The Muslim Link - September 3, 2010

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PG 27 DC Muslims Endorse Vincent Gray, Democrats By Farkhunda Ali Muslim Link Staff Writer Thirty DC-Metro Muslims and non-Muslims attended a press conference called by the Muslims Democratic Caucus (MDC) of DC at Masjid Muhammad on Sunday, August 22 at 5PM to deliver results from recently held straw poll. The Caucus announced the candidates that will be supported by Muslims either by casting votes, financially, or through volunteerism in the DC-Metro Region. The Caucus utilized the Islamic agreement process to conclude results on endorsements. Members of the Caucus maintain the view that Muslims should participate in a “bloc vote” in order to influence change and show the sway of a community. Endorsements include Douglass Sloan for Delegate to the US House of Representatives, Vincent Gray for Mayor of the District of Columbia, Kwame R. Brown for the Chairman of the Council, Phil Mendelson for the Al-Large Member of the Council, Jeff Smith for the Ward 1 Member of the Council, Mary Cheh for By Rana Khan Muslim Link Staff Writer The figures of death and devastation that came from areas affected by flooding in Pakistan were almost beyond comprehension. With thousands dead, millions left homeless and one fifth of the country - most notably its agricultural land -submerged in water, the need for help was, and still is, harshly evident. As many area community members witnessed the harrowing images of destruction on their screens, and some felt the pain of loss directly from friends and relatives in the affected areas, a resolve to help took root in many hearts. Among them was Mariam Saadi’s, a resident of McLean,Virginia, whose mission to help started two weeks ago with a private fund-raising iftar with friends to raise money for PG 22 The Muslim Link Coupons ALSO IN THIS ISSUE MAS-MD Fundraises In Wake of Islamophobia | pg 4 PGMA Raises Funds for Education, Facilities| pg 8 MANA Reviving Itself in the Washington DC Area | pg 8 Germantown Wait on MoCo, Push for Funds | pg 5 Does America Have A Muslim Problem? | pg 16 Radio Show Platform for Muslim Community | pg 5 ISLAM - Expecting Good From Allah | pg 17 >> ENDORSE Pg 7 >> RELIEF Pg 11 September 3 rd - September 23 rd , 2010 MD, VA, and DC. Metropolitan Area Monthly Newspaper | FREE wishes you eid mubarak Area Muslims Send Funds, Supplies for Pak Flood Releif Talib Karim, Chairman of Muslim Democratic Caucus of DC, announces his group’s endorsement for DC mayor and other positions in front of Masjid Muhammad. Photo by Farkhunda Ali. Volunteers in McLean, VA load boxes of donated supplies including medicines, toiletries, and dry food items onto a truck for delivery to Dulles Airport for transport to flood relief centers in Pakistan. Photo courtesy of Mariam Saadi. Ramadan 24 - Shawwal 14 1431 A.H.

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The Muslim Link - September 3, 2010

Transcript of The Muslim Link - September 3, 2010

PG 27

DC Muslims Endorse Vincent Gray, DemocratsBy Farkhunda AliMuslim Link Staff Writer

Thirty DC-Metro Muslims and non-Muslims attended a press conference called by the Muslims Democratic Caucus (MDC) of DC at Masjid Muhammad on Sunday, August 22 at 5PM to deliver results from recently held straw poll.

The Caucus announced the candidates that will be supported by Muslims either by casting votes, fi nancially, or through volunteerism in the DC-Metro Region.

The Caucus utilized the Islamic agreement process to conclude results on endorsements. Members of the Caucus maintain the view that Muslims should participate in a “bloc vote” in order to infl uence change and show the sway of a community.

Endorsements include Douglass Sloan for Delegate to the US House of Representatives, Vincent Gray for Mayor of the District of Columbia, Kwame R. Brown for the Chairman of the Council, Phil Mendelson for the Al-Large Member

of the Council, Jeff Smith for the Ward 1 Member of the Council, Mary Cheh for

DC Muslims Endorse Vincent Gray, Democrats

By Rana KhanMuslim Link Staff Writer

The fi gures of death and devastation that came from areas affected by fl ooding in Pakistan were almost beyond comprehension. With thousands dead, millions left homeless and one fi fth of the country - most notably its agricultural land -submerged in water, the need for help was, and still is, harshly evident.

As many area community members witnessed the

harrowing images of destruction on their screens, and some felt the pain of loss directly from friends and relatives in the affected areas, a resolve to help took root in many hearts. Among them was Mariam Saadi’s, a resident of McLean,Virginia, whose mission to help started two weeks ago with a private fund-raising iftar with friends to raise money for

PG 22

The Muslim Link Coupons

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

MAS-MD Fundraises In Wake of Islamophobia | pg 4

PGMA Raises Funds for Education, Facilities| pg 8

MANA Reviving Itself in the Washington DC Area | pg 8

Germantown Wait on MoCo, Push for Funds | pg 5

Does America Have A Muslim Problem? | pg 16

Radio Show Platform for Muslim Community | pg 5

ISLAM - Expecting Good From Allah | pg 17

>> ENDORSE Pg 7

>> RELIEF Pg 11

September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 MD, VA, and DC. Metropolitan Area Monthly Newspaper | FREE

wishes you e id muba rak

Area Muslims Send Funds, Supplies for Pak Flood Releif

Talib Karim, Chairman of Muslim Democratic Caucus of DC, announces his group’s endorsement for DC mayor and other positions in front of Masjid Muhammad. Photo by Farkhunda Ali.

Volunteers in McLean, VA load boxes of donated supplies including medicines, toiletries, and dry food items onto a truck for delivery to Dulles Airport for transport to fl ood relief centers in Pakistan. Photo courtesy of Mariam Saadi.

Ramadan 24 - Shawwal 14 1431 A.H.

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MAS-MD Holds Fundraiser In Wake of Increased Islamophobia

Hiba AkhtarMuslim Link Contributing Writer

“Justice is not easy. It does not come easy. But things can be done to bring forth justice,” said keynote speaker Ibrahim Ramey during the annual fundraising dinner for the Maryland chapter of the Muslim American Society.

The event, held on Aug. 21 in the Germantown Recreation Center in Germantown, Md., titled “Standing up to Islamophobia: A Fundraiser to Promote Tolerance and Understanding”, included presentations and speeches which addressed concerns about a “rapidly decreasing” perception of Islam in the United States.

According to Ramey, Muslims today are the victims of an “orchestrated political attack” by mainstream American media. Ramey referred to the media controversy and backlash surrounding the proposed Park 51 mosque to be located blocks away from the site where the World Trade Center once stood, as evidence for his claim.

“We grieve for the loss of life on 9/11 just like we grieve for the loss of life in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Ramey, who also serves as Director for Human and Civil Rights at the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. “But what we’re seeing now is unlike anything we’ve seen before. After 9/11 President Bush called Islam a religion of peace. Today we are hearing about people shouting ‘terrorist’ outside of mosques and sisters being forced to remove their hijabs. ”

The Muslim American Society, or MAS, a national organization with local chapters throughout the country, advocates individual personal development through an Islamic curriculum focused on community service, interfaith dialogues, and youth programs. It is one of the few American Islamic organizations which also partakes in political activism. Ramey himself often serves as a guest commentator on various news programs, including Fox News and PBS.

According to MAS-MD president Marwan Oweis, the need for an organization like MAS in Maryland is

stronger now than ever.

“It’s important to stand for justice, but I think we need to instill change from our communities. We need to step back and ask ourselves how we as Muslims got to this point,” said Oweis. “Are we helping with neighborhood associations? Are we engaging in society? The outrage we Muslims are seeing now is an indication that we’re not doing enough in our communities.”

MAS-MD has taken some steps to encourage Muslims to be invested in their communities, and to provide a solid support system for Muslim youth. Currently, MAS-MD organizes an annual summer camp for teenagers and young adults, weekly Islamic lecture series, and has even started a Girl Scout Troop, Troop 3797, of which Iman Abdulmalik, 14, is a member.

“Being part of my troop encouraged me to have really high morals for myself,” said Abdulmalik, who said she volunteered to help serve food at the fundraiser because of the lessons on volunteering she learned with her troop. “We did a project

to help get clean water to needy people in Ethiopia, and that helped us get our name out there as Muslims.

“One of my favorite days was the community service day. We helped clean some neighborhoods of trash,” said another Girl Scout in attendance.

Aug. 21’s fundraiser was a success, according to MAS-MD secretary Ehab Hassan, who said the event was attended by more than twice the expected number of people. “More people means more energy,” said Hassan. “We were expecting half of the number of people who showed up, but there is barakah in everything and we had more than enough food and room for everyone.”

The event attracted newcomers like Erum Marfani, who said she had heard of MAS before but had never attended a MAS event. “I’m here tonight because I feel an obligation to support organizations which give Muslims a voice,” she said. “I still don’t know many details about MAS, but I’m hoping that my support brings a positive difference in our community.”

5September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 COMMUNITY NEWS |

Radio Host Wants Show to Be Platform for Muslim CommunityBy I. PierceMuslim Link Contributing Writer

“When you hear that sound you know Brother Hodari’s comin’ round with “Freedom Sounds!” As-Salaam Alaikum! Peace & Blessings!”

So opens a radio show here in Washington, DC hosted by community activist Hodari Abdul-Ali that is growing in popularity and is rapidly becoming a vehicle and voice for the Muslim community. “Freedom Sounds with Brother Hodari” airs each Wednesday morning from 5-8am on WPFW, 89.3 FM, a 50,000 watt radio station heard throughout the DMV (DC, Maryland , Virginia) area, as well as Baltimore, W. Virginia and live online at www.wpfw.org. It is part of the Pacifica national Network of stations based in Berkeley, California with affiliates in Los Angeles, Houston and New York.

WPFW is unique because it is a non-commercial, listener sponsored, community station. Its theme is “jazz and justice”, and features Amy Goodman’s award-winning “Democracy Now” news cast each week day morning from 8-9am.

Best described as an audio magazine, “Freedom Sounds with Brother Hodari” combines “spiritual and cultural music” with interviews and information designed to uplift and inspire the listener. Abdul-Ali has hosted the program on a regular basis since January 2007, and been affiliated with WPFW off and on for over 14 years since 1981.

A graduate of Howard University’s School of Communications, Hodari Abdul-Ali has also hosted and produced talk shows at the station over the years, including “The Voice of Freedom” and “The Struggle Continues!”

“Freedom Sounds is quite suited to the very real concerns of the listening audience and it’s my opinion that it’s very much needed. The program is delivered in a very succinct and loving manner”, said Hassan Abdul-Malik, a regular listener.

Special programming during Ramadan has increased the ratings within the Muslim community, according to several believers who have recently “discovered” the station and the show.

“I love it! Media is a passion of mine”, said Brother Hodari. “InshaAllah, it is an opportunity for dawah.” In addition to the Muslim community, “Freedom Sounds” has a broad appeal to those who love African history and culture as well. Recent guests have included Imam Talib Abdus-Samad of the Islamic Research and Humanitarian Service Center of America in Capitol Heights, MD; Attorney Talib Karim, Chairman of the Muslim Democratic Caucus of

Washington, DC; Television Producer Zarinah Shakir; Educator Salahuddeen Abdul Karim, also of Al-Mizaan organization; and Imam Tariq Najee-Ullah of Masjid Muhammad; and Preacher Moss of the “Allah Made Me Funny” comedy ensemble.

“This is a unique opportunity for our

Germantown Muslims Wait on MoCo, Push for Funds

>> PLATFORM Pg 12

Hiba AkhtarMuslim Link Contributing Writer

The Islamic Society of Germantown raised just over $53,000 at its annual fundraiser, held Aug. 28 at the Boys and Girls Club in Germantown, Md. The event, attended by some 300 people, was held to urge the developing Muslim community in Germantown to donate towards the final project- a three story masjid in the heart of the small town.

The plot for the mosque was already purchased in 2003. ISG has taken basic steps in its development, such as establishing a sewer connection, soil testing, and working closely with an architect and civil engineer for the project. The group is still waiting on final permission from the Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning, and is

in need of $1.6 million to complete the project. Before the fundraiser, ISG had collected $300,000.

According to Khalid Bannout, a member of the board of trustees, the money raised on Saturday was more than expected, and so was the turnout. “Our community is smaller, so the fundraising before was not that strong,” said Bannout. “And the attendance by so many people, not just tonight, but all of Ramadan shows that the community is growing.”

Bannout also explained that the open space it offers for daily iftars and taraweeh had increased ISG’s popularity within the Montgomery County Muslim community. ISG holds these services in the same space as was used for the fundraiser.

“I love ISG because it’s so close to my home and it’s so convenient. This is a good way for me to connect and maintain contact with my community. I really hope that we get our own facility soon, because I think it will help establish our Muslim identity here in Germantown,” said Anam Siddiqui, who often volunteers at ISG events with her family.

The keynote speaker for the event was Ahmed Al-Fadl, who branched away from traditional fundraising methods and encouraged the attendees to use their good deeds and donations during Ramadan as a way to gain closeness with the Prophet to Salallahu ‘alyhi wa sallam.

“The Sahabah got to be with the Prophet, and spend their time with him” said Al-Fadl. “We can compete with the Sahabah

to become closer to the Prophet. We have an opportunity to defend the Rasul, to defend the message of Islam, to protect its honor, and to make up our debt as Muslims. We want our share, and we can do this by investing in the masjid.”

His words seemed to have had a motivational impact on those who attended the event, as the unexpected success of the fundraiser can be summed up through the glowing reflections of Mimi Hassanein, whose husband Magdy serves as the chairman for the mosque. “Tonight was a great night,” she said, smiling. “We started eight years ago in a daycare, and now so many people are coming together to build this mosque. It gives me great hope and great honor that we have a solid community which is investing in their children and grandchildren through this masjid.”

Radio host Hodari Abdul-Ali with his son Mujahid, 14, the up and coming host and radio voice. Photo by Fitrah Muhammad.

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Faith, Families, and Fairness Guides DC Muslim Dems

Monday, August 30, 2010

I am Talib I. Karim, a health policy attorney and Chairman of the Muslim Democratic Caucus of DC. The Muslim Democratic Caucus of the District of Columbia was formed in 2008, during the historic election of President Barack Obama. As an organization, we represent the interests of the estimated 20% of DC residents who are Muslim and/or lives in a household with a Muslim. There are more than a dozen regular Muslim places of worship in the District from the oldest Islamic center, Masjid Muhammad in Ward 5 to weekly gatherings of Muslims on the campuses of nearly every University in the District including Georgetown, American, and Howard University.

According to Islamic tenants, Muslims participating in democratic elections are encouraged to reach a consensus on candidates to support and vote as a bloc. This is based upon the principle of solving our affairs through “shurah bainakum” or mutual advice and consensus. Guided by our faith, on Friday, August 20, the Muslim Democratic Caucus of DC held a candidates forum and straw poll to develop a consensus slate of candidates for the DC Democratic Primary elections. An estimated 100 or more members of the District’s Muslim community and others attended the forum including Muslim lawyers, religious leaders, physicians, taxi drivers, parents, teachers, and students.

All mayoral candidates but DC

Mayor Adrian Fenty attended the forum. This was personally disappointing as the forum was held at Howard Law School, where I met the Mayor and his wife as students. That said, after hearing from the candidates and tallying the ballots cast, DC Council Chairman Vince Gray earned 83% of the Mayoral straw poll vote, and Mayor Fenty received not even a single vote.

Now what are the reasons for this result. Only the Almighty knows for sure, but I estimate that three principals guided the vote of the Muslim community that night. First is faith. As a small community in the District, Muslims are concerned about our ability to practice our faith as we’ve been taught, whether it be our children who have found diffi culty in taking 5-10 minutes for prayer on their own time during school, Muslim women who have been told to take off their hair coverings in order to take a photo to obtain a drivers license, or Muslim men who are denied leave from work for Friday obligatory worship service. Vince Gray promised that his administration would respect our faith and that we would not have to worry about issues of religious freedom, which appears to be at the root of the controversy we see in New York City.

Next, Muslims were motivated by the desire to protect our families. We are particularly concerned with laws that make it diffi cult for fathers to take an active role in their families. As a father and founder of a social services organization, Vince Gray spoke to our community about

his understanding that families are paramount for the development of the District. We believe as Gray does, that school reform cannot succeed without reform and support of families in DC. And we look forward to working with his administration to make this a reality.

Finally, Muslims have seen in Gray, someone who we believe is fair and open to receive advice, even if it’s critical. Vince has said that in his Administration, Muslim professionals would have a fair shot at being hired for cabinet posts, agency managers, and other positions in the District government. He also suggested that all qualifi ed Muslim businesses, not just a few, would have equal access to DC contracts. Moreover, he has committed to meeting with all faith communities on a regular basis, not just during the elections. We believe that Gray is sincere, and we look forward to holding him to his word.

And if Gray like Mayor Fenty, goes astray from these commitments and turns his back on us, we plan to do the same in the next election. However, if he stays true to his commitments, then we look forward to a long and productive relationship with the man who we pray will be the next Mayor of the District of Columbia. Thank you.

--------------------------------------------

Source: Muslim Democratic Caucus of the District of Columbia. To give feedback or for more information, email [email protected].

Statement By Chairman of the Muslim Democratic Caucus of DCMuslim Democratic Caucus Offi cial Straw Poll Results: August 20, 2010

Delegate to the U.S. House of RepresentativesNorton, Eleanor H. 49%Sloan, Douglass 51%

Mayor of the District of ColumbiaAlexander, Leo 11%Brown, Sulaimon 00%Fenty, Adrian 00%Gray, Vincent 83%Johnson, Ernest 05%

Chairman of the Council Brown, Kwame R 58%Douglas, Dorothy 17%Orange, Vincent 23%

At-Large Member of the Council Brown, Michael 14%Mendelson, Phil 71%Ray, Clark 14%

Ward 1 Member of the CouncilGraham, Jim 07%Smith, Jeff 71%Weaver, Bryan 21%

Ward 3 Member of the CouncilCheh, Mary 100%

Ward 5 Member of the CouncilHunter, Delano 06%McDuffi e, Kenyan 18%Thomas Jr., Harry 75%Turner, Tracey D 00%

Ward 6 Member of the CouncilRobinson, Kelvin J. 71%Wells, Tommy 28%

U.S. Shadow RepresentativeBennett-Fleming, Nate 93%Panetta, Mike 06%

7September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 COMMUNITY NEWS |

Ward 3 Member of the Council, Harry Thomas Jr. for Ward 5 Member of the Council, and Kelvin J. Robinson for Ward 6 Member of the Council.

All of these candidates received more than fifty percent of the votes with Cheh topping the support to 100%.

“I’m happy to accept the endorsement. More people of color, poor communities, and families are under attack. The changes in Ward 1 will determine which direction DC will go,” said Jeff Smith, candidate for Ward 1 Member of the Council.

Smith pledges to make more affordable housing, support good neighborhood public schools, initiate programs supporting families, and maintain an economic and cultural diversity in the city.

The Caucus unanimously voted for Michael Brown, Councilmember

At-Large in the past. Since then, Councilmember Brown hired a Muslim in his administration.

The poll held on Friday, August 20 drew one hundred Muslims where they reached a consensus slate of candidates for the DC Democratic Primary elections. The Caucus’ members said this poll and iftar dinner was attended by all of the Democratic candidates running for

office in DC’s primary except for current Mayor Adrian Fenty.

“This was the first ever city-wide iftar attended by almost 100% elected officials seeking office,” said Talib Karim, chairman of the Caucus.

Karim said Muslims share involvement in the history making of DC. Karim called President Obama’s elections as a “historical time” where the first African American born to Muslim parents ran for the highest office in the country.

Muslims have the obligation to involve in a democratic process where the vote serves their best interest, according to Karim.

Coming to a consensus and voting in a “unified voice” are Islamic conditions shared by Caucus members.

There are substantial issues affecting the Muslims in the city. Accommodation for female taxi cab drivers and Muslim students taking one-hour leave for Friday prayers are some of the many obstacles facing the city Muslims.

Ajab Abdus-Samad, a DC taxi cab driver for more than thirty years became involved in politics to affect a change in DC Taxi laws. Abus-Samad said taxi cab drivers in DC don’t receive equal pay as other jurisdictions in MD and VA. A Muslim Imam, businessman, and supporter of Masjid Muhammad, Safir Rabb, explained that governance in Islam

promotes engagement of men, women and children in the political process.

“Believers govern their affairs through mutual participation,” said Rabb.

An estimated twenty percent of the District’s residents reside in a home with Muslims or are Muslims, according to the Caucus.

“It is important that we let all of the communities take part in the election process. Endorsement is a way of targeting what you want in a specific community,” said Franklin Garcia, reporter from the DC-Democratic State Committee.

Garcia said mainstream view of Muslims will change through participation in the political process to broaden exposure of Muslims and overcome the negative prejudices in society.

Carl Thomas, vice chairman of the Caucus said Muslims took this step to be recognized by the DC officials as a unified body. “Those who voted will be able to solicit support of political officials.”

Nationally known performing artist known to the young generation of American Muslims supports Muslims’ engagement to address the challenges facing the residents of DC.

Joshua Salaam of the Native Deen said Muslims can show what they can offer to society to solve “tangible social and economic problems” in many ways.

“Through political process, people will see the benefits of Islam and Islamic activism,” said Salaam.

Supporters of the idea of increased participation of Muslims in the political process came from various regions of the US.

The director of special events of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Imam F. Qasim Ibn Ali Khan stated that Muslims need to get involved in order to improve human quality.

“We are compelled to inject morality into politics. Our society will deteriorate if we don’t insert the values our parents and other rightly guided people have held,” added Imam Khan.

The caucus will make their endorsement matter through aggressive and intense undertaking, said Amin Muslim, secretary of the Caucus. Until the day of elections on September 14th, Caucus members and volunteers will be involved in phone banking, door-to-door personal visits, and public awareness.

The MDC-DC was formed in 2008 with the support of DC Democrat State Committee during President’s Obama’s elections. The Caucus advocates Muslims participating in democratic elections through a process of consensus of the Muslims. The organization aligns itself with candidates who share values important for the improvement of Americans, including the interests of the Muslims.

ENDORSE>> continued from pg 1

Carl Thomas, vice chairman of the Caucus said Muslims took this step to be recognized by the DC officials as a unified body. “Those who voted will be able to solicit support of political officials.”

Ajab Abdus-Samad, a DC taxi cab driver for more than thirty years became involved in politics to affect a change in DC Taxi laws. Abus-Samad said taxi cab drivers in DC don’t receive equal pay as other jurisdictions in MD and VA.

September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 8 | COMMUNITY NEWS

PGMA Raises Funds for Education, FacilitiesAzam IkramullahMslim Link Contributing Writer

On August 21st, the Prince George’s Muslim Association (PGMA) held its annual Ramadan iftar fundraising event at Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD. Speakers included Ahmed Kobeisy, Abd Al-Baasit Khan and Abdul Malik from the organization Islam on Capitol Hill. Donations from the fundraiser would be used to fund projects such as the ghusl facility, new building construction and basic masjid operations.

The attitude of organizers and attendees at the dinner was one of hope and vigor. PGMA board member Mujib Haque stated at the beginning of the event that, “this is your center. If you want it to grow, we need you. You know what to do.” Even the children got involved. Abdul Malik used them as his ‘emissaries’ and sent them throughout the crowd to get donations; though, their energy may have more to do with Malik’s 100-dollar prize for the youth who brought in the most donations.

Abdul Malik’s powerful language and unique techniques helped garner in almost 70,000 dollars in donations Muslim Link learned in an interview

with Mujib Haque. His rhetoric broke the sedentary attitude common in fundraising events. Statements such as, “Muslims have deep pockets, but short arms,” and, “Money ain’t nothing but paper with ink on it” helped attendees to tear down any barriers they had to donating for the sake of Allah.

Dedicated community member Abd Al-Baasit Khan spoke to the importance of having a full-time Islamic school for children. Khan explained that if parents spend countless hours and thousands of dollars taking care of their children’s worldly affairs, how much more important is it to take care of their affairs for the hereafter. And by sending children to Islamic schools, it will not only prepare them for their working life but also for their responsibilities to Allah and his religion.

Imam of PGMA, Ahmed Kobeisy, also spoke at the event and extrapolated on the many benefits the masjid provides to its community members. Kobeisy stated that Islamic centers in the United States are functioning and providing, “everything an Islamic state provides,” from education to social welfare to interfaith dialogue. And Kobeisy was very clear that, in some situations,

Islamic centers in America have more freedoms than Islamic organizations in other countries, including some Muslim nations.

Muslim Link was able to speak with Mujib Haque after the event in order to garner more information about any funds received. With 300 to 350 people in attendance, PGMA received 70,000 dollars split evenly between pledges and

cash donations. Haque explained that the first priority in distributing funds will be towards the full-time school and hifdh program. After that, the next priority will be the new masjid construction and gymnasium. After asking Haque if he had anything else he wanted to add, he simply said, “This was not just a fundraiser, but a chance for the community to get together.”

MANA Reviving Itself In the Washington DC AreaBy Hodari Abdul-AliChair, Social Justice Task Force, MANA

A flurry of recent activities has signaled a revitalization of MANA, the Muslim Alliance in North America, in the Washington, DC area. These include participating in the “Reclaim the Dream” March and Rally led by Rev. Al Sharpton on August 28; moderating the Muslim Democratic Caucus of Washington, DC candidates forum at Howard University Law School August 20; meeting Rashad Hussain, the White House Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference at iftars on August 24 & August 19; and facilitating a historic broadcast on Muslim Issues on WPFW 89.3FM in Washington, DC.

Recently, the top two MANA

representatives in the Washington area resigned from their positions for different and unspecified reasons. Both Howard University Professor Dr. Altaf Hussein and Dar Al Hijrah Outreach Coordinator Imam Johari Abdul-Malik are no longer representing MANA. Both resigned months ago from the Diwan, MANA’s executive body. ADD: Both resigned for personal reasons and most importantly, both maintain friendly relations with MANA.

MANA is determined to continue to play an active role in enhancing our community both locally and around the country. Amir Siraj Wahhaj continues to lead workshops around the country and aid in fundraisers to help those in need and help masajid build and expand. One such effort was the “Emergency

Fundraising Banquet” on August 20 to help Islamic Relief USA assist the people in Pakistan.

MANA’s Director of Special Events, Imam Qasim ibn Ali Khan held a successful meeting last week with the two remaining local members of the organization’s Shura council. Joshua Salaam, Youth Coordinator at ADAMS and member of the group Native Deen; and this writer, who has responsibilities that include Executive Director of Give Peace A Chance Coalition and Host of Freedom Sounds on WPFW, 89.3 FM, both committed ourselves to reaching out more to interested brothers and sisters in the “DMV “(DC, Maryland, Virginia) area who share a common vision of giving priority attention to those with greater needs in our ummah, particularly

among the indigenous Muslims.

MANA was represented among the thousands who came across the country to Dunbar High School in Washington, DC August 28 to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the historic March on Washington when Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. GPAC Outreach Coordinator Fitrah Muhammad and Media Producer Zarinah Shakir were among many others affiliated with MANA that attended the rally, marched to the King Memorial and networked with key organizers of the event. Although no Muslims were invited to speak at the rally, groundwork for this

>> MANA Pg 12

The evening’s fundraiser at the PGMA event, Abdul Malik, gathers his young fundraisers in-training before sending them out to collect cash and checks from the crowd. Photo by the author.

9September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 COMMUNITY NEWS |

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The Passing of the Father of Dr. Ali Al-Timimi“To Allah we belong and to Him we return” (inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’oon)

Mr. Mahdi Mutalq Al Timimi, a beloved father of Dr. Ali Al Timimi, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at his home in Washington, D.C. after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease. He was 86 years old. The Janazah prayer was held on Sunday, August 8 at Dar Al Hijrah Mosque in Falls Church and was attended by a large group of Muslims in the community.

Mr. Al Timimi was born in Southern Iraq in 1924. He grew up in Iraq and graduated from the University of Baghdad with a degree in Law. In the 1950s, he emigrated to the United States. He worked at the Iraqi Embassy as an Academic Advisor. He also took a position at Georgetown University as an Arabic instructor. At his leisure, he attended the George Washington University and obtained a Master’s Degree in International Law.

In 1978 he moved with his family to Saudi Arabia so that his children could learn Arabic and Islam. There, he held many positions, he served as a Legal Advisor to HRH Prince Talal bin Abdul Aziz. Then he obtained a legal post in the Ministry of Transportation. He was well known among colleagues and friends for his sincerity, accuracy and seriousness in his work. He retired in 1995 and moved back to the U.S.Mr. Al Timimi was a great husband and father. He was loving, caring, and dedicated to his family. He was religious and highly educated especially in Islamic law and history. He loved to read the Quraan and fast. He had a passion in writing. He wrote a book titled “Children Under Islamic Law” that hopefully will be published soon.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Dr. Sahera Al Timimi, two sons, Ali and Zaid, and a daughter in law Ziyana.

Please do not forget him in your dua’ during the holy month of Ramadhan.

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11September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 COMMUNITY NEWS |

flood victims. Feeling the obligation to do more, Saadi initiated a drive in her area to collect aid for the victims and have this shipped to Pakistan via its national carrier, PIA (Pakistan International Airlines), taking advantage of the airlines’ offer to ship aid cargo free of charge in all its passenger planes flying between the USA and Pakistan.

“The interest in this has been phenomenal,” says Saadi. “My husband and I were going around round the clock collecting donations. The response has been phenomenal - within mosques, companies and the local community. I was personally approached by several churches when they found out about this. I had people from all walks of life, including presidents of banks, stopping by to give donations. The masajid have been very receptive to this.”

This drive turned into a movement to mobilize aid, spreading quickly in the D.C, Maryland and Northern Virginia areas, with many area organizations taking the lead to initiate this effort within their communities.

Saadi says she has collected 750 boxes to date, with 80% of the donations being food items, and the next biggest donations being clothing items. She says she has received donations from “all over Northern Virginia and Maryland.”

“We have been in touch with people on the ground (in Pakistan) and food is absolutely necessary,” says Saadi, who has been regularly delivering truck-loads of aid to JFK International airport

in New York so it can be shipped by PIA to airports in Karachi and Lahore, from where the aid is handed to either the Pakistan Army or any other registered Non-Government Organizations (NGO) selected by the sender to handle distribution to the affected population.

Saadi has chosen to have her aid handled by the National Disaster Management Agency in Pakistan. “I have a tracking number that tracks my load, “ she says. “Tomorrow the cargo will reach Lahore, “ she says about cargo she had delivered to JFK the day before. “From there it will be sent via trucks to Karachi and then to the affected areas.”

Saadi says the generosity and enthusiasm of the people have been touching and inspirational for her and have motivated her to continue with her efforts.

Rida Sohail, Fund-raising Coordinator at FAITH (Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help) and long time volunteer with the ADAMS (All Dulles Area Muslim Society) community, has been mobilizing aid efforts at ADAMS. Sohail says collections have been ongoing for a week, and it is anticipated that the ADAMS Youth Group, consisting of approximately 40

volunteers, will assist in repackaging the donations into the recommended size of boxes on Sunday, September 5, 2010,for shipment. The distribution of this aid will be handled by Fakhr-e-Alam’s (a prominent figure in Pakistan widely respected for his dedicated relief efforts in the 2005 earthquake) group. Sohail says she is expecting at least 200 boxes of donations.

Ayesha Qadeer, a recent graduate

from the University of Maryland and a volunteer at ICM (Islamic Center of Maryland), has been playing an active role in organizing and facilitating relief efforts in the ICM community through research and communications. Qadeer and about 15 other volunteers meet almost daily to discuss progress, after “Taraweeh” at ICM’s Shady Grove prayer location.

Qadeer says ICM started raising funds when the floods in Pakistan started escalating. They collected approximately $18,000 during an unofficial fund-raiser, and this amount was donated to the Eidhi Foundation. According to Qadeer, ICM’s official fund-raiser and donation drive started on August 21, 2010, and, to date, $96,000 has been collected in monetary donations. Qadeer says ICM plans to distribute $20K each between Islamic Relief, Eidhi Foundation and Helping Hands, and a further $5K to Sahara Foundation. Qadeer says ICM hopes to use some portion of the funds in a more direct and innovative manner to provide long-term assistance to the flood victims, like perhaps helping with water purification methods.

To facilitate transportation of boxed donations, ICM reached out to Sun Charity USA, a non-profit organization that was sending chartered planes to Pakistan from JFK airport. SunCharity agreed to pick up all the donations from ICM and transport them to JFK airport. Qadeer said that the donations are taken from ICM to the charity’s warehouse in Springfield, Virgina. There, the boxes are marked according to the district in

Pakistan’s affected areas where they will be delivered, before being transported to New York. To date, ICM has collected more than 100 boxes, consisting of items such as anti-bacterial soap, granola bars, tylenol, anti-rash and anti-diarrhea medications, along with family food packs.

Qadeer says one of the challenges faced by the volunteers was organizing the donations into appropriate boxes. It was vital that the boxes were well labeled with the exact contents otherwise “logistically it would be a nightmare if they do not know what is in the boxes”, explains Qadeer. Box size specifications, as recommended by PIA, are 15x15x12 inches, as this provides for the optimal usage of cargo space within the aircraft and also allows for easy transportation and handling.

Tahira Hussain, a human rights activist, lawyer and NGO representative to the U.N., based in Columbia, Maryland, has also been actively collecting donations. She says she has encountered a very enthusiastic response from many people, specifically the South Asian and Korean communities.

“The response (to the appeal) from here has been overwhelming,” says Hussain. She has delivered aid to volunteers in Maryland who drive it up to JFK and plans to continue working on this effort. Hussain says that, unlike the relief efforts during the 2005 earthquake, this drive has

RELIEF>> continued from pg 1

“The interest in this has been phenomenal,” says Saadi. “My husband and I were going around round the clock collecting donations. The response has been phenomenal - within mosques, companies and the local community. I was personally approached by several churches when they found out about this. I had people from all walks of life, including presidents of banks, stopping by to give donations. The masajid have been very receptive to this.”

>> RELIEF II Pg 12

September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 12 |

been much more organized and efficient. “This time, the checks and balances have been better,” says Hussain “In the 2005 relief effort, people (in Pakistan)

got stuff for the relief fund and started selling it. A lot of stuff didn’t get to the right people.” Hussain has selected the Eidhi Foundation, Fakhr-e-Alam and the Pakistani Army to handle distribution of the aid she sends.

Nadeem Kiani, Spokesman for the

Pakistan Embassy in Washington, D.C. is appealing to the area community to continue giving to help alleviate the suffering. “Most of the affected are people who are already very poor,” says Kiani. “Their crops were damaged by the floods and their seeds were drowned. The assets of a farmer are crops of the

season, the seeds he has saved from last year and his livestock. All three (of these) have been affected. They need help with their next crop for survival. There is also danger of water-borne diseases like dysentery, malaria and others. At this point, Pakistan needs help from Muslims and the International community.”

Muslim Community” to network even more with each other, and more importantly, with the broader community in general”, said Brother Hodari, who also serves as the Chair of the Social Justice Task Force of MANA, the Muslim Alliance in North America.

“When the listeners in the [DC region] hear Muslim voices that are articulate and intelligent, that is dawah right there,” he added. “And when we engage even more with others on social issues that we agree upon, everybody wins.”

Brother Hodari was excited when he spoke of a special one hour talk show he hosted for the station August 27 on

“Muslim Issues in the U.S.” that gave voice to activists such as Mahdi Bray, Dr. Kaukab Siddique, Enver Masud and Khalid Abdus-Samad. “I can’t think of any other show that would have had such strong and varied perspectives on at the same time”, he said. “Alhamdulilah, we got a lot of positive feedback, and InshaAllah will be able to do more such programs in the future”.

When asked about future plans for the show and the station, Brother Hodari said that he projects doing more in the public affairs side and being able to work more closely with other Muslim media such as The Muslim Link, and area organizations such as the Coordinating Council of Muslim Organizations. “The potential for doing dawah is great” he said with a smile.

PLATFORM>> continued from pg 5

Pak Officers Cancel Trip After Humiliation at Dulles AirportBy Anwar IqbalDAWN News ServiceSeptember 1, 2010 WASHINGTON: A Pakistani military delegation became the latest victim of the paranoia permeating US airports on Monday night, when US security officials detained a brigadier at Washington’s Dulles airport on a complaint by a passenger who said he did not feel safe sharing the flight with the delegation.

The brigadier was removed from the United Airlines flight, and others in this eight-member delegation were also detained after they disembarked. They were later released.

The dispute became a major diplomatic row as the delegation, offended by this

treatment, decided to cancel an important meeting at the headquarters of the US Central Command in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, and return home.

By the time the US Department of Defence apologised to the delegation, their leader, a two-star naval officer, had already informed Islamabad where officials approved his decision to return home on Tuesday night.

The delegation included senior officials from all three services, the army, the navy and the air force.

Dawn contacted the US Transport Security Administration, whose officials had detained the brigadier, and the Department of Homeland Security but failed to get a response.

Mathew Chandler, a DHS spokesman, and Lauren Gaches of TSA, however, asked Dawn to contact the airline.

United Airlines officials, however, told the US media that the brigadier, whose name was not disclosed, had misbehaved with a stewardess and told her that “this would be her last mission”.

Information collected by Dawn showed that the incident that led to the cancellation of the meeting happened at Washington’s Dulles airport on Monday night when a passenger on the flight to Tampa complained that a Pakistani brigadier, while talking to his colleagues, had made remarks that he found threatening.

Officials of the airline informed the Transport Security Administration who detained the brigadier and later other officials as well.

A Pakistani official, when asked to comment on the airline’s claim, said: “This is a delegation of senior officials, led by a two-star officer, not unit captains and majors. Such responsible officers do not indulge in such behaviour.”

Information collected by Dawn also confirmed the Pakistani claim as the plane was delayed for 40 minutes before the airline’s mentioned the alleged altercation between the brigadier and the

COMMUNITY NEWS

v

RELIEF II>> continued from pg 11

was laid for future programs. Flyers were disseminated at the event encouraging Muslims to become more involved in events like this so we will have more allies for our concerns and because it is the right thing to do.

MANA was also well represented at the historic Muslim Democratic Caucus (MDC) of DC forum held recently at Howard University Law. The writer was invited by MDC Chair Talib Karim to moderate the forum, and MANA made valuable contacts with local politicians and Muslim activists. A personal highlight was warmly meeting and greeting DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray, who received the MDC

endorsement for Mayor of Washington, DC in the upcoming September primary election.

On August 27 a special broadcast on “Muslim Issues in the US” was aired on WPFW, 89.3 FM. MANA was represented both by this writer and Khalid Abdus-Samad of the International Council for Urban Peace, Justice & Empowerment. Enver Masud of The

Wisdom Fund; Mahdi Bray of MAS Freedom; and Dr. Kaukab Siddique of New Trend Magazine spoke forcefully as well.

On September 25 MANA has scheduled a program at ADAMS focused on healing Muslim families. Speakers include MANA Deputy Amir Imam Talib Abdur Rashid; Imam Qasim Ahmed and Imam Qasim ibn Ali Khan.

MANA>> continued from pg 8

>> TSA Pg 21

13September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010

World Press

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The ideal candidates are committed Muslims who have a penchant for good writing, are involved in community work, have a strong work ethic, and believe in establishing Muslim media.

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U.S. : Rabbi’s ‘Offensive’ Remarks Harm Peace EffortsU.S. State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley condemns Rabbi Ovadia Yosef’s ‘inflammatory’ statement that all Palestinians should perishBy Natasha Mozgovaya and Haaretz ServiceAugust 30, 2010

The United States on Sunday condemned remarks by the spiritual leader of Israel’s leading ultra-Orthodox party, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who said the Palestinians should “perish”.

“We regret and condemn the inflammatory statements by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef,” U.S. State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley. “These remarks are not only deeply offensive, but incitement such as this hurts the cause of peace.”

“As we move forward to relaunch peace negotiations, it is important that actions by people on all sides help to advance our effort, not hinder it.”

Yosef had said during his weekly Shabbat sermon that the Palestinians, namely Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, should perish from the world. Yosef, a founder of the Shas Party, also described Palestinians as evil, bitter enemies of Israel.

“All these evil people should perish from

this world ... God should strike them with a plague, them and these Palestinians,” Yosef had said.

The 89-year-old is a respected religious scholar but is also known for vitriolic comments about Arabs, secular Jews, liberals, women and gays, among others.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Monday also condemned Rabbi Yosef’s comments as “offensive and incendiary,” cautioning that his words “contribute to a potentially dangerous environment of intolerance and hatred.”

“Particularly on the eve of renewed peace talks, and on the eve of the Jewish New Year, one would have hoped that Rav Yosef could have inspired his students and followers with a message of hope, humility, repentance and forgiveness,” said a statement from ADL chief Abraham Foxman.

“These comments do not exist in a vacuum – such incendiary expressions contribute to a potentially dangerous environment of intolerance and hatred.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday distanced himself from Yosef’s remarks, but stopped short of a condemnation.

“Rabbi Ovadia Yosef’s remarks do not reflect Netanyahu’s views, nor do they reflect the stance of the Israeli government,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

“Israel plans to take part in peace negotiations out of a desire to advance toward a peace agreement with the Palestinians that will end the conflict and ensure peace, security and good neighborly relations between the two peoples,” the statement continued.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat slammed Yosef’s remarks, saying they were paramount to incitement to genocide. Erekat called on the Israeli government to denounce the remarks by Israel’s former chief rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and to take action against racist remarks

by other elected officials.

“We are very disappointed. It comes from the spiritual leader representing large party in the coalition, large segment of the Israeli society. When he makes such incitement against our leadership and the Palestinian people – he is actually telling thousands of his followers to harm the Palestinian people,” Erekat said.

“People in Israel whine about Palestinian incitement after sermon in some isolated mosque at the West Bank – and when someone like Ovadia Yossef says something – the Prime Minister doesn’t even have a decency to say: “I am opposed to it, I condemn it.” Erekat continued.

“Internal politics for the Israeli leaders today is more important than even their own principles. It‘s an example of the Israeli official incitement. Unfortunately, it didn’t get the condemnation from the Israeli leadership it deserved,” Erekat added.

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September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 16 | ISLAM

Civil RightsCivil RightsCivil RightsDoes America Have a Muslim Problem?By Bobby Ghosh / Dearborn, Mich.Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010

You don’t have to be prejudiced against Islam to believe, as many Americans do, that the area around Ground Zero is a sacred place. But sadly, in an election season, such sentiments have been stoked into a political issue. As the debate has grown more heated, Park51, as the proposed Muslim cultural center and mosque two blocks from Ground Zero is called, has become a litmus test for everything from private-property rights to religious tolerance. But it is plain that many of Park51’s opponents are motivated by deep-seated Islamophobia.

The proposed site is close not just to Ground Zero; it’s also a stone’s throw from strip clubs, liquor stores and other establishments typical of lower Manhattan. Muslims have been praying in the building for nearly a year, a fact that has got lost in the noise of the protests. But since early August, it has been the scene of frequent demonstrations, with signs saying things such as “All I Need to Know About Islam, I Learned on 9/11.” The husband-and-wife team behind Park51, Imam Feisal Rauf and Daisy Khan, seem stunned into paralysis: while opponents cast them as extremists sympathetic to al-Qaeda, they have given very few interviews themselves. Pressure is mounting on the couple to move their center to a less polarizing location. (See TIME’s photo-essay “Muslim in America.”)

The controversy has also brought new scrutiny to other examples of anti-Islam and anti-Muslim protests,

raising much larger questions: Does America have a problem with Islam? Have the terrorist attacks of 9/11 — and other attempts since —

permanently excluded Muslims from full assimilation into American life?

Although the American strain of

Islamophobia lacks some of the traditional elements of religious persecution — there’s no sign that violence against Muslims is on the rise, for instance — there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that hate speech against Muslims and Islam is growing both more widespread and more heated. Meanwhile, a new TIME–Abt SRBI poll found that 46% of Americans believe Islam is more likely than other faiths to encourage violence against nonbelievers. Only 37% know a Muslim American. Overall, 61% oppose the Park51 project, while just 26% are in favor of it. Just 23% say it would be a symbol of religious tolerance, while 44% say it would be an insult to those who died on 9/11. (See “Why the GOP Should Avoid the Mosque Issue.”)

Islamophobia in the U.S. doesn’t approach levels seen in other countries where Muslims are in a minority. But to be a Muslim in America now is to endure slings and arrows against your faith — not just in the schoolyard and the office but also outside your place of worship and in the public square, where some of the country’s most powerful mainstream religious and political leaders unthinkingly (or worse, deliberately) conflate Islam with terrorism and savagery. In France and Britain, politicians from fringe parties say appalling things about Muslims, but there’s no one in Europe of the stature of a former House Speaker who would, as Newt Gingrich did, equate Islam with Nazism.

This is an abridged version of an article that appears in the Aug. 30, 2010, print and iPad editions of TIME magazine.

46% of Americans believe Islam is more likely than other faiths to encourage violence against nonbelievers. Only 37% know a Muslim American.

17September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010 ISLAM |

IslamEat and Drink, But Be Not

ExcessiveBy Sheikh Muhammad al-Hamad

Allah says: “O children of Adam, take your adornment to every mosque. Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” [Sûrah al-A`râf: 31]

There are a number of etiquettes related to fasting. One of these is for the fasting person to be moderate in his eating and drinking during the nights of the fast.

Alas, we see that some people – indeed most people – turn the month of Ramadan into an annual season for exuberant table spreads filled with copious amounts of exotic foods. They go out of bounds, exhibiting every possible manner of excess. You see them going out to the markets to spend dearly on culinary delights that they would almost never think to purchase at any other time of the year.

The result of this behavior is that a lot of money gets wasted and a lot of people fall ill on account of overeating. Even worse, people find themselves too sluggish and tired after gorging themselves to engage in worship. We should also think about the valuable time in Ramadan that gets wasted shopping in the markets and preparing all that fancy food, much of which ends up in the trash bin.

The exhaustive culinary preparations for Ramadan that most Muslims engage in are contrary to Allah’s orders and contradict the true spirit of Ramadan. They are also unhealthy and uneconomical.

If these people would only conduct themselves appropriately, in accordance with the manners taught by Islam, and eat the foods that they usually eat, they could spend the extra money in charity, as they are supposed to do in Ramadan. They could feed the poor, the needy, and the orphan. They could give those who

find themselves in restricted means a chance to break their fasts on something nice as well.

Almost every affluent person who spends lavishly on his Ramadan menu has some poor neighbors. These neighbors have the greatest right to his charity. If some affluent person has no poor neighbors, then there are still many other avenues open to him.

If the squanderers on fancy food and drink would do this instead, they would add to their fasts another noble way of drawing

closer to Allah, which is to do good to those who are in need. This would have a great affect on society. It would bring the hearts of the people closer together in this blessed month. Everyone would feel that this is indeed the month of goodness, mercy, and brotherhood.

We should also consider the consequences of indulging all of our appetites. It leads only to misery and sickness. Sometimes a doctor imposes upon his patient a

Expecting Good from AllahBy Sheikh Yûsuf b Ali al-Tarîf

Having bad expectations about Allah… What does this mean? In broadest terms, it means to entertain any thought that Allah will act in a way that is inappropriate to His majesty.

For instance, a person might say to himself: : “If I ask Allah to forgive me, He will not do so.” or: “If I call upon Allah to help me, He will not do so.”

The same can be said for any suspicion about Allah that contradicts our belief

that He is All-Powerful, Most Generous, and Most Merciful.

The Qur’ân provides us with examples of those who had bad expectations about their Lord. For instance, Allah tells us about the disbelievers of Mecca who went up to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and argued that if they accepted the faith, they would endanger the strong position of Mecca as well as their personal status and property.

It sayd in the Qur’ân: “And they say: ‘If we follow the guidance with you (O

Muhammad), we shall be carried off from our country.’ What! Have We not established for them a sure sanctuary, whereunto the produce of all things is brought (in trade), a provision from Our presence? But most of them do not know.” [Sûrah al-Qasas: 57]

These were people of Mecca were afraid that tribes of Arabia would turn against

them if they abandoned their idols and turned to the worship of the one true God. They worried they would lose their prestige they enjoyed among the Arabs by being the caretakers of the Ka`bah and the idols, and feared that the various Arab tribes would fight them instead.

Indeed, harboring bad expectations of Allah can lead a person to unbelief, especially of the bad thoughts cause the person to deny Allah’s greatness and perfection.

>> EXCESSIVE Pg 18

>> GOOD Pg 18

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specific dietary regimen to allow the body to rest, to cleanse and reinvigorate itself, and to restore its inner balance. It is a regimen for health.

This, in fact, is one of the obvious wisdoms of our fasting. How can we turn this upon its head and make Ramadan into an occasion for eating more and more?

Allah says: “Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” [Sûrah al-A`râf: 31]

Some scholars have commented on this verse, saying: “Allah has gathered together all of medicine in this verse.”

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The child of Adam fills no vessel worse than his stomach. Sufficient for the child of Adam are a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then a third should be for his food, a third for his drink, and a third left for air.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2380) and Musnad Ahmad (17186) and authenticated by al-Albânî in Sahîh al-Jâmi`]

No sensible person can be heedless of the negative consequences that overindulgence in food and drink has for our religious and worldly lives. These consequences go far above and beyond what we have already mentioned.

Overeating dulls the intellect and impairs our thought processes. It leads to indolence. It hardens our hearts and inspires our basest passions and desires, giving Satan a chance to take over.

Ibn Taymiyah writes: It is established that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, Satan runs in the son of Adam in the way that blood circulates.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî]

There is no doubt that blood is born of what we eat and drink Therefore, when we eat and drink, we broaden the avenues for Satan. This is why it has been said: “Constrict his avenues with hunger.”

When Satan’s paths are hindered, the heart is inspired to do the good deeds that open the doors of Paradise. It finds it easy to abandon the sins that open the doors of Hell.

In Ramadan, the devils are chained and their strength and power is diminished. They cannot achieve in Ramadan what they are capable of achieving at other times of the year. However, we cannot say that the devils have died or have been slain. They have merely been chained. A chained devil can still get up to some mischief, but not as much as usual. The power of these devils is diminished according to how completely we observe our fasts. A person whose fasts are observed in the best, most complete possible manner repels the power of Satan far more than a person whose fasts are deficient.

There is a clear correlation between abstinence from food and drink and this other ruling that is founded on it.

Luqmân said to his son: “O my son! If the stomach is full, one’s mental processes go to sleep, one’s wisdom is dulled, and one’s limbs refrain from worship.”

`Umar observed: “Whoever eats a lot finds no pleasure in the remembrance of Allah.”

`Umar also said: “If you have a paunch, then consider yourself chronically ill.”

Ibn al-Qayyim writes: Overeating leads to all sorts of evil consequences. It quickens the limbs towards disobedience while making them lazy to work righteousness. These two consequences are sufficient to show just how bad it is. How many are the sins that have come about as a result of satiation and overeating. How many are the good deeds that have failed to materialize on account of it. Whoever safeguards himself from the evil of his stomach has indeed saved himself from a great evil. Satan has his greatest influence over a person with a full stomach…

If the only consequence of a full stomach were that it leads to neglecting Allah’s remembrance, then know that the heart’s heedlessness of Allah’s remembrance for but an hour is opportunity enough for Satan to beset it with promises, false desires, cravings, and every manner of discontent. When a soul is satiated, it becomes restless and goes about seeking opportunities for indulgence. When it is

hungry, it becomes tranquil and shows humility and submissiveness.

Those who go to great lengths in seeking their culinary pleasures actually find food less delicious than those who restrain themselves.

Ibn Taymiyah writes: Those who show moderation in eating find greater pleasure in their food than those who overindulge. When they become addicted and habituated to their indulgence, they find no great pleasure in it anymore, though they might suffer for want of it when they do not have it and endure ill health because of it.

I address my esteemed brothers and sisters who are fasting and say: With the situation being as we have described it, why do we not make this month of ours an opportunity to moderate our eating habits? Our inner selves are always probing, never content with a mere modicum of pleasure. If we exert our efforts to get our inner selves under control, then they can learn self-restraint and we can rein in their passions and their incessant pursuit of pleasure. Otherwise, if we choose to go forward in this pursuit and give in to our every whim and fancy, it will lead us to our ruin.

Allah says: “O children of Adam, take your adornment to every mosque. Eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” [Sûrah al-A`râf: 31]

This shows their bad expectations of Allah. They expected that Allah would not protect His religion and assist those who uphold it. In spite or recognizing the truth in Islam’s message, they thought that falsehood would prevail.

We find another good example of someone expecting bad about Allah in the Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man once said: “Allah will not forgive so-and-so.” As a consequence, Allah said: “Who is this who presumes to exceed My authority by declaring that I will not forgive someone? Indeed, I have forgiven that person and brought your deeds to naught.” [Sahîh Muslim (4753)]

To presume of Allah such a presumption is to place oneself in a position of godly authority, deciding who is to be forgiven and who is not. This is a great misapprehension about Allah, above and beyond the bad expectation it implies regarding Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

It is a sin to think badly of Allah. Such

is the manner of the worst unbelievers. Indeed, harboring bad expectations of Allah can lead a person to unbelief, especially of the bad thoughts cause the person to deny Allah’s greatness and perfection.-------------------------

Source: islamtoday.net

EXCESSIVE>> continued from pg 17

GOOD>> continued from pg 17

19September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010

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Salaah times for September 3rd - September 23rd, 2010Day Date Hijri Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib Isha

Wed 1 22/9 5:22 6:36 1:09 4:48 7:39 8:55 Thu 2 23/9 5:23 6:37 1:08 4:47 7:37 8:53 Fri 3 24/9 5:24 6:38 1:08 4:46 7:36 8:52 Sat 4 25/9 5:25 6:39 1:08 4:46 7:34 8:50 Sun 5 26/9 5:26 6:40 1:07 4:45 7:33 8:48 Mon 6 27/9 5:27 6:41 1:07 4:44 7:31 8:47 Tue 7 28/9 5:28 6:42 1:07 4:43 7:30 8:45 Wed 8 29/9 5:29 6:43 1:06 4:42 7:28 8:43 Thu 9 30/9 5:30 6:44 1:06 4:41 7:27 8:41 Fri 10 1/10 5:31 6:44 1:06 4:40 7:25 8:40 Sat 11 2/10 5:33 6:45 1:05 4:39 7:23 8:38 Sun 12 3/10 5:34 6:46 1:05 4:38 7:22 8:36 Mon 13 4/10 5:35 6:47 1:04 4:37 7:20 8:34 Tue 14 5/10 5:36 6:48 1:04 4:36 7:19 8:33 Wed 15 6/10 5:37 6:49 1:04 4:35 7:17 8:31 Thu 16 7/10 5:38 6:50 1:03 4:34 7:15 8:29 Fri 17 8/10 5:39 6:51 1:03 4:33 7:14 8:27 Sat 18 9/10 5:40 6:52 1:03 4:32 7:12 8:26 Sun 19 10/10 5:41 6:53 1:02 4:31 7:10 8:24 Mon 20 11/10 5:42 6:53 1:02 4:29 7:09 8:22 Tue 21 12/10 5:43 6:54 1:02 4:28 7:07 8:21 Wed 22 13/10 5:44 6:55 1:01 4:27 7:06 8:19 Thu 23 14/10 5:45 6:56 1:01 4:26 7:04 8:17

Prayer times generated from www.islamicfi nder.com for the WASHINGTON, DC area.

If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it fi ve times a day, do you think he would have any fi lth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then said, “That is like the fi ve daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.”

---Hadith in Sahih al Bukhari and Muslim

SALAH TIMES

September 3rd - September 23rd , 201020 |

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Request For Dua’sRequest For Dua’s{ To A l lah We Be long , and to Him i s Our Return }

“Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and good, and to Us

you will be returned.” (Surah Al-Anbiya:35)”

Upcoming Events In Your Area

Montgomery County Muslim Foundation Iftar Dinner Friday, September 03 2010, 6:30pm - 9:30pmMontgomery County Muslim Foundation invites you to an Iftar Dinner. The cost: individuals $25, families $100. Please invite your friends and family. We can only have 120 people at Potomac Community Center. So it would be fi rst come fi rst served. Do reserve your table early so as not to miss out in this unique event of connecting Seniors/Young ones. Location: Potomac Community Center Contact: 301-760-7447; 301-610-002---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Masjid Al-Rahmah Ramadan Community Program & IftarSaturday, September 04 2010Please mark your calendar for the Ramadan Community Program & Iftar event! Our special guest for the evening is the former President of the Islamic Circle of North America Zulfi qar Ali Shah. Join us for an evening of Iftar, Salat-ul-Maghrib, Dinner, Fund Raising, Salat-ul-Isha’, Taraveeh, Qiyam and special prayers together, insha’Allah. Please bring your family and friends and take part in the bounties of the blessed month of Ramadan together with your fellow community members. We encourage the community to please not schedule any other program on that date, and join the community at ISB / Masjid Al-Rahmah, Insha’Allah. Location: ISB - 6631 Johnnycake Road, Baltimore, MD 21244 Contact: Tel: 410.747.4869; Email: [email protected] ; Web: www.isb.org---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PGMA Workshop on Islamic WillsSaturday, September 04 2010, 2:00pm - 5:00pmDistribution of your estate, no matter how small or big, according to Shari’ah rules is part of the redistributive justice system in Islam - make sure you understand the rules! Plan to attend a workshop on Islamic Wills with Dr. Ahmed Kobeisy, Imam. From what is left by parents and those nearest related-there is a share for men and a share for women; whether the property be large or small. A share made fardh (compulsory). (Qur’an: Surah Al Nisa 4:7). While all are welcomed and encouraged to attend at no charge, only those who pre-register will have an information packet available on the day of the workshop. Please complete and returned the registration form to PGMA by Thursday, September 2nd. For directions or other information, visit us on-line at www.pgmamd.org. Location: Prince George’s Muslim Association (PGMA) is located at 9150 Lanham Severn Road in Lanham, Maryland Contact: Contact us by phone at (301) 459-4942, ext. 114 or 115 (Imam Kobeisy, ext. 111)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MCC Special Iftar Program: Second Dinner September 7thTuesday, September 07 2010, 6:00pm - 9:00pmThe Muslim Community Center (MCC) celebrates the High Holy Month of Ramadan with daily Iftar Dinners. Members of MCC are cordially invited to share in a second special Iftar Dinner with Teachers, Educators, and Members of Montgomery County Board of Education. Directions: go to http://mccmd.org. Click on “Directions” in the left column. Ample parking is available on the premises. Location: Muslim Community Center 15200 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20905 Contact: RSVP: [email protected] ; 301-384-3454---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MCC Special Iftar Program: Third Dinner September 8thWednesday, September 08 2010, 6:00pm - 9:00pmThe Muslim Community Center (MCC) celebrates the High Holy Month of Ramadan with Daily Iftar Dinners. Members of MCC are cordially invited to share the special Iftar Dinner with Ms. Farah Pandith, State Department’s Special Representative to the Muslim Communities and several other Representatives from the State Department in coordination with Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF). Directions: go to http://mccmd.org. Click on “Directions” located in the left column. Location: Muslim Community Center 15200 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring MD 20905 Contact: RSVP: [email protected] ; 301-384-3454---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8-20-10 Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaje’oon. To Allah we belong and to Him is our return. The mother of Sister Humera Mustafa (mother in law of Brother Hemal Mustafa) passed away on August 19, 2010. May Allah forgive her sins, accept her good deeds and enter her intoJannat ul Firdaus, Aameen. (Source: ICM)

8-28-10 Inna lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaje’oon. To Allah we belong and to Him is our return. Mae Betty Insco, mother of Michael Insco passed away on August 27, 2010. Please make Dua that Allah SWT forgives her sins and accepts her in Jannat ul Firdaus. Aameen. (Source: ICM)

OBITS & UPCOMING EVENTS |

21September 3rd - September 23rd , 2010

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stewardess.

Later, an official of the airline came with a TSA security officer and asked the brigadier to disembark. She gave no reason.

The head of the delegation asked the brigadier to get down and cooperate with the TSA. The brigadier disclosed his identity.

There was no response for about 15-20 minutes and then the airline and security officials asked the entire delegation to get off the plane.

The leader of the Pakistani delegation showed TSA officials an invitation letter from the Centcom, confirming that they were going to Tampa for a meeting. He also showed them all the passports that identified the delegation as senior military officers.

He then requested to talk to a senior

TSA official or the person in-charge of security at the airport but his request was turned down.

“They did not let them speak and treated them like terrorists,” said a Pakistani official. “The investigators were unprofessional, junior officials.”

The official said that the TSA and airlines officials kept telling the delegation that a passenger found the brigadier’s remarks threatening but did not say what those remarks were.

“The delegation was detained for two hours, telling them nothing, not allowing them to talk to anyone,” said the Pakistani official.

“They received no response even when they showed them their passports and the Centcom letter,” the official said.

“At the end, they realised their mistake and apologised but by then the delegation had decided it did not want to take that flight.”

Explaining why the delegation decided

to cancel the meeting and return home, the official said it was basically because of the humiliating treatment by the TSA and airline staff.

“They could not prove any of the allegations. What we gathered is that one of the passengers became paranoid, so they decided to detain an official delegation. This is an issue of paranoia,” said the official who said the Pakistani forces will hold their own inquiry to determine what caused this humiliating behaviour.

In Islamabad, the Inter Services Public Relations said: “A Pakistani military delegation on a visit to US (on US invitation to attend a meeting at Centcom) was subjected to unwarranted security checks at Washington airport by US Transport Security Agency. Later, the delegation was cleared and US defence officials regretted the incident. However, as a result of these checks, military authorities in Pakistan decided to cancel the visit and call the delegation back.”

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TSA>> continued from pg 12

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ADAMS CENTER:46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325, www.adamscenter.org.

ALL MUSLIM BROTHERS ASSOCIATION3900 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22302703-647-0515Jumma Prayer ONLY - 1:15 p.m

AVONDALE ISLAMIC CENTER:4637 Eastern Ave., Hyattsville, MD, 20782,Tel: 301-779-9292.

BADR COMMUNITY CENTER OF DUMFRIES (BCCD)17794 Main StreetDumfries, VA 22026Tel: 703-585-1689, 703-554-7983www.bccd.org E-mail: [email protected]

BAITUL MUKARRAM:2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550.

DAR AL HIJRAH:3159 Rowe St.,Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030, www.hijrah.org.

DAR AL-SALAAM:15250 Dumfries Rd., Mannassas,VA 20112.

DAR AL-NOOR (MUSLIM ASSOC. OF VA): 5404 Hoadly Rd., Manassas, VA 20112, Tel: 703-580-0808, Fax: 703-221-8513, www.daralnoor.org.

DAR AL-TAQWA:10740 Rte. 108, Ellicott City, MD 21042, Tel: 410-997-5711, www.taqwa.net.

DAR UL ULOOM, 6334 Dogwoood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21207, 410-493-0785 Email:[email protected]

DAR UL-GHURABA (Masjid ur Rahmah):155 Baker St., Emporia, VA 23487,

DAR-UL HUDA:6666 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150,

Tel: 703-922-0111, www.darulhuda.org

DAR-US-SALAAM:5301 Edgewood Rd. College Park, MD 20740,Tel: 301-982-9848, www.darussalaam.org.

FIRST HIJRA MUSLIM COMM. CENTER:4324 Georgia Ave, NW Washington, DC 20011www.firsthijrah.org.

ICNA VA CENTER:2913 Woodlawn Trail, Alexandria, VA 22306. 703-660-1255

IDARA DAWAT-O-IRSHAD:4803 Valley St, Alexandria, VA 22312703-256-8622, www.irshad.org.

INDONESIAN MUSLIM ASSOC. IN AMERICA (IMAAM):1611 Veirs Mill Rd,Silver Spring, MD 20851Tel: 240-453-0808, e-mail: [email protected].

INST.OF ISLAMIC AND ARABIC SCIENCES IN AMERICA (IIASA): 8500 Hilltop Rd., Fairfax, VA 22031Tel: 703-641-4890, www.iiasa.org

IRHSCA (ISLAMIC RESEARCH AND HUM. SERVICES CENTER OF AMERICA):Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MDTel: 301-324-5040, www.irhsca.org.

ISLAMIC CENTER OF GREATER SOUTH EAST (FORMERLY MASJID ASH-SHURA)3109-B Martin Luther King Ave., S.E.Washington, DC 20032202-506-7235

ISLAMIC CENTER OF MARYLAND (ICM):19401 Woodfield Rd. Gaithersburg,MD 20879Tel:301-840-9440, www.icomd.org.

ISLAMIC CENTER OF NORTHERN VA TRUST (ICNVT):4420 Shirley Gate Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030 Tel: 703-941-6558,

[email protected] | www.icnvt.org

ISLAMIC COM. CENTER OF LAUREL (ICCL):7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707Tel: 301-317-4584, www.icclmd.org

ISLAMIC FOUND. OF AMERICA (IFA):6606 Electronic Dr., Springfield, VA 22151Tel: 703-914-4982, www.ifa.ws.

ISLAMIC HERITAGE CENTER (IHC): 262 A-3 Cedar Ln., Vienna, VA 22180Tel: 703-206-9056.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF ANNAPOLIS (ISA): 2635 Riva RdSuite 110Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410-266-6660 www.islamannapolis.org, Email: [email protected]

ISLAMIC SOC. OF FREDERICK (ISF):1250 Key Parkway , Frederick,MD 21702Tel: 301-682-6090, www.isfmd.org.

ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN (ISG):19900 Brandermill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876Tel: (301)-972-0504, www.isgtown.org.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF SOUTHERN PG COUNTY (ISSPGC): P O Box 99, Clinton, MD 207355410 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745Tel: 240-253-4217

ISLAMIC SOC. OF THE WASHINGTON AREA (ISWA):2701 Briggs Chaney Rd. Silver Spring, MD 20904Tel: 301-879-0930, www.iswamd.org.

ISLAMIC SOC. OF WESTERN MARYLAND:2036 Day Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740Tel: 301-797-0922.

IVY CITY MASJID: 2001 Galludet St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 Tel: 202-529-3100.

LA PLATA MASJID:111 Howard Street, La Plata, MD 20646Tel: 301-609-8769.

MAKKAH LEARNING CENTER (MLC):814 Brandy Farms Ln Gambrills, MD 21054Tel: 410-721-5880 www.mlcmd.org, Email: [email protected] MANASSAS MOSQUE: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VATel: 703-257-5537.

MASJID AL-GHURABAA: 8220 Washington St., South, Laurel, MD 20724. Tel: 301-604-3295.

MASJID AL-HIKMAH:11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009.

MASJID UL-HAQ:514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217Tel: 410-728-1363.

MASJID AL-ISLAM: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, DC 20019Tel: 202-581-1616, e-mail: [email protected]

MASJID AL-INSHIRAH: 7832 Fairbrook Road , Windsor Mill, MD 21244Tel: 410-298-2977, Fax: 410-298-0266, www.al-inshirahweb.net.

MASJID AL-MUMINEEN: 2642 Harford Rd. Baltimore, MD 21218Tel: 410-467-8798.

MASJID JAMAAT AL-MUSLIMEEN: 4624 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 21212Tel. 410-891-8451

MASJID MUHAMMAD: 1519 4th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20001Tel: 202-483-8832.

MASJID AL-NOOR: 10012 Harford Rd., Carney, MD 21234Tel: 410-663-9637, Fax: 410-663-9817.

MASJID AL-RAHMAH/ISB: 6631 Johnny Cake Rd.

Baltimore, MD 21244Tel: 410-747-4869, www.isb.org

MASJID AS SAFFAT: 1335 W. North Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217Tel: 410-669-0655.

MASJID BAIT-ALLAH: 1910 Frederick Avenue (2 Floor) Baltimore, MD 21223Tel: 443-224-4423, E-mail:[email protected]. www.masjidbaitallah.org

MASJID IBN TAYMIYYAH: 8000 MLK Highway, Glenarden MDTel: 301-461-9325.

MASJID ZAMZAM1510 Lynch Road,Dundalk, MD 21222Phone: 410-284-2840

MEDINA CENTER:9426 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda MD 20814www.medinacenter.net

MUSLIM COM. CENTER (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20904Tel: 301-384-3454,www.mccmd.org.

MUSLIM SOC. OF WASHINGTON, D.C. (MSWDC):Howard Center, Room 805 (Above HU Bookstore)Tel: 202-328-3236, www.mswdc.org.

MUSTAFA CENTER: 6844 Braddock Rd., Annandale, VA 22003.

PRINCE GEORGES MUSLIM ASSOC. (PGMA):9150 Lanham Severn Rd. Lanham, MD, 20706, Tel: 301-459-4942, www.pgmamd.org.Imam’s Office: 301-459-1441, [email protected].

SOUTHERN MARYLAND ISLAMIC CENTER(SMIC): 1046 Solomons Island Rd, Huntingtown, MD, 20639.Tel: 410- 535-0000

THE ISLAMIC CENTER:2551 Mass. Ave. NW Washington D.C. 20008Tel: 202-332-8343

Do you have additions, changes, or corrections to the event listings in the Muslim Link? Email us at [email protected], or call us at 301-982-1020.MASJID LOCATOR

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MATRIMONIALMOROCCAN SISTER FOR MARRIAGE49 yr old Moroccan Sister looking for Good Muslim man living in USA, she’s a school teacher, educated, never married, family to assist right person with airfare if necessary, contact her Wali at [email protected] or 410-988-0705------------------------------------------------BROTHER SEEKING WIFEGentleman, 57, from Iran, no children. Non-smoker, taxi driver. Seeking Muslim lady for marriage. For more information call Ali from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. 202-669-5699.

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SERVICESHANDYMAN AVAILABLE Assalamu’alaykum! My name is Varga Syahroni. I am an experienced technician in D.C. and Maryland. I offer service and repair for cooling, heating, plumbing, refrigerator, dish washers, dryer machines

and much more. Call me for reliable service! Free estimates (301) 792-1004 or email varga_syahroni@yahoo.com------------------------------------------------WE ARE HERE TO HELP FAMILIES IN NEEDFamily Home Health Agency provides professional personal care and companionship services for senior citizens. We also provide customized care and help with daily living tasks for disabled and injured individuals of any age. Our experienced caregivers provide up to 24 hour service in the comfort of your own home. We accept Medicaid and private pay. Call Family Home Care Services Inc. at 703-933-2223.------------------------------------------------HOME SERVICESLicensed contractor. Home Improvement work, interior/exterior painting, drywall install/repair, brick/concrete repair. License #30385946 Estimates done. Contact Br. Allen Scott at 410-467-1259 or 443-531-9353 (cell)-----------------------------------------------ADVERTISEPlace a classified ad in the Muslim Link newspaper for only $1 for every 3 words. All classifieds run for 3 issues in the Marketplace section. Get started by emailing your exact text to [email protected] and then call in your credit card payment to 301-982-1020 or send a check or money order payable to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park MD 20740.

Place a personal classified ad. Call us at 301-982-1020We invite you to place a classified on the web FREE of charge at www.muslimlinkpaper.com. Classifieds in the print edition of the Muslim Link newspaper are only $1 for every 3 words. All classifieds run for 3 issues in the Marketplace section. Get started by emailing your exact text to [email protected] and then call in your credit card payment to 301-982-1020 or send a check or money order payable to: The Muslim Link, 5301 Edgewood Rd, College Park MD 20740.

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