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.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
June 1996 Mr. President
Saturday, September 4, 2010
May 1996 CAIR's Executive Director Visits OBK Mosque
by Fauzi Labidi
On Friday April 12, 1996, the Muslim community in Central Ohio had the pleasure to listen to Nihad Awad, the executive director of CAIR. CAIR stands for Council on American Islamic Relations. Nihad Awad is a prominent Muslim activist who champions Islamic causes and works tirelessly towards the betterment of Muslims civil rights in North American. CAIR plays a vital role in presenting and defending issues relevant to the lives and the well-being of the Muslim communities in North America. Through their Action Alerts, they keep the Muslim communities abreast of what's happening to their fellow brothers and sisters in the U.S. and abroad, as well as monitor and advise media in matters related to Muslims. In his lecture, Br. Niahd highlighted the major functions undertaken by CAIR.
1. Media Relations
CAIR works with media professionals in the U.S. to help shape a positive image about Islam. Due to the fact that the American Public is generally ignorant about Islam, there is a tendency to stereotype Muslims in a very negative way. CAIR plays a critical role in trying to reshape and straighten people's views of Muslims by empowering the Muslim communities to take a pro-active role in the American social and political arenas. For example, when CAIR became aware that PBS was about to air a show titled "Jihad in America" portraying Muslims living in the U.S. as a group of thugs whose sole mission is to terrify people, an action alert was sent to all Muslim communities in the U.s. In their action alert, CAIR directed Muslims to contact their local PBS station protesting the airing of this show. Many communities in the U.S. were successful in blocking this show from going on the air. Some others, such as the one in Columbus, were successful in making the station invite representatives from the Muslim communities to express their views on following the airing of the show.
2. Conferences and Seminars
CAIR organizes conferences and seminars for media professionals, government officials, and the academic community. These events are designed to present otherwise unavailable information about Islam and Muslims.
3. Anti-Discrimination Work
CAIR solicits Muslims in North America to inform the organization of any discriminatory act committed against them such as denying the right of a Muslim employee to attend jumah prayer, or firing a sister from her job for wearing hijab. CAIR works through its legal advisors and local activists in pursuing these cases to ensure that Muslim civil rights are protected.
4. Lobbying
CAIR lobbies political leaders on matters relevant to Islam and Muslims in North America. CAIR plays a vital role in informing the mulsim communities about legislation that might have an effect on their rights and directing them to write and call government officials to express their feelings towards those matters.
5. Training/Outreach
CAIR trains American Muslim community activists and leaders in techniques of effective media and public relations, lobbying, and public speaking. They offer internships to students and interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism, and anti-discrimination work.
6. Inter-Faith Relations
CAIR plays a critical role in promoting a positive co-existence between Islam and the different religious denominations. CAIR works towards this goal through public education and inter-faith cooperation.
How can you help? You can help CAIR by doing one or all of the following: becoming a member, establishing a CAIR chapter in your community, and donating generously to help cover the expenses and costs incurred in this work. CAIR is a non-profit organization.
For more information on CAIR, please call or write to: _____________
On Friday April 12, 1996, the Muslim community in Central Ohio had the pleasure to listen to Nihad Awad, the executive director of CAIR. CAIR stands for Council on American Islamic Relations. Nihad Awad is a prominent Muslim activist who champions Islamic causes and works tirelessly towards the betterment of Muslims civil rights in North American. CAIR plays a vital role in presenting and defending issues relevant to the lives and the well-being of the Muslim communities in North America. Through their Action Alerts, they keep the Muslim communities abreast of what's happening to their fellow brothers and sisters in the U.S. and abroad, as well as monitor and advise media in matters related to Muslims. In his lecture, Br. Niahd highlighted the major functions undertaken by CAIR.
1. Media Relations
CAIR works with media professionals in the U.S. to help shape a positive image about Islam. Due to the fact that the American Public is generally ignorant about Islam, there is a tendency to stereotype Muslims in a very negative way. CAIR plays a critical role in trying to reshape and straighten people's views of Muslims by empowering the Muslim communities to take a pro-active role in the American social and political arenas. For example, when CAIR became aware that PBS was about to air a show titled "Jihad in America" portraying Muslims living in the U.S. as a group of thugs whose sole mission is to terrify people, an action alert was sent to all Muslim communities in the U.s. In their action alert, CAIR directed Muslims to contact their local PBS station protesting the airing of this show. Many communities in the U.S. were successful in blocking this show from going on the air. Some others, such as the one in Columbus, were successful in making the station invite representatives from the Muslim communities to express their views on following the airing of the show.
2. Conferences and Seminars
CAIR organizes conferences and seminars for media professionals, government officials, and the academic community. These events are designed to present otherwise unavailable information about Islam and Muslims.
3. Anti-Discrimination Work
CAIR solicits Muslims in North America to inform the organization of any discriminatory act committed against them such as denying the right of a Muslim employee to attend jumah prayer, or firing a sister from her job for wearing hijab. CAIR works through its legal advisors and local activists in pursuing these cases to ensure that Muslim civil rights are protected.
4. Lobbying
CAIR lobbies political leaders on matters relevant to Islam and Muslims in North America. CAIR plays a vital role in informing the mulsim communities about legislation that might have an effect on their rights and directing them to write and call government officials to express their feelings towards those matters.
5. Training/Outreach
CAIR trains American Muslim community activists and leaders in techniques of effective media and public relations, lobbying, and public speaking. They offer internships to students and interested individuals who wish to gain experience in media relations, political activism, and anti-discrimination work.
6. Inter-Faith Relations
CAIR plays a critical role in promoting a positive co-existence between Islam and the different religious denominations. CAIR works towards this goal through public education and inter-faith cooperation.
How can you help? You can help CAIR by doing one or all of the following: becoming a member, establishing a CAIR chapter in your community, and donating generously to help cover the expenses and costs incurred in this work. CAIR is a non-profit organization.
For more information on CAIR, please call or write to: _____________
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.
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.
Friday, September 3, 2010
April 1996 Progress in Communication
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.
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.
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).
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