overcoming barriers

The importance of supporting youth initiatives: First of all, may Allah reward the organizers for the upcoming program at Darul Islah "The Iron Iman".

It is essential that we support YM-Teaneck and attend these local programs to encourage and support our youth develop strong leadership skills. The more we engage and welcome the youth, the brighter the future will be for Muslims in America.

No doubt, Muslims in America are blessed in so many different ways. Yet most of these individuals are distant from the masjid. Even my generation, a group of successful professionals who are either in their 30s or approaching that age bracket are disinfrenchised from the masjid. There are many reasons why this group of jumua attendees keep their distance but this is obviously not a healthy sign for Muslims in America. We can't afford to lose these individuals who function so well in the corporate culture but cannot find a way to contribute to a healthy masjid culture. Unfortunately, our mosques will continue to look like foreign islands in the sea of mainstream culture. Islam will become part of mainstream culture when Muslims stop avoiding and isolating themselves as "foreigners".

Again, unless we engage ourselves in planting seeds of Islam in America, we will continue to live on the edge of the American society as "foreigners". For this reason, initiatives must be taken by the younger generation and scholars to bridge this void. No denying that we must engage our activities based on the wisdom of adults and vigor of the youth. Yet, we often find this vigor that rejuvinates a nation is missing from our mosques.

I ask you you to count the number of mosques in New Jersey and I ask you to identify an ongoing successful youth program in New Jersey. I believe my readers are more than capable of coming up with a diagnosis and disparity that exists within our mosques. Islam is the middle path. We must do our part to promote a healthy community where youth, women, and men are connected to the Divine Will.

http://liberalartsforum.blogspot.com/ http://speakers.liberalartsforum.com/

Iron Iman by YM-NJ

On June 28th, come witness two of the most inspiring men give a talk on our Iman. The highly anticipated program will feature former Rutgers Chaplain and MSA President Faraz Khan with "Losing My Religion" and Sheikh Jawad Ahmed will present "Iron Iman" which will tell us how to remain steadfast in the face of fitna. Dinner will be served, and the first 20 people will get free dinner! You don't want to miss out! All are welcome.

Mark your calenders: Saturday June 28. Only at Darul Islah. Come in with great iman, leave with an Iron Iman! You don't want to be left out!

Young Muslims is a pioneering national youth organization that has been on the youth scene since the early 90's. We have established a well organized network of local youth groups that we call NeighborNets (which means network of neighbors) across the United States and Canada. Each NeighborNet is a dynamic youth group which attempts to build a solid understanding of the principles of Islam amongst its members by helping them put these principles into practice. By providing the youth with an Islamic atmosphere where they can form bonds of brotherhood with their peers, they become comfortable with Islam and its teachings. We stress the importance of knowing, understanding, and fulfilling our individual and collective obligations as Muslims. VISIT www.ymsite.com for more info.

a chaplain's goal

Basically, following goals were the basis of my work as a chaplain at Rutgers University. I would like to share it with other chaplains and youth leaders to always have a game plan. There has to be a document outlining the scope of one's work. This also works with being an imam or jumuah khatib. The main question that I always ask myself what am I trying to establish? What is lacking? and where I am going to put my time. So one has to prioritize their work/time and be able to establish a presence within the community.

wallahu 'Allim!

Vision: To build future Muslim American leaders and to foster a better understanding of Islam on campus.

Goals:

1. Get Muslim students more involved in on campus activities.

2. Educate students and build character (moral, spiritual, religious, etc.).

3. Reach out to the campus based student organizations and professors.

4. Organize and train a core group of students into position of leadership.

5. Motivate students; give them a vision and spread this synergy to other MSAs in NJ.

6. Interfaith dialogue: to foster understanding and goodwill amongst the communities of other faiths.

wonderful chaplains v

Thinking Anew: Muslim Chaplain Bridging the Gap
By Faraz Khan

cont. from last post

Conclusion:

I believe that as Muslim community learns more about chaplaincy, they will appreciate their effort and strive to build bridges between local Imams and chaplains.
If universities and colleges can hire personnel to minister and counsel Muslim American youth, the mosques can also develop a rapport with the disfranchised youth by hiring local youth leaders. I believe chaplaincy offers a strong model for the Muslim community and therefore it should be pursued by the local Islamic centers and mosques.
In conclusion, there is much we could learn from these young chaplains as they are experts who actively engage in the betterment of campus and community life.

Sohaib Sultan - wonderful chaplains iv

Thinking Anew:

Muslim Chaplains Bridging the Gap

By Faraz Khan

cont. from last post

Sohaib N. Sultan served as a Muslim chaplain at Trinity College and Wesleyan University in CT. He has been working in college chaplaincy for four years. However, this Fall 2008, Sohaib will become the first full-time Muslim chaplain at Princeton University. He will work as a "Muslim Coordinator" at Princeton and thus, will give an immediate boost to an already active MSA. Sohaib is a soft spoken person who has been trained as a chaplain at Hartford Seminary.
He is the author of the Koran for Dummies, one of the bestselling books on Islam. As a chaplain, Sohaib's work centers around four core areas. The first is ministry, which involves preparing and delivering a weekly sermon, and performing other rites such as marriage ceremonies. His preaching deals with common issues facing Muslim youth.
Secondly, he offers counseling and care-giving to students to help them deal with the various issues they are facing in life. Whether it is helping students choose a career path or dealing with more serious issues such as depression, his counseling sessions help students work through their life's challenges.
Thirdly, he teaches students various Islamic sciences such as a thematic introduction to the Qur'an, which help students learn more about their faith and answer questions they may have about Islam.
Lastly, He also works with other chaplains to have interfaith dialogue and cooperation, even organizing a Jewish-Muslim travel abroad opportunity to enhance interfaith relations.

Khalid Latif - wonderful chaplains

Thinking Anew:

Muslim Chaplains Bridging the Gap
By Faraz Khan

cont. from last post

Khalid Latif, also known as chaplain sahib, attained his Bachelors degree with honors in Political Science and Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from New York University. In 2005 he was appointed as the first Muslim chaplain at NYU. Khalid's list of awards and honors is vast. He was appointed as the first Muslim chaplain at Princeton University in 2006. In 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Khalid to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24.

Amongst the Muslim youth Khalid is known for his dynamic speeches. Whether he is talking about marriage issues or community activism, Khalid is seen by many as a charismatic motivational speaker whose work is at par with his excellent talks. He has given numerous lectures in the tri-state area, as well as nationally at ISNA, ICNA, and MSA conferences. He has been invited to speak at the United Nations, Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall and a number of prestigious universities, including Princeton, Harvard, the University of Massachusetts, Stonybrook and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, Khalid has done consultation work for the State Department's International Visitors Program and its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the British Consulate and Parliament. Many of his talks could be found on the Islamic Center of NYU's website which features many other Islamic speakers and gets over 15,000 hits per month from around the world.

Khalid is a great brother to be around. He is extremely mature, observant, and is always striving to provide service for others. Although Khalid speaks at many places, he is a quiet person, only speaking when there is a need to speak. Students come to Khalid because they feel that he is someone they can trust. Due to his effort, NYU has seen a surge of student activities. Under the guidance of Khalid, the Islamic Center at NYU has taken a lead in hosting renowned Muslim scholars such as Dr. Sherman Jackson, Hamza Yusuf, Dr. Omar Abdullah, Dr. Khalid Blankenship, Mohamed Shareef, Faraz Rabbani, Mufti Abder Rahman, and many others. At a young age, Khalid is well-respected and equally loved by students and scholars alike.

Dave Coolidge - wonderful chaplains iii

Thinking Anew:

Muslim Chaplains Bridging the Gap

By Faraz Khan

cont. from last post

R. David Coolidge is the "Muslim Advisor" at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. His busy schedule includes weekly class, conducting daily prayers, Friday khutbas, counseling students, meetings with local religious leaders, participate in inter-faith events, meeting with faculty and administration on issues related to Islam at Dartmouth. He is also involved with the local Muslim community. Dave received a BA with honors in Religious Studies from Brown University in 2001.
In 2002, he entered the doctoral program in Religion at Princeton University, focusing on Islamic Studies. He has studied Islam with Muslim scholars in a variety of settings, such as a year spent studying Qur'anic memorization and recitation full-time at the Institute of Islamic Education in Elgin, IL (2004-2005) and studied Arabic at an intensive level in Amman, Jordan.
He has written articles in periodicals such as Islamic Horizons, Illume Magazine, and Islamica, and lectures at mosques, universities, and high schools throughout the East Coast and the Midwest.
Dave is someone who is academically inclined and intellectually gifted. He has published many articles but he is not a book worm who lives in isolation shying away from people. He is easy to get in touch with and has a humorous side to him. I remember when I first met Dave I immediately sensed a profound man with a sharp intellect and a light heart. He will often provide funny background sounds to his stories and often chuckles during conversations. He has a beautiful voice and recites the Quran melodiously.
One thing that stands out about Dave in my dealings with him is his genuine concern for others. And I think this is one of many reasons why he is able to provide strength and guidance to so many people on and off campus.

Marwa Aly - wonderful chaplains ii

Thinking Anew: Muslim Chaplains Bridging the Gap
By Faraz Khan

cont. from last post.




Marwa Aly is one of the few female Muslim chaplains at Manhattanville College and has been working there for almost two years. She has unified the Muslim students along with faculty and staff while providing an open atmosphere for all interested in learning about Islam. Before her arrival the MSA at Manhattanville was not very active. However, things have changed. With Marwa at helm as a chaplain, the MSA bounced back to hold seventeen successful events on campus. Aside from events, she is an asset as a counselor and mentor for the Muslims as well as non-Muslim community.
Marwa is a very kind hearted person. She is very gentle and a good listener – qualities that make up a wonderful chaplain. She has been trained as a chaplain at Hartford Seminary and continues to pursue her MA in Islamic Studies. For Marwa, one of the keys to chaplaincy position is building relationships with other organizations. Aside from MSA activities, she has been involved with the ACT (the conservation group on campus) and the Jewish Students' Association.
She has an open door policy at Manhattanville for all to enjoy and learn from each other. Events have ranged from Islam and the Environment to "Does Your Dress Oppress?" which discussed the Western media influence on dress and how Islam addresses such issues. According to Marwa working as a chaplain helps because, "the community has an opportunity to ask questions to a Muslim chaplain in a safe, comforting, and inviting environment".

TSM Media article - Muslim Chaplains Bridging the Gap

Photos: James Yee

Dr. Ingrid Mattson & Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

Thinking Anew: Muslim Chaplains Bridging the Gap
By Faraz Khan
June 15, 2008 Tri-state Muslim Media www.tsmmedia.net

This article is about a recent phenomenon, the growth of Muslim chaplains in different public institutions. As a former Muslim chaplain at Rutgers University, I want to bring my readers up to par with the idea of chaplaincy. Therefore, I decided to write about these dedicated folks that I highly respect and have collaborated with them on different projects.

Currently, many colleges and universities have hired Muslim chaplains to serve the Muslim campus community. Aside from institution of higher education, there are many prisons, hospitals, and the armed forces that have volunteers or paid chaplains. There is a growing recognition that Muslim chaplains are an asset to the American society due to the hard work and vision of a few individuals who have made a difference and redefined chaplaincy in the Islamic contexts. Not surprisingly, there are many reasons that make Muslim chaplains very effective in dealing with problems in their respective environment.
What is a Chaplain?
According to Hartford Seminary, the only institute of higher education with a Muslim chaplaincy program, "A chaplain is a professional who offers spiritual advice and care in a specific institutional context, such as a military unit or a college campus, hospital or prison. Although chaplains often provide religious services for members of their own faith communities, the main role of a chaplain is to facilitate or accommodate the religious needs of all individuals in the institution in which he or she is working". As I understand, a chaplain is like finding a person who is midway between an imam and a social worker. So a chaplain is a religious figure who is actively engaged with his/her community. The chaplain may or may not be a religious authority i.e. "shaykh(a)" but they know everyday practical religious issues. More importantly, they serve their constituency in a big brother/big sister role, where their advice and counseling service is crucial.
Over the past few years due to my involvement as a chaplain at Rutgers University and my engagements at NYU, Hartford Seminary, and Princeton University, I have personally had the opportunity to see these individuals in action. I highly admire and respect these chaplains and hope that they will continue to be a source of inspiration for this generation and many generations to come.
It has been my experience that these folks definitely know the culture of their respective institutions. They are bridge builders and have done remarkable work in the interfaith department. Interestingly, not only do they understand their fellow Muslims but can also associate with people of other faiths and are a source of solace to everyone. This young generation of chaplains is able to communicate with pastors, rabbis, monks, gurus, and pundits. They are practitioners engaged in an active dialogue. Interestingly, they give many talks on Islam but they also listen when other students speak. I find them to be leaders who serve Muslims and non-Muslims far removed from the mosque culture.

A few words about these young Chaplains
Khalid Latif
Mona Aly
David Coolidge
Sohaib Sultan
...cont.

THNT article

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080531/SPECIAL05/805310314/0/special04

Jobs, diversity, schools attracting more Muslims to Central Jersey
By BOB MAKIN • STAFF WRITER • May 31, 2008

As Central Jersey counties grow, so does the Muslim community.

Yaser ElMenshawy, president of the Islamic Center of Hunterdon County, is witnessing that, even away from the population centers of the state.
Since its formation in 2005, his small congregation, based in Flemington, has grown from seven to 30 members, ElMenshawy said. Faster-growing counties, especially Middlesex, have seen greater expansion, said ElMenshawy, a former resident of Perth Amboy.

"Middlesex went from having a whole lot of farms to a whole lot of developments," he said.
"Hunterdon County is trying very hard not to become like Middlesex County. That's why we moved out here away from Middlesex, because there is more space and less congestion. But in other counties, the Muslim community may be growing even faster than the counties are growing."
A half-million Muslims now live in New Jersey, according to the state chapter of the Council for Islamic-American Relations (CAIR-NJ) in Princeton. About 200,000 are Arabic, CAIR-NJ reported, and most others are Asian.

At 6 percent, the state's Muslim population is 10 times greater than the national average indicated in a recent survey of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in Washington, D.C.
The recent state estimates are based on a sampling of mosque membership, said Afsheen Shamsi, spokeswoman for CAIR-NJ.
In the past 20 years, paid membership in several Central Jersey mosques has increased about 500 percent, area Muslim leaders said, and is expected to continue to grow. But those figures don't reflect the entire local Muslim community, because mosques don't require membership, they said.
The growth of Islam in Central Jersey is due to Muslim migration to this diverse region, job and college opportunities, conversions, children coming of age, and general population growth, area leaders said.
"New Jersey offers competitive jobs in the pharmaceutical industry and a lot of Muslims work in that industry," Shamsi said. "And a lot of people work in New York but choose to live in New Jersey. We've had a large population of Muslims move here from New York.
"Also, New Jersey is a diverse state, so it does attract people from various ethnic backgrounds. People also want be closer to families who already live here."
Converts by marriage and other means, and grown children who stay in the area, also add to the growth of the Muslim community in Central Jersey, Shamsi said.
Schools a factor
The strength of New Jersey's schools is also a factor, she said.
"Muslim couples tend to have large families," Shamsi said. "People not only are inviting their brothers and sisters to come live closer to them, but they also are having three to four kids who then grow up and want to live close to their parents and their extended family, so they end up staying in New Jersey.
"Looking at it from a young person's perspective, there are a lot of good schools in New Jersey, such as Princeton and Rutgers, so that attracts the college population," she added. "Rutgers has a fairly large Muslim population. Princeton has a smaller one, but because it is growing, they just hired a chaplain."
Devout yet mainstream Muslim youth are the growing future of Islam, said Faraz Khan, a former Rutgers chaplain who remains an adviser to its Muslim student organization.
Central Jersey Muslims on university campuses are a conglomerate of different ethnicities and cultures, Khan said. They represent different lands of origin, such as Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Europe, he said. Being American-born, they are the bridge builders between the Muslim community and its Central Jersey neighbors, he said.
That bridge is crucial to the growth of Islam, because it fosters a climate of understanding and cooperation in which all faiths can be freely expressed in productive ways that are good for the entire community, Khan said.
"Programs organized by student organizations, such as fast-a-thon, to fast a day to provide food for others, food drives, walk-a-thons, blood drives and peace rallies are all part of a conscious effort to integrate with mainstream culture on core human values," he said.
A "golden rule'
"The devotion to serve one's community comes from Islamic religious teachings that accentuate desiring good for others. For example, "One cannot be a believer in God unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself' is an often-quoted saying of Prophet Muhammad.
"Muslim students are very active and visible on campus," Khan continued. "One will often come across common, everyday folks who love to chat about football, basketball, popular TV shows, Facebook and fashion, along with praying in a silent corner, wearing modest attire and talking often invoking the name of God.
"Many students find religion during their college years and student organizations play a pivotal role in educating people about Islam. Muslim students participate in many programs and educational seminars with members of other faiths and organizations to learn and educate others about civic obligations and community service."
While the Muslim community makes up only 6 percent of the state's population, its voice is being heard, thanks to several nonprofit organizations that aim to foster understanding. Those groups include:
The Center for Understanding Islam in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards (http://www.cuii.org/)
Muslims Against Hunger in Bridgewater (http://www.muslimsagainsthunger.com/)
Interfaith Dialog Center in Piscataway and Newark (http://www.idcnj.org/)
Why Islam Center, Somerset section of Franklin (http://www.whyislam.org/)
All of these organizations organize events to unite Central Jersey Muslims and to inform their non-Muslim neighbors.
"There is a great thirst for knowledge about Islam everywhere, and Central Jersey is no exception," said M. Ali Chaudry, co-founder of the Center for Understanding Islam. "I have worked with many interfaith groups in this area, but there is still a big gap in understanding about Islam."
It is not the aim of these organizations to convert anyone to Islam, said Ashfaq Parkar, spokesman for the Why Islam Center. The Quran forbids compulsion in the religion, said Parkar, citing verse 256 of the second chapter.
Yet a small number of conversions has added to Central Jersey's Muslim population, Parker said. The converts include Hagar Ibrahim, a Plainfield resident who converted in 1999.
"It felt good to me," said Ibrahim, a former Christian who had a falling out with her church. "Everything starting changing. My family turned their back on me at first. My oldest son told me I was dead. But all that changed when they saw that I was different. I had a better way of life."
A victim of discrimination in her native New York because of her head covering, Ibrahim said New Jersey is more open to diversity. One of the things she likes most about Islam, she said, is that it embraces her Puerto Rican heritage.
"I was happy to find Muslims who speak my language," she said.
Barbara Ahmed is one of a circle of five friends who married Muslims and converted. They all are raising their children Muslim, Ahmed said.
"Most of us grew up Catholic," she said. "Islam is a wonderful religion, but (there are) many misconceptions (about it). Hopefully someday it will be more accepted."
While not involved in the conversion process, Parker explained it.
An act of conversion to Islam involves a testimony of faith in which the convert declares that there is only one God worthy of worship and that Mohammad was His last messenger, he said.
"It's a pretty simple thing," Parker said. "It doesn't involve some elaborate ceremony. It's usually done in a mosque but doesn't have to be."

upcoming khutbas

Khutba Topic: The Lives we Live June 20, 2008
Masjid al-Huda, New Brunswick

Khutba Topic: In Search of Iman June 27, 2008

Darul Islah, Teaneck

First International Muslim Interfaith Dialogue

Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Associated Press
Pope Benedict XVI was guided by Mustafa Cagrici, fifth from left, the chief of religious affairs for Istanbul, in the Blue Mosque. The pope and Mr. Cagrici, a Muslim cleric, later prayed silently, facing Mecca.

The Meccan Appeal for Interfaith Dialogue

Issued byThe International Islamic Conference for Dialogue
Organized byThe Muslim World League in Mecca 30 Jumada 1-2 Jumada 2, 1429 A.H.


June 4-6, 2008



In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the MercifulPraise be to God, Lord of the worlds, and the peace and blessings of God be on our master Muhammad, the seal of the Prophets and Messengers, who was sent as a Mercy to all creatures.By the grace of God, the International Islamic Conference for Dialogue (IICFD) organized by the Muslim World League has concluded its deliberations under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud. May God protect him and sustain through him the munificence of the people and of the country. IICFD was held in Mecca between 30 Jumada 1 and 2nd Jumada 2/, 1429 A.H., corresponding to the June 4 through 6, 2008.


The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques inaugurated the conference with a comprehensive speech in which he thanked the scholars and leaders of the Ummah participating in this conference and confirmed that they are meeting to say to the whole world that we are a voice of justice and ethical human values, co-existence, just and wise dialogue and of exhortation and argument with what is best, in compliance with the verse: "Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious." (The Holy Quran, 16:125)King Abdullah also stressed the challenges that face the Muslim Ummah at a time when some Muslims and people of other faiths have adopted extremism and militancy at the expense of just methodology by using flagrant aggression that targeted the tolerance, justice and sublime ends of Islam. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques emphasized the importance of dialogue in Islam and reminded the participants that the revealed messages have all called to the good of humankind, preserving human dignity and enhancing the values of ethics and truthfulness. "We are commencing our dialogue with the confidence we derive from our belief in God and with knowledge taken from the tolerance of religion, and that we debate in the best and most gracious way. What we agree on, we hold fast to and place in our hearts, and what we disagree on, we refer it to God saying, "To you be your way and to me mine," the monarch said. At the inaugural session, His Excellency former president Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, chairman of the Council for Diagnosing the Interest of the Regime and Head of the Council of Experts of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed his profound gratitude to both the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud (May God protect him) and to the Muslim World League for organizing this conference in which numerous sublime Islamic meanings were embodied. H.E. President Rafsanjani said the significance of the conference was increased by the fact that it is being held only meters from the Safa Mountain from which the Holy Prophet (pbuh) declared his call. He also said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched with this infinitive a new call and rendered to mankind a great message. At the end of his talk, H.E. President Rafsanjani said he hoped that the conference is a preparatory step and introduction to hold dialogue with the followers of religions, cultures and schools of thought.In his speech at the inaugural session, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Abdullah Al-Shaikh, Grand Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and chairman of the Constituent Council of the Muslim World League, indicated that dialogue among mankind is one of the necessities of life and that it is a means for coexistence, acquaintance and exchange of interests among members of the Ummah and humankind. He said that disagreement is always present in the very nature and ethics of people who differ in their languages, races, temperaments and levels of knowledge. His Eminence also added that disagreement is a universal way, that the divergence of people in their opinions and beliefs is an issue that was mentioned repeatedly in the Holy Quran. He confirmed the origin of all Prophetic messages is the same, as they have been revealed by God and that the religion of God is one.In his address at the inaugural session, His Eminence Dr. Muhammad Sayed Tantawi, Grand Shaikh of Al-Azhar, expressed his appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Shaikh Tantawi said the conference is a new means for enhancing cooperative relations among the members of the Ummah. He also added man cannot live isolated from others in this life, particularly in this era when the whole world has become a global village. He added that when we base dialogue on tolerant speech, good intentions and honored objectives, its result will be beneficial and that it will be a means for reaching the truth as well as lessening disputes among people. Shaikh Tantawi noted that those who read the Quran will find it replete with different types of dialogues the prophets had with their respective peoples.In his speech at the inaugural session, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Mohsin Al Turki, secretary general of the Muslim World League, indicated that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has appreciated the crisis that mankind is currently confronting as well as the disintegration and chaos of the family unit due to the ignorance of man to the guidance of the creator. H. E. Al Turki stressed the importance of cooperation on what the followers of divine messages, civilizations and cultures agree, which includes ethical principles that help diffuse world conflicts and restore the social status of the family and enhance the values of justice, cooperation, tolerance, and moderation. H. E. Al Turki added that dialogue is a true Quranic method and prophetic practice and culture established in the memory of the Ummah with which relations with people of other faiths were affected since the advent of Islam as based on the tolerance of Islam and the essence of Islamic Shari'a from which Muslims take their message.The participants applauded the concern of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud for dialogue and call on all nations to pay attention to it and to reject violence. The participants also confirmed the necessity to concern ourselves with what heavenly messages and books revealed to God's prophets, including sublime ethics and humane values, as well as concentrated efforts in what benefits man, preserves the family, which is considered the basic rectifier for society, and protects humankind from calls of vice. The participants considered the speech of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques an important document of the conference and a basis for dialogue because it contained significant visions that are expected to achieve peace and positive co-existence.Needless to say, the conference is being held at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges that pose threat to humankind's future, and warns of further universal moral, social and environmental catastrophes as an expected result of humankind's disregard of the guidance of its Lord.The conference emphasized the fact that Islam offers successful solutions to these crisis, and that the Ummah, with its indispensable cultural reservoir is required to join hands with the others in order to counter challenges. God the Most Exalted says: "O people of the Scripture! Now hath Our messenger come unto you, expounding unto you much of that which ye used to hide in the Scripture, and forgiving much. Now hath come unto you light from God and a plain Scripture." (The Holy Quran, 4:15-16)Of course other civilizations have their own vision toward these challenges that are wreaking havoc within humanity. ...6/6/08

iRON iMAN

Biggest Blockbuster event of the year :P

Iron Iman at Darul Islah

Iron Iman Countdown...

IRON IMAN at 7:00 pm, Saturday, June 28, 2008 Darul Islah - Teaneck, NJ Speakers: Jawad Ahmed Faraz Khan sponsored by YM-Teaneck.

Iron Iman

Iron Iman
in Masjids 2008

credit: Young Muslims Teaneck

Thinking Anew: Welcome Back Malcolm!

Thinking Anew: Welcome Back Malcolm!
published in Tri-State Media

By Faraz Khanfor more articles and speeches by the authorvisit http://speakers.liberalartsforum.com

"Takbir!"

the old man shouted while raising his right hand on a full pivot amidst a packed crowd.

"Allahu Akbar!"

was the unanimous and unison reply from the congregation. The old man breathing heavily raised his hand once more and from the top of his lungs he called "takbir!" and "Allahu Akbar!" No, this was not a jihad call in Afghanistan nor a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Moreover, this surely was not a scene from Fox news portraying the Muslim fundamentalists.

The storefront city mosque lacked ornate glass chandeliers yet it was beautifully illuminated by the faith of indigenous and immigrant jumua attendees. The congregation represented people from different parts of the world living in peace. In absence of any chairs, they all sat humbly on the thin carpet synergized by the proclamation of shahada (conversion to Islam). There were people of all ages, colors, and tongues facing the Qibla together. Men, women, and children all had gathered without a barrier to divide them. There was neither talk of a fundraiser, free food nor fun and games. They had come to congratulate a brother, a new face yet a familiar name at the mosque.

Surprisingly he was not a scholar or a celebrity from the Lives of Rich & Famous. He was neither a Hollywood actor nor a star athlete from the NBA. Yet the crowd in the mosque was engulfed by a strange euphoria – an elated state of heart that can only be experienced not explained. In front of the crowd stood a tall young black man with a bright angelic smile. So bright and uplifting was his smile that total strangers only responded back with a mirror reflection of that same smile. It was as if some sort of magnetic force pulled people towards him.

Being a stranger amongst strangers, the young man looked very calm and gentle. "Brother Malcolm" the Imam of the mosque addressed the young man. The Imam then turned to the microphone. He said in his accent, "Brothers and sisters, I swear by God, this is a gift from Allah". Brother Malcolm returned the Imam's sentiments with a smile. The Imam continued, "Allah says in the Qur'an, "'O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is one who is the most righteous of you '". As the Imam recited the verse in the Qur'an the crowd simply shook their heads in affirmation. The Imam recited another verse and translated "Surely, believers are a single brotherhood." He then stated the hadith, "The similitude of the believers in their kindness, mercy, affection and compassion toward one another, is like a body, when one organ ails, the whole body is drafted to take care of the problem."The Imam further reminded the gathering about obligation of brotherhood in Islam, visiting the converts, helping those in need, educating the converts and welcoming them to the mosque.

After his speech on brotherhood and in a rush of excitement, the Imam turned to the young black man and gave him a huge hug followed by a kiss on his forehead. "Brother Malcolm is the future of Islam!" the Imam declared to the crowd. They all chanted "Allahu Akbar" as women and children joined men in an emotional outpouring of gratification and praise. The Imam asked Malcolm to say a few words. The crowd then hushed to listen to the young Malcolm who stepped up to the podium. They were all focused on him…

This event happened a few years back. People still have some vague memories of Brother Malcolm's shahada. However, since then no crowd has gathered to see his angelic smile nor listen to his speech. No one recalls visiting or inviting Malcolm to their house. There are no Imams offering hugs and kisses. There are no uncles making phone calls to inquire about his health. Yesterday, Brother Malcolm was the center of attention.

Today Malcolm lives an obscure life. Where is Malcolm in our community? Perhaps he is dead but there was no funeral prayer in the mosque for him. Maybe he is busy with better things. Once proclaimed, "the future of Islam" he is missing amongst Muslims. Perhaps he was told a lie about the meaning of brotherhood in Islam. It is the brotherhood that exists in books, lectures, articles, sermons, but not between Muslims. Where is Malcolm? Why is he missing from our community? What is holding him back?

We all recall these heart-felt shahada stories full of shouting takbirs and hugging the converts in our community. We have all felt the euphoria with the proclamation of shahada of a brother or a sister. We all have witnessed many brothers and sisters like Brother Malcolm who have stood in front of us while we have shown our backs to them. They have come to us and we have run away from them. We have neglected duties of brotherhood in Islam to them. How sad is that they come to quench their thirst for God and we only grow in our thirst for this world.

Perhaps Brother Malcolm awaits a warm welcome. He will lead and inspire us. He will uplift our souls with his angelic smile and good demeanor. Let us join hands and welcome our brothers and sisters to the mosque. Let us greet those who come to the mosque in search of God. Let us visit those who are sick, call those who are missing, and pray over those who have passed away. Let us practice brotherhood. The future is bright. Welcome back Malcolm!

Misbah Article

Photo by Diego Vargas
Babur Khwaja ’09 (l.) and Islamic scholar Faraz Khan discuss the inaugural publication of Misbah, the first campus magazine dedicated to Muslim history, politics, commentary and arts. The magazine was officially launched at a release party on May 15.

"Blessed are the Peacemakers"

from Misbah Magazine, Princeton University

Faraz Khan is a regular khatib (speaker) at New BrunswickIslamic Center. He frequently lectures at local mosques and college campuses in the tri-state area on issues related to Islam and Muslims.

The Holy Quran mentions: "O people, we have created you from a male and a female, and then we made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another." 49:13

Islamic perspective is clear that as part of the human family we all come from Adam and Eve. God created us to know one another. Our differences in language, color, ethnicity and culture are a sign from God so that we should connect with each other and not harbor suspicion and hatred for one another:"If God had willed, He would have made you one community but things are as they are to test you in what He has given you. So compete with each other in good." 5:48
In addition, God mentions that He would have made the world into a monolithic community, but it is a test and part of His grand plan to observe our actions :"If God did not enable some men to keep back others, hermitages, synagogues, chapels and mosques where the name of God is mentioned would have been demolished." 22:40
Muslims believe that many religious teachings of the earlier prophets were preserved by various religions. As long as the source of the teaching is God, harmony and justice will exist in these teachings. Whether it is Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam or any other faith, God is the source of all goodness.
God commands the believers to say, "We believe in what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to you; our God and your God is the One.' 29:46
One may ask then why there would be a need for interfaith dialogue; ifI am on the truth, why spend time learning other than the truth? Should we not protect our faith by isolating ourselves from other ideas?
Let us look into the lives of the people of God for guidance. Indeed, the prophetof Islam, Muhammad welcomed dialogue and he welcomed the Christians of Najran and allowed them to stay and pray in the mosque of Medina. He never compelled people to become Muslim. The Qur'an reminds us that "There is no compulsion in religion." Islam requires that one becomes a believer by his or her own volition.
Religion is a matter of conviction of the heart and mind. It is a commitment to do good work based on shared values to uplift human experiences. Unfortunately, some people have the perception that religion teaches prejudice, intolerance, and division, and as a proof, they mention all the wars and crimes committed in the name of religion and/or God. Here I would like to point out that no war is holy. No crime committed by a religious or nonreligious person is above the justice of God. Foul behavior has no religion, no scripture, no temple, and no prophets. Those who engage in such criminal behaviorare charlatans, wolves in sheep's clothing. One cannot attain God or be on the way of God by doing devil's work. For example, a Muslim or a member of any religious community who makes the news by committing evil deeds does not represent his or her religion. Yet people may confuse an individual's misbehavior as representingthe entire religious teaching of a tradition. Hence, a dialogue is crucial to better understand and appreciate people of other faiths.
Any crime committed in the name of God or freedom does not exonerate any individual from their evil action. The prophet Muhammad said, "God does not look at your faces and physical bodies but rather he looks at your hearts and actions." An individual is a conglomerate of intentions and actions that is either moving towards God or away from Him.
It certainly takes courage and a deep conviction in one's own way of life to reach out to others. Nevertheless, this reaching out may also help in clarifying various religious positions.Humans are God's creation and to honor His creation is to honor God. Belief in a creator teaches us that we are one in humanity before God and therefore should strengthen this bond by developing mutual love and respect for each other. This bond of love and respect are the fruits of a dialogue that do not grow on the trees of polemic and rhetoric. As Jesus Christ warned about impostors: ""…You will know these people because of the things they do. Good things don't come from bad people, the same as grapes don't come from thorn bushes. And figs don't come from thorny weeds. In the same way, every good tree makes good fruit. And bad trees make bad fruit. A good tree cannot make bad fruit. And a bad tree cannot make good fruit. Every tree that does not make good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. You will know these false people by the fruit they make (things they do)." (ERV) Matthew 7:15-20
To be honest, discussion on religion is never an easy task. I recall my first encounter with an interfaith discussion was about five years ago with Paul Heck, a fellow at Princeton University. In his talk, he casually asserted that many religious people claim to possess the whole truth. He then followed by stating that we need to be humble before making such strident claims. His words left me a bit confused. How could I be "humble" when I believe that, as a Muslim, I dopossess the truth?
As a Muslim, I realized that clarity comes with understanding God's way. "Those who strive for our sake, we shall guide them to our paths. Surely, God is with those who do good." There are many paths to God. Those who accompanied Abraham went on his path to God. Those who followed Moses took on his path. Those who loved and became disciples of Jesus took hisway. And those who followed the prophetMuhammad are on the path to God.
God is the truth (al-Haqq) and calls people to follow thetruth. To quote Gregg Mast, president of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary, "We don't possess the truth but the truth possesses us."
Dialogue is what brings us closer, as in the words of Rabbi Reed of Rutgers UniversityHillel, "How good it is when brothers (referring to the children of Ishmael and Isaac) come together." There is an active dailogue between Muslim and Jewish students at Princeton University, thanks to the efforts ofMuslim and Jewish students and the leadership of the former Princeton chaplain Khalid Latif and Rabbi Julie Roth, executive Director of the Princeton Center for Jewish Life/Hillel. These are commendable efforts that need community support.
In this time when people are vilifying and demonizing the other, it is urgently necessaryto have a dialogue to rid ourselves of stereotypes and misinformation. Unless the religious community commits to an active dialogue amongst various religious traditions,suspicion will fill the void. Reverend John Larson, campus pastor for the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Rutgers,mentioned in an interfaith discussion after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001that a local imam said it was the responsibility of Muslims to reach out and to educate their non-Muslim friends, neighbors and coworkers about Islam. But as this responsibility has not been adequately shouldered thus far by the Muslim community,the result of such neglect is that Islamophobia is on a rise. Regrettably, the latest surveys show that many Americans believe that Islam endorses violence and hatred.
Today, the world is in pandemonium because the lunatics have seizedthe cockpit and taken us furtheraway from dialogue and mutual understanding. Due to the urgency of this call, the religious community must not be passive in pursuing tolerance and understanding. This generation must take a lead in bridge-building and fostering a respect for human rights and social justice. Certainly, God is not prejudice, and we are equal in his sight as children of Adam. God in hisinfinite wisdom did not make humanity a monolithic community. Consequently, it is incumbent upon us that we keep the dialogue open and genuinely try to understand our brothers and sisters in humanity. We must accept and welcome diversity in our ranks. A person who is sincere to God will also be sincere to people and vice versa.
In conclusion, what kind of world would we like to leave behind for our children? A place full of suspicion, insult, prejudice and hatred or a place full of love, understanding, compassion andjustice? Let us work together and let our actions speak louder than our words. For surely, we are at a shortageof people who can contribute to peace, love and understanding. As Jesus Christ mentioned, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
Be peacemakers, contributors and callers to God. Let us pray and recognize the bonds that unite us and let not our differences divide us. Amen.

Misbah Magazine, Princeton University

Misbah Magazine

Photo by Diego Vargas

Babur Khwaja ’09 (l.) and Islamic scholar Faraz Khan discuss the inaugural publication of Misbah, the first campus magazine dedicated to Muslim history, politics, commentary and arts. The magazine was officially launched at a release party on May 15.

Independent group launches new Muslim issues magazine

By Daniella Roseman
Senior Writer

Published: Friday, May 16th, 2008

Misbah, Princeton’s first magazine dedicated to exploring Muslim issues, was officially launched at a release party last night in Frist Campus Center 309.

The new student publication aims to be a “conversation in print,” editor-in-chief Babur Khwaja ’09 said. The magazine includes art, photography and translated poetry as well as commentary on current social and cultural issues, in an attempt to present a “holistic picture of [Muslim] civilizations,” Khwaja explained.

The idea for the magazine came in January to Khwaja, a former member of The Daily Princetonian Editorial Board. He said he frequently discussed Muslim political issues with friends and felt he could put together a magazine to present broader intellectual discussion.

“A lot of things out there are political,” Khwaja said. “We’re trying to look at the civilization here in a broader context.”

Fethi Mubin Ramazanoglu GS, a contributor to the magazine, agreed that people “can watch the news, but [with] Princeton people writing ... [It’s a] closer perspective.”

The goal of the magazine, executive editor Joy Karugu ’09 said, is to present the history of Islam and the manner in which Islamic culture has “crisscrossed” with other cultures. The “only standard” for the magazine, Karugu added, is “reasoned argumentation.” Karugu is also a member of the ‘Prince’ Editorial Board.

Karugu said the magazine has no agenda and aims to be as diverse as possible. To foster this diversity, the editors said they hope to publish contributions from Muslim and non-Muslim communities on campus as well as occasional contributions from others not affiliated with the University. Ramazanoglu pointed out that he will probably disagree with some things that are published, and people will probably disagree with some of his pieces.

Senior editor Wasim Shiliwala ’09 said the magazine hopes to encourage submissions from the Near Eastern studies department and the religion department. “[Misbah] is not limited to a Muslim audience,” he said.

Karugu explained that though many of the editors and writers are involved with the Muslim Students Association — Shiliwala, for example, is the organization’s president — the magazine is an independent student group.

Shiliwala said he thought the magazine’s “very intellectual approach” will make it “an important contribution to ongoing discourse on campus.”

Many of the contributors to the magazine’s first issue are graduate students. Khwaja attributed this to their “experience,” citing an article written by a graduate student on scientific developments in the Islamic community and the trend of declining scientific innovation in the Muslim world.

Nabil Abdurehman ’11 said he hopes that his writing for the magazine will “promote awareness of Muslim life on campus.”

The Muslim community on campus has grown and become more active in recent years, and the magazine is a reflection of that increased activity, Ramazanoglu said.

Several students not associated with the magazine praised the initiative behind the new publication.

“It’s always good to see [students] doing things of this kind,” said Ilhan Sezer GS, who attended the launch party.

One of the main goals, Karugu said, is to establish Misbah as a fixture on campus in the years to come. The editors also said they hope to involve a broader academic community in the dialogue, Khwaja said, adding that students at Dartmouth have expressed interest in starting a similar publication on their campus. Similar magazines already exist at UCLA, Harvard and MIT.

The magazine received initial funding from the Office of the Dean of Religious Life, the Lewis Center for the Arts, the Center for Human Values Undergraduate Forum, the Council of the Humanities, and the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies.

“The fact that the magazine has received such support has been amazing,” Karugu said. “People are so supportive on this campus of new initiatives.”

Don't just sit there, Do Something!

This is really scary stuff. We can't pretend that this is not happening. Once Africa was the richest continent with thriving farm fields right in the center of where we have Sahara Desert. Today desertification is threatening Africa from one coast to another. But wait, we are talking about Spain here. Folks, environmental problems are not a fad in newspaper - it is real. Unless we pay attention, we will become like dwellers of Cave - The Seven Sleepers. The world changed around them when they woke up from their slumber. I hope ICNA and ISNA would take a lead in developing Islamic response to environmental issues in Islamic context. I am willing to write/speak on this subject to inform people. May God guide us.

Warming Leads to Water Shortage and ‘Africanization’ of Spain

Monica Gumm for the International Herald Tribune

The combination of resort-building and intensive farming has put new pressures on the land and its dwindling supply of water.

By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL

Published: June 3, 2008

FORTUNA, Spain — Lush fields of lettuce and hothouses of tomatoes line the roads. Verdant new developments of plush pastel vacation homes beckon buyers from Britain and Germany. Golf courses — dozens of them, all recently built — give way to the beach. At last, this hardscrabble corner of southeast Spain is thriving.

Related

Dot Earth: NASA Investigates Flow of Findings on Climate Science (June 2, 2008)

There is only one problem with the picture of bounty: this province, Murcia, is running out of water. Swaths of southeast Spain are steadily turning into desert, a process spurred on by global warming and poorly planned development.

Murcia, traditionally a poor farming region, has undergone a resort-building boom in recent years, even as many of its farmers have switched to more thirsty crops, encouraged by water transfer plans, which have become increasingly untenable. The combination has put new pressures on the land and its dwindling supply of water.

breaking news - Welcome Princeton Chaplain!

InshAllah Sohaib Sultan will be joining the Princeton MSA community as the full-time Muslim Coordinator on campus. Sohaib is a great guy who is going to bring a lot of talent, experience, and enthusiasm to the Muslim life on campus. It will be great to have him in N.J. (sorry Hartford!). I think Princeton MSA just got an iman boost with the arrival of Sohaib.

Welcome aboard!

Chaplain Bowl

Bismillah, Last time we had chaplain bowl with Khalid Latif. Although Chaplain Khalid was not able to make it to the game due to an emergency, there were around 25 football players and the weather was perfect. I hope to have students from Rutgers Univ. and local schools to join us for this summer program. We will meet at IIS at 1:00 pm this Saturday. IIS - youth did an excellent job with their last program at ISCJ bringing many different communities to collectively think about issues involving youth. Shadee Elmasry and David Fricke did an excellent job by being blunt and to the point. I hope the enthusiasm will carry over to this program. Details below...

Chaplain Football Bowl +

Sisters Mini-Golf Outing! JUNE 7TH

Assalam Alaikum!

yes it is time for another Youth Group Event!! Are you ready??

starring chaplain FARAZ KHAN and chaplain DAVID FRICKE

LETS PLAY BALL!!

SATURDAY JUNE 7TH, 2008 1 PM

join the chaplains as they compete head to head

pull out those cleats and lets bring it onnn!!

SISTERS! we havent forgotten about you!!! who wants to play some mini-golf?? Thats right!! We're going to windsor greens (right next to the masjid)!!

Meet at IIS/ 571 Masjid at 1 PM SHARP!!

we will leave the masjid promptly so dont be late!! Transportation will be provided but if you're late we WILL leave without you!!

Afterwards, how about some TACOBELLLL? After we get down and dirty, we will all go out for lunch to tacobell!!

Boys and girls, bring money for food
Girls $7 bucks for mini-golf!

We will be back in the masjid at 4:00 PM!

Bring all of your friends! You wont want to miss this!

DIRECTIONS:

Institute of Islamic Studies

The purpose of the Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) is to propagate the teachings of Islam and provide the community services. IIS arranges for the daily, Jumma and Eid prayers, runs a weekend school and provides many other social and ...

www.iisnj.info

Wasalam,
IIS YOUTH