COMMUNITY NEWS
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The Muslim Link, December 19, 2008
Community News Creating links through mutual understanding and cooperation
As Services Grow, So Do Expenses for Masjid Al-Islam By Farkhunda Ali Muslim Link Staff Writer Due to the expansion of the Masjid AlIslam’s full time Group Home School, an increased need for social services, and the growing demands of new Muslims, the community members now require more financial assistance for its operation. While most Americans enjoyed stuffed turkey with sweet yams on Thanks Giving Day, Masjid Al-Islam hosted a fundraising dinner with a similar menu educating the community the importance of coming together in time of need through strategic management. The evening fundraiser raised $4,000 in cash, checks, and money orders. The donations will be utilized for dawah programs, the full time Islamic home school, and the general operation of the Masjid.
Masjid Al-Islam’s Group Home School began in 2002. Since then, the student population grew tremendously, according Bahiya Ali, principal of the school. Ali said the full time Islam school focuses on excellence in academics, Islamic education, and life skills. The school provides one-on-one counseling for the youth on how to deal with their every day struggles, life-skills, and training on social development. Teachers at the school said Muslim educators need to fill in the gaps when Muslim children attend home schooling or non-traditional Islamic school. The Group Home School teaches Muslim children how to deal with non-Muslims, how to address the social problems in their communities, always to stand up for truth, justice, and equality, and have fun in an Islamic manner. The keynote speaker Mohammed Al-Asi, known to the DC Area Muslim community as the Imam who was asked to leave the Islamic Center of Washington decades ago due to
differences of political views, said Muslims need to collaborate when it comes to helping others and establishing peace and justice in their surrounding communities. Reflecting on the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim, Al-Asi reminded Muslims they should not be afraid to stand up for justice anywhere in the world. Masjid Al-Islam established a trend of supporting many Muslims being wrongfully imprisoned, according to members of the community. This community consistently supported Muslims that have been “sidelined by other Masajid,” said Imam Abdul-Alim Musa of Masjid Al Islam. For several years, this corner building in SE Washington DC, known to the general Southeast population as the “center where there is always good food available,” been connecting with the marginalized members of the inner city.
Eid in South East DC All About Giving By Farkhunda Ali Muslim Link Staff Writer Approximately 200 DC Area Muslims attended the Masjid Al-Islam’s annual Eid Al-Adha Prayer and Brunch in Southeast, Washington, DC. Similar to most of their Eid celebrations, children roamed around with their friends, and adults enjoyed food and socialization. Families reached the Masjid in time to be present for the Eid prayer. The message of the hour long Eid Khutbah kept the Muslims’ interest. Imam Abdul Alim Musa said, “The best community is the community of Prophet Ibrahim [Abraham], who is an example of sacrifice for the Muslims.” Imam Musa told the American Muslim community to be prepared to make a change. He said Muslims “must be willing to sacrifice and adopt the life of Prophet Ibrahim.” Comparing the obligation of the Muslims to stand up against oppression, the khutbah stressed the importance to stand firmly for goodness even if one has to establish good by himself. Imam Musa asked Muslims to make a plan of self-improvement starting with their
selves, their families, extended family, friends, and neighbors. He encouraged everyone to open their hearts to give continuously in small amounts and large amounts. Prayer is the believer’s greatest strengths, he said.
He reminded his audience to examine their economic condition, and come up with a plan to address the condition before it becomes worse. He said the Muslim should always be prepared for the worst while planning for the best. Imam Musa said the community is making great progress. “We always judge our outcome by testing whether our behavior fits our condition. It is a life-long selfimprovement process.”
Leggett Recognizes Local Muslims At Conclusion of Eid ul-Adha (December 12, 20008) At the conclusion of the Muslim holiday Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett recognized and thanked the County’s Arab and American Muslims for their many contributions to the community.
Eid Al-Adha is a simple celebration for people to understand, said community members. It is all about giving, sacrifice, and putting one’s full trust in Allah and his decisions for mankind. Imam Musa added, the remembrance of Allah will “polish the heart and build it just as we would want it.” After the khutbah, families enjoyed their fried potatoes, fried omelet, Belgian waffles, halal turkey sausage and bacon, and Sisterhood shines from the faces of these Masjid beverages. While the members Al-Islam Eid goers. Photo by author asked for seconds, few sisters continuously cooked in the kitchen to accommodate everyone’s wish. Like the Imam said, “Eid Al-Adha is about sacrificing and giving. I’ve been in this kitchen since fajr cooking and I’m happy to
Imam Musa spoke briefly on the lack of strategic management in the Muslim community and how this adversely affects the American Muslims. Addressing the needs of the deprived areas of the nation’s capital, the Imam said the first step to deal with “conditions of repression” is to for one to examine his or her self. Second, scan history, economy, and one’s living environment. Then, one must come up with a strategic plan, implement the plan, and then analyze its results.
make this sacrifice,” said one cook to TML as she mixed pancake batter at 2PM, serving the last batch of people entering the Masjid.
“Montgomery County is fortunate to have a diverse population that contributes so much to the rich culture that we all enjoy,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “As the celebration of Eid ul-Adha concludes, I’d like to express my gratitude to our Muslim residents for serving as leaders and role models in the community. Since 9/11, they have made extraordinary efforts to promote understanding and tolerance among religious, racial and ethnic groups. I’d like to thank them for continuing the dialogue that is keeping stereotyping and discrimination at bay, while seeking peace and unity for all.” The Feast of the Sacrifice is an important holiday for those practicing the Islamic faith. The festival commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God, and it marks the end of the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca). The holiday is observed with prayer and feasting with family and friends. [Source: Montgomery County press release]