ICNA Islamic Circle of North America

On Sunday, October 14th the Muslim community of Dallas/Fort Worth gathered for an unprecedented and auspicious event at Six Flags over Texas. An estimated 9,000 Muslims gathered at the theme park in Arlington, Texas to enjoy a day of family-fun.

On this day the DFW Muslim community showed their solidarity and unity by participating in this event. This is the first time in DFW’s history that the Muslim community gathered in such a large number in one location for a day of fun.

Families from Houston, Tyler, Oklahoma, New Orleans and other surrounding cities joined in on the fun of the bone-chilling excitement and wonderful rides of Six Flags. The park was packed with sisters in Hijabs and brothers with Kufis and beards.

Families gathered at the Music Mill Theater for Zabiha/Halal food and prayers. The Adhan for each prayer and the prayers itself engulfed the entire theater. The Music Mill theater is a place for concerts, but for the first time in the history of its establishment it was converted into a place of worship. The crowd also got the opportunity to hear some beautiful recitation of the Quran from our best community members.

Delicious Moroccan and Indo-Pak food was made available on that day, though some of the lines were long due to the excellent attendance. Alhamdulillah everyone enjoyed and took pleasure in the food. The park shined with Muslim brotherhood, reminding us all that we can have fun if we are responsible and are aware of our limits.

The DFW Muslim community really exemplified what a true Muslim is, and we hope and pray that this event left an excellent impression on the other folks that attended that day, and showed everyone the excellent character of a true Muslim. This event was arranged solely for the purpose of good, healthy entertainment, and we can honestly say that we did serve our purpose.

On Sunday October 14th 2007 Muslim Family Day will be held at Six Flags Over Texas. Sponsored by ICNA & All DFW Masajid and Islamic Centers. Come enjoy a day of Halal fun with the family. Prayers will be held in the Music Mill Theater, and halal food will be available. Tickets cost only $22 (in advance), $47 (at the gate) and children 2 years and under enter for free! Please remember to dress modestly.

For more information please visit http://www.muslimfamilyfunday.com or call 972-669-9625.

Tickets are available at:
Arlington, Islamic Society of Arlington, Texas
Carroliton, Islamic ASsociation of Caroliton
Irving/Ft. Worth, Islamic Center of Irving
Plano, Islamic Association of Colin County
Richardson, Islamic Books N Gifts or Islamic Association of North Texas

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ will take place this year on October 12, 2007. Come Join Thousands of Muslims for an Entire Day of fun. The entire Park will be open from 10 AM to 11 PM. Eid Prayers will begin at 9:30 am (subject to moon sighting) . Jummuah Prayers will begin at 1:00 pm. The Safari will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. Limited Rides will run from 11:00-12:45 pm. The entire Park will be open from 2 pm to 11 pm. There will be a huge Islamic Goods Bazaar. And Halal Ethnic Food will be available along with much much More! Tickets will cost $25 / person. visit http://www.icnanj.org for more info.

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Muslims from All Over North America are Meeting in Hartford this Weekend

Muslims from all over th United States and Canada are meeting in Hartford this weekend , for the Islamic Circle of North America's annual convention.

As 22 News Lynn Barry, tells us tonight, Muslims in this country say they're are trying to create a greater understanding of their faith.
Thousands of Muslims will be attending the  Islamic Circle of North America convention , taking place this weekend in Hartford.

In the changed world since September 11th, and the arrest of 8 Muslims
in Britain in connection with last weeks terror attacks, Muslims say
they have been trying to further understanding of their religion.

Muslims say they're religion doesn't condone violence–or killing. 
Malika Bey-Rushdan says there is no where in the religion of Islam that
teaches or preaches terrorism attacks. Suicide bombings,  and suicide,
she says  is against the religion of Islam

As part of an effort to explain Islam to non-Muslims, on Saturday,
there will be a day-long forum at the  Connecticut  Convention Center ,
called "Window to Islam" in which people can come and ask questions
about the religion.   Some Muslims we spoke with at the convention, say
more dialog is needed between Muslims and members of others faith–to
help further understanding.  Azeem Khan, says when people can get to
know Muslims as a friend, or neighbor or co-worker it helps to build
trust.    He says too that the Muslim community needs to open itself up
and have to stop being isolated and to let people into their mosques.

The three day conference in Hartford wraps up on Sunday.
 
Story from Lynn Barry

http://www.wwlp.com/Global/story.asp?s=6755981

There are only 3 days left till discounted pre-registration for the ICNA-MAS Convention in Hartford, CT will come to an end. Register today and save 15%. Offer ends on July 1st, 2007. Register now by visiting http://convention.icna.org

You are cordially invited to join us to recognize the astounding efforts put forward by great Muslim community leaders in the upcoming 32nd Annual ICNA-MAS Convention at the Connecticut Convention Center, Room 14-15 in Hartford, CT. On July 7th 2007 from 11.30 AM – 1.15 PM. Tickets are available for: $25 per individual and $40 for 2 persons. Limited seating is available please RSVP to: Mohsin Ansari MD (410) 8451084   pedsdoctor@hotmail.com or Hashim Naseem      (718) 6581199 ext. 120 hashim@icnait.com

—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—

National Muslim Convention to hold inter-faith dialogue and address growing Islamophobia. Thousands expected at the ICNA-MAS Convention: “Muhammad: Mercy To Humanity and Beyond” to take place in Hartford, CT on July 6-8.

JAMAICA, New York (June 25, 2007) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) in conjunction with the Muslim American Society (MAS), is organizing its 32nd annual convention in Hartford, CT on July 6-8, titled “Muhammad: Mercy to Humanity and Beyond”. The 3 day event which is being held at the Connecticut Convention Center draws close to 10,000 delegates from major cities across America. This event is expected to be one of this year’s largest gatherings of American Muslims. Various Islamic scholars and key figures from across the country will address the convention attendees. The program includes seminars and interactive workshops covering topics such as Outreach, Parenting, Family Issues, Spiritual Development, Civil Rights, Media Relations and programs in various ethnic languages.

For the first time a new one day symposium entitled: “Window to Islam” will be held during the ICNA-MAS convention to promote understanding and appreciation of Islam among people of other faiths. “Window to Islam” will take place on Saturday, July 7th and will cater to the growing desire from the general public for correct information about Islam and Muslims and is intended to promote dialogue with different
cultures and faiths. Despite the many similarities and values shared with other faiths, Islam remains widely misunderstood. The symposium will address the prevailing myths and misconceptions that are fueling Islamophobia today. The diverse interactive gathering will serve as an opportunity for people of various faiths and backgrounds to discuss a wide range of socio-religious issues.

Highlights of the 3 day family event include:
•    Extensive bazaar with more than 200 vendors
•    Arts Exhibition
•    Window to Islam Symposium
•    Youth conference
•    Women’s conference
•    Interfaith Dinner
•    Quiz competition for children
•    Islamic Entertainment

ICNA is one of the largest, non-profit, independent, grass roots organizations of Muslim Americans. We are dedicated to the dissemination of correct information on Islam and Muslims. For more information please visit http://www.icna.org.

—END—

By David A. Brensilver

Hartford — Muslim leaders hope next month to inform members of other faiths about theirs, and to dispel myths and stereotypes perpetuated by what the Islamic Circle of North America's secretary general called the “irresponsible media.”

“Islam remains the most misunderstood religion in America,” Naeem Baig said.

At a press conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford Monday, Baig announced that the New York-based nonprofit Islamic Circle, with support from the Muslim American Society and the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, will hold its 32nd annual convention at the Convention Center July 6-8.

This will be the third consecutive year Hartford has hosted the convention, which is expected to draw 10,000 of the Islamic Circle's membership, most of whom are located in the Northeast, Baig said.

The three-day convention includes a daylong, town hall-style symposium, “Window to Islam,” which Baig said would address the issue of “Islamophobia.”
In calling certain outlets “irresponsible,” Baig said, “The media is not being just and balanced” in its coverage of events abroad that can affect perceptions of Muslim-Americans in the United States.

“Window to Islam” has been organized to offer “an understanding of the true principals of Islam,” according to East Lyme resident Imran Ahmed, who sits on the board of the Islamic Center of New London.

Ahmed, reached by telephone before the press conference, echoed Baig's lament that certain media outlets have misrepresented Islam in covering the violent actions of Islamic extremists around the world.

Ahmed said the majority of Muslim-Americans living in this country “are not living in a cave with an AK-47 next to them.”

But, he added, relations between Muslim-Americans and their neighbors in southeastern Connecticut are “better than most places.”

Old Lyme resident Badr Malik agreed. Malik, executive director of CAIR's Connecticut chapter, which is located in New London, said the nonprofit will present information sessions on immigration and civil rights during the convention. On July 1 CAIR plans to open an office in Hartford, which has pockets of Muslim immigrants from Somalia and Bosnia, he said. Malik estimated that there are between 7 million and 8 million “peace-loving” Muslims in America. “The media is just covering those bad guys,” he said.

The convention's theme is “Muhammad, Mercy to Humanity and Beyond.” Baig said the event, expected to be the largest of its kind this year, will offer seminars, interactive workshops, programs for youth and women, interfaith activities, a bazaar and a basketball tournament. Islamic scholars and other experts, including Renee Redman, legal director for the Connecticut chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, are scheduled to speak.

For information and to register for the convention, call 718-658-1199 or visit http://convention.icna.org. “Window to Islam” will take place July 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Convention Center, and is free and open to the public. For more information about the symposium, call toll free 877-949-4752 or visit www.windowtoislam.org.

courtesy of:
http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=9fc9e2c0-cf6a-4b66-8417-b8e872052482

Dear Sir/Madam,

We hope this letter finds you in best of health and spirit.  It is with great pleasure that we invite you to attend “Window to Islam” at our national annual convention being held at Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103 on Saturday, July 7th, 2007, 10 am to 5 pm.  This symposium is organized by the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), a north America-wide, non-ethnic, non-sectarian grassroots organization dedicated to the dissemination of correct information on Islam and Muslims.  Many local interfaith groups are partnering in this effort.

Islam, the religion of approximately 7 million Americans, promotes peace, prayer, humility as well as social, communal and family values.  Despite the many similarities and values shared with other faiths, such as Christianity and Judaism, Islam remains the most misunderstood religion.  “Window to Islam” will cater for the growing desire from the general public for correct information about Islam and Muslims.
The symposium is a diverse interactive gathering providing a forum for people of all faiths and backgrounds to discuss a range of socio-religious issues pertaining to Islam and America.  This entire day program features Informative Sessions, Extensive Q&A Sessions, Cultural Bazaar, Art Exhibitions, Cross Culture Interaction and much more!  Lunch will be served.  There is no admission fee and certificates will be provided to all participants.

This symposium will address common questions such as what do Muslims believe? How did Islam originate? What do Muslims believe about Mary and Jesus? Does Islam condone terrorism? Is Islam intolerant of other religions? How do Muslims view Judaism? Christianity? What is the status of women in Islam? Why do Muslim women cover?  All sessions will be interactive with participants having maximum time for Q&A.

We appreciate you taking time from your busy schedules.  We believe your participation is essential to enhance understanding between communities, and to remove ignorance; the major source for hatred and violence in society.  We would be extremely delighted to see you there.

Please RSVP at info@WindowToIslam.com or call at 877-WhyIslam to get your complementary pass. Reserve your seat today! For more information, please visit http://www.WindowToIslam.com.

Yours truly,

Mohammad Shahabuddin,
Window To Islam Chair

(Hartford, CT) – ICNA-MAS Convention is known for its wide array of programs designed for the entire family. In addition to the many tracks and main sessions offered at the ICNA Convention which Sisters benefit from, this year ICNA Sisters’ Wing has announced that they wile be holding a one day Women’s Conference as part of the convention. Sisters will be able to mingle with doctors, social workers, activists, and women from the community. Issues will be discussed from everything from motherhood, daughterhood, and spirituality to problems finding inner peace. Sisters are invited to experience: reflection, self-defense, sisterhood, and networking. The Womens Conference will feature Yvonne Ridley, Amy Goodman, and Shahina Siddiqi.

The Womens Conference will take place on Saturday July 7th, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hartford Marriot. For more and to register: http://convention.icna.org

There Is No "Conversion" In Islam was the message of speakers such as Sheikh Mukhtar Muhgraoui and Sheikh Yasir Qadhi at the 2nd ICNA-MAS South Central Regional Conference. Memorial Day Weekend is considered the most traveled of the year. This past Sunday hundreds of families gathered at the University Center at the University of Houston. Both the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) and the Muslim American Society (MAS) are leading national Muslim grassroots level organizations.

Attendees had come from New York, Virginia, Baton Rouge, Austin, Dallas, College Station, San Antonio and of course Houston itself. They went back home charged-up having received many practical guidance which would help to take the Message of Islam to the masses.

This years theme was based on the Qur'anic verse: “Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: For thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” – 16:125

Other than speeches and an extensive bazaar with various Muslim vendors, the conference also featured the world's largest Qur'an. A science exhibition featuring Harun Yahya's works included actual fossils found across the globe, and explored the existence of one Lord while refuting the Theory of Evolution.

Some of the topics that were presented included: “What makes Islam the fastest growing religion in the World”, “Way of your Lord”, “Judiciousness in Dawah”,  “Islam: Role of Masajid in Dawah”; “Best Resources are right within us”; “Milestones in giving Dawah from Prophetic Methodology”; “Lets’ not forget our limits”; “Youth: Their Role in the past & Present of Islam”; “Dawah: Do’s Don’ts”; “Exclusive Session for Sisters” and others.

The program started with recitation of Qur'an by Dr. Mohammad Yunus, Former President of ICNA. Then the current President of ICNA Dr. Khurshid Khan welcomed the attendees of the conference and introduced the work of ICNA.

Throughout the day, the attendees were reminded of this duty as given in the Qur'an: “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” – (3:104)

During these days when Islam is much in focus, the behavior of each Muslim is considered representative of Islam. As such there is need for each Muslim to have basic knowledge of Islam in order to practice it properly and become a true ambassador of his/her faith.

It was stressed that nobody converts to Islam: All humans were once spirits and indeed before coming to this life in the form of flesh, they had taken a covenant with Allah SWT of submitting to His Will: But when they came to this world, they forgot that pledge and the job of Muslims is just to remind humanity of that promise. The job of a Muslim is not to convert anyone to Islam rather it is to recall them back to their Lord. The Idea is to convey the message and the rest is between that person and Allah SWT. It is only Allah SWT, who based on the sincere desire of a person, changes his or her heart.

Many prominent speakers spoke at the event: Dr. Khurshid Khan, Sheikh Abdool Rahman Khan, Naeem Baig, Sheikh Mukhtar Muhgraoui, Sheikh Yasir Kazi, Sheikh Khalid Griggs, Sheikh Moustafa Mahmoud, Sheikh, Zoubir Bouchikhi, Dr. Hamed Ghazali, Dr. Muhammas Yunus, Sheikh Rodwan Saleh, Sister Jameela Yusuf, Sabeel Ahmad, Omar Suleiman, Alejandro Hamid,Samid AL-Khateeb and Yahya Gant.

For more information about ICNA activities, please call 1-866-323-1063 or visit www.icna.org

Hundreds of competitors gather for Islamic Games
BY CHRIS GAETANO, Staff Writer

More than 75 teams composed of about 600 Muslim athletes converged upon South Brunswick on Saturday for the 2007 Islamic Games.

Hosted by Crossroads South Middle School and sponsored primarily by the Islamic Circle of North America, this year's event resurrected the games after a hiatus since the early 1990s.

The games were started in order to fill what organizers saw as a need for more opportunities for young Muslim athletes to compete. The event's founder, Saludeen Nausrudeen, said that many Islamic parochial schools don't have enough athletic programs, especially for girls, and noted that certain religious requirements can make sports difficult for more devout athletes. To address this, the Islamic Games were born.

The event accommodated the Muslim faith by having breaks for prayer, separate areas for male and female competitions, and by having Halal foods available. Participants were also expected to follow, as noted on the schedule, "proper Islamic manners and etiquettes" at all times, which mostly meant observing good sportsmanship and clean language. Islamic dress codes were also expected, with the itinerary saying "if you can pray in it, you can play in it."
There was a large degree of diversity among the games' participants in
many different areas. Some were as young as 9 while others were well
into middle age. Some men sported large, thick beards while other chins
were hairless. Women and girls present were in various states of
coverage – some wore a modest head scarf, others sported garb that left
only their eyes exposed, and many others were somewhere between. Almost
all females, however, were in long sleeves and pants, keeping to
traditional Islamic dress codes.

Teams came from all over the region and a few from as far away as
England, representing parochial schools, youth groups and other
organizations. Meanwhile, the games saw participants ranging from
hardcore athletes to interested amateurs.

"I usually run track meets for school, and this was the only Islamic
one I went to," said Muhammad Ahsan, who, after preparing for two
weeks, came to the Islamic Games to finish first in the 4×200-meter
relay event. Out of breath at the end of his race, he said he felt
"very great."

Woodbridge's Saeed Aziz, meanwhile, was playing volleyball, a game he
noted that he hadn't played for the past eight or nine years, and even
then had done so only casually.

Girls events were held mostly in the gymnasium or, if outdoors, in
fields separate from where boys were playing, as per Islamic
traditions. As Abir Catovic, of Montgomery, watched young girls playing
volleyball, she noted that the event was a good opportunity for them to
get an early start on sports.

"I think it's a good start. It's a nice thing to get these young Muslim
girls to play sports and meet people from other communities, which is
pretty nice, and overall I think it's nice," said Catovic.

Competitors said that the Islamic environment for the games made for an
overall positive playing experience. As coach Wael Hamza, of
Westchester, N.Y., took a short break from a soccer match, he noted
that players weren't shouting, fighting or cursing at each other, which
helped his team concentrate more on the game. He also expressed that
participating in the games brought other benefits.

"We got to meet so many people from outside our area. We drove all the
way from New York, we drove one-and-a-half hours, and as you can see,
we're having fun and winning the games, and I think it's beautiful,"
said Hamza, who said he has been involved in soccer for his whole life.

source:
http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2007/0601/Front_Page/001.html

By ERICA HARBATKIN, STAFF WRITER – eharbatkin@thnt.com

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — About 600 Muslim athletes descended on Crossroads South Middle School on Saturday for the first-ever Islamic Games.

Kids ages 8 to 17 kicked soccer balls, shot basketballs, spiked volleyballs, rounded wickets and ran sprints in the first annual event sponsored by the Islamic Circle of North America.Hassan Syed, 13, of North Brunswick, was scrambling up to the last minute to put together a soccer team fit to compete in the games.

"The team that we were versing, they were much more experienced. They were registered a long time before us," Hassan said after the disappointing 4-1 loss.

But the day wasn't a complete loss — Hassan and his teammates all said the game was very competitive, and made for a good challenge.

"I like how they competed with us and how tough they were," said Ahad Shahid, 11, of Edison, who plays in leagues in Edison.
"The game wasn't that bad," said Alamzeb Khan, 11, of Booten, who wants
to play basketball in next year's games. "But I cost the team two goals
because two of them bounced off my foot and went in the goal."

But as his teammates sat around him eating post-game snacks, no one seemed to be too concerned about it.

"I've known them a long time," he said.

Ahmed Soliman, 17, of Woodbridge, was nearby waiting for his basketball
game to begin. With basketball drawing the most participants, many
teams waited a long time for their games to tip off.

Soliman, who was a wrestler at JFK High School in Woodbridge before
transferring to Piscataway's An-Noor Academy, said he decided to
compete on a whim.

"I was playing basketball and my friends told me about it," he said. "I had nothing better to do so I came along."

Others had been looking forward to the weekend for a while. Taahir
Latif, 16, of South Orange, jumped at the opportunity to play cricket.

"We always play cricket at our mosque," said Latif, who goes to the
National Islamic Association in Newark. "So when we saw a chance to
play in a cricket tournament, we decided to go for it."

http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/NEWS010214/705270425/1005

Muslims from throughout the Northeast to gather in So. Brunswick Saturday
BY CHRIS GAETANO

SOUTH BRUNSWICK – More than 600 Muslim student-athletes from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania will play and pray at Saturday's 2007 Islamic Games.

Held at Crossroads South Middle School, the event will feature competitions in basketball, soccer, volleyball, cricket and various track and field events, with about 30 different Muslim parochial schools and organizations taking part from around the region. The large number of participating athletes might be explained by what the event's organizers say is a general lack of athletic programs for Muslim schools around the area. In fact, this observation became the basis for the Islamic Game's founding by Salaudeen Nausrudeen when he was still in high school.

"Muslim schools, numbering almost 40 in New Jersey, [often] do not have sports or athletic programs, which is why we are doing it in May and not deep into the summer because a lot of Muslim schools can participate and be part of the action," said Nausrudeen.
Muslim students who want to take part in sports will sometimes join up
with local youth leagues, but for the more devout among them, this can
sometimes be a problematic proposition. The requirement that believers
pray five times a day, the need for separate Halal foods, as well as
certain dress and behavioral codes can isolate a Muslim athlete from
his or her peers both physically and socially. Nausrudeen, who
professed a lifelong interest in sports, felt this was regrettable
given his feeling of the positive impact sports can have on young
people.

"We need the Islamic Games because [for] Muslims, especially of the
female gender, there's particular circumstances or conditions that they
have to abide by, and if a Muslim woman was to go to a basketball team
or soccer team as per normal, then there is definitely going to be
something that does not fit in with her religion," said Nausrudeen.

Providing an appropriate forum for athletic competition was what
Nausrudeen set out to do when he founded the Islamic Games while he was
still in high school in the late '80s. While the event went into
hibernation due to fading interest, he noted the revival of the games
came from an outpouring of demand from Muslim students.

"There's been a groundswelling from Muslim youth and parents [asking],
'What are we doing? Are we going to be spectators all our lives?' We
should be actively involved on the court also or on the track. …
There's nothing Islamic about basketball or volleyball or soccer, but
the way you play is what makes it more Islamic," said Nausrudeen.

Specifically, the event will feature breaks for prayer, Halal food and
general encouragement of good sportsmanship. Most of the funding for
the games comes from the Islamic Circle of North America, one of the
largest Muslim organizations in the country. It has also caught the
attention of Imam Shraj Wahg, a prominent spiritual leader in the
greater metropolitan area, who participated in the first Islamic games
as a basketball player. Organizers also expect a lot of spectators for
the games and also noted that there has been community interest from
people of other faiths as well – Nausrudeen said that many of the teams
have non-Muslim players as well.

The theme for this year's games is "Strong Inside, Strong Outside,"
because the organizers want to encourage participants to improve
themselves both athletically and spiritually.

"The inside needs to be strong, which is why there is faith, prayers
and fasting," Nausrudeen said. "But while you build on the inside, the
outside also needs to be built, so the Islamic Games need to provide a
channel, a forum, for the outside to show."

Nausrudeen praised the South Brunswick School District for its support
in the event, saying everything was done very professionally. The event
is scheduled for Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will have medals and
trophies for winners and will also feature fun and games for children.
More information can be found on the event's Web site,
www.islamic-games.com.

http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2007/0524/Front_Page/014.html

 
July 4th, 1988
 
Nine years ago, Cat Stevens abandoned his career as a pop singer and moved to the Middle East to follow the teachings of Islam. But over the weekend, the British-born Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, traveled to the State University of New York College of Technology in Delhi, N.Y., to give a lecture at the annual convention of the Islamic Circle of North America. His message, perhaps not as profound as some of his lyrics in “Moonshadow” and “Peace Train,” was simply that he’s happy to be out of the music business. The 40-year-old erstwhile singer-songwriter called the music industry corrupt, saying he was glad that he had “extracted” himself from “that business.”
 

http://articles.latimes.com/1988-07-04/news/mn-3843_1_drug-fight