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| The Latest News and Articles of the Mosque Foundation
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Thursday, November 01, 2007 |
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November 2007 English
By SuperUser Account @ 6:37 PM :: 751 Views :: 2007 English Newsletter
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| Issue No. 7 |
November 2007 |
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If you would like to announce a wedding, engagement, birth or death in the month of November, email us the information for the next issue of the Community Pulse at info@mosquefoundation.org
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A Message from the Imam
 The Best of You Will Not Hit
(Hadith narrated by Al Hakem)
Some of the hardest phone calls we have to deal with are the ones that come with broken hearts and tears from wives whose husbands fail to communicate with them in an Islamic manner. Some husbands believe they are being manly by using violence, beating, cursing, insulting and humiliating their families to get what they demand.
The month of October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness month, which prompted me to write about this detestable social disease. Although we know that as a community we may not have the alarming number of cases of Domestic Violence (DV) as some other communities, we cannot hide from the truth that it does happen among Muslim and Arab families.
I agree with those who define DV as abuse from husband towards wife, wife towards husband, parents towards children, and children towards parents, and that the abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal or social, but I have chosen to write specifically about the abuse of husbands towards their wives because it is more common (assumingly) in our community (when it happens).
As Imams, we should be in touch with issues affecting our community, and we cannot turn our backs away from dealing with such social diseases. Educating people, bringing awareness and extending a helping hand to those in need are among a few of the things we can do.
Domestic violence is a huge topic, and these are only a few words of advice I hope will shed some light on this shameful act insha Allah.
First:
We have to agree that domestic violence and abuse are prohibited (Haram) in Islam because Allah prohibited aggression and hurting others.
1. Allah said in the holy Hadith: (My servants; I have made aggression unlawful to me and I ordained it as unlawful to you, so do not be aggressors toward each other). Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim.
2. When the Prophet (PBUH) sent Muaz to Yemen he told him: (O Muaz, be aware of the supplication of someone being oppressed. There are no barriers between his supplication and Allah). Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari.
3. The Prophet (PBUH) said: (Keep away from oppression (or aggression), oppression is darkness on the Day of Judgment). Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim.
4. The Prophet (PBUH) said: (The Muslim is the brother of the Muslim. He shall not oppress him or humiliate him or fail to support him. Taqwa is here (pointing to his chest) (saying that 3 times). It is (an act) of evil to disgrace his Muslim brother. Everything (sacred or protected) of a Muslim to a Muslim is Haram; his blood, money and honor). Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim.
Second:
We have to agree to abhor and prohibit beating especially among family members. This is how we really follow the path of the Prophet (PBUH). The way of life the Prophet of Islam lived shall clarify all wrong concepts from people giving themselves a green light to beat their wives.
1. Aisha said: (The Prophet (PBUH) never raised his hand to a woman or a servant). Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim and AbuDaoud.
2. The Prophet (PBUH) said: (Let no one beat his woman like a slave and ask her for bed at the end of the day) Hadith narrated by Bukhari.
Third:
We have to do our best to promote Islamic values among family members in order to enjoy the true meaning of being a family.
1. Allah said: {And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect}. Al Room 21.
2. Allah said: {And live with them (wives) honorably}. AlNisa 19.
3. Allah said: {you (men) are clothes (cover) to them and they (women) are clothes (cover) to you}.
4. The Prophet (PBUH) said: (The perfect believers in faith are those who are the best in their morals and most caring and loving to their families). Hadith narrated by Imam Tirmithi.
5. The Prophet (PBUH) said: (The best among you are those best to their families). Hadith narrated by Imam Ibn Majah and AlHakem.
6. The Prophet (PBUH) said: (let no (male) believer hate a (female) believer (wife), for if he hates one manner, it may be that he will love another). Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim.
Fourth:
All should know the importance of the role of the Imam in the community, and for this we remind you of the following:
1. The Imam should be a trusted figure in your community to approach with your problems. No sister or brother facing family problems should feel uncomfortable talking to an Imam. No husband should threaten his wife by divorce if she seeks help to improve her marriage. No woman should feel exposed if she contacts the Imam for help. Please, do not wait until issues reach processing divorce papers to call the Imam. We want to help you save the marriage and protect the family as much as we can. The earlier we are contacted the better we can help insha Allah.
2. Many people do not feel comfortable when they are asked to seek mental healthcare through professional help. They feel it's a taboo issue in the culture or community. Why then delay the communication with the Imam who may be able to help you find solutions and direct you to what is needed insha Allah?
3. Let us remind you that all matters discussed in the office of the Imam are protected and strictly confidential. We hope that you will feel comfortable knowing that the Imam, with his knowledge of religion, culture and community, would be better able to relate to your needs than someone unfamiliar with our religion and culture.
4. Another important aspect is the financial burden. Sometimes legal fees can destroy your life financially, sucking dry everything you have worked for. Marriage counseling in Islam is an amanah on us, and there are never any fees which might discourage you from seeking help.
Finally:
We ask Allah to make all the families' lives enjoyable and beautiful with tranquility, love and mercy. Allah will have mercy on people who have mercy. Let husbands have mercy on wives and let wives have mercy on husbands, and let mercy be our theme for life as the Prophet himself (PBUH) was described in the Qur,an: {We have sent you (O Muhammed) as a mercy to mankind}.
Sh.Kifah Mustapha
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Message From the President
Activism and Local School District: A Letter to the School Board
(The Following is an Official Letter Presented to Ridgeland School District 122)
Dear School District Board:
On behalf of the Muslim community in your district and the Mosque Foundation, I would like to convey our deep concern about the proceedings of your special board meeting held on 10/06/2007 to discuss schools holidays and the events that preceded and followed the meeting.
Your board's decisions in response to the request of Elizabeth Zahdan, a mother of three children in your schools and an active member in PTA, and the way you handled the process of recognizing Islamic holidays in your schools, have led to a public and media campaign against Muslim residents, racist remarks during your board meeting and unnecessary increased tension between Muslim and non-Muslim students.
We in the Muslim community are very worried that the public display of hate and racism against Muslim residents and students during your board meeting, and the media attention that accompanied that meeting, may lead to hate crimes and slurs against Muslim residents and students and make it harder for Muslim students to be proud of their religion, practice freely their religious obligations, and make them feel as second class students in their schools.
We ask you to consider the following steps in order to respect and celebrate the diversity of your students, deal fairly with the concerns of the large number of your Muslim students and to address the constitutionally sanctioned rights of Muslim students in your schools:
1- Add Ramadan, Eid Alfitr and Eid Aladha to the school district calendar, like the other religious holidays of major religions.
2- Recognize and teach about Islamic Holidays in a similar manner to other Religious holidays that are recognized and celebrated
3- Hold sensitivity training about Islam and Muslims for all school administrators and teachers (Professional workshops can be arranged for free by OIS Midwest at www.oismidwest.org)
4- Send letters to school teachers before Ramadan to remind them of the Holiday and its meaning ( a sample letter is included)
5- Make appropriate accommodations for fasting Muslim students during lunch time during the month of Ramadan
6- Make appropriate dietary changes that accommodate Jewish and Muslim dietary requirements
7- Make appropriate accommodations to Muslim students, during lunch time or breaks, for daily prayer during school time
8- Make appropriate accommodations for required Islamic attire and clothing during physical fitness classes and showering.
9- Clarify during your next board meeting in public the reasons that led to your decisions about Holidays and clear the name of Ms. Elizabeth Zahdan.
10-Work to introduce Arabic as a second language for students who would like to learn it.
We are confident that your school district will continue to make the right decisions in your board that respect and celebrate diversity, respect all students regardless of their ethnicity and religious affiliation, teach about all major religions in similar manner and treat all students and their families as equals.
Sincerely
Dr. Mohammed Sahloul
President, the Mosque Foundation
(Board Response)
Ridgeland District 122 is the first school district to officially recognize Ramadan since the Board's decision on October 6, 2007. Each of the five schools in the district provided Eid activities for the children. The Mosque Foundation also sponsored an after school concert by Dawud Wharnsby Ali at Columbus Manor for Eid. Columbus Manor sent a thank you card which said, "Your kindness and generosity have been shown through the sponsorship of Mr. Dawud Wharnsby's performance at our school. This gesture will reach many hearts and open the door to the message of peace and hope, through his very beautiful music. Thank you once again. From the Students, Staff, and Families of Columbus Manor Elementary."
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Through the Eyes of Rebirth:
A Letter from a New Muslim
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Your smile in the face of your brother is a charity." This is proof that sometimes the smallest actions may make the biggest difference, actions we never foresee may change another's life. This is the story of a new Muslim sister who recently declared her shahada, and wanted to share her experience at the Mosque Foundation.
My first visit to the Masjid
For a very long time I have been searching for a masjid to attend to take classes on Islam and the Qur'an. Many attempts were made by two of my good friends to locate masjids for me that I could call to ask about classes. One in particular caught my eye, which was given to me by brother Zia. It was the Mosque Foundation located on 93rd and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview. The masjid is far from my home, but I thought that any masjid I chose to attend would be far from where I live because I do not live in a Muslim community.
Yesterday after my job interview I decided to go for a visit. On the bus ride there I was nervous because I had never been inside a masjid before and I was afraid of not knowing where to go and who to talk to. I kept thinking on the bus ride there...what should I say? Who should I talk to? Will I be looked at differently because my hair is not covered? And even though I had on a long skirt with a loose fitting blouse, it was short sleeved because I had just come from a job interview, and the weather was 95 degrees that day. I guess I was also afraid of walking inside all by myself, and I wasn't even sure about which bus stop to get off at because I never took the bus that goes to the suburbs. So I was basically nervous about many things, but I still persisted.
While I was on the bus, I noticed a Muslim woman in the front standing near the bus driver because all the seats were full. The man sitting next to me offered his seat to her and she accepted. I thought maybe I should ask her how to get to the masjid because I did not want to get off at the wrong stop. It turned out that asking her was the best thing I did because we began to talk during the entire bus ride there. I learned her name is Dounia and she is Moroccan, and she offered to walk with me to the masjid. She stayed with me there the entire time. I felt so happy because I met a new friend and I no longer felt nervous. We began to talk about Islam, our families, and which universities we attend. Alhamdulillah for meeting such a kind and friendly person.
When I got there, it was prayer time so I was able to see how prayer is performed. I found it surprising that there were only two women there praying in the entire Masjid. After prayer, a Muslim sister who worked there directed us to the Imam/Director Jamal M. Said, and we went into his office to speak to him. My conversations with the Imam made me feel like he cared about wanting to help me. He first began to ask me about my family and what religion I grew up with, and then he asked me questions about what made me become interested in Islam, so I began to explain why. I also began to cry and get emotional because I told him how I feel all alone in my community and how I had no other Muslim sisters around me in Chicago who I could talk with. Nobody understands Islam where I live, especially in my family, and I wish I knew a way to get my family to understand and respect that this is what I want to do with my life. I will still be the same person, with the same personality. I love them the way they are, why can't they do the same for me? The Imam told me that he could tell I was very sincere in my interest in Islam, not only through my tears, but also by the way I talked about Islam and all the things that interested me about it. He told me that I should keep in contact with the masjid, and keep learning as much as I could. He also told me about classes and programs at the masjid. He said he would be willing to accommodate my schedule since I have school if I have any questions or need more help.
I left the Imam's office, and Dounia and I exchanged numbers and emails, and I left the masjid feeling so happy. I had never felt so happy before. The atmosphere was so amazing because nobody looked at me like I was a stranger or someone who did not belong, The Imam, and all the sisters there were so friendly and made me feel very welcomed. I wish I could attend the masjid everyday, but I know my schedule won't allow me to. I have classes in the evening, and hopefully, if I get that job I interviewed for insha'allah, I will be working from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm almost everyday, but I want to try to get there once or twice a week if I can, and I especially want to attend when the evening classes are offered.
Sister R.
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The Jury is Out for HLF: Not Guilty
A prosecution that is likely to go down in the record books as one of the great abuses of the American legal process ended with a mistrial yesterday in Dallas, Texas.
The politicized case against the Holy Land Foundation (HLF), an American charity providing aid to needy families in Palestine, alleged material support for a terrorist organization.
This was so even while the government conceded that HLF only provided assistance to real charitable organizations and persons.
Yet the prosecution's "Alice in Wonderland" theory postulates that in so doing, HLF freed Hamas from its burden to fund charitable activities in Palestine, thus having more resources to direct toward terrorist activities.
The government could only build its case on overstretched assumptions and associations. It failed to prove any credible conspiratorial linkage between the Americans who operated HLF in Texas and those who operate Hamas in Palestine.
 As far-fetched as the theory itself was, the evidence presented by the government to support that theory failed to connect the dots. And on Thursday, October 18, the jury returned a sealed verdict that - not surprisingly - did not include a single guilty verdict on any of the 197 charges.
However, the judge was out of town and the verdict could not be read until Monday, October 22. By then, some members of the jury apparently had misgivings, and after the verdict was read and the jury polled, three jurors contested the unanimous nature of the verdict.
The judged ordered further deliberations after which 11 of the 12 jurors concurred with the original verdict and one did not, thus causing the judge to declare a mistrial.
What is additionally outrageous in this case is the fact that the Department of Justice named 306 individuals and organizations as un-indicted co-conspirators in the case. The exhaustive list includes several major American Muslim organizations in this country.
Such intimidation and harassment leveled against American Muslims and their religious, civic and charitable organizations by this administration is yet another manifestation of the recent erosion of American constitutional freedoms.
The fear-mongering campaign opted for by many in this administration - and supported by avowedly anti-Muslim groups - has created a climate of Islamophobia that is contrary to the basic values of this otherwise tolerant country.
But it is the assault upon constitutional freedoms under the guise of terrorist-related prosecutions that is most shocking.
Since 2002, an estimated 500 cases have been brought against Muslims in America. Half of these have been dismissed as being without merit. The rest have all resulted in either acquittals or negotiated pleas on minor charges which are unrelated to the original indictment. Of the 500 cases, it is estimated that some 30 of them may have had some reasonable foundation in law.
In no other area of prosecution has the Department of Justice produced such an extraordinarily high percentage of dismissed cases and cases resulting in guilty pleas on unrelated charges. This, in itself, raises concerns that these prosecutions were informed by the fear-mongering claims of the current administration that terrorism à-la 9/11 may become an indigenous product and that American Muslims may be a new clear and present danger.
Not only is this outrageously wrong, it is un-American in every respect.
These overreaches and abuses by the Department of Justice, not the least of which is the case of Dr. Sami Al-Arian - who continues to linger in jail because of a vindictive prosecutorial approach against someone who was never proven to have been guilty of any terrorist-related charges - weakens our democracy rather than protects it.
The inclusion of 306 un-indicted co-conspirators as mentioned above is intended to put these organizations and individuals on notice that they should not stand up for their rights under the Constitution.
Obviously, these charges are also intended to dry up contributions and support for these organizations and eventually open them up to frivolous lawsuits for damages by those who have been victims of terrorism elsewhere.
The perverse nature of the un-indicted co-conspirator designation made public in the HLF case is that those so-designated cannot challenge the designation in a court of law and thus have no way to restore their reputation to its earlier standing. This is a unique situation where any person or organization can be designated "guilty by association" and stigmatized as such without legal redress.
There is no doubt that the Department of Justice in selecting that list of 306 organizations and individuals intended to accomplish such results, especially for three of the largest and most effective American Muslim organizations: The Islamic Society of North America, the North American Islamic Trust and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
The situation described above requires action by Congress and by those American organizations and individuals who cherish their constitution and who believe in the American way of democracy and freedom for all.
If the present tactics of the Department of Justice continue, it will not be long before American Muslims suffer the same fate Japanese-Americans did in World War II.
Demonizing an entire minority group based on suspicion and fear-mongering was wrong then, and it is wrong now. We cannot allow such a blot on our history to be repeated.
I am confident that America's sense of decency and fair play will ultimately prevail.
Sincerely,
M. Cherif Bassiouni
Distinguished Research Professor of Law,
DePaul University President Emeritus,
International Human Rights Law Institute
(Courtesy of CAIR-Chicago)
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Advocate Christ Medical Center Celebrates Ramadan
A very special thanks goes to Ken Lukhard, CEO of Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Wendell Oman, Head of the Spiritual Care Department, for the Ramadan display in the main lobby of the hospital. Sound Vision donated the banner, and a community member donated  the lights for the cheerful holiday display. Gifts were distributed to patients along with a card which says, "All the best to you and your family, Get well soon, From your Muslim neighbors, Ramadan 2007." The gifts were also the generous donation of a community member. Facing an illness is always difficult, and having to be hospitalized during the holidays is especially depressing. Surely there were many Muslim patients and their families who were comforted and encouraged by the thoughtful display during their difficult time. On behalf of all the Muslim patients, their families, as well as all the Muslim physicians and staff, the Mosque Foundation commends Advocate Christ Medical Center for the thoughtful gesture, and we hope this will continue and grow as a yearly tradition.
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Community Center Corner
Life seems to be more challenging as we grow and experience different obstacles. Working at the Mosque Foundation Community Center (MFCC) reminds me constantly of the  challenges I experienced as a teenager and young adult. I can never describe with words how important a place like the Community Center really is. Being a member of the MFCC formerly known as Muslim Youth Center was a great experience for me. I met a lot of friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise and most importantly, I learned so many things about Islam that increased my knowledge and faith. Now, the Center continues its work in a more dynamic way reaching out to the whole community at large. Currently, the Center holds educational, spiritual, physical, and social programs that community members do enjoy. Since the Center changed to Community Center, we are implementing programs in order to attract the adult males and females in our community, while emphasizing on our youth. I encourage everyone to participate, grow and assist the Mosque Foundation Community Center in its development and mission. I truly pray that Allah (swt) provides me with the patience and strength to continue working hard for the betterment and greater development of our Community.
Lena Tleib
Assistant Director of MFCC
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Everyone Who Memorizes is a Winner
It was obvious by the smile planted on his face that Bisher Al Masri was very happy to be one of the winners. The seven year old boy told his father that he knew he was a winner even before the results were announced because he believed that whoever memorizes the Qur'an is always a winner even if he doesn't win the contest.
More than 50 participants gathered Saturday, October 6, 2007, to be judged by a panel of ten judges in the Mosque Foundation Community Center's Ramadan Qur'an Memorization Competition. Eighteen boys and girls memorized Surat Al Nabaa, twenty two memorized Surat Al Hujourat, six memorized Surat Ghafer, and eight memorized Surat Alisraa. Each surah, depending on length and level of difficulty, represented a specific age group. The panel of judges included Sh. Zakariya Khudeira, Sh. Omar, Sh. Ammar, Dr. Mohammad Kheir Al-Kodmany, Natherah Khudeira, Rashikah Hamayel, Shetha Kareem, Seyda Khatir, Ghinwa Martini and Nisreen Farhan. "It was a very close competition and we had to declare eight first place winners instead of four," Sh. Zakariya, who chaired the judging committee, stated.
 After more than a week of waiting, participants and their families gathered together again on Sunday, October 14, 2007, at MFCC to celebrate their accomplishments. Over 80 brothers and sisters were in attendance. Myesha Tabriz, a first place winner, opened the ceremony with a beautiful recitation of the Holy Qur'an. Sh. Zakariya, Sh. Mohammad El Fiki, and Sh. Jamal Said spoke to the audience and congratulated all the contestants for their achievements. Abdel Baset Hamayel, MFCC Director, and Lena Tlieb, MFCC Assistant Director, handed out gifts to all the participants, as Ahmad Aduib, an MFCC counselor, moderated the event, and announced the results of the competition to the anxious crowd. The results were as follows:
For Surat An Nabaa - First Place, Daniyal Chaudhary, Second Place (tied), Baraa Musallem & Bisher Al Masri.
For Surat Al Hujourat - First Place (tied), Duaa Mohamed, Bilal Chaudhary, Myesha Tabiz, and Rafif Abuzaghleh.
For Surah Ghafer - First Place (tied), Duhah Hamayel & Aala Mohamed, Third Place, Ilham Abuzaghleh.
For Surat Al Israa - First Place, Asma Ali, Second Place, Ikhlas Adi, and Third Place (tied), Adnan Khan & Fatima Khan.
The prizes were $300 for first place winners, $200 for second place winners, $100 for third place winners, and a $10 gift certificate for each participant. A special thanks goes to the sponsors of this competition who wish to remain anonymous, may Allah (SW) reward them and accept their deeds and Sadaqa. Be sure to look for the Winter Qur'an Competition to be announced soon!
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 Having a Ball!
Playing and training in the sports we love takes a lot of time, energy, and determination. That's exactly what the girls at the Community Center have! The girls are able to put these talents to good use at the Mosque Foundation Community Center (MFCC) through the Volleyball Program. The team meets every Thursday and Sunday to sharpen their skills and improve teamwork. "Being a part of the volleyball program at the Community Center has been very helpful in improving my game. Also, it helps us work as a team rather than individually." said Fidah Mizyed. Currently, the Volleyball Program has 12 girls enrolled. The Center has many other athletic programs that community members can be a part of. Call (708) 598-6307 for more information.
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 One place, one prayer, one khutbah! Around 10,000 people came to Toyota Park on Friday, October 12, 2007 to pray the Eid Prayer together. With ample space, there was no need for two prayer sessions and multiple khutbahs as was the case in the past. Eid is the time for families and friends to be together, and with the small bazaar, fun activities for the children, and plenty of time to socialize, the Mosque Foundation provided something for everyone to enjoy. May Allah accept our deeds.
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7360 W 93rd Street
Bridgeview, Illinois 60455
708 430-5666 |
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Mosque Foundation Community Pulse Editorial Board
Dr. M. Zaher Sahloul, Editor-in-Chief Sh. Jamal Said
Sh. Kifah Mustapha Tareq Abu-Ammer
Kamel Sandouka Mohamed Chehade
Lena Tleib Rajai Ismail
Connie Al-Ramahi, Reporter
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