ICLI News Mar. 2006

Sunday School Goes To Jerusalem

It was with great pleasure that Custom Tours & Events invited Dr. Faroque Khan and five Sunday School students to join them on a special pilgrimage to Israel; The Holy Land between February 18 – 27, 2006.

This invitation was extended to ICLI in order to do a comparative study of students of the three major religions Judaism, Christianity and Islam and to enable the inter-action of each of the students with one another.

The curriculum followed included the study of spiritual beliefs, traditions of all religions and topics of discussion where all students would find what really separated them truly brought them together.

The objective of this course was to provide:

1.an introduction to the comparative study of religion;

2. to introduce the diversity of religious phenomena that make their appearance in the course of history;

3. to provide some insight into the nature and role of religious traditions and experiences in our lives:

4. And to provide a "vocabulary" for discussing these phenomena intelligently.

In addition to providing a sense of historical and comparative perspective, the course should also contrib-

ute to a critical appreciation of the place of religion in the modern world. It is hoped that that the students will acquire the ability to recognize a common humanity in all forms of religious experience and expression, even those most foreign and unfamiliar. And it is hoped that this acquired ability will in turn enrich the students’ understanding of these religious traditions.

The five ICLI Sunday School students were Hira Ahmed, Meher Mamoor, Khadija Byas, Daanyal Khan and Asad Baig were selected after a very competitive process to join Christian and Jewish youth from Long Island on a trip to the Holy Land. We are delighted and congratulate the five students on this historic accomplishment. Insha Allah a full report of this trip will be provided in the next issue of ICLI newsletter.

Dr Faroque Khan with the five students: Hira Ahmed, Meher Mamoor, Khadija Byas, Daanyal Khan and Asad Baig pictured with sponsors Dawn Azrak and Darlene Buonauro

President’s Message

Upcoming Events During Spring

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Assalamu Alaikum. In sha Allah, we have all benefited from the beautiful weather, and can look forward to more of the same. ICLI Ma’sha Allah, continues to energetically work toward deepening our iman and serving our ummah and the community at large. We are pleased to share with you that Imam Ibrahim Negm, whose credentials include, but are not limited to; Executive Director of the Islamic Learning Center, Graduate of Al Azhar University, and Ph.D in Religious Studies from the American College of Theology, continues to present Qur'anic Tafsir classes in a truly engaging and rudimentary style. Those who have attended the classes have been deeply moved by the skill and knowledge of Imam Negm. We are blessed to have a community who continuously seeks to broaden their understanding of Qur’an, and to have a brother who can so adeptly lead us in those efforts. Please join us at ICLI on Thursday evenings from 8pm - 10 pm for this worthy study. The class starts at 8 pm sharp, so if you are attending, please be on time.

This spring also holds many commitments for our Speakers Bureau, who expend enormous effort and are highly dedicated to educating others about our community locally and globally. These individuals are committed to portraying the true ideals of Islam and promoting peace and harmony as we navigate through this diverse and challenging world. Of course, ICLI is poised to and is often called upon to react to difficult events, such as the unfortunate portrayal of our beloved Prophet (PBUH), in some European publications. In addition, though and most importantly we are proactive in bridge building, so that when difficulties arise, many outside of our faith framework have come to know us and support us. As an example author Edward Miller in Jewish Week, went to great lengths to explain to its readership the sensitivities in Islam regarding pictorial renderings of our Prophet (PBUH) or any divine figures. Mr. Miller said in his write up “we know that the one marked in newspapers in Europe is the one who had the humanity to tell his companions to rise for the funeral procession of a Jew.”

ICLI’s speaking engagements are vast and numerous. In this publication, we often share the details of our experiences and Insha’Allah, will continue to do so. Along those lines, please let us share with you a new relationship we are embarking upon with Rabbi Schwartz’s Home Study Groups and Temple B’nai Sholom Adult Education. A program has been developed by the Study Group and some of the speakers from ICLI are:

Feb 26th: Women and Islam - Dr. Kauser Zaman

Mar 5th: All About Muslim Prayer - Dr. Hank Chaudhry

Mar 12th: Holy Days, Holy Food, Holy Occasions - Sr. Nazli Chaudhry

Apr 2nd: What Happened to Sin? A theological discussion on reward punishment, the afterlife and the Messiah - Br. Habeeb Ahmed and Imam Ibrahim Negm. All are invited, and encouraged to attend. Please join in this wonderful opportunity to educate and partner with those in our community who care to know us. These sessions will be held on those nights at 8 pm sharp at Temple B’nai Shalom at 100 Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Center. Their phone number is 516- 764 4628.

A generous philanthropist of Long Island took a group of about 25 students on a trip to the Holy Land and Masha’Allah there were three young sisters and two brothers from our Sunday School who went on this trip for 10 days. They visited Jerusalem, Hebron, Jericho and other historical places. Dr. Faroque Khan chaperoned them on the trip. More details of this wonderful trip in the next issue of the newsletter.

Finally, yet another exciting opportunity has presented itself to us. Alhamdulilah, we are in the process, at the writing of this publication of acquiring an adjacent property to ICLI that will serve to expand the center’s resources. Br Nasir Farooqi is coordinating the purchase, and has provided details in this publication as to how you can financially support this effort through a unique funding initiative or please contact Br. Nasir Farooqi at nfarooqi@yahoo.com.

On a sad note, our community has lost a very distinguished, devoted and knowledgeable scholar. Dr. Mozzafer Partowmah passed away February 14th, 2006. The janazah prayer was held at ICLI after Isha salaat on Feb. 15th. Many notable personalities from around the metropolitan area were in attendance. Our condolences go out to the family of Br. Partowmah.

In closing, and as always, the Executive Committee is available to answer your questions, concerns and hear your ideas. Working together, we can make a difference. May Allah guide us all.

Jazakallah Khair

Habeeb Ahmed

Email: jifsha@yahoo.com

Islam & Terrorism: Myth versus Reality

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Islamic Centre of Long Island (ICLI) Westbury, NY.

On Sunday, February 26th the topic of the adult session was "Islam & Terrorism - Myth vs Reality". The guest speaker was Adama Bah, one of the two 16 year old girls who were detained far from home, and, in a chilling government assertion, called would-be suicide bombers who posed "an imminent threat to the security of the United States."

The book, "Islam & Terrorism - Myth vs Reality" is available in ICLI's Office.

Grievance Governance Committee

If you have any Grievances and Suggestions, please leave a note at the ICLI office.

Editorial amendments are welcome.

Dr. Fakhi Ahmed GGC

Islamic Center of Long Island Westbury

Newsletter

Created by:

Managing Editor: Mohammed Sohail Nabi Cell: 646-286 0060 email: msanabi@yahoo.com

Printed By:

ACCURATE PRINTING & COPYING 962 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010. Tel: 516-775-8060 Fax:516-775-8070 Email: accuprinting@aol.com

President Habeeb, Attorney Omar Chaudhry, Author and President of the Peace & Justice Foundation, Mauri Saalakhan, Adama Bah (see article below) and Sunday Program organizer Sister Homaira

Islamic Center of Long Island

Private equity placement

Islamic Center of Long Island needed to purchase an adjacent house and we did not have the 400,000 Dollars in our account. After evaluating various options, we opted to create a community based loan.

A private corporation was launched who into turn sought “investors” who would pool their money to purchase the property and to lease it to Islamic Center of Long Island in exchange for rental income. This income, less any expanses will be distributed annually to its investors.

The brochures detailing this plan were distributed and then a breakfast meeting was held to explain the concept in January this year.

We are happy to report that the plan was well received in our community at large. Members from Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and as far as Westchester county snapped the shares at $5,000 each.

The closing shall be completed in the coming weeks once all legal documents are completed Inshallah.

The author can be contacted for any details about the plan, for purchasing of shares or for the plans effectiveness at other centers.

Nasir Farooqi via email nfarooqi@yahoo.com

Opportunities and Challenges Facing American Muslim Women

By: Inur Mamoor

A room full of women can be intimidating, but a room full of educated professional Muslim women addressing issues faced by Muslim women, well that can be empowering. On Saturday February 18, 2006 ICLI hosted Opportunities and Challenges Facing American Muslim Women , with a panel of 12 speakers, to a packed audience, revealing how important the Muslim community understands these issues to be.

The common resonance during the two part session was the fact that it is a woman’s responsibility to educate herself, specifically in Islamic law. Sister Sanaa Nadim repeatedly reminded the audience that the issues women face are not those of leading men in pray, but rather attaining a spiritual identity. “Our struggle begins with the challenges of being a mother, wife and professional and at the same time struggling to attain a spiritual identity.” Sr. Nadim’s speech, which dealt with the topic of women in Islam and the issues of unity and equality, touched on topics like women involvement. Using Sunnah and Hadith as her source, Sr. Nadim reminded the audience how Islam held women in high regard, and how during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) women played an active role in Islamic society. The example of women during the time of Prophet Muhammad is one which should translate into modern society. “It is our responsibility to choose our leaders,” Sister Nagim reiterated, again voicing the importance of women involvement and input. She finished her speech with an uplifting and sort of clichéd saying, “Put power back in Allah’s hands,” a reminder of sorts for the audience.

While Sister Nadim spoke of women involvement during the first session, in the second session we heard from women who played and still play an active role at ICLI. Sister’s Arfa Khan, Peggy Iamunno, and Farida Khan all spoke on the topic of women and their role in the govern-

ing aspect of a mosque. Their coherent and well informed speeches reflected the role they played at ICLI and the insight which steamed from their involvement at ICLI. All three women had one thing common, the belief that women were equal with men as far as leadership roles went, yet both sexes have to work hard, and together, to have a mosque feel like a second home for its members.

The next two speakers highlighted ICLI’s Domestic Harmony Committee; a group of women who work with Muslim women who are victims of domestic violence. Sister Nazli Chaudhry gave a brief introduction to the committee and the work that was being done. Sister Chaudhry raised the very important issue of domestic violence and the scary realization that it is present in all communities and faiths, no matter what people want to think. Sister Chaudhry focused her topic on the grassroots efforts towards empowering Muslim women and a key issue was breaking the cultural taboos. The most important part of the DHC, Sister Chaudhry said was, “We emphasized her religious rights to equality and love.” While Sister Chaudhry spoke of the immediate work the DHC did, Sister Kushal Khan spoke of the psychological affects abuse, whether verbal or physical has on an individual. Sister Khan spoke of the why women stay and the fears these women have of leaving their husbands, fears of being alone and fears of what their family would say. Yet the most discouraging thing was not the women who struggle with leaving their abusive husbands, it is the lack of support from the community. “There is a tremendous need in our community to pay more attention to these issues…part of the problem is that religious leaders still look the other way.” Sister Khan wrapped up her speech by echoing remnants of Sister Nadim’s speech, “Women are getting the short end of the stick because they do not understand or follow Islamic jurisprudence.” Again the issue came to Muslim women educating themselves in Islamic teachings.

When Robina Niaz took the stage, the audience saw this soft spoken woman but when Sister Niaz spoke, the power of her words captivated the audience. Sister Niaz is Executive Director of Turning Points, an outreach program aimed at Muslim women who are victims of domestic violence. She poke of the challenges and success she has encountered since starting Turning Point in 2004. One of the main challenges Sister Niaz brought up was the issue of men, “When a man beats his wife the problem is lies with the man, but we help the women.”

Two speakers gave personal stories, both dealing with this same issue of isolation and acceptance. Sister Hoda Spiteri showed the important role ICLI plays in her and her family’s lives, how ICLI had become a safe haven, a place to learn and grow and feel acceptance. So it is utterly important for women to be less judgmental and more accepting. Sister Spiteri mentions that “It is prayer

for Allah and Allah alone, if I do something incorrect, I should be approached with respect and kindness.” She reminded the audience that Islam is a religion of tolerance and that the sisters needed to, “Let go of our baggage because its getting heavy and it is holding us down.” This feeling of persecution by women from other women at the mosque is a growing epidemic which hinders the growth and development of the female role in Islam. And it must be addressed.

“The exclusion of women in their spiritual spaces have endless effects which can be seen everywhere,” claimed Sister Aisha Al-Adawiyah, founder of Women in Islam. “I believe issues of women participation and exclusion from the mosque is at the root of all our problems…these are issues of ignorance…our mosques are the places where change should first start.” Sister Al-Adawiyah called attention to the dilemma of men speaking on behalf of women, when they could not perceive a woman’s perspective. “Brothers do not fear your sisters and sisters claim what is yours.” One issue raised by sister AlAdawiyah which raised eyebrows and resulted in a cheer was the issue of Zakat. “Sisters if your mosque isn’t attending to your needs, find another place to pay your Zakat.” This was perceived as a revolutionary thought, yet one also of common sense. Sister Sarah Sayeed, also a member of Women in Islam, then spoke on the issue of change and how change is only possible within oneself. “We must recognize we are only in charge of ourselves so we can only change ourselves.” and again the audience

heard the importance of understand Islam and the individual responsibility to educate oneself.

The whole event was wrapped up my Brother Ibrahim Negm, a scholarly man whose credentials would impress any South Asian family. While he looked like an Imam from those old days, he spoke like a modern feminist! “Why should a man talk about Muslim women,” he said with a chuckle, fully aware of his situation. Just further hammering in the concept of self education which all the speakers touched upon. “The Qu’ran keeps revealing itself to whoever approaches it with a sincere heart,” Brother Negm reminded the audience, as a final statement.

All the speakers mentioned the idea that women are one half of the faith, so their involvement in the faith is essential. And while they are only one half of the faith, they educate the other half, shining great light on their role as an educator. If women are treated as second class citizens in their own faith, the ripple affects will reach not only their immediate family but also the community. Judging by the turn out, this panel addressed issues which interested the community. Now let us hope the members of the audience will take heed of the information shared and use to put into effect the change they want to see.

Book Review

By: Saira Chaudhry

Category: Religion - Islam; Current Affairs

Publisher: Random House

Format: Hard Copy, Paper back, eBook

Pages: 336 pages

Pub Date: March 2005

Price: $25.95

ISBN: 1-58836-445-3

Reza Aslan’s new book, No God but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam has to do with a good reading to really obtain insight about Islam as a world religion evolved.

Being an Iranian-born scholar living in the United States and an eloquent writer, in his book, Reza explicates how one of the great religions of the world came into being and how it is being followed in different regions of the world today.

Every chapter of his book serves a factual account of the history of the spread of Islam ever since its beginning, as well as describes how Islam is currently being practiced in different Muslim regions of the world, including most non-Muslim countries.

The first chapter of the book sets the stage for all following chapters which discuss how Islam, as a religion, evolved and what course of religious following the religion gathered as it spread throughout the world. Countless misconceptions can be dispelled about the culture of the religion itself can be tackled by reading this book as it describes the ethos of Islam’s followers may be seen in a much clearer manner than ever presented before by a contemporary young Muslim author.

Reza teases apart very methodically all reasons which can ensure Islam’s viability as a religion which, according to him rests upon Muslims in taking the responsibility of indigenously creating a stable environment within the Muslim communities to sustain tactics aimed at a wrongfully portrayal of Islam. Furthermore, the author has shown why Islam is a way of life for Muslims and how is it to be practiced as a way of life.

The author theorizes that the unrest and turmoil within the Islamic countries is in fact the sign of a revival within Islam. His logical conclusions are drawn point to what is now to be done in order to make Islam become a strong religion which has just laws for a given community, a country, or the world for that matter, not just allowing but rather stipulating everyone’s peaceful living as equitably as possible. Only then, according to Reza, a unique and original legacy of Islamic revival

can be possible in the future years to come.

Reza’s scholarship is powerful and substantive. In this succinct narrative, the author has captured key historical developments of Islam as a faith across continents, and the fate of its followers His message is clear. He sees Islam as a flourishing religion, post-dating all past religions. Therefore, the evolution within Islam will continue to occur and is occurring,. In doing so, he presents a unique way of assessing fundamental issues which associated with the progress and subtle changes needed to bring a reformation within Islam.

Finally, No God but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam, is a book which should become a priceless addition to our bookshelves for reference, and it is indeed for the reader/s to gain fuller insight from this book by personally reading it.

Author’s biography:

REZA ASLAN has studied religions at Santa Clara University, Harvard University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds an MFA in fiction from the Writer’s Workshop at the University of Iowa, where he was also visiting assistant professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. His work has appeared in USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, and The Chronicle of Higher Education as well as a number of academic journals. Born in Iran, he lives in Santa Barbara and New Orleans.

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