My Thoughts of Moving Forward After Ramadan By Saad Haq What Now After Ramadan ? By Imam Yahya Ederer 1
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July -2017, Volume 3, Issue 7 ISSN 2377 - 9624 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief : Mohamed Haroon Sait Editor : Nabeel Sait Design & Layout : Mubin M.K All content Copyright ©2016 Muslim American, Inc. except where otherwise noted. Please contact the editor or publisher directly to obtain reprint permission and guidelines. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the advertisers or individual contributing writers and not necessarily those of the editor or publisher of this magazine. This magazine is published monthly. Article Submission : Editor@MuslimAmerican.com Advertising inquiries : Haroon@MuslimAmerican.com Muslim American 400 Arrowhead Dr East Charlotte, NC 28213
Phone: (704) 597-5424 FAX: (704) 597-9310
www.MuslimAmerican.com
4 | In Perspective, My Thoughts of Moving Forward After Ramadan By Saad Haq
Community 8 | An Invitation
From As Salaam IslamicCenter of Raleigh By Oliver Muhammad
12 | Islamic Society
Home and Lifestyle 14 | Summer READING can go with Summer FUN By Sajdah Ali
24 | Self-Defense in
Dangerous Times By Linda “iLham” Barto
18 | Visit of North African
Scholars to Charlotte Islamic Academy
Medical 20 | Epilepsy - A medical
disease with social stigmata By Qaiser Toqeer MPH MD
Spiritual 26 | What Now After Ramadan ?
By Imam Yahya Ederer
28 | Gains from Ramadan By Maitha Ali
of Greater Charlotte Muslim Community Interfaith Iftar 3
In Perspective My Thoughts of Moving Forward After Ramadan By Saad Haq Time is fleeting, not looking back to anyone or anything. In the age of 24/7 information through news outlets, social media, and word of mouth, time feels compressed. A day ago seems like a week ago, a week ago seems like a month ago, and a month ago seems like a year ago. Events that happened last week have been long forgotten due to recent events of the current week.
Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts sits with other guests during an interfaith dinner held at at the Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte - Page 12
We live in a world where one of the wealthiest, and most popular athletes in the world, LeBron James, had his house vandalized with racial slurs because of the color of his skin. This year, Ramadan came and It shows that regardless of went for me. I was able to reeconomic and social status, he energize, renew my intentions, is still not considered an equal and start over. The goal was to in America. Never in anyone’s be a better version of myself, and carry that forward until next wildest imagination would Ramadan. While trying to better have ever thought pop singer Ariana Grande and ISIS would myself, it was difficult to hear the news around the word, from forever be linked; it is the most improbable of scenarios. In Manchester, Portland, Syria, Mosul, Kabul, London, Virginia, Portland, a man was shouting anti-Muslim slurs at two young and other places I am not remembering at the moment. All women and then killed 2 men were acts of terror, with different and injured another (all nonmagnitudes and portrayals from Muslim) when they came to the aid of those two young women. the media and the public. I was walking with a heavy heart every All these examples show that day, reminding myself of what is fear and hate are indiscriminate, it does not have any religion, happening in our society. color, or gender, it is
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Muslim American Magazine July 2017
manufactured with the sole purpose to divide people and create scapegoats - painting entire communities as enemies. As a community, we must not fall into this trap. When my father came to America in 1974, he came for a better opportunity, knowing that hard work would open doors for him. As I was growing up, I learned that America is the land of opportunity, where the only requirement in achieving the American dream was hard work, it did not matter where you came from, the doors were open to everyone. This American ideal does not mirror what we are observing and experiencing today. Now I am a father and as all fathers do, I had asked my son,
In Perspective what he would like to be when he grew up. His response was that he wanted to be Iron Man or Batman. I was expecting a school bus driver, a fireman, or a police officer, but instead, he gave me the names of his 2 favorite super heroes. Though he is thinking of saving the world with limitless gadgetry, athletic ability, and sleuthing, the Southeast Asian/Pakistani in me is thinking of the superhero’s day job - becoming an Engineer, Entrepreneur, Billionaire, and Philanthropist. But why not both? I’m not saying that he should become a superhero as the one we see in movies and comic books, but can he not aspire to do all these things, or anything else he chooses to do? Can he not uphold his beliefs and values and be like the men in Portland who came to the rescue of those two young women, or will he be looked upon as a villain, regardless of all the good he does - just because of his faith and color of his skin? Today, I think to myself, should my children grow up to learn that once upon a time, America was the land of opportunity, that the American dream was just that, an unreachable dream? As green card and visa holders, refugees, and even citizens are being questioned of their identity, they are being told they do not belong here, that the land of opportunity and the American dream is not meant for them. We must remind the public that America is defined by its diversity in faiths, professions, its inclusion, and its values.
These times are trying, but there is one thing we cannot allow, for this country’s narrative to be hijacked. It is our obligation, to tell the stories that people need to hear, and to be the best representatives of our faith and our values that we can possibly be. This nation was formed by the signatures of immigrants and refugees. Our past, present, and future has and forever will be sewn within the foundation and fabric of this nation. This is the narrative that we need to promote and remind people about – with truth, decency, and humility. Before, I would tell everyone the best thing we can do is something simple, be curious, learn about other people, visit their houses of worship, greet them with peace and work together. But today, it will not be as simple. In addition, we will need to act with heavy hearts and minds. We will be challenged, our faith and values will be challenged - we will finally discover if we act on our words and intentions. The forces against us are working day and night. The forces of good, all of them, will need to be better, smarter, and faster. Our children will grow up faster and we will need to keep up with their questions and curiosity. But please remember, in this fight and in this struggle, know that we are all one community, know that we will pick each other up, know that we need to stick together, and
support each other. When I feel helpless and need a reminder to keep myself hopeful, inspired, and motivated, I remember the following Quranic verse from Surah Ar-Rum (30:60): “So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake thy firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith.” We must take and apply the inspiration that we receive from the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions, from influencers and heroes from the recent past such as Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, and Muhammad Ali, and finally influencers and heroes from today such as Linda Sarsour, Nihad Awad, and TaNehisi Coates. In order for us to create a path forward and stand on the shoulders of giants, we must climb through many obstacles and great heights. We must embark on this journey with humility and gratitude and that remember that every ability we have is God given, and everything happens because of His will, so each time we feel we are slipping and falling, remember that He will pick us up and guide us to the right path. All we need to do is ask. We need to build upon the legacy of our influencers and heroes and pave the way forward for future generations so that one day, they can stand on our shoulders.
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Community
An Invitation From As Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh By Oliver Muhammad As Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh, North Carolina is inviting you to become a Partner in helping to build a Modest Masjid for a Dynamic community of Muslims in Southeast Raleigh that is open for all people! We are “The Capital City Mosque” where we promote human growth, the preservation of Intellect, soul, property, deen, human dignity and offspring. Our goal is to establish Tawheed in all of its dimensions, Tazkyiah (the growth & purification of humans) and the building of an advanced Community rooted in Iman (Faith/ Imanu Mufassal). The background and history of ASIC (As Salaam Islamic Center) began during the late 1950s. Islam began to spread throughout the state of North Carolina by individuals coming from the Maryland and District of Columbia areas planting seeds of awareness for the growth and development of Islam. Coinciding with the times, there was great concern over poverty, social unrest and racial injustice. By the early 1960s a band of approximately 5 families pooled their meager resources and began holding Islamic services in a garage and then in a storefront building, and then above a taxi cab stand in Durham, North Carolina which would be the establishment of the first known 8
From right to left: Sheik Kenneth, Nard and Muhammad Ali Imam Oliver Muhammad
Islamic Center in North Carolina. Kenneth B. Murray-Muhammad and several families commuted back and forth from Raleigh to Durham until the late 1960s when urban renewal and redevelopment displaced many of the striving African American business establishments. There were several storefront buildings eventually purchased in Durham on Chapel Hill Street by believers from Raleigh and Durham. These buildings would become the first among freestanding Masajid owned by Muslims in Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem and Charlotte in the State of North Carolina. In 1970 the Raleigh community established itself under the leadership of Sheikh Kenneth B. Murray-Muhammad, Leo Graham aka Brother Seifuddin and many others in a small residential dwelling on Martin Street and later moved to a storefront on Hill Street. These humble facilities would housed its Islamic school that operated from preschool to high school. A larger residential dwelling was
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
eventually acquired on Lord Anson Drive where Jumah, Taleem and week-end school were also held. This residential property was to become the first property owned by the Muslims in Raleigh the Capital City in 1999. The name of the Masjid changed from Masjid Seifuddin to As- Salaam Islamic Center to better reflect the community’s posture against the rising tide of Islamophobia even before 911. As Salaam Islamic Center began providing a Weekend School for its students and parents with Islamic Studies and a variety of academic and social activities. An enrollment of approximately 40 plus students made the facility too small with no space for growth. The community purchased another property to expand its base of operations and to eventually build a new Masjid facility. The community has torn down these properties in order to begin the process of construction. This was done due to the urgent need to build a facility to meet the needs of our growing Muslim community and to accommodate
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is occurring. By accepting our invitation you will have a vehicle to achieve your personal and The Board of Trustees of Asfamily goals by learning and Salaam/The Peace Islamic Center implementing the Quran and has been negotiating the purchase Sunnah in every aspect of your life of 1.67 acres of land with houses in a logical way. on four other lots comprising an As Salaam Islamic Center knows entire neighborhood block. The that many individuals and families proposed expansion complex desire for themselves a supportive will accommodate over 350 community environment. Today believers in the prayer area most people are looking for a (musallah) with 10 classrooms community that’s supportive, for an educational facility for pre-kindergarten through middle encouraging and stimulates its members to love and respect school, office space, a kitchen, each other but also inspires each multipurpose room gymnasium person to become self-actualized and library. Outreach programs and fulfilled. for the broader community will also include the use of some As Salaam Islamic Center of classrooms. The projected Raleigh has as its priority the construction cost for the first goal and objective to encourage phase is $500,000.00 for the each person to strengthen their 9,600 square footage of the relationship with Allah and reach structure. Currently ASIC has their God given human potential approximately $175,000 in the that leaves nothing of good out. building fund account and is securing funding from individual We invite you and your family donors, seeking grants and a to participate capital campaign. To realize our in programs goal of building a complex that and activities meets the needs of its members that target our and the community-at-large, youth, young additional support is needed adults, our from generous donors and seniors, women organizations seeking to invest and partner with us in our worthy and men. These programs and efforts to establish a variety of programs and outreach services to activities give full expression, southeast Raleigh. creativity and We are seeking to identify people growth to the and families regardless of race or whole person. ethnic background who consider As Salaam themselves progressive, and who desire to live the Muslim life to its Islamic Center has a variety fullest. We want to invite you to become affiliated with a dynamic of classes and worship community that has positioned services that itself for growth. give support for As Salaam Islamic Center invites your personal growth you, your family and the new millennials to consider becoming intellectually and spiritually. a beneficiary of this growth that its growing outreach activities as well.
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Muslim American Magazine July 2017
We hope that you will consider attending Jumuah (Friday congregational Prayer) at 1:30 p.m, Wednesday evening Quranic & Arabic Studies Class at 7 p.m. and Fajr Halaqah (Study circle) and Islamic Studies & Taleem (lectures) on Sundays from 11:00 am until 1:30 p.m. We are planning on re- establishing a Sunday school in the fall of 2017 for our young people that teaches Islamic Studies, Quranic Arabic, the biography of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and proper adab (manners etc.). Go to Launchgood.com/ asicnewmasjid or visit www. assalaamic.org to make a contribution. May Allah reward you with a mansion in Jannah!
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Community Trevor Fuller County Commissioner
Nasif Majeed Interfaith Coordinator
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Jibreel Hough Islamic Center of Charlotte
Maryam Amirudin Charlotte Tea House
Doreem Alama American Islamic Outreach
Imam Atif Chaudhry Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
Imam Yahya Ederer Muslim Community Center
Saad Haq Being There
Ali Moshisadri Shia Carolinas
Dr. Hadia Mubarak UNCC Professor
Rodney Sadler Mecklenburg Ministries
Jennifer Roberts Mayor of Charlotte
Maurice Shareef Masjid Ash-Shaheed
Rabbi Dusty-Kladd Temple Beth-el
Afzal Cheema Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte
Hemant Ali Hindu Center
Oussama Mezoul Founder of Penny Appeal USA
Imam Khalil Akhbar Masjid Ash Shaheed
Charlotte Muslim Community Interfaith Iftar Organizations around Charlotte planned
an interfaith dinner/iftar which was held at Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte. The above picture is Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts speaking to a diverse crowd on improving community matters. She also mentioned her visit to the Charlotte Chamber meeting in Dallas where she was told by Dallas ex-Police Cheif, David Brown, that Charlotte’s efforts are admirable and effective 13
Community
Summer READING can go with Summer FUN By Sajdah Ali
By now you and your family are in full bloom of summer! The weather is ideal for everything you’ve been thinking of doing since winter. Your kids are making plans to go to the beach, pool, mall and every activity center they can convince you to take them to. If you have older kids, their plans might include the TV, video games, couch, cell phone and kitchen fridge. In addition to keeping the family fully engaged in summer fun, make sure a daily dose of literacy enhancing activities is a part of their schedule in efforts to avoid Summer Learning Loss.
matter, and family income. Research shows that children who don’t read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect (www. readingrockets.org) This is a condition that happens more often than most parents are aware of, yet is 100% preventable and can merge into your summer fun plans. Here are 10 suggestions on how you can make that possible.
1. Make frequent trips to your local library: Students who take part in their local library’s Summer learning loss is the loss of academic skills summer reading program significantly improve and knowledge over the course of summer holidays. their reading skills. In fact, research found that The loss in learning varies across grade level, subject 14
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
kids who participate in these programs are 52 Lexile points ahead of their peers who do not. Summer reading programs are also an antidote for learning loss (http://www.slj.com) 2. Take books with you and your child everywhere you go; ( i.e.doctor’s office, picnics, road trips, etc) For your older or more Tech savvy kids, Tablet Readers will work just fine. 3. Let your child choose the books : Don’t be shy in making suggestions. You can expose him/her to different and new types of themes, subjects and topics. 4. Read aloud to your child: Even if your child can read on his/her own, it helps build vocabulary and listening comprehension skills. 5. Do Read-Aloud activities during Story Time: Ask your child what he/she thinks might happen next? What are the story characters likely to do? Ask if he/she knows if the story is real or make-believe. Kids love to share their ideas and understanding of things!
allow him/her to keep a record of books read daily. This log could include: title of book, author, summary, favorite illustration, time spent reading. For your older kids, reading logs can also be used to research topics when writing an essay. Students can also use the reading log to compare/contrast stories in the same genre or in different genres. In conclusion, summer reading is crucial for all learners because it can enhance their reading skills and can be fun for students. Reading stimulates your mind, allows you to form pictures in your mind, promotes critical thinking, leads to research of various topics, builds vocabulary, and can take you to places you may never be able to travel physically. So whatever you do this summer, encourage your little ones to just grab a piece of text, open it and enter into the reading zone. Their fertile minds will be forever grateful to you
6. Reading to your child in his/her native language will help create a bridge to learning English. 7. Have your child write a summary about his/her reading. This will help you as a parent to monitor your child’s understanding of the story. A summary is a shorter version of a longer piece of story. It relates the main events with going into details about the whole story. It gives the general plot about the story. 8. Have your child create his/her favorite illustration about the story. Illustrations serve to expand, explain, interpret, or decorate a written text. Picture books can be also used to establish the setting, define and develop characters, extend or develop plot, provide a different viewpoint, contribute to textual coherence, and reinforce the text. 9. Vocabulary knowledge is critical to successful reading comprehension. Therefore, have your child engage in vocabulary study that allows the child to display the definition of the word; such as using the word in a sentence or showing an illustration of the word and providing synonyms and/or real world examples of the word. 10. Have your child create a reading log that will 15
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Community
Visit of North African Scholars to Charlotte Islamic Academy 8810 Hickory Ridge Road, Harrisburg, NC 28075
A group of Muslim Scholars from North African and Near East countries visited Charlotte Islamic Academy on May 8, 2017.
impacted religious life in America; • Explore the role of religious leaders in the community and their cooperative efforts with leaders of other religious traditions;
These visitors are invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s • Examine the impact of religion on political life International Visitor Leadership Program. Their in the U.S. and the reasoning for separation of program is arranged by the Institute of International religion and state; and Education. • Visit religious based primary/secondary schools and universities to meet with students, teachers, professors and faith based groups. The group included the following scholars:
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project: • Review the moral and philosophical basis of religious life in the U.S., the historic origins of religious freedom, and how immigration has 18
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
Algeria
Mr. Youcef HAFSI Director Cooperation and Legal Studies Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs
Chad
Mr. Mahamat HAMAT ABDRAMAN Vice President Association for Dialogue between Youth of Diverse Religions Commission on Islamic Affairs
Egypt
Mr. Sheikh Khaled Mahmoud Ali HEMAYA Imam Sultan Hassan Masjid
Iraq
Mr. Ahmed Abdulqader Abdullah AL ANI Assistant Teacher University College of Imam Adham Mr. Naseer Kareem Kadhim AL SAEDI University Teacher University College of Imam Kadhim Mr. Hazim Fahim Jaber NASSAR Teacher Al Hawaza of Najaf (Religious Classical School)
Mauritania
Mr. Sidi El Moctar Derdery MAATA Member Religious High Council
Morocco
Mr. Hicham EL HLIMI Imam Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs
Palestinian Territories
Mr. Muath SHARIDA Chief Editor and News Presenter Palestine TV
Saudi Arabia
Mr. Abdulrahman Abdullah A BATWA Imam Bugshan Mosque
The group was welcomed by the Principal, Br. Azim Beg and Shaikh Bassam Obeid, the Head of the Islamic Studies Program at the Charlotte Islamic Studies. The visitors were highly impressed by the
school’s program of studies, including the QAIS (Quran, Arabic, and Islamic Studies). As most of the visitors were fluent in Arabic, Shaikh Bassam led the discussions (without assistance of Interpreters provided by the US State Department). They were keen to know how we are able to accommodate extra load of religious education in our daily schedule in addition to providing the teaching of core curriculum mandated by the Federal and State Departments of Education.
The discussion followed the visit to our classrooms in order to observe the learning activities going on in various levels of our school, i.e. Elementary, Middle, and High School. They were delighted to meet students from different ethnic and national backgrounds.
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Medical
Epilepsy
A medical disease with social stigmata Qaiser Toqeer MPH MD Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological disorder that affects approximately 2.5 million Americans. Worldwide approximately 65 million people are affected by this condition and seek treatment. Epilepsy affects mostly young children and older people however it can be diagnosed at any age. Epilepsy is a disease defined as one or more seizure with high likelihood of recurrence. Seizure can be described as episodic symptoms of abnormal movement, sensation or vision due to excessive cerebral cortical activity. In other words it’s the abnormal electrical activity of brain leading to cessation of some of the brain functions such as movement, sensation, vision and consciousness. There are various reasons for a brain to have a seizure. Some etiologies of seizures are due to primary neurological disorder whereas others are due to non-neurological disorders. Patients with epilepsy can go into a more serious condition known as status epilepticus in which brain continuously seizes. This complication of epilepsy carries a high mortality rate. It is a disease that carries a significant social stigmata in certain cultures.
tumors. Regardless of the etiology the medical treatment remains the same. First line of treatment typically involves use of antiepileptic medications. If antiepileptics do not effectively control seizures then surgical resection of diseased area of the brain is considered after series of tests and mapping of the brain. Recently there are now devices that can be implanted under the skin of the head with wires inside the brain that can detect an initiation of a seizure and aborts it with small
electrical shocks. Epilepsy was thought to be a non-curable disease however in recent advances in medicine and surgical procedures approximately 50% of patients can be cured and many other require only 1-2 seizure medications.
In children this disease is common due to birth defects as well as In medieval times this disease traumatic injuries to brain. In was believed to be a demonic older individuals common reason possession and was treated with is stroke, infections and brain only exorcism. This practice has 20
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
led to many deaths of children and adults especially if patient went into status epilepticus and stops breathing. Unfortunately many cultures including Muslim countries still practice spiritual treatments which has a great social and medical impact. Currently, in many parts of the world epilepsy is poorly understood and typically patient goes through many trials and tribulation before medical treatment is sought. I had the opportunity to visit Pakistan in Nov 2015 during which I learned many different beliefs that people have about epilepsy. Surprisingly many still believe that it’s demonic possession. Others believe its “Nazar” meaning evil eye which has to be treated by religious people. Several individuals are scared and fearful to provide assistance when a patient is having a seizure. People quarantine individuals who suffer from epilepsy thinking they will contract the evil soul if they came in contact with the patient. Female patients are isolated due to embarrassment associated with the disease. Medical treatment is sought late in disease when usually its difficulty to control seizures. Furthermore, many areas in Pakistan are not equipped with technology or Neurologist to treat epilepsy. People travel hundreds of miles to see a Neurologist and compliance seems to be poor for various reasons.
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In summary, epilepsy is a complex disease which is associated with social and cultural implications. It is poorly understood in many different cultures despite significant advances in medical treatment. If treated, this condition can be cured however it requires not only medical support but support from family members and community as a whole. Many patients and families are still living in the shade and lack awareness of this disease. Education is the key to success here.
References “Epilepsy Center: Symptoms, Seizures, Treatments, Causes, and Tests.” WebMD. WebMD, 17 Jan. 2017. Web. 17 June 2017.
Qaiser Toqeer MPH MD A diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc., a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Novant Health Inc. Dept. of Neurology
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Muslim American Magazine July 2017
Shafer, Patricia O., RN. “Epilepsy Foundation.” Epilepsy Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 June 2017.
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Home and Lifestyle
Self-Defense in Dangerous Times By Linda “iLham” Barto
As a US military veteran who served on behalf of ALL Americans, I am distressed at the amount of hate Americans have for other Americans because of race, religion, country of origin, political party, etc. I was raised in a church where Ku Klux Klan members served as deacons, so I know what hate speech sounds like. The hate rhetoric I hear today, however, is worse than anything I heard in the 50’s and 60’s. According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, hate crimes rose by 20% in 2016. The FBI reports a 67% increase in hate crimes against Muslims within that same period. These dangerous times dictate a need for people to be able to defend themselves. An important Islamic ideal is for every Muslim to keep him- or herself in good physical condition in case of the need for defense of self or others. Practice good nutrition, engage in some sort of exercise, and live a healthy lifestyle. If someone is verbally abusive to you, try to deescalate the situation by speaking calmly and politely. Do not lose your temper or engage in an argument. Tell him (and by ‘him’, I mean ‘him or her’) that you do not support terrorism or extremism and offer to tell him about YOUR Islam. If he insults our Prophet (peace upon him), tell him that there are a lot of lies about Prophet Muhammed (peace upon him) and that you would like the chance to tell the truth about 24
him. Some people will shut you down by claiming the Qur’an says that you may lie about anything to cover the awful truth. All you can do is say that that’s not true, and say, “I’m sorry that you have that burden of hate and bigotry to carry around, but I don’t hate you.” Do not engage in a physical confrontation unless you are assaulted. Someone trying to pull off a hijab or kufi is not a good reason to use a selfdefense technique. That would only escalate the problem and put you in more danger. If he tries to choke you with the hijab, however, then you need to act. Use fighting techniques only if you are threatened. Some selfdefense techniques may result in serious injury or even death, and you cannot ethically or legally use such force unless you fear bodily harm for yourself or someone else.
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
As a third-degree black belt martial arts instructor, I can offer a few strategies for fighting. If you are attacked, focus on pressure points, which are sensitive parts of the body that cannot be strengthened by exercise. Two pressure points are the eyes. You can jab or gouge the eyes with your fingers or an instrument. If you have fingernails, begin just above the eyebrows and claw down across the eyes or eyelids. Your objective is, not only to injure, but to get blood in the attacker’s eyes to temporarily blind him. (If you do any clawing, do not wash your hands until after the police collect evidence.) You can box the ears with your fists, and if he doesn’t let go of you, curve your fingers around the ears and rip them off. The nose is a pressure point. Use a palm heel thrust (the heel of the hand used as a striking force), a hammer fist (the side of the fist being the striking force), or an object, like a rock, to bash the
nose. The hollow of the throat can be jabbed with knuckles or with an object, like a stick or car key.
knees and tops of the feet are also hello, however, because it doesn’t pressure points that can be kicked take much for some men to think a woman is flirting.) hard.
We are living in difficult times, but we share this struggle with the The solar plexus (the tender spot prophets (peace upon them) who in the center of the torso, beneath faced much worse situations. May the lungs) can be punched, kicked, Allah give us courage and strength To keep yourself safer, try to avoid and make us successful. or jabbed with an object. being alone in parking lots or on To the groin, thrust a top-of-thethe streets. Always look around These tips are only meant to be foot front kick as hard as you can. and make yourself aware of what used in SELF-DEFENSE. Muslim If you are already too close for is going on around you. Do not American Magazine does not that, impact with the top of your be looking at your phone or other condone violence. Seek training in shin. If you are closer still, bash distraction. If you see a stranger, order to properly prepare yourself the groin with your knee. When look him straight in the face for the situations discussed in this you impact the groin, he will and say hello. This will let him article. Do not try this at home. likely bend over, exposing another know that you see him and you pressure point –the base of the can identify him. Also, by saying skull. Hit this with a hammer fist hello, you personalize yourself or an object like a rock. to him. This will make you less likely to be a victim. (A woman At the inner thigh is a bundle of should not be too friendly in her nerves. Kick this area hard. The These are just a few fighting tips, but I encourage everyone to take a class in self-defense and practice how to react to specific assaults.
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Spiritual
What Now, After Ramadan? By Imam Yahya Ederer
The blessed month of Ramadan kept us in a very special intensity. A strict regimen of constant remembrance of The Divine through rigorous fasting, prayer and intensified reading of the Quran. Obviously we aren’t expected to maintain this level of commitment after Ramadan as it would definitely lead to burnout. The Prophet (PBUH) warned us about apathy in Islam. “Listen Folks, stick with the actions you can handle because God does not get bored until you do. The most beloved deeds to God are those that you can maintain even if few.” (Bukhari 5861) This Hadith encourages us to maintain some extra acts of worship that we can handle. This leads me to my first Post-Ramadan advice. Let’s maintain our daily Salat. This is the key to our eternal salvation. The Quran talks about those who will have eternal bliss in Heaven, “Those who answered the call of their Lord and established the Salah…” (42:38) “Whoever properly keeps us with their Salah will have light and a proof and salvation on the Day of Judgement. Whoever didn’t keep up with it will not.” (Ahmad 10/83) “The first thing someone will be accounted for 26
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
on the Day of Judgement will be their Salah. If it was done properly, then such person will have prospered and succeeded. If it was neglected, then such person will have lost and failed…” (Tirmidhi 413) The best way to keep up the Salah is two-fold. The first step making it the most important thing in your life that nothing could keep you from it. This entails when your app lets you know what time it is you immediately make ablution and go pray. The second is to make sure that you have a deep grasp of the portions you are praying quoted from the Quran and Sunnah and to make supplications from your heart in prostration in your own language. The Prophet said, “When in Salah, you are having an intimate conversation with your Lord.” (Bukhari 531) The second advice I have is related to our relationship to the Holy Quran. Obviously we are not going to read the Quran as much as in Ramadan every day. There are a few points about reading the Quran. First it is book of guidance meant to be pondered over. We are admonished, “Indeed this Quran guides to a more upright lifestyle.” (17:9) “Do they not ponder of the Quran or do their hearts
have locks on them.” (47:24) It is the secret to our community’s success. “Indeed God will either raise a people to virtue or put them down in humiliation by this book.” (Muslim 817) There are two things which will help us take great benefit from the Holy Quran. The first thing is to make it a practice to read a few verses every day with your family. This will be most fruitful of you have a good translation with commentary. I suggest Yahiya Emerick’s “The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an in Today’s English” or for a more extensive commentary try “Maariful Qur’an” or “In the Shade of the Quran”. The second aspect is that our mosques must all have a weekly Quranic Commentary Program. An Imam has access to a vast rich collection of Arabic commentaries to take gems of guidance from and present them to the community. Similarly, through new reflection on similar teachings and stories God can open up new aspects of faith perspective and practice. At the Muslim Community Center we will be announcing on our website a weekly Quran Study that will be an hour long power point presentation and discussion on the commentary of a few verses of the Quran. Please check our website for more info www.charlottemcc.org. The Prophet said “Any people who gather in a house of God, reciting and studying it among themselves will have peace descend upon them. They will be enveloped in mercy, angels will surround them and God will make mention of them to those in His presence.” (Abu Dawood 1455) My third advice for maintaining steadfastness and nurturing faith post Ramadan is to regularly attend the mosque. Attending the communal prayer has great rewards other than the 25x the praying alone as is known from the Hadith. It is about making the mosque the home away from home. A place where not just men, but women and children should go to pray and have fellowship with their fellow believers. This was the case in the time of the Prophet (PBUH) and it was his Sunnah. Especially in our case here in America, it is so important for us to all have a connection to the mosque and regularly attend. Even with our varying levels of understanding and practice. If there is any place faith will be nurtured and developed it is the mosque. It is the responsibility of the Imam, board and current
attending believers to make the mosque a vibrant attractive place that is spiritually fulfilling and uplifting. In the famous metaphor in the verse of light, God talks about how He cultivates His light in the hearts of believers. Then he says where this happens, “In houses that God has commanded to be built so that so that His name could be remembered and glorified day and night.” (24:36) My last advice is in maintaining patience, perseverance and steadfastness. In addition to the aforementioned advices, it is important we always be looking to change our ways and better our character and lifestyle. Human beings are creatures of habits unless they are willing to embrace spiritual purification and character refinement. This means reviewing our character, speech, habits, friends, entertainment, etc… Let’s make sure we are avoiding sinful places, people and entertainment so that we can protect our hearts from the evil of the world. The Quran teaches, “Dear Believers, be conscious of God and look what you are preparing for in the Hereafter. Be mindful of God as He is Fully Aware of all you do.” (59:18) “He has created the soul and inspired it as to what is harmful and what will protect it. Whoever has purified their soul has truly succeeded while whoever corrupts it has failed.” (91:7-11) “I swear by the self-accounting soul” (75:2) We have to be to be ready to get busy spreading God’s light to the world around us. We have been sent as compassion to the world. “Worship God alone and exert excellence in character toward your parents, family, the orphans, the poor, your neighbors, your colleagues and those under your authority. Indeed God does not like the conceited and arrogant.” (4:36) May you all have a blessed Shawwal! If we can just fast 6 days of Shawwal then it will be like fasting the whole year! (Muslim 1164) “You aren’t true believers until you are benevolent and compassionate. They companions said but we are. The Prophet responded, “No, it isn’t that you are compassionate and benevolent to your friends and family, rather it is with all people.” (Al-Targheeb 3/210) 27
Spiritual
Gains from Ramadan Although Ramadan is only mentioned once in the Qur’an, its’ profundity is significant and heavy. As the fourth pillar of Islam, Ramadan is commonly described and referred to as the month of fasting, and while that may rest true to some extent, Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed, and in it fasting was prescribed. The blessings in the Holy month of Ramadan are innumerable and divinely abundant and it is our obligation to take full advantage of this period.
The word Taqwa, can be translated in a variety of ways. Some of its’ connotations include piety, righteousness, or God-fearing. Taking the Arabic word back to its’ root, it directly translates to waqaya, or protection. So to obtain Taqwa not only means that we seek protection for ourselves, by refraining from behaviors that may lead to sin, but ultimately we protect ourselves from the Hellfire in the Hereafter. To have Taqwa is to behave in such a way where it is as if Allah (s.w.t.) is in our presence. In fact, possessing this God-consciousness trait is what sets a believer apart from a nonbeliever. Without Taqwa, our acts of worship are merely empty.
to gain this sense of unity without conscious realization. During this month, we collectively fast, break our fast, in addition to performing Salah. At the masjid, Muslims from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds stand with one another during Salah. This simple observation of diversity, exemplifies unity. Through unity, our synchronized efforts make attaining and reaching our objectives easier and more blessed with rewards.
However, after Salah, every individual seems to gather with their own ethnic group. Of course, “Not even water?” there is nothing wrong with Beyond abstaining from food – being comforted by the presence and yes, water too, fasting within of brothers and sisters from a To strengthen our Taqwa is to the Holy month of Ramadan similar background. However, we strengthen our moral compass. includes transforming our should stress the effort to meet, We fill our hearts with the love individual selves physically, communicate, and join other of Allah (s.w.t.), rather than mentally, emotionally, and ethnic groups that we are not spiritually. During this month, we material, worldly pleasures. familiar with. These relationships fast to dissipate bad habits such as Detachment from this temporary benefit our community as we smoking, gossiping, use of vulgar dunya, invokes one of the many meanings of Islam, and ultimately connect with another individual speech, etc. We fast to obliterate and come to an understanding. leads us to surrender ourselves any negative emotions of envy, to Allah’s (s.w.t.) Will. And only To be unified is not a choice, but anger, or hatred. The most through Taqwa, will a Muslim it is an obligation. In the Qur’an, significant objective of Ramadan, be able to positively reform their Allah (s.w.t.) reveals to us, “O however, is to build or heighten behaviors in accordance with the mankind, Indeed We have created our Taqwa. teachings of Islam. you from male and female and In addition to Taqwa, we can gain made you peoples and tribes that Unity several other concepts from this you may know one another.” month. “And hold firmly to the rope of So it is essential for us to know Allah all together and do not Gaining Taqwa one another and understand our become divided…” Qur’an 3: differences, as this will become 103 “O you who have believed, a strength. And SubhanAllah, by decreed upon you is fasting mixing colors you will only create Each of us has a role in uniting as it was decreed upon those beautiful colors. before you that you may become our community, our Ummah. And aside from our individual righteous…” Qur’an 2: 183 Under the guidance of Islam and backgrounds, Ramadan helps us 28
Muslim American Magazine July 2017
our younger children should strive which we feed our mind, heart, for. and soul. And I ask Allah (s.w.t.) that all our duaa’s be accepted in this month, and for all of us to be forgiven and InshaAllah we all Establishment of Good have gained from this month both Service Habits in rewards and values. “Shield yourselves from the It is well-known within Western Hellfire even by giving half a date culture that the ability to establish This month was meant to strengthen our guidance towards in charity.” a habit on average takes 21the right path. The gains 66 days. In Islam, 29 days is discussed above, represent the Saheeh Hadeeth, Prophet adequate. In other words, the blessings from this month that Muhammad (pbuh) powerful and Holy month of Allah (s.w.t.) will continue to Ramadan, alone, is sufficient. One of the many hallmarks of reward us for, here in this dunya Allah (s.w.t.) not only blessed us Ramadan is that of showing and in the Hereafter. And just as with this month, but he made it compassion by providing easier for us by chaining down the it is our duty to establish these services to aid those who are less Shayateen, to further cultivate our good habits and values during the fortunate. spiritual connection and to renew month of Ramadan, it is our duty to continue to implement them in our souls, in aims of becoming Serving the community is an act our daily lives outside the month closer to Allah (s.w.t.). of worship – this alone should of Ramadan. encourage us to give charity to the Through seeking refuge from best of our abilities. And through Allah (s.w.t.) in this sacred month, acts of worship, our hearts fill we are able to instill discipline with mercy, further cultivating into our lives and control our and encouraging us to serve our desires – physical, mental, and society. A highly contagious emotional. We learn to easily let giving-attitude acquaints this go and forgive, allowing our souls complementary cycle of service and hearts to transcend from and worship. Many people destructive, negative energy. We volunteer and excessively serve become aware of the innumerable their communities during this blessings we were given in this month. Alhamdulillah, this lively life, and become grateful for the spirit further encourages the single sip of water. We learn to assimilation of more helping better humble ourselves and to hands. appreciate and grasp the beauty in At the Islamic Center of the Triad motivating ourselves to reach the full potential of Islam. Masjid, located in Greensboro, North Carolina, an exceptional Post-Ramadan youth member consistently Maitha Ali makes a notable effort to offer To conclude, the rewards of this as much help as possible. Musa month are endless. Not only do we Student, community Yang, a Muslim Chinese-native gain the sense of unity, cultivation volunteer and free-lance student, executes all his voluntary of good habits, and Taqwa, but writer. tasks (including, serving food, we also promote a genuinely cleaning the masjid, and guiding thorough understanding to other youth members), with a individuals who are imprisoned smile, MashAllah. His diligence by poverty or other injustices. in carrying out tasks within In the end, the fast we should the Masjid, and Masjid-related strive for should not be to feed activities is incredible and highly our stomachs, rather the fast we praised. Musa Yang’s consistency should strive for, is the one in in hard work, demonstrates what
under the guidance of the Qur’an, our unity becomes a strength by complimenting one another.
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