June 1997 General Assembly Meeting

By Fauzi Labidi

The general assembly meeting was held on Friday, May 16, 1997.  The purpose of the meeting was to report back to the community of the accomplishments of the board of trustees (BOT) those of the executive committee (EC), and to elect new members to the general body of representatives (GBR) and to the BOT.

The meeting started with a presentation from Br. Mouhamed N. Tarazi (Abu Omar), board chairman.  Abu Omar started his speech by thanking the brothers and sisters who played an active role in the different projects and activities of the community.  

At the forefront of those projects is the Islamic School. With the help of Allah, the ISG was successful in establishing a full time Islamic school, the first in Central Ohio.  This project stemmed from the fact that the Muslim community in Central Ohio has grown considerably over the years and its make-up has shifted from a predominantly student population to that of settlers.  Providing the Muslim children with an Islamic education is essential to the preservation of their identity and to their protection from the pitfalls and problems that public school are currently facing.

To shed some light on the various activities of Sunrise Academy, Br. Mahmood Moosa, Chairman of the school board, was invited to speak.  In his speech, Br. Mahmood highlighted many school activities, accomplishments, and future plans.  Among there were:

•  Currently, Sunrise Academy is offering education from pre-k to 3^rd grade to be extended to 4^th grade next year (inshallah).  The student enrollment currently stands at 30 students.
• As far as school chartering is concerned, a letter of approval was received from the Ohio Department of Education on January 13, 1997.  The school is now in the final stages of the chartering process.
• The school acquired 2 buses to be used for transporting the students back and forth from school. 
• The school board hired three consultants, two of them, Dr. Shaker Al-Sayed and Dr. Kevin Freer, serve on the board in a non-voting capacity.  The third, Ms. Suzanne Jones from the Hilliard school District, is reviewing and conduction the testing and record keeping activities for the school
• There is a weekend program for Arabic and Islamic Studies
• A Chat Room has been formed where parents, teachers, and the school board meet to discuss school issues.

Once Br. Mahmood finished his presentation, Br. Abu Omar took over to shed some more light into other accomplishments and project that the ISGC is currently undertaking.  Among these projects/accomplishments are:

• Two public hearings were held to discuss the proposed Muslim Community center in Hilliard.  As a result of these discussions, a technical committee, headed by Br. Ayman Ismail, was formed to look into the viability of these recommendations.
• A media recognition of the ISGC both in the newspapers and on TV
• Revision of the ISGC constitution to reflect the dynamic nature of the organization and to correct whatever loopholes might exist.  A three member committee was formed to help out in formulating a new constitution.  This committee is made of Br. Hussein Al-Kazzaz, Br. Hazem Gheith and Br. Fauzi Labidi
• A face uplift of the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque.  This project is headed by Br. Nassir Hassan.  A great improvement has already been achieved in this endeavor.
• A newsletter that reaches a wider readership to keep the Muslim community abreast with what’s going on.  

To this fact, editorial board member Br. Fauzi Labidi discussed the following points.

• This is IQRA!’s 5^th year of publication with no interruption.  All brothers and sisters on the IQRA! Staff are volunteers.
• IQRA!’s circulation is close to 500.  About 430 copies are mailed regularly and the rest are distributed in the masjid and Muslim grocery stores.
• The current cost of printing and mailing IQRA! Is about $250/month; $200 for printing and about $50 for mailing.
• IQRA!’s budget consists of SGC funding and proceeds from advertisements and subscriptions.  About 4 months ago, IQRA! Started receiving $100/month from ISGC.  Prior to that, it had been self-supporting.  The proceeds from advertisements and subscriptions vary and tend to be very low.  This is due in part to the fact that IQRA! Is a free newsletter and subscribing is voluntary.  Therefore, financial support from the community is essential to the continuation and growth of the newsletter.

Following IQRA!’s presentation, MSA president Br. Sultan Salim was invited to report on the MSA activities on the OSU campus.  In his speech, Br. Sultan articulated the following points:

• Promote the unity and joint action among Muslims on the OSU campus.  This includes responding to unfair critical articles of Muslims and taking a proactive role to acquaint people about Islam.
• Provide a dawaa table to introduce non-Muslims to Islam
• Hold Jummah prayer on campus
• Invite Muslim speakers from out-of-state to talk on major issues that affect Muslims in North America
• Hold regular meetings and dinners to foster a stronger brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims on the OSU campus and to bring in the different cultural groups to the MSA>
• Conduct athletic activities such as basketball and camping trips.

Following Br. Sultan’s speech, ISGC president Siraj Akhtar spoke on the accomplishments and shortcomings of the ISGC.  His recommendations and personal views were summarized in a report he passed out to the GA.  Among the points accented in his report were:

• Defining a clear objective and mission of the ISGC.  The main objective of the ISGC is to bring people closer to the true path of Allah (SWT).  Our success would depend on how closely we achieve this mission.
• Restructuring the ISGC to reflect the dynamic nature of the organization.  This includes:
• Enhancing the participation by all members of the organization. Abolishing the concept of permanent members in the BOT and explicitly defining the responsibilities of the BOT members in the ISGC constitution.
• Reducing the criteria for individuals to be on the GBR and the size of the GBR.
• Defining specific tasks and duties for GBR members.
• Holding monthly shura meetings in the masjid.
• Expanding the IC to include deputies from the different committees.  The deputies would attend the EC meetings but have no voting power.
• Requiring by the constitution that final decisions on any major matters be made by the BOT, GBR, and EC meeting in a joint session.
• Focusing on continuity and growth of the community.  There should be a mechanism through which experience from the past is used to formulate better products for the future.
• Expanding EC to include a full time administrator.
• Having a better outreach to the different Muslim communities in central Ohio
• Providing the community with a correct and pristine Islamic knowledge.  This educational process must be organized and targeted to all age groups.  Providing our youth with a correct and authentic Islamic knowledge in all spheres of life, ranging from the basic aspects of personal life to the global aspects of the Muslim Ummah.
• Renovating the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque.
• Finding a permanent place of our own for Jummah prayer.

Following the completion of his speech, Br. Siraj turned the meeting into the hands of the election committee to conduct the elections for GBR and BOT seats. 

June 1996 Election Frustration

IQRA! Critique of the First Years Experience of the ISGC Election Process

This year's ISGC election was characterized by Confusion and low turnout. In spite of the habitual pattern by which elections were held since 1984, it was as though this was the first year it has been done. Only one week before the membership drive was closed, an election committee was selected. Members of the committee who did not have any previous experience were unaware of many constitutional requirements that needed to be fulfilled. When the election committee searched for the previous election file that contained many valuable information on the procedures, they discovered it had disappeared! Confusion resulted from the sporadic distribution of nomination forms, especially on the sisters' side, additional forms for the computer center and lack of understanding of the nomination and membership constitutional requirements.

As a result, strange things happened, like extending the deadline for nomination for the sisters, receiving verbal nominations by phone, and post-deadline payment of membership fees. Unfortunately, in order to bring some order into the process, some nominations were removed (verbal nominations and new members) and voting rights were revoked for those who have been members for less than 4 months. Statistics show that this year's membership is 30% less than last year.

Two factors led to that phenomenon. first, the low profile given to the membership drive. The window was open for only 2 weeks, although the constitution defines eligible voters and members to those who have applied at least 120 days. Second, it is claimed that the 300% increase in membership fees led to the unfortunate decline in membership. Although some speculate that this might have been intentional to facilitate a 50% quorum, it is unjustifiable to exclude members rather than to reduce the quorum percentage.

It is understandable that first trials are usually laden with new lessons, but it is now up to the new administration to thoroughly organize the structure of the election process to make it more equitable and just to all members of the community.

       1995 -  1996 Changes

• Total Members    155    84    -30%
• New Members      95    15    -73%
• General Assembly 68    42     -24%
• Sisters Enrolled     35    16     -37%
• Membership ($)    05    15   -300%

June 1996 News Fly Around

Islam in the OSU Medical college Curriculum

 

reported by Dr. Malika Haque, M.D.

 

Columbus (May 1996) "Islam and Medicine", by the grace of Allah, has been successfully introduced as a permanent ongoing course in the college of Medicine of the Ohio State University in the mini-module format: 4 weeks, 3 hr./wk, which is an established requirement in the Medical Humanities and Behavioral Sciences area of the College of Medicine. The context was thoughtfully designed for all the medical students who signed up. Definition of Islam, Pillars of Islam, Islamic practices and Law, Moral and Ethical Values, History, and Science were some of the topics presented leading to considerable enlivening discussions. Since Muslims now have a clear presence in the diversity of patient population on the American scene, useful courtesy, manners for communicating, and a basic knowledge of Islam were shown as necessary for improved medical management and doctor-patient rapport, particularly in community ambulatory facilities.

 

Guest speakers were appreciated by the students, with Dr. Asma Mobin Uddin speaking on Islam and Science and Dr. John Kashbeck relating his experiences as a Muslim physician on medical ethics. At the conclusion of the course, more than 90% of the students gave an "excellent" rating and the director of the program at the College of Medicine was excited to request that I make a continual annual presentation.

 

Eid-ul Adha Dinner

 

reported by Shahida Khan

 

The Eid dinner is a tradition in our community. It is a beautiful occasion for our children, ourselves, and our Muslim community. New clothes, gifts, visiting, being together, and feasting make the occation very enjoyable to children and adults alike.

 

Saturday, May 4, 1996 at the Whitehall Community Center, sisters and brothers from the Islamic Center and Omar mosque came together in the spirit of sacrifice and sharing to enjoy Eid Dinner.

 

Alhamdulillah, our community has grown many folds. Some 20 plus years ago Eid dinners took place in a small hall at the Park of Roses and later at the St. Stephen Community Center. Now even Whitehall Community Center has become small. Tables were full of different kinds of tasty, spicy, ethnic foods. for some people, some of the food was so hot that they had to use napkins to wipe their eyes. for children the big excitement was the pizza party, magic show, and goody bags.

 

Together with the remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's supreme submission to Allah, we should remember other Muslims in our community and in other communities. May Allah increase our community more and more day by day. May Allah bless our community with more unity and more tolerance and love. May Allah reward those people who worked hard selflessly to make this Eid Celebration successful.

 

Dear Editor

 

During Eid Prayers

 

Over the years, Subhannahllah, the Muslim community has grown considerably in Central Ohio. Particularly at Eid prayers, a Jamaa of 3000 to 4000, sisters, and children is quite common. We are a cultured, caring Ummah whose collective organizational efforts are a norm, successful in conducting religious activities in particular.

 

Due to the request of some of the sisters, in as gentle way as possible, it is necessary to bring our attention to a rather disquieting mannerism during the Eid Khutbah (lecture). Immediately after the salat, while the khateeb is lecturing, a small number of people are getting up and walking. Some are talking, some are leaving, and forming conversational groups (particularly in the ladies section.)

 

All of us should clearly realize that salat and khutbah are one entity and we are present to please Allah (SWT). We should all listen to the khutbah, honor the khateeb and rejoice after the salah and khutbah. As an elder of the community, who has been part of organizing Eid prayers for over 15 years, "no offense is meant to anyone". Let us be simply knowledgeable and exemplary in our acts.

 

C. Azeez ul Haq

 

 

Muslim Student Association Officer Elections

 

Recently on the Ohio State University campus, the Muslim Student Association held elections for new officers for the remaining of this 1996 year and for next year. The results were as such:

Br. Safwan Halabi - Amir
Br. Muhammad Abdul Haq - Secretary
Br. Samer Suleiman - Treasurer
Sr. Bonita McGee - Information
Sr. Habeeba Gaiter - Sisters' Affairs

 

 

CAIR Media-Relations Training Workshop Planned

 

What: Ibrahim Hooper, National Communications Director for the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), will conduct a workshop to train Muslims in
techniques of effective media and public relations.
When: Saturday, June 8,
1996 10 am-12:30 pm, Inshallah
Where: Islamic Center, 1428 E. Broad St.
Who: All are welcome. Please RSVP XXX-XXXX Admission is free. Donations to
CAIR appreciated. Sponsored by IFCO Public Relations Committee

Women's Get-Together

In response to a request from some sisters, the Board of Trustees invites all women to an open discussion on June 16th at noon in the sister's Meeting Room of the Omar Mosque. 

• Do you want a women's organization under the ISGC?
• How would you visualize this organization?
• What role would you like to play?

June 1996 Mr. President

by Ayman Ismail

Exclusive interview with Br. Siraj Akhtar, newly elected president of ISGC as he talks about hopes, aspirations and goals for the next year.

In a reclining chair at his oval office... Actually, on a keyboard behind an eye-exhausting monitor, Mr. Akhtar, a graduate student in electrical engineering at OSU, tells IQRA! why he thinks this year is going to witness some major changes in this community.

"My first action as president is to ban IQRA! and expel its staff members from our organization!!!" says Mr. Akhtar humorously before returning to his usual seriousness.

Q: As President with limited resources, how do you see your number one priority?

"Among the first issues, " said Br. Siraj, "is enhancing the structure of the organization to optimize our efforts in order to achieve maximum cooperation amongst us."

Mr. Akhtar sees many problems with the current ISGC constitution, with which he was once involved in developing, that must be addressed in order to smoothen the organizational structure, and to define specifically the roles of the different bodies, especially the BOT.

"Another important priority is to enhance the participation of the various ethnic and linguistic groups that comprise the diverse fabric of our community," said Br. Siraj.

Q: The ISGC, in spite of its deliberate reorganization for greater unity in the community, is still accused of being student-based, insensitive to African-Americans and self centered. How do you plan to address these issues?

"Any organization is only a reflection of its members and those who participate in its activities," said Br. Siraj. "If more students and non-African Americans participate, we cannot blame them for excluding others. Rather, we strongly urge everyone to help and participate in making our community better. There has never been, and Inshallah will never be, any attempt, official or otherwise, to prevent any person from participating in any of the activities of the organization, within the limits of the Book of Allah (SWT) and the authentic sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Whether you are an African American, or an Arab student or a green creature with blue stripes from Mars, we could care less. All we want are committed Muslims ready to serve for the betterment of themselves, their community and the entire Ummah, only for the sake of Allah (SWT)."

Br. Siraj, himself from Pakistan, clearly states that the ISGC does not believe in favoring one person over another, simply because he belongs to a minority group. The overriding criterion has got to do with the willingness to work and deliver the best results, with only the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in mind.

"At the same time," he added, "it would be naive of me to say that all ethnic and cultural groups participate in the ISGC. Obviously many don't. Many of them have their valid reasons. The immense challenge that lies for us, is to identify the reasons and address them. Perhaps we need to conduct detailed surveys. Perhaps we need to set up open meetings where people come and air their concerns,... we are open to all suggestions and ideas. Indeed, this is a critical objective for our organization.

As individuals, there is a lot that we can do, that we are not currently doing. For example, when we see a new individual at the masjid, how many of us go up to him and say salaam, and ask him how he is doing? If we do so the first time we see him, do we bother to greet him and inquire about him every time we see him?... There is a brother from Nigeria that I see very often at the masjid, yet I don't see others talking to him and trying to be friendly. The masjid can be a very unfriendly and uninviting place for those who are new and don't know others. Obviously, this problem is very much [more] profound for non-Arabs, than for Arabs. We need to address this, not be telling the Arab brothers to be more friendly towards others, but rather by reminding them and educating them of what Islam says about this issue. Unless and until we can educate the people about the authentic Islamic teachings, we will see problems like these, and others arising out of ignorance of the masses.

Finally, Br. Siraj, who has barely accepted his nomination, extends a sincere call upon everyone to join the ISGC in order to make it a better place for all. "I know many have their doubts and concerns," he says, "some which are genuine and others which are not. I do not ask that you set them aside and forget about the,, but all I ask is that you come to us, air your concerns and work with us, in improving ourselves and our organization. Let us work in the spirit of the Quran and authentic sunnah, and then if we do not deliver, I will be the first to say that you have a genuine reason not to participate in the organization."

Election Results

Fiqh council:
Dr. Salah El-Sawi,
M. Adam Elsheikh, and
Safwat Morsi.

New Board of Trustees Members:
Safwan Halabi,
Abdullah Al-Amiri,
Aly Eman, and
Mohamed Matus.

General Body Representative seats for the 2 year term ending '98:
Ashfaq Tashfeen,
Mohamed Salem,
Siraj Akhtar,
Hazem Gheith,
Suhail Munir,
Bilal Farhan, and
Asmaa Al-Khourasat.

May 1996 News Fly Around

Movie Defames Muslims

Los Angeles, CA, April 1 - Muslim communities nationwide handed out leaflets about Islam outside theaters to counter the new anti-Islam stunt movie "Executive Decision" by Warner bros. In the movie all the non-Muslims in the movie were either victims or heroes, while every Muslim was either a criminal or a terrorist.

After negotiations with the producing company did not result in clipping stereotypical and defaming images about Muslims from the movie, Muslim organizations like CAIR opted for positive measures to counter the propaganda. Without causing a fuss that would further increase the sale of the movie, members from Muslim communities simply handed out the true facts about Muslims and highlighted the erroneous message of the movie, something that Warner Bros did not like.

Hotel Apologizes Rehires Muslim Woman

Washington, D.C. 4/22/96 Alhamdulillah, your calls, faxes and letters achieved a positive result once again. Management officials of a Virginia Quality Inn hotel have apologized to and rehired a Muslim woman who was denied a job because she refused to remove her head scarf. The hotel also gave the woman compensation for time lost and for attorney's fees. According to a Washington Post article on the incident, Philip Kirby, the owner of the hotel, said, "When we got a chance to look at it and see what the community's reaction was, we felt we had made a bad decision... We apologize for any inconvenience or suffering we caused her." The hotel plans to rework its dress code.

2500 Turn Out for Mosque Open House

Washington, DC April 2. Leaders of the Denver, Colorado Muslim community say some 2,500 people turned out for a mosque Open House propted by the March 19 intrusion into that facility by employees of a local radio station. Many local dignitaries, including Denver's mayor and the U.S. Attorney in Denver, attended the open house. Five people embraced Islam on the day of the open house, Alhamdulillah.

This mosque was subjected earlier to a hate crime by a local radio station - who invaded the mosque and harassed worshippers, while on the air. Five radio employees have been charged as a result of that stunt.

Editorial Cartoonist apologizes for Defaming Islam

Jim Morin, a syndicated cartoonist who works for the Miami Herald newspaper, has apologized for a recent cartoon in which he drew an ape-like creature with the word "Islam" on its head. The creature is shown saying, "We bomb innocent women and children to smithereens!" After CAIR and other Musli organizations posted information about the cartoon on the internet, Morin begn receiving cals, faxes and e-mail messages.

In a letter to CAIR, Morin said, "I have spoken to many hurt, outraged members of the Muslim faith this past four days. It has been an educational experience for me... To those whom I have unintentionally hurt or insulted, please accept my sincere apologies."

Web Site Removes NOI Connection

OSU Campus, April 5 - The MSA at OSU managed to convince YAHOO! , the world wide web search facility to remove the Nation of Islam from the list of Islamic resources. The MSA was concerned about how Yahoo included Nation of Islam resources with Islamic resources, and sent a strong letter of complaint to Yahoo..

"The students I represent are very offended that Yahoo would include the Nation of Islam - a religion that preaches racial hatred, founded less than 50 years ago - with Islam, a religion that speaks of peace and religious harmony founded almost 1500 years ago." said Alaa, MSA President in his protest.

In their response, Anne Callery from Yahoo said, "[We] find that the Muslim community in general does not consider the Nation of Islam as part of the Muslim religion. It was our initial understanding that the Nation of Islam identified strongly with Islam, which is why the cross reference to Islam was added. However, after examining the Nation of Islam web sites, we are unable to find evidence of this feeling in their organization. Therefore, the link to Islam has been removed."

George Mason University Gets New Union with Wudu Facilities

Fairfax, VA - March 12 - A new $30 million student union was opened with facilities for making wudu in every main restroom. Interestingly, the Muslim Student Association on that campus did not lobby for them. However, jummah prayer was held close to one of the deans' offices, who felt there was a need for a proper wudu facility and included the wudu area in the plan for the new building. This marks another positive step taken by some universities in recent months to accommodate Muslim students.

Islamic Attire: A View of Elegance and comfort
Date: May 11, 1996 - Time: 6-8 pm Location: Hitchcock Hall, (OSU)
Tickets: $3 - student $5 - adult (pre-sale and at the door) A sample of Muslim food specialties are included in the ticket cost.

To share our cultural attire for dress at home and at Muslim Women's functions while emphasizing the proper dress a Muslim displays while outside her home, Muslim sisters from a multiple of cultural background are participating in a program of fashion display (program for women only).

All proceeds from this event will go to the school fund for the full-time school in Hilliard. Donations are always accepted graciously.

For further information please contact Sr. Rhoda at XXX-XXXX or Sr. Bonita at XXX-XXXX or Sr. Shireen at XXX-XXXX. Inshallah, vendors of Islamic dress will be located outside of the hall. Any interested vendors contact the organizers.

Women Speaking from Behind the Veil

Speech by Sister Aminah Assilmi, noted Muslim Feminist at Hitchcock Hall, OSU May 15th from 6 to 8 pm.

IFCO Forms Public Relations Committee

by Asma Mobin-Uddin

The Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio (IFCO) has now formed a Public Relations Committee. Members of this P.R. Committee have met and have agreed that work will be done in four areas: media relations, school communication, establishment of a Speakers Bureau, and compilation of an Islamic Reference Base.

In the area of media relations, our goal is to promote an understanding of true Islam by working with the media to encourage accurate and respectful coverage of events related to Islam. The PRC is also establishing a network that can quickly respond when Muslim reaction to news coverage is needed. The committee regularly responds to current events and has worked on coverage of the present Eid.

The committee is also working to facilitate communication with local schools about Islam and we are setting up a Speakers Bureau of Muslim available to speak in the community. Six Muslim speakers will represent Islam the week of April 22 at the Bexley Schools during their week long commemoration to the city of Jerusalem's 300th anniversary.

The PRC is establishing an Islamic Reference Base to support the Speakers Bureau and to educate non-Muslims. A bibliography of all the literature in English available on Islam at the OSU library has been compiled. It contains over 2000 references by Muslim, Christian, and Jewish authors. This database will be available in hard copy and on a computer disk at the IFCO library. Diskette copies will also be available for those wishing to put this database on their home computer. May Allah support and bless the efforts of the committee as it strives in His cause. The members are: Rashid and Vera Al-Sabur, Andy Amid, Mohammad (Razi) and Ghazala Asghar, Vicki Bashir, Mohammed and Kathy Ballouz, Mohamed Gohar, Asma Mobin-Uddin, and Alam and Parveen Payind. If anyone wishes to work with the committee or be part of the Sepakers Bureau, please contact Sr. Asma Mobin-Uddin at XXX-XXXX.

ISGC forms School Task Force

Columbus, April 7 - At a joint meeting of all the school committees, the 10 member School Task Force was chosen based on being nominated by 50% or more of the committee members. If there were not 10 fount by this method, the remainder would be selected by the board of trustees of the ISGC based on committee recommendations. The new task force is: Amr Elsaadany, Arjumand Haque, Sohail Khan, Adnan Khasawneh, Mahmood Moosa, Amgad Saleh, Mohamed Shareef, Norma Tarazi, Ahmad Al Akhras, and Rhoda Abdul-Matin.
ISGC Summer School Planning meeting

Do you like to do craft projects with children? Would you like to start a soccer tournament for the kids this summer? Anyone for volley ball? Could you help children learning Quran? Come be a part of the planning - be part of the action. attend the planning session May 13th at 7 pm at the Omar Mosque.

The summer school program has usually been organized by interested parents and other adults as a volunteer effort to provide some fun and educational activities for children during some of the weekdays of summer. This summer we expect to use the new school facility in Hilliard, air conditioned and surrounded by grass, and just across the street from a beautiful park. We hope to be able to offer more than we ever have before.

Do you have any time to volunteer? Male OSU students are particularly needed to help with the boys.

March 1996 Announcements

Hajj Workshop Planned

The Msajid al Islam plans two workshops to help prepare those who aspire to make Hajj, as we all do, inshallah. The first workshop is all about Hajj and well be held Saturday February 24 at 1 pm. The second will be Hajj and preparation on Sunday, February 25 also at 1 pm, just after duhr prayer. there will be guest speakers from the Hajj Committee of Atlanta, Georgia to conduct the workshop. they will also be invited guests at the Eid Dinner Saturday night. Masjid Al Islam is located at 1677 Oak St. Columbus. For more information call XXX-XXXXX.

Teacher Workshop Planned

A workshop for Muslim teachers will be held at the Omar Mosque on Tuesday, March 25th, at 7 pm (between Maghreb and Isha). It will be conducted by Sr. Daaiyah Saleem MA Education, a current doctoral student at OSU. The workshop is the springboard for a series to be developed by the teachers according to their needs and interests. This first workshop will be titled "Islamic Education - defining the vision." All Muslim teachers are invited to attend. For more information call XXX-XXXX.

Masjid al Islam announces their Eid Dinner Saturday, February 24, at 7:00 pm Union Hall, 620 Alum Creek Dr., Columbus. Banquet costs are $20 for adults, $10 for children.

The Ladies of the English Halaqah of the Omar Mosque present: Eid Party! for ladies and girls, ten years and older at Selby Park Shelter House on March 2, 1996, 3 to 6 pm. It is an organized Pot Luck. Please call Sr. Sandra at XXX-XXXX or Sr. Rhoda at XXX-XXXX for information/confirmation.

IFCO announces their Eid Pot Luck Dinner on Sunday February 25, 1996 at Whitehall community Park, 340 N. Hamilton Rd. Columbus. Maghrib will be at 6:18 pm and dinner will start at 6:45. A children's Program is planned to start at 8:15. IFCO asks that you bring food and please supervise your children.

Lecture for LadiesSr. Rene Moore will give a lecture March 9, 1996 at the English Sister's Study group at 4:00 pm in the Omar Mosque on the topic of Home-Based Employment for Muslim Women.

ISGC Announces Contest for School Name and Logo
The Islamic Society of Greater Columbus is in the process of searching for a name and a logo for the Islamic School which will open in September 1996, Inshallah. The muslim community is invited to participate in the selection process by submitting their ideas for a new school name with an accompanying logo. the community is encouraged to think of a suitable name for our new school and design a logo or a graphic.artistic representation which will be used with the school name. the prize will be $100. Ideas must be submitted to the name and logo selection committee no later than March 20, 1996. [address for mailing omitted]

March 1996 Our School, Our Future Here

by Dr. M. N. Tarazi, Board of Trustees, Islamic Society of Greater Columbus

The first sign on Islam in North America was the construction of a mosque to establish community prayer. We have 3 mosques in Columbus, alhamdulillah, plus a new one under construction on Sunbury Rd. by the Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, and another on the drawing board for Wilcox Rd. in the near future, planned by the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus. Our city is big, and we need places for prayer properly placed around the city. This growth should not be viewed as competitive, but complimentary, providing for the multiple needs of our diverse community.
The second stage of Islamic settlement is the establishment of a full time school. a school can create an Islamic environment for our children, so that they can experience the difference and fully appreciate what our religion offers as a total way of life. An Islamic education prepares a child with knowledge of Quran, Sunnah, and Arabic, to be able to grow up with a close relationship to Allah nd to his or her family and community, following the guidance of Allah (SWT). But an Islamic education includes more than this. An Islamic education also prepares a child to be a participating citizen in the world, well mannered and respectful of others, knowledgeable in general culture in a wide sense of the world, as well as knowledgeable in technical and practical how-to information.

For too long we have suffered with the public school system, where our heritage and religion are ignored if not insulted. A full time Islamic school has a wider impact on the community than just the education of its enrolled students. It sets an example and a standard of professional education for all other educational efforts in the community, the Saturday and Sunday schools for Muslim children remaining in public schools, and for adult education, providing facilities, resources, and inspiration for teachers, parents, children, and adults throughout the community. An initial primary school, once started, will provide the base for a whole school system, form preschool through high school, hopefully with sites throughout our geographical area.

With this dream before us, the school committee has investigated many properties. Sometimes we have asked the community to visit a promising site, raising hopes, only to have them fall as we had to drop each project for one reason or another. This fall we assembled still another committee, and made a promise to open a school in September 1996, but we still lacked a site. There were few buildings that met the requirements of a school. The Robinwood School, proposed last fall, proved, upon closer examination, to be a major maintenance liability, with high utility costs and an asbestos problem. the question of location has always been a major concern, to be easily accessible to the greatest number of Muslim families.

A limited survey of our community, conducted by the school committees in December, found an overwhelming support for the school concept. Nearly everyone polled said they would volunteer time and effort to support the school. Though the school will of course be run by a paid professional staff, this volunteer energy can be channeled in many ways to increase the quality of the school. Professional architects and engineers of our community have already volunteered time and effort to evaluate buildings and sites, and will continue to recommend wise design and maintenance of facilities. Volunteers can help with car-pooling for field trips, gardening, library staffing and teacher assisting, but most importantly with fundraising. Quality education costs, and the community has a responsibility to help parents with this effort.

Another outcome of the survey was a repeat of a study done several years ago by an earlier school committee. Most Muslims live in the northwest corner of Franklin County. An analysis of membership lists for both the ISGC and IFCO revealed the same results. Easy close access of any school to people living in this area is essential to the success of the school.

Ramadan has truly been a blessed month for us this year, for we have been able to sign a contract for a building and land for our first full time school The building committee negotiated a contract on the site before announcing it, to avoid further discouragement for the community if negotiations didn't work. Negotiations worked; for the first time we were able to sign a contract to buy a building. The contract included an escape clause, to allow time for shurah, consultation, with community leaders, the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, the Shurah Council, and the school committees. Others were consulted about the project and a general recommendation came for the purchase.

So now we are announcing to the whole community that we have a contract signed to pay $470,000 for the current Hilliard Public Library building, an 8,000 square foot building on 3.4 acres of land. immediate renovations to make it a small school will cost an approximate $50,000 more. The location is on Scioto-Darby Rd. 1.5 miles west of I-270 Hilliard exit, (10 minutes from the current site of Friday prayers). We hope to open a minimum of k-3rd grade by September in the building. We have room to grow at this location and can plan to build 2 additions of equal size to the present building on the land, as we have community commitment and student enrollment. We encourage everyone in the community to visit the library building on Cemetery Road. [driving directions omitted]

We have 6 months to pay for the building. On April 30, the first installment of $100,000 is due, and we take possession. Sixty days later we will need $200,000 for the next installment. Sixty days later we will, Inshallah, make the final installment of $170,000. On August 30, we will Inshallah, open with the first year of classes.

Now is the time to make sacrifices for our children. This dream is worth so much more than the pizza parties, computer games, and other luxury things people buy their children and themselves. This is our chance to ensure the continuation of our religion by the next generation, our children who will, Inshallah, be better educated than we are ourselves. We need donations from the whole community to support this chance for our children.

Please pledge as much as you can for the next 6 months to pay for this school. Pledge! We need an endowment fund to help pay tuition for the poor in our community. Pledge! We need the best professional Muslim teachers, the essential element to the success of our school. Pledge! We have been a very generous community in giving charity to any good organization from out of town or abroad that came and asked for our help: for Bosnia, Chechnya, Palestine, Kashmir, and many others. Now it is here at home, for our own children, for our own future, that we need to give our very best. Pledge! We need a school we can be proud of, to fulfill our obligation as Muslims to pass on what was passed down to us, in a continuous chain from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Dec 1995 Islamic School in Sight for ISGC as Committees Form and Set Goals

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.

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.

July 1995 Dear Editor

This Ummah is a Single Ummah

by Sr. Hiba Nasser

And verily this Ummah of your is a single Ummah and I am your Lord and Cherisher, therefore fear Me and no other. But people have cut off their affair of unity, between them into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself. (23:52-53).

After much planning, discussion, and voting, we have finally achieved a structure that is set up to represent everyone and to help us all to work together and to stay balanced as a Muslim community. The ISGC can do that if we use it properly. In the past, a lot of things did not get done or were not clear because no one talked to anyone else, and because the officers kept changing every year under the MSA (which is fine for students, but not conducive to growth as a permanent community). Now that has changed. Different people know what others are doing, who to contact regarding a particular issue, women are listened to for the first time, women and men can each feel that they are truly represented in a governing and administrative body. Now it is possible that we are being asked to consider a step backwards. It has been proposed by a few that women separate themselves into a sub-organization. Let me explain why I think we should stay intact as a unified organization.

For those of you who do not know, there has been a long history of almost no communication between men and women on the business of the masjid, planning major events, working towards common goals (i.e. full-time school, programs for everyone, both social and educational etc.) There was no one representing all the women (or all the men). Men and women did not know what was going on with the other even when it was a common concern or an Islamic project on which we could collaborate. When it comes to the community needs, goals, and other projects, there needs to be some clear, regular, and timely communication so that everyone who wants to can work together wisely. Also, there are ways now in which we are successfully collaborating without attending meetings together for everything.

It may be that some small groups feel that they are not here permanently and do not have a vested interest in a structure that focuses on permanency. That's a valid feeling but they can meet, study together, socialize, whatever they want and not have to be a separate or "sub' organization of the ISGC. The nature of the ISGC is to be all-inclusive but it allows for some separateness now if we want it. A proposal to separate ourselves from it formally is moving backwards. Nothing in Islam teaches separateness in the Ummah. we are to be a unified community.

The ISGC has a structure that allows for personal differences. Women and men can have separate study groups, separate meetings, and other events. We can pray in separate rooms or the same room, as you like. there is representation for men and women. We can go to a GBR (woman or man) or the Executive Committee or even the Board of Trustees - whoever is appropriate. We can offer help, complain, work, ask questions, literally anything we want to do that is Islamically correct.

The ISGC has not been in place for very long. we need to at least try the system. We can challenge each entity to do something different or better. We have the structure to do anything!

I truly believe that the BOT and the Executive Committee will keep the checks and balances in place so that no one goes too far in any direction. If they don't, you and I can challenge them to do the right thing. The current structure allows for correction from the general membership.

The ISGC is not an entity that came in, imposed something strange on us, and now we have to protect ourselves. No, this is an organization that the majority voted in, and in which we still have a voice. Let's try working with them and help each other to grow in the right direction. We have a lot to accomplish and we must do it together. Let's wait and give everyone a chance to develop. They are inviting our help and criticism - that's part of the structure we have voted in.
Keep in mind, that in the end, we are not meeting just for the sake of meeting; we are not studying Islam just to fill hours: we are trying to establish an Islamic community. The ISGC is one vehicle to do that.

May Allah guide us. May we grow together into a stronger, unified community and, Insha'Allah, make the ISGC the beginning of a true Islamic society beyond our walls.

July 1995 Shame on Perez

by Tarek Jalil

Muslims have grown complacent and sluggish. Actions and deeds have been replaced by excuses and living room, rhetorical talk. Islamic values and rules have slowly melded into cultural concepts and norms. The obvious question is, what does it take to prevent these things from happening? Apparently, a good amount of persecution and turmoil.

The invitation of Shimon Peres to Ohio State University's June 9th commencement was a slap in the face to every Muslim in the world. Peres' contribution and leadership in the Israeli government has contributed to the displacement, persecution, and killing of Muslims in Palestine. What is surprising, is that The Ohio State University, the self-proclaimed institution of diversity (in President Gordon Gee's words) which contains over 50 nationalities invited Peres.

In anticipation to Shimon Peres' arrival, a small, makeshift committee was formed in order to protest his arrival. The five member committee consisted of members of the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus (ISGC), one member of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and several other members of the community. The committee was able to draft a letter to the OSU newspaper, (The Lantern). In response, two Non-Muslim OSU students declared that the MSA has a "violent" agenda and is only telling half-truths about Israel. flyers were also distributed after Friday prayer containing phone and fax numbers of various OSU officials. The reaction was less than admirable.

Peres' arrival proved to be damaging and detrimental. Part of his speech was dedicated to "fundamentalism" which he declared, "spread among 1 billion and 300 million Muslims with the same old philosophy as communism. Namely, that Muslims believe that goals justify means, that they have permission to terrorize, kill, cheat, and but on a double face." Peres' intent is obvious and debasing. His guise of peace is constantly destroyed by these type of comments, and more detrimentally, his government's actions. Around 5 or 6 brothers walked out of the ceremony, while at the same time, others stayed.

How can a whole community let this type of situation go unheeded? Lack of action now, will lead to more instances of slander, abuse, and humiliation in the future.
Currently, the ISGC and the MSA have formed a new committee to deal with a response to Peres' visit. This time, an effort to recruit support from national and local institutions is under way. On the university level, obtaining a meeting with President Gee and the Director of University Communication, Malcolm Baroway, is crucial for two reasons. First, to explain to President Gee why this decision was irresponsible and biased. Second, to learn how to prevent this in the future. Attempts to arrange a meeting with President Gee have thus far been unsuccessful. It took consistent calling to get a response from President Gee's secretary that his schedule was "up in the air". Hopefully President Gee's decision to stay at OSU stabilized his schedule.

Brothers and sisters can help by writing letters to President Gee requesting he meet with the MSA and explaining the unfairness of the situation. Also provide your name and phone number. ...

Hopefully, the Muslim community will respond quickly and effectively so that these type of events will not happen again. Inshallah, in the future, our supposedly neutral institutions will not take such obvious sides.

Allah (SWT) says, "Do men think they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and not be tested?" (29:2). Of course, Allah knows best.

June 1995 Election Announcement from ISGC

General Body Representatives
Ali Khalaf
Amr El-Saadany
Fauzi Labidi
Hazem Gheith
Jamil Shalash
Minhaj Uddin
Mulya E. Siregar
Taymour El-Hosseiny
Executive Committee
President: Mohammad Matus
Secretary: Ahmad Al-Akhras
Treasurer: Atef Almosa
Daawa: Siraj Akhtar
Social: Mahmoud Halfawy
Information: Rached Zantout
MSA Executive Committee
President: Aladdin Gohar
Secretary: Abdullah Unatikan
Treasurer: Tarek Jalil

June 1995 Women General Body Representatives

IQRA! Special Report

The Islamic Society of Greater Columbus (ISGC) is a reality now. After months of electing the Board of Trustees, and after months of the hard work to put a "suggested constitution" in place, the constitution passed with flying colors. Last month was also an active one, preparing for the nomination and the election of the General Body Representatives (GBR). There were 14 brothers and 2 sisters who accepted their nominations. by the time of the election, one brother and the two sisters pulled out. Unfortunately, rumors were heard that the sisters were pressured to withdraw their nominations.

IQRA! interviewed both Sr. Hanan Farhan and Sr. Farida El-Henawy asking the following questions:

IQRA!: Why did you accept your nomination to the GBR?

Sr. Farida: I wanted to be a representative so that I'll have the chance to express women and children's needs and concerns.

Sr. Hanan: Allah says: "O people, We have created you from a male and a female." The Prophet , peace and blessings be upon him, says that women are sisters and partners of men. I believe that Muslim women have a role in building the Islamic society. Certainly, Muslim women have the obligation and the responsibility that complement men's. No man can play the role of the woman. Consequently, there was nothing to do except accepting the nomination to the GBR to participate in the decision making, in developing the future of this community, and in helping putting our decisions in place.

IQRA!: Have you received any support from the community to continue and be members in case you did win the election?

Sr. Farida: The period of time you are mentioning was very short. The support I got was minimal. the support actually came after my withdrawal!

Sr. Hanan: Like any other matter, there were pros and cons. Unfortunately, the majority was against having women on the GBR. But since I believe that being in this position is not deviation from the Islamic ruling, I insisted on proceeding.

IQRA!: Why did you decide to pull out of the GBR election?

Sr. Farida: I prefer not to discuss that now.

Sr. Hanan: My reasons and principles to accept the nomination in the first place have not been changed. I was the last to withdraw. First because I was left to be the only woman there, and second because I felt that one chair was not enough to represent all the women in the ISGC. I would like to emphasize that the Islamic society is like a bird. One wing represents men and the other represents women. How would a bird fly and get higher and higher with only one wing? If we want to be better and better, we must encourage women's participation at all levels including the level of decision making and execution.

IQRA!, as a part of its own investigation, acquired the following ruling of The Fiqh Council of North America from the American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences 9:4, pp. 588-89. [On the issue of] "Whether women may share in the management and administration of mosques, Islamic schools, and executive councils of Islamic organizations. It was noted that there is no legal reason to prevent this essentially organizational concern and also, that this matter was not a source of controversy among the classical jurists, for the question of general sovereignty does not arise."

One prime example: Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA), a continental Muslim youth organization, in which a sister has been the youth chair of MYNA for several years.

Should the ISGC be two communities or are we supposed to be a true ONE community? Some people talk how 'ikhtelat" (mixing between brothers and sisters) is haram (unlawful) and that we should not allow it to happen in our ISGC. To clarify this point IQRA! would like to cite some passages from the book, "The liberation of Women in the Time of the Message" by Abdul-Halim Abu-Shukkah. In this book, the author leaves no doubt that the Muslim community at the time of the prophet, Peace and blessings be upon him, was indeed one community, where brothers and sisters dealt with each other and interacted on a daily basis according to the principles and regulations of Islam.

There are more than 350 authentic hadith (in Bukhari and Muslim) that list such types of interaction in various situations, like:

1. In the mosque, when prayers are held.
2. Gaining knowledge and education whether in the mosque or elsewhere.
3. In Makkah during Hajj and Umrah.
4. In celebrating Eid, during Eid prayers, and after during the celebrations.
5. In a legal court where men and women used to settle their disputes. This even included husbands and wives.
6. During "janazah" (funeral) and what comes after it from prayer to offering condolences etc...
7. During "jihad" (fighting for the cause of Allah) where women used to help in nursing and even in the actual fight, combat.

In addition to the public situations above, a lot of interaction took place also in personal matters like family visits, giving gifts, visiting a sick person, enjoining the good and forbidding the bad.

May 1995 Dear Editor

R.I.P. The Constitution

On the evening of April 7, 1994, MSA members were supposed to vote on a proposed constitution to replace the current one. The announcement sent by mail to all members, hung on the door of the masjid, and made after about three Jumaa prayers specified the meeting to start at 9:15 pm. Fortunately most of the brothers and sisters understood what the MSA executive committee meant and they all ignored the 9:15 pm meeting start time and came after Isha prayer to vote.

The meeting started and it took the MSA about 20 to 25 minutes to count the MSA members present. The count was 64, two short of the quorum required to begin the vote. Instead of following the constitution by adjourning the meeting for lack of Quorum, the 'majority' of the people present voted to continue with the meeting especially that it seemed that more pope were trickling through the door.

Alhamdulillah, the ISGC constitution passed with flying colors (55 out of the 66 present voted for it). the Muslims in Columbus should rest in peace now and sleep in comfort, we have the new constitution and the new organization.

Unfortunately, at least one Muslim will not sleep comfortably or rest in peace. According to this Muslim, a very dangerous precedent was set many times today. the more disturbing fact is that most of the brothers and sisters that are active in the Masjid have little or no regard for the constitution. If the pope who are most serious about Islam are at such a level then this Muslim feels sorry for our society.

The last time I checked, in Islam, ends to not justify the means. Even if the ISGC constitution was the best thing that ever happened to this community, the means that lead to its adoption should have been avoided.

Rached Zantout

May 1995 Meet the stress - The ISGC Constitution Vote

The ISGC is finally a reality. some say it took too long, others may say it is a 'premature step'. Both have a point. Discussions on the constitution were going on for over a year with meetings, seminars, presentations, and lengthy debates. On the other hand, the ISGC had a newsletter and a board of trustees long before it had a formal structure or a constitution.

In any case, its constitution passed by a sweeping majority albeit a marginal quorum. While the election process was swift, perhaps the shortest in MSA history, it was not exactly smooth. some inconvenience was caused by the delay and confusion of starting time for the elections. Yet, the legitimacy and effectiveness of the infant organization was unexpectedly tested by the recent tragedy in Oklahoma (covered in this special issue). What is the expected role of ISGC in the future? How can it cope with the increasing challenges the community faces? What resources will this entail and are we capable of delivering are some of the uncertainties we now face. IQRA! interviewed ISGC BOT member, Khaled Farag.

Q: Briefly, how would you comment on the legitimacy of the allegations made regarding the elections procedure?

A: All members were notified that the meeting will begin after salat Isha. The athan was at 9:19 that day. The meeting was formally started and Thanks to Allah, enough people came. We need to go on beyond bickering on small issues and concentrate on the growth and efficiency of the Muslim community and its dawa efforts.

Q: Now that the ISGC has passed, what is the immediate next step?

A: Elect good General Body Representatives (GBR) in order to practice Shura in the community. The GBR will be an important body that advises the Executive Committee (EC) president and the BOT. the community should select its representatives on the basis of qualifications and fear of Allah. Everyone in the community should remember that these representatives will represent your opinion on the important decisions.

Q: What is your vision of the ISGC five to ten years from now?

A: Allah willing, ISGC will be one of the most active Islamic organizations in the United States. Allah willing, ISGC will be a wide umbrella organization under through which all Muslims will work.

Q: What are the challenges facing ISGC that may hamper the establishment of this vision?

A: Convincing people to abandon individualism and work in groups with professional advice and supervision. Most importantly work for the sake of Allah.

Q: Do you think the ISGC is an organization with too many chiefs and no Indians? where can we mobilize the human power and the resources needed?

A: The punch line of an award winning story (Field of Dreams) was: "If you build it, they will come".

Q: Finally, what distinction in responsibility do you foresee between the resident and non-resident members?

A: Resident and nonresident members are equal. The reason of the unfortunate label is the sincere intention to have equal representation of the community. we do not want ISGC to be a student organization only. Nor is it desired to have ISGC to be an organization of primarily professional residents. ISGC should rather be a unifying and inclusive organization that provides the proper platform for Islam to grow in the United States.

May 1995 Oklahoma City

May 1995 Spillover of a Disaster

by staff

Form the first moment Muslim Americans watched the horror of the Oklahoma City bombing, they knew they were struck twice. First, by the sheer size of the calamity that his innocent citizens and children, and second, by the suspicion that they would probably have another hate wave to deal with. Here is how their fears were proven right.

The earliest victim was Abrahim Ahmad; an American Jordanian who was hauled back to the U.S. to be questioned by FBI. "I was treated like dirt, like a dog. I was pronounced guilty by the media," said Ahmad, who just happened to be flying to Europe less than two hours after the explosion." They have spat on my wife, they have put trash on the lawn, filthy things..." he added.

Perhaps the most devastating spillover was what happened to Sahar Al-Saidi in Oklahoma City. Haidar Al-Saidi's 6 months-pregnant wife was alone at home, when angry assailants banged the doors and smashed windows, responding to TV rumors that Middle Easter people were responsible for the deadly bombing of the federal building. Fearing for her life, she locked herself in the bathroom and in the tension and anxiety, went into labor to give birth to the only Oklahoma bombing victim who did not die of the bomb's blast, but of the blast of Tabloid Media and people's ignorance.

The rush to judgment led to bomb threats, harassing phone calls and vandalism against Muslim groups, mosques, and Arab-Americans across the United States. A Muslim couple in Norman, OK received a threatening personal response. Norman Police Lt. Leonard Judy said the Islamic Society of Norman reported an onslaught of threatening calls and death threat calls after the bombing. Ninety miles up the road, in Stillwater, the window of the Islamic Society was shot at with a pellet gun sometime after 2 p.m. Wednesday, said Stillwater Police Chief Norman McNickle.

Similar incidents happened across the country, even here in Columbus, where local media coverage was responsible. Community leaders reported to IQRA! of at least two threats on the answering machine and one community member spoke of her colleague at work who called her 'murderer' the day after the bombing. the local MSA president had police check the place for Friday prayer for fear of bombs.

If the media condemnation was - to put it mildly - explainable given the anxiety associated with the blast, the attitude that followed was certainly not. Grieving Muslims, who (according to AP) have contributed to the relief efforts, and collected donations, were not acknowledge.
In Oklahoma City, Muslims were excluded from Sunday's prayer service led by President Clinton and the Rev. Billy Graham. "We have the same grief and sorrow, and we were told we could not be accommodated," said Rehab Robyn Assaf, a Muslim-American teacher at an Oklahoma City mosque.

The second event IQRA! know about happened in Tempe, Arizona's State Press, the student newspaper of the Arizona State University. It featured a cartoon showing a picture of the Prophet which is unacceptable in Islam - among three other pictures. On top of the pictures a sign that reads "Dead Religious Leaders. "The first picture has a name tag of "J. Smith" showing probably a man resembling the Mormon leader carrying a Bible and smiling. The second picture shows a grim-faced fiercely looking bearded man holding a large dagger/sword dripping with blood. The name tag reads "Muhammad". the third picture is showing a Buddhist monk with the name tag"'Buda". The last picture frame is empty, but has a name tag reads "Jesus". One police officer points to the empty frame and asks another officer: "What happened to this one?" the other officer answers: "It's empty."

The MSA of ASU at Tempe along with the Islamic Cultural Center of Tempe met twice with the "State Press" editorial board and the cartoonist Bryce Morgan, and demanded that an official apology be published in the paper. They wanted a statement from them that this cartoon is inaccurate, inappropriate depiction of our Prophet (PBUH). The demands were denied.

In spite of some serious inaccuracies and false hints from major TV Channels and newspapers (including unfortunately CNN) there were no acknowledgement of wrong or apologies from ABC or NBC that hosted numerous self-proclaimed terrorist experts throwing hate and conspiracy theories here and there (except for the responsible coverage of the Columbus Dispatch and Lantern on the local level). As far as we know, no channel apologized for the 'mistake' (e.g. the broadcast of two "white male" suspects. Channel 6 by Charlene Brown still associated them with Middle Eastern descent!)

The Local Reaction - How the ISGC reacted in a few hours

by Ayman Ismail

As soon as the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus (ISGC) and the MSA members heard the news of the Oklahoma City bombing, they knew it meant trouble. The pessimism was based on previous experience for the Gulf War, the World Trade Center bombing and the PBS documentary "Jihad in America."

Since the media was already speculating on the involvement of some Islamic groups, the BOT of the ISGC found that it is important to meet and discuss some action plans. The meeting was arranged within an hour. 7:30 pm at room 11 at the OSU Fawcett Center for the second day was the place, all TV channels were contacted - in person - in addition to the Columbus Dispatch. The idea was to involve as many people from the different Islamic organizations in the city. However, it was difficult to reach everyone within this short period of time.

With the grace of Allah, those able to attend represented most of the organizations of the Columbus Islamic community. Many options were on the table, including the press release and media coverage. The controversy was that it might be early to have a statement to the media which might further expose the community. The discussions finally resulted in a draft statement for the media, a spokesperson and a list of what to say and what not to say. At 9:30 p.m., the taping for TV news began with a question and answer session following it. What finally aired were two minutes of 35 minutes in tape that did not include the press statement! The following day Channels 10 and 4 asked for representative to talk on TV. the ISGC selected Sr. Hiba Nasser and Br. Brian Clouse. By April 27th, the Dawaa Committee had arranged for an Open Forum on Islam with Dr. Shaker El-Sayed from ISNA at the Ohio Union.

MSA vice president Abdullah Al-Amiri advises the community to be cautious and act responsibly. "We always emphasize to everyone including the media that painting everyone with the same brush will do nothing but increase the number of hate crimes."
He asks that all Muslims who receive any form of threat to immediately contact the police and report it to the BOT. It is important to keep track of such acts to make a case to the officials and to the media about the seriousness of this issue should legal action be deemed necessary, then this information will be useful. This also should be reported to the hotline established by ICNA [Islamic Circle of North America] at *******.

April 1995 Eid, What Does It Take?

by Rached Zantout

On the morning of Friday 3/3/1995, exit 115 of I-71 got very busy. What was happening? Lots of bearded men, women with scarves on their heads, and everybody had good looking clothes.

Going into the parking lot of the sports complex at that exit, you could feel you were going into another world. Suddenly, this area was transformed into a Muslims gathering area, a place to pray, enjoy and celebrate the end of our month of fasting, Ramadan.

The speakers were set at strategic places, the microphones were ready, one where the Imam would give his Khutbah and a wireless one with the brothers chanting the Eid chants. Lines were set on the floor for the first few rows so that brothers and sisters could make straight rows while praying. Donation boxes were set up at the entrance for different causes, Zakat-ul-Fir, as well as an Eid Hall fund.

Outside, tables filled with donut boxes and refreshments were setup. Two sites were designated, one for men and the other for women. Even IQRA! had its own table to collect donations, subscriptions, and distribute the Eid issue.

The announcements, the prayer and the Khutbah all went smoothly. Then the brothers and sisters went outside to take their issues of IQRA! and eat and drink, for on this day we were allowed, again, to eat and drink whenever we felt like it. Even children had fun outside with the balloons and the candy. Later on, the children and their mothers would celebrate in a party at Haggerty Hall [at OSU].

Every year we do this kind of activity twice, once at Fitr and once at Adha. Just how do the brothers and sisters prepare for Eid? Is it easy? How many brothers and sisters does it take and how long before Eid do they begin preparing for it?

According to Brother Khalid, [Farag], the president of the MSA, preparation for Eid starts with preparation for Ramadan. This year the MSA, Islamic Center and Masjid Al-Islam decided to use a facility similar to the one in which the MSA is holding its Jumma prayers. The facility was larger than the Whitehall Community Center (the place where we used to pray Eids previously). Also, the parking lot of the facility is much larger than any other facility they looked at.

After the middle of Ramadan, the brothers and sisters geared up for Eid preparation. according to Br. Fauzi Labidi, there were 8 brothers who helped set up the infrastructure for such a smooth Eid. Two brothers transported the tables, boxes, microphones, and speakers. Buying and bringing donuts, coffee, and tea also required 2 brothers. Setting up the line guides, the speakers, and microphones was done by one brother. It took 7 brothers to set up the tables outside, clean up the place after we left, and return everything to its original place.

Br. Fauzi estimates that a total of 50 hours went into preparing for Eid prayer. This number of hours was spent planning, laying out, and dismantling Eid prayer.
The organizers of Eid prayer also hired 2 policemen for traffic and security purposes.

According to Sr. Aalia [last name??], there were 10 sisters involved in the preparation for Eid. Two purchased balloons, rented the helium containers, and sold the balloons outside the Eid prayer hall. All 10 took part in organizing, acting, and singing during the Eid party at Haggerty Hall. It also took 3 sisters to buy the gifts for the large number of children that attended the party. Approximately the same number of hours spent by the brothers preparing for Eid was spent by the sisters preparing for the Children's Eid Party.

A simple mathematical calculation would tell us that on the average a brother or sister worked between 6 and 7 hours for us to have that smooth of an Eid. They all did that in addition to running a life with all its responsibilities of taking care of their families, working or studying. If you think this number of hours is too much for a single brother or sister, you can help. Volunteer to take a portion of thouse hours by contacting Sr. Aalia or Br. Fauzi before the next Eid.

One important task that was left out of the above jobs for Eid is the advice. This task is an obligation on all the Muslim community towards the brothers and sisters responsible for Eid prayers. What is your impression about the Eid prayer? Go to the brothers and sisters and congratulate them on the good things you saw or felt!
More important, go to the brothers and sisters and tell them about what you think went wrong. Do you have a better solution? Volunteer it. You will feel good if you get to implement it next Eid!

April 1995 ISGC Constitution Vote

by Khaled Farag

The Muslim community in central Ohio has grown dramatically in the last few years. The average Jumma Prayer is now attended by at least 450 people. at least 3000 people attended the Eid prayer on March 3. During Ramadan, Omar Mosque was regularly occupied to its fullest capacity. Omar Ibn El-Khattab Children School had 132 children registered this fall. The school administration had to deal with multiple shifts to accommodate the lack of space.

The mosque structure itself is in its old age and the cost of regular maintenance required just to maintain it is increasing. In one year we learned that we need several thousand dollars to repair the parking lot's cracking pavement. Several thousand dollars are needed to change the carpet. Recently, it was concluded that a new roof, which will cost more than $7000, will be needed very soon.

The most serious problem the community is facing today is the dramatic change in the type of services the MSA does for the community at large and the massive demand for services. This is all happening while the number of willing volunteers to do the work is declining.

I told a friend once that I was the president of a student organization called the MSA. He then asked me what type of activities do we do as an organization. When he learned that this small humble "student" organization operates a "church" of 400 professional and student patrons coming from at least 80 different countries, marries people, buries people when they die, mediates family disputes and provides counseling, raises on average $100,000 a year for international relief, organizes every Friday two off-site congregational prayers, conducts at least 4 weekly study sessions "halaqas", operates a weekend school for 132 children... My friend interrupted me and asked, "Whom was I kidding?" He continued to say, "You are obviously not describing a student organization. What you have is a small independent community."

The fact that the community has outgrown Omar Mosque in size and capacity is not new news for many. For that reason, in 1989, the MSA executive committee commissioned a task force to plan and work on long term solutions for the administrative and capacity problems the community is facing. the task force developed a plan to expand the structural assets of the community to accommodate its growth. The task force studied primarily the construction, development and operation of a full time Islamic school and the acquisition of a new Mosque-Community center complex with all the associated administrative and financial needs.

The acquisition of such assets required clear and perfected plans to manage and operate such facilities. The task force recommended to the MSA general assembly the complete restructuring and the overhaul of the existing management style of the MSA. The idea was to reorganize the MSA to accomplish the following goals:

• Preserve all the excellent Islamic characteristics and actions the community has developed and accomplished in Central Ohio over the years.
• Expand the opportunity for the professional members of the community to undertake a more active role in the leadership and service of this community.
• Re-energize and enrich the Muslim activities in the local universities and colleges. Such activities have almost been abandoned due to the work load of the members of the MSA with community projects.
• Provide a flexible and stable platform for the establishment of the full time Islamic school.
  Guard the Islamic assets (waqf) and guarantee that such assets grow and remain in Muslim hands.
• Initiate financial investment plans for the community to financially sustain the operation of the organization.

In early 1994, the MSA General Assembly accepted a proposal to reorganize the MSA under a new name, The Islamic Society of Greater Columbus (ISGC), and approved a new management structure that included an elected board of trustees and an executive committee. The general assembly elected initial members of the board of trustees and made a recommendation that a new detailed constitution of the organization be presented for adoption in the near future.
[ed. note: Those were Ahmed Abdullah, Hany Saqr, Khaled Farag, and Mouhamed Nabih Tarazi. See June 1994 ISGC passes with flying colors By Rached Zantout]

The Board of Trustees of ISGC organized many informal meetings with many of the brothers and sisters to brainstorm and critique several outlines for a proposed constitution. Presentations and seminars were organized for the brothers and sisters to maximize their critique and hear all suggestions.

Many models were initially at hand. After each meeting, the BOT collected the suggestions and critiques of each model. Most of the suggestions were excellent, but many of them contradicted one another and had to be integrated together to form a complete draft constitution and a set of bylaws. The notes were reconciled many times and, slowly, a skeleton of a draft constitution began to emerge.

The draft constitution was debated again in many small groups whose purpose was to eliminate the contradictions and further perfect the proposal. Many participants started with opinions that were later changed by others who debated their points through constructive criticism and mutual respect. The depth and seriousness of the analysis that these brothers and sisters gave to the proposals reflected the maturity of the Muslim community in Central Ohio. The resulting document was a constitution in its embryonic stages. Although it contained many ideas from just about everyone, many people who drafted the constitution will not agree with every detail in it. That indeed reflects the multitude of differing views on some issues and the resulting compromises. The draft constitution was then posted in the Mosque in order to be circulated for further modification and change. Written suggestions were also encouraged. Many suggestions and modification were further debated and critiqued by the BOT and the person making the suggestion before being added to the proposal. After nearly 2500 man-hours of debate, editing and critique, a semifinal proposal was presented to at least 13 members of the MSA (10%) of the number of members to read it and formally presented to the MSA executive committee.
The proposed constitution was mailed to every member with a notification of the special general assembly to be held at 9:15 pm on Friday, April 7, 1995. Since absentee ballots will not be taken, the attendance of all members is critical.

Highlights of the Proposed Constitution:

Continuity of the growth of the Muslim Community in Central Ohio. this will be the result of stable Islamic leadership and will ease focusing on long term community goals.

The restructured MSA under the name ISGC will basically have the community manage its affairs by Shura practiced on every matter. the community will elect representatives to a shura council. The representatives are called General Body Representatives (GBR). The shura council elects a president of the executive committee. The president, once elected, will select the remaining members of the executive committee and seek their confirmation by the (GBR). The executive committee remains the manager of the day to day affairs of the community. The role of the BOT will primarily be the long term planning for the community and protection of the Islamic waqf entrusted to the community.

The new structure of the organization allows the creation of additional affiliate organizations to professionally manage and operate future projects such as a full time Islamic School, day care centers, Islamic cemeteries, and financial investments for the community to sustain its growth.
ISGC structure allows other Islamic Organizations willing to affiliate with or join ISGC by name or by effort to complement and accelerate the developed growth of the Muslim community. the student members of ISGC can focus on Islamic Dawah on the campuses in Central Ohio. Many additional MSAs will be formed while remaining inseparable parts of ISGC.

[Ed. note: Main differences between MSA and ISGC: non-student members, new General Body from which elections are made, Veto Powers to BOT, and Quotas for students]

Feb 1995 Dear Editor

A suggestion for Iftar

Asalaam alaikum,
With Ramadan rabidly approaching, I would like to make a few comments about breaking our fasts at the masjid. We should try to make it a positive experience shared by everyone in the community. An effort to alleviate some of the problems of having a large gathering of women in such a small area would be to set up tables. Having tables in the women's meeting room and the food in the smaller room would accommodate more sisters, increase mobility and thereby eliminate some of the spills on the carpet from sisters and children stepping over plates and each other.

Also, in the past I have seen sisters put too much food on plates for themselves or their children. They take a large portion of one certain food item specifically. the child ends up taking a bite or two and is off to play with friends. The food is wasted and a chance for sisters to taste a new food is lost. A better solution would be to feed small children before coming for iftar, and then let them sample small amounts.

Ramadan is a time for acts of kindness to others, so remember there are also fasting sisters in line behind you.

Thank you, Um-Sufyan

Interfaith Dialogue

by way of introduction, I am a professional who had the honor and privilege of visiting and working in various countries in the Arab World. I was particularly elated to have visited Lebanon in 1981, the country of my grandparents and my nationality.

Although raised in the Roman rite of the Catholic Church, I did attend the Maronite rite while in Washington, D.C. and have attended the services of the Melkite Church, the Byzantine Orthodox Church, and the Greek Orthodox Church.

When opposing the 1982 invasion of Lebanon through political channels while living in Washington, D.C., I was compelled to relay to Capitol Hill and others who had some influence on international events certain facts and principles regarding Islam that I learned through my friends and colleagues in Washington, D.C. and in my travels.

First, almost one-third of the population of this earth professes Islam as their religion. This fact would urge a normal person of intelligence to inquire on what are the tenents of Islam and to question whetehr he or she is following the same or similar religious principles or otherwise should convert. Second, the common tenents between Islam and Christianity, generally not known, would, when made known, provide a means of identification between the two peoples. For example, it is written in the Catholic Apostolic Creed, cited at Mass, and which I learned Moslems believe as well, is that Jesus Christ was born of the Blessed Virgin as had been announced to her by the Angel Gabriel. To say to a Christian that the Moslems believe in Jesus Christ is not only a profession of faith common to both religions, but also an identification with each other.

While it was explained to me that in Islam, it is not believed that Jesus Christ was the "Son of God" for how can the One God have a "son" or there be "two" Gods, perhaps there is a problem with semantics.

By all means, I hope that those who follow Islam in this hemisphere will reach out to the Catholic and to all of the Christian communities, and emphasize the common religious beliefs particularly in light of the pervasive ignorance on and mischaracterization of Islam and what Moslems do believe. Some people, despite education in the sciences or arts, do not know what Islam is or what Moslems believe. Some of the people who do influence politics believe that Moslems are some political faction or party from a country which they cannot find on the map.

If I may suggest with all due respect to send your leaders to the Christian Churches for interfaith conferences on the similarities between Christianity and Islam. In many ways, the similarities and identification may hopefully prevent or stop wars and the proliferation of destructive weapons.

Perhaps one of you could encompass some or all of these thoughts and suggestions in an article for IQRA! and advance the request and necessity for interfaith conferences on a local, national, and international level.

Sincerely, Marcell Rose Anthony (Sarkis)

Editorial response:

Dear Marcell,
Thank you for your thoughtful letter and your suggestions for more interfaith dialogue. Actually, we believe numerous meetings on interfaith understanding are ongoing, particularly with the Catholic church. The new Catholic catechism, for instance, has recognized officially that Muslims "are included in God's plan of salvation" (Columbus Dispatch, 5/28/94). It is unfortunate that religion in general is so under-reported by the media and information about such meetings is not wide spread.

Eid Prayer

Assalaam alaikum. As fasting comes to an end, we surely are thinking of Eid-ul-Fitr prayer, the gifts to share with our children, persons to invite at home, etc. However, I would like to call three problems that have been occurring during the prayer year after year:

1. The ladies at the back of the prayer hall could hardly hear the speaker.
2. To accentuate problem, babies cry and little children enjoy themselves by making noise and running around. Mothers and/or ladies do not control their offspring effectively.
3. To make matters worse, the mothers/ladies start socializing among themselves.

These problems seriously affect others who come to attend the Eid prayer and want to consentrate listening to the kutba. I would like to suggest ways to correct the problems:

1. Install adequate loudspeaker system at the back of the hall.
2. Prepare an adjacent room with a loud speaker system where mothers could participate in Eid prayer while taking care of their babies/children.
3. Socializing could be eliminated by adopting items 1 and 2.
4. In addition, an announcement should be made requesting that socializing should be conducted only after the Eid prayer has ended.
5. Another suggestion, volunteers with obvious ID tags should coordinate efforts to establish harmony during this great day.

It is about time for all of us to figure out how to effectively deal with the situation.

Sincerely, Jeannette R. Mohammed