community," says Rached. The advantage of depoliticizing the work seems twofold. More sincere work, and far fewer conflicts. Given a project that size, it would have seemed logical to have diverse opinins spoil the work! Right?
Not necessarily. The ISNA convention was such a huge project that everybody who wanted to work could do so without being bothered or bothering the other parts of the community which did not think like them. "For example," says a commentator, "One of the objections from IFCO people (some of them) to joint activities with ISGC is that we "separate men and women". Well, in the ISNA convention, if you are against that separation you could have worked with some of the committees that did not care about separation, and if you were with that separation you could have worked in other committees. There was room for everyone.
Another reason appears to be in what social scientists call "community participation". ISNA Convention steering committees turned to the grass roots. This should not take place only at the implementation phase, but right from the start. "Not involving as many people as you can when preparing for a project or event will alienate the project's prime support," says Hazem Gheith.
Is there hope? There is a lot that can be done to bring that convention spirit back. The leaders of ISGC, IGCO, and Masjid Al-Islam should get together and start planning for common projects with the same spirit of the ISNA convention which would keep that unity feeling or raise it up from time to time. Joint lectures, not merely picnics, preparing for the next ISNA convention, a Columbus Islamic Day, a workshop for Muslims about some issues facing them in Columbus, River Clean Up Day by us Muslims, adopting part s of highways that pass through Columbus, etc... And of course, there is the opportunity in the joint full-time Islamic school project.
During the convention the unity of the community became very clear. "None of those who worked expected a reward and none were received," says Altaf Wani. "The satisfaction from within for a job well was enough." Now this community has a new opportunity. Let's wait and see.
The causes of community disagreements seem clear: politicizing of work and lack of leadership. The solution is equally clear: we must learn to work with the spirit of teamwork.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Nov 1995 Mosque, School, Cemetery: Light at the End of the Tunnel?
by IQRA! staff
The ISGC general assembly meeting should have been better attended, because important projects were presented which need community input. The simplest is the cemetery project. at present, the community has an arrangement with a public cemetery north of 270 on route 23, but the commercial expense is considerable. For the long term community benefit, plans have been made for owning our own cemetery, and, of great importance, people have already donated a substantial amount of money to a special fund for it. At present, an offer has been made on 2 acres in Northwest Columbus area, contingent upon obtaining zoning and a positive engineering report. A map of the area was passed around at the meeting. The purchase price is $50,000 for the acreage.
Two more project possibilities, for mosque and school, were unveiled at the meeting. the larger, and further off, is the possible purchase of about 12 acres, again in the Northwest area, for a mosque, full time school, and daycare center. The total project, land purchase and building construction, is projected at about two million dollars. Zoning problems, which are expected to be resolved soon, prevent action from being taken yet. If the community embraces this project, construction could probably start in the winter of 1996.
Recently, another school project had become possible. A 25 year old school is up for sale in Whitehall. This former elementary school, Robinwood, is located across from Town and Country Mall at East broad and Robinwood. It has a cafeteria, kitchen, gymnasium with stage, and a large area of flexible classroom space. If purchased, the community could start a full time school in the building by next fall. This facility could become a permanent location for our school, or used temporarily and sold later, when and if the Northwest project becomes a reality. All members of the community are urged to attend an open house of this facility on November 11th at 2 pm and express their views on the proposal.
Regardless of whether we have a special building or not, a group of committed volunteers has started meetings to plan the opening of "The Columbus Islamic Academy" by next fall. Four committees have been formed, for curriculum, administration, finances, and technical considerations. All in our community agree generally on the concept of a full time private school for our children, but up to now there has been too much procrastination. Parents are struggling with the unwholesome environments in public schools and praying that their children come out safely. The school can start temporarily at the mosque, or in rented quarters of some sort. We have qualified people in our community to staff the school. We have access to numerous curriculum sources. Our community is generally blessed with financial resources. The general feeling is that a start must be made, and Allah will provide for the growth and success, through the commitment of those who struggle for His Sake alone.
The ISGC general assembly meeting should have been better attended, because important projects were presented which need community input. The simplest is the cemetery project. at present, the community has an arrangement with a public cemetery north of 270 on route 23, but the commercial expense is considerable. For the long term community benefit, plans have been made for owning our own cemetery, and, of great importance, people have already donated a substantial amount of money to a special fund for it. At present, an offer has been made on 2 acres in Northwest Columbus area, contingent upon obtaining zoning and a positive engineering report. A map of the area was passed around at the meeting. The purchase price is $50,000 for the acreage.
Two more project possibilities, for mosque and school, were unveiled at the meeting. the larger, and further off, is the possible purchase of about 12 acres, again in the Northwest area, for a mosque, full time school, and daycare center. The total project, land purchase and building construction, is projected at about two million dollars. Zoning problems, which are expected to be resolved soon, prevent action from being taken yet. If the community embraces this project, construction could probably start in the winter of 1996.
Recently, another school project had become possible. A 25 year old school is up for sale in Whitehall. This former elementary school, Robinwood, is located across from Town and Country Mall at East broad and Robinwood. It has a cafeteria, kitchen, gymnasium with stage, and a large area of flexible classroom space. If purchased, the community could start a full time school in the building by next fall. This facility could become a permanent location for our school, or used temporarily and sold later, when and if the Northwest project becomes a reality. All members of the community are urged to attend an open house of this facility on November 11th at 2 pm and express their views on the proposal.
Regardless of whether we have a special building or not, a group of committed volunteers has started meetings to plan the opening of "The Columbus Islamic Academy" by next fall. Four committees have been formed, for curriculum, administration, finances, and technical considerations. All in our community agree generally on the concept of a full time private school for our children, but up to now there has been too much procrastination. Parents are struggling with the unwholesome environments in public schools and praying that their children come out safely. The school can start temporarily at the mosque, or in rented quarters of some sort. We have qualified people in our community to staff the school. We have access to numerous curriculum sources. Our community is generally blessed with financial resources. The general feeling is that a start must be made, and Allah will provide for the growth and success, through the commitment of those who struggle for His Sake alone.
Sept. 1995 Muslim Health Fair During the ISNA Convention
by Tahseen Naiyer
The Muslim community of Columbus, Ohio has grown rapidly during the last ten years. Many great events have taken place in the history of our community. The purchase of the Omar Ibn-el-Khattab mosque, and the formation of ISGC are just a few of those landmarks. And the plans of the Islamic Center to build an Islamic School and the mosque at Sunbury point to a bright future. The 32nd ISNA convention, Inshallah, will also be a landmark in the history of the Muslim community of Columbus, Ohio. We are honored, proud and thankful to Allah (SWT) who has provided us with this unique opportunity to be a part of ISNA convention.
Dr. Mohamed Shareef is a well-known brother in our community. Allah (SWT) has blessed him with many talents. For the first time and with the approval of ISNA, Dr. Shareef and his colleagues will be providing first aid and a Muslim health fair during the convention. It will be an opportunity to meet with experienced physicians, cardiologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, and expert medical technicians, all in one place. We will not have to run from one doctor to another, or from one lab to the next. We are thankful to our medical community, to the physicians, nurses, and health care providers, who are devoting their time and efforts in providing this important service. The cardiac stress testing is going to be an unusual part of this fair. It is done as part of the VIP screening health check-up in the physician's office or hospitals. Dr. Nayyer Shareef will also be providing mammography for a very small fee to cover the cost of the lab work.
Another important feature of this health fair will be a Red Cross blood Donation Drive. Muslims are the torch bearers of humankind. It is our obligation to show to the world that we not only care about our own community, but that we also care for the whole of the human race. the red Cross Blood Donation Drive and the Cancer screenings, provided by the Arthur James Cancer Institute's mobile mammography unit, will allow the Muslim community to show on a national level its commitment to participate in a positive way in the life and health care of this nation.
Some of the other important features of this health fair will be free basic check-ups, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, stress testing (heart check-up), breathing tests, and bone marrow registry.
Due to the blessing of Allah (SWT) mankind is finding cures for cancer. Once considered so deadly, we are now able to successfully combat it with early detection. Breast cancer among women and prostate cancer are common occurrences these days. Unfortunately, most of our brothers and sisters do not have proper access to medical facilities. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has said that a strong Muslim is better than a weak Muslim but both are good. He had also said that for every disease, Allah (SWT) has given a cure. Our body and life are amana form Allah (SWT), and He will ask us how well we cared for it on the Day of Judgment. We should be thankful to Allah (SWT) that He is providing us with this unique opportunity to care for our health.
However, there will be some cost involved for this project. There is no fee for service, but there will be very minimal cost for usage of material. This affordable fee has been fixed for the blood cholesterol testing at $4.00 and for mammography at $60 (conventional). There might be other charges if necessary.
Criteria for screening of tests....
The Muslim community of Columbus, Ohio has grown rapidly during the last ten years. Many great events have taken place in the history of our community. The purchase of the Omar Ibn-el-Khattab mosque, and the formation of ISGC are just a few of those landmarks. And the plans of the Islamic Center to build an Islamic School and the mosque at Sunbury point to a bright future. The 32nd ISNA convention, Inshallah, will also be a landmark in the history of the Muslim community of Columbus, Ohio. We are honored, proud and thankful to Allah (SWT) who has provided us with this unique opportunity to be a part of ISNA convention.
Dr. Mohamed Shareef is a well-known brother in our community. Allah (SWT) has blessed him with many talents. For the first time and with the approval of ISNA, Dr. Shareef and his colleagues will be providing first aid and a Muslim health fair during the convention. It will be an opportunity to meet with experienced physicians, cardiologists, gynecologists, pediatricians, and expert medical technicians, all in one place. We will not have to run from one doctor to another, or from one lab to the next. We are thankful to our medical community, to the physicians, nurses, and health care providers, who are devoting their time and efforts in providing this important service. The cardiac stress testing is going to be an unusual part of this fair. It is done as part of the VIP screening health check-up in the physician's office or hospitals. Dr. Nayyer Shareef will also be providing mammography for a very small fee to cover the cost of the lab work.
Another important feature of this health fair will be a Red Cross blood Donation Drive. Muslims are the torch bearers of humankind. It is our obligation to show to the world that we not only care about our own community, but that we also care for the whole of the human race. the red Cross Blood Donation Drive and the Cancer screenings, provided by the Arthur James Cancer Institute's mobile mammography unit, will allow the Muslim community to show on a national level its commitment to participate in a positive way in the life and health care of this nation.
Some of the other important features of this health fair will be free basic check-ups, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, stress testing (heart check-up), breathing tests, and bone marrow registry.
Due to the blessing of Allah (SWT) mankind is finding cures for cancer. Once considered so deadly, we are now able to successfully combat it with early detection. Breast cancer among women and prostate cancer are common occurrences these days. Unfortunately, most of our brothers and sisters do not have proper access to medical facilities. The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has said that a strong Muslim is better than a weak Muslim but both are good. He had also said that for every disease, Allah (SWT) has given a cure. Our body and life are amana form Allah (SWT), and He will ask us how well we cared for it on the Day of Judgment. We should be thankful to Allah (SWT) that He is providing us with this unique opportunity to care for our health.
However, there will be some cost involved for this project. There is no fee for service, but there will be very minimal cost for usage of material. This affordable fee has been fixed for the blood cholesterol testing at $4.00 and for mammography at $60 (conventional). There might be other charges if necessary.
Criteria for screening of tests....
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