By Susan Schwartz, MMNS

The Nakba (catastrophe), the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homeland when the state of Israel was formed, is one of the current major injustices crying out for resolution. While it is a subject to be addressed all year round, the month of May, with its celebration of  Israel’s creation, brings the issue of Palestinian ethnic cleansing – and the  current suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation – to the  foreground.

Discussions of Nakba have been the subject of  numerous articles in The Muslim Observer as people of conscience and  honor strive to bring long overdue justice to the Palestinian people.

One of the most informative and stirring  presentations took place this past Sunday at the Islamic Center of Southern  California in Los Angeles. Held in conjunction with the Muslim Public Affairs  Council (MPAC), “Al Nakba: The Untold Story” presented four highly qualified  people to tell the story of Al Nakba from different, albeit dovetailing,  perspectives.

Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim, Chair of the History  Department at California Polytechnic Institute in Pomona, was the first speaker.  On November 29, 1947 – the actual birth date of Israel – when the United  Nations passed the partition resolution, ethnic cleansing began. The nascent  state of Israel wanted to be as Palestinian free as possible. Contrary to the  belief that Israeli military forces were amateur, they had a highly trained  force with volunteers from all over the world. They even possessed an Air Force  – rare at that time period.

He continued: Israel was born out of colonialism  and exists today through imperialism. Israel is a European nation, not a Middle  Eastern one. It is a Western implant into the Middle East. Professor Ibrahim  quoted Bishop Desmond Tutu in the latter’s observation that Israel copied South  Africa’s apartheid system and actually went further.

Again contrary to the popular wisdom, Israel  is unable to live at peace with its neighbors, and events which have been  described as Arab aggression and have permitted Israel to portray itself as a  victim, have simply been Arab responses – self defense – against Israeli  actions.

Basil Othman, a member of the Palestine Children’s  Relief Fund (PCRF), spoke next. There is a myth that all Palestinians are  Muslim. This is not true, he said. Many are Christian. The PCRF helps all  children in Palestine receive medical aid either on site or, if that is not  feasible, in North America or Europe. Mr. Othman spoke of the ways in which the  state of Israel thwarts the attempts of the PCRF to aid children in the  oPt.

Checkpoints, roadblocks, arbitrary paper work -  even the confiscation of doctors’ medical equipment upon entry – equipment  intended for Palestinian hospitals- these are but some of the ways in which  Israel interdicts the attempts of the PCRF to help needy children.

Mr. Othman said that in the last two months, to  give but one example, 135 children died in unnecessarily in Gaza.

Mr. Othman told of the Makassad Hospital Pediatric  Surgery ICU unit in East Jerusalem, a unit built by the efforts of PCRF. While  such units are commonplace in hospitals in the West, it is the only such unit in  the oPt.

Dr. Nayyer Ali, a Pakistani, is the Chairman of  MPAC and the author of “In Pursuit of Justice:The Jurisprudence of Human Rights  in Islam”. He was the third speaker, and he addressed the subject by asking the  question: Why is the U. S. Allied with Israel? He gave a number of reasons.  First, in the United States Zionism is seen as something that is good; second,  the support of Israel by Evangelicals – a major political base for the Bush  administration – is significant; third, the U. S. media whitewash what Israel  does, and fourth, there has been a successful attempt to equate criticism  of Israel with anti-Semiticism.
Israel wants its right to exist acknowledged. Dr.  Ali went on to make the distinction between the fact of Israel’s existence which  is undeniable and its right to exist which gives Israel a moral justification it  does not deserve.

The final speaker was a favorite activist and the  MPAC Senior political Advisor, retired physician Maher Hathout. Why, he  asked, would a mosque – in this case the Islamic Center of Southern California -  join with MPAC on the subject of the Nakba?

We have, he continued, principles from the Koran which we as  Muslims are mandated to follow. They are the principles of justice, honor, human  dignity and freedom. All four of these principles are being violated with  respect to the Palestinian people.

The Israelis say that Gaza is being punished. Gaza has  been called a prison but, Dr. Hathout observed, in prison people are fed. In  Gaza they are starving.
A lively question and answer period followed.

MPAC is available at the following address: _www.mpac.org_ (http://www.mpac.org).

10-23

Courtesy Batsheva Sobelman, Los Angeles Times

Jerusalem–The city of Ashkelon has been in the headlines lately, and not for its pretty beaches. The city of -110 000 has sadly joined Israel’s southern front line as rockets fired from the Gaza Strip improve in range and technology.

Last week, a rocket hit a shopping mall in town; the dozens of injured were treated at the city’s Barzilai Medical Center.

It turns out the hospital grounds contain an interesting bit of history: a site holy to certain Shi’a Muslims, thousands of whom have come to pray there over the years. Ashkelon has 5,000 years of recorded history, but when the hospital was first built in 1961, nothing indicated that the hill out back was anything special.

The consecration of the site dates back to the early days of Islam. The decades that followed the death of the Prophet Muhammad (s) in 632 were marked by a bitter and bloody dispute over succession, a conflict that ultimately marked the split between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims.

Both Karbala and Damascus became sites of Shi’a pilgrimages. Sunni rulers displeased with the phenomenon, decided to relocate the head of Sayyidina Hussein to the far edge of the kingdom — Ashkelon. It remained there for several centuries, until the legendary Muslim leader Saladin sent the head to Egypt for safekeeping from the invading Crusaders.

What was once the far end of an ancient Muslim kingdom is now a grassy mound behind an Israeli hospital.

A millennium after the remains of Sayyidinal Hussein (ra) were removed from Ashkelon, the site is still revered by Shi’a offshoots, mostly from India and Pakistan. The pilgrims include those from countries with no diplomatic ties with Israel, hospital officials say.

About a decade ago, a Shi’a spiritual leader arrived at the hospital with an unusual request: to be allowed to erect a prayer area for the pilgrims.
“How do you know this is the site?” asked Dr. Ron Lobel, deputy director of the medical center.

“I walked out to the mound with him,” Lobel said. “He took out a shovel and started digging. To my astonishment, a meter or so deep, he exposed the corner­stone of the ancient mosque that had been built where the head had been buried, and was later destroyed by the Crusaders.”

With the hospital’s blessing, the worshippers imported the most valued marble in India. The prayer area, built seven or eight years ago, is open to the pilgrims.
“They are quiet, peaceful people. They come in silence, sometimes barely uttering a sound,” said Lobel, who has become the resident expert on the subject. “An island of Shiite Muslim prayer in an Israeli hospital in a Jewish state. It really is unique.”

10-23

By Nilofar Suhrawardy, MMNS

NEW DELHI – Laying stress on the importance of Africa-India ties and establishment of Organization of African Unity (OAU), Africa Day was celebrated here last week with emphasis on goals to be achieved in the coming years. Just as in the past, India and Africa have fought against colonialism, they need to establish strong economic ties to emerge victorious in the future. “While celebrating this Africa Day, we should work together to explore new ways of advancing our common objective of establishing a win-win strategic partnership between Africa and India,” Dean of African Diplomatic Corps, Carlos Agostinho Do Rosario, who is also envoy of Mozambique, said.

The significance of Africa Day, which falls on May 25, was highlighted at the press conference held at Egyptian embassy (May 23) with several African leaders giving importance to development of Africa-India ties.

Liberation of Africa from colonialism led to OAU taking shape as African Union, in keeping with the “undergoing changes,” Rosario said. Tracing Africa-India ties to history, he emphasized: “As together, we were victorious yesterday against colonialism, apartheid and injustice of all sorts, today also nothing will prevent us from being victorious against hunger and poverty. Together we will always succeed.”

In this direction, some of the issues that emerging economy of India can contribute in development of Africa, include: – increasing investment in human capital development in Africa; promote technology acquisitions as well as knowledge generation sharing and applications; acceleration of infrastructure development in Africa; enhance economic cooperation, trade and improved market access for African products: and share India’s experience on green revolution for boosting agricultural products to combat hunger and disease in Africa, the African leaders said.

The Africa Day was also celebrated with the release of an annual magazine that focused on the new importance given in the recent years to development of Africa-India relations.  In the opinion of Egyptian envoy Mohamed Higazy, who was a key speaker at the press conference: “We need to convert framework of cooperation (between Africa and India) into an action plan in all aspects. The action plan will be able to transform the Africa-India partnership into a dynamic, profitable and fruitful endeavor for the benefit of people.”

Referring specifically to bilateral Egypt-India economic ties, Higazy said: “The exact figure of Indian investment in Egypt is US $2 billion.” Drawing attention to number of projects being submitted by Indian companies in areas such as textiles, petrochemicals, hydrocarbon, steel, plastic, tourism and information technology, he said: “India today is third largest foreign investor in Egypt after United States and Italy. However, by 2010, India shall be number one trading partner of Egypt.”

The first ever India-Africa summit, held last month (April 8-9), adopted Delhi Declaration and Africa-India Framework for Cooperation resolving to “develop jointly” within a year’s time, “a joint plan of action at a continental level and an appropriate follow-up mechanism to implement our Framework for Cooperation.”

In response to a question on new emphasis being suddenly given to India-Africa relations, Rosario described it as part of Africa’s “Look East, Look India policy.” This is linked to India having become a significant player in the global economy. “India’s rapid emergence in global economy raises demand for Africa’s natural resources, which fortunately are available in the African continent, which need to be industrialized for a better contribution in sustainable development of the continent,” Rosario said.

Dismissing speculations of India facing strong competition from China regarding investment in Africa, Rosario said: “We don’t see any negative competition. We need both India and China besides the others to convert the continent’s natural resources into wealth. We need different partnerships. China, India and Brazil among others, are our partners. The competition brings more benefits.”

Earlier, at India-Africa summit, when asked to compare India’s approach towards Africa with that of western powers and China, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh replied: “India’s renewed focus on Africa has nothing to do with China’s growing clout in the continent. We are not in any race or competition with China or any other country. The desire of India and Africa to work together is not new.”

Asserting that India-Africa summit has laid foundations, the Indian premier said that it is now time to plan ahead to implement the joint programs of cooperation and to build a meaningful and productive Indo-African partnership.

Emphasis was laid on India and Africa working together with a new momentum at last week’s press conference. Quoting the importance given by India’s first prime minister, late Jawaharlal Nehru to developing strong ties with Africa, Rosario said: “In his words, ‘though separated by the Indian Ocean, Africa is in a sense our next door neighbor.”

The African leaders expressed satisfaction with several measures announced by Indian government to strengthen ties with Africa. These include preferential market access to 34 least developed African countries, more than doubling to $5.4 billion the lines of credit over the next five years and increasing the ‘Aid to Africa’ budget by investing over half a billion dollars in capacity building and human resource development projects. Among other key measures are more scholarships for African students wishing to study in India.

“We are very happy for now. All these decisions will be implemented by the Indian government in this financial year,” Rosario said. Expressing optimism on strengthening Africa-India partnership, he said: “I look forward for a bright future of a strong Indo-Africa Partnership in this 21st century and together we will make a difference.”

10-23

By Asma Hanif, Muslim Link

A woman is beaten up every 9 seconds in America.

Most Muslim men don’t beat their wives. BUT SOME DO!

According to a survey by the North American Council for Muslim Women, domestic violence against Muslim women and children occurred in ten percent of the population of Muslims. By comparison, seven percent of American women in general were physically abused.

If help for our Muslim Sisters is to be obtained, then we can no longer consider domestic violence as an issue/problem within the non-Muslim community. Statistics reflect that the Muslim community is plagued by social ills which we heretofore believed ourselves to be immune. We now know that, domestic violence, homelessness, child abuse, etc., are also shameful realities within the Muslim society.

For many reasons domestic violence has had a low priority in the Muslim community. To protect the image of the family, domestic violence is often shrouded in silence. Unfortunately, such private matters have a tendency to become public tragedies. Every day four women die in this country as a result of domestic violence.

Responsibility for the abuse lies within the abuser not within Islam. Thus, there are two categories of guilty people: those who inflict the physical and mental abuse, and those who try to hide the fact that it exists.

If you know how to alleviate torment, but you don’t help alleviate it, you become one of the tormentors.

Holding perpetrators accountable is a significant first step towards the elimination of violence against women in the Muslim community. We look toward our Imams and scholars to provide appropriate interpretation of the ayahs of the Quran, along with hadith that denounce violence and support the value of all believers – including women and children.

While Imams traditionally focus on keeping families together, in cases of domestic violence, if improperly handled, this may inadvertently support imbalances of power in marital relationships and justify the use of violence and abuse against family members. Failing to adequately correct misinterpretations of Quran can contribute to the victim’s self-blame and suffering and to the abuser’s rationalizations for their behavior.

Imam Faizul Khan, Board Member, Islamic Social Services Director, Muslimat Al-Nisaa, INC & 2008 recipient of Interfaith Community Against Domestic Violence Certificate of Recognition, states, “Domestic Violence in the Muslim Community refers to a pattern of violent and coercive behavior experienced by one adult in an intimate relationship over another. It is not ‘marital conflict’, ‘mutual abuse’, ‘a lover’s quarrel’, or ‘a private family matter’. It is a serious problem that needs to be addressed in the Muslim community”.

It is crucial that Muslim communities not only recognize domestic violence as a serious issue within our community, but also acknowledge that we all have a role in addressing this problem that threatens the lives of our Muslim Sisters. As Muslim communities in America continue to grow and develop, a tremendous amount of energy and financial resources have gone into building Masjids and the establishment of Islamic centers. However, by that same token, disproportionate amounts are devoted toward health & social service needs – especially as they relate to women.

In fact the greatest deterrent to help for Muslim women victims of domestic violence is failure of admission and failure of funding by those in a position to rectify this harm perpetrated against our Sisters. Those who sleep at night in safety and comfort.

It is pass time to raise awareness of the need for culturally sensitive shelters and programs for Muslim women victims of domestic violence.

Domestic violence feeds on silence.

Inshallah on August 2nd & 3rd, in the Washington, DC area, Muslimat Al-Nisaa organization will provide a conference, forum and fundraising banquet whereby community beliefs and attitudes that support domestic violence will be changed and the entire Muslim community will see themselves as part of the solution. Muslimat Al-Nisaa seeks to continue the work of our pioneers (now deceased) Sister Sharifa Alkhateeb, and Dr Maryam Funches by playing a leadership role in effecting social change, by educating the community, by establishing associations with masjids and other social service groups and by seeking financial support for not just a shelter but also a comprehensive self-sufficiency program for homeless Muslim women and children. Save The Date!

Inshallah as Imams, leaders, and Muslim organizations begin to hold perpetrators accountable for their action, we as a community must hold ourselves accountable for financial support for our sisters. Then and only then, can we better address domestic violence and its serious impact on the lives of the entire Muslim ummah and develop “best practices” in helping victims of domestic violence.

Asma Hanif, Executive Director
Muslimat Al Nisaa
Health, Shelter & Social Services, INC
5115 Liberty Heights Ave, Baltimore, MD 21207
(410) 466-8686 fax (410) 466-5949
www.mnisaa.org

10-23

By Elder George

Two children who attended a private Christian school in Wisconsin were strip-searched by a social worker who entered Good Hope Christian Academy in Milwaukee, and had the children pulled from the classrooms and told to remove their clothing when she suspected their parents of spanking them.

This matter went to court, and the parents won their suit, but the trial revealed that strip-searching by social workers occurred on a routine basis. Whether the government takes away the children in El Dorado, Texas, or has them strip-searched in Milwaukee, the psyche of the government remains the same: it believes the children belong to them and not to the parents.

The concept of having children raised by the government originated with the beginning of the materialistic European influence that began 2,500 years ago. Plato recommended that all children be given to the state to raise and that the family unit had no place in the perfect state. This thinking is ingrained in the European psyche and as a result we are close to having a Platonic state in America. A recent government statistic indicates that only12% of 18 year-old Americans live with both natural parents. For all practical purposes the family has become extinct.

The idea of government control of people was once attributed to foreign despotic governments, not freedom loving America, but unfortunately reality indicates that we have an all-powerful government that extends it tentacles into every facet of family life.

It focuses on the domestic arena for in so doing it gains complete control over all societal values. “Women’s Rights” and “Gay Rights” laws serve as a means for destroying male authority in the home, which when finally accomplished under the guise of “equal rights” results in a monolithic government that enforces “no rights.” This “no rights” thinking was evidenced by Hillary Clinton in her promotion of universal healthcare when she said that once established those who did not want to participate would have their salaries garnished.

We now have a proliferation of surveillance cameras intruding into all areas of human activity. Electronic scanning equipment now track most of our movements. Finger printing, identification cards, social security numbers, and DNA samples now make us easily locatable and identifiable. All these activities result from our “no rights” status and further enforces that status.

Big and all intrusive government is an outgrowth of Western thought, which does not understand the patriarchal nature of the universe and the spiritual path of humanity. Western materialistic thought has a finite outlook that breeds self-indulgence and a disregard of the propagation and preservation of the race. This large government has become a necessity due to the lack of morals and ethics that once were supplied to children by parents. The government now enacts increasing numbers of laws to compensate for the lack of civil behavior by the populace.

Europe was the only place in the world that patriarchy did not exist. In the past 2,500 years Western man has conducted a systematic destruction of patriarchy wherever he went, and has now reached the point where family and patriarchy have all but disappeared. We are on the verge of a one-world tyrannical government that will impose “no rights” upon humanity.

We are at the end of times; this is not a prediction but an observation.

Elder George’s website is www.mensaction.net and he can be reached at 212-874-7900 ext. 1329.

By Aslam Abdullah, Editor-in-chief of The Muslim Observer

Here is a letter, my written response to the question “Are Muslims loyal to the US,” from an elected official, a friend of mine who shall remain nameless, who was asked about these important subjects by her constituents. 

Dear Jane (Not the real name):

Thank you very much for your email. It is truly unfortunate that we have such grave misconceptions about Islam in our country.

Here is what I believe Muslim Americans feel about the issues that the people have raised.

While we discuss these issues it is important to keep in mind some of our history. Muslims have been part of America for hundreds of years. Some came with Columbus, others came with the Chinese sailor, Zheng He a few decades prior to Columbus. One of the earliest group of Muslims that was introduced to the Americas were among those who were denied all rights that a human being deserves including, freedom, liberty, justice and the right to practice their religion. They were among the Africans who were bought and sold as slaves in this country. Many of them were forcibly converted to Christianity, as is recorded in several slave diaries. Also among the early Muslims who came to America were those who were expelled from Spain in the sixteenth century along with Jews who found a refuge in this country. During the later part of the nineteenth century, Muslims came to this country as immigrants to study and establish their professionals careers and since then their numbers have been growing. Since the founding of the United States, no African American Muslim or Spanish Muslim or immigrant Muslim was ever tried or convicted for treason or for being involved in anti-nation activities. How can anyone claim that Muslims have not been part of this country? They fought during the first and second world wars and they represented the country in several crucial conferences such as the First Parliament of Religions in which Alexander Russell Webb spoke as an American Muslim. His book, Muslim American talks about the Muslim responsibilities in America. As a response to the issues raised in your private gathering please consider the following as to how the Muslims are part of the American fabric. Theologically, Yes – Muslims submit to God who is the supreme creator of all that is in the heavens and earth. There is no such concept as ‘moon god’ in Islam. In fact, the scriptures of Islam make it very clear that Allah (Arabic for God in English, Dios in Spanish, Gott in German and Dieu in French) is the same God that was reveled to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (Peace be upon them). Muslims are described in the Quran as those who are on the path of all of these prophets. God inspires Muslims to appreciate human diversity in His creation of the multitude of tribes and nations so that they may know and appreciate each other. He exhorts them not to harm others. Loyalty to God does not contradict patriotic feelings. God and nation are not synonymous. One is the creator and the other created.

Religiously, Yes – Because the Quran states in verse 2:256 very clearly that there is no compulsion in religion. In fact what was said in your gathering is a fabrication. Here is the verse that you can share with the people at the gathering.

There should be no compulsion in religion. Distinct has now become the right way from the way of error; Hence, He who rejects the power of evil and believes in God, has indeed taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way; For God is all hearing and all knowing. (2:256) Muslims do not worship five pillars or the Quran. They worship God, the Almighty. Following are the five pillars of Islam that are used as guiding principals:

1. Testimony of Faith: There is no deity but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God 2. Prayer: Daily at Dawn, Noon, Mid-Afternoon, Sunset and Night. Each prayer takes a few minutes. 3. Poor Due (Zakat): An annual payment of 2.5% of a Muslim’s wealth which is distributed among the needy. Optional charity is encouraged. 4. Fasting: Total abstinence from food and liquid from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. 5. Hajj: Annual pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are physically and financially able. (To commemorate the example of Prophet Abraham.) The Quran identifies humanity as a plural society, like the founding principals of this country that guaranties religious freedom.

Geographically, Yes – Because millions of Muslim migrated to the US of their own free will and contributed to the welfare of this country. The designer of Sears Tower was a Muslim. The engineer who built the New York tunnel was a Muslim. More than 70,000 Muslim doctors toil hard to save lives of average Americans every day and more than 300,000 engineers engage in designing the construction of roads, buildings and strategic institutions.

Makkah has similar significance as the Vatican does for Catholics. Makkah is considered a holy place where the first house of worship to God was made by Prophet Abraham.

Muslims do face towards Makkah for their five daily prescribed prayers but at the same time God reminds believers that ..

Socially, Yes – The Quran only discourages Muslims from befriending those who fight Muslims because of their religion.

[See Can Muslims be friends with Jews and Christians?]

Muslims are allowed to marry Christians and Jews and who can be better in friendship than a wife. In Islam God restricted polygamy to four wives and encouraged monogamy.

Muslims are reminded to be respectful to women. If there are societies that oppress women, they follow tribal customs and misuse Islam to serve their male chauvinist interests. Verse 4:34 from the Quran reminds Muslim men to .. take full care of women (wife) with the bounties which God has bestowed, more abundantly and with which they spend out of their possession. The righteous women (wife) are the truly devout ones, who guard the intimacy which God has ordained to be guarded. As for those women (Wife), whose ill will, you have reason to fear, admonish them first and then leave them alone in bed and then separate from them. If they pay you heed, do not seek to harm them.

Politically, Yes – Unlike a large number of the American Jews, the allegiance to Israel is not a condition for allegiance to the USA. Moreover, it is the Christian evangelical priests like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell who go beyond the destruction of Israel to say that when Jesus returns, 2/3 of the Jews will be killed and one-third would be converted to Christianity.

Intellectually, Yes – Because the American constitution is not based on Biblical principles. Every Muslim who becomes a citizen of this country first takes an oath of allegiance to the constitution. Philosophically, Yes – Because Islam ensures that all religions are given freedom. If Democracy does not exist in 17 of 56 Muslim majority countries, that is due to historical and political reasons. Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh are great examples. In fact unlike in our own country that has never elected a female president many Muslim countries have elected female heads of state. Spiritually, Yes – “One nation under God” resonates strongly among Muslims who consider God to be absolutely Omnipotent and Omnipresent. Among the 99 names of God that one can find in the Quran, several refer to His love, mercy and majesty. The chapters of the Quran start with the phrase “In the name of God most Merciful and Most Companionate” and is a often repeated part of a Muslims daily vocabulary. Good Muslims and Good Americans, Yes – According to some estimates there are about 6 to 8 million Muslims in this country. Among the list of sex offenders released by the law enforcement recently, not a single one is a Muslim. I went over the names of one hundred thousand sex offenders. Among the drugs addicts who seek rehabilitation, the number of Muslims is less than 2 percent. Among those who are caught as burglars or arsonists or murderers, the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Among those who are domestically violent the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Among those who are convicted of fraud the number of Muslims is less than 2 percent. Among those who are known alcoholics, the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Among those who are drug pushers, the number of Muslims is less than point 2 percent. There is a rape every four minutes in our country. Among those who are convicted of rape, the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Among those who illegally use state welfare system, the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Among those who are involved in Gun violence, the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Among tax evaders, the number of Muslims is less than one percent. Now please tell me on the basis of this explanation who stands for America and its values? The struggle for truth is far bigger than any other war. Perhaps it is this struggle that must bring us more closer to all people so that we can dispel these common misperceptions. I appreciate the opportunity to explain Islam and Muslims to the people at the gathering. I hope and pray that we all can find the absolute truth.

10-23

National Arab American Service Day

By Adil James, MMNS

Detroit–May 17–Volunteers on National Arab American Service Day brightened Detroit streets and parks, planted trees and shrubs, gave face painting and kite flying fun to children, and built common ground of shared experience and trust with neighboring ethnic communities.

The purpose of the National Arab American Service Day is to “foster and encourage volunteerism and service among diverse communities, build bridges and connect people through the common experience of service and highlight Arab-American commitment to serving their local communities.”

This was the fourth year that ACCESS joined a nationwide consortium of Arab-American not-for-profits to reach across to other groups of people in volunteer activities.

This year about 2,200 volunteers nationwide participated in 22 cities, the volunteers representing 17 different Arab-American not-for-profit community centers.  The volunteers worked mainly on typical urban restoration projects like park cleanups, painting park equipment, and painting murals to cover graffiti, but there were also some unique and interesting projects like beach cleaning and habitat restoration in the Golden Gate forest in the Bay area of California.

Last year, the Detroit branch of the event was coordinated by ACCESS on June 2 in the multi-ethnic community of Hamtramck.  Volunteers helped plant bushes and trees, and picked up litter and made some small repairs to public areas.

Taleb Salhab, the National Outreach Director for ACCESS, explained that “This is always a great event,” and he explained that this year there are “a couple more projects than last year.”

In fact this year was in some ways similar to the previous years, namely in that it was well organized and showed impressive energy and community engagement.  But it was different in Detroit in that it was much better than before, because this year a large Family Fun Day for children was organized at Lapeer Park. This was attended by hundreds of children who engaged in kite flying, face painting, potato-sack races, and much more.

Mr. Salhab explained that all of the community organizations involved in the nationwide network are “independent, community-based not for profits that can apply to join the national network.”  “The whole initiative started in ‘02,” he said, “and has grown from eight to 17 members.”  Not just any organization can join; they must be grass roots organizations.

The service day this year also involved cleanup work at Corktown in Detroit, and a cleanup and garden-building effort in the Warrendale community.  The Warrendale event was in coordination with the Warrendale Community Garden Project–a “integrational, multicultural, community building project,” as described by its membership chair Carla Thomas.

Ms. Thomas explained that the Warrendale community is composed of people of African, Arabs, Mexican, and Polish descent.

At the Warrendale park the volunteers succeeded in repainting in bright colors all of the slides and animal sculptures and swings and other play equipment.  They dug channels in which to plant the garden that Ms. Thomas has planned for there, and dozens of volunteers cleaned up grass cuttings with their hands.

The Warrendale garden, she explained, will yield crops, “fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.” She explained the community would harvest and sell the fruits at the Eastern Market.  Some of the food grown there would be given to a local food bank.

Perhaps it was Ms. Thomas who summed up the event best: “Mostly I just want everybody to come together,” she said.

10-23

“There are people, who do not like the ever increasing and blossoming Muslim Community. Muslims have always brought peace and resourcefulness with them, but then there are people, who feel increase in the numbers of Muslims, would have political and economical implications on USA Society, which somehow they do not want to happen. As such their works and gestures are scaring and bullying the next generation of Muslims, so as to let them leave USA, especially several renowned and respectable Muslim scholars are being pressurized. Time has come that Muslims should stop to tolerate this and start a non-violent unified response against this tirade, so as to make sure the future of American Muslim Generations is preserved.”

These were the words of Imam Siraj Wahhaj, as he delivered the keynote speech at the University Center – University of Houston of the 3rd Annual ICNA-MAS South Central Regional Conference. Both are leading national Muslim grassroots level organizations: ICNA is the Islamic Circle of North America and MAS is the Muslim American Society.

Memorial Day Weekend is considered the most traveled of the year. Still this past Sunday, hundreds of families gathered at this conference. This third year the theme was “Family: Key to Paradise”. This years’ theme was based on this Aayah (Verse) Number 006 of Quran, which is in Surah (Chapter) Number 66: “O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones; over it are angels stern and strong, they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them, and do as they are commanded.”

Many prominent speakers spoke at the event, including Imam Siraj Wahhaj, Nouman Ali Khan, Dr. Hamed Ghazali, Sheikh Abdool Rahman Khan, Sheikh Isam Rajab, Dr. Mazhar Kazi, Naeem Baig, Dr. Muhammas Yunus, Omar Suleiman, Sister Erum Chisthsti, Sister Ghazala Anjum, Sister Nishat Farooqui and Sister Saaher Tafsir.

Some of the topics that were presented included: “Family & Paradise: Then And Now”; “What can Muslim families contribute to the Community?”; “Help Our Children Resolve Cultural Conflicts”; “Islamic System of Marriage and its Virtues”; “The Emergence of Family of Strangers”; “Shall I point out to you a bargain that will save you from a grievous suffering” and others.

Attendees had come from New York, Virginia, Baton Rouge, Austin, Dallas, College Station, San Antonio and of course Houston. They went back homes more knowledgeable about various issues of family and received many practical ideas and proactive actions, so as to improve their family life according to Islam.
Other than speeches and an extensive Muslim Vendors Bazaar, the Conference also featured the cultures of Muslims in various parts of the world, like Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas and so on: This exhibition was created by young ladies and was the talk of the event.

Another thing that caught people’s interest was the Talk-Show “Generation Gap”, which was coordinated by Nouman Ali Khan and Naeem Baig. This was geared more towards the Youth as to how they feel gap between them and parents (especially if parents are immigrants). Youth generally have this feeling that after spending five days at public school and then to go for a sixth day for Sunday School; they do not feel much motivated and as such Sunday Schools are failing in terms of giving good Islamic Knowledge and Behavior to the Youth. What is most important for upbringing good Muslim Youth is that they spend time with good friends and the best place that can offer that is Masjid. However programs at Masjid are not fulfilling the needs of Youth and that is why they are drifting away. There is serious thought process needed to look for Sunday School Alternative and making visit by Youth to Masajid more interesting and worthwhile.

Program started with Heart-Wrenching Recitation of Quran. Towards the end of the day, several of ICNA programs were presented for people to become members physically, time-wise and resources-wise. For more info, people were asked to as well visit www.icnahouston.com or www.icna.org

About Twenty Businesses had their stalls, selling their Islamic and Muslim Merchandize to the participants. Tickets were sold at the registrant desk for the spicy food of South-Asian Taste by Lazeezah Restaurant of North Houston.

For more information about ICNA activities, please call 832-275-0786 or 1-866-CUB-ADAM.

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Proposals for U.S. Economy

(Reuters) – Following are some of the key economic positions of Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, and Sen. Barack Obama, who appears set to win the Democratic nomination for November’s presidential election.

Trouble in the subprime mortgage market has led to a wave of home foreclosures and a broader economic slowdown, heightening voter anxiety before the November election.

REPUBLICAN ARIZONA SEN. JOHN MCCAIN

* Proposed to spend up to $10 billion to allow some homeowners to trade high-interest, adjustable-rate mortgages for safer, fixed-rate loans.
* Proposed a suspension of the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax during the summer.
* Supports a middle-class tax cut to help those who are trying to raise a family by doubling the personal tax exemption for dependents to $7,000.
* Called for a simpler tax system with two tax rates and a generous standard deduction.
* Supports making permanent the 2001 and 2003 income tax cuts and has proposed cutting the corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 35 percent and allowing businesses to immediately write off capital expenses.
* Believes government assistance to banking system should be based solely on preventing systemic risk that would endanger the entire financial system and economy.

DEMOCRATIC ILLINOIS SEN. BARACK OBAMA

* Called for greater government regulation of the U.S. financial system and proposed a new $30 billion economic stimulus plan to help homeowners.
* The $30 billion plan includes a $10 billion foreclosure prevention fund to help people keep their homes. It also includes $10 billion in relief for state and local governments hit hardest by housing crisis.
* Outlined six “core principles for reform” that would give the Federal Reserve supervisory authority over any financial institution to which it might make credit available and calls for reform and streamlining of financial regulatory agencies.
* Wants to repeal a provision in bankruptcy law so ordinary families can modify terms of home mortgages.
* Proposed a 10 percent mortgage tax credit for middle-class Americans.
(Reporting by Deborah Charles in Washington: Editing by David Wiessler)

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