The Arizona Muslim Voice www.azmuslimvoice.com
MONTHLY NEWSPAPER
JULY, 2016
VOL.21 ISSUE NO. 239
ARSON ATTACK SUSPECTED AT ISLAMIC CENTER OF TUCSON By Drew Farmer
Worshippers at the Islamic Center of Tucson called 911 on Wednesday morning after finding a recycling bin on fire outside the mosque. The Tucson Fire Department put out the fire after responding to the call, and no one was hurt in the incident. Although the Islamic Center has security cameras, they were damaged in storms earlier this year and are set to be replaced. The cameras were unable to pick up any images of the possible perpetrators of the fire, which is thought to have been set by someone in the early hours of July 13, according to a spokesman for the center. Tucson public safety officials have initiated an investigation into the fire. The Islamic Center
building was not damaged, only the recycling bin that the fire was set in. Nearby trash receptacles not belonging to the center also were unharmed, leading some to fear an arsonist targeted the center. Speaking to TucsonNewsNow. com, Islamic Center of Tucson spokesman Mahmoud Obagi said that members of the center are now worried for their safety. He believes that Islamophobia is to blame for the fire. This is not the first time the Islamic Center of Tucson has seen problems in 2016. In January, residents in the Sol Y Luna apartments, a complex that overlooks the mosque, faced eviction for throwing objects into the center’s parking lot. Video evidence caught residents hurling
FEAR FOLLOWS SYRIAN REFUGEE FAMILY AFTER THREAT IN TUCSON By Drew Farmer
After surviving the Syrian civil war, a refugee family of four hoping to start a fresh life in Tucson have been left scared for their safety. The family feel that they are prisoners in their own apartment after receiving a threatening letter that read: “Go home killers!” The crude letter, with occasionally misspelled wording, was taped to the family’s front door. It was a reminder that they are still unable to escape persecution, even thousands of miles away from Syria. Even in the “land of the free and home of the brave,” the family were unable to find any respite and now worry about intimidation from their neighbors. The letter, which looked like it was written by a group of teenagers, was scribed in multiple colors. The note read, “Please move before danger can happen” and “You are Muslim and not
welcome.” The letter also insulted the family, calling them “cowards” and “terrorists.” Originally from Homs, Syria, the family fled the country when the troops of President Bashar Assad approached their neighborhood looking for political opposition to execute. The family escaped to Lebanon, where they spent two years. During that time, they worked tirelessly on the never-ending paperwork to gain refugee status in the United States. The family, who asked not to be named for fear of attack from locals, say they are now living in fear all over again. Local police have stated they are examining the case, but no leads have surfaced to identify the perpetrators. While the United States was supposed to be the family’s escape from a war-torn country, and the fear of death, it has turned into a nightmare, a country populated by people that
the items onto the ground below. Many of the items thrown onto the center’s premises were alcohol bottles and cans. In addition, it was noted that racial slurs were used by residents. In November 2014, four University of Arizona students were evicted from the same apartment complex – which was under the name Level at that time – for throwing rubbish off balconies and into the Islamic Center’s parking lot. Although the incidents are unlinked at this time, the fire in the recycling bin cannot be ignored after the previous incidents. “The Islamic Center is a center for everyone, not just Muslims,” Obagi told TucsonNewsNow. com. “The Islamic Center is here to stay. It’s been part of this com-
munity for a very long time.” Tucson law enforcement has been asked to patrol the area around the mosque more regularly by the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations. In addition, the group has asked the police department to provide a thorough investigation on what caused the fire. In April, Tucson.com reported that a new mosque for the city’s northwest side is in the developmental stages. The Islamic Center of Tucson, which is home to 8,000 to 10,000 Muslim worshippers, has been limited by its space, thanks in part to the University of Arizona’s continued growth. The new mosque would provide relief at the Islamic Center’s current location and possibly lessen friction with the local residents.
are unwelcoming. Although the family had enjoyed the American Dream when they arrived, relishing a freedom that was absent from their lives in Syria, the last few weeks have changed all of that. More than half of the state governments in the United States have spoken against the housing of Syrian refugees. Twentynine of the 30 states that spoke against them are governed by Republicans, and all 30 said that terrorist activities were their motivation in opposition of accepting refugees. According to the Tucson Police Department, the letter was the first reported of its kind in the city. That doesn’t mean it was the first time an incident of this nature has occurred. Being that refugees are an extremely vulnerable part of society, needing a helping hand rather than persecution, many may have decided against reporting similar instances, especially if they felt the local authorities would be reluctant to help them. In a statement following the incident, the father of the family told reporters he doesn’t want the perpetrator or perpetrators to get into trouble. He merely wants those responsible to know the family came to the United States to be a part of
American society and live freely, just like everyone else. Although the family hopes nothing more will come of the threat, it cannot be ignored that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has helped fuel the fire of discontent toward refugees and Muslims. In interviews, Trump has stated that American Muslims are hiding terrorists from the police and he wants a ban on all new Muslims entering the country. With such strong rhetoric from a presidential hopeful, it is amazing that a refugee family hasn’t received worse than a letter of insults.
In this issue NEWS
CAIR Prescribes Satirical Cure for Islamophobia.......... 02
NEWS
Trump: Immigration ban should cover all countries ‘compromised by terrorism’........................ 03
TRAVEL
Things to do In Arizona during Summers.................. 04
HEALTH
Diabetics must take special care during intense summer heat........................ 06
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JULY 2016
NEWS
CAIR PRESCRIBES SATIRICAL CURE FOR ISLAMOPHOBIA By Mohammad Edreece
During the Republican National Convention and Democratic National Convention, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) promoted its satirical response to growing divisive political rhetoric regarding Islam and Muslims. In an attempt to treat the problem, CAIR is prescribing “Islamophobin,” a fictional medicine that claims to cure Islamophobia. The packaging looks real but the “medicine” inside is just sugar-free chewing gum. Islamophobin’s packaging satirically suggests that it cures “blind intolerance, unthinking bigotry, irrational fear of Muslims, (and) U.S. presidential election year scapegoating.” CAIR is promoting the “cure” via social media and YouTube video. Directions on the package say, “Take two and call a Muslim in the morning,” but a warning follows, “Those who already believe in religious diversity, tolerance and mutual understanding should
not use this product. Stop taking this product if you begin to develop warm feelings toward Muslims, immigrants or refugees.” Comments made by Republican candidate Donald Trump have placed a wedge between the party and several minority groups including Muslims. Trump has proposed a ban on Muslims’ entry to the United States, and he does not favor allowing Syrian war refugees into the country because of concerns that some militants could disguise themselves as refugees. When Islamophobin was introduced earlier this year, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad pointed out the importance of Muslims in the upcoming presidential election and asserted why they should not be pushed away. Awad suggested that Muslims pose great strength in the swing states. Islamophobin is available for purchase on Amazon.com. The product contains 12 pieces of chewing gum for just $1.99.
The Arizona Muslim Voice PUBLISHED MONTHLY by UNUS, LLC OWNER / PUBLISHER Wafa Unus wafa@azmuslimvoice.com FOUNDED BY Marwan Ahmad
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Drew Farmer • Mohammad Edreece • Kent Barry • Aneesah Nadir ADVERTISEMENTS ads@azmuslimvoice.com
Deadlines for submission of letters is the 24th of every month, and for advertisements by the 25th. Only letters and articles submitted on electronically or by email will be accepted for review. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any letters, articles or advertisement or any other material. The Publisher will not be liable for more than the advertisement cost in case of an error. The Muslim Voice is not responsible for the contents of advertisements or articles nor endorses them in any way or form.
AMV JOB OPPORTUNITIES Managing Editor The Arizona Muslim Voice seeks a creative and motivated managing editor that can lead local news coverage. The managing editor will work with freelance writers and organize coverage of local events as well as manage general monthly newspaper content. Qualified candidates will have a degree in journalism, some newsroom management experience and a good pulse on the Greater Phoenix area. If interested please submit your résumé and cover letter to JOBS@AZMUSLIMVOICE.COM
Freelance Writers The Arizona Muslim Voice has immediate openings for freelance writers for multiple sections. Qualified freelance writers will have experience writing articles, conducting interviews and be able to meet deadlines. Some training will be provided. If interested please submit your résumé and cover letter to JOBS@AZMUSLIMVOICE.COM
Trump: By Mohammad Edreece
In a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Donald Trump was asked to make clear what he really meant during his speech last week at the Republican National Convention regarding his “ban on Muslims,” and whether or not his suggestion was actually a rollback to his more forceful previous statements that Muslim immigrants should not be allowed in the United States due to potential ties to terrorism. “I don’t think so. I actually don’t think it’s a rollback. In fact, you could say it’s an expansion. I’m looking now at territory. People were so upset when I used the word Muslim. Oh, you can’t use the word ‘Muslim.’ Remember this. And I’m okay with that, because I’m talking territory instead of Muslim,” Trump said to “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd. His rhetoric has shifted from using the word “Muslim” to suggesting that it is certain territories or regions in the world that should face the ban.
NEWS
JULY 2016
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Immigration ban should cover all countries ‘compromised by terrorism’
During his Thursday night speech last week in Cleveland, the Republican presidential nominee said that the U.S. “must immediately suspend immigration from any nation that has been compromised by terrorism until such time as proven vetting mechanisms have been put in place.” Trump further said that he supported allowing only those people who favor American values to enter the United States. How this would be determined, however, was not specified. If Trump’s expanded ban were to take effect as suggested, his immigration suspension would include countries such as Belgium, France and Turkey that have seen a slew of violence connected to terrorism over the past year. When he made his first call for a ban early last December, Trump was looking for a complete ban on Muslim immigration to the United States. That statement followed just few days after the San Bernardino terror attack.
The Cultural Cup Food Bank HELP SUPPORT THE NEEDY PUT YOUR AZ TAX DOLLARS TO GOOD USE
The Only Muslim Run Food Bank in Arizona & Tax Credit Qualified! When you donate your Zakatul Fitr During Ramadan, CCFB is able to give needy families Zakat Funds Before the EID, as required by the Sunnah! This year CCFB helped at least 13 families with Zakat, thanks to the families that gave Zakatul Fitr before and during Ramadan. In addition to Zakat, we also except Sadiqa, Tax Credit and general donations. These funds help with our programs and operational costs to keep the food bank going. Your donations help over 1,000 families and individuals in the valley every single month. That’s over 12,000 pounds of food, water and produce distributed to those in need monthly! DON’T FORGET! Eidul Adha is in less than two months away! CCFB excepts and distributes the Qurbani meats to families and individuals in need. IMPORTANT NOTE!!! ALL donated meats to the Cultural Cup Food Bank must follow the guidelines of the USDA regulations!
See Donated Meat Guidelines: http://culturalcup.com/donate.html The Cultural Cup Food Bank is a huge resource for refugees to get assistance with food. CCFB has been assisting those in need in our community as well as refugees from all over the world for over 13 years. This is only possible with the ‘Monetary’ and ‘In-Kind’ support from the entire community!
How you can help: In Order of Importance!
1. Donate ethnic foods to CCFB so we can distribute to our brothers and sisters in need 2. Donate household items, baby items 3. Donate monthly to support programs and operational needs!
All types of donations are tax deductible! See Donations: http://culturalcup.com/donate.html
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TRAVEL
JULY 2016
THINGS TO DO IN ARIZONA DURING SUMMERS Hot Arizona summers can get you a little stir-crazy. Get out of the house and out of the heat by visiting a few or Arizona’s own attractions and museums. Arizona Science Center
Spend the day learning about physics, biology and the environment at the Arizona Science Center. You can also take in an IMAX movie or explore the galaxy in the planetarium.
Chase Field
Take the family out to a ballgame at Chase Field or simply tour the stadium. The retractable roof is closed on hot days, so you don’t have to worry about the heat. Spectacular fireworks follow games.
Hot-Air Expeditions
Get carried away in a hot-air balloon and see the beauty of Arizona from a bird’s-eye view. Enjoy the fresh air and the scenic beauties and landscapes. This can be a little costly, but it’s one of the most unique ways to enjoy the state.
Hall of Flame Museum
The Hall of Flame Museum has an acre of history of firefighting exhibits. It has over 90 restored pieces on display of fire apparatus from 1725 to 1969. One gallery is dedicated to the history of fighting wildfires in the U.S. Kids and adults alike will get a thrill out of the museum’s unique and interactive displays. Your little ones can climb into an old firetruck and play hero for the afternoon.
Musical Instrument Museum
Museums are great excursions to keep you cool and to sprinkle in a little culture and education. The Musical Instrument Museum is nationally renowned with one of the largest collections of its kind. You can learn about instruments from all over the world, and people around the world share and experience music.
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Please request a prospectus or summary prospectus which contains information about the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Amana Funds which you should read and consider carefully. To obtain a free prospectus or summary prospectus, ask your financial advisor, visit www.amanafunds.com, or call 1-888/73-AMANA. The Amana Funds are distributed by Saturna Brokerage Services, member FINRA/SIPC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna Capital Corporation, investment adviser to the Amana Funds.
REVIEW
JULY 2016
Flaming Kabob
falls in the middle of Middle Eastern cuisine By Kent Barry
Need a kabob? No prob. Try Flaming Kabob, a Middle Eastern kabob house that is open late and delivers. Flaming Kabob is located near the ASU campus in downtown Tempe. It has a variety of options that will satisfy your cravings for Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant also offers fresh, raw juice and smoothies. The restaurant has seating both outside and inside for when you want to escape the heat. The seating inside is simple but can accommodate a good number of patrons. There is both booth seating and some free-standing tables with chairs. There are also some chairs at the front for bar-style seating (the restaurant does not sell alcohol). When you walk in you’ll notice large chalk writing on the wall, advertising the ASU student spe-
cial – any pita sandwich with a side and drink for $7.40. As I approached the seating and was going to sit at a booth, the waiter politely told me that it wasn’t clean yet and had me sit at a table instead. I gave the menu a quick readthrough and chose my entrée and appetizer. About ten to fifteen minutes later the food arrived. I began with the meat-stuffed dolmades (grape leaves) as an appetizer. They were different than the arguably more popular vegetarian option. They are served hot. I was not expecting that. The meat inside was flavorful and the outside leaves tasted as if they were lightly tossed with olive oil. I also sampled the chicken lemon rice soup in a cup size. It came hot and smelled wonderfully. There was a slight taste of lemon but the chicken was minced and so the texture and a little of the
taste seemed lost. Overall it had a nice, mild flavor to it. The next item I sampled was the grilled boneless chicken breast. The portion size was a little smaller than I was expecting. Also, the outside was slightly
seemed to overwhelm anything else in the sandwich. Pricing varies but is mostly the same as you’ll find in other similar establishments. The appetizers average around $4-$6 apiece. The entrée I had was approximately $12 and included the two sides. The sandwiches are reasonable at about $5-$7. Bottom line – if you are looking for your kabob fix, Flaming Kabob falls right in the middle of Middle Eastern restaurants in the area in terms of quality. It wasn’t the best but it wasn’t the worst either. If
Menu typical, prices reasonable at downtown Tempe spot overcooked but the inside was moist. It was served on a bed of fluffy saffron rice and golden raisins, which slightly sweetened it. I had a bite of the gyro as well. That was probably my favorite item. The gyro meat was flavorful and the veggies and tzatziki sauce that accompanied it made for a nice overall sandwich. It was the right size and the ingredients were portioned well. Nothing
you’re in the area and need a bite, it’s a decent place to stop, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique or that stands out, you might want to look elsewhere. It’s priced fairly and won’t break the bank. They also have a location in Mesa. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5 gyros.
from age 1 Arizona Cultural Academy students graduate with associate’s degrees. Give your children a head start.
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to college ARIZONA CULTURAL ACADEMY & COLLEGE PREP. www.azacademy.org | 602-454-1222 7810 S. 42nd Pl. Phoenix, AZ 85042
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JULY 2016
We frequently anticipate changes of season, yet if you have diabetes, you should be additionally watchful when temperatures climb drastically. Summer heat can influence your glucose control. How the warmth influences your glucose levels will depend on what you’ve eaten, whether you’re hydrated and how active you are. If you use insulin or if your treatment is insufficient, this can put you in danger. Based partly on your level of physical activity, low blood sugar is possible. Temperatures also can harm your pharmaceuticals and testing gear. If your blood sugar for the most part registers higher than 250 mg/dl, you should enhance glucose control before participating in overwhelming physical activity, as suggested by the American Diabetes Association.
HEALTH
DIABETICS MUST TAKE SPECIAL CARE DURING INTENSE SUMMER HEAT
Tips for Overseeing Blood Sugar
Try to stay cool as much as possible and follow these tips: • Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is vital for all individuals amid physical movement, and it’s particularly important for individuals with diabetes. • Consult your doctor about
making insulin or diet changes as required if you’re particularly active in the summer or need to spend excessive time in the heat. • Test your blood sugar levels as often as possible. Since extremely hot temperatures can
make levels vary, it’s a smart to test more often. That way you can make proper and prompt adjustments to keep levels steady. • Watch out for sunburn. Sunburn can raise glucose levels. Utilize sunscreen and wear de-
fensive eye gear. • Use sound judgment when taking part in exercise outside. When possible, get your exercise indoors on hot days or exercise early in the day or later in the evening when temperatures have cooled.
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OP-ED
should make us all stand up for justice
Dr. Aneesah Nadir In the last days of Ramadan, I was stunned by the bombing in Jeddah and the Prophet’s Mosque and the tragedy in Istanbul, Iraq and Syria. Before that it was Orlando and San Bernardino and South Carolina. Today I shake my head in disbelief as yet two more young black men have been killed as a result of deadly force by police officers in Minnesota and Louisiana. And then innocent police officers are killed at the end of a peaceful protest against these killings in Dallas. Peace. I pray for peace. I pray for an end to war abroad, mass shootings at home, domestic and foreign terror, senseless violence. I pray for an end to police killings of young black people. Justice. I am Muslim and African American. I am the parent of four young adults. Historical memories of the
lynching of black people and the torture of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955 are being relived over and over. Their names ring out – Trayvon Martin in 2012 , Michael Brown and Tamir Rice in 2014, Freddie Gray in 2015, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile this July 2016. And there are many more whose names are not so wellknown. Who will be next? Most police officers are committed to upholding the law and protecting the community but police brutality exists and is wrong. We just want the justice system to hold the officers who are wrong accountable for their wrong actions. It’s especially wrong when you’re taught to obey the law and then you’re killed by the law, said the mother of Philando Castile. It makes it difficult to trust police officers. The Guardian.com reported that
young black men were nine times more likely than other Americans to be killed by police officers in 2015. Despite making up only 2 percent of the total US population, African American males between the ages of 15 and 34 comprised more than 15 percent of all deaths due to deadly force. The rate of police-involved deaths was five times higher for African Americans as it was for white men of the same age. Overall in 2015, black people were killed at twice the rate of white, Hispanic and Native Americans. About 25 percent of the African Americans killed were unarmed, compared with 17 percent of white people. As a mother I pray for the safety of my family. I teach them survival skills when dealing with the police. I do all I can to prevent them from facing an encounter with the police. I provide them with 24/7 emergency access to an attorney who by phone can assess the situation, advise them, and who will speak with the police in the hopes of averting a tragic incident. As a Muslim I call on imams and community leaders to recognize that police brutality is an injustice that we must stand against and find a solution to. You must speak about it from the minbar. We must recog-
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Nadir
Notes
Dr. Aneesah Nadir Dr. Aneesah Nadir is a social worker, published author, speaker, retired social work professor and entrepreneur. She serves as the president of the Islamic Social Services Association-USA headquartered in Arizona. She is an independent associate with LegalShield. For more information contact Dr. Nadir at 480233-6547 or pnadir@legalshieldassociate.com
nize that it impacts our neighbors and our relatives, our coworkers and classmates of all faiths. Police brutality also impacts our diverse Muslim community. As a community member, it is time to become part of the solution by participating in coalitions such as the NAACP, Black Lives Matter, Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative and many more that are working toward a solution to this violence and injustice. It is time to call for community policing where the police come from the community and see themselves as part of it. It is time we stand up firmly for justice!
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Tragedies at home and abroad
JULY 2016
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