by Norma Tarazi
So often, we sigh and nod together, us Muslims, over the incomprehension of your faith by non-Muslims, of their disregard and disrespect for our feelings, our holidays, our salat, our moral values. Well, we need to note any step in the direction toward understanding that they make, and encourage them in that direction. Several stories came in over the news in the last 2 months about the improved relations we are making. did you know that at the University of Syracuse they now serve halal food in the student residences? They also closed the university in observance of Eid this year, just like they close for Christmas. they are probably the first university to do so, but such recognition is a start and we hope to continue in this direction. The Muslim community reported that their negotiations with university officials were cordial and reasonable at all times, and they obtained these changes in university policy peacefully, without threats or arm twisting.
Hillary Clinton gave an Eid Party at the White House this last Eid. Her daughter Chelsea, has been studying Islam at school and brought her new information to her mother some months ago, before their trip to South East Asia. this brought Mrs. Clinton to a better understanding of Muslims in our country, and she invited about 200 Muslims, families with their children, for an Eid Party, to respect our religion as Christmas, Easter, and Hanukah are represented at the White House. She wrote an article about this experience to the newspapers. They ate lots of different specialties, meat dumplings, pita bread, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and pastries. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, people say. The way to help improve understanding among people may be to share more food with them, like these Muslims did with Mrs. Clinton. Here in Columbus, our local MSA did with their Iftar Party at OSU. IQRA! wrote last month about the news coverage of Br. Hakeem Olajuwon's fasting during Ramadan. This month we saw Br. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf of the Denver Nuggets refusing to stand for the national anthem. This controversy did not turn out standard negative publicity for us. Several commentators compared Abdul-Rauf to other non-Muslims who have made public statements of similar kind, like Sandy Koufax. Several major writers spoke up defending his freedom of speech and discussing how poorly many spectators react to the anthem.
We now have Muslim public relations experts to contact the press and give them a reaciton from the Muslim community. CAIR and others were reasonably able to respond to reporters so that the public could understand this as a personal decision of Br. Abdul-Rauf, not as an act demanded of all Muslims. The event culminated with the interview of Br. Hakeem Olajuwon, who helped mediate the problem and resolve it in a peaceful, undramatic way. An article in Newsweek of March 25th is particularly interesting. Frank Deford, the author, manages to respect Abdul-Rauf for his faith and explain his act as an excess of zeal in a new convert. Deford's understanding of the Muslim situation is commendable.
We can see progress in media coverage of Muslims. Hopefully this is a trend. Let us seek to create more examples of this kind. The truth, properly and decently presented, may take more time to be noticed over the strident screaming of slander and sensationalism, but, with continuous effort and the help of Allah (SWT) we will create a better understanding of Islam throughout the United States and the world.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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]
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 Interfaith Iftar Held at OSU
by Habiba Gaiter
The Muslim Student Association is proud to report that after weeks of planning, we held our first Interfaith Iftar on Friday, February 9th (19 Ramadan). The event was free to all. One hundred and fifty Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus and other non-Muslims gathered in the Frank Hale Black Cultural Center at the Ohio State University for an evening of dining and of gaining knowledge on the meaning of Ramadan, Islam, and Muslims. Alhamdulillah this was a successful event n which the Muslim students here on campus were able to eliminate Muslim stereotypes and present genuine Islam effectively to the curious guests.
The program began with Br. Tariq Jalil detailing an overview of what to expect throughout the evening and Br. Aladdin Gohar giving the opening speech. following this, the Muslims broke their fasts and prayed while the guests listened to Yusuf Islam's DC, "Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PUBUH)" and prepare themselves for a feast of lamb, rice, humus, and other dishes catered by Firdous Middle Eastern style Restaurant and others. the highlight of the evening was Br. Brian Clouse's excellent speech on Islam. Alhamdulillah, his eloquent talk touched the non-Muslims and Muslims alike. Br. Clause explained in detail the five-pillars of Islam, the meaning of tawheed, the role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the international appeal of Islam. He also took time to address many of the misconceptions surrounding Islam today. And of course, the topic of fasting in the month of Ramadan was another central aspect of his presentation. Jezak Allah Kheir to the brother for providing such an important and clear dawah to our non-Muslim guests. Inshallah through his presence, the guests were educated in better understanding Islam.
Next, a panel of six brothers and sisters answered the questions given by our guests. Even some of the Muslim guests themselves participated to help with the answering. Some inquiries of the guests' included the relationship between Christianity and Islam, Islam's view on the Day of Judgment, the difference between Nation of Islam and true Islam and questions regarding the dress of Muslim brothers and sisters. After the discussion, the guests were shown all the essentials of prayer including the adhan, wudu, and the actual salah. Towards the end of the program, salatul isha was offered and cake was distributed. Sr. Sama'a concluded the program with closing remarks and a beautiful du'a of which she read in both Arabic and English.
All praise is due to Allah (SWT) for giving the Muslim students the resources and opportunity to come together and offer the Interfaith Iftar at OSU. Inshallah our guests left the program with not only a clearer understanding of Islam, but also with a better ability to determine the differences between stereotypes and true Islam. May Allah (SWT) bless us with the chance to provide other events such as this one so we can further extend Allah's (SWT) message to even more people. Jezakum Allah Kheir to all the brothers and sisters who helped in any way in making this event a success.
The Muslim Student Association is proud to report that after weeks of planning, we held our first Interfaith Iftar on Friday, February 9th (19 Ramadan). The event was free to all. One hundred and fifty Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus and other non-Muslims gathered in the Frank Hale Black Cultural Center at the Ohio State University for an evening of dining and of gaining knowledge on the meaning of Ramadan, Islam, and Muslims. Alhamdulillah this was a successful event n which the Muslim students here on campus were able to eliminate Muslim stereotypes and present genuine Islam effectively to the curious guests.
The program began with Br. Tariq Jalil detailing an overview of what to expect throughout the evening and Br. Aladdin Gohar giving the opening speech. following this, the Muslims broke their fasts and prayed while the guests listened to Yusuf Islam's DC, "Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PUBUH)" and prepare themselves for a feast of lamb, rice, humus, and other dishes catered by Firdous Middle Eastern style Restaurant and others. the highlight of the evening was Br. Brian Clouse's excellent speech on Islam. Alhamdulillah, his eloquent talk touched the non-Muslims and Muslims alike. Br. Clause explained in detail the five-pillars of Islam, the meaning of tawheed, the role of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the international appeal of Islam. He also took time to address many of the misconceptions surrounding Islam today. And of course, the topic of fasting in the month of Ramadan was another central aspect of his presentation. Jezak Allah Kheir to the brother for providing such an important and clear dawah to our non-Muslim guests. Inshallah through his presence, the guests were educated in better understanding Islam.
Next, a panel of six brothers and sisters answered the questions given by our guests. Even some of the Muslim guests themselves participated to help with the answering. Some inquiries of the guests' included the relationship between Christianity and Islam, Islam's view on the Day of Judgment, the difference between Nation of Islam and true Islam and questions regarding the dress of Muslim brothers and sisters. After the discussion, the guests were shown all the essentials of prayer including the adhan, wudu, and the actual salah. Towards the end of the program, salatul isha was offered and cake was distributed. Sr. Sama'a concluded the program with closing remarks and a beautiful du'a of which she read in both Arabic and English.
All praise is due to Allah (SWT) for giving the Muslim students the resources and opportunity to come together and offer the Interfaith Iftar at OSU. Inshallah our guests left the program with not only a clearer understanding of Islam, but also with a better ability to determine the differences between stereotypes and true Islam. May Allah (SWT) bless us with the chance to provide other events such as this one so we can further extend Allah's (SWT) message to even more people. Jezakum Allah Kheir to all the brothers and sisters who helped in any way in making this event a success.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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).
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).
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Feb 1996 Ramadan, Eid and the Media
by Brian Clouse
Ramadan Mubarak everyone! Some efforts were made with the media this year; progress was achieved and plans for the future set. Some new approaches were tested with television stations and some important contacts were made. Sadly, however, the results were not as fruitful as might be hoped, but the lessons learned are valuable.
First, for the entire week prior to the beginning of Ramadan, different media representatives were contacted. The Columbus Dispatch's Religion Editor, Sylvia Brooks, showed her usual interest in covering Ramadan. On Saturday January 20th, a very nice article appeared in the Dispatch explaining Islam and the celebration of Ramadan.
The news, weather, and/or community affairs departments of five local television stations were contacted in order to stimulate interest in Ramadan from a variety of perspectives. The weather departments were the least willing to participate, explaining that new moons, religious holidays, and sunset times are not part of their coverage. The news desks showed a little more enthusiasm, at least initially. Channels 4, 6, and 10 promised to announce the beginning of Ramadan during their 11:00 broadcasts, but we were not able to notify them early enough on the evening of January 20th that the new crescent moon had not been sighted. Some news editors expressed an interest in doing additional stories about Ramadan, but nothing solid has resulted as of yet.
This was the first time the community affairs departments were contacted, and it appears that they can be helpful in getting better coverage of Islam on local television news programs. Ron Thielman of WSYX Channel 6 was by far the most interested, and suggested several ways in which he could help. He promised to post the press releases sent to him on two major sources of information provided by Channel 6: A World Wide Web Home Page and a program in which the station faxes news reports to over 2,000 local businesses and organizations. He also promised to download the Public Service Announcements (PSA0 produced and distributed by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for review and possible airing during periods of low commercial sponsorship. Channel 4's Leslie Zuk also made efforts to get the PSAs for the same purposes. Channel 10 said they would try if their satellite dishes were available at the time. as of yet, I have not seen the PSAs at all.
The Ohio State Lantern and WOSU AM-FM-TV, to my knowledge, included no coverage of Ramadan. Perhaps, the Muslim Student Association should make its presence better known to the University, but this has been done before. the manager of creative services at Channel 4, Jana Buckey, made the sharpest statement about any coverage of Ramadan, or Islamic issues of local interest: The Islamic population in Columbus is just too small to be of any significance. I explained the local and national demographics of the Muslim population compared to other religious groups to her assistant, but she did not think this would convince her boss.
As frustrating as this has been, there are some important lessons to take away from this. first, we have to remember that progress is being made, however slow it may be. Over time, with good contacts and improved methods, we will get more recognition in the local media. But Ms. Budkey's opinion is not unique, and it's no mystery why.
Ask yourself this question: What has the Islamic community in central Ohio done that is of any benefit to this society? I do not mean to minimize the efforts of any Muslim individuals or groups that have been made. What I am suggesting, however, is that perhaps we should not sit around waiting for the media to improve our image for us, while we try to pressure them into doing better. In the end that will not work, and the intentions are misplaced. If Muslims are truly the best of a community for the good of that community, then it's due time for that to show. Homelessness, illiteracy, hunger, drugs, alcohol, prostitution, gambling, and crime exist throughout this city. There certainly is no lack of opportunity for us, that is for sure. when the Muslim presence in Columbus, Ohio has a positive impact, rather than one of disinterest or self interest, then the media will not be able to ignore us. But is won't matter then, because the rewards from Allah will far outweigh anything the media can say or do.
Ramadan Mubarak everyone! Some efforts were made with the media this year; progress was achieved and plans for the future set. Some new approaches were tested with television stations and some important contacts were made. Sadly, however, the results were not as fruitful as might be hoped, but the lessons learned are valuable.
First, for the entire week prior to the beginning of Ramadan, different media representatives were contacted. The Columbus Dispatch's Religion Editor, Sylvia Brooks, showed her usual interest in covering Ramadan. On Saturday January 20th, a very nice article appeared in the Dispatch explaining Islam and the celebration of Ramadan.
The news, weather, and/or community affairs departments of five local television stations were contacted in order to stimulate interest in Ramadan from a variety of perspectives. The weather departments were the least willing to participate, explaining that new moons, religious holidays, and sunset times are not part of their coverage. The news desks showed a little more enthusiasm, at least initially. Channels 4, 6, and 10 promised to announce the beginning of Ramadan during their 11:00 broadcasts, but we were not able to notify them early enough on the evening of January 20th that the new crescent moon had not been sighted. Some news editors expressed an interest in doing additional stories about Ramadan, but nothing solid has resulted as of yet.
This was the first time the community affairs departments were contacted, and it appears that they can be helpful in getting better coverage of Islam on local television news programs. Ron Thielman of WSYX Channel 6 was by far the most interested, and suggested several ways in which he could help. He promised to post the press releases sent to him on two major sources of information provided by Channel 6: A World Wide Web Home Page and a program in which the station faxes news reports to over 2,000 local businesses and organizations. He also promised to download the Public Service Announcements (PSA0 produced and distributed by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for review and possible airing during periods of low commercial sponsorship. Channel 4's Leslie Zuk also made efforts to get the PSAs for the same purposes. Channel 10 said they would try if their satellite dishes were available at the time. as of yet, I have not seen the PSAs at all.
The Ohio State Lantern and WOSU AM-FM-TV, to my knowledge, included no coverage of Ramadan. Perhaps, the Muslim Student Association should make its presence better known to the University, but this has been done before. the manager of creative services at Channel 4, Jana Buckey, made the sharpest statement about any coverage of Ramadan, or Islamic issues of local interest: The Islamic population in Columbus is just too small to be of any significance. I explained the local and national demographics of the Muslim population compared to other religious groups to her assistant, but she did not think this would convince her boss.
As frustrating as this has been, there are some important lessons to take away from this. first, we have to remember that progress is being made, however slow it may be. Over time, with good contacts and improved methods, we will get more recognition in the local media. But Ms. Budkey's opinion is not unique, and it's no mystery why.
Ask yourself this question: What has the Islamic community in central Ohio done that is of any benefit to this society? I do not mean to minimize the efforts of any Muslim individuals or groups that have been made. What I am suggesting, however, is that perhaps we should not sit around waiting for the media to improve our image for us, while we try to pressure them into doing better. In the end that will not work, and the intentions are misplaced. If Muslims are truly the best of a community for the good of that community, then it's due time for that to show. Homelessness, illiteracy, hunger, drugs, alcohol, prostitution, gambling, and crime exist throughout this city. There certainly is no lack of opportunity for us, that is for sure. when the Muslim presence in Columbus, Ohio has a positive impact, rather than one of disinterest or self interest, then the media will not be able to ignore us. But is won't matter then, because the rewards from Allah will far outweigh anything the media can say or do.
Feb 1996 News Fly Around
MATT
February 22 - Columbus -- Muslim employees of AT&T, Columbus, have formed an official group at the company called MATT (Muslims at AT&T). the objectives of this group are "to support and provide resources for the Muslim associates at the Columbus Works" and to "facilitate a better understanding of Islamic ideology and culture at the Columbus Works" according to their by-laws. Among their activities is public relations and increasing awareness. This is done by participating in activities in the workplace and by inviting guest speakers to address issues that face Muslim employees in the workplace and address stereotyping of Muslims in general.
The group also has some social activities for occasions such as a collective family iftar in Ramadan. The group meets regularly to discuss 1. issues that relate to Muslims in the workplace, and 2. study teachings from Quran and Sunnah. the group also has a room for congregational prayer where Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed. AT&T at Columbus has about 20 Muslim employees. Similar groups within AT&T exist in Illinois and New Jersey.
February 22 - Columbus -- Muslim employees of AT&T, Columbus, have formed an official group at the company called MATT (Muslims at AT&T). the objectives of this group are "to support and provide resources for the Muslim associates at the Columbus Works" and to "facilitate a better understanding of Islamic ideology and culture at the Columbus Works" according to their by-laws. Among their activities is public relations and increasing awareness. This is done by participating in activities in the workplace and by inviting guest speakers to address issues that face Muslim employees in the workplace and address stereotyping of Muslims in general.
The group also has some social activities for occasions such as a collective family iftar in Ramadan. The group meets regularly to discuss 1. issues that relate to Muslims in the workplace, and 2. study teachings from Quran and Sunnah. the group also has a room for congregational prayer where Dhuhr and Asr prayers are performed. AT&T at Columbus has about 20 Muslim employees. Similar groups within AT&T exist in Illinois and New Jersey.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Jan. 1996 External Experts For school Projects
by Norma Tarazi
Three workshops took place this month for the school, one in Dayton with Sr. Susan Douglas, and two hosted with experts from out of town, Dr. Shaker Sayed, education director at ISNA, and Dr. Abdullah Idris, principal of the Islamic school of Toronto, one of the most successful in North America. The Dayton workshop specifically addressed ways to integrate Islam and Islamic history into social studies programs. Two copies of the Douglas social studies curriculum supplements are now available in our community. 'Dr. Shaker came at the end of November specifically to help the teachers of our Islamic weekend schools, but his address was also open to those working on the full time school project. The two day workshop addressed three topics, the qualities of a good Muslim teacher, teaching approaches for Islamic studies, and teaching approaches for Arabic. Much of the material on teacher qualities and teaching approaches was very interesting for Muslim parents as well as professional teachers.
In an extra evening meeting, Dr. Shaker discussed practical considerations for starting a full-time Islamic school. Of basic concern is the financial investment. As someone who has been a principal himself and presently works for ISNA primarily as a resource guide to the 170 Islamic schools now in North America, Dr. Shaker has a wealth of experience. Islamic schools nationwide are charging between $2000 and $3500 per year tuition for each student. The actual cost of the student is always more than that. The difference has to be made up in contributions from the community at large. However, we should keep expenses under tight control. It is unrealistic to expect contributions to count for more than 15% of expenses.
Communities who invest first in a school building acquire overhead that must be paid whether or not there are students. A large building requires the same amount to heat and light for 4 students as 120. For this reason, schools which are financially viable have usually started in shared facilities with a mosque or in temporary quarters that are rather makeshift. As student enrollment increases, the school moves out into more professional quarters. If a large building is acquired, efforts need to be made to make multipurpose use of the building for other activities, such as evening banquet facilities for parties, or daycare facilities in one part of the building, to help share overhead costs.
Another important issue discussed at this meeting was the ability to create a credible bilingual school. The best results so far seen by Dr. Shaker, for Arabic ability in a child graduating from and Islamic school without other access to Arabic, is 4th grade level. However, he said continual improvements of curriculum are being made and he expects continued improvement in this area in the next few years. The dreams of the parents and their commitment is the most important requirement for a successful Islamic school.
Dr. Abdullah Idris also discussed the topic of starting an Islamic school. His school in Toronto started in 1982 with 13 children from 7 committed families. At the time, the community referred to them as "those crazy people" he admitted with pride. He stressed the importance of having a year to plan curriculum before opening the next grade, to make sure it is successful. Don't bite off more than you can chew, in other words. Now that school is full with 350 students through 8th grade. There are now a total of 4 schools in the project, all operating at full enrollment and financially viable, and they have a waiting list of 5000. Student-teacher ratio is 30/1 overall, with smaller ratios for younger pupils. A high school for girls was started for girls in 7th through 12th after the 8th grade was opened. Girls who graduated from this school have been very successful in college. The school project is now negotiating to purchase a large high school facility.
After visiting the proposed sites under study by our community, Dr. Abdullah liked both of the Whitehall sites. he one currently in church use is not very attractive outside, he commented, but he toured the inside and felt it to be full of potential. He liked the outside appearance of the Robinwood site, only worrying about the proximity to broad St., with the possibility of security problems. He also saw the Sunbury site planned for the mosque weekend school complex. He expressed concern about the power plant nearby and the small area of the site if anyone wanted to make a full-time school use of that future complex. Though he was not shown the potential northwest land, discussion arose about it. Custom built facilities are always more appreciated by communities if the waiting time and cost are not too substantially greater than buying an old building on the market.
Our two guests have also helped in preparing a community-wide demographic survey which was started in the last weeks of December. With such dedicated experts to assist us, we will have only ourselves to blame if we do not produce a high quality full-time Islamic school in Columbus.
Three workshops took place this month for the school, one in Dayton with Sr. Susan Douglas, and two hosted with experts from out of town, Dr. Shaker Sayed, education director at ISNA, and Dr. Abdullah Idris, principal of the Islamic school of Toronto, one of the most successful in North America. The Dayton workshop specifically addressed ways to integrate Islam and Islamic history into social studies programs. Two copies of the Douglas social studies curriculum supplements are now available in our community. 'Dr. Shaker came at the end of November specifically to help the teachers of our Islamic weekend schools, but his address was also open to those working on the full time school project. The two day workshop addressed three topics, the qualities of a good Muslim teacher, teaching approaches for Islamic studies, and teaching approaches for Arabic. Much of the material on teacher qualities and teaching approaches was very interesting for Muslim parents as well as professional teachers.
In an extra evening meeting, Dr. Shaker discussed practical considerations for starting a full-time Islamic school. Of basic concern is the financial investment. As someone who has been a principal himself and presently works for ISNA primarily as a resource guide to the 170 Islamic schools now in North America, Dr. Shaker has a wealth of experience. Islamic schools nationwide are charging between $2000 and $3500 per year tuition for each student. The actual cost of the student is always more than that. The difference has to be made up in contributions from the community at large. However, we should keep expenses under tight control. It is unrealistic to expect contributions to count for more than 15% of expenses.
Communities who invest first in a school building acquire overhead that must be paid whether or not there are students. A large building requires the same amount to heat and light for 4 students as 120. For this reason, schools which are financially viable have usually started in shared facilities with a mosque or in temporary quarters that are rather makeshift. As student enrollment increases, the school moves out into more professional quarters. If a large building is acquired, efforts need to be made to make multipurpose use of the building for other activities, such as evening banquet facilities for parties, or daycare facilities in one part of the building, to help share overhead costs.
Another important issue discussed at this meeting was the ability to create a credible bilingual school. The best results so far seen by Dr. Shaker, for Arabic ability in a child graduating from and Islamic school without other access to Arabic, is 4th grade level. However, he said continual improvements of curriculum are being made and he expects continued improvement in this area in the next few years. The dreams of the parents and their commitment is the most important requirement for a successful Islamic school.
Dr. Abdullah Idris also discussed the topic of starting an Islamic school. His school in Toronto started in 1982 with 13 children from 7 committed families. At the time, the community referred to them as "those crazy people" he admitted with pride. He stressed the importance of having a year to plan curriculum before opening the next grade, to make sure it is successful. Don't bite off more than you can chew, in other words. Now that school is full with 350 students through 8th grade. There are now a total of 4 schools in the project, all operating at full enrollment and financially viable, and they have a waiting list of 5000. Student-teacher ratio is 30/1 overall, with smaller ratios for younger pupils. A high school for girls was started for girls in 7th through 12th after the 8th grade was opened. Girls who graduated from this school have been very successful in college. The school project is now negotiating to purchase a large high school facility.
After visiting the proposed sites under study by our community, Dr. Abdullah liked both of the Whitehall sites. he one currently in church use is not very attractive outside, he commented, but he toured the inside and felt it to be full of potential. He liked the outside appearance of the Robinwood site, only worrying about the proximity to broad St., with the possibility of security problems. He also saw the Sunbury site planned for the mosque weekend school complex. He expressed concern about the power plant nearby and the small area of the site if anyone wanted to make a full-time school use of that future complex. Though he was not shown the potential northwest land, discussion arose about it. Custom built facilities are always more appreciated by communities if the waiting time and cost are not too substantially greater than buying an old building on the market.
Our two guests have also helped in preparing a community-wide demographic survey which was started in the last weeks of December. With such dedicated experts to assist us, we will have only ourselves to blame if we do not produce a high quality full-time Islamic school in Columbus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
