By Scott Rothschild
 
May 18, 2012
 
Topeka — Muslims gathered at the Statehouse on Friday saying that Kansans have nothing to fear from Sharia law and urged Gov. Sam Brownback to veto a bill that targets the religious principles of Islam. 

About 20 Muslims attended a news conference to denounce Senate Bill 79 which would make unenforceable any court decision based on a foreign law or code.

The bill doesn’t mention Sharia law, but during debate several legislators have said that was their concern.

“They stone women to death in countries that have Sharia law,” Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, said during debate last week. “If you vote to not adopt (the bill), it’s a vote against women,” she said.

The measure sailed through the House, 120-0, and Senate, 33-3.

But Muslim civil rights groups said the legislation, similar to measures introduced in other states, was discriminatory, unconstitutional and meant to demonize American Muslims.

Riyaz M. Lareef, director of outreach of the Kansas City chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America, said, “Muslims understand that the law of this country is the American Constitution.”

Imam Omar Hazim of Topeka said Sharia law wasn’t being forced on anyone and followers of Sharia are good Muslims and good citizens.

“This country was founded on freedom of religion,” he said.

Brownback has not said whether he will sign the bill into law. “As with all legislation approved by the Kansas Legislature and sent to the governor, he will carefully review and consider the bill,” said Brownback’s spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag.

Groups that have called for Brownback to veto the bill include the Council of American-Islamic Relations, the Islamic Circle of North America and the Muslim American Society.

Article Courtesy: LJWorld.com
 
 

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
On May 17, 2012, the Joint Religious Leadership Coordination for the G8 Summit (JRLCS) gathered representative organizations and delegations from G8 and G20 member communities for a closed meeting at the Berkley Center. The session extended a long history of religious and inter-religious organizations using the occasion of global summits to articulate shared moral concerns and articulate policy recommendations. It took place in advance of the 38th G8 Summit at Camp David (May 18-19) and the G20 Summit, in Los Cabos, Mexico (June 16-17).
 

 
Participants

Sherrie Steiner, Salvation Army
Zul Kassamali, Association of Progressive Muslims
Sarah Dreier, Episcopal Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church
Mohammed Elsanousi, Islamic Society of North America
Anthony Cirelli, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Sara Hillebrand, Millennium Kids
W. Deen Mohammed II, The Mosque Cares
Imam Elam Muhammed
Imam Talib Shareef, Masjid Muhammad
Richard Cizik, New Evangelical Partnership
Carl Murrell, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States
Rt. Rev. Yoshinobu Miyake, International Shinto Foundation
Naeem Baig, Islamic Circle of North America
Protopresbyter Nicolas Antolinez, Interreligious Council of Mexico
Homi Gandhi, Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America
Arvind Vora, Federation of Jain Associations in North America
Judith Hertz, Union for Reform Judaism
Marilyn Boesch, Focolare
Aura Kanegis, American Friends Service Committee
Rev. Bud Heckman, Religions for Peace USA
Vakhtang Kipshidze, Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church
Katherine Marshall, Berkley Center, World Faiths Development Dialogue
Thomas Banchoff, Berkley Center

Full Text of Joint Declaration:

We, religious leaders from G8 and G20 Nations, have come together preceding the 2012 G8 and G20 Summits. We come together in a spirit of pluralism, proclaiming peace and equality. In a tumultuous time of violence and economic instability, we come together to proclaim the best of each of our traditions, offering reflections and recommendations to the G8 and G20 leaders.

As the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) draws critically nearer, the G8 and G20 meetings are of vital importance for hundreds of millions of lives across the world. They offer the chance to look beyond the current MDGs, to the next generation of inspirational global goals. We are at a juncture where the political, humanitarian, military, and economic decisions of the G8 and G20 countries hold powerful influence over the lives and well-being of an untold multitude.

We have come together in Washington D.C., on the eve of the 38th G8 Summit set to meet in Camp David, Maryland, USA. Members of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, Sikh, and Zoroastrian communities have joined here to continue the work that has been done by religious leaders for previous “G” summits. Our religious traditions are informed by deeply held and widely shared values to work for freedom, justice, and human rights.

As religious leaders from various traditions across the world, we affirm:

● A need for the G8 and G20 to radically transform the economic systems and assumptions that have brought us alarming levels of economic inequality and instability.

● An essential need to shift priorities of the G8 and G20 nations to comprehensively advance human security, health, and the common good.

● The role the G8 and G20 have to play in re-evaluating the broader structures that have brought us vast inequality between the rich and the poor; a focus on economic injustice and the consequent political instability that arises from the gap between the two in many places in the world.

Economic Justice
In light of the current economic crises across the globe, we come together to call for careful management and regulation of the global financial systems for which the leaders of the G8 and G20 are largely responsible. Moreover, in the face of the Arab Spring and political turmoil tearing much of our world apart, we proclaim a shared humanity and the equality of all people.

In the face of political turmoil, we turn to the importance within each of our own traditions to listen to the most vulnerable and to uplift the downtrodden. Last year, at the 37th G8 Summit in Deauville, France, the leaders of the G8 established the Deauville Partnership. As a collection of financial and political institutions that provide support to the people and governments of the Middle East and North Africa, the Deauville Partnership largely represents the G8’s economic and political response to the current events in these areas.

Therefore:

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to continue work with the people of the Middle East and North Africa to establish further equality and a peaceful establishment of the common good.

Corruption and manipulation of populations, the earth, and politics are all too common. In such volatile environments, it is important that the leaders of the G8 and G20 manage their economic, political, and military power responsibly. The voices of the people in the Middle East and North Africa are calling for freedom of expression and religion, as well as basic human rights..

The recent economic crises have brought forward the stark inequalities and excesses that exist within our current global economic systems. Simultaneously, these inequalities are especially present in unsustainable market capitalism. The humanitarian risks that are implicated in our public economic and private financial systems have become ever more apparent and exaggerated.

Therefore:

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to continue to work for economic regulation, reform, and stabilization through trade reforms and fiscal regulation. While maintaining a focus on those whom this crisis has ravaged most: the marginalized, the poor, women, and children.

Food, Health, and Human Security
Economic and fiscal issues cannot be divorced from their human impacts, both realized and potential. Hunger is an urgent issue for one out of every seven people on the globe today. Nearly 1 billion people are food insecure and hungry. A recent United Nations report noted the frightening rate in which hunger is on the rise. (United Nations World Food Program Report Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping Report accessed 02 May 2012)

This global tragedy requires immediate and effective action from the leaders of the G8 and G20 nations and renewed commitments from communities of faith.

In 2011, the L’Aquila Joint Statement was the G8’s first action to address food security. We feel a special connection to the importance of food security and its links to poverty. It is of the upmost importance for the well being of the common good that alleviation of hunger and poverty are a priority for the G8 and G20.

Advances in technology, increased global connectivity, and scientific advances in agriculture have improved our capacity to alleviate poverty and hunger. Nonetheless, there continues to be a lack of adequate political will and economic oversight: Attention to the poor and hungry is still inadequate. Our religious sensibilities tell us there is still a long way to go.

This year’s G8 and G20 meetings will be an important moment for food security. 2012 marks the three-year anniversary of the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative, as well as the hoped for dawn of a new initiative. It is important that the G8 and G20 continue to evaluate, and build upon its successes. The MDGs become especially important in this focus. As 2015 draws near, it becomes more vital for the leaders of the G8 and G20 – the leaders of the world’s largest economies – to support the successful completion of these goals.

Therefore, we urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to look toward the issue of food security with a critically evaluative lens and implement appropriate strategies:

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to continue to focus on the root causes of global hunger and poverty. That is to say, not simply focus on macro-level solutions, but rather create and continue to support local initiatives such as featured in the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative.

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to reform trade policies to create just economic and fiscal systems. Increasing the participation of farmers in the agricultural economic systems will be critical.

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to evaluate economic, political, and social systems that breed corruption and violence, making for the degradation of the earth, production of conflicts, and food insecurity.

Environmental and global economic crises and political conflict, inhibit food and human security, and have stymied the progress toward addressing poverty and hunger.

Women and children suffer most in crises. We have recently witnessed the global pain and suffering that is wrought upon too many women and children. Women should play more active leadership roles in our communities. We call upon our collective strength as communities of peace builders to stand against injustice and violence, especially against women and children.

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to continue to support effective and sustainable health and nutrition initiatives that lie at the heart of human security, with a cooperative and critically evaluative approach:

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to invest in initiatives that support local farmers, encourage plant-based nutrition, and provide all peoples with their own access to clean water and supply of nutritious food.

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to continue support of initiatives that place dignity and justice at the heart of development of the common good.

● We ask the leaders of the G8 and G20 to continue documenting and publishing reports that hold their initiatives accountable to these goals.

Poverty
Global poverty reduction leads to economic stability and to food, health and human security. Since the start of the worldwide economic crises, more workers find themselves and their families living in extreme poverty. A recent report estimated that in 2009 between 1.5 billion to 1.6 billion people are working as unpaid family workers worldwide. (United Nations The Millennium Development Goals Report (United Nations: New York 2010)

● We urge G8 and G20 leaders to support a wide array of local initiatives that alleviate the crippling poverty our world experiences.

● We urge the leaders of the G8 and G20 to fulfill the current objectives of the MDG’s to end global poverty and to thoroughly evaluate their impact.

● We challenge all communities to envision future initiatives to advance the well-being and shared security of all.

Our Commitment
This statement reflects the core values of charity, cooperation, honesty, respect, and self-discipline, which deeply resonate with our religious traditions. We need to promote through education, policy, and practice these values, while simultaneously promoting respect between and of religions and other minorities.

This statement is neither comprehensive nor absolute. It speaks for our communities that are experiencing these crises. Our communities also feel the need to point attention to the grievances named by the youth movements in response to high rates of unemployment, along with the issues of climate change, and global human rights. We affirm our commitment to enact, support and live out these values, while uplifting the cry of the marginalized, the poor, and the most vulnerable.

Submitted by the Joint Religious Coordination for the G8 and G20 Summits May 17, 2012

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 

JAMAICA, New York (May 11, 2012) – In a press release issued today, the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) expressed dismay at President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage.

Like Christianity and Judaism, Islam views marriage as a sacred bond between a man and a woman that serves as the basis for the family and thereby society. We believe that sexual relations can only be between a man and a woman within the context of marriage; indeed the family itself can only be formed from these relations. This traditional structure has allowed communities to flourish for thousands of years. The push to redefine the established institution of marriage and embrace homosexuality can only lead to the deterioration of the very structure of our communities and society as a whole.

President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage is a violation of God’s laws as spelled out in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. God Almighty states, “And among His signs is that He has created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may live in tranquility with them” (Chapter 30, The Romans; Verse 21). These laws can also be found in other religious texts including the Bible, which states, “But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2).

Islam regards homosexuality as a sin, but also supports the belief that God Almighty created every human being equally and that He alone will hold them responsible for their deeds. As Muslims and people of faith we must also remember that God has directed us to defend all people equally against bigotry, violence and abuse.

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.

—END—

Press Contact: Naeem Baig
Vice President for Public Affairs
Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail:
Office: (718) 658-1199 Extension: 102
Cell: (917) 202-2118

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SOUTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (May 5, 2012) — The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) New Jersey chapter organized the first annual Muslim Sports Day (MSD) for youth and adults, on May 5, 2012, in South Brunswick, NJ. Over 1200+ Athletes and 100+ Teams participated.

The 2012 MSD featured:
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Cricket
• Flag Football
• Track & Field
• Karate
• Table Tennis
• Events for Kids

The event also featured a “bazaar” for Islamic clothing, books and audio/video presentations. Organizers made special arrangements for events to be administered by professional referees.

Venue:
Crossroads Middle School — North & South, South Brunswick, NJ.

Date/Time:
Saturday May 5, 2012, 8:00 am through 8:00 pm

Registration: $15 / athlete

Team Size & Age Restrictions:

Brothers’ Events:
M-Basketball — 10-13 years: min. 3 players
M-Basketball — 14-17 years: min. 5 players
M-Basketball — 18 years and above: min. 5 players
M-Volleyball — Open: min. 6 players
M-Soccer — 9-12 years: min. 8 players
M-Soccer — 13-18 years: min. 8 players
M-Soccer — 19-35 years: min. 8 players
M-Soccer — 36 and above: min. 8 players
M-Flag Football — Under 13: min. 7 players
M-Flag Football — Over 14: min. 7 players
M-Cricket — Open — min. 6 players

Sisters’ Events:
F-Basketball: 10-13 years: min. 3 players
F-Basketball: 14 years and above: min. 5 players
F-Volleyball: Under 13: min. 6 players
F-Volleyball: Over 14: min. 6 players
F-Soccer: 9-12 years: min. 8 players
F-Soccer: 13-18 years: min. 8 players

For more information call 877-363-ICNA or visit www.MuslimSportsDay.com.

The Islamic Circle of North America is one of the largest non-profit, independent, grassroots organizations in North America. We are committed to creating a healthy environment for youth that is conducive to their all around physical, moral and intellectual development. For more info, visit http://www.icnanj.org.

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
ANAHEIM, California (May 10, 2012) – Over 500 people attended the 8th Annual Banquet for ICNA Southern California last weekend. The speakers included Asmaa Mahfouz, known as the “spark that ignited the Egyptian revolution” and Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Fiqh Council of North America and Chairman of the Shura Council of Southern California.
 

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, speaking on the concept of Shariah in Islam

Yasir Shah, ICNA Central Shura member and the ICNA Southern California Chapter Dawah Chair presented a report on the various accomplishments of the chapter in the past year in the fields of education, youth, women, outreach and social services. He presented the tremendous growth seen in the past year in dawah. Highlights were a 10 fold increase in outreach to the Latino community and a 3 fold increase in the number of information booths organized in Southern California. He also stated that since its launch, ICNA Relief Mobile Clinic has served over 1000 patients at more than 30 locations.

Shaykh Alauddin al Bakri was an inspiring fundraiser for the evening and encouraged the audience to donate for the ICNA projects in Southern California.

Asmaa Mahfouz, known as the “spark that ignited the Egyptian revolution” moved the crowd with her talk on activism and the background of the Egyptian revolution.

She also encouraged the crowd to be proactive and work towards change. “Every human being has the chance to change the future. Every human being has the ability to do something to improve this world or its situation. Every human being has the ability and chance to decide how they want to live. Every human being has the ability to improve and build a nation. To defend the poor, to defend the weak. The moment we move, the moment we become active, the moment we decide to do something, to remove injustice, to defend our faith, to defend our dignity—that is when change will happen.”

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
LOS ANGELES, California (April 30, 2012) – Coming off of their success at the LA Times Festival of Books last weekend, ICNA Southern California Chapter’s dawah project WhyIslam hosted a second large scale Dawah booth at the 23rd annual Fiesta Broadway Festival. This was the organization’s second consecutive year at the fair, which is described as the world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration.
 

New Muslims who had accepted Islam only last week at the LA times festival of books volunteered this week to present their new faith to others.

8 people accepted Islam on the spot and several others expressed keen interest and wanted to study further.

Classes were conducted at the booth on performing the ritual ablution (wudu), prayer, pillars of Islam, and basic Islamic terms to the new Muslims.

One of those who embraced Islam in morning went back to bring his friend who accepted Islam as well.

The WhyIslam booth also attracted other vendors, including friendly volunteers from a Christian booth nearby. Members of the WhyIslam team were happy to talk to the volunteers and clarify any misconceptions about the Muslim faith.

To support such projects by ICNA SC, attend this weekend’s banquet in Anaheim, CA on Saturday May 5th, 2012. Get your tickets here http://www.icnasc.org/.
 
 

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 

JAMAICA, New York (April 28, 2012) – The Islamic Circle of North America expressed its deepest condolences to the family of Al-Haaj Ghazi Khankan, a respected NY community leader and member of ICNA who passed away this Friday on Long Island.

“To Allah we belong and to Him is our return,” said Naeem Baig, President of the ICNA Council for Social Justice. “Brother Ghazi was a true inspiration for the American Muslim community, dedicating over 30 years of his life to advocacy and touching the lives of many through his work. He was a trailblazer who paved the way for Muslim activists and amplified the voice of the American Muslim community in the media. He was also well known and respected for his interfaith work and building bridges between people of all backgrounds.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved brother and friend and pray that Allah grants him the highest place in Jannah. May He (SWT) give Brother Ghazi’s family patience and help them through this difficult time. Ameen.”

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.

—END—

Press Contact: Naeem Baig
Vice President for Public Affairs
Islamic Circle of North America
E-mail:
Office: (718) 658-1199 Extension: 102
Cell: (917) 202-2118

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
LOS ANGELES, California (April 26, 2012) – “We were attracted to this booth and, as I was always curious about the Quran, this gave me a chance to embrace Islam,” says Joseph, one of the six people who embraced Islam at the 17th Annual LA Times Festival of Books this past weekend. The festival at the University of Southern California was a two-day event celebrating writing and literature.
 

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books was started in 1996 and has since become the largest and most prestigious book festival in the country, attracting 140,000 people annually.

"I think one of this year's highlight was the appealing and trendy booth design and presentation" said Ali Hussain, one of the two booth managers.

“The volunteers at the booth conducted themselves professionally and listened patiently to the questions and concerns from the visitors. It was a very cordial and educational interaction.” said Albert Tampi, Event Coordinator.

“Shariah was the main topic but other topics like concept of God in Islam and Jesus in Islam were very popular as well” Jameel Ramahi, Booth Manager.

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (April 25, 2012) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) New Jersey chapter is pleased to announce first annual Muslim Sports Day (MSD) for youth and adults, on May 5, 2012, in South Brunswick, NJ. MSD is a unique event that brings thousands of Muslims from diverse backgrounds together to compete in a fun and halal environment.
 
The 2012 MSD will feature:
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball
• Cricket
• Flag Football
• Track & Field
• Karate
• Table Tennis
• Events for Kids

The event will also feature a “bazaar” where Islamic clothing, books and audio/video presentations on Islam can be purchased. Organizers have made special arrangements for events to be administered by professional referees. Separate facilities have been rented for brothers and sisters events.

Venue:
Crossroads Middle School – North & South, South Brunswick, NJ.

Date/Time:
Saturday May 5, 2012, 8:00 am through 8:00 pm

Registration: $15 / athlete

Register Online!

Team Size & Age Restrictions:

Brothers’ Events:
M-Basketball – 10-13 years: min. 3 players
M-Basketball – 14-17 years: min. 5 players
M-Basketball – 18 years and above: min. 5 players
M-Volleyball – Open: min. 6 players
M-Soccer – 9-12 years: min. 8 players
M-Soccer – 13-18 years: min. 8 players
M-Soccer – 19-35 years: min. 8 players
M-Soccer – 36 and above: min. 8 players
M-Flag Football – Under 13: min. 7 players
M-Flag Football – Over 14: min. 7 players
M-Cricket – Open – min. 6 players

Sisters’ Events:
F-Basketball: 10-13 years: min. 3 players
F-Basketball: 14 years and above: min. 5 players
F-Volleyball: Under 13: min. 6 players
F-Volleyball: Over 14: min. 6 players
F-Soccer: 9-12 years: min. 8 players
F-Soccer: 13-18 years: min. 8 players

For more information call 877-363-ICNA or visit www.MuslimSportsDay.com.

The Islamic Circle of North America is one of the largest non-profit, independent, grassroots organizations in North America. We are committed to creating a healthy environment for youth that is conducive to their all around physical, moral and intellectual development. For more info, visit http://www.icnanj.org.

—END—

Press Contact: Farhan Pervez
Islamic Circle of North America (New Jersey)
E-mail:
Office: 877-363-ICNA

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

The ICNA Newsletter is a free email newsletter with major updates on ICNA chapters and activities as well as other important news items. Sign up today to join over 50,000 subscribers updated with the latest on the national American Muslim scene.

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Dallas, TEXAS (April 19, 2012) – This year’s 15th Annual YM Quiz Competition in Dallas, TX continued its yearly success of assembling and accommodating a large number of young Muslim kids across the Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) metroplex.
 

The purpose of this event was to foster and put to test the Islamic knowledge of participants at various levels. The first year of the YM Quiz program was a modest Islamic quiz event at the Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT) 15 years ago, and, by the mercy of our beloved creator Allah (SWT), it has expanded its horizon as well as increased in the number of students year after year. This year around 1,000 students participated in the quiz.

Preparation for this grand event started 4 months before it took place, during which all the logistics and infrastructure were meticulously planned. Many of the scholars and Imams of the DFW area participated as judges, and, along with the students, made this program a huge success. ICNA is grateful for their participation and cooperation, and we ask Allah (SWT) to grant them tremendous reward. Our host (IANT) has been the venue for this event for the majority of the years that ICNA has held the quiz competition, and we are very thankful for their cooperation and continuous support of the competition.

As the volume of participating students has increased over the years, it was again decided to split the whole program into two different days. On April 7th, 2012 the competitions for Qirah, Hifz, Calligraphy and Adhan were held, and on April 14, 2012 the competitions for Written and Presentation were held. Under the close coordination of various educational leaders of the DFW metroplex, the syllabus for the written exams was chosen using various books and authors for the different levels. Books were made available at Islamic Books & Gifts in Richardson two months before the event, thus helping worried parents avoid last minute purchases and allowing them to prepare their children well ahead of time for the quiz competition.

Shaykh Omer Suleiman addressing the attendees at the 15th Young Muslims Quiz Competition organized by the Dallas Chapter of ICNA

As time passed, participants started trickling out of their classrooms with a sense of achievement and glee. When questioning a first grader, he responded with full confidence that he would win his first prize. Upon asking the excited parents about their children’s performance, they were quick to thank ICNA for arranging such a wonderful program and praising the organization and early publicity of the event, which allowed for them to best prepare their children.

Day two arrived and all the excited students rushed into the venue with their parents one more time. Imagine a place accommodating nearly 1,000 students with their parents. Again seasoned volunteers and ICNA members worked hard to make this event a huge success. MashaAllah, by the mercy and affection of our beloved creator Allah (SWT), day two ended with even more success.

After the initial written & presentation competition was over, the prize and trophy distribution began for all the happy winners. Excited faces of children displaying their hard earned trophies made it worth the investment of time, money and hard work that went in to this program. In addition, each child received a certificate of participation, a medal for participation, a souvenir on behalf of ICNA and delicious pizza and juice.

This unique program brought children from various institutions like IQA, BHA, Furqaan Academy, Peace Academy, ISI and many more schools including many public schools to one venue. This was a major achievement for ICNA Dallas, and only possible by the mercy and grace of our beloved creator Allah (SWT).

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

ICNA SC Presents: Defending Religious Freedom, Understanding Shariah

May 5th, 2012

Featured speakers:

Asmaa Mahfouz
The sister that helped spark the Egyptian Revolution. She along with four other individuals started the Egyptian revolution from Tahrir Square and called on Egyptians to join her. This eventually led to the collapse of Mubarak regime. She was included in Newsweek’s “150 Women Who Shake the World”. She received “Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought” awarded for her contributions to “historic changes in the Arab world.” Arabian Business placed her among the “world’s 500 most influential Arabs.

Kulsum Abdullah
The first Muslim Woman who successfully defended her right to represent USA at the Olympics in Hijab

Dr Muzammil Siddiqi
Religious Director, ISOC

Sh. Alauddin El-Bakri
Imam, WVMA, Saratoga

Sh. Abul Haitham
Imam, ICSGV, Walnut

Sh. Junaid Kharsany
Imam, Inglewood Majid

Fundraising Banquet in support of your Da’wah, Social Service, youth and Education projects:
WhyIslam
ICNA Relief
Young Muslims
Islamic Learning Foundation

“Who is better in speech than one who calls (Men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says I am one of the Muslims” (Qur’an 41:33)

///END/// Visit Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - Outreach, Education, and Social Services

 
It was a long and tiring drive yesterday from Birmingham, Alabama to the state of Texas where we met volunteers at the Islamic Center of Irving in order to devise a coordinated Muslim response effort in the wake of recent tornadoes.
 
Our goal was to assess Arlington and Lancaster, where trucks were tossed across the sky in this past Tuesday’s tornadoes. Arlington and Lancaster were declared ‘disaster zones’ and aside from residents, official authorities and contractors who had certain jobs in Arlington’s affected areas, the majority of the city was closed off to the public. We were directed to the South region police station. An officer with the Arlington Police Department who was acting as the volunteer reception liaison informed us that she had officers going door to door through all of the affected neighborhoods to assess the needs. They would compile the needs and then begin processing work orders as early as Friday or Saturday. We submitted our contact information as well as our capabilities and were informed that they were glad to have us and that we would be hearing from them shortly.
 
After Arlington, we made our way to Lancaster. There, a VRC (Volunteer Reception Center) was set up at the local library. We submitted our information to them as well. They were also in the process of assessing needs and once that was complete, they would begin to process work orders. We were able to drive through some parts of the affected area, but the majority of the affected area was closed off due to power lines being down and trees blocking the roads. The whole area looked like a huge Hollywood set where an aftermath of a war would begin shooting. Debris was strewn everywhere, metal shards punched on the sides of wooden fences, fences torn down, cars lying upside down, glum faces and tear-filled eyes.
 
At 9 AM as well as at 4 PM, we attended conference calls with the Texas VOAD (National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), where FEMA and the following other representatives were present: Red Cross, ICNA Relief USA, St Vincent De Paul, Lutheran Disaster Services, Convoy of Hope, Texas Baptist Men, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. We were also invited to the MAS Youth Center to raise awareness and recruit volunteers, as they are interested in promoting local Muslim involvement in their community’s relief efforts.
 
72 hours after arriving in Texas, ICNA Relief USA accepted 3 work requests. We began work at the home of a survivor, which can no more can be called a home, but a broken down structure. We covered the broken windows with plywood to provide security and then weatherized them with plastic tarp. We lifted the badly damaged garage door, so the owner could remove his automobile. We also worked on the home of Dr. Yunus, focusing on cutting and removing trees and debris from his badly damaged home. We were joined by Samaritan’s Purse, a Christian organization we’ve worked with in the past, as well as some neighbors and friends of Dr. Yunus. We were also joined by volunteers from Bait Ul Maal, a local chapter of a Muslim organization serving needy families in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. During these difficult times of struggle, it is the blessing of Allah that allows us to work together for the common good. The greatly needed assistance was sincerely appreciated.
 
News in the media may phase out within a few days, but the real needs of debris removal, tarping, and repair will require continuous attention for many weeks to come. We will continue to work together to provide some of the basic needs to survivors of these devastating tornadoes. Please remember the survivors in your prayers, and please pray for ICNA Relief USA and our volunteers.
 
- Abdurrahman Badat
Disaster Relief Services
Field Operations Manager

ICNA Relief USA is a non-profit organization established to provide disaster relief and social services to under-served populations within the United States. ICNA Relief currently provides many services such as disaster relief, women’s support shelters, hunger prevention, family counseling, refugee assistance and free clinics in many cities. ICNA Relief Dallas food pantry alone serves hundreds of needy families every month.

Your donation is used responsibly. Volunteer and your time will be used purposefully.
501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization Tax ID # 04-3810161
Head Office: 87-91 144th St., Jamaica, NY 11435
Local Office: 220 E Spring Valley Rd, Richardson, TX75081
www.icnarelief.org
 
 

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By Dina Malki
 
April 4, 2012 – Tribulations are surely a life reality, but it is the peoples’ reaction to such bad times and calamities that bring out the true value of our humanity and dignity. North Texans have a lot to be grateful for in the wake of the 15 devastating twisters that ripped through the area on Tuesday, miraculously without fatalities. Several tornadoes touched ground in Lancaster, Dallas, Arlington, and Forney smashing buildings, tossing tractor trailer trucks in the air, and forcing flying debris several miles away into cars, businesses, and homes.
 
Coincidentally, last weekend, a Richardson mosque (IANT) hosted a new disaster assistance training session where volunteers signed up to train in individual and group crisis intervention. The event is part of a year-round program by Islamic Relief USA that empowers local communities with tools and resources to help during disasters. The latest training session surely came in handy in a timely manner. “These team members are now using their skills to assist those affected by the most recent crisis event in Dallas,” said Asma Youssef, Public Affairs Representative, Islamic Relief USA. “Islamic Relief USA will ensure sheltering services are provided to the community along with assessing the communities hit by the outbreak of tronadoes in Texas.”

Islamic Relief has already deployed their disaster assistance teams in Texas, who are currently assisting the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with delivering aid to survivors. IR is also calling on for donations and prayers for North Texans. During the past 12 months, IR staff and volunteers have delivered emergency humanitarian relief for Alabama’s tornadoes and for Hurricane Irene’s victims in New Jersey. “Each opportunity has reinforced the training program that has certified over 250 individuals in various disciplines related to disaster relief,” Youssef added.

Another Muslim relief organization, ICNA relief USA, has ordered its volunteer teams, already wrapping up cleanup in Kentucky and Indiana in the aftermath of disasters three weeks ago, to head to the Dallas area. “ICNA Relief’s disaster services include mass feeding, medical assistance, sheltering, emotional and spiritual care, tree and debris removal, roof tarps and repair, and disaster case management.”

Moreover, a local North Texas relief organization, Baitulmaal, has also begun mobilizing efforts to assist in the disaster that seriously damaged more than 350 businesses and 650 homes, forcing most of their residents to seek shelter. Baitulmaal is asking Muslims nationwide to donate for the tornado relief fund. They posted on their website a saying by Prophet Muhammad: “Narrated [by] Abdullah ibn Umar: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbour is one who behaves best towards his neighbours. Transmitted by Tirmidhi. – Al-Tirmidhi, Number 120.”

Compassion for community and public benefit are the engines that drive those individuals who commit to volunteer to assist their brothers and sisters in hardship. Each individual in our community counts; each act of kindness helps, and each piece of prayer to our North Texas neighbors eases their hardship.

Article Courtesy: Examiner.com

Photo Courtesy: Tim Sharp/REUTERS

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Visit: http://www.ymquiz.com/
750 participated in 2011. 1000 participants expected in 2012 inshallah.

April 7, 2012, 9AM & April 14, 2012, 9AM at Islamic Association of North Texas (IANT)

Young Muslims is glad to announce the 15th Annual Quiz Competition on Essential Islamic Knowledge & Skills. The sole purpose of this quiz competition is to revive and promote the knowledge of Islam in our youth. Inshallah this event will help us to convey the message of Islam, so that our youth become good Muslims and spend their lives according to the great teachings of Islam.

Please come and join us to make this event successful. we look forward to your participation & support.

JazaKum Allah Khair
http://www.ymquiz.com/

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—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
Media contact: Jillian Nannery, The TASC Group
646-723-4344; Jill@thetascgroup.com
 

Recent Crimes Against Shaima Alawadi and Trayvon Martin Illustrate Wanton Violence Against Minorities

 
New York, NY – March 29, 2012: Islamic Circle of North America is asking Americans to respond to the rhetoric of hate in American culture.
 
A study published in early March indicates that hate groups in the U.S. are on the rise and the fight against intolerance is far from over, as the crimes against Trayvon Martin and Shaima Alawadi reveal. Around the nation, citizens are forming “hoodies and hijabs” rallies, highlighting the pervasive stereotypes that seem to have motivated both crimes. ICNA believes no American should live in fear from his or her fellow American and the crimes against Trayvon and Shaima should not be tolerated in this country.

Citizens are demanding justice for Trayvon Martin, who was murdered while wearing a hoodie, an article of clothing that made him seem suspicious to his attacker. The murder of Shaima Alawadi, a Muslim American mother of five, has not yet generated such widespread outrage. Shaima Alawadi was beaten to death in her home with a note left on her body reading, “Go back to your country, you terrorist.” Ms. Alawadi may have been targeted because she regularly observed Hijab, the wearing of traditional headscarves.
“The brutal murders of Trayvon Martin and Shaima Alawadi are a wake-up call for all of us,” said Naeem Baig, Vice President of ICNA Public Affairs. “No American should live in fear from his or her fellow American.”

According to a report released on March 8th by the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate groups are on the rise. The report states anti-Muslim hate groups tripled in 2011. This provides a broader context to these two events and illustrates that the culture of hate needs to be addressed.

Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) seeks to change the common rhetoric about Muslim Americans and is in the middle of a national education campaign to promote religious freedom. ICNA’s campaign, Defending Religious Freedom, Understanding Shariah, includes a 25 city education tour to introduce the Islamic faith to the American public. ICNA is also promoting awareness through a public service announcement campaign, billboards across the country, college campus seminars, radio ads and a national hotline dedicated to addressing questions about Shariah and the Islamic faith.

To interview ICNA representatives, contact Jillian Nannery at The TASC Group. Phone: 646-723-4344; Email: Jill@thetascgroup.com

About The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the promotion of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts. Visit www.defendingreligiousfreedom.com.

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By Reading Islam Staff
 
In a Q&A session with the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) following a talk in 2010 titled “Islam In Deed: Rediscovering the Muslim Identity,” Prof. Tariq Ramadan answers questions on how Muslims in a western society could proactively give back to their societies without sacrificing their Muslim faith and identity.

Question 1:

Having experienced the consequences of asserting Islamic identity by being banned to the US, how would you encourage American Muslims to assert their Muslim identity despite the challenges they may face?

I would say that there’re many levels, and I really think that we have to be really cautious not to be assertive because we are resisting. We should be assertive because we want to be who we are and we know what Islam means for us.

So the starting point is not because having been banned or because I’m facing many different attacks coming from westerners or from different circles in western societies.

I think that our strength is mainly to come back to the fundamentals of the Islamic faith, and the tradition and ‘Aqida (creed), which is really this connection with God.

I have one fear with Muslims living in the West and living in the States, for example. What I’m saying is two things; some are going very far into spirituality, and even Sufism, and “This is Islam”, and “This is the only way to be good Muslims”. On the other side, we have people very much against the system, struggling for rights and politics. And it is as if there’s a gap between the two.

But to be a Muslim and to assert your identity is to be both at the same time, is to really know the very essence of Islam, which is to purify yourself and to come back to this closeness to Allah, to God, and to try to understand that at the end of the day all our life is a struggle for peace, and the most important peace is the inner peace.

By saying this we come with values and understanding the oneness of God: At-Tawheed; is a reconciliation between you and Him (God) which means between you and yourself because the knowledge of God is between you and your heart:

… and know that Allah comes in between a man and his heart (Al-Anfal 8; 24)

This is one thing.

For a Better World

On the other side, we are doing all this to change the world for the better. And to change the world for the better means to change the United States of America for the better, is to be a contributing force to the best of values and justice, equality and empowerment, for Muslims.

So, because I know the meaning of being at peace with God and to try to promote justice, that I’ve been struggling for my rights in this country by saying ‘what you are doing is wrong’, because at the end of the day nothing is wrong in me supporting Palestinians, for example, because I will keep on supporting them whatever is going to happen, because this is justice; because these are oppressed people, and this is what we have to do.

So this mindset is important because you are not assertive against, (instead), you are assertive for: for your values, for some objectives: it’s more justice in the United States of America, it’s a democracy, but still not a perfect democracy. When you are an African American in this country you are still facing injustices. When you are poor, you are facing injustices. So the civil rights are an ongoing struggle in this country. It’s not because your president now is an African American president that everything is solved. That’s not true. It may be a symbol, but a symbol could hide the reality and not express it.

So I would say this is where the Muslims should be, and that’s why they have to be assertive.

Thus, by doing these two things that are very important to me; never to nurture a victim mentality. We are not victims. Life is a test:

{He Who created Death and Life that He may try which of you is best in deed} (Al-Mulk 67; 2)

Islam is visible through your actions and behavior, on the civil ground, on the social ground at both the individual level and the collective level

So, life is a test. Your life and death are tests, so you have to face up to the challenges of these tests. You have to be the subject of your own history. So by being American; by being citizens in these countries it’s not to say ‘Oh, we are victims. You don’t like us, so we are going to withdraw, or to show you a nice face of spiritual things, for example. That’s not right. The nice face is there, but it should be visible through your acts and behavior within the society. Because in Islam, faith is visible through your actions and behavior, on the civil ground, on the social ground at both the individual level and the collective level. So this is one dimension; so no victim mentality.

Stick to Your Values

Another thing, which is quite important as it is also what I’m seeing in many western societies as exactly the same in the United States of America, is this mindset of being minority; ‘Oh we are minority in the society’.

No, our values are majority values. So, as citizens we have to come and speak about justice, we will be understood by anyone as we do speak for justice for all, justice for every one; man and woman, black and white. Anything which has to do with justice we are for it, against, you know, torture, extraordinary rendition, wrong laws against immigrants …all these are our struggles.

So, I would say here that we have to come with something which is a majority mindset, which is we are talking to the whole of the United States of America as a majority with our majority values, and this is where we have to be constructive.

Question 2:

Do you think there are ways for Muslims to be integrated into the society without just being assimilated?

Once again, it’s always a question of terminology; what does it mean to be integrated?

For me, it’s over. The religious and cultural integration is done. You, your organizations, all what you are doing is just showing that you are Americans, you have just to be accepting the fact that you are American Muslims or Muslim Americans. That’s not the problem. What I’m saying now, and I’m always repeating this, because you have always people who say ‘You Muslims have to integrate’. And by using the term they create the problem. And we have to do exactly the opposite, because the success of integration is to stop talking about integration. That’s over now.

Our distinction should me a moral ethical distinction, and not only distinction in the way we dress

Let us talk about the real challenge which is contribution. It is what we have to do; we need to contribute. Our contribution to this society should be on many levels. And once again, not only on the social ground, but also on the spiritual ground; with ethics. Our distinction should me a moral ethical distinction, and not only distinction in the way we dress, because the way we dress is just showing what we believe in. These are values, we speak about dignity, we speak about the self. We are saying to the people your value is not in what you have, but your value is in what you are.

So this is the way we dress. We are sending a message. So, I would say that this is something which is really important in our presence in the United States of America and in the western societies.

So to let people know say ‘OK, look, if you want me to integrate by being lesser a Muslim and more an American, it’s over; you’ve lost the struggle.’ All the people who are now settling are willing to be both fully Muslim and fully American. And this is what we have to do.

But we also have to say to the Muslim ‘be careful. Don’t fall into the trap of this American dream that as you are settling down in the United States making money forgetting about values and principles.

And if you look at the reality of the Muslim community in America we can say that there’s a gap between the new immigrants, the new American citizens outside the inner cities they are making money building big mosques, while in the inner cities we have African American Muslims very poor, marginalized in this society. And they are saying to this society you are telling us that we have to integrate? We are native Americans; we have been here for centuries.  It might be exactly the opposite, that the United States of America should integrate the Muslim presence, not Muslims to be integrated. This is something that we also have to tell the people.

So, it’s also a very important intellectual struggle, an intellectual Jihad which is really to resist this use of wrong terminology used to create problems that are now solved already.

Question 3:

ICNA has multiple programs catering to the society at large, how important are these programs?

Also, how do you think this would play into creating that Muslim identity?

First, of course I’m supporting this because I really think this is what we have to do. I would start with a comprehensive picture is that for the Muslims not to be only visible when we speak about Islam. It’s when we speak about human beings we are here. This is what it is to be a Muslim. It’s really this. This is the essence of Islam.

Be Proactive

So when we speak about being Muslims in this country; in the States, it is really to be involved in all the discussions. We speak about schools we have to be involved in anything which has to do with education, not by saying ‘Oh, we are going to create our Islamic schools’.

That’s fine. Do your Islamic schools, but what about the state system? What about the schools and the curriculum, what we are teaching?

When we speak about social problems; marginalization, poverty in this country, this is supposedly the biggest and the richer country in the world. Despite that, if you go and see how people are living, you have poverty and things that are unacceptable. So we are speaking about human dignity. That’s what we have to be involved in; we have to be struggling against anything which has to do with poverty. In Mauritius, for example, we started a big campaign (a Jihad) against poverty because this is the right way of using Jihad-against poverty. Our enemy is not non-Muslims. Our enemy is anything which is wrong. So this is something that we have to do as well.

When we speak about family, we Muslims are very quick to say family is very important. OK, but what is happening in the rich countries, about divorces and kids not knowing how to deal with authorities and transmission. What about fatherhood? We speak very much about women, and we are right to do that, but we also have to speak about fathers because it’s very difficult to be a father in western societies, all this question of being a presence of going along your own kids.

Let people see you as an American- a Muslim American dealing with everything and not only with Islam.

So, this is where the Muslims should be; everything that has to do with being a citizen or being a human being. So, this is a comprehensive approach. Let people see you as an American- a Muslim American dealing with everything and not only with Islam. Because if you come only when we speak about Islam on the domestic side or in the international scene, we are perceived by definition to be on the defensive; you come only when we speak about Islam. So, this is something that we have to do.

The second point which is important is all the work that you are talking about; solidarity work and telling the people if you want to ask about Islam just come to us and we supporting the poor, the needy people. This is all fine, but it has to be part of something which is an overall vision. And the overall vision is when we speak about contributing we are not only talking about solidarity, it’s not only humanistic or humanitarian work. It’s also about rights, it’s dealing with rights. This is to be assertive. It’s, for example, very good to speak about democracy, but the way it is implemented is quite important. So when you are black man or black woman in this country, because you don’t have enough money sometimes, you are facing wrong implementation, it is discrimination on the job market, in housing. So this is also where we all have to be; is to assertive by saying ‘we are doing this for the sake of the country’.

For the Sake of Humanity

So, it’s not only to come with the big heart. It’s to come with a very demanding intellectual struggle on anything which has to do with our rights, our citizenship, our dignity. And then solidarity work should be involved into this. My fear here is really to see Muslims coming with all solidarity work during Ramadan and this solidarity thing. It’s all fine, but if we go behind it it’s as if we want to show the people that we are nice, that we are kind, that we care. That’s all good if and only if we are saying we have a heart and we have requirements as well; that we have claims, we want to be treated with dignity –and not only us but every single human being.

The last dimension of all this work is also to be involved in things that are essential for our time. I don’t see enough Muslim contributions into something which has to do with global warming, with ecology, with the way we treat animals, for example. And that’s what we have to be self critical. In Eid-Al-Adha, for example, the way we treat the sheep, the way we are slaughtering, we have to ask ourselves: ‘is this the right way to do it?’

Because we are very strict on the technicalities –as saying when slaughtering, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest). But on the way we treat animals, that’s wrong. That’s not the Prophet’s message. So to be self critical as the Prophet, peace be upon him, told us to treat animals with dignity.

So we can’t send a message to the people that we are strict on technicalities and not deep on teachings. So, all these things are quite important. So, of course I would support what’s done, but I would want it to be within something which is a vision, with multiple, multi-faceted vision including all things altogether.

Question 4:

How do you envision the American Muslim community to be like ten years from now, especially in the Bay Area?

Look, in my last book (What I believe) I’m saying it’s not a question of ten years, it’s going to be a question of two generations at least. We are going to face challenges and it’s not going to be easy. Because as you can see after 9/11 it has been more and more the case. Yet, before that it was already there. It is that we are perceived as the other; so an outsider within or an insider that is still perceived as a foreigner. And this is the very essence of the question; it is how we really deal with that.

I would say that it is a question of time. That’s why I’m always saying that we have to normalize our presence without trivializing it. Meaning by this, it’s normal to be an American Muslim but we have an ethical distinction, and this is not to trivialize our presence. That’s what God say:

{Thus, have We made of you an Ummah (nation) justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over the nations} (Al-Baqarah 2; 143)

So, I think it’s not going to be easy, you are going to face in the States challenges and campaigns against this Muslim presence.

Embrace the Challenge

Listen to what is said by some trends in the States about what’s going in Europe, trends who are coming mainly from the States, saying: ‘Oh, in Europe we are now dealing with Arabia with Islam is silently colonizing Europe because of the numbers. And exponentially the fact that Muslims are going to grow and being a very effective presence. So they are sending a message which is this is very scary.

At the same time in the States they are watching Muslims, and sometimes monitoring them. So, I would say to Muslims this is not going to be easy, but you have the choice, you will have what you deserve. If you are assertive, confident with your own values and you know that you are not coming here to be “the other”, but to be here is to be among the people as an American providing this society with the best values and the best behavior. This is where you have to be assertive.

Your spirituality, your heart, yourself; don’t forget yourself into the society, and don’t forget the society because you care about your own self. So it’s always a balance. And then give. You are what you give, and you are what you are in the same time. This is the very meaning of being a Muslim: {those who believe and do good deeds.} (Al-Baqarah 2; 25). This is the balance.

It’s not going to easy, you’ll have people if you are here to please them you’ll never be at peace with your own self, because life is not to please the people. Life is about His satisfaction, and you know that when you please God you will be respected by the people. This is the very meaning of being with God.

And then the second thing which is also important is whatever are the critiques and the people rejecting you, at the end you’ll find that within this society many people are starting to listen. Many Americans know something is wrong in the whole discussion. So they are listening to Muslims, they are listening to us, they want to know who are these fellow citizens trying to be, quite vigilant with their own values. So, it is up to us to do the job; it is to just to stop putting ourselves into something like we are not liked in this country.

If we respect ourselves we are going to be respected. It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to take time, effort, patience, perseverance and endurance, and this is life. And if we think about what happen for other Muslims in other situations and in time, they were facing much more than what we are facing. So, we still have the resources to do what we have to do Insha’Allah.

Listen to the full interview here:

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Compassionate Justice Trailer – Shaykh Omar Suleiman

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March 22, 2012, by: David Pitman
 
This weekend, the Islamic Learning Foundation in Houston will host a series of lessons called “Compassionate Justice: The Objectives of Shariah.” The classes are open to everyone of any faith. This is part of a broader effort by an Islamic advocacy group to help people gain a better understanding of what Shariah Law is, and what it isn’t. KUHF’s David Pitman spoke with Sh. Omar Suleiman. Sh. Suleiman teaches at the Islamic Learning Foundation in Dallas, and will this weekend’s classes in Houston. Click below to listen:120322-KUHF_Convo-Shariah-Law 

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By Lomi Kriel
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
 
The way supporters of the conservative group Texas Eagle Forum see it, a growing number of U.S. Muslims are practicing “stealthy jihad,” secretly trying to impose their religious doctrine on Americans and form a parallel judicial system, one that could force women to wear burkas or even condone honor killings.
 

Sharia, the legal, moral and religious underpinning of Islam, is “a threat to America,” said the Eagle Forum’s former president, Pat Carlson, who is running for state representative in Fort Worth.

With the help of a neoconservative Washington, D.C., think tank, which spearheaded similar efforts in more than 20 states across the country, the group last year pushed legislation in Texas banning the recognition of foreign law in state courts, with its proponents decrying Sharia’s “creeping influence.”

It didn’t pass, but some lawmakers consider the issue important enough to take up before the Legislature convenes in January. Last week, South Dakota’s governor signed a bill aimed at preventing courts from applying Islamic law.

Mosque attacks

This follows a challenging year for U.S. Muslims, who saw the highest rates of hate crimes since 2001 amid a widespread Sharia hysteria fueled, in part, by controversy over the “Ground Zero Mosque.”

In Houston, home to the largest Muslim population in the state, there were two attempts to burn down area mosques. To combat what they say is the greatest escalation of Islamophobia since Sept. 11, an Islamic advocacy group has launched a national campaign to counter the “fundamental misunderstanding” of their faith’s doctrine complete with TV ads and a 24-hour toll-free number. The campaign lands in Houston this week.

“We have the right to practice our faith,” said Naeem Baig, a spokesman for the Islamic Circle of North America, which is leading the campaign.

“It’s ridiculous that we even have to address this,” said Mustafa Carroll, executive director of the Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “But we don’t have a choice.”

For Carlson and like-minded activists across the country, this is an issue of protecting women’s rights and the U.S. Constitution, which they say are violated by Sharia. Beyond battling Sharia’s influence lies a larger fight against the “eroding” of Christianity while Islam is given “the priority,” Carlson said.

Islamic scholars and many legal experts, meanwhile, say the issue has been inflated for political purposes, reflecting confusion over Sharia. Many say it’s not only “veiled bigotry” but a moot point – much of the proposed legislation violates the First Amendment.

Last session, two bills were filed in the state House, including by Pearland Republican Randy Weber, and proponents tried to pass it four times.

Trade, commerce

The Plano-based Liberty Institute, a conservative Christian legal advocacy group, supports the legislation on the basis of “religious freedom.”

“People have a concern that the government through the court system is or will get into private religious matters that the courts have no business litigating,” said Jonathan Saenz, the institute’s director of legislative affairs. “And we want to make sure that we protect the U.S. legal system from the influence of foreign law.”

But existing U.S. law already governs when foreign law may apply, just as British or French law decides in which cases to recognize American law, said Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im, a law professor at Emory University and Islamic scholar.

Restricting the consideration of foreign law can be detrimental to trade or international movement, he said. A business contract with a company in Malaysia, whose law reflects some aspects of Sharia, could be illegal. A couple married in Saudi Arabia might not be recognized as such in the U.S.

In Texas, Carlson said they restricted the bill to family courts after business groups objected. Ninety percent of cases invoking Sharia law relate to custody and divorce cases, she said, listing two instances in Texas given to her by the American Public Policy Alliance, founded in 2009 to promote “anti-Sharia” laws.

One of the cases, a divorce, ended in arbitration after a squabble over whether the dowry included in the Islamic marriage certificate was enforceable. It ended in voluntary arbitration.

Article Courtesy: The Houston Chronicle
 
 
 

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