the muslim link - april 29, 2011

How Muslims Conduct Business

PG 27

The Muslim Link Coupons

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Helping Hands Holds Pakistan Flood Fundraiser | pg 7

MCC Medical Clinic Awarded $57K Grant | pg 8

Baltimore Muslims Oraginze Walk for Homeless | pg 6

Annual Women’s Conference Held in Baltimore | pg 5

CIVIL RIGHTS: WikiLeaks Gitmo Files | pg 23

Jumada Al-Awwal 25 - Jumada Al-Akhir 9 , 1432 A.H. | www.MuslimLinkPaper.com

April 29th 2011 - May 12th 2011 MD, VA, and DC. Metropolitan Area Bi-Weekly Newspaper | FREE

World Press: The Incredible Floating Fire Ants | pg 22

>> COUNTY Pg 10

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Muharram|Safar|Rabi Al-Awaal |Rabi Al-Thani|25 JUMADA AL-AWWAL, 1432|Jumada Al-Akhir|Rajab|Shaban|Ramadan|Shawwal|Thul-Qedah|Thul-Hijjah

DINING OUT:Casa DellaPG 28

Second Symposium Held on Sharia Law | pg 4

PG Muslims Meet with County Executive

From right, Prince George’s County Muslim Council president Jameel Alim-Johnson and County Executive Rushern Baker at the April 25 meeting with the Muslim community. In front of Baker is an appreciation plaque presented to him by the Muslim students of Prince Georges Community College. Photo by Michael J. Yourishin -- Prince George’s County.

Fresh Halal Chicken Debuts At Area Shoppers

>> HALAL Pg 15

By Muslim Link Staff

The Muslim community in Prince George’s County, Maryland continued pressing forward in their political growth with their first meeting with newly elected County Executive Rushern Baker on April 25, 2011.

The two-hour forum held at Prince George’s Community College was organized by the college’s Muslim Student’s Association in cooperation with the Prince George’s County Muslim Council (PGCMC). About 100 people attended the meeting, which was open to the general public and included a question and answer period.

Moderated by an MSA member, the first


If you are like most Muslim consumers in the region who frequent Shoppers Food Warehouse, the only reason you walk through the fresh meat aisle is to get to the dairy aisle.

So, you probably didn’t notice that one of several fresh chicken brands has a large “Real Halal” label on it.

Beginning this past March, over a dozen Shoppers Food Warehouse supermarkets across the greater Washington DC and Baltimore

metropolitan areas began stocking fresh poultry produced by Washington DC based start-up firm Real Halal, LLC.

The company began in late 2008 with a primary mission to “market and sell zabiha halal meat/poultry to the American Muslim community via major top 100 supermarket chains”, according its head of marketing. The firm is also targeting health conscious

Real Halal LLC co-founder Abdul-Aziz Shaheed inspects his company’s fresh halal chicken in an area Shoppers Food Warehouse supermarket. Photo by R. Ayesha Muhammad.

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3April 29th - May 12th, 2011 INDEX |

27 Marketplace

INSIDE THIS ISSUE03 Community News

22 World Press

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21 Salaah Times

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By Cordelia GaffarMuslim Link Contributing Writer

Every year the University Of Maryland School of Law in Baltimore City has two symposia sponsored by the school’s Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class – a large forum in the fall and a smaller one in the spring. This year the spring symposium was scheduled on Wednesday April 13 to coincide with Diversity Week according to Jeff Raymond, Media Relations Specialist for University of Maryland Baltimore City.

The Executive Editor of the Journal, Hera Hashmi, says her idea for these symposia, called “Confronting Islam: Shariah, the Constitution and American Muslims”, spawned from her internship last summer at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Switzerland.

“As I spent time in Europe my thankfulness for being an American Muslim grew, especially when I saw bans on the burqa being discussed in France [and elsewhere]. I experienced some of the tension [of being] Muslim in Europe

and the open hostility and Islamaphobia … I learned more about the challenges [European Muslims] have practicing Islam,” she told the Muslim Link.

Her experiences may have been a foreshadowing of what was to come for Muslims in America. At the time of the symposium last November, there were only threats of burning the Holy Qu’ran, banning Shar’ah law at the state level, and fighting masjid construction. Since then, all of these acts of Islamophobia have come to pass.

The April 13 symposium had three panelists: Corey Saylor of CAIR; Sahar Aziz, a professor at Georgetown Law School and a private-practice attorney; and Maryland law professor Maxwell Chibundu who teaches comparative jurisprudence around the world. Saylor noted the following threats to Muslim American civil liberties: masjids expansions are being targeted using legal maneuvering often related to zoning; Islam being seen as generally hostile; the use of Islamophobic law enforcement trainers and consultants; and proposed anti-shari’ah legislation.

Ms. Aziz agreed that anti-shari’ah legation is a major threat for Muslim Americans especially because special interest groups, such as the Center for Security Policy, are well funded and have the ear of many influential members of Congress. She called it “a lucrative industry” that is gaining traction. These interest groups argue that Islam should be viewed not as a religion but as a political movement, she said.

The anti-shari’ah legislation is being led by attorney David Yerushalmi who created “a template law” that these anti-sharia groups in several states are following. Yerushalmi, who maintains a law office Washington DC, claims expertise in Islamic Law and wrote in

Second Symposium Held On Sharia Law

>> SYMPOSIUM Pg 26

Community News

Corey Saylor of CAIR discusses how Islamophobic groups are using zoning laws and other tactics to curtail the Muslim-Americans’ right to worship. Photo by Andrew Bennett.

5April 29th - May 12th, 2011 COMMUNITY NEWS |

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28th Annual Women’s Conference Held in BaltimoreBy Jamila GarnerMuslim Link Contributing Writer

Alhamdulillah, we all knew that spring had arrived when we saw the leaves growing back on the trees and shrubs, and the days got a little longer giving us more time between the daily prayers. We just felt it in the air, Subhanallah.

For area Muslim sisters the beginning of spring meant that it was time for a trip to Baltimore. It was “me time” … time to “hang out”, to indulge in Praising Allah (subhanna wa ta ala) and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, and to bond with other women who, like them, work hard everyday taking care of their families, their communities and their jobs.

Alhamdulillah, these sisters accepted the gracious invitation extended by the Women’s Committee of Masjid As-Safftat to attend their 28th Annual Women’s Conference from April 22-24, 2011 at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn.

Friday prayer opened the conference for the first time, catering to over 300 early arriving guests. For many, this was a wonderful way to jump start their spiritual uplifting weekend. Sabreen Sharif, a committee member, said “Jumu’ah started us off on an upbeat, positive note that set the tone for the entire conference”.

The conference began with the Friday evening session, “In My Own Words” which focused on the importance of reading Islam’s foundational texts – the Qur’an and collections of hadith – on a daily basis. An interactive discussion closed the first session. The theme of this

year’s gathering was “the Dauntlessness of Deen - Are We Who We Say We Are?”

For hundreds, the weekend conference is an annual event, while for many others it was a new experience.

“This was my first time coming. I walked in and was able to register because someone had canceled. Alhamdulillah, this was a beautiful experience and I’ll be back next year, Inshallah”, said Allana Adams-Lewis, from Philadelphia. Over 800 women attended the event from 18 states, including over 100 teenage sisters. Sisters from New York and New Jersey chartered buses, while some flew and others drove.

“I got in my little car and drove all the way from Atlanta, twelve hours straight, by myself, because I knew I would love coming to be with the women. Its always such a pleasure being together for the sake of Allah and it was wonderful” said Sister Rabia Al Adwiyyah. Some attendees came from as far away as Texas and Trinidad.

The Saturday program, which ran from 8 am until midnight, began with an early bird session entitled “A Healthier You”, giving sisters information on improving their quality of life physically, mentally and financially. After the official opening with Qur’anic recitation and welcome, Islaah Abd’al Rahim delivered the first keynote address titled “the Dauntlessness of Deen”. She said she felt “both humbled and honored” to encourage the gathering to “have faith and to persevere in trying times”.

Besides the keynote, there were six other concurrent sessions held on Saturday including: “Survival Skills 101” which covered how to deal with natural disasters and environmental emergencies, basic skills needed to run a Muslim household and how to survive day to day situations, facilitated by Zakia Amin; “the Original Super Heroes” examined the lives and legacies of Muslimahs including those who fought in battle along side the Prophet (peace be upon him) facilitated by Aishah Muhammad; ); “the Seven Traits of a Successful Muslim” covered the qualities Muslims must have that lead to the good in this life and the hereafter facilitated by Aisha Abdullah; “How to Weaponize Our Du’as” guided the sisters to the correct way to make du’a, while understanding conditions, correct manners and specific times to use the Du’a as a weapon against Shaitan facilitated by Rehana bint Yahya; “Fear of the Tear” spoke to the heart of crying including why we cry, when we should cry and the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of crying according to Qur’an and Sunnah facilitated by Hafiza Abdur Rahman; and “K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Sister)” focused on basic Islamic beliefs and principles and was offered to the new Shahaadahs and the non-Muslim attendees, facilitated by Rasheita Adams-Turner. Alhamdulillah, by the end of the K.I.S.S session, a sister from Virginia took her Shahaadah. “It was a beautiful and emotional experience to see all the love that was given from 800+ sisters (during lunch) to the new shahaadah. It made me shed tears” said Jamellah Jones, a committee member Following the morning sessions, the schedule gave sisters time to shop, enjoy

a wonderful lunch and make salat. The afternoon began with the second keynote address, this time by Zakia Amin, and followed with more breakout sessions.While the adult sessions were taking place, the Junior Women’s Committee held their sessions for sisters ages 12-19. Their sessions were: “Say it Loud, I’m Wrapped and I’m Proud” facilitated by Jamellah Jones, Khayriyyah Garner and Aaliyah Hanif; “Is It In Your Heart? Doing Things Solely for the Sake of Allah” discussed ways to purify the heart and intentions so that they are pleasing to Allah, facilitated by Salimah Franklin and Aisha Abdur Rahman.

For entertainment and socializing, the conference offered shopping with 68 on-site vendors, an original play called “Got Deen” written by Ruwaydah Amin, swimming, and an open stage.

Attendees also donated over $4000 for the Halimah Mujahid Scholarship Fund which helps finance the higher education of graduates of full-time Islamic schools in the state of Maryland. Security for the conference was provided by Baltimore’s volunteer Mujahideen Muslim Police Force which has ensured the safety and privacy of the conference for the last 28 years.

Karima Abdul Salaam and Touria Mahjouvi, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania spoke as they were leaving Sunday afternoon. “Alhamdulillah, this conference was beautiful and it was so nice to see Muslim sisters getting together for

>> CONFERENCE Pg 13


Assalaamu-AlaikumYou are invited….

ISWA Annual Fundraising DinnerSaturday, May 7th 2011

7 p.m. Insha’Allah

WHERE:2701 Briggs Chaney Rd.Silver Spring, MD 20905

Prominent Guest Speakers Invited | Interesting Evening Planned | Silent Auction

TICKETS:$50 per person – Children under 12 free admission

For more information or tickets, please call:ISWA: (301)879-0930

Bro. Shareef Juman: (703)971-7524Sis. Virginia Ali: (202)829-1400

Imam Faizul Khan: (301)588-3650

Baltimore Muslims Organize Walk for HomelessBy Kieta IriarteMuslim Link Contributing Writer

The following is an interview with Imam Hassan A. Amin, the Executive Director of Baltimore, Maryland based Muslim Social Services Agency, Inc. (MSSA). Imam Amin is also the event coordinator for the historical May 1, 2011 Walk of Hope walkathon in Baltimore City’s Druid Hill Park’s Reservoir area.

KI: Tel l us a l i t t le about your background.

Imam Amin: Much of my Islamic study has been done in the United States. I have done some studying in Egypt and I am currently pursuing my Master degree in Islamic studies. I was on the administration of Maryland’s oldest Masjid, Masjid As Saffat. I was the Imam at Baltimore City’s oldest Masjid, Masjid Ul-Haqq and I was Imam at one of Baltimore City’s newer Masjid, Masjid Us Salaam. For over five years I have been the volunteer Islamic Chaplain at Johns

Hopkins Hospital and I am currently the part time on staff Imam at Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus.

KI: What is Muslim Social Services Agency?

Imam Amin: Since its establishment, in 2003, Muslim Social Services Agency has assisted over 3,000 families and individuals with eviction prevention, rental/security deposit, prisoner re-entry, food/clothing and furniture purchases and a variety of other social services needs. Muslim Social Services Agency has

provided a comprehensive response to the ever-increasing number of people losing their jobs, homes and health care services. Its goal has been to improve and enrich the quality of life of those in need of resources and services. It provides resources and services meeting the educational, social, housing, employment, counseling, medical and mental health needs of its clients. Muslim Social Services Agency mainly provides resource services to low-income and homeless families and individuals in the Baltimore City metropolitan area. Our organization has been awarded several certificates of recognition from mayors of Baltimore City for its work with the city’s low-income families and victims of domestic violence. Muslim Social Services Agency is a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization.

KI: Tell us about the upcoming walkathon and food drive.

Imam Amin: Our walkathon-food drive has several goals. First is to have each walker donate at least five non-perishable

food items that that will be donated to local homeless shelters, food bank, soup kitchens and food pantries. Secondly, the twelve dollar registration fee will help Muslim Social Services Agency, Inc. finance its multiple programs, services and projects to help those in need. Historically, we believe that our walkathon is the first of its kind, a walkathon given by Muslims, in Baltimore City to assist homeless providers with replenishing their food stock.

KI: Why have this type of walkathon?

Imam Amin: With the government [talking about] shutting down, a bad economy and funding cuts looming over [organizations which support] the homeless we thought that our walkathon would offer some assistance to those who provide food assistance to those who are poor, low-income and homeless. Additionally, we encourage Muslim and

>> HOMELESS Pg 14

Imam Hassan Amin. File photo.


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The waters from last summer’s Pakistan floods have receded, and so has its memory from the minds of the rest of the world.

But for the people of Pakistan, their losses haven’t returned, and tens of thousands continue to struggle in the ensuing floods of poverty, homelessness, and sickness.

The small crowd of around 50 people that gathered at the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring, Maryland (MCC) for the April 23, 2011 Helping Hands for Relief and Development fundraiser understood that reality.

Helping Hands, the international relief arm of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), continues to send volunteers and aid workers to the flood ravaged areas, setting up and maintaining a plethora of programs ranging from financial aid programs to medical equipment manufacturing facilities to clean water production.

At the April 23 dinner, Muhammad Desai opened the program with a recitation from the Qur’an, followed by a powerpoint overview of Helping Hands and some of

its projects by local representative Asif Khan.

Using pictures of Helping Hands projects, charts, and lists, Khan described a few on-going projects including:

Interest-free micro-financing. This “charity recycling” is designed to help impoverished families make a living for themselves by starting a small business like a food cart or barber shop. Once the family earns enough to pay back the small loan of up to $250, Helping Hands loans the money to another family, explained Khan.

Housing. Building a simple, permanent single family dwelling in Pakistan costs around $2,500.

Skills Training. Helping Hands has helped around 500 women learning dress making, jewelry making, and other crafts through a network of “skills development centers”.

Water for life. The cost for a water filtration system is around $35,000. Unclean drinking water is the major cause

Helping Hands: Pakistan Floods May Have Receded, But Losses Remain

>> HELPING HANDS Pg 13

Naeem Baig, who recently returned from Japan where he worked with the Helping Hands team to help tsunami survivors staying in shelter, discusses Helping Hands projects at the organization’s fundraiser at MCC. Photo by Jamal Aladdin.


Pre-Marriage Series Wrapping Up In MDBy Abdullah ibn YusufMuslim Link Contributing Writer

The Metropolitan Area Sunni Society is in the midst of hosting a 3-part Pre-Marriage Workshop in the DC metro area. The series deals with three phases of the pre-marriage process: “The Position of the Walee/Wakeel,” “Preparing Yourself for Marriage -- the issues that many forget to address before getting married”, and lastly “Advice on the Etiquettes of Courtship in Islam”.

Organizers said there was a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for addressing such a critical issue. Many in the Muslim community realize the serious problems in the Muslim family structure today, and point to the many errors made in the

premarital process as one of the main causes. Originally the group set out to help bridge the alleged gap between brothers looking to get married, and sisters who felt their guardians were not doing a sufficient job of finding them suitable mates. However, after consultation with Islamic advisors, organizers set forward with a lecture only format, intending to work on the logistics of in-person meetings for a future event, Insha’Allah.

After two modestly attended lectures at Prince George’s Muslim Association (PGMA), the final gathering in the series will take place on May 7, 2011 after Salaatul Asr.

Speakers in the first two lectures stressed the institution of marriage in Islam is ibaadah. It should not be taken lightly, and like everything else in Islam related to ibaadah, it should not be approached without possessing the proper knowledge.

Arguably “the” life altering decision for Muslims, one should be as prepared as possible to make the most intelligent decision in light of Islamic knowledge. One organizer advised “you can’t really predict or prepare for every circumstance that will occur, but remember – ‘rectify your relationship with Allah and he will rectify your relationship with others’ … the distance we’ve put between ourselves and the book of Allah speaks volumes about the importance of addressing

the problems this has created in our marriages... unfortunately, our hearts are still dark from the filthy habits we engaged in before our reversion to Islam. Many of us have yet to trust Allah enough to surrender our life to him, and as a result of this, our return to him is at a snail’s pace.”

“We have already started the process of assisting the masajid in assuming their rightful role in administrating the marital affairs of the ummah,” said an organizer.

------------------------------------------------The writer is a member of the Metropolitan Area Sunni Society.

Kaiser Permanente Grant Supports MCC Medical ClinicApril 21, 2011 (Silver Spring, MD) — The Muslim Community Center Medical Clinic is pleased to announce that Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic States has awarded a grant of $57,800 to its Safety Net/Infrastructure Enhancement Program.

The Muslim Community Center Medical Clinic is a member of the Primary Care Coalition Safety Net Clinics. The Clinic provides primary and specialty health care services for uninsured and low income Montgomery County residents.

Dr. Azad Ejaz, the Executive Director of the MCC Medical Clinic said, “The MCC Medical Clinic staff and board members appreciate the generous support of Kaiser

Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States. We will continue working with Kaiser Permanente to improve our infrastructure to provide quality care services for low-income and uninsured residents.”

“Our grant to the MCC demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to working with local safety net providers focused on addressing the needs of the community, making total health a reality for everyone,” said Maritha Gay, Senior Director of External Affairs for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States.

The Clinic opened its door on June 14, 2003 with the commitment to provide high quality basic healthcare services to its community’s uninsured population of age

18 and above. Muslim Community Center (MCC) provided the initial funding, clinic space, and matching funds for the grants as needed. MCC also provides direct financial aid from the charitable funds entrusted to it by its members, to those patients who are unable to pay for the diagnostic tests and medicines needed for their treatment.

Leaders of the MCC Clinic have assembled a remarkable group of volunteer physicians and staff who not only share their vision, dedication and commitment but also donate their expertise and personal funds to this noble cause. This wonderful team has transformed a humble initiative into a model which is inspiring other faith based groups to emulate. With the added

enthusiasm and energy of new volunteers, the Clinic has dramatically increased its ability to fulfill its mission.

The MCC Medical Clinic, with the help of more than 10 Board certified volunteer physicians has provided care to over 2400 patients and registered over 7,100 patient visits in year 2010. These numbers continue to grow steadily. MCC Clinic is truly privileged to rely upon an exemplary team of more than 50 volunteers and staff members who handle clinic’s administrative tasks, conduct community outreach, conduct healthcare education sessions, coordinate public relation affairs and fundraising. [Source: MCC press release]

Fourth Grader Wins At Local Poetry ContestBy Muslim Link Contributing Writers

On April 25th, at the Beltsville Library in Maryland the winners for the Annual 2011 Poetry Contest were announced. The second place winner was Al-Huda School fourth grade student Anisah Bengharsa.

The prize consisted of a Certificate, a journal and a Barnes & Noble gift card. The young student competed with two

entries and won the prize with the poem “Winter Finally”.

“I was shocked to hear I won the Second Place”, said Anisah. “I thank Allah for giving me the prize”. The contest was divided by categories sorted according to age group. The event is held every year at the library during the month of April, as part of the National Poetry Month.

All winners were announced at the awards ceremony held at the conference room of the library. Participants read their own poems to an audience of other contestants, visitors, relatives and library personnel. The public institution welcomed everyone with refreshments. Upon completion of the awards program, participants were free

>> POETRY Pg 26


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Amidst the CatholicsA Young Da’ee Recounts His Experience at a Catholic SchoolBy Arif KabirMuslim Link Contributing Writer

“Why do your women have to cover but your men don’t?” “How do you know which direction to pray?” “Why can’t Muslim women marry Non-Muslim men?” “What exactly is an Islamic dress?” “Why don’t you believe in the Trinity?”

These were a few of the barrage of questions my friends and I had received while we presented to several classes at a Catholic high school in Washington D.C. The school was offering a “World Religions” module, and they had invited Al-Huda School to send over some students to present about Islam and their experiences as American Muslims. Two friends and I, all alumni of Al-Huda, were selected to speak and so, on a chilly Thursday morning, we went to the Catholic high school and

spent the day speaking to over 100 students in five consecutive classes.

I found the trip to be very memorable as it was filled with several insights and enjoyable experiences. It gave a chance to me to reflect more on our need for strong communities as the ideal Da’wah platform, realize the need for Da’wah mastery, and an appreciation of the blessings that we occasionally take for granted.

Community: The Ideal Da’wah Platform

On our way to the school nestled within Northeastern Washington D.C., my friend (an avid fan of history) pointed to nearby famous landmarks and explained their historical significance. From a dis tance, we passed the Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine (the largest Roman Catholic Church

in the United States) nearby. I saw the surrounding streets and noticed that they had Catholic street names such as “Pope John Paul II Drive”. I saw advertisements on billboards and signs espousing Catholic values.

In short, I saw the markings of a community that had been settled in by like-minded individuals that had built institutions upon the foundations of their religion and had made their mark over the course of history.

How beautiful it would be, I mused, to see a Muslim community such as this growing together and building Muslim Masaajid, clinics and hospitals, schools and universities, law and engineering firms, houses and apartments, groceries and supermarkets, and more. How beautiful it would be to see Muslim families, with their children and strollers in tow, ambling down the streets and greeting each other with the

Salaam and a cheerful smile. Here was living proof in front of me that others had successfully done it to a certain extent, and that we as Muslims should do the same, and even better, if we wish to be unified, establish a Muslim-driven economy, and exhibit a living and breathing Islamic community, the epitome of Da’wah. The Catholics have founded several reputable charitable, commercial, and educational services, all of which had, and still continue to, make an impact upon the American landscape. I was determined that we could do the same and even more.

The Need for Da’wah Mastery

When we arrived there, we first limited ourselves to fielding questions but as the day went by, we worked out a routine

>> CATHOLICS Pg 18


COUNTY>> continued from pg 1

DC Muslim Caucus Endorses Orange, Others for April 26 Special ElectionsSelections Reflect Solidarity with Global Muslim Democratic MovementsWashington D.C. – Members of the District’s diverse Muslim community announced their endorsements for the April 26th District of Columbia Special Elections. The Muslim Democratic Caucus’ “One DC Slate” of endorsed candidates consists of Vincent Orange, bidding to become the next At-Large DC Councilmember, D. Kamili Anderson for the Ward 4 State Board of Education post, and Anthony Muhammad seeking to succeed the late William Lockridge as Ward 8 District School Board Member.

The endorsements of the District’s Muslim Caucus come on the heels of a Candidates Forum held at Howard University in commemoration of the DC Emancipation Day on April 16, 2011. This forum was hosted by the DC Muslim Democrats in coalition with a diverse cross-section of

District civic groups including the DC Young Democrats, Washington Teachers’ Union, and local lawyers’ organizations.

All leading candidates for At-Large Council, minus Republican Patrick Mara, attended the Emancipation Day forum and made points appreciated by the Muslim Democratic Caucus. However, Vincent Orange’s strong support for ensuring a diverse District workforce and contractor base most impressed the Caucus, according to its Chairman, Talib I. Karim. “Orange committed to not only push for greater opportunities for Muslims and other underrepresented groups such as ex-offenders in District government, but he vowed to back them up if they come under undue attack,” said Karim.

Motivating the Muslim Caucus’ choice was Karim’s recent experience in government. This year, Karim a health lawyer was appointed as a top official in District’s Health Finance agency only to be forced from his post after a tabloid-like City Paper report published details of Karim’s complex divorce and other past private issues that had no bearing on his otherwise stellar government service. While Karim’s untimely exit from District government was a disappointment to the Muslim community, the Caucus’ endorsement is a sign of political maturity and resilience says Amin Muslim, Secretary of the DC Muslim Democratic Caucus. “When Muslims in Africa, Arabia, and other places around the world are risking their very lives for political freedom and reform, certainly Muslims in the so-called

Capitol of Democracy (DC) can’t be deterred in the face of obstacles in our path to full inclusion and equal opportunity,” commented Muslim. [UPDATE: April 26, 2011 -- The Washington Post reported that former council member Vincent B. Orange, a Democrat, defeated Patrick Mara and Sekou Biddle with about 29 percent of the votes for the at-large D.C. Council seat.]

Background: The Muslim Democratic Caucus of the District of Columbia was formed in 2008, during the historic election of President Barack Obama. As an organization, it represents the estimated 20% of DC residents who are Muslim or live in a household with a Muslim.

>> ELECTIONS Pg 26

speaker was PGCMC president Jameel Alim-Johnson.

Alim-Johnson thanked the MSA for taking the initiative to set-up the meeting, and praised them for going against the stereotype that young people don’t care about civic involvement. He also reminded the audience that County Executive Baker met the community during his campaign at a candidates forum held at the Prince George’s Muslim Association (PGMA) in Lanham.

“Nearly all of [the candidates] came out which shows they are looking at us as constituents just like everyone else ... and we believe we have the best man for the job,” said Alim-Johnson, who also joked that he hopes Baker will have a “quiet four years” because people only come to elected officials to make a complaint. Urging the mostly Muslim audience to register to vote, Alim-Johnson said “your ultimate feedback to [County Executive Baker] will be 4 years from now when he is up for reelection.”

“We are here to work with him and with his office to help make PG a better place and a

better community, because as Muslims that is our responsibility,” said Alim-Johnson.

The next speaker was PGCC president Dr. Charlene Dukes, who asked the MSA students present to stand and be recognized for their efforts on campus. PGCC is one of the largest community colleges in the region with about 42,000 students. Dr. Dukes announced a new, ambitious project being launched by PGCC next year -- an academics focused, 100 student on-campus high school. Students will graduate in four years with both a high school diploma and an associates college degree.

Next, County Executive Rushern Baker took the podium. Baker, a trained lawyer with a doctorate in jurisprudence, was also a Maryland state delegate and ran for the County Executive position twice before winning in his third attempt last November.

Starting with “assalamu’alykum”, Baker talked about his youth and his years growing up around the world – his father was in the military – eventually studying law at Howard University in DC. One of his dorm mates at Howard was developer Kareem Abdussalaam, a member of the Laurel area Muslim community, who was also in the audience. During the summers, Baker would

spend time with his father’s brother – his favorite uncle – who was a convert to Islam. Baker said his uncle and especially his father inspired him to get into politics, to change the situation which he often complained about. “If you think you can do better, then you should run for office,” Baker recalled his father saying after a political debate with his son. Baker won his first elected office in 1994, and happy his father was able to witness that moment. The elder Baker passed away a few years latter from cancer.

Baker thanked the Muslim community for engaging with his office, and specifically mentioned Dr. Haitham Hijazi, the director of the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation. When he took over the County’s executive branch, Baker said he started asking people which department heads he should keep and which ones he should replace. “One name that everyone said was a must keep was Haitham Hijazi,” said Baker. “He is truly one of the best directors in this County.”

Baker said the County is poised to become the “economic engine of this region” due to its financial standing compared to surrounding counties and its proximity to Washington DC. Asked about minority contractors getting a

share of the County’s massive development projects, Baker said “we will be really aggressive about [getting minorities their share]”. Alim-Johnson suggested having a forum where minority contractors can meet with the County Economic Development Team, Baker said it was “an excellent, excellent idea” and that “now was the time” to have such a meeting.

Asked about zoning being used to prevent religious institutions from expanding, Baker said he is speaking to council members about the issue. “The bureaucracy has been here a lot longer than I have, so is not going to move as quickly as I want … but I am mindful of the fact that different faiths worship on different days,” he explained. Services on Friday instead of Sunday pose different challenges to neighborhoods where masajid are located.

The Muslim attendees prayed maghrib, preceded by an explanation of the athaan and the prayer by Dar-us-Salaam’s Imam Safi Khan. Guests were also presented with plaques and gift bags by the MSA.

Audio of the event is available at www.muslimlinkpaper.com.

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for the spread of disease in devastated areas.

Orphan sponsorship. Khan said sponsoring an orphan just costs $1 per day. Donors can track the progress of their sponsored orphan through the Helping Hands website.

Other Helping Hand projects include Mother-Child healthcare centers and mobile bus clinics to bring medical assistance to people in outlying areas. A mobile clinic uses one doctor, one driver, one nurse, and one assistant and costs about $36,000.

ICNA Virginia chapter’s Naeem Baig spoke next, discussing his relief trip to Japan. He talked about how honorable and patient the Japanese people are

despite their losses from the earthquake and ensuing tsunami. He also encouraged people to volunteer and go to disaster stricken lands. Those williing to help for any amount of time can go through Helping Hands, added Baig. He also stressed the need for professionals to utilize their talents to help others. Two Muslims from Detroit, Michigan responded to a Helping Hands appeal for artificial limbs to be used in Pakistan. The two American-Muslims assisted Helping Hands in setting up a manufacturing facility in Pakistan to build artificial limbs

at a cost ten times less than Helping Hands was paying to purchase these devices. Even more, the two volunteers helped start a 2-year diploma program to teach local Pakistani’s how to develop artificial limbs. In the end, Baig stressed that people simply need to be concerned for others as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught. “Often, shaking hands and a smile does more than a plate of food,” he said.

MCC Imam Muhammad Abdulahi also spoke, explaining to the gathering that

money spent now for Allah’s sake is the money that actually benefits you, whereas money that is saved and remains after you die only benefits your heirs. Dr. Altaf Hussein delivered the keynote address and conducted the fundraising. A sister donated first, giving $2,500. A total of about $13,000 was raised.

Helping Hands will use the funds for both the post-flood relief in Pakistan and relief for Libyan refugees.

HELPING HANDS>> continued from pg 7

such a good cause. Everyone was so hospitable and generous. The sessions were very inspiring and uplifting, they made me cry. Thank you WCMAS for putting this together and Inshallah, we’ll be back next year with more sisters from our community” said Karima. “I was proud to see the hotel make changes to accommodate the Muslims. The conference was excellent. May Allah bless everyone who worked to bring Muslims together” said Touria.

The writer has been a Women’s Committee Member since 1976.

CONFERENCE>> continued from pg 5

If you would like the Muslim Link to be available at your establishment give

us a call.

301.982.1020


non-Muslims to take advantage of the opportunity to help others by donating to this event. They can donate food, money or time to help make this event successful.

KI: Are there any other reasons for having such an event?

Imam Amin: Yes there are. This year is the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.

What happened on that day is not the true face of Islam. The true face of Islam is not taking innocent lives, but helping to preserve life – helping our neighbors and those in need, wanting for your brother what you want for yourself and not going to sleep while your neighbor is hungry. Homelessness is a faceless problem. It does not matter what ethnic group you belong to, what religion, if you are male or female, young or old homelessness can grab a hold and not let. It is our hope that we have at least one thousand people participating in the walkathon/food drive and that we collect at least five thousand non-perishable items for the homeless providers.

KI : What kind of activities can I develop in my local community to assist with ending homelessness?

Iman Amin: Those who are interested in helping the fight against homelessness should come to the walkathon and some suggestions will be [discussed] there, inshaAllah

KI: How does one register for the walkathon?

Imam Amin: They can go online and register at www.baltimorewalkofhope.com. They can also contact us at 443 519-7413. If someone is unable to attend the walkathon/food drive then donations are welcomed.

HOMELESS>> continued from pg 6

301-982-1020

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[email protected]

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BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE!Do you want to get invovled in bringing up change in the Muslim community ? Make a difference and become a reporter for the

Muslim Link. Email a resume and writing sample to the editor at [email protected].

HALAL>> continued from pg 1

consumers; the Islamic method of slaughtering is considered healthier by food scientists as it allows for more blood to leave the animal’s body.

The company’s founders include Bill Warner, Abdul-Aziz Shaheed, and Ajab Abdus-Samad, all from the Washington DC area. Shaheed and Abdus-Samad are U.S army veterans. The founders have a combined 100 years of experience in the zabiha halal industry, according to the company website.

Currently, Real Halal LLC fresh whole chicken and chicken parts are available in the fresh meat section of seventeen Shoppers Food Warehouse markets in the region, including Northern Virginia.

Getting the poultry into the large supermarket chain took over one year, said Warner, who added that other large chain stores “wanted to see a track record of success” before they added Real Halal chicken to their fresh meat offerings. Warner said Shoppers Food also took time to consider where and how to display the halal meat to make sure they don’t offend Muslim customers by placing the meat in the same case as pork, for example.

Real Halal convinced Shoppers that thousands of Muslims were already shopping at their stores, and that the demand would drive sales. “We feel the onus is on us [to drive sales]. We’ve put an intense ground level, grass roots effort at getting the [Muslim community] leadership on board at the major area masajid … if people don’t by the product, [Shoppers] shouldn’t sell it,” said Warner.

The fresh meat is marketed as “Real Halal It’s the Zabiha” which marketing VP Bill Warner said is “a double entendre” to emphasize the Islamic authenticity of Real Halal meats, which are labeled “hand slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law” and “AZA certified by the American Zabiha Authority”.

The American Zabiha Authority is also in Washington DC and Real Halal LLC

co-founder Abdus-Samad is listed as the contact for the American Zabiha Authority on an internet listing for the halal certifying organization. However, Warner said the lead certifier – Authentic Halal based in New York – was inadvertently left off label but will be added soon. Authentic Halal is headed by Imam Faheem Mahmood and Imam Kedar A. Malik from New York.

In an interview with the Muslim Link, Real Halal emphasized their meat is inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The labels on Real Halal chicken show the USDA inspection seal and the packaging plant, in addition to the “Zabiha Halal” seal of the American Zabiha Authority.

The USDA inspects for food safety through the production, packaging, and transportation process and does not oversee or regulate halal certification or halal labeling, only requiring the name of the halal certifying body appear on the label. In addition, the USDA requires producers who label their products certified halal provide a letter from the certifying agency showing the product “meets the … requirements for certification.”

“We are very transparent and open,” said Shaheed. “None of the other halal poultry [producers] provide the plant numbers and [production facility] on their labels.” Marketing

h e a d Warner added that Real Halal LLC “would be willing to accompany the appropriate [community leaders] to the plant to witness the Zabiha Halal slaughter.”

The chickens are not caged and are vegetarian fed at farms in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and are processed and packaged in upstate New York. All slaughtermen are Muslims. “We pay our people well,” said Abdus-Samad.

Compared to most fresh chicken at Shoppers Food Warehouse, the Real Halal poultry is higher priced. But Abdus-Samad said the high quality of the chicken with its health benefits more than justifies the price, which is cheaper than many kosher poultry brands.

“We don’t think the price differential is a factor [to our success]. Unfortunately, the Muslim community has been educated to buy cheap, and you get what you pay for,” said Abdus-Samad, who also said that Jewish families in Towson, Maryland are buying the Real Halal chicken. “At the same, we recognize it is our responsibility to do a better job educating the Muslim community on why there is a price differential between hand-slaughtered zabiha halal chicken and non-halal mechanically slaughtered chicken” added Warner.

Asked if Real Halal’s partnership with large

supermarkets might adversely impact smaller, more traditional halal meat stores, Warner said he did not think so. “In all neighborhoods with Jewish [populations], there are Kosher stores as well as Kosher products in major supermarkets. They coexist. We don’t see a conflict. In fact, we are offering our fresh chicken to any smaller halal store for the same price we charge Shoppers.”

The Real Halal LLC founders said they are “on the ground 24-7” to get the word out in the region about the availability of their halal chicken, visiting over 50 masajid in the region and speaking to community leaders at the DC Council of Muslim Organizations.

“For once and for all, there is no question about the integrity of the [chicken]. Meat managers said we have a top quality product,” said Shaheed. “We want to make ‘Real Halal, It’s the Zabiha’ a household name.”

For now, Real Halal fresh chicken is a reality across the region. The founders are hoping the Muslim community will keep it that way.

For more information on Real Halal LLC, and to view a listing of all area Shoppers supermarkets carrying fresh Real Halal chicken, visit www.realhalal.us.

On right, Real Halal Chickens on display at a local Shoppers Food Warehouse and left, the Real Halal label

April 29th - May 12th, 2011 16 | ISLAM

IslamGeneral Ethical Guidelines for Muslims in BusinessBy Rafik Issa Beekun

Some general guidelines govern the Islamic code of ethics with relation to both one’s daily life and business conduct. Muslims are required to behave Islamically in their business dealings because Allah Himself is witness to their transactions:

“O you who believe! eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor kill (ordestroy) yourselves: for verily ALLAH hath been to you Most Merciful” [4:29]

“In whatever business you may be, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Qur’an and whatever deed you may be doing We are Witnesses thereof when you are deeply engrossed therein. [Al Qur’an 10:61]

Here are some key business principles that Muslims should follow.

Be Honest and Truthful.

Honesty and truthfulness are qualities which a Muslim business person should develop and practice in himself. Truth, for example, has a self-reinforcing effect. In a hadith reported in Sahih al Bukhari.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to tell the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to al fujuwr (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and al fujuwr (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may continue to tell lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.” [Hadith No. 8.116]

Honesty and truth is especially important for Muslim business persons because of the need to make a profit and the temptations to enhance the attributes of their product of service during a sales pitch. This is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

The merchants will be raised on the Day of Resurrentction as evil-doers, except those who fear Allah, are honest and speak the truth. [Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Darimi]

Keep Your Word.

In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your guise, and restrain your hands from injustice.” [Ubadah Ibn al Samit, Ahmad, Bayhaqi]

Love Allah More Than Your Trade.

We must love Allah even if we have to sacrifice everything else. Allah warns in the Qur’an, which is translated to mean:

Say, “If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which you fear a decline; or the dwellings in which you delight - are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause -then wait until Allah brings about His Decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.” [Al Qur’an 9:24]

Deal with Muslims before Dealing with

Non-Muslims.

In a sound hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) hired a polytheist as a guide at the time of his migration from Makkah to Madinah, thus entrusting him with his life and money. The people of the tribe of Khuza’ah, who included both Muslims and non-Muslims, acted as scouts for the Prophet (peace be upon him). In a hadith reported by Sa’d, the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked Muslims to seek medical treatment from al Harith Ibn Kaldah, who was a disbeliever. [Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 3866] However, as As Sayyid Sabiq pointed out, if a Muslim physician is present, one should seek his or her treatment and not turn to anyone else. The same applies when one has to entrust a person with funds or deal with him in business. [Fiqh-us-Sunnah 4, 6.a, paragraph 4.]

Be Humble in how You Conduct Your Life.

Muslims must not lead a l ife of extravagance, and must exhibit good-will in any transactions among themselves.

O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you Most Merciful. [Al Qur’an 4:29]

Use Mutual Consultation in Your Affars.

In describing the characterstics of those who will receive higher and more permanent gifts from Him, Allah stresses the importance of consultation.

Those who hearken to their Lord; and

estrablish regular prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation, who spend out of what we bestow on them for sustenance. [Al Qur’an 42:38]

Do Not Deal in Fraud.

Businessmen should avoid duplicity. They should treat others in the same righteous and fair manner that they themselves would like to be treated.

Woe to those that deal in fraud those who when they have to receive by measure from men exact full measure. But when they have to give by measure or weight to men give less than due. Do they not think that they will be called to account? [Al Qur’an 83:1-4]

Do Not Bribe.

Businessmen may sometimes be tempted to offer bribes or baqshish in order to persuade another party to give them special favours or to allow them to get away with dishonest practices. The practice of bribery is forbidden in Islam.

The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed the one bribes and the one who takes bribes. [Abd Allah ibn Amr ibn Al As, Abu Dawud, hadith no 3573]

Deal Justly.

The general principle that applies across all transactions including those pertaining to business is that of justice or ‘adl. Allah emphasizes this point in the Qur’an:

Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly. [Al Qur’an 2:279]

Source: Taken from ‘Islamic Business Ethics: Rafik Issa Beekun’

“Both parties in a business transaction have the right to annul it as long as they have not separated. Thus, if they speak the truth and make everything clear they will be blessed in their transaction; but if they tell a lie

and conceal anything, the blessing on their transaction will be blotted out.” (Bukhari and Muslim)


MARYLAND

Coventry Plaza6300 Coventry WayClinton, MD 20735301-868-0157

Marketplace at College Park4720 Cherry Hill RoadCollege Park, MD 20740301-345-5996

Wheaton/Glenmont S.C.2201 Randolph RoadWheaton, MD 20902240-514-1001

Centre at Laurel13600 Baltimore Ave., #100Laurel, MD 20707301-575-0260

Takoma Park Shopping Ctr6881 New Hampshire AveTakoma Park, MD 20912301-270-2638

Cloppers Mill Village18066 Mateny RoadGermantown, MD 20874301-353-8903

King Shopping Center7051 M.L. King AveLandover, MD 20785(301) 341-9021

BALTIMORE, MD AREA

Mondawwin Mall2000 Gwynns Falls PkwyBaltimore, MD 21216443-627-2292

Towson803 Goucher Blvd.Baltimore, MD 21204410-321-1255

Route 405457 BaltimoreNational PikeBaltimore, MD 21229410-744-8065

VIRGINIA

Sugarland Plaza47100 Community PlazaSterling, VA 20164703-430-0691

Seven Corners Center6360 Seven Corners Ctr.Falls Church, VA 22044703-533-9453

Landmark6200 Little River TurnpikeAlexandria, VA 22312703-256-6085

Village Center at Dulles2425 Centreville RoadHerndon, VA 20171703-713-0048

Potomac Yard Center3801 Jeff Davis HwyAlexandria, VA 22305703-518-4711

Centre Ridge Shopping Ctr6335 Multiplex DriveCentreville, VA 20120703-667-9870

Signal Hill Shopping Ctr9540 Liberia AvenueManassas, VA 20110703-335-6169_____________________

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April 29th - May 12th, 201118 | SALAAH TIMES

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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

Day Date Hijri Fajr Sunrise Dhuhr Asr Maghrib IshaFri 29 April 25/5 4:51 6:13 1:06 4:54 7:59 9:21Sat 30 26/5 4:50 6:11 1:06 4:55 8:00 9:22Sun 1 May 27/5 4:48 6:10 1:06 4:55 8:01 9:23Mon 2 28/5 4:47 6:09 1:06 4:55 8:02 9:25Tue 3 29/5 4:45 6:08 1:05 4:55 8:03 9:26Wed 4 1/6 4:44 6:07 1:05 4:56 8:04 9:27Thu 5 2/6 4:42 6:05 1:05 4:56 8:05 9:28Fri 6 3/6 4:41 6:04 1:05 4:56 8:06 9:30Sat 7 4/6 4:39 6:03 1:05 4:56 8:07 9:31Sun 8 5/6 4:38 6:02 1:05 4:56 8:08 9:32Mon 9 6/6 4:37 6:01 1:05 4:57 8:09 9:34Tue 10 7/6 4:35 6:00 1:05 4:57 8:10 9:35Wed 11 8/6 4:34 5:59 1:05 4:57 8:10 9:36Thu 12 9/6 4:33 5:58 1:05 4:57 8:11 9:37

zzv

CATHOLIC>> continued from pg 9

ANNOUNCING IMAM MAHDI SUPPORT FUND Dear Friends and Supporters - Assalam Alaykum (Peace be unto you), On Wednesday December 29th, 2010, our brother and civil rights activist Imam Mahdi Bray suffered a cerebral stroke while sleeping. Since then, Brother Mahdi has undergone surgery and started his long journey to complete recovery, God willing. While he has shown great signs of improvement in recent weeks, he will still need extensive care and rehabilitation in the coming weeks and months. We are hopeful that his condition will continue to improve God willing. Please keep him in your prayers. Many of you have expressed concern and a desire to help Mahdi during this diffi cult time. We have established a trust fund for Br. Mahdi. A unique trust fund has been setup by Imam Mahdi’s friends and well wishers. All donations to the Imam Mahdi Support Fund Trust will be used for the well-being of Imam Mahdi and his family, Help support our brother in any way possible. You can also mail your checks to: Imam Mahdi Support Fund Trust, P.O. Box 7232, McLean, VA 22106 Let’s show our brother Mahdi our love and support. PLEASE NOTE: Contributions or gifts to the Mahdi Bray Support Fund are NOT tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. On behalf of the Imam Mahdi Support Fund, Joshua Salaam, Trustee, Mohammad Rahman, Trustee, Tammam Dandashi, Trustee

after seeing that the students enjoyed certain elements of the presentation over others.

We recited portions of the Qur’an to them along with the English meaning, demonstrated the Salah, and helped them to write their names in Arabic. We spoke to them about serious matters such as our position on extremists and life after 9/11, and also shared some lighthearted moments when we discussed misconceptions about Muslims (“Go back to where you came from? My family’s from DC!”). We delved into the similarities between

Christianity and Islam, and also stated the distinguishing qualities of our religion. All in all, we packed the one-period sessions with as much as we could about Islam and its many elements, and the students responded in kind with more inquiring and interesting questions.

All of this made me realize that we must make it a top priority to learn how to properly give Da’wah. This is not only true for the men, but for the Muslim women as well; there were several questions we received about the Hijab and had it not been for a Muslim sister (who works as a teacher there) to stop by and answer some of the questions, I doubt the students would have been as impressed and accepting had it been a few [clearly non-hijabi] dudes trying to explain the wisdom of the Muslim

headscarf.

The Blessing of Islam

Throughout the day, we were constantly reminded to be thankful of the many blessings that we have been given, not the least of which is the blessing of Al-Islam. Throughout the day, we saw Christian students reciting their prayers before the beginning of class, touching the Bible before entering and leaving the class, and kneeling in the chapel between classes. We heard a school teacher and deacon discuss the Catholic ‘traditions’ (customs derived outside of the Bible and developed by those allegedly possessed by the Holy Spirit), obligatory acts of worship concerning only certain categories of clerics, and their mandate of celibacy for priests. It was all very interesting to observe

(especially those actions which bore commonality to our own practices) but needless to say, it made us even more appreciative of our pure, flawless, and complete religion.

As the bell rang, we smiled at the students who were slowly trudging out of the class and silently prayed that Allah would allow our presentation to make a difference in their lives. One of the last students to leave stopped in his tracks, turned, and demurely asked a question.

“How do you convert to Islam?”

--------------------------------------------The author runs “Musl im Youth Musings, a literary journal by Muslim youth at MuslimYouthMusings.com.

April 29th - May 12th, 2011 20 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Arts & EntertainmentBook Review: Hearts We Lost, A novel by Umm ZakiyyahBy Farida Idris IbrahimMuslim Link Contributing Writer

Umm Zakiyyah has done it again! This novel is sure to give readers a new perspective on Islam. It delves into issues that, even today, are too sensitive and uncomfortable for the vast majority of Muslims to confront.

In this heart-warming, suspense-filled, tear-jerker, Umm Zakiyyah takes the reader on a spiritual and moral journey that examines the struggles of a young man who unexpectedly finds himself facing a dilemma that will change the course of his life forever.

In part one, we meet Sharif, a 26-year-old African-American, who is returning home to America after a six-year study abroad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Having lost his father while a teen, Sharif feels obliged to fulfill the role of imam in the small Maryland masjid where his father had the same role.

But on his return, Sharif finds himself a stranger in the midst of the very people he grew up with. Even the love he has for

his beloved fiancée, Hasna, is put to the test when he finds he is unable to accept her lifestyle—one which he himself grew up with.

What really hit home while reading this part was the striking similarities in the problems faced by Sharif as a practicing Muslim in America and that being faced by practicing Muslims in their native Muslim lands. They face tough challenges while going against the cultural grain they have known all their lives.

In part two, Sharif is now Imam of his community and begins the arduous task of trying to reform the minds of a people set in their ways—people who have become so comfortable with their version of “true” Islam that Sharif himself fears he will be ostracized and deemed a “traitor” to his African-American roots. He faces this fear not only with his community but also with his own flesh and blood, most notably his mother.

Sharif finds that at every turn, he is forced to follow the path of “moderation” as dictated by the only version of Islam his community has ever known.

Compounding matters for Sharif is a dream [of a future wife] he repeatedly sees that seems to pull his heart in an unexpected direction—a direction that not only disrupts his personal life but is sure to, once revealed, cause an uproar in his community.

In part three, after soul-searching and seeking Allah’s counsel, Sharif is convinced that the events he sees in his dream are ordained by Allah. Thus, he decides to seek the opinion of the one person he has taken as a second father-figure since childhood— the father of his fiancée. But Sharif finds that even those whom he thought he could trust are quick to malign and alienate him, leaving him with no choice but to leave his family and home. The author does an outstanding job in keeping readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire novel. The book also contains some beautiful lines of poetry that are sure to evoke tears of emotion for the unsuspecting reader.

Umm Zakiyyah has interwoven authentic narrations from the Prophet salallahu alaihi wa sallam and ayaat from the

Qur’an in such a manner that even the learned Muslim is left feeling as if he were reading them for the first time.

I read this book in seven days, and in those seven days I learned priceless lessons that I have since sought to apply in my daily affairs, with the help of Allah.

But by far, the most humbling of all lessons for me was how the characters, every single one of them, come to the realization that they are but human beings, mere creations from dust and that, ultimately, when all seems lost, it is to Allah’s decree alone which they must submit.

If I were to describe this book in a few words, it would be “a powerful lesson in tawakkul [placing one’s trust in Allah].” This book by far exceeded my expectations. May Allah reward the author with nothing less than Jannatul Firdaus.

For more information on this novel and other novels from Umm Zakiyyah, or to read an excerpt, visit the publisher’s website at muslimfiction.com

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April 29th - May 12th, 2011 22 | WORLD PRESS

World PressThe Incredible Floating Fire AntBy Brian Vastag The Washington PostApril 26, 2011

Congress — and perhaps the rest of us — could learn a thing or two about teamwork from Solenopsis invicta, the dreaded fire ant.

When in danger of drowning, a colony of the critters — thousands of them — will save themselves by joining forces and forming a raft. They pile together and lock legs and jaws.

So bound, an ant raft can survive for months.

Engineers studying animal oddities now report that together, the ants aren’t just stronger. They’re floatier. Airtight, even.

“Water does not penetrate the raft,” said Nathan Mlot, a mechanical engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology and lead author of the ant-raft report published in Monday’s Proceedings of the National Academies. Even the bottom layer of ants stays dry, he said.

Engineers, Mlot went on to explain, think the rafting behavior might aid the quest for new waterproof materials and offer lessons for robotics research.

Individual fire ants, when dropped in water, struggle and flail, but a close inspection reveals a thin layer of air clinging to the swimmer. It’s a self-supplied, if only temporary, flotation device.

And although individual fire ants have been thoroughly studied in the lab, until now no one had bothered to figure out how ant rafts float.

The uneven, hairy surface of the ant’s skin explains this phenomenon. Bumpy, bristly, or otherwise rough surfaces repel

water because of something called the Cassie-Baxter law of wetting. And unlike the McCain-Feingold law of campaign finance reform, Cassie-Baxter always applies.

This physical law states that as a surface gets rougher, water has a tougher time touching it. Duck feathers also repel water because of their tiny bumps.

So Mlot and his colleagues gathered up fire ants from the urban wilderness of Atlanta. The ants’ floating prowess makes them easy to collect. Just scoop up an ant mound, dump it in a bucket of water and collect the entire population as it pops to the surface.

Back in the lab, Mlot deposited colonies of 500 to 8,000 ants in large beakers. When gently swirled, each colony spontaneously formed a sphere.

Mlot dropped these spheres into water, and the amazing social behavior of ants became evident. The ants on top of the ball crawled down to the water and grabbed onto other water-level compatriots. The next layer of top ants then crawled to the edge, and so on. In about a minute and a half, each ant-sphere flattened into a dome, then flattened further into a pancake shape — a raft.

When the engineers flash-froze one ant raft with liquid nitrogen and scanned it under a microscope, they saw ants clinging to one another every which way — legs on legs, jaws on legs, jaws on jaws. They also counted about 21 / 2 layers of ants per raft.

This togetherness pushes each ant’s individual air bubble against the next ant’s bubble. The bubbles join, protecting the whole raft.

“If water can’t come into contact with one ant, or the next, or the next, air can’t get through,” said Mlot.

The rafts are so buoyant that the engineers had to push them eight inches underwater before any water leaked through. As the rafts submerged, the ants pulled together even more tightly, working together to maintain their watertight communal craft.

The rafting behavior likely evolved because fire ants hail from oft-flooded regions of Brazil and Argentina, saidAlexander Wild, an ant researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “This is a secret to their success,” he said of the biting pests that invaded the southern United States decades ago. Floods might wipe out other insects, but the fire ants survive.

Other species of ants huddle together to make structures, the most famous being the giant army ants of South America, which form beach-ball-size bivouacs each night. But entomologists say that only fire ants are known to make rafts.

When building these structures, no single ant is in charge. Yet what looks like chaos is really communal organization. The individuals act as one, becoming what

entomologists call a super-organism.

Likewise, roboticists say that swarms of small, fairly dumb robots that each follow a few simple rules can achieve larger goals. Ants provide the blueprint for such “swarm intelligence,” said Mlot. “A simple robot is easier to program than a mega-smart one.”

And the lesson for Congress, which recently wound itself up in knots simply trying to keep the government afloat?

“These ants hang in there and figure out a way to get the job done,” said Michael Raupp, an entomologist at the University of Maryland at College Park. “It’s another fascinating example of altruistic behavior, ants acting as super-organisms. Insects doing insect things.”

------------------------------------------------In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Photo by National Geographic

23April 29th - May 12th, 2011 CIVIL RIGHTS |

Civil RightsCivil RightsCivil RightsThe Hidden Horrors of WikiLeaks’ Guantánamo FilesBy Andy WorthingtonCagePrisoners.com

WikiLeaks’ latest revelations -- secret military files on almost all of the 779 prisoners held in the US “war on terror” prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba -- are already causing a stir, and for good reason, as they resuscitate a story that appears to have been forgotten in the last few years: how, in their rush to prove themselves tough and vengeful in response to the 9/11 attacks, the most senior officials in the Bush administration not only discarded international laws and treaties including the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture, but also threw out safeguards designed to protect innocent people from being wrongly imprisoned in wartime. Some of the key discoveries in the Guantánamo files are the documents on the 201 prisoners released between 2002 and summer 2004, which cover new ground, as the US military has never publicly released any of this information before. For the other 578 prisoners, information has at least been revealed through the release of the government’s allegations against the prisoners, and the transcripts of the tribunals and review boards used to assess their significance, which were released in 2006 (with follow-ups in the years since), but for these 201 prisoners, many of the stories are being related for the very first time. These are mostly dispiriting revelations about how children as young as 14 and old men in their 80s were rounded up and sent to Guantánamo, joining farmers, taxi drivers and unwilling Taliban recruits -- hordes of the innocent or the insignificant, whose stories help to confirm the folly of Guantánamo. Just as significant, however, are the stories of the majority of the other prisoners -- the nearly 400 others released, and most of the 171 still held. Understanding their stories generally requires more effort, as the allegations marshalled against them seem

to prove what a threat they are -- until, that is, the sources of these allegations are investigated, and are revealed, time and again, as very dubious indeed. Although JTF-GTMO, the Joint Task Force at Guantánamo, responsible for creating these files, has done a good job of creating the illusion of coherent intelligence dossiers, an illusion is all it is. On close inspection, the files are full of lies and distortions, with certain figures appearing over and over again. They include “high-value detainees” like Abu Zubaydah, waterboarded 83 times and held for four and a half years in secret CIA prisons, and Ibn al-Shaykh al-Libi, tortured in Egypt until he falsely confessed that there were connections between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein (used to justify the invasion of Iraq in March 2003), who was finally sent back to Libya to be murdered. There are also others, held only in Guantánamo, who are known as notoriously unreliable informants, and who, whether through the use of torture, coercion, or bribery (the promise of better living conditions) have repeatedly told lies about their fellow prisoners. These have been seen through, generally by some official figures at Guantánamo, and also by judges in the prisoners’ habeas corpus petitions, who have recognized their baleful influence, and have often moved to dismiss their testimony, damaging or even eviscerating the government’s cases. There are dangerous men in Guantánamo, of course -- some, if not all of the 14 ‘high-value detainees,” including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, who arrived in Guantánamo from secret CIA prisons in September 2006, some of the ten others transferred to Guantánamo from secret prisons in September 2004, plus a handful of others. Essentially, these are the 36 men recommended for trials by the Obama administration’s

Guantánamo Review Task Force, which spent the whole of 2009 analysing the prisoners’ cases. As for the rest of the 171 men still held, 47 of whom are being held indefinitely without charge or trial by President Obama on the basis that they are too dangerous to release, even though no evidence exists that can be used in court, these documents reveal how the distortions engendered by Guantánamo continue to erode all hope of a rational settlement to the vexed question of when Guantánamo will actually close. When innocent people are labelled as “low risk” detainees, and foot soldiers are labelled as “medium risk” or “high risk,” as they are in these official documents, the proper outcome -- that prisoners should either be charged or released, and the abomination that is Guantánamo should be closed as soon as possible -- is lost in a miasma of misplaced fear. Politically, it appears that President Obama has decided that Guantanamo is too toxic to touch. That is a disgrace, as it shows him to be a man lacking in firm principles, after all his fine talk about the importance of justice and the law, when he was a Senator, and it is also a tragedy for America.

I won’t hold my breath hoping for enlightenment, but these documents released by WikiLeaks deserve to be read widely, and to be acted upon decisively by Americans who care about justice and the rule of law, because, with Guantánamo still open, they reveal the unjustifiable triumph, from beyond the electoral grave, of the Bush adminstration, whose actions, whatever their supposed justification, took the country to a wretched and disturbing place that still needs to be abandoned and repudiated as a thoroughly unacceptable aberration from the principles on which the United States was founded.

------------- Andy Worthington is a Senior Researcher for Cageprisoners. He is also the author of The Guantánamo Files: The Stories of the 774 Detainees in America’s Illegal Prison (published by Pluto Press) and the co-director (with Polly Nash) of the new documentary, “Outside the Law: Stories from Guantánamo.”------------------------------------------------In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

April 29th - May 12th, 2011 24 |

ADAMS CENTER:46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling,VA 20164, Tel: 703-433-1325, www.adamscenter.org. --------------------------------------------------------------ALL MUSLIM BROTHERS ASSOCIATION3900 King StreetAlexandria, VA 22302Tel: 703-647-0515--------------------------------------------------------------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, 703-554-7983. [email protected] | www.bccd.org --------------------------------------------------------------BAITUL MUKARRAM:2116 S Nelson St., Arlington, VA, 22204, Tel: 703-778-1550. --------------------------------------------------------------Bilal Dawah Center, Inc: 1910 Frederick AvenueBaltimore, MD 21223Tel: 410-945-1515 --------------------------------------------------------------DAR AL HIJRAH:3159 Rowe St.,Falls Church, VA 22044, Tel: 703-536-1030, www.hijrah.org.--------------------------------------------------------------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 darululoommd@aol.com--------------------------------------------------------------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--------------------------------------------------------------IRHSCA (ISLAMIC RESEARCH AND HUM. SERVICES CENTER OF AMERICA):Chambers Ave, Capitol Heights, MDTel: 301-324-5040, www.irhsca.org--------------------------------------------------------------ISLAMIC CENTER OF LEXINGTON PARK22583 - B Three Notch RoadCalifornia, MD 20619Tel: 240-538-7839 or 561-414-0994www.iclpmd.org--------------------------------------------------------------ISLAMIC CENTER OF MARYLAND (ICM):19411 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: 703-591-0999, [email protected] | www.icnvt.org--------------------------------------------------------------ISLAMIC COM. CENTER OF LAUREL (ICCL):7306 Contee Rd., Laurel, MD 20707Tel: 301-317-4584, www.icclmd.org--------------------------------------------------------------ISLAMIC FOUNDATION OF AMERICA6606 Electronic DriveSpringfield, VA 22151Tel: 703-914-4982--------------------------------------------------------------

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 [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: (240)-277-7758, www.isgtown.org--------------------------------------------------------------ISLAMIC SOC. OF SOUTHERN PG COUNTY (ISSPGC): P O Box 99, Clinton, MD 207355410 Indian Head Hwy, Oxon Hill, MD 20745Tel: 240 603 4618--------------------------------------------------------------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: [email protected] | www.isamd.org -------------------------------------------------------------- MANASSAS MOSQUE: 12950 Center Entrance Ct, Manassas, VATel: 703-257-5537

--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID AL-GHURABAA: 8220 Washington St., South, Laurel, MD 20724Tel: 301-604-3295 --------------------------------------------------------------MASJID AL-HIKMAH:11064 Livingston Road Unit L (101) Ft. Washington, MD 20744, Tel: 301 292-9009.--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID AL-ISLAM: 4603 Benning Rd., SE, Washington, DC 20019imammusa@hotmail.com--------------------------------------------------------------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 AL-RAHMAH/ISB: 6631 Johnny Cake Rd. Baltimore, MD 21244Tel: 410-747-4869, www.isb.org--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID AN-NUR: 5418 Ebenezer Road, White Marsh, MD 21162Tel: 410-663-9637, Fax: 410-663-9817--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID AS SAFFAT: 1335 W. North Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217Tel: 410-669-0655--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID IBN TAYMIYYAH: 8000 MLK Highway, Glenarden MDTel: 301-461-9325--------------------------------------------------------------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 NOOR8608 Pohick RdSpringfield, VA 22153Tel: 703-451-7615--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID UL-HAQ:514 Islamic Way (Wilson St. ), Baltimore, MD 21217Tel: 410-728-1363

--------------------------------------------------------------MASJID ZAMZAM1510 Lynch Road,Dundalk, MD 21222Phone: 410-284-2840--------------------------------------------------------------MEDINA CENTER:11600 Falls Road, Potomac MD 20854www.medinacenter.net--------------------------------------------------------------MUSLIM COM. CENTER (MCC): 15200 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20905Tel: 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--------------------------------------------------------------RANDALLSTOWN ISLAMIC CENTER9019 Marcella Ave. Randallstown, MD 21133Tel: 410-971-4018www.ricbaltimore.org--------------------------------------------------------------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--------------------------------------------------------------TURKISH AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER9704 Good Luck RoadLanham, Maryland 20706Tel: 301-459-9589www.taccenter.org--------------------------------------------------------------ZAKARIA ISLAMIC ACADEMYGalesbury Lane,Chantilly, VA 20151Tel: [email protected] www.ziacademy.org

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

MASJID LOCATOR

25April 29th - May 12th, 2011

Upcoming Events In Your AreaInvitation to a Town Hall Discussion: 2011 Hours Against Hate CampaignFriday, April 29 2011, 2:00pm - 3:00pm2011 Hours Against Hate is a campaign to stop bigotry and promote respect across lines of culture, religion, tradition, class, and gender. Launched by Special Representative Farah Pandith and Special Envoy Hannah Rosenthal, the Department of State is asking young people around the world to pledge their time to stop hate - to do something for someone who doesn’t look like you, pray like you, or live like you. Event will be held at the U.S. Department of State, East Auditorium, George Marshall Conference Center (Enter at 21st St. NW, between C St. & Virginia Ave., Washington, D.C.) Check-in: 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Guests should arrive no later than 1:45 p.m. All RSVPs MUST include the following information: Full name, organization of affi liation, title, date of birth. Please include “2011 Against Hate” in the subject line of your response email and please indicate if you require any special accommodations. Seating is limited. Contact: Please RSVP to [email protected] no later than 5:00PM EST April 20th-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DC Muslim Youth Seminar: Avoiding the Criminal Justice SystemFriday, April 29 2011, 6:30pm - 9:30pmAvoiding The Criminal Justice System, A Seminar for DC Area Muslim Youth (but all are welcome!) Please Join Us for this Very Important Event. This program has been organized to address a challenge faced too often by inner-city youth, including a wave of young people in the DC area who have embraced Islam in the last three years. This event is for youth 21 and under. Free BBQ food, fun, and discussion. Spread the word and tell your friends! Location: IRHSCA 1 Chamber Ave Capitol Heights, Maryland Contact: For questions/concerns, please call Usman Sarwar 202-528-2130-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Walk of Hope: Helping Baltimore’s Homeless One Step at a TimeSunday, May 01 2011, 8:00am - 12:00pmMuslim Social Services Agency (MSSA) invites you to participate in the Walk of Hope- Helping Baltimore’s Homeless One Step at a Time. This event is a Muslim walkathon/food drive for the homeless. MSSA is a non-profi t organization who is trying to help other non-profi t organizations provide food to those in need, inshaAllah. The food collected will be donated to area homeless shelters, soup kitchens, food bank and food pantries, inshaAllah. Our goal is to have at least one thousand Muslims walking to help provide food to the area’s homeless providers. The Governor of Maryland may attend or one of his representatives and the Mayor of Baltimore City is considering attending, inshaAllah. We ask that each walker bring 5 canned goods or 5 non-perishable food items. The donated food will go to local organizations and shelters that aid the homeless. For more details, to be a sponsor, volunteer or to register, please go to www.baltimorewalkofhope.com Bring your children, friends and family inshaAllah...we hope to see you there! Location: scenic Reservoir in Baltimore’s historic Druid Hill Park located at 2600 Madison Avenue. Baltimore, MD Contact: for general info, call 443-519-7413; or email: info@baltimorewalkofhope.com-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center Open HouseSaturday, May 07 2011, 11:00am - 5:00pmOn behalf of the board and community at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, we would like to invite you to join us for the opening session of the Spring Open-House. Open House will include: a tour of the mosque, a movie on Islam, food from Muslim countries, an Islamic art exhibit, and Muslim American songs. To RSVP: email [email protected]. Location: 3159 Row Street; Falls Church, VA, 22044. Contact: For more information, visit us at www.hijrah.org or call 703-536-1030-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ISWA Annual Fundraising DinnerSaturday, May 07 2011, 6:00pm - 10:00pmMy Masjid, My Family, My Community. Speakers, Youth Presentations and Silent Auction. Come and celebrate! Location: 2701 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring MD 20905. Contact: 301-879-0930. Tickets: $50 per person, children under 12 are free.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------EPC/Debate Appreciation Dinner & FundraiserSunday, May 15 2011, 5:00pm - 8:30pmEPC/Debate Appreciation Dinner & Fundraiser. Please join us in celebrating the achievements of our participants and to appreciate the generous contributions and eff orts of our patrons, judges, and volunteers. Individual: $15.00, Family of four+: $50.00. Location: Atrium Room, Stamp Union Bldg, Univ of Maryland. Contact: Please call for more information or to RSVP at (240) 483-5785, Email: Essays@mafi q.org

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)”---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4-13-11 With our deepest condolences we announce the passing of Brother Idris At-Tagri, a long standing community member. The Janaza was on April 14, 2011 in Washington DC. May the Most High, Bless him with Forgiveness, Mercy and Paradise. Amin. (Source: Masjid Muhammad)

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April 29th - May 12th, 2011 26 |

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the American Thinker in 2006 that “Islam was born in violence; it will die that way. Any wish to the contrary is sheer Pollyannaism. The same way the post World War II German youth were taught by their German teachers and political leaders to despise the fascism of their fathers, with strict laws extant still today restricting even speech that casts doubt on the Holocaust, so too must the Muslim youth be taught from the cradle to reject the religion of their forebears.”

Professor Aziz told the audience to expect more anti-sharia rhetoric in the ramp up

to the 2012 elections. “[Muslims] and shari’ah law will be the mud to be slung,” she said.

Mr. Chibundu, originally of Nigeria, said although “Islam is seen as the enemy and [in opposition to] western values or liberalism”, that he is cautiously optimistic with the recent uprisings in several predominately Muslim countries. The people have spoken in these countries saying that their Islam has been suppressed and the media has been covering these events as a democratic reform implying that Islam and democracy can live in harmony. “As a high school student I studied both the Qur’an and Bible. Perhaps if this were also encouraged at the high school level elsewhere, Islam would not be seen as inherently hostile,”

he said.“The reactions to the symposia [are] great and many of the attending scholars [wrote] on the topic,” said organizer Hashimi, a member of Maryland’s Muslim community. “I hoped these symposia would create a forum where we could come together and have an open and honest discussion about what Shariah is, how is it relevant to the United States legal system, and what the legal struggles are of American Muslims.”

The University of Maryland recognized Hashmi in February with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Recognition Award for her organization of the Fall Symposium and her efforts at creating dialogue through this symposium.

SYMPOSIUM>> continued from pg 4

During the 2010 Primary elections, the Muslim Democratic Caucus endorsed five of the nine winning Democratic candidates, raised thousands of dollars and recruited dozens of volunteers for its endorsed candidates, and mobilized hundreds of votes from our community.

According to Islamic tenants, Muslims participating in democratic elections are obligated to vote as a bloc based upon a consensus of the Muslim community. On Tuesday, April 16, 2011, Muslim leaders and others in DC convened a candidates forum to develop a consensus slate of candidates for the April 26, 2011, DC Special Election.

[Source: Muslim Democratic Caucus of

the District of Columbia press release. For more information, please email [email protected]]

------------------------------------------------In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

ELECTIONS>> continued from pg 10

to meet and interact.

The initial shyness Anisah felt having to stand before a crowd of strangers was overcome as her name got called up for her to read her poem. Once she was finished reading, she was congratulated by a cheerful and friendly applause from the audience.

Her poem was about her feelings of nostalgia as winter passed. Her imagery included fresh, clean snow being trampled on by children playing.

First second and third place awards were granted to each one of the three categories (6 to 12, 13 to 18, and adults). The library issued Certificates of Recognition to all children participants.

“I am always glad to see young people expressing themselves. Keep writing, on paper. It is more permanent than Facebook or Twitter”, said Ms.Barbara

Spears, the Library Branch manager who conducted the event.

“I hope that more Muslim students will participate in this contest next year, not just because they have the talent mashAllah but also because it is good dawah to be given to our community”, Anisah said.

As encouragement to work on her own writing skills, Anisah has decided to use the journal gifted for writing two poems every day… until next year’s contest Insha’Allah !

POETRY>> continued from pg 8

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April 29th - May 12th, 2011 28 | Restaurant Review

Cuisine: Puerto-Itlaiian | Address: 11440 Cherry Hill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 | Phone: 301-595-2525 | Website: www.casadellapizza.comHours: Sunday-Thursday: 11:00am - 10:00pm | Friday-Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm

By Fatimah SteffanoffMuslim Link Restaraunt Reviewer

Casa Della Pizza is a good sized restaurant in a convenient shopping center, with plenty of parking. The restaurant is quaintly decorated in warm colors, well organized, clean and the staff welcoming. Don’t be fooled by the name, Casa Della Pizza has much more than pizza on the menu! Although Casa Della Pizza does offer a great selection of halal pizza toppings not typically available to build your own pizza if you don’t want a specialty which they have already put together, you can select from ham, sausage, beef, pepperoni, and chicken in addition to the variety of vegetables. Everything is handmade at Casa Della Pizza, including the dough which is baked to perfection on in a conveyor oven. We had the Buffalo Chicken pizza which is topped with shredded cheese baked to crispy delight on the fluffy crust which never got soggy.

Since Casa Della Pizza is also the first halal Peruvian Roasted Chicken restaurant in the area, we couldn’t resist ordering that as well. When ordering the meal you get your choice of two sides for which we selected garden salad and French fries, and it also came with corn bread which is made there in house. They serve the roasted chicken with the expected green & yellow dipping sauces on the side, and the Peruvian flavors are just the right blend of cumin and paprika complimented with garlic, then left on the rotisserie until the skin is golden, keeping the meat juicy and tender. There is no mistake this is the real deal. Other options to be enjoyed at the Casa Della Pizza include a selection of pasta dishes, salads, hot sub sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, many sides and kids meal options too. There is something for everyone. Our medium pizza, and half chicken meal with two beverages totaled $28.90 with tax, and was enough to feed a family of 4 or have left overs due to their generous portions. With the pricing, great selection, helpful service and convenient location, Casa Della Pizza should become a regular place for small parties to larger groups so that you can return enough times to sample a little of everything. The great thing is that they cater and offer local delivery too!

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