Constructing Muslim Identity

MARCH/APRIL 2016/1437 | $4.00 | WWW.ISNA.NET Muslim-Free Democracy Muslim-Free CONSTRUCTING MUSLIM IDENTITY MUSLIM CONSTRUCTING Through collaborative and deliberate efforts, deliberate and collaborative Through educators can construct apositive Muslim construct educators can IN THE CLASSROOM

| identity for their students. for their identity

W ho Is Leading Our Schools

Co nstructing Muslimnstructing Identity

CONTENTS VOL 45 NO. 2 MARCH/APRIL 2016 visit isna online at: WWW.ISNA.NET

EDUCATION 21 Leading Initiatives 24 Who Is Leading Our Schools? 26 Why do Islamic School Teachers Drop Out? 30 Constructing Muslim Identity in the Classroom 32 Islamic Schools vs. Public Schools 36 Why We Need Diverse Books 38 Envisioning Authentic Islamic Schools 40 The Role Schools Can Play in 21 Constructing a Muslim Identity

HEALTH & WELL-BEING 42 Ethical Decision Making and the Muslim Patient 44 Overcoming Stigma ISLAM IN AMERICA 46 Equally Empowered 48 Standing with Muslims 46 MUSLIMS IN ACTION 50 Seeds of Progress FINANCE 52 The Islamic Law of Inheritance SPECIAL FEATURE 54 Yes, Islam Really is a Religion THE MUSLIM WORLD 52 56 Muslim-Free Democracy FAMILY LIFE DEPARTMENTS 58 Embodying Care and Mercy 6 Editorial 8 ISNA Matters 10 Community Matters 60 New Releases

DESIGN & LAYOUT BY: Gamal Abdelaziz, A-Ztype Copyeditor: Jay Willoughby. The views expressed in Islamic Horizons are not necessarily the views of its editors nor of the Islamic Society of North America. Islamic Horizons does not accept unsolicitated articles or submissions. All references to the Quran made are from 58 The Holy Quran: Text, Translation and Commentary, Abdullah Yusuf Ali, Amana, Brentwood, MD.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 5 EDITORIAL

Teaching with a Heart PUBLISHER The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) PRESIDENT is heartening TO note that some enjoys respect among teachers and Azhar Azeez SECRETARY GENERAL schools are moving from “teaching to school administrators with its Edu- Hazem Bata the test” to using “teaching the whole cation Forum, which is now in its 17th child” approach. year, and the West Coast Education EDITOR It Omer Bin Abdullah Generally schools have emphasized Forum launched five years ago. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT on academic success and what should Also, ISNA has good experience in Faryal M Khatri be done to ensure students doing well engaging dozens of volunteers around EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD on standardized tests. These tests have the year in its annual convention, Parvez Ahmed (Interim Chair), Iqbal Unus, been used as a tool to gauge student and many other regional and special M. Ahmadullah Siddiqi, Hazem Bata.

performance, which correlated with events. And of note is ISNA’s well-es- ISLAMIC HORIZONS teacher performance; and in fact tablished credentials in the interfaith is a bimonthly publication of the Islamic real estate values also peg on “better activities, which can be a rich source Society of North America (ISNA) P.O. Box 38 • Plainfield, IN 46168‑0038 schools, better home prices.” Thus, of service-oriented projects. Indeed, Copyright @2016 teachers, worried about their students’ communities that run Islamic schools All rights reserved Reproduction, in whole or in part, test scores, are unable to use teaching can add a another dimension to their of this material in mechanical or strategies that are focused on a holistic interfaith activities by drawing into electronic form without written permission is strictly prohibited. teaching approach. ISNA’s network to offer their students Islamic Horizons magazine is An example is Raleigh, N.C.’s Al- service-oriented projects. available electronically on ProQuest’s Ethnic NewsWatch, Iman School, which has adopted the ISNA is working with Islamic LexisNexis, and EBSCO Discovery Service, “teaching the whole child” approach, centers across the nation in service and is indexed by Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature. where students are encouraged to par- projects such as the “Stop the Hun- Please see your librarian for access. ticipate in service-learning projects ger” food packaging drives, which also The name “Islamic Horizons” is protected as part of their school’s mission. The bring a new meaning to community through trademark registration ISSN 8756‑2367 school has centered its service projects where people congregate and work on Our Three Winners: Deah, Yusor, together to serve a people they may POSTMASTER Send address changes to and Razan, who have left a legacy be- never know or see. Islamic schools Islamic Horizons, P.O. Box 38 hind that the school can continue to can benefit from ISNA’s experience Plainfield, IN 46168‑0038 support in the years to come. in executing such programs, which in SUBSCRIPTIONS Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, Yusor fact may create greater consciousness Annual, domestic – $24 Mohammad, 21, and and her sister among their students, Canada – US$30 Overseas airmail – US$60 Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, ISNA, ever since its start as a stu- TO SUBSCRIBE who were shot and killed on Feb. 10, dent body, has nurtured a culture of Contact Islamic Horizons at 2015 in a crime that has hate written giving, caring and sharing. (317) 839‑8157 / (317) 839‑1811 Fax (317) 839‑1840 all across. Islamic schools need to benefit E-mail: [email protected] The school, which starts its ser- from such ISNA assets and coordi- ADVERTISING vice-learning projects with its kinder- nate their service projects with ISNA. For rates contact Islamic Horizons at gartners, makes its mandatory for its The schools, which are best situated (703) 742‑8108, [email protected], ww.isna.net eighth graders to complete a minimum to involving parents, teachers, stu- Canada Post International Publications of ten hours of community service in dents, alumni and other communi- Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) order to graduate. ty members, can add to the value of Sales Agreement No. 0666300 This is an area where ISNA can their service projects through such CORRESPONDENCE lend a supporting hand. ISNA already cooperation. Send all correspondence and/or Letters to the Editor at: Islamic Horizons P.O. Box 38 • Plainfield, IN 46168‑0038 Email: [email protected] 6 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016

ISNA MATTERS MUSLIM AMERICANS ADDRESS RISING ISLAMOPHOBIA

our co-workers. Let’s be very Middle East, can radicalize young people. clear. Anti-Muslim bigotry The ultimate goal is to help young people and anti-Muslim hostility are rejoin the mainstream community and un-American. We are appre- protect the civil liberties of all Americans. ciative of the support we have The founding members of USCMO received from our interfaith include American Muslims for Pales- partners and public statements tine, the Council on American-Islamic from elected officials. Relations, the Islamic Circle of North “USCMO [The US Coun- America, the Muslim Alliance in North cil of Muslim Organizations] America, the Muslim American Society, leaders and members under- the Muslim Legal Fund of America, the ISNA president Azhar Azeez joined stand the magnitude of the challenge Muslim Ummah of North America and leaders and representatives of Mus- facing our nation and our community The Mosque Cares (Ministry of Imam W. lim American organizations at a press and will not allow either Islamophobes Deen Mohammed). conference held on Dec. 21, 2015, at the or un-Islamic extremist groups like ISIS National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to define American Muslims or to decide During this event they announced the our fate,” said USCMO secretary general NOTICE OF RETRACTION “One America” campaign. Oussama Jammal. “American Muslims In the January/February 2016 issue of This campaign and other initiatives will define themselves and will chart their Islamic Horizons, an article entitled “A Due Clarification” was published on page 10. In were discussed at a Dec. 20th day-long own destiny by securing both our faith error, the authors were listed as Dr. IMTIAZ national summit of more than 100 and the security of America.” AHMAD, and Dr. Sheema Khan. The article Muslim American leaders in response to The organizations discussed the vio- was in fact authored only by Dr. Sheema Khan, the unprecedented rise in anti-Muslim lent extremist groups preying on young and not by Dr. IMTIAZ AHMAD. IH regrets bias since the Paris and San Bernardino people via the Internet and how they twist this error and hereby issues this retraction. attacks as well as the ongoing inflammato- Islam. It was noted that the majority of ry political rhetoric. The other initiatives ISIS and similar groups are Muslim. Law include the “National Open Mosque Day,” enforcement experts stated that Muslim NOTICE OF CLARIFICATION a drive to register one million voters and Americans are on the front line of identi- In the January/February 2016 issue of strengthening existing alliances with in- fying and reporting suspects. Islamic Horizons, an article entitled “A Due terfaith, social justice and other minority Attendees shared their experiences Clarification” authored by Dr. Sheema Khan was published on page 10. This article con- organizations and communities. and information regarding effective tained information regarding on-going legal ISNA vice president Altaf Husain said, “community-driven” solutions. The issues pertaining to ISNA Canada and Dr. “ISNA joins local, regional and national coalition committed itself to improving Muhammad Ashraf. As the parties are in- organizations to launch the ‘One Amer- its efforts, and experts in the field talked volved in on going litigation, the decision to ica’ initiative. This is not a Muslim-only about how isolation, twisted religious publish an article pertaining to the substance effort. We will benefit from the continued ideologies, toxic anti-Muslim political of the lawsuit and related issues may not have been in the best interests of our readers. Dr. collaboration with our interfaith and rhetoric, and negative perceptions of Ashraf’s attorney has requested, and ISNA social justice partners, our neighbors and American policy, particularly in the has declined, to publish a statement on his behalf, rebutting the statements made in Dr. Khan’s article. CONNECTING MUSLIMS TO HEALTH COVERAGE IH is not a forum for debate, and will not host competing articles that may deal In partnership with the U.S. De- Jan. 12 that informed callers about with disputed issues involved in pending litigation. The relevant parties have brought partment of Health and Human available health coverage options under their issues to a court of law, and that is the Services and American Muslim Health the Affordable Care Act. only appropriate forum for those issues to Professionals, ISNA co-sponsored the Participants included Laila Alawa, be addressed. National Muslim Enrollment Weekend CEO of Coming of Faith, Ihsan Bagby, The editorial staff of IH regrets the deci- during Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., board member of the Muslim Alliance sion to publish the article without properly weekend (Jan. 15-18). This weekend is in North America, Lisa Carr, senior considering the implications such an article may have for the parties involved in the liti- usually dedicated to community activ- advisor, Centers for Medicare and gation, or whether the substance of the article ism and service. Medicaid Services, and Jesse Moore, as- was appropriate for publication, particularly ISNA vice president Altaf Husain sociate director for Public Engagement as a “clarification” of an earlier article relating participated in a national webinar on at the White House. to Dr. Ashraf’s role in ISNA-Canada.

8 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 ISNA WEST ZONE SEERAH CONFERENCE

Approximately 250 people attended the ISNA West Zone Seerah Conference held at the Muslim Community Association in Santa Clara, CA, to reflect upon “What did Muhammad Do? Challenges Being a Minority.” The event was divided into the Meccan and Medinan periods. Ustadh Feraidoon Mojadedi and ISNA-Canada executive director Shaykh Abdalla Idris Ali analyzed the development of the Prophet’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)’s noble character in Mecca and how people can use it as a guide. Ustadh Faraz Khan and ISNA vice president Altaf Husain outlined the societal changes he made in Medina. The MYNA track for the youth featured ISNA secretary general Hazem Bata and CAIR- San Francisco Bay Area executive director Zahra Billoo, who spoke on the Prophetic way of (L-R) Altaf Husain, Sitara Khan, Hazem Bata, and dealing with Islamopho- Imam Tahir Anwar - ISNA Exec Council, West Zone Rep bia. Imam Bilal Esakka, West Valley Muslim Association in Saratoga, Calif., and Karim Serageldin, founder, Noor Human Consulting, outlined the psychology of anger and how to control it. A matrimonial event was organized at a local hotel for over 100 single Muslims. ISNA conducts matrimonial events at its annual and regional conventions and maintains an online matrimonial website. Following the forum, ISNA hosted a celebration banquet to honor long-time philanthropists and community leaders [the now late] Imdad Haque Khan, a scientist and engineer, and his wife Sitara. In 2004, this Bangladeshi American couple established the Imdad Sitara Khan Scholarship. Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) shared a powerful message, and keynote speaker Jonathan Brown, the Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization at Georgetown University, addressed the challenges of being a minority and Islamophobia. Entertainment was provided by a talented group of students from Northstar School and a spoken-word artist.

CORRIGENDUM The news item on p. 9, (Jan./Feb. 2016), titled “ISNA Hosts Stop the Hunger” regrettably missed the mention of the main event sponsor, The Islamic Medical Association of North America. We apologize for this oversight.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 9 COMMUNITY MATTERS

Under the terms of a settlement ICNA Canada Elects President of two high-profile civil rights lawsuits Islamic Center (1998-2004), and a member settled on Jan. 7, the New York Police of the University of Calgary chaplaincy team. Department (NYPD), which is tightening U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman and his safeguards against the secret and illegal wife Vicki volunteered at Ottawa’s Sadaqa surveillance of Muslims, has placed a ci- Food Bank — an ICNA Relief Canada proj- vilian representative on an advisory com- ect — on Dec. 13, 2015. “As we prepare to mittee that reviews the probes, reported celebrate the holidays with our own family, The Associated Press (AP). Vicki and I are reminded of the struggles The announcement came after months others face just to put food on the table,” of negotiations aimed at formally ending he said afterward. “We’re very grateful to be litigation that the nation’s largest police able to help such a wonderful organization department had engaged in a covert that is so important to many members of campaign of religious profiling and ille- Mohammed Iqbal Massod Al-Nadvi was the Ottawa community.” gal spying. elected president of Islamic Circle of North At the Food Bank, Chair Syed Akhtar “We are committed to strengthening the relationship between our administra- America (ICNA) Canada for the 2016-17 took the Heymans on a tour of the facility tion and communities of faith so that res- term. He succeeds Mohammad Abdul before they joined other volunteers to sort, idents of every background feel respected Wadud, who was president for four years. package and distribute food to the food and protected,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said An ICNA Canada president cannot be elect- bank patrons. Mrs. Heyman worked in the in a statement. ed consequently after two terms. front distribution area, while Ambassador The suits were among the legal actions Al-Nadvi, a well-known Islamic scholar Heyman sorted and put together the food taken in the wake of AP reports that re- in Canada and hafiz who has the authority behind the scenes. vealed how City police infiltrated Muslim to issue fatwas, also serves as chairperson This domestic project of ICNA Relief student groups, put informants in mosques of Canadian Council of Imams. In addition, Canada has provided halal items to those in and otherwise spied on Muslims to alleged- he has been a director of Al-Falah Islamic need since 2007. As Ottawa’s second-largest ly prevent terrorist attacks. School in Oakville, Ontario (2004-11), an food bank, it serves more than 2,000 people The NYPD, which didn’t admit any imam of the Muslim Association of Calgary per month. wrongdoing, will pay about $1.6 million for the plaintiff’s legal fees and agreed to codify civil rights and other protections Civil Rights Community Leaders Forum required under the court-ordered Hand- schu decree. That decree was a response Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh to surveillance used against war protesters Johnson addressed a National Security and in the 1960s and 1970s. The decree was relaxed after 9/11 to allow police to more Civil Rights Community Leaders forum freely monitor political activity in public and press conference on Dec. 7, 2015. The places. event was hosted by the Sterling, Va.-based In 2013, civil rights groups sued the All-Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS). NYPD in federal court in Manhattan, Attendees included Imam Mohamed accusing it of breaking Handschu rules. Magid, ADAMS executive religious director, A second suit filed that year in Brooklyn Pastor Joan Bell Hayes, United Christian Par- federal court by mosques, a charity and ish, Pastor Scott Johnson, Oakbrook Church, community leaders alleged discrimination. Sher Singh and Gurpreet Singh, Sikh Com- “This settlement is important in light of munity of Sterling, Va., Catherine Osborne, and law-abiding Muslims and other minori- escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate Shoulder to Shoulder Interfaith Coalition, ty communities just because one of their crimes in the U.S., but at the same time we Rabbi Gerry Serotta, Interfaith Conference coreligionists commits a horrific act. Rather, hope Mayor de Blasio will be more vocal of Metropolitan Washington, Rev. Stephen they must work together to drain the swamp about why the department was simply Smith Cobbs, Trinity Presbyterian Church, that produces such people. Moreover, the wrong to engage in religious profiling of and Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Muslim American community’s successful the Muslim community in the first place,” Roessler, Jr., and others. engagement with American society and law the Center for Constitutional Rights said Johnson stated that Muslim Americans enforcement agencies must continue to grow in a statement. The settlement has no bearing on a are partners in national security who work and become stronger so that everyone may pending lawsuit in New Jersey accusing closely with law enforcement. All people of benefit. the NYPD of using a special unit, which it faith and conscience must stand against ter- CNN, ABC, NBC, Fox News, New York says it has disbanded, to monitor Muslim rorism, extremism, bigotry, racism and hate. Times, Al-Jazeera, Al-Arabiya, Al-Gad, groups there without suspicion of criminal The meeting reaffirmed that Americans BBC, the Los Angeles Times and other media activity. should not vilify and stereotype peaceful outlets covered the event.

10 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 Maryland’s Howard County, recog- Post Office Issues New Eid Stamps nizing that it is no longer has a Judeo-Chris- tian majority, agreed on Jan. 15 to recognize The U.S. Postal Service is offering Eid al-Adha either by school closings or 2016 new holiday stamps, one of which is professional development days for teachers. a new Eid stamp. “Our stamps articulate the American experience through miniature works of art,” said Acting Stamp Services Director Mary- PHOTO BY NATE PESCE, PATUXENT PUBLISHING Anne Penner. “Our diverse stamp topics for 2016 are sure to appeal to everyone, and with the New Year just around the corner, now is a perfect time to get started in stamp collecting. It’s an educational hobby the entire COURTESY USPS (C) 2016 family can enjoy.” As he has with all previous Eid stamps, Featuring a design that evokes cen- Zakariya used traditional techniques: home- turies of tradition, this purple-and-gold made black ink and pens crafted from sea- Board member Janet Siddiqui proposed stamp commemorates Islam’s two most soned reeds from the Near East and Japanese the motion, and all eight board members important festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid bamboo from Hawaii. The paper was spe- agreed to it. She remarked, “I strongly believe al-Adha. The gold-colored calligraphy cially prepared with a coating of starch and that our school calendar should be inclusive on the Forever stamp was created by three coats of alum and egg-white varnish, of the cultures and religions of all Howard world-renowned calligrapher Mohamed burnished with an agate stone and then aged County residents.” Zakaria of Arlington, Va. The script reads for more than a year. The black-and-white As of the 2014-2015 school year, 42 per- Eidukum mubarak, “May your Eid be designed art was colorized by a computer. cent of the county students were white, 22 bountiful (or blessed). Ethel Kessler was the art director. percent were black, 19 percent were Asian, 9 percent were Hispanic and 6 percent were of two or more races. The school system does She Who Tells a Story not record it students’ religious backgrounds. “This vote is proof that it is indeed pos- and provide insight into socio-political is- sible to accommodate the religious needs sues related to identity, war, occupation and of multiple faith communities in diverse protest. The goal is to refute the conventional school districts,” Zainab Chaudry, Council stereotype of oppressed and/or powerless of American-Islamic Relations Maryland Arab and Iranian women. In short, the dis- outreach manager, told The Baltimore Sun. play demonstrates that women are actually “Religious pluralism is the hallmark of an creating some of the region’s most significant integrated and inclusive society. We see that photographic work. reflected in the Howard County Board of Featured artists include Jananne Al-Ani, Education’s decision.” Boushra Almutawakel, Gohar Dashti, Rana In Nov. 2015, Montgomery County’s El Nemr, Lalla Essaydi, Shadi Ghadirian, school board voted to move a professional Tanya Habjouqa, Rula Halawani, Nermine development day off for students to Sept. 12 Hammam, Rania Matar, Shirin Neshat and to coincide with Eid al-Adha. Newsha Tavakolian. The exhibition title was inspired by the Arabic word rawiya (she who tells a story), which is also the name of a small collective of women photographers, DONATE TO founded in 2009, based in the Middle East. Sadqa-e-Jaria NMWA Director Susan Fisher Sterling said, “The exhibition highlights their tri- Educate deprived An exhibition of photographs, “She umphs and struggles, which we hope will Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers stimulate and enhance cultural dialogue on Children of from Iran and the Arab World,” by 12 con- a personal as well as national level.” Pakistan temporary female Iranian and Arab artists “She Who Tells a Story” was organized by will be displayed at the National Museum of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Presen- SHAFFE Women in the Arts (NMWA) April 8-July 31. tation of the exhibition at NMWA at 1250 th The more than 70 photographs and a New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., is 2011 4 St. • Sac, CA 95818 video installation challenge stereotypes of made possible through the generous support http://www.shaffe.org the region’s people, landscapes and cultures, of an anonymous donor.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 11 COMMUNITY MATTERS

Indy Mayor Cabinet Has Two Muslims

Indianapolis new mayor Joseph (left to right) Saffet Catovic, founding Scout Master Troop #114, Eagle Scout Mustafa Maner, and H. “Joe” Hogsett (D) — the city’s 49th assistant Scout Master Ahmed Abdelfattah mayor — inducted his executive team on Jan. 1, which includes Fady Qad- Upon completing their Eagle Board Adnan Sidiqui from the Troop Committee doura and Ahmed Young. of Review (BOR) in early December 2015, also attended. Chugtai and Maner now soar City Controller Qaddoura will be Zeeshan Chugtai and Mustafa Maner were with Troop #114’s Eagles: Ibraheem Catovic, responsible for the city’s $1.1 billion among the nation’s newest Eagle scouts, Zain Haq, Atif Salahudeen, Ismael Catovic, budget, contracts, capital assets, and HR scouting’s highest rank and honor, said Scout Aman Haq, Omer Syed, Noor Rostoum, functions to support its 7,500 employ- Master Saffet Abid Catovic of Troop #114. Omar Shaban, Omar Qari, Ali Shamshad, ees. Most recently, he worked as a senior He thanked his assistant, Scout Master Ali Tahir, and Yousuf AbdelFatah. manager for the Indiana Family and So- Ahmed AbdelFatah, for guiding this pro- Since its introduction in 1911, more than cial Services Administration, where he cess and Mike Moriarty, Jeffrey Rumen and 2 million young men have earned the rank of played a critical role in supporting key other Eagle Advisors and Board of Review Eagle Scout. Requirements include earning projects and initiatives. He was involved (BOR) members from Monmouth Council, at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating in implementing the Healthy Indiana who advised the two candidates and offi- Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Plan. He has a rich professional history ciated at their Eagle BOR. Adil Syed and Law, service and leadership. in the public and nonprofit sectors with over a decade of experience in public finance and administration. Muslim Whiz Kid Vs $21 Billion Company Young, now director in the Office of Education Innovation, began his ca- Akhter Zaman, now 23, didn’t back and received it. Shortly after CNNMoney reer in education and taught for seven down when United Airlines and Orbitz, reported on the case, he received a flood of years in Indianapolis and New York calling his startup website Skiplagged.com donations on his GoFundMe campaign. Do- City. After attending Indiana Univer- “unfair competition” that promoted “strict- nors gave $81,000; he only asked for $10,000 sity’s Robert H. McKinney School of ly prohibited” travel, filed a federal lawsuit to help pay for the litigation. He is donating Law, he served as Deputy Prosecutor at demanding $75,000 in lost revenue from the leftover money to a charity. the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Zaman. In February, Orbitz withdrew the case before opening his own private practice Skiplagged helps travelers find cheap and settled; however, United pursued it. In with a specialization in litigation and tickets via “hidden city” ticketing: You buy May 2015, a judge in Chicago dismissed education issues. an airline ticket that has a layover at your the case because Skiplagged wasn’t in his Young is the son-in-law of Judge actual destination. For example, if you’re jurisdiction. United didn’t pursue further David Shaheed, whose other son-in- flying from New York to San Francisco, you legal action. law is Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.). book a flight from New York to Portland with A year ago, Skiplagged received about “I am proud these talented pro- a layover in San Francisco so that you can 250,000 visitors a month. Now it’s getting 1 fessionals have chosen to share their get off the plane. Sometimes that can save million visitors a month on average and is expertise with the City of Indianap- you money. Flying this way isn’t always the one of the most popular travel apps in Apple’s olis. Together, they represent decades cheapest, but it often is. store. He’s not a one-man show anymore, for of valuable experience that will prove He started his site while working at a tech he’s received funding from angel investors crucial as we tackle serious challenges startup. Confronted by these two multi-bil- (he won’t say how much or from who). His in the days and months ahead,” said lion-dollar corporations, Zaman asked for site is now flying high. Hogsett.

12 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 Register and Reserve Hotel Rooms online at WWW.ISNA.NET Early Discounted Registration Deadline is: March 1, 2016 ($5.00 will be added to registration fee after this deadline)

Conference Features: • Tarbiyah: Creating a School Climate with Islamic Values • Educational Sessions • Grooming Teachers as Leaders • Pre-Conference training workshops on • Systemizing School Functions for Sustainability Friday/Saturday • Staff and Educator Professional Development • Bazaar Booths • Roles and Responsibilities of School Boards • Award Presentation • Strategic Planning for Schools in a Global Society • Networking session on Saturday morning • Saturday banquet with keynote address Registration Fees: • Employment notice board • Individual (With three meals included) $100 per person • Individual (Without meals) $75 per person Conference Topics Include: • Group up to 4 people (With three meals included) • Using Data to Drive Instruction (Per Individual) $95 • Thinking Strategies for Engaged Student Learning • Group of 5 and more (With three meals included) • Becoming a Teachers’ Leader (Per Individual) $90 • Best Practices in Differentiated Instruction • Childcare $45 per child for the entire conference • Incorporating Islam in the School Environment • Improving/Developing Group Dynamics for Better Pre-Conference Workshops: Teamwork 1) Workshop for Arabic Teachers $75 • ESL Strategies for Diverse Schools 2) Nuraniyah Quran Workshop $50 • Conflict Resolution in School and Community 3) Board Source Workshop $75 • Planning Curriculum for Global Minded Students 4) Weekend Schools Workshop $50 • Integrating Technology into Teaching

FOR QUESTIONS: REGISTRATION & HOTEL: (317) 838-8129 or [email protected] BAZAAR & SPONSORSHIPS: (317) 838-8131 or [email protected] COMMUNITY MATTERS Twelfth International Kashmir Conference in New York dialogue between the Governments of India & Pakistan and the Kashmiri leadership, with America’s understanding and engagement, holds the key to any meaningful progress. Speakers included Zahid Bokhari, Exec- utive Director, Center for Islam and Pub- lic Policy, human rights activist Khurram Parvez, convener of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, Waleed Rasool of Islamabad’s International Riphah Uni- versity, and Nasreen Sheikh, an Azad Kash- miri educator living in the U.S. for the past 35 years. Anuradha Bhasin Jamwal, editor of the Jammu-based Kashmir Times, and Prof. Zafar Khan, spokesperson, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, could not attend; they sent their papers. Imtiaz Khan, senior vice president, Kashmiri American Council, Khalid J. Qazi, clinical professor, Sisters of Ghulam Nabi Fai addressing the conference Charity Hospital, Buffalo, N.Y., Ghulam N. Mir, president, World Kashmir Awareness, The 12th International Kashmir Concluding the conference, Ghulam Nabi Saleem Akhtar, national director, American Peace Conference, “Beyond the Blame Fai underscored that this issue remains a Muslim Alliance, Sardar Zarif Khan, Wash- Game: Finding Common Grounds for Peace major impediment to global peace and secu- ington, D.C. and Mohammad Imtiaz Khan, and Justice in Kashmir,” was organized by In- rity. The Kashmiris believe that the trilateral NJ, also attended. ternational Educational Development (IED). Held on Dec. 11, 2015, in New York, it at- tracted academics, researchers, UN Mission Professor of the Year delegates, UN NGO representatives, social and civil rights activists, political analysts Collin College chemistry professor Amina Khalifa El-Ashmawy was named and prominent South Asian Americans. 2015 U.S. Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of In her introductory remarks, IED Dele- Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. gate to the UN Karen Parker said that “this The program, now in its 35th year, is the only conference will provide some guidance for national initiative that focuses solely on excellent resolving the roadblock between where we undergraduate teaching and mentoring. are now and where we can go to resolve the Collin president H. Neil Matkin said, “Dr. conflict. We need to get all sides talking to El-Ashmawy is an extraordinary professor each other with full respect.” who works tirelessly to empower students. With Keynote speaker Ramsey Clark, former more than 1.5 million professors in the United U.S. Attorney General, proclaimed, “Peace States, she is literally one- in-a-million and a per- in Kashmir and a resolution of the conflict fect representative of the quality faculty at Collin is a major element of peace in the region.” College.” Examining this dispute in its “Region- Outside the classroom, El-Ashmawy, who has al and International Dimension,” Victoria taught at Collin College for more than 20 years, is Schofield, author of Kashmir in the Crossfire a published author with multiple journal articles (1996) and Kashmir in Conflict (2010), em- and textbook credits to her name, including a phasized why a resolution was imperative: chapter in the upcoming “Sputnik to Smartphones: A Half-Century of Chemical (1) it has been going on for 67 years, (2) Education.” On campus, she has chaired the faculty council twice, chaired her own both India and Pakistan are nuclear pow- department, served as the college’s liaison to the State of Texas on college readiness, ers, (3) non-state actors could perpetrate advises student organizations, publishes and presents regularly, serves on many task an outrage that could bring both countries forces and mentors at-risk students. to the brink of war, (4) the on-the-ground In 2015, her dedication to teaching, as well as outstanding academic, scientific humanitarian situation warrants resolution, and scholarly achievement, was recognized when she was chosen as one of 10 Texas and (5) resources that could improve the professors to be named a Minnie Stevens Piper Professor. people’s lives are being spent on maintaining El-Ashmawy holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Texas. conventional and nuclear arsenals

14 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 Islamic Finance Development Indicator 2015 Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, and the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Pri- vate Sector, the private sector development arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), released on Dec. 2, 2015, key findings of the Islamic Finance Development Indicator (IFDI) Report 2015 at the World Islamic Banking conference in Bahrain. The report, which was released for the third consecutive year, examines the key statistics and trends across five indicators deemed significant for measuring the development of the $1.8 trillion Islamic finance industry: quantitative development, knowledge, governance, corporate social On last year’s Christmas Day, a scared responsibility and awareness. These indica- University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) junior tors are tracked across 108 countries, which named Hala Abdel-Jaber, 19, took the stage had contributions in all or some of them. with 11 other Sun Bowl princesses at a Fan According to the report, Malaysia leads Fiesta event, wearing a princess crown atop IFDI again while GCC countries continue her hijab. to dominate the top of the rankings for a Her uncle was a U.N. ambassador based third year in a row. Among the latter, Bah- in Jordan, and her grandfather was mayor of rain maintained its second position global- Jerusalem. Abdel-Jaber, who’s been an honor ly, while the UAE switched positions with Pakistan, Jordan, Hong Kong, India, Bo- student since middle school, is a senator of Oman to come third, with the latter dropping tswana and Ivory Coast also demonstrat- the UTEP student government association. to fourth. Saudi Arabia, which the world’s ed positive movements in the IFDI 2015 This association, representing roughly 2,000 second largest jurisdiction in terms of Is- ranking. students, works for rights on behalf of her lamic finance assets, jumped from ninth to Report 2015 is also sponsored by Tawreeq constituency. She spoke about her desire sixth overall, largely due to improvement in Holdings, the only Sharia-compliant SCF to go to law school and of how she’s a role its CSR activities. provider. model for her four younger siblings. However, as espnW.com’s Amy K. Nelson reported on Dec. 31, 2015, fears of Islam- ophobia made Sun Bowl representatives re- DETERMINED TO SERVE luctant to let her participate in a pre-game The Islamic Society of Coachella Valley mosque suffered more than feature story. The Sun Bowl spokesperson $120,000 worth of damages on Dec. 11, 2015, when Carl James Dial, 23, firebombed denied multiple requests to interview her, it shortly before jum’ah prayers, destroying its front offices. No one was injured, and citing the general public’s, as well as her Dial is now under arrest. own, safety. Insurance is only covering about $20,000. The community, mainly made up of Finally, both the Sun Bowl’s president and small businesses and farmers, needs $100,000 to repair the building structure, elec- director allowed her to speak to the media. trical and HVAC equipment, furniture, office equipment, prayer hall carpets and so She related that she had spent the summer on before it can reopen and again serve its the congregation of about 100 families. going through an extensive application pro- Worshipers continue to pray on the sidewalk. Sunday school resumed classes at an cess and in-person interviews. She said that alternate rental facility. Par- the Sun Bowl court chose her not because of ents and children remain the culture she represents, but on the merits traumatized but committed of who she is. “The number one thing when to rebuilding their mosque. I applied to be a Sun Princess was mainly The Islamic Shura Council because I wanted to show that it’s OK to be of Southern California ap- different,” she told the station. peals to all Muslims to help “One thing we’re being very cautious of rebuild the mosque, which is [that] we want the focus to be on football is about 150 miles from Los and the game,” Eddie Morelos, director of Angeles. media relations for the Sun Bowl told espnW. com, “not religion or politics.”

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 15 COMMUNITY MATTERS

“Your entire existence becomes a per- New York City Council Celebrates formance to prove how authentic a replica New York City’s oldest Muslim um- of them you are. That is the meaning of brella organization, The Majlis Ash-Shura of domination. New York (The Islamic Leadership Council “Let us unite in mind, in heart, in body of New York), celebrated its 25th anniversary and spirit. Let us unite as a Muslim com- on Dec. 13, 2015. munity…before it’s too late!” Sherman A. Jackson, Director, King Fais- Masjid Mus’ab, Masjid Taqwa Brook- al Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and lyn, Masjid Ar Rahman, Manhattan, Mas- Professor of Religion and American Studies jid Saqafi, Bronx, Jamaica Muslim Center, and Ethnicity at the University of South- Queens, MAS Youth Center, Staten Island, ern California, and Imam Kifah Mustapha, Islamic Center of Long Island, Westbury, and chairman, Illinois Council of Imams, were Westchester Muslim Center, Westchester the keynote speakers. received community service awards. Jackson said, “This is what I want to say The Majlis, which has represented the to the Muslim community in America right Muslim community and led the struggle for now. The black community in America has religious and civil rights since 1989, serves been our Bani-Hashim from the beginning as the main voice of the City’s very diverse [emphasis added]. And we in the Muslim that power — whether it’s political or social Muslim community. community have squandered that social capital — in the hands of Muslims is dan- President Abdelhafid Djemil heads the capital in the black community. We’ve got gerous … because it will only be used to try executive committee, which includes vice to get it back! to undermine or destroy America. presidents Muhammad Yousufuddin and “Islamophobia, however, puts Muslims in “The bottom line is when collective pow- Imam Siraj Wahhaj, treasurer Imam Ab- the mind that exactly what we need is exactly er, whether in the form of imperialism, or dul Azeem Khan, secretary general Ahmed what we tend to flee from. Islamophobia has class struggle, exploits weakness; it can never Taha, and board members Naji Almontaser succeeded in convincing American society be dislodged unless power is raised against it. and Mir Massum Ali.

Islamophobes. Importantly, he states that A More Appropriate Response these documents provide a natural, tradi- When North American Muslims con- tional and in-place framework for a Mus- demn terrorism, the mainstream usually lim/Christian alliance against such wayward dismisses such statements as no more than groups. This should not be done to curry excuses. When Muslims protest the hatred favor, but because it is a Muslim’s duty to being spewed by various politicians and oppose all forms of extremism. others, one hears claims that they oppose Morrow continues to reach out. In 2015, such people because they support ISIS and he presented his book at the ISNA Conven- similar groups. tion’s “Meet the Author” session. Prof. John Andrew Morrow, a Métis On a European tour during summer Canadian professor, author and research 2014, cosponsored by Radical Middle Way scholar from Québec who specializes in and the Canadian government, he spoke at Hispanic, Native, and Islamic Studies, has Oxford and Cambridge and The Hague, as sought a better approach. well as to officers of the European Union, In October 2013, Morrow, who embraced French cabinet members and at the House Islam at the age of 16, published The Cove- of Lords. The University of Riyadh and the nants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation have Christians of the World (2013). He continues interviewed him. to strive to build the Covenants Initiative as In addition, he has addressed the IS- a rallying point and mass movement. NA-Canada convention and at the Alwaleed Prophet Muhammad’s (salla Allahu ‘alay- the general public, regardless of religion. Bin Talal Center for Muslim/Christian Un- hi wa sallam) treaties with the Christians of These covenants reveal that Islam, as derstanding at Georgetown University. In his time uniformly state that Muslims are taught by the Prophet, has nothing to do September of 2014, the Italian ambassador not to bother, but rather to defend, peaceful with terrorism and killing simply because the of the Covenants Initiative presented a copy Christian communities “until the End of the victim(s) follow other faiths and traditions. of the book to Pope Francis. World.” Dictated by the Prophet himself, This, he says, would miff the Islamophobes. According to the organizers, by August these documents represent a third founda- He hopes that his initiative will challenge 2015 over 150 Muslim scholars, academ- tional pillar for Islam. Morrow says that these Muslims to actively oppose ISIS and similar ics and activists had signed the Covenants treaties urgently need to be made known to groups as well as to strongly challenge the Initiative.

16 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 53RD ANNUAL CONVENTION September 2 – 5, 2016 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center 9291 Bryn Mawr Ave • Rosemont, IL 60018

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS: Main Sessions (ISNA, MSA, MYNA) ❖ More than 200 renowned speakers Parallel Sessions ❖ Bazaar with 550 booths ❖ Entertainment Program Interfaith Reception ❖ Qira’at Competition ❖ CSRL Luncheon Matrimonial Banquets ❖ Art Exhibit ❖ Islamic Film Festival Health Fair ❖ Meet the Author Program ❖ Photography Exhibit Children’s Program ❖ Babysitting

CONTACT: Registration: (317) 838-8129 or [email protected] Booths & Sponsorships: (317) 838-8131 or [email protected] Website: WWW.ISNA.NET COMMUNITY MATTERS

Her brother Qareeb operates everything Armed with a Juris Doctor from New for the company in Los Angeles. York law school, she serves as first vice-chair of Brooklyn community board 5, board chair of the George Walker Jr. Community Coa- lition, Inc., board member of the east New York restoration local development corporation and a member of the 75th Precinct community council. She is also a trained mediator with the New York Peace Institute. Western New England University’s Office of Spiritual Life unveiled a new prayer space for Muslim students, reported The Fatima Rafiq, the 2015 University of Republican Newsroom on Jan. 8. Michigan-Flint student commencement At the opening ceremony at Springfield, speaker, is also a recipient of the school’s Mass., Ameen A. Alkhabbaz, engineering highest academic award: the Maize and Blue student and president of the university’s Distinguished Scholar Award. Muslim Student Association, gave a pre- She transferred from UM-Ann Arbor two sentation of Islam’s core tenets, led a Q&A years ago, after her husband took a job in session and showed how the new prayer the area. Rafiq, a mother of two, is pursuing space would be used. jobs in nursing and plans to earn a doctorate “The event today is to reach out to ev- in the field. She is interested in pediatric, A group of Muslim American commu- eryone on campus, to educate them about neonatal and critical care. nity leaders met with senior White House the Islamic faith, and correct any miscon- “The community partnerships at UM- officials, including Senior Advisor to the ceptions they may have,” said Sanah Bibi, Flint has established with institutions such President Valerie Jarrett, on Dec. 14, 2015, a senior biology major. “It’s also to make as Hurley Medical Center, McLaren Regional to discuss the growing anti-Muslim climate Muslim brothers and sisters aware of the Medical Center, and the Flint Farmers’ Mar- in the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino new prayer room we have, and to celebrate ket have allowed me and my fellow nurs- shootings. our new space.” ing students to gain a unique insight to the Among the attendees were Farhana vulnerable population in Flint, Michigan Khera, Muslim Advocates executive direc- and have also allowed us the privilege to tor, and Arshia Wajid, founder and president represent the University and use it’s tools of American Muslim Health Professionals. to provide benefit to the community,” said “I call on President Obama to join with Rafiq, who came from Pakistan when she former President George W. Bush and vis- was 4 years old. it a mosque here at home to show that we are stronger together during these difficult times,” suggested Khera. “We also encourage the Department of Education to issue guidance to schools to equip educators and school administrators on how to prevent

ISNA CONVENTION SESSIONS ON

Hijab-wearing Judge Carolyn Walk- YOUTUBE Ibtihaj Muhammad, America’s first er-Diallo took her oath as a civil court judge Recorded sessions Muslima fencer and the world’s 15th sword- of the 7th Municipal District at the Brooklyn from ISNA’s 52nd Annual swoman, is part of the U.S. Olympics squad Borough Hall in New York City on Dec. 10, Convention are now available at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games. 2015. She swore to abide by the Constitution, Muhammad, who did a double major in placing her hand on the Qur’an. on the ISNA YouTube channel: international relations and African-Amer- “All is praise is indeed due to the Most youtube.com/isnavideos ican studies, and her siblings run Luella, a High! I am humbled that my community has clothing company named after their paternal entrusted me with the immense responsibil- grandmother. Their store, which caters to ity of ensuring that everyone has notice and conservative Muslimas, recently opened its a fair opportunity to be heard in the halls of first outlet in Detroit. justice,” Walker-Diallo wrote on her website.

18 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 and address bullying and harassment of its clinic started providing free, custom-fitted American Muslim students.” prosthetic operational hands. The devices “When health professionals who are care- can be updated and replaced — again free of givers and healers in our society are subject charge — as the patients outgrow their device. to prejudice, it impacts their morale and cre- The 3-D printing capability can offer a range ates a sense of helplessness,” remarked Wajid. of different hand models (and colors!). Proj- ect managers Alexandre Marro and Varun George, who demonstrated these 3-D printed hands, have a register of qualified patients. The Health Fair offers Northern Virginia Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe residents such basic vision, dental, hearing (D) addressed the Chantilly-based All Dulles and other health screenings along with ed- Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Compas- ucational seminars. sionate Healthcare Network (ACHN) & Clinic Health Fair on Dec. 12, 2015. Speakers In response to the San Bernardino Muslims living in North Carolina included ACHN and ADAMS leadership. shooting, Pomona-based neurologist Fais- Alamance County now have their first Several county and state civic leaders also al Qazi launched his LaunchGood project: mosque, the Burlington Masjid, which was attended. ACHN chairman physician Yahya Muslims United for San Bernardino. He Life’s Journey United Church of Christ until Alvi stated, “Local and state officials have raised almost $120,000 during the next late last year. called the ADAMS free clinic a model for six days. The project has been endorsed by Imam Shaher Sayed says that the congre- healthcare to community members who ISNA, CelebrateMercy, Islamic Networks gation includes as many as 150 families from could not otherwise afford that care,” adding, Group, Mental Health for Muslims and var- over 20 countries living in or near the county. “This is a perfect way for our officials to tell ious Muslim leaders and advocacy groups. The church, which was built in 1953, had their constituents about our clinic’s services.” Qazi told the Los Angeles Times that his been for sale for over a decade. Besides the “Our clinic reaffirms our goal to serve faith inspired him to help the victims and real estate transaction, the move has cre- everyone from any community who needs their families, whom he considers his Inland ated a unique interfaith environment. The but cannot afford health care. While most Empire neighbors. Muslim and Christian congregations have of our current volunteer healthcare provid- He said, “We wish to respond to evil with plans to cooperate in other events together. ers are Muslim, we welcome all healthcare good, as our faith instructs us, and send a In Greensboro, the mosque runs a health professionals to join ACHN in this effort powerful message of compassion through clinic for the needy. Al-Aqsa Community to help any community members in need.” action. Our Prophet Muhammad, peace be Clinic, which has grown from one to seven ACHN, a volunteer-based nonprofit or- upon him, said: ‘Have mercy to those on rooms, is open several times a month and ganization, has provided patient-centered Earth and the One in the Heavens will have staffed by a volunteer network of almost healthcare to Northern Virginia’s uninsured, mercy upon you.’ And the Quran teaches to 100 doctors, nurses and students. Al-Aqsa, low-income individuals since 2013. Last year, ‘Repel evil by that which is better.’” which is now open on Saturdays too, serves Burlington and Alamance County.

In the background, heightening Is- lamophobia in the U.S., Hassan A. Amin has called upon Muslims to observe April 9 as “Muslim National Day of Giving and Du’a.” Amin, imam at the Johns Hopkins Uni- versity and a volunteer Islamic chaplain at its Hospital, as well as the Islamic chaplain with Baltimore City’s Police Department, urges participating Muslim communities to come together in order to help the less fortunate and pray for humanity in general and primarily for their neighbors. He reminded the audience of the need to start building bridges and closing the gaps between American Muslims and mainstream society. He hopes that this day of prayer will help America foster respect, peace and better understanding for all of its inhabitants. He added that Muslims around the world should hold similar events.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 19 EDUCATION

CLARITY IS ESSENTIAL, FOR HOW LEADERS PRESENT THEIR VISION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT THEY ACTUALLY SAY.

20 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 Leading Initiatives BY KATHY JAMIL

ow leaders “do business” sets an organization’s character and culture. They don’t rush into initiatives with the best of intentions or the exciting promise of some- Hthing better; rather, they plan and prepare with the entire organizational community in mind so that they can acquire the support the needed for their initiative to succeed and flourish. Leaders are continuously growing and developing, learning from others, making mistakes and eagerly learning from them. Perhaps most importantly, they understand the need to adapt their leadership styles to the latest dynamics or situations. This is not an easy task, especially for school leaders who are leading multiple programs, monitoring many layers of the organization, working with a wide array of people and often having to do so with limited support and resources. Their ability to motivate and lead others is crucial both to the organization and to their own effectiveness. No one person can do it all — nor should they. Building a strong school-wide leadership capacity takes time but is well worth the investment, for the resulting collective will work together to maintain the momentum for initiatives.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 21 EDUCATION

Effective school leaders share several common traits. For example, they align their words and deeds with the school’s mission and vision. An organization’s norms, values, customs, attitudes and beliefs resonate throughout the school community. What a leader prioritizes tells her organizational community who she is, what is important and whether the practices and decisions are truly in line with the stated missions and beliefs. How well this is done becomes self-evident when jump-starting an initiative. If not done well, projects will quickly lose momentum and staff support. A minor setback may turn into a major halt. If done well, however, even minor setbacks will not affect the momentum, for the staff has learned to trust the leader because her/his words have proven to be reliable, consistent, and reflective of the organization’s mission. In order to avoid sending mixed messages that lead to ambiguity, staff members must be able to clearly see where they are headed. A vision can only move people if it is articulated to all stakeholders in a clear and consistent manner. When there is a perceived articulation of the vision, leaders assume that stakeholders understand direction and destination at the beginning urally in an organization, as they surpass the vision; however, later on they might of each project. expectations and seek to improve and/or realize that the latter become confused as The end is always kept in mind. Even expand their skills. Realizing their potential, the initiative moves along. Evidence of the though multiple projects may be ongoing effective leaders provide opportunities for vision’s successful articulation is reflected in with different teams, leaders ensure that professional development, help them ac- the stockholders’ ability to explain it clearly there is cohesiveness. Teams share a common complish their goals, guide them in setting to others and act accordingly. Sending out a language and terms, establish team norms individual professional goals and support memo or an email to a listserv may spread and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attain- them in that process. the word, but it can reach all of the critical able, Realistic, Time-related) goals that come Leaders delegate effectively by matching parties only if it is sent through multiple together to make up the big picture. the needed skills to the qualified staff, entrust- modes of communication so that each par- Leaders keep a discerning eye on their or- ing them with greater responsibilities and ty can “hear” it. For example, face-to-face ganizations’ projects and happenings. When leadership, and ensuring that the expectations meetings allow people to ask questions approached with multiple ideas, they need and intended outcomes are clearly under- and get a better sense of how serious and to retain the project’s focus by identifying stood. They look for team players who have committed the leader really is. They also those that are aligned to the ultimate goal. the potential to lead others and are not swayed help leaders seek input and ideas, both of Leaders stay on track and understand that by the hard-working employee who insists which can transmit a sense of enthusiasm while the various bumps and offshoots they upon working alone. Many organizations and urgency to others. encounter may benefit the project, they need have brilliant people; however, those peo- Clarity is essential, for how leaders pres- to discern those tasks and events that truly ple might not have the skill-set necessary for ent their vision is more important than what lead toward the goal. In addition, they have successful teamwork and thus prefer to make they actually say. Good leaders practice their to be courageous enough to redirect their decisions on their own. Such employees are speeches before a select group of constit- teams back onto the correct track to avoid either groomed into successful team workers uents before presenting it to the public at achieving empty victories. Once the team or replaced. Strong organizations have strong large. They make plans and share progress has made a wrong turn, every subsequent teams. Effective leaders know that they cannot publicly with all stakeholders, regardless of step leads moves them closer to the wrong lead every team and therefore seek out and their level of involvement, by sending regu- place faster. train team players to fill the needed positions. lar committee and subcommittee meeting Staff members move naturally. People In a school environment, they build a school- minutes. Leaders help others envision what need to feel valued, and real leaders need to wide leadership so that initiatives will move they cannot see at that particular time and go beyond the usual appreciation luncheon more effectively and naturally. make a conscious effort to visualize the goal and Eid gift. Being valued and empowered Creativity, open-mindedness and re- by presenting a clear vision of the desired as a professional leads people to move nat- sourcefulness are their currency. Working

22 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 They established regular reflection exercises resources and long-term efforts of well-in- for the staff and scheduled time with a group tended individual volunteers, board members of teachers once a week to get ideas and sometimes replace the amana (sacred trust) support from the guidance counselor. They with a sense of personal ownership. Board provided professional development on emo- development is necessary to ensure members’ tional intelligence and maturity and sought clear roles and that best practices are observed, advice from scholars, social workers, other as well as to convince people that sometimes school leaders and other resources. All of decades of experience is not enough. these efforts had one clear goal in mind: de- One way to deal with such concerns is to veloping a system that would direct students convince the board to conduct workshops, to the right person. Moreover, partnerships which is usually a rather difficult task. Start- were established with other schools to share ing a new initiative would be a good chance the professional development costs to bring in a trainer to complete multiple Although not part of the original plan, workshops and professional development an emotionally safe environment was creat- classes for staff, parents and board mem- ed and tough questions were asked and an- bers. Such an undertaking, once approved, swered. Everyone benefited from the new di- allows all groups to feel vested because they mension added to the process. If these issues are learning together. This may also enable had remained ignored, the end result could a reflective board members to realize their have been an ineffective program and a lower limitations and inspire them to seek further degree of buy-in the second time around. development. Competent leaders also include the Effective leaders try to approach issues not-so-obvious stakeholders. Schools of- from multiple angles during the beginning ten cite parents, staff, students and boards; stages. If balancing the budget is a board however, effective school leaders reach priority, they address it by identifying in out to community partners, both Muslim the proposal those funding sources that and other faith organizations, to provide will help them complete the project. While in silos and dictating commands not only “outside” perceptions and views, critiques writing the proposal, they seek the board adds obstacles for staff buy-in, but also sti- from a different lens, and valuable input members’ advice on such topics as possible fles attempts to build leadership qualities and possible resources that can enhance parental push-back or community politics in others. Wise leaders are not self-deluded the initiative’s outcomes. Such an approach that may develop. Leaders know how to and thus have no problem in admitting that for schools is critical, for students need to gauge whether the initiative can withstand they don’t have all the answers. This type build their identity in terms of how to live any board-proposed changes and how they of mental confinement prohibits growth. in the world, recognize who they are and will impact the project’s integrity, or whether Real leaders look to other team members to work with others toward the greater good. it should be left unchanged and brought up brainstorm creative solutions. In addition, Leaders realize that all experiences allow during another budget year. They are not they pull together multiple resources and, students to practice the skills learned in afraid to ask tough questions to determine when faced with a challenge or an obsta- school to reinforce their Muslim identity. if the potential push-back is perceived or cle, adapt and redirect their creatively while School leaders understand the critical real, will significantly impact the school or maintaining buy-in from others. importance of providing leadership oppor- if there are other less obvious agendas. If the In the midst of any initiative, tough tunities so student can develop these skills majority of the board does not approve, then questions that affect the project’s ongoing and see working with community-based the board and organization are not ready to momentum may emerge. For example, one partners as a key resource. In addition, move forward. Leaders understand that tim- school set out to establish a “safe learning student feedback is sought, regular surveys ing is essential and that initiating a project at environment, where the social-emotional are conducted, and results are aggregated the wrong time can cause a great idea to fail. needs of students are met.” But one of the over time by these leasers so that they can And finally, leaders celebrate! To main- leaders soon realized that they were being acquire a better understanding of the overall tain momentum, they and their teams identi- confronted with issues for which they had picture by incorporating all such data into fy smaller milestones during the process and not planned. Results from a student survey the planning process. Community partners celebrate their achievements to strengthen showed that some students were questioning tend to buy-in and offer support when they staff relationships and get people excited their sexuality and faith as well has having a believe the leader and/or organization values about what they have accomplished. The hard time dealing with abuse. Due to their their involvement. more that successful moments are experi- own limited social-emotional capacities, the Importantly, real leaders understand their enced and officially recognized, the easier teachers’ angry responses quickly shut the board’s established culture and norms and the buy-in will be when it’s time to start the students down. make their cases with such realities in mind. next initiative. The leader redirected the focus to build- Many Muslim communities are plagued with Kathy Jamil, chair of the Islamic School League of America ing those skills that would enable the teach- board-related politics and power struggles. and board member of the Universal School in Buffalo, N.Y., ers to address and respond to such needs. With so many organizations built upon the is an assistant principal in the Buffalo Public school system.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 23 EDUCATION Who Is Leading Our Schools?

BY AMAARAH DECUIR erything, know everything and make sure that we are fulfilling our responsibilities as uslim communities are building schools faster than best we can.” they can describe what it takes to lead one. They hire school School leaders unlock the building, man- leaders even before writing comprehensive and accurate job age the front office, supervise those students descriptions, which causes many of us to criticize their leader- who arrive early and arrange the substitutes well before the first bell rings. They greet Mship practices without fully understanding their responsibilities. And since students and parents at the door, often facil- many of them are our mothers and sisters, we treat them as we treat other itate early morning conferences to address women in the community — often with disdain and disrespect. Take it from concerns and receive complaints. By the a former Islamic school principal; our community needs to take a closer look time the school day officially begins, many at what these leaders actually do in order to really appreciate them. But to do of them have already been hard at work for this, we need to know what realities they face as women leading American several hours. Islamic schools. EVERYTHING SEEMS TO During the spring of 2013 I traveled THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES FALL ON THE PRINCIPAL across the nation to meet with some of our THE WORM “Some smaller schools have only one prin- schools’ female leaders. Thirteen of them “I’m the last one to leave and the first one to cipal, who is the ‘It’ for everything. Thus shared their stories about leadership practic- arrive,” said Sakina. (All names have been you have to be committed to really being es with the hope that the community would changed to protect the respondents’ identi- involved in everything,” Khadijah A. ex- better understand what is involved in leading ties.) Aim added that “we end up spending plained. Aim stated, “it becomes your re- an Islamic school. What follows is a mosaic more time than what the official contract sponsibility, in the sense that each of us has of their words and stories. calls for, since we have to be on top of ev- to play multiple roles, because we don’t have

24 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 designated people for all those different reflected on her unlikely rise from lunch OKAY, IT’S A WOMAN roles.” “And so, now more so than ever, ev- lady to principal, “I think that in the school “It’s sad that any time a decision is made erything just seems to fall on the principal,” board’s opinion, anything was better than or they want to challenge it, you know that Sumayyah remarked. what we had… I don’t know if they were just it’s because they see me as a woman. Okay, These female leaders do everything looking at it as a band aid and then it turned we’ll go to the board and there’s a man sitting necessary to keep the schools operating into something better.” Crisis decisions are there. We’ll talk to him and see what can be throughout the school year. You won’t find common — two principals were actually done,” Shanti shared. them sitting behind a big desk all day; they recruited with the following words, “Sister, “But at the same time,” Aim noted, “be- are out and about in the school getting many you need to help us out cause our principal cause you’re a woman and in a leadership jobs done! Many of them fill one or more of has resigned.” position, I think that it’s much harder to the following posts: earn anyone’s trust. There are more doubts, • School janitor. Women like Hafsa BOARDS AREN’T especially within our community, that be- push mops, unplug toilets and paint ALWAYS HELPFUL cause you’re a woman you shouldn’t hold classroom walls because the school According to Sumayyah, “Principals have that leadership position or can’t be trusted has no building maintenance depart- to check all the time and get permission to do the job that you’re doing.” ment. for things four or five times a day before “Some people weren’t comfortable with me • Construction leader. When Asfar’s they can do anything. After they make a in the beginning. One father pulled his kids school moved into a new building, decision, they have to explain it to one out, saying, you know, that he needed to deal she managed the zoning permits, board member, then another one, and yet with a male administrator because he wasn’t construction process and facility another one. They can’t just take the decision comfortable dealing with me. I replied that transition. and be done with it. After everybody talks since I couldn’t change my gender, he’d have to • Front-desk receptionist. When a about it, mulls it over, maybe even argues go to the other school. But now women lead woman is in charge of the school, like about it and disagrees with the principal, both of our schools, so there’s no longer any Aim, she finds herself answering the why do they put it back in the principal’s choice in the matter,” Jamilah related. phones when the secretary is busy or lap and order her to do something about It’s not easy for women to run Islamic away from her desk. it? It should have just been there in the first schools; often the parents’ patriarchal view- • First aid. Without a nurse in the place so that she could have taken care of points immigrate to America right along building, these women daily apply the it.” She added that “boards don’t understand with them. Some women realized that they Band-Aids® and wraps, give cough the principle’s role and thus they confound were being deliberately excluded when they drops and hand out Tylenol® to the and confuse it.” learned that the male school board members sick or injured students. Shanti didn’t need any time to consider were holding board-level conversations in • Substitute. They drive the bus when her biggest challenge because she knew right the men’s section of the mosque or during the driver is out, cook the food when away what it was: her school board. “This is gender-separated social events. One woman the chef is gone, and teach the stu- one of the biggest challenges that I’ve been stated that she was asked to bring her hus- dents when the teacher is sick. facing for quite a few years now.” So many band to her job interview to confirm that These are just a few of the many roles they of the women in this project lamented the she had his permission to work long hours carry out on a regular basis, many of these challenging relationships they have with oth- and to be out of the house. schools cannot afford a full administrative er school board members. The principals Many women mentioned that parents staff. Sometimes the leaders have to under- claimed that board members challenge their in the community would refuse to consult take even more responsibilities, among them authority as school leaders, disagree with with them if another member of the admin- collecting tuition fees, processing the payroll, their philosophy and object to changes that istrative team was a man, even if they had to raising funds within the community, orga- they institute. Many of them admitted that spend hours waiting for him to be available. nizing school programs, purchasing supplies they had considered resigning to “solve” this Sumayyah called this the man’s “listen and and writing budgets. Khadija B. reflected, particular problem. do this” telling attitude, for it reflects the “I would say that I’m probably doing the Hawa, the only school board member man’s expectation that a woman, even one work of 10-15 people.” In Sumayyah’s words, included in this project, felt that the lack of in a leadership position, will comply with “You’re going to make sure that the school trust between the principal and the board is his aggressive and demanding behavior as is taken care of because you treasure it and the root cause of the communication prob- regards the school’s decisions or actions. One value it so much.” lems. But she also acknowledged that per- leader confided that she was given the title sonal relationships get in the way of effective “Assistant Principal,” even though the school HOW DID WE GET HERE? communication. “I think it’s just the personal had no principal, because the board didn’t Most of the women in school leadership po- relationships, for there’s unprofessional be- want people to think that she was in charge. sitions didn’t ask to be considered for the job; havior at every level.” When Asfar was asked At another school, a situation escalated when rather, they were recruited through begging, to describe her relationship with the school the female principal objected to the board pleading and persuasion. Before assuming board, she chuckled and remarked, “The chairman’s termination of a staff member. this position, they may have been a volunteer, school board is very … well, what should Her protest of “Brother, you’re handling this an assistant teacher or a community mem- I say? It’s there and it’s a support for me. wrong!” was met with the following retort, ber with a strong personality. One leader That’s about it.” “I can fire you, too, so be quiet!”

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 25 EDUCATION

ADVICE TO THE COMMUNITY “Why do you see more women in this role?” Aim asked. “You know, a lot of them are Why do Islamic School there in very high positions. Whether they look at it like that or not, they’re the ones who get things done. So,” she continues, “I Teachers Drop Out? see it as a very powerful role, one in which they can understand that they can do it.” “Oh, I’m not in it for the glory or for What steps are Islamic schools taking to anything else. That’s not why I’m here. So, reduce teacher attrition? I’d rather have my name left off the things and we just go forward,” says Mariam. BY ZOOBIA W. CHAUDHRY If a woman is leading your community’s Islamic school, offer her your gratitude and sincere appreciation for the responsibilities that that this position entails. Lend your time or expertise and help reduce the need to do “everything” on her own. And, most urgently, work to strengthen the school board’s capacity to understand what these women are really doing to keep our community’s schools up and running. This will eliminate poor communication, rebuild trust and eliminate patterns of discrimination that restrict a female leader’s ability to succeed. Moreover, working together to improve our community’s schools will help our female leaders reach even greater levels of achievement. These remarkable women need our support as they lead our schools toward greater horizons. Let’s celebrate the strength of those women in charge of our children’s Islamic schools. eacher dropout or attri- 46 percent of teachers leave the profes- tion may mean different things sion within the first five years and that 50 Amaarah DeCuir, Ed.D., an adjunct professor at The George in public, private or parochial percent of first-year teachers leave by the Washington University, currently teaches in the Educational (i.e., where religious studies end of the first year.1 Recent data, howev- Leadership program. Her dissertation for her EdD (2014) studied the women leading American Islamic schools. She Tare taught in addition to secular subjects) er, suggests that the teacher dropout rate served as a school leader at Al Fatih Academy, Sterling, Va., schools. Teachers who move to another in public schools may reach 17 percent at both on the board and as principal, for 12 years. school or district are “movers,” while those five years.2 These estimates did not include who leave the profession are “leavers.” the “movers” (another 10 percent). Ashley Those who shift to another public school Keigher reported that teacher dropout rate aren’t considered a complete loss because is higher in private schools and even higher MedicalAudits.net they stay within the system. The negative in parochial schools. Among private school Attorney Ismail Laher impacts of the ensuing vacancies are evi- teachers with 1-3 years of experience, 7 (202) 596-7863 (d) dent in all schools, but can be even greater percent moved to another school and 21 for private/parochial schools. percent ended their teaching career.3 In- We help Doctors, Dentists Teacher dropout is a tenacious issue gersoll noted that higher teacher dropout & Health Care Providers worldwide. In September 2012, the UN rates are reported in Catholic schools.4 Ac- Nationwide Secretary-General launched a five-year cording to National Center for Education Medicare Audits, Compliance Global Education First Initiative (GEFI; Statistics Report, 1999-2000 Schools and Revocations, Negotiations… globaleducationfirst.org) to accelerate Staffing Survey, between the 1999-2000 progress toward education. Goals have and 2000-01 school years 19 percent of Liles Parker, PLLC been set to counteract the shortage of qual- Catholic school teachers and 23 percent Washington DC ified teachers, which has been recognized of other religious schools teachers either 5 (202) 298-8750 as one of the barriers to a quality education. changed schools or left the profession. Richard Ingersoll states that studies A high teacher turnover rate is known conducted in the U.S. reveal that up to to be related to low student achievement.6

26 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 In addition, it costs quite a bit of money Table 1: Stated reasons for “No/Not Sure” about returning for to hire and train new teachers every year, the next academic year according to one estimate up to $2.2 billion annually.7 The costs are believed to be higher Reasons No of Responses for private schools. Teacher turnover nega- I am retiring 2 tively affects camaraderie among faculty and results in a loss of institutional knowledge I do not agree with administration’s policies 1 that is critical for supporting student learn- I planned to stay at this school for one year so I can gain some teaching 1 ing. The ensuing “revolving door” environ- experience ment also means that teachers seldom feel part of the school’s mission. I would like to be part of main stream education in public school system 1 Teachers say that they drop out because I would like to earn better salary 6 of job dissatisfaction and the need to pursue other jobs. Only a very small proportion cites Moving away from the area 2 retirement. The data show that, in particu- My school does not offer health and/or retirement benefits 1 lar, low salaries, inadequate administrative support, student discipline problems and School lacks structure 3 limited faculty input into the decision-making making all contribute to higher turnover Staying at this school does not fulfill my personal goal 1 rates. School policies and cannot be fully Other 1 implemented if a substantial number of new teachers need training. An additional expense arises when a school has to train Participants were also asked (1) What She sends us to staff development and is teachers fresh out of college or those “trying do you like about your school? (2) What do constantly thinking of ways to improve the out” teaching while waiting for higher degree you dislike about your school? and (3) Any school, curriculum, and learning experience or a more desirable job opportunity. suggestion/comments to the Islamic school for the students. She spends money on the Many Islamic school leaders struggle leadership how they can retain teachers? staff for other ‘fun’ things too, like staff-only with high teacher dropout rates. This sur- days or before/after the school year.” vey (on which this article is based), de- WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT veloped in collaboration with an Islamic YOUR SCHOOL? WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT school principal in Baltimore, Md., sought More than two-thirds of the participants YOUR SCHOOL? to assess why teachers drop out. It was con- cited working in an Islamic environment More than one-half mentioned the lack of ducted to compare its results with North and a sense of community as their job’s best instructional and curricular support, and America’s Islamic schools. The results of features. One-third reported satisfaction almost one-fourth of them cited the low sal- the cross-sectional survey conducted with with having administrative support and a aries and lack of benefits. Other reasons were active Islamic school teachers and admin- structured school. However, fewer than half increased workloads, overbearing parents/ istrators are presented below. The online percent stated that their current job met their communities and the following: survey was conducted between November professional and financial goals. Below are “Lack of teamwork, so and so is not 2104 and February 2015 via the Islamic Ed- several representative statements: talking to so and so, lack of respect, be- ucators Communication Network (IECN), “Islamic environment, balance between ing treated like a servant to clean up after a listserv of the Islamic Schools League of academic and Islamic events, opportunity everybody, being yelled at by parents for America. IECN has almost 600 teachers, for staff training, support for continuing ed- something totally out of my area of respon- administrators, board members, parents ucation, being able to attend Friday prayers sibility, being mocked by students, teachers and other subscribers. This survey only ac- (most of the time), not having to fight to get not wanting to correct students, students cepted responses from those teachers and off for Muslim holidays. seemingly in charge, sharing building and administrators who were part of a full-time “The principal is extremely support- not having space cleaned up, items broken/ North American Islamic school during the ive; she puts money where her mouth is. stolen and no sense of responsibility. time it was conducted. The majority of the 74 responders self-identified as 25-54 year-old female teachers located in the U.S. More than half NOT INVESTING IN THE EXISTING HUMAN of them have been working at their current school for less than five years. One-third of CAPITAL USUALLY LEADS TO SPENDING the participants stated that they would “not” MORE MONEY IN AN ATTEMPT TO OFFSET return or were “not sure” if they would return for the next academic year. Both groups were INCREASED TEACHER TURNOVER COSTS. asked close-ended reasons for their decision (see table 1).

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 27 EDUCATION

“The pay is far too low, especially because environment. This adds yet another challenge fund staff development, reduce workloads I have my master’s. There are no health in- to the school’s administrators, for unhappy and create a schedule that would allow ex- surance or retirement benefits. The school and unmotivated teachers could affect their perienced teachers to mentor new teachers. is also often unclean because we have one students’ desire to learn. On the other hand, not investing in janitor and the work is too much for this If a school cannot retain its teachers, it the existing human capital usually leads individual. Additionally, we’re lacking basic becomes a real challenge to attract quali- to spending more money in an attempt resources, which negatively impact teach- fied ones. The 2015 NCES study reported to offset increased teacher turnover costs. ing. For some of my classes, I don’t have the that those who are offered an initial annual Addressing these concerns requires funds; whole common core curriculum packets, salary of $40,000 are less likely to leave the however, respecting and appreciating our even though I’m expected to teach to that profession. Similarly, targeted professional educators do not. Islam accords teachers the standard. Additionally, we don’t have a li- development and mentoring programs may highest respect, for teaching is considered brary, art supplies, or even enough bathroom help new teachers stay motivated. Having a prophetic virtue. We must educate our supplies. Also, we’re understaffed and we a structured and mission-driven Islamic communities to evolve from erecting more don’t have resourceful individuals, like ESL school may also attract motivated teachers. buildings and to nurturing a mindset that teachers, a nurse, or a guidance counselor.” However, some degree of teacher turnover is is willing to actually invest in and respect healthy because it allows schools to attract the profession of teaching and education. ANY SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS fresh talent, diversify staff and acquire a The governing bodies, parents and commu- TO THE ISLAMIC SCHOOL healthy mix of new ideas and experiences. nities have a vital role to play in creating a LEADERSHIP HOW THEY CAN It may not be appropriate to estimate wholesome environment in which both our RETAIN THEIR TEACHERS. the dropout rate from this cross-sectional teachers and their students can flourish. In this case, most of the answers reflected survey, as it was conducted early in the ac- Zoobia W. Chaudhry, MD, an Islamic school parent and the comments given to the first two ques- ademic year before teachers may have made volunteer, serves as the education secretary at Islamic tions. For example: “Please figure out ways plans for the next year. To acquire a more Society of Baltimore, Md. to provide real livable, respectable salary accurate idea of the real dropout rate, data packages to your teachers. Generally, they from administrators need to be collected NOTES love where they work, but the very limited each academic year. 1. https://depts.washington.edu/ctpmail/PDFs/ compensation makes them much more dis- The survey’s results will probably not Turnover-Ing-01-2001.pdf tracted because they are always seeking ad- surprise educators. However, publishing 2. http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2015/2015337.pdf ditional sources of income, working multiple these results will help shed some light on 3. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2010/2010353.pdf demanding jobs, or simply worried about this important issue. For example, the results 4. http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent. cgi?article=1133&context=gse_pubs how to pay bills and put food on the table. suggest that investing in human capital and 5. http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2005/2005061.pdf This very real financial pressure makes it encouraging professionalism will help re- 6. http://www.nber.org/papers/w17176 extremely difficult for people to be creative, duce the teacher dropout rate. Communities 7. http://all4ed.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ organized, or optimally high functioning. with scarce resources may find it hard to PathToEquity.pdf “There should be a plan to replace teachers when they are burned out; or those who leave for other personal reasons. It is very difficult to leave due to feeling guilty over inappropriate replacements. After providing a decent financial package, leaders should work to ensure that policies and procedure exist and that they are applied across cultural, ethnic, familial, and monetary lines. There is nothing more damaging to my morale than seeing ‘back home’ politics rampant at Islamic schools.” In summary, this survey provides some insight into the world of educators in full- time North American Islamic schools. The overwhelming majority of participants en- joyed the school’s Islamic working environment, despite having to deal with the disrespect they sometimes receive from parents, the community and their students. The lack of structure/support and poor benefits appear to be the major reasons why teachers leave. Even if they do end up staying, many of them are dissatisfied with their working

28 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016

EDUCATION Constructing Muslim Identity in the Classroom Through collaborative and deliberate efforts, educators can construct a positive Muslim identity for their students.

BY PATRICIA SALAHUDDIN

o construct or build any- reflecting upon our own experiences, we thing, one has to start from a plan strengthen what God breathed into us before or design that provides a blue- we were born: our innate character (fitrah). print on how to evaluate the com- Through guided discussions of experiences Tpleted structure’s appearance. After that is in and discovery, children learn to hold God In his words, “Good teaching cannot be replace, the builder determines the material and His creation in awe, which engenders duced to technique; good teaching comes and resources needed to produce the desired their awareness of and love for Him. The from the identity and integrity of the teach- structure. God, the Planner and Designer in goal is to form an identity that seeks only er.” This statement supports the importance terms of constructing the Muslim identity, to please God, “O humanity, worship your of Muslim teachers increasing their Islamic describes the final product in Q. 23:1-11. Sustainer, who created you and those who knowledge. Thus, this goal should be a major With the Quran and Sunnah as materials lived before you, so that you might remain component of each Muslim teacher’s pro- and resources, the constructor is entrusted conscious of Him” (Q. 2:21). fessional development. In fact, it should be with implementing the building plan. In essence, to develop taqwa the builder just as (if not more) important as perfecting When it comes to constructing our own must also think about creating an environ- their knowledge of reading, math or any character, each person is responsible for ment that will allow children to experience other discipline or subject. Obtaining this developing steps or strategies, setting the things that can shape or construct it. Three knowledge will enable them to become more plan in motion and properly utilizing the pedagogical strategies can help teachers effective role models of Islamic values and materials and resources. Al-Bayhaqi’s hadith achieve this goal in the classroom: modeling, practices and prepare them to construct their collection contains the Prophet’s (sallallahu storytelling and service-learning. students’ Muslim by example. ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement: “Whenever a Modeling: The familiar adage “Actions Imagine the benefits that their students Muslim endeavors to do something, he/she speak louder than words” highlights the in- would derive if this were to become a reality. seeks to perfect it.” In other words, we should fluence of action over speaking. Teachers Such teachers would become conscious of strive diligently in all of our endeavors. who exhibit the behavior expected from stu- their actions’ underlying intentions, posi- Before we start this process, we need to dents are far more effective in constructing tive and compassionate in their interactions, consider two things: the necessity of a de- Muslim identity than those who just lecture concerned with their wellbeing, empathetic liberate effort (purpose) and the fact that or talk about it. and therefore able to teach empathy, and God is in control and thus the outcome is According to character education re- peaceful communicators whose words not in our hands (limitations). Neverthe- searchers, modeling is the most effective would heal and calm the soul. In short, they less, we are responsible for putting forth the strategy for teaching character (Berkowitz, would know the difference between “firm” maximum effort. M.W., & Bier, M.C. [2004]. Research-based and “mean.” To construct Muslim identity in the con- character education, Annals of the Amer- According to K. Ryan and K. Bohlin text of the classroom, the essential question ican Academy of Political and Social Sci- [1999]. Building character in schools: Prac- is: What pedagogical strategies are effective ence, 591, 71-85.) and almost anything tical ways to bring moral instruction to life. in constructing positive images of the Mus- else. Therefore, teachers should embody a Thousand Oaks, CA: Jossey-Bass), students lim self? Quran 23:1-11 informs us that the positive Muslim identity themselves if they learn from the person, not the teacher. Hence, main element of Muslim identity is taqwa, are serious about constructing a positive the person charged with constructing a pos- which is defined as God-consciousness and Muslim identity in students. One effective itive Muslim identity has to exhibit his/her the sincere determination to please Him in way to achieve that is to study the life of own positive Muslim self-image. Prophet whatever we do. That is a pretty strong ele- Prophet Muhammad, obviously the mod- Muhammad is the model that we follow and ment. Can we really expect children to do el Muslim, and apply his Sunnah to their teach our students to follow. To be effective that? Do we do that? personal and professional lives. constructors of Muslim identity, teachers Taqwa is the foundation upon which the Parker J. Palmer, founder and senior part- must project that image of positive Muslim Muslim’s core identity rests. The integrity of ner of the Center for Courage & Renewal, identity onto their students and thereby il- the subsequent walls and roof, as well as the focuses on issues in education, community, luminate the light from within. entire structure, depends heavily upon it. By leadership, spirituality and social change. Storytelling: Do you remember Super-

30 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 parables in this Quran, so that they might a Fire whose fuel is people and stones” bethink themselves.” The Islamic tradition (Q. 66:6). When students walk through contains many stories/parables upon which the school’s doors, they become members one can reflect and learn. of its family and therefore are entitled to

THROUGH REFLECTION, STUDENTS MAY CONTEMPLATE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS WITH THE CHARACTER’S BEHAVIOR. HOW WOULD THEY REACT IN A SIMILAR SITUATION? IS THIS A TRAIT THEY WOULD LIKE TO STRIVE TO OBTAIN OR PERFECT IN THEIR OWN LIVES?

man, Batman, Spiderman and the stories Service-Learning: Charity is Islam’s its protection. Through collaborative and behind them? Those stories are popular be- third principle. Service-Learning, a pow- deliberate efforts, educators can construct cause everyone loves a good story with a hero erful pedagogical instructional strategy, in- a positive Muslim identity for them. By that exhibits shared values or traits. A teacher tegrates meaningful community service with working together, stakeholders can create in an Islamic school has many opportuni- learning and reflection and also promotes an environment that will produce lessons ties to construct a positive Muslim identity the Islamic principle worshipping God by and learning experiences that encourage through stories. The Qur’an and ahadith offer serving others, namely, charity. According students to love and live Islamic values. parables and stories about people who had to Colorado State University, which offers Patricia Salahuddin, Ed.D., CEO, Muslim Teachers Associ- exemplary characters, as well as those who programs such as Student Leadership, In- ation, board secretary, Council of Islamic Schools of North did not (Salahuddin, P. [2011]). Character volvement and Community Engagement America, board member, Islamic Schools League of America, education: A case study of a Muslim school’s (SLiCE), this approach benefits the students and board chairperson, Clara Mohammed Schools curricula. Germany: Scholar’s Press). both academically and effectively because When constructing Muslim identity it enhances their critical thinking and an- through storytelling, select the value or alytical skills while preparing them to be behavior you wish to teach, the historical life-long learners, good citizens and more figure or Companion who exhibits it and effective and socially developed individuals. allow students to analyze and reflect upon As a land-grant institution, Colorado State the person’s value and behavior. Who would upholds service and outreach as essential el- not want to identify with Abu Bakr al-Sid- ements of its mission. But most importantly, diq’s loyalty to and love for the Prophet with they experience moral and ethical growth. Khadijah’s wisdom, courage and strength? Service-Learning not only empowers and Stories give students opportunities to raise gives them a sense of belonging to a com- ELECTRONIC FUNDS questions, discuss and listen to the views munity of compassionate and giving people, of their classmates (Ryan & Bohlin [1999]). but also transforms them into change agents TRANSFER — Through reflection, students may contem- in their community and the world. A good deed done regularly! plate personal connections with the char- Implementing the relevant instructional acter’s behavior. How would they react in a strategies could help their students build a You can make a significant impact similar situation? Is this a trait they would positive Muslim identity. The websites of on the quality of ISNA’s services by like to strive to obtain or perfect in their Edutopia (www.edutopia.org), Buck Insti- contributing through EFT. own lives? tute for Education (https://www.facebook. As little as $10 per month will Storytelling is the oldest and one of the com/biepbl) and the Teaching Channel help ISNA to serve the Muslim most effective strategies for teaching. To im- (https://www.teachingchannel.org) con- plement it, select the Muslim trait you want tain a great deal of useful information in American community through to highlight, as well as the Muslim figure this regard. effective leadership and state (historical or contemporary) who exhibits The condensed steps for its implementa- of the art training seminars for it, and then create a grade-appropriate les- tion are as follows: Select a value or behavior imams, Muslim chaplains and son so students can explore and discover to highlight or teach, discuss it with your community leaders. information about the character, reflect and students, allow them to suggest a project then make personal connection with him/ and then plan, implement and reflect. Sign up today to donate through EFT. her. As Q. 39:27 states, “Thus, indeed, have God reminds us, “O you who believe, WWW.ISNA.NET/DONATE We propounded unto humanity all kinds of protect yourselves and your families from

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 31 EDUCATION Islamic Schools vs. Public Schools While the issue of “Islamic school or public school” is grapple but moving one’s children between schools has become increasingly common.

BY NAAZISH YARKHAN Due to this quest, Naazneen Shah’s three children have attended Islamic and Catho- go to the best school in lic parochial schools, as well as public and the world, where everything regular private schools. It wasn’t always a is halal,” proclaimed a Texas choice, for each city to which her husband’s kindergartner upon returning job took their family meant new schools. “Ihome. She had transitioned to an Islamic She says, “There are pluses and minuses school after doing pre-K at a private school. to every school.” At Islamic schools, she finds Upon inquiry, she was told that everything that even though teachers may do their best, in her new school was halal. resources are limited. “A gym has to be a gym Many Muslim American parents grapple rather than just giving kids a basketball and with the issue of “Islamic school or public asking them to play.” Another example is school,” for they want to provide their children differentiated learning. “By middle school, the best in terms of both worlds, while striving kids in public schools are divided into higher for their salvation. And here lies the struggle. need groups, accelerated and average groups. Consequently, moving one’s children between But at an Islamic school, although they may schools has become increasingly common. do a great job overall, that differentiation A Muslimah’s Bubble Bursts BY INAYAH ALI children rush into the building, trying to be the first ones to reach and then open their lockers. It took me a while to ogically, the perfect time for get the hang of how to open the lock. entering a public school would Action began with the sounding of the be the beginning of middle bell; course books fell on the floor, papers school. But I did so when I was L12, and immediately discovered the stark difference between the hustle and bustle BEFORE STARTING flew in the air, and scurrying feet every- of public school and the quiet and peace where tried to make it to class on time. I of being homeschooled. SCHOOL, I DECIDED had never worried about being tardy or Being homeschooled, my Islamic up- TO WEAR THE HIJAB getting a detention after three tardies. bringing was valued and I did not have I spent my first day on “mute,” feeling to make friends beyond my community. AND SHOULDER THE nauseous as my entire body shook. The It took a couple days of lunching alone RESPONSIBILITIES rest of the day felt like a whirlwind, going and having no partners in classes for me from class to class. to realize that I had to take the initiative THAT CAME WITH IT. to make friends by showing my fellow TEACHING STYLES students who I am, being self-confident, STUDENTS STARED My transition was more overwhelming breaking into existing school clusters and AT ME ODDLY FOR than other homeschooled kids had said becoming more comfortable with my it would be. My classes usually con- surroundings. WHAT FELT LIKE tained around 25 to 32 students, which I was initially overwhelmed, especially FOREVER. was something new for me. Other new on the first day as I watched so many things were the facts that now I was

32 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 isn’t possible.” This is all the more true if demic standards at her Islamic school secured one’s children are on the extremes of the her honors classes when she entered a public curve for gifted or ADD students. At Islam- high school. Still, she wishes that the admin- ic schools, she also discovered that school istration had been more aware of high school politics influence the overall environment. requirements, for their advice threw off all A stay-at-home mom, Shah advocates a four years of her high school math career. hands-on approach regardless of the school. In high school, Noreen discovered that

WHILE SHE CONCEDES THAT CHILDREN ARE RESILIENT AND ADAPTABLE, SHE DOESN’T RECOMMEND CHANGING SCHOOLS DURING OR AFTER MIDDLE SCHOOL.

A PTA parent, room mom and school volun- she “didn’t have an (understanding) of how teer, she remarks, “I’ve seen people at differ- the grading system worked, and some teach- ent schools drop off their kids and that’s the ers were quickly frustrated by the ‘clueless end. You need to have [a] connection with freshman’ routine. However, for me it wasn’t the school and its teachers. It’s teamwork. a routine. I genuinely hadn’t had to deal with And, you have to work with your kids.” factors like passing periods and how GPAs While she concedes that children are were calculated for honors classes.” resilient and adaptable, she doesn’t recom- Gym class, especially, was a surprise, for mend changing schools during or after mid- “now we had to change our clothes and ac- dle school, an experience that her daughter tually received a grade based on heart rate Noreen found quite hard. “That is my biggest monitors and performance, as opposed to regret. The middle school years are prep for how polite you were to your teacher.” high school. Make sure you’re in a similar Socially, freshman year was a nightmare. environment.” “I joined [the] cross-country [team] in the Noreen, 17, Shah’s eldest, agrees. The aca- hopes of making more friends, and I think

me in absolute disbelief when I would fix sire to wear it again helped me become my scarf, thereby momentarily revealing more confident about being different. my hair. “You have hair?” they would ask The extremely welcoming staff and in confusion. the satisfaction of knowing that this was Others thought I didn’t know English, my school gave me the boost I needed. that I was just quiet and weird. For the Two months later, after much hard work, I first couple of days it hurt to be on the re- felt that I belonged — I had even created ceiving end of other students’ dirty looks. a good group of friends. The anxiety of They looked at me and would wonder schoolwork, as well as my fear of Had- why I was talking and trying to make ley Junior High’s nerve-wracking, noisy friends with them. Their looks said, “Who and crowded atmosphere, diminished. responsible for my own learning, had would want to be friends with you?” It The real me — funny, talkative, friendly, to ask the teacher for help if I needed was a rough and seemingly never-ending intelligent and curious — opened up. it, had to deal with standardized tests beginning. People still ask if I have hair or shower and compete for grades. The first time I went to various clubs (e.g., year- while wearing my hijab. Such questions I took a standardized test I felt like I was book, speech team and art tech) and encourage me to reveal who I really am drowning, for I had no idea what would sat at different lunch tables, hoping for and what my faith represents. Now, if I happen after pressing the “start” button someone or something to click. During could choose to be homeschooled or on the Measures of Academic Progress classes I would be the first one up to find attend public school, I would pick the (MAP) standardized test. partners for assignments. I tried to ignore latter because it helped me grow and the whispers, which made making friends see outside my little bubble. I learned HIJAB, MODESTY, RELIGION a battle. I gradually decided that it was not to judge and to have the confidence Before starting school, I decided to wear time to be confident, to shine. to be myself. the hijab and shoulder the responsibili- My classmate Farah had tried wearing ties that came with it. Students stared at hijab in the 5th grade, but had lacked Inayah Ali, who attends Hadley Junior High, enjoys cooking me oddly for what felt like forever. The the confidence to keep going. After we and playing with her siblings. She has written for The bathrooms were the worst. Girls stared at became friends in the 6th grade, her de- Crescent newspaper and the MBA Muslimah magazine.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 33 EDUCATION

that was the only reason I wasn’t alone. Ev- At Islamic school, it’s just built in to the grade to grade. She grew self-conscious and eryone [already] had their friends groups, schedule.” Plus she finds that praying ‘asr refused to participate. I realized this is in late and joining one was near impossible. My and dhuhr makes it easier to remember to first grade and I thought it would improve. confidence in joining clubs and assuming pray maghrib and ‘isha. But despite the teacher’s efforts, she didn’t the sought-after ‘leadership’ role was difficult Chaudry’s elementary-aged children are participate all the way through second grade.” as a result, although I am typically an extro- still at Hania’s former non-parochial private Her parents enrolled her in public school verted, friendly person. Other kids couldn’t school. “I am trying to let the kids decide for the following two years, only to learn that always understand why I had no idea [of] on their own. Otherwise, their motivation she was gossiping, using slang, and being what was happening,” she says. and desire to go to school will be affected,” disrespectful. “Her teacher mentioned that However, she eventually figured things she relates. Public school, however, isn’t an Tasneem’s friends were bad for her, but how out. Today, as an aide in the guidance coun- option. “I was willing to consider public long can kids keep away from their friends? selor’s office, she gives tours to new students. schools, but not my husband. It’s a lot more She was so easily impressed by these girls,” “I always make sure to point out all the things liberal, with a lot of peer pressure.” says Hafiz. I used to get wrong. I’ve heard from so many “The company they keep matters. I didn’t students [that] they felt so much more con- ACADEMICS AND ADAB want her to develop a dual personality. I want fident after my insights. The experience of “An Islamic environment is critical in the my children to know that values come from struggling makes one the best teacher.” formative years,” says Sultana Parveen of the Creator and not the culture.” Oakland County, Mich. “Having your teach- The Hafiz family has opted for an online THE QURAN, SALAT AND ers say certain phrases and duas is funda- Islamic homeschooling program that, be- ARABIC A PRIORITY mental at a young age.” sides academics, enables children to socialize After elementary school, Aisha Chaudry’s Although she considered the academics in a supervised chatroom and meet offline at eldest daughter Hania transitioned from a pri- at her children’s Islamic school to be great, play dates. “I like the online Islamic school vate non-parochial school to an Islamic one. their adab was raising doubts in her mind. — not just the curriculum, but that the kids “[She] was 12 when she wanted to switch,” “As a teacher at the same Islamic school my- learn the Quran as part of their day.” says Chaudry. “She was the one to take the self, I had students who would not listen and Three themes emerged in these conver- first step. As a former Islamic school stu- complained to their parents. I’d get into trou- sations: (1) Your home is your children’s dent myself, I was concerned about how ble with the administration for no reason.” first school. The foundation you give them professional they’d be. Also, academically Her students’ lack of manners made her at home is the most important one. A stable Hania was challenged [intellectually] at her uncomfortable. “Tarbiyah starts at home. Is- family environment makes all the difference; private school.” lamic school isn’t the solution to making kids (2) Know your children. Choose what works Hania was tested and allowed to skip good Muslims. It’s how you raise them inside for their individual needs. The perfect fit for a grade at her new school. “A challenging the home. Whatever else you add to the mix each of them could differ; and (3) Be involved. curriculum had been my main concern, as helps or hinders that. If my kids hear swear- Success at school stems from teamwork it affects motivation and kids’ willingness to ing at public school, I can tell them [that] among parents, teachers and students. learn,” her mother relates. She quickly saw that swearing is neither Islamic nor acceptable.” Naazish YarKhan is a U.S. college essay coach and inter- the teachers were “incredibly professional.” Parveen also realizes that learning the nationally published writer. “We receive more feedback here than [at] right study habits is important. “At pub- her previous school. Even technology wise, lic school their study habits are different. report card and homework assignments are Anyone can learn, but how you learn, how all online, so parents know if there is a prob- you study, how you extract information and ELECTRONIC lem.” She also noted a big plus — Arabic and remember the material is critical.” the Quran became a staple part of the day. Her own children’s move to public school FUNDS “I am really happy, because I don’t have as after the third grade was originally worrying, TRANSFER — much time with my four kids.” since they had never been in a non-Islamic A good deed done regularly! Hania finds that being around a lot of environment. “But we have the blessing of be- Muslims “is one of the nicest things. We can ing in a great school district academically, and You can make a significant impact do the Quran and Islamic studies homework there isn’t a lack of multiculturalism. A hijabi on the quality of ISNA’s services by together.” She also likes being able to discuss teacher is one of the most-loved teachers.” contributing through EFT. current events from a Muslim standpoint. HOME SCHOOLING AND As little as $10 per month will help “It makes me feel like we’re safe and there ISNA to serve the Muslim American are more people like me.” ONLINE OPTIONS community through effective One of the best things, she remarks, is Like Parveen, the children’s peers influenced communication to media organizations, not missing her prayers. “In my old school I Innaya Hafiz’s decision to homeschool her government and civic agencies on was the only one praying, even if there were children. behalf of all Muslim Americans. other Muslim students. I had to find a place Tasneem, then 5, had a rough start in Is- to pray every time the room (assigned) was lamic school. Fellow kindergarteners teased Sign up today to donate through EFT. busy. During winter, I’d forget sometimes her about her insistence on wearing hijab. WWW.ISNA.NET/DONATE and I’d have to pray when I came home. “It’s one classroom, so the same kids go from

34 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016

EDUCATION

#WNDB While reading diverse literature allows readers to experience different cultures and belief systems, as well as to develop empathy Why We Need and understanding for them, there is a shortage of such literature for children. The national #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign was launched in April 2014 to respond to this unfortunate reality. It is still going strong. Aisha Saeed, lawyer, Diverse Books mother, author of “Written in the Do Muslim Americans realize the role that Stars” (Nancy Paulsen Books: 2015) and a co-founder of the campaign, diverse books can play in defeating hate? was the first to tweet the #WeNeed- DiverseBooks hashtag. BY NAAZISH YARKHAN According to the campaign, “In a survey of 2,000 schools, 90 percent of the educators believed [that] ast year, level 3 students at Lincoln Elementary children would become more en- School in Glen Ellyn, Ill., read Linda Sue Park’s “A Long thusiastic readers if they had books Walk to Water” (HMH reflecting their lives.” Further, a June Books for Young Read- 2013 study conducted by publishers Lers: Reprint 2011). The novel chron- Lee and Low Books found that only icles the misfortunes faced by a lost 10 percent of American children’s Sudanese boy. literature had diverse characters, even though 37 percent of the U.S. “There was a scene within the population comprises people of color. “It’s a gap that’s remained book describing the horrible suf- steady from 1994-2013—18 years!” fering of the refugees who had to cross over the scorching Sahara A REFLECTION OF MYSELF desert without shoes,” says Cecilia “Kids need to be able to see themselves in books, and they can’t White, the school’s digital literacy do that if all the characters look and speak one specific way,” says specialist. “Our students were so Illinois resident Farrah Naz Qazi, lawyer and author. Her picture moved by hardships experienced book “Zachariah’s Perfect Day” is about her close friend Masooda by the 11-year-old-character Salva, Rahman’s son, Zachariah, at a time when she had no children of that they had to take action. When her own. they realized the absence of such a basic necessity as shoes, they And it’s not just the minority children who benefit from mul- decided to hold a shoe drive.” ticultural literature. “We need books that show people of all races, Lincoln Elementary collected over 1,000 pairs of shoes to send religions and backgrounds so all our kids can better understand to Sudan. this multicultural world. So let’s build our libraries with diversity Today’s American schools are more diverse than ever before. and watch the change that happens in all our children’s confidence When minorities are reflected in a culture’s literature, it doesn’t just and global understanding,” says Qazi. foster a deeper understanding of the “other,” but also acknowledges Austin, TX, author Shaila Ab- the validity of the “other’s” voice and feelings. In White’s school, dullah and her middle-school refugees from all over the world sit side-by-side with kids who have daughter Aanyah Abdullah take it only called America home. She has seen firsthand how literature a step further. Their books feature allows her students to walk in the shoes of another. Muslim characters and address spe- “A few years ago, one of our Caudill books was called “Bamboo cial needs. This mother-daughter People” (Charlesbridge: 2010). This duo explores “cerebral palsy, art, and book talked about the war going on friendship” in My “Friend Suhana” in Burma between the Burmese and (Loving Healing Press: 2014), a pic- the Karenni. One of the characters ture book based on Aanyah’s friend- was a young injured Burmese soldier ship with a child who has cerebral who could have been killed by the palsy. They met each other at a local Karenni soldiers who found him. But community center where Aanyah instead they spared him. My Karen- and her mother volunteered. ni students were elated to read this Shaila Abdullah’s “A Manual book and share it with their fellow for Marco” (Loving Healing Press: students. The author, Mitali Perkins, 2015) is another picture book based provided an experiential narrative to on a real family. The story centers depict what life was like in Burma for on being the sibling of an autistic our Karenni students,” White noted. child. Not only does it help children

36 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 in that particular situation navigate unwieldy emotions, it also offers AT A TIME WHEN MUSLIM a list of online resources for their families. Both picture books have been widely praised for their beautiful illustrations and insightful AMERICANS ARE WONDERING resources, as well as for choosing to acknowledge the diversity that HOW TO BREAK DOWN THE differently abled children offer. WALLS OF BIGOTRY, THE BREAKING DOWN WALLS IMPORTANCE OF ACCESSIBLE Diversity in literature doesn’t stop with children’s literature. At a time DIVERSE LITERATURE CANNOT BE when Muslim Americans are wondering how to break down the walls of bigotry, the importance of accessible diverse literature cannot OVERSTATED. be overstated. “Reading multicultural fiction is an excellent way to introduce yourself to a different perspective,” says Houston-based Saadia Faruqi, author of “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage if there is no perceived demand. This is also the fate of Muslim from Pakistan” (FB Publishing: authors’ books when no one buys them. #RamadanReads, a twitter 2015) and editor-in-chief of Blue campaign and novelist Saeed’s brainchild, has been featured from Minaret Literary Journal. “Especial- NBC to Huffington Post to Patheos.com. It urges Muslims to buy ly if we don’t feel confident enough books if they want stores to carry them. If a store doesn’t carry a to approach someone who looks dif- title, asking for it makes all the difference. Asking at local libraries ferent or foreign or alien, we can also keeps books in circulation. Helping set up a Holiday or Ra- read about them. Fiction allows us madan display at a library helps others learn of a book’s existence. to open our minds, think critically Books featuring Muslims and Muslim characters also make great and creatively and learn about ‘the gifts to public and school libraries. “The walls of ignorance begin other.’ If we do this long enough, to crumble when the reader is invited to experience the culture of there is no ‘other’ anymore.” another. As readers, we celebrate the holidays unfamiliar to us,” says When Faruqi wrote “Brick White, “we cry over the suffering in lands far away from us and we are Walls,” interracial understanding moved to fight the injustice and genocide experienced by our fellow was her goal. And readers’ feedback brothers and sisters around the world.” As a sign of respect, involve says that she’s got game. According the librarian from the onset by discussing the list of books you want to her, after reading her book, “people realized how similar the hu- to donate, as one Lincoln School parent did with White. Not only will man experience is all around the world. They now feel comfortable you keep books by Muslims in circulation, readers and the school approaching someone who’s Muslim, or Pakistani, or brown...” will treasure your gift long after your children have graduated. Faruqui also encourages immigrants to make an effort to understand “the other.” “We can talk about being diverse, but are we Naazish YarKhan is a U.S. college essay coach and internationally published writer. making diverse friends? Are we benefitting from a diverse lifestyle? Many of us are not.” Diversity in literature doesn’t stop with fiction. FIRST MUSLIM SCOUTS “The quicker a society bridges the gap between demographic changes and its public narratives — literary, social, journalistic, NATIONAL JAMBOREE CAMP MINSI, POCONO, SUMMIT, Penn. political — the more inclusive they’d become, and the more people INVITATION FOR PARTICIPATION would have a sense of belonging. This is an essential element of July 31 to Aug 6, 2016 the equality of citizens. All groups are entitled to the dignity of This historic Jamboree, being the first-ever event of its kind and is a once in a lifetime fair intellectual representation,” says the author of “Being Muslim,” opportunity for scouts and scouters from both North America and abroad. This mini- Toronto Star editor emeritus Haroon Siddiqui. The recently released jamboree serves as a precursor to the National Boy Scouts Jamboree at the Bechtel “The Relevance of the Islamic Identity in Canada” (Mawenzi House Reserve in 2017 http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/jamboree-registration/ Publishers, Ltd.: 2015) includes es- Don’t miss out! Make sure you have a spot by registering TODAY (http://www.minsitrails. says by Siddiqui, who adds, “This org/event/2016-national-muslim-boy-scout-jamboreeunit/1811872). is particularly important for im- Imam Anwer Ali, President Islamic Council on Scouting of North migrant nations, and the U.S. and Syed Ehtesham Naqvi, Canada do this better than Europe, Chairman, National Islamic Committee on Scouting Boy Scouts of America which is now paying the price of Imam Izak’El Pasha being in denial of the immigrants Chairman, Jamboree Chief, First National Muslim Boy Scouts Jamboree amidst them and in greater denial of For information, please contact: their stories and dreams and hopes.” First National Muslim Boy Scout Jamboree Committee: OUT OF PRINT National Islamic Committee on Scouting, What happens to books when no Boy Scouts of America P.O. Box 857 • Edison, NJ 08818 one purchases them? They go out Phone: 732-801-1283 of print. Stores don’t carry books

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 37 ISNA WEST COAST EDUCATION FORUM

ISNA secretary general Hazem Bata presents awards to Imam Saadiq Saafir and Imam Jihad Saafir. Envisioning Authentic Islamic Schools ISNA West Coast Education Forum holds 5th annual meeting.

BY FARYAL M. KHATRI beyond the classroom by, for example, attending their activities. Ali concentrated on authentic knowledge by looking at the he spiritual aspect of ating an environment in which our children’s Quran and Sunnah as Islam’s core sources. Islam is important, but personalities will change for the better? Al-Hasan, who examined authentic gov- also be sure to instill the ernance, asked “Should Islamic schools be component of activism A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING non-profits or run as businesses?” Labadi, “Tinto our children,” said ISNA secretary gen- The event began with a panel discussion of in her analysis of authentic leadership, en- eral Hazem Bata at the inaugural session leading experts: Omar Ezzeldine, a fellow couraged attendees to apply lessons from of the 5th Annual West Coast Education at the Institute for Social Policy and Under- the Quran in the classroom and make the Forum (WCEF). The event was held during standing, ISNA-Canada executive director Sunnah relevant to their students’ lives. Jan. 15-16, 2016, in Newport Beach, Calif. Abdalla Idris Ali, Sadeq Al-Hassan, director Every year, this forum brings educators of Masjid Annur, and Susan Labadi, Presi- FURTHER EXPLORATION and administrators together with experts in dent, Genius School, Inc. Claremont School After the plenary session and small group education and organizational management of Theology president Jihad Turk moderated. discussions, the two-day program offered in order to network, collaborate and propose Panelist shared their insights in an attempt to four tracks: Arabic Studies, Religious/Is- innovative solutions to common challenges. deepen the audience’s understanding. After lamic Studies, Curriculum and Instruction, The ensuing discussions explored the theme this, attendees broke into small panelist-led and Leadership Board and Administration. of authentic Islamic schools by looking at groups to analyze a specific aspect. Breaking into tracks helps attendees focus these and other questions: Is an authentic Ezzeldine, who focused on authentic discussions based on their role and area of Islamic school following the Prophet’s (salla teaching, advised attendees to participate interest. Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) teachings? Is it cre- in their students’ interest and support them The Arabic Studies track featured the four

38 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 sessions: (1) “Every Minute Counts: Em- Leadership: A Blue Ribbon Combination,” brought together WCEF attendees, spe- powering Instruction by Using Ready to Use led by Dina Eletreby, head of school for New cial guests and local leaders to recognize Materials” led by National Arabic Teacher Horizon School in Irvine, and Uzma Said, the community’s goals, achievements and Association president Lina Kholaki; (2) the director of elementary program at New service. two-part “Making Arabic Matter to Your Horizon School, and (2) “Development of ISNA honored Imam Saadiq Saafir, who Students: Insights on Meaningful Language a Strategic Plan for Islamic Schools,” led by founded the ILM Foundation and led efforts Learning” led by Mouna Mana, a specialist Rafik Beekun, professor of management and to coordinate the historic International Day in language pedagogy; and (3) “Focusing strategy at the University of Nevada. Beekun of the Family, and his son Imam Jihad Saa- fir. ILM quickly became known for hosting excellent interfaith gatherings, family work- SIMILAR TO HOW THE PROPHET TAUGHT shops, toy drives, college tours and feeding the homeless. In 2005, Jihad took on more PEOPLE TO PERFECT MANNERS, WE NEED TO responsibilities at Masjid Ibaadillah, where TEACH CHILDREN BEYOND MATH, SCIENCE he has served since 1986. Ever since becom- AND READING. WE NEED TO TEACH THEM ing its imam in 2008, he has continued his father’s vision by serving the community GOOD CHARACTER. and holding weekly Islamic studies classes. “Until we solve the issue of not including sisters in our masjids, we will not prosper on Interpersonal Skills: Fun Activities for remarked that “Too often Islamic schools are as a community,” Bata stressed as he spoke Weekend School Learners,” led by Samar not organized: students show up when they about the ongoing need to create space for Dalati-Ghannoum, a master teacher in the want, parents view it as a glorified daycare” and include women in our masjids and or- Aldeen Startalk summer program in Pasa- and then added, “You need to ask yourself: ganizations. dena, Calif. According to this last speaker, Where are we going? Where could we be Keynote speaker Gasser Hathout, a com- “Similar to how the Prophet taught people to going and how to we get there?” munity leader, reflected upon the impor- perfect manners, we need to teach children During the concluding session, attendees tance of educating and talking to our youth beyond math, science and reading. We need shared various key lessons and take-aways, about Islamic teachings based on the Quran to teach them good character.” such as how to connect and build a relation- and Hadith as a way to protect them from The Religious/Islamic Studies track fea- ship with students, motivate them, make extremism and to build their confidence tured (1) “Expanding Horizons Through Islamic studies relevant in schools, access during a time of heightened anti-Muslim Curriculum and Diversity,” led by Ameena the countless amount of resources they need rhetoric. Jandali, founding member and director of to be on the cutting edge and how to equip The banquet featured nasheed artist Bas- content for Islamic Networks Group, and students to be 21st-century learners. sem Rashidi, who was accompanied by area Margari Hill, co-founder and programming students. director of Muslim Anti-Racism Collabora- CELEBRATION BANQUET tive (MuslimARC), and (2) “Practical Ways On January 15, the Celebration Banquet Faryal M. Khatri is editorial assistant, Islamic Horizons. on How to Keep Students Motivated in the Islamic Studies Classroom,” led by Waseem Peracha, director of Islamic Studies at the Michigan Islamic Academy. He advised attendees, “Give out surveys to kids to see what interests them at the beginning of the year. At the end of the year, send a survey of whether or not they improved Islamically.” The Curriculum and Instruction track comprised (1) “Creating an Effective Week- end School Classroom,” led by Adita Arya, founder of AIM Academy, a weekend school at the Islamic Center of Irvine, and (2) “The Connected Digital School: Using Google Apps to Create, Collaborate and Share,” led by Amira Abdel-Aal, a teacher at New Hori- zon Elementary School in Irvine. Abdel-Aal elaborated upon Google Apps for Education (GAFE) as a powerful productivity resource available to schools and teachers at no cost. The Leadership Board and Administra- tion track presented (1) “Data and Strategic

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 39 CONFERENCE REPORT

of this topic through presentations given The Role Schools Can Play in by Mussarat Jabeen, principal of Al-Iman School in Raleigh, N.C., Patricia Salahuddin, founding member of the Muslim Teachers Constructing a Muslim Identity Association, and other prominent Muslim educators. Their case studies highlighted What role schools can play in this endeavour? the contentious terrain that today’s youth have to navigate while constructing their BY SHAZA KHAN identities. In this session, school leaders Retreat participants joined in theme-cen- engaged in an activity that pushed them raving the palpable climate tered reflective walks, presentations and to consider the differing perspectives of of fear, nearly thirty Muslim ed- action-planning sessions. The theme’s im- parents, students and teachers: They were ucators from across the nation portance was self-evident, for this goal is asked to imagine how they would respond traveled to the professional re- embedded in the vision and mission of every to restrictive parents, confusion between Btreat hosted by the Islamic Schools League Islamic school. However, considering Amer- cultural and religious expectations and the of America (ISLA) in New Braunfels, TX, on icans’ constant exposure to Islamophobia via exploration of sexual identities within the Dec. 4-6, 2015. With the San Bernardino at- politicians, mainstream and social media context of identity construction. tacks having taken place only two days before and, increasingly, everyday encounters, the These case studies, drawn from the re- and the Paris attacks less than a month earlier, question of how Islamic school leaders help al-life experiences of Muslim educators, some they gathered to explore a topic that could students build their identity has become even of whom work in Islamic schools, were used not have been more timely: “Constructing more complicated. to help attendees become better prepared to Muslim Identity: The Role of the School.” Participants explored various aspects respond to similar scenarios in the future.

40 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 Seema Imam, associate professor at MUSLIM AMERICANS SHOULD ACCEPT AND National-Louis University, highlighted the importance of considering how an Is- ISLAMIZE THOSE CULTURAL SYMBOLS AND lamic school’s institutional identity is ac- TRADITIONS OF MAINSTREAM CULTURE tually constructed. For example, student THAT DO NOT CONTRADICT ISLAM.” and faculty participation, or lack thereof, in community service projects, interscho- —Imam Zaid Shakir lastic tournaments and interfaith dialogue reveal how the school views itself vis-à-vis and traditions of mainstream culture that educators via the ISLA listserv and other the surrounding community. She stressed do not contradict Islam. He related how professional networking resources. that school leaders must purposefully reflect Muslims did this as Islam spread into such ISLA, a global umbrella organization for upon their schools’ institutional identities if non-Arab lands as Persia and Andalusia, as Islamic schools, primarily serves Muslim ed- they are to truly occupy an important space well as the Muslim educator’s relationship ucators working in North America. Its active in American society. to his/her pupils’ identity construction. In listserv allows them to discuss hiring prac- Guest scholar Imam Zaid Shakir prior- a well-known hadith, Prophet Muham- tices, curriculum and instruction, along with itized the various historical and religious mad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told a wide range of other school-related issues, perspectives on identity formation to help us, “A man is upon the religion of his best and keeps them informed of professional attendees cultivate a more contextualized friend, so let one of you look at whom he development opportunities nationwide. This understanding of the challenges Muslims befriends” (Sunan Abu Dawud 4833). Imam organization, which has conducted the ISLA have always faced regarding this topic. He Zaid pointedly reminded audience members Leadership Retreat for four years now, seeks stressed the need for Muslim Americans to that as principals and educators, we are our to draw Islamic school leaders into natural accept and Islamize those cultural symbols students’ companions. Therefore, we must outdoor settings that enable them to culti- scrutinize how we develop our own under- vate spiritual development while focusing standing of Islam and do our best to become on professional growth. better Muslims. Shaza Khan, member, program committee, ISLA board Salahuddin and Shaza Khan, a curricu- member; teacher, Austin Peace Academy; and editor, Noorart lum developer and teacher at Austin Peace Academy, discussed appropriate teaching strategies, including modeling, inquiry and Religious Coordinator critical media literacy. Kathy Jamil, an assistant principal at a Buffalo, N.Y. public school Wanted and board member of Universal School in Buffalo, N.Y., analyzed how school leaders The Islamic Center of Yuma (AZ) should obtain various constituents’ buy-in is seeking applications for a before implementing a new initiative. Fawzia part-time or full-time religious Tung, a psychiatrist and founder of Islamic coordinator to serve its growing and charter schools in Arizona, and Mathew diverse Muslim community. Moes, an independent educational consul- Qualifications: tant for Razi Education, led reflective walks. •• A Bachelor’s or equivalent These outings helped participants develop degree in Islamic Studies their own spirituality by asking thoughtful from an accredited Islamic questions about their professional and per- higher education institution. •• Must be fluent in English sonal lives and engaging in dhikr and salawat and Arabic. on the Prophet. •• Must be a U.S. citizen or a One returning participant stated, “This permanent resident. retreat changed my life in so many ways the •• Duties include but are not first time around, and continues to do so… limited to: leading prayers, from the knowledge of the presenters, to the giving Jumma Khutba, and wisdom and experience of others and to the providing Islamic guidance personal reflection during the eye-opening to the community. reflective walks. The bonfire with Imam Zaid •• References required. was most beneficial this year.” Interested candidates apply at: By the weekend’s close, the attendees had Islamic Center of Yuma crafted individualized action plans to target 200 West 24th street their constituents’ needs based on the goal Yuma, AZ 85364 of helping their students construct a Mus- Or through the “Contact Us” form at: lim identity. As the year continues, they will www.islamiccenteryuma.org. be encouraged to share their progress with

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 41 HEALTH & WELL-BEING

conveying them to everyone involved in the decision-making process; (2) Interpreting Ethical Decision Making the scripture in terms of the patient’s specific concerns; (3) Consoling and comforting the patient and family so they can accept the and the Muslim Patient situation as God’s will and pray for a better Muslim physicians should ensure that the patients’ life in the Hereafter; and (4) Taking care of the family’s spiritual, emotional or even medical and spiritual needs are met. financial needs after the patient’s death. Muslim ethicists work under the prin- BY SHAHID ATHAR ciples of preserving one’s faith, the sanctity of life, alleviating any suffering, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, respect- n crucial times of our lives, something of fear. And hunger, some loss ing the patients’ autonomy and the couples’ when a Muslim ethicist is not avail- in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil)” marriage, achieving medical justice without able, the imam, a religious scholar, a (Q. 2:155). harm and always being honest and truthful practicing Muslim physician or an The belief in God and the Hereafter es- when giving information. Thus, before giv- Ielder in the family or community should tablishes peace in Muslim hearts, for during ing the final opinion they must consult with take a leadership role in ethical/medical their various afflictions they can recite: “To the patient, the family, the physician and, decision-making for the patient. God We belong, and to Him is our return” preferably, another Islamic scholar. God tells us: “Blessed is He in Whose (Q. 2:156). He seeks God’s help with patience hand is the Sovereignty, and He is Able to all and prayer (Q. 2:153). The ethicist’s major MEDICAL FUTILITY: things, Who has created Life and death that roles in patient care area are: (1) Understand- A CASE PRESENTATION He may try you, which of you is best in con- ing the patient and the family’s concerns and Baby K, who was born with only rudimen- duct; and He is the Mighty, the tary brain tissue, can breathe, Forgiving” (Quran 67:1-2). suck, swallow and cough. When forming their opin- However, he/she cannot see, ions, Muslim advisors must hear, feel or think. The Chris- consult the Quran and Sun- tian mother, a firm believer nah, for “it does not become that all life should be “protect- a believing man or a believing ed,” insisted that everything woman, when God and His should be done for her baby, messenger have decided an including mechanical and affair (for them), that they artificial ventilation. Muslim should (after that) claim any physicians were asked wheth- say in their affair, and who er mechanical ventilation in does so is rebellious to God this situation was permissible, and His messenger, he verily prohibited or uncertain. goes astray in error manifest” This raised several issues. (Q. 33:36). For example, does the qual- The Quran’s guidance ity of life modify the deci- about the sanctity of life is sion-making process? When well known, “If anyone killed resources are scarce, does the a person, unless in lieu of individual or the communi- murder or spreading mischief ty takes precedence? When on Earth, it would be as if he the physicians’ and family’s killed all of humanity. And if views clash with those of the anyone saved a life, it would patient, whose view should be as if he saved the lives of be considered? How does a all humanity” (Q. 5:32). Muslim physician deal with a Muslim patients under- Christian patient’s and fami- stand that illness, suffering ly’s firm belief? and dying are part of life and Baby K’s chances of surviv- a test from God who, while al without mechanical ventila- giving “glad tidings to those tion are very small. The cost of who patiently persevere,” tells long-term ventilation, either us that He “shall test you with in the hospital or at home, is

42 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 extremely high. Moreover, it places tremen- Each patient’s case should be discussed upon their past and make decisions based dous pressure on the parents, for they must in light of these guidelines before reaching on their level of spiritual growth. take care of this child and can do nothing to the final decision. Physicians cannot remain Finally, the physician’s own belief may improve the latter’s quality of life. However, aloof, for they are intimately involved with influence the treatment options that he or she offers. For example, anti-abortion physicians will never advise their patients to undergo one, and those who do not care about the A PHYSICIAN IS SEEN AS A SECULAR PRIEST. sanctity of life may allow euthanasia. THEREFORE, AN INDECISIVE PATIENT MAY The physician’s true role is to alleviate suffering, comfort the patient and family mem- SEEK BOTH MEDICAL AND SPIRITUAL bers, improve the quality of life, the terms of ADVICE. which have been fixed. The physician should not perform heroic measures in the care of a hopelessly ill patient. A vegetative patient can be kept alive for months and years, as Karen their emotional attachment and beliefs have their patients’ treatment. Thus they should Quinlan’s case proved, only to die eventually. to be taken into account and respected. know the patient’s ethical values, for one’s Quinlan, 21, who became important figure Some of the principles of biomedical religion influences one’s decision and in the history of the right to die controversy ethics: compliance with the proposed prescribed in the U.S., while on a crash diet, lapsed into (1) Respect for autonomy. The right of treatment. a coma after consuming drugs and alcohol. patient self-determination is based on the A physician is seen as a secular priest. After doctors refused her parents’ request principle that people are autonomous to the Therefore, an indecisive patient may seek to disconnect Karen’s respirator, which they extent that they are able to understand and both medical and spiritual advice. Sickness believed constituted extraordinary means of make intentional and voluntary decisions. precipitates questions and drive patients prolonging her life, they filed suit to discon- (2) Beneficence. This principle obliges closer to God. For example, they many reflect nect Karen from her ventilator, a ten-year persons to benefit or help ordeal. others through positive It may be very painful action: to prevent or for family and friends see remove what is bad or one of their loved ones harmful and to do or in a vegetative state for promote what is good so long. There is also or beneficial. the possibility that such (3) Non-malefi- care will bankrupt them, cence. This is the prin- because insurance cov- ciple of not harming, erage has its limits. But killing or treating peo- a vegetative comatose ple cruelly. Although patient is still alive and non-interventionist in should not be deprived of nature, it does require nutrition and hydration. persons to be careful in Neither the physician nor order to avoid causing the family should be al- unintentional harm to lowed to decide on their others through reckless own whether to pull the driving, careless surgical plug or withdraw nutri- procedures, and similar tional support; rather, actions. this should be the deci- (4) Justice. This prin- sion of everyone involved ciple requires the fair dis- in the patient’s care: the tribution of benefits and physician and family burdens so that people members, as well as an receive that to which they imam or Muslim scholar are entitled or deserve. It who is fully qualified to also involves determin- interpret the Shariah. ing how to allocate scarce Shahid Athar, MD, FACP, FACE is a health care resources. physician, former chair of medical Implementing this prin- ethics of Islamic Medical Associa- tion of North America (IMANA). See ciple often results in a IMANA’s position paper on line at great deal of controversy. www.imana.org

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 43 HEALTH & WELL-BEING

prospect of being diagnosed with or that I likely already have one a societally stigma- Overcoming Stigma tized disorder, I will fight that feeling. I will try my best to believe (again) that illnesses Are Muslim communities acquiring resources to are simply part of this thing called life, and that my own mental illness has great khayr support the mentally afflicted among them? (goodness from God) behind it. That, I can promise myself. Although I am pretty accepting of a mental disorder as an affliction, having gone through it and realizing that it isn’t the end-of-the-world disaster that some people make it out to be, I know that some others aren’t like that. Some truly fear and stigmatize such illnesses through no fault of their own. They simply learn this through erroneous, unforgiving cultural/societal beliefs regarding mental illness. But the fear and stigmatization poses problems for all of us who have one. For example, consider the pain of disclosing or not disclosing one’s disorder. In other words, sufferers may really want to share their mental health diagnoses or issues with others and have honest and supportive relationships with their friends, co-workers, family members and others. However, they are afraid to do so because of the potential stigma. There’s also the potential problem of disclosing such information to an employer in order to receive work accommodations and what the employer will think when it comes BY ETHAR HAMID Was I relieved or happy to learn that I to stigma-related problems that face those wasn’t bipolar? Not particularly. I was fine who suffer from mental disorders. eing diagnosed with an ill- with the earlier diagnosis. I don’t really ness is not something easy to discriminate between disorders (however LIFE CHALLENGE hear. And being diagnosed with haughty that may sound. “I don’t discriminate In my opinion, there is a particular problem a mental disorder that has poten- between people,” she said to her friends, leav- in this regard: finding a spouse. Mental ill- Btial-life-altering implications can be more ing “unlike you” unsaid, but fully implied). nesses are so stigmatized that the thought of than challenging. Initially underwhelmed, I did feel a slight marrying someone with one can be almost The National Alliance on Mental Illness degree of interest. Depression with psychotic inconceivable. In addition, mental illness- reports one in four American adults suffers features, huh? I guess I need to find the lat- es are so misunderstood that many people from a mental illness, and that less than 40 est book on that … As a matter of fact, the think that marrying someone with a mental percent of them receive professional treat- underwhelmed part of me went on, I need disorder isn’t a smart move because a normal ment. Rather, they choose to battle their ail- to do my homework for school and pick up relationship with him/her will be difficult. ment in silence, often to their own detriment my clothes from the dry-cleaners. But these feelings aren’t grounded in logic and that of others. My diagnosis might change in the future, or reality. When I first received the news that I likely of course. But my attitude toward mental When thinking about marrying such had major depression with psychotic features, disorders will always stay the same. And a “flawed” and/or “defective” person, re- I wasn’t all that moved by it. No tears, grief, if I ever find myself feeling gloomy at the member that that flaw or defect (if it even shock ... nothing of the sort. After all, I’d spent the previous 2 1/2 years thinking that I had bipolar disorder, type I (the most severe form), MENTAL ILLNESS IS LIKE ANY OTHER for this was what my previous psychiatrist ILLNESS IN THAT IT DOESN’T CHANGE A had told me. Hearing that I had “psychotic depression” was like finding out that a learn- PERSON’S CHARACTER, PERSONALITY, OR ing disability is actually just a math or reading GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS. disability. The problem shrunk in size.

44 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 HEAD ON WITH MENTAL ILLNESS abuse treatment services rose 7 percent within a two-year period. However, issues still remain. For instance, many states haven’t been ollowing up on the Dec. 14, 2012, shooting at Sandy Hook able to keep up with the increased demand for treatment. A report Elementary, when 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 released by Mental Health America in early 2015 designated Arizona, Fchildren and 6 adult staff members, President Obama has helped Mississippi, Nevada, and Washington as the lowest ranking states for elevate the mental health conversation to the national stage. His ad- access to such care. ministration has taken several significant steps, potentially ensuring Lawmakers haven’t built any consensus around two pieces of rele- that he has found his place as the most progressive executive on mental vant legislation: Rep. Tim Murphy’s (R-Penn.) Helping Families in Mental health issues in the last 30 years. Crisis Act and Rep. Ron Barber’s (D-Ariz.) Strengthening Mental Health Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Obama has expanded access to in Our Communities Act. mental health treatment as part of an effort to destigmatize During his time in office, Obama has urged Americans to this silent killer and prevent future massacres. On Feb. “bring mental illness out of the shadows.” While he’s 12, 2015, he signed into law the Clay Hunt Suicide arguably taken some important steps, he can’t do Prevention for American Veterans Act, legisla- it without other state and national lawmakers. tion that would improve veterans’ access to The $6 million lawsuit filed by State mental health treatment, after it passed Senator Creigh Deeds (D-Va.), which through the House and Senate. First alleges that his son Gus, 24, died as Lady Michelle Obama announced the the result of neglect by the state’s launch of “The Campaign to Change fragmented mental health system, Direction” to help raise mental may lead to positive changes. health awareness. In November 2013, Bath Coun- Lanada Williams, licensed psy- ty authorities released his mentally chotherapist and CEO of Alliance troubled son, after he spent six hours Family Solutions Counseling, told in emergency custody, stating that ThinkProgress on Mar. 13, 2015, that there were no available psychiatric the president’s “actions highlight the beds in the region. The next morning, need for more mental health research Gus stabbed his father multiple times and affordability of professional mental and then shot himself to death at the health services. Those are two things that senator’s farm. Investigators determined we need to keep at the forefront because even that beds had been available. with the Affordable Care Act, the stigma is still This tragedy prompted Deeds’ colleagues in there in some communities.” the General Assembly to confront how Virginia treats Under the ACA, mental illness is no longer treated as a people with mental illnesses, especially those in crisis. They preexisting condition. This change allows people to receive coverage created a statewide bed registry so that mental health care workers can just as they would for a physical ailment. Moreover, now some young more easily find a private placement. If they have no beds available, people, many of whom were able to remain on their parents’ insurance the state hospitals must admit the patients. plan a bit longer under the health care law, can now seek treatment. Carillion, Va. psychiatrist Thomas Milam told Roanoke Times on According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin- Jan 5, 2016 that more people are being hospitalized and turning to istration, the number of people receiving mental health and substance emergency rooms for psychiatric care. is one … seeing it as a flaw is not a universal like depression, anxiety, paranoid thinking have the solution to the problem of finding feeling) is a circumstance that happened to or racing thoughts patterns that often occur a spouse: I shouldn’t be so bothered by the befall that person. And when choosing a in manic, hypo-manic, or mixed episodes. idea of having a hard time getting married, spouse, it’s not the person’s circumstances Such people shouldn’t be ostracized when because God is the only true Disposer of that matter, but his/her heart and taqwa it comes to identifying potential spouses, Affairs. I should trust His plan. (God-consciousness). because there is no basis for any such dis- Looking back, I admit that I’ve put a lot In addition, focusing on a potential part- like. Many of them would make exceptional of my hope for happiness in my potential ner’s mental illness neglects that person’s husbands and wives. partner and in simply finding him. But these life, both before and after the mental illness As for the belief that a mentally ill spouse days — and ever since the beginning, if you happened. Many people’s mental illnesses will be too difficult to handle, that’s not nec- count the thoughts that had been deep in developed in the middle of their lives. In fact, essarily true either. As long as they receive my conscious —, I know that I should put a great number of disorders often develop the proper treatment, many of them often my hope for happiness in God, who has a in early adulthood. Before that, what were live normal and happy lives, as normal and beautiful plan for every righteous believer. they? Smart, humble, quirky, compassionate, happy as everyone else, that is. The concepts And as He is the best planner, one day every gentle, determined … what have you. Weren’t of “total normality” and “complete happi- righteous person will realize that His plan some of them pure-hearted, God-fearing ness” are impossible for anyone to realize. for him/her was perfect. and committed to their deen as well? And in The reality is that I am scared of never May we all have this understanding of many ways, aren’t they still the same people? getting married and/or of finding this an His plans for us, and may that understanding Mental illness is like any other illness — it almost impossible goal. My mental illness help us through every difficulty and pain. doesn’t change one’s character, personality may be a barrier in both respects, for the Ethar Hamid, an undergraduate, hopes become a grant or God-consciousness. Instead, it is a set of stigma and misperceptions remain and play writer for a mental health organization and a memoirist symptoms that a person has to deal with, a part in people’s hesitation. But I think I who shares her experiences with mental illness.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 45 ISLAM IN AMERICA

the VRA was enacted to enforce the Fifteenth Amendment, which granted all adults the Equally Empowered right to vote, regardless of race. It banned federal, state, and local governments from implementing discriminatory voting prac- Muslim Americans could learn a great deal by tices. reviewing recent African American history. At the signing ceremony, Johnson said that the heart of the act was “plain.” Further, BY ABDULMALIK NEGEDU he related the metaphor of two great rivers to illustrate this intention: These rivers sprang from the same well but had flowed along different channels throughout the centuries. One channel shone with promise, whereas the other was stained with the darkness of oppression and racism. The president envisioned their co-min- gling into one great stream rushing toward a future filled with promise. That is the promise of a racially unbiased and just society, which had been greatly encapsulated in 1963 by his ally in the struggle to enact the VRA — the Rev. (Dr.) Martin Luther King, Jr., in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Dr. King, who was present at the signing, later remarked that the act would be an effective tool for “rid[ding] the American body politic of racism.” Fifty years later, one can debate wheth- (OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY LAWRENCE JACKSON) (OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO BY LAWRENCE er Johnson’s vision and King’s dream have resident Lyndon B. Johnson, racism and oppression by addressing the been achieved. There are clearly some signs who signed the 1965 Voting Rights disenfranchisement of racial minorities, of progress: By 1985, the number of Afri- Act (VRA) into law on Aug. 6, especially that of the African Americans. can-Americans serving in the state legis- 1965, reportedly considered it his Alongside its predecessors, the 1964 Civil latures in the 11 states of the former con- Pgreatest political accomplishment and the Rights Act and the 1968 Fair Housing Act, federacy had increased to 167 from a low happiest moment of his presidency. Widely regarded as one of, if not the most important civil rights acts, it was designed Coordinating Committee (SNCC), at to address the issue of racial discrimination Fifty Years Onwards … his side, the marchers were stopped in electoral politics. On March 7, 2015, President Obama, as they were leaving Selma, at the end Racial discrimination is an unpleasant the First Family, and dozens marked of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, by some legacy of American history. The enslave- that historic day when in 1965, at 150 Alabama state troopers, sheriff ’s ment of Africans and their descendants for the height of the modern civil rights deputies, and possemen, who ordered generations was a very distinctive form of movement, activists organized a the demonstrators to disperse. systematic racial discrimination and op- march for voting rights, from Selma, One minute and five seconds after pression. Even after slavery was outlawed, Ala., to Montgomery, the state capital. a two-minute warning was announced, racial oppression persisted in the guise of On that day, 50 years ago, some the troops advanced, wielding clubs, segregation enforced by “Jim Crow,” a system 600 people assembled at a downtown bullwhips, and tear gas. Lewis, who of unjust and oppressive laws, policies, and church, knelt briefly in prayer, and suffered a skull fracture, was one of practices applied by the dominant white race began walking silently, two-by-two fifty-eight people treated for injuries over African-Americans and other racial mi- through the city streets. at the local hospital. The day is re- norities in all spheres of civic life. Denied the With Hosea Williams of the membered in history as “Bloody Sun- right to vote, they were effectively excluded Southern Christian Leadership day.” Less than one week later, Lewis from the political process. Consequently, Conference (SCLC) leading the recounted the attack on the marchers they were not privy to the decision-making demonstration, and [now Rep.] John during a Federal hearing at which the process about their own destiny. Robert Lewis (D-Ga. since 1987], demonstrators sought protection for The VRA was envisaged as another tool chairman of the Student Nonviolent a full-scale march to Montgomery. for resolving the ongoing institutionalized

46 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 of three in 1965. In addition, by 1971, just and normalized, fueled by the emergence provides many examples from history as six years later, 13 African-Americans had of ISIS, Boko Haram and other groups or well as lessons for successive generations been elected to the House of Representatives even individuals who pledge allegiance to of Muslims to learn from their spiritual and and one to the Senate, up from six and zero, such groups while perpetuating criminal acts. temporal success: the equality of all human respectively. Currently, 43 Representatives For Muslims in America today, King’s beings (Q. 49:13); that Muslims are witnesses and one Senator are African-American. Ac- dream has become a false awakening. Is- to humanity (Q. 2:143) and justice (Q. 5:8); cording to a 2015 Joint Center for Political lamophobia, a new side channel that has and that they have been mandated to enjoin and Economic Studies report, the number of elected African American politicians has increased from 1,000 to 10,000 over the past ALONGSIDE ITS PREDECESSORS, THE 1964 50 years. Most importantly, Barack Obama CIVIL RIGHTS ACT AND THE 1968 FAIR was elected President in 2008. However, despite this reality, many would agree that HOUSING ACT, THE VRA WAS ENACTED TO America is still plagued by racism and that it ENFORCE THE FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT, remains very powerful in the twilight of his presidency, primarily in a variety of struc- WHICH GRANTED ALL ADULTS THE RIGHT TO tural and covert forms. VOTE, REGARDLESS OF RACE. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy was referring to these more insidious forms embedded in institutions, laws, policies, and sprung from Johnson’s stream, has targeted the good and invite others to it, as well as to practices that have a “disproportionately ad- Muslims. We can no longer turn a blind eye stand firmly for justice (Q. 4:135). verse effect on minorities” when he wrote toward this relatively new realpolitik reali- Moreover, an analysis of the Prophet’s in a 2015 court decision that “much prog- ty; rather, we must confront it in order to (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) life shows ress remains to be made in…(America’s) disarm and then eradicate it. This is what that he did not separate his spirituality from continuing struggle against racial isolation.” the challenge of the times and of the faith civic engagement. In fact, he predicated his In their 2004 paper for the Race and beckons Muslims to do — a challenge and community’s spiritual wellbeing, as well as Public Policy Conference, Keith Lawrence a calling that must be accepted. its socioeconomic, political and educational of the Aspen Institute and Terry Keleher of The VRA’s history can be used as a catalyst welfare, on spiritual foundations. Instead of the University of California, Berkeley, de- to combat Islamophobia and effect social living in isolation, he actively engaged the scribed structural racism as racism’s most change. As history shows, among the tan- non-Muslim societies of Makkah and Madi- profound and pervasive form, for it has en- gible and intangible benefits of this act is nah. He could not have achieved victory for abled racism to don the robe of perpetuity that great numbers of African Americans his primary mission, that of calling others to and acquire on a new lease on life through registered to vote and then exercised this the Oneness of God, without concurrently a binary fission-like process. In this latest new right to elect African American offi- effecting societal change through combat- form it has found new targets upon which cials. Historian Gavin Wright has correlated ing and overcoming oppression, injustice, to focus its attention. these increases with gains in the economic, inequality and racism. One of these new targets is Islam, as educational and social equality spheres. Mi- For example, prior to his prophethood, clearly seen in the very public expressions chael Wenger of the Joint Center for Polit- Muhammad was a signatory to the Hilf of prejudice, hate and bias against Muslims. ical and Economic Studies writes that the al-Fudul (trans. League of the Virtuous) — In this election year, a segment of the dom- most tangible benefit is “a dramatic change a Makkan pact that included provisions to inant culture is spreading false myths about in attitudes and in principles” toward Afri- help the oppressed. He is reported to have Islam, stirring up fears about Muslims and can Americans, although it must be noted said after he became Prophet that he would seemingly celebrating xenophobia in po- that racism still lies within individuals and do the same thing again if asked to do so. litical campaigns. Islamophobia clearly fits under all aspects of mainstream society, as Every Muslim must aspire to follow his ex- Lawrence and Kelleher’s definition of struc- emphasized by Lawrence and Kelleher. ample. Akin to this pact, the VRA provides tural racism, namely, the normalization and A look back in time, from slavery through Muslim Americans with an opportunity to legitimization of an array of dynamics that the VRA, can provide Muslims in Ameri- fight for justice and help the oppressed in a provide advantages to one racial group at the ca with some relevant strategies. The civil pluralistic society. expense of other oppressed racial, cultural, rights struggle, which grew over a period of Like Johnson and Rev. King, Jr., Proph- social or political groups. time, accomplished victories by combining et Muhammad’s followers are a people of Prior to 9/11, such discrimination existed intentional and purposeful action and par- vision. Their intentions and actions are (or toward Muslims, but it was not as intensive, ticipating in the social change process either should be) driven by a vision of a fountain despite the increased anti-Muslim sentiment by ballot or through the judicial system. This in a garden beneath which rivers flow. Con- during the 1980s as the anti-Soviet war heated struggle resulted in the VRA, from which sequently civic engagement in general and up in Afghanistan and the Iran-Iraq war broke all Muslim Americans, regardless of race, political participation in particular is a must out. The rhetoric gained additional currency have benefitted. for this county’s Muslims. in the run-up to Obama’s election. Since then, An in-depth study the Quran reveals that AbdulMalik Negedu is a chaplain in Connecticut who works Islamophobia has become more legitimate God took oaths on “the time.” Islam’s heritage in reentry services and interfaith initiatives.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 47 ISLAM IN AMERICA

at Yale and winner of the 2015 Individual World Poetry Slam Championship, Saafir Rabb, founder, Interculture, Edmund Tori, associate director, MedStar Institute for In- novation (MI2), member advisory board, Is- lamic Society of Baltimore (ISB), and Imam Yaseen Shaikh, ISB resident scholar. In his final State of the Union address, Jan. 12, President Obama proclaimed: “[W]e need to reject any politics that targets people because of race or religion. This is not a matter of political correctness. This is a matter of understanding just what it is that makes us strong. The world respects us not just for our arsenal; it respects us for our diversity and our openness and the way we respect every faith. His Holiness, Pope Francis, told this body from the very spot that I am standing on President Obama mingles with young Muslims at the Islamic Society of Baltimore. tonight that ‘to imitate the hatred and violence PHOTO (C) WHITE HOUSE of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place’. When politicians insult Muslims, whether abroad or our fellow citizens, when a Standing with Muslims mosque is vandalized, or a kid is called names, that doesn’t make us safer. That’s not telling it like it is. It’s just wrong. It diminishes us in the Americans step forward to defeat hate. eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve BY ABU ALI BAFAQUIH our goals. It betrays who we are as a country.” He asked, “Will we respond to the changes of our time with fear, turning inward as a nation, Americans, we have to stay true to and turning against each other as a people? our core values, that includes freedom of religion—for all faiths,” said President Obama REJECTING HATE Pocatello, Idaho based Nephrologist Fahim at the Islamic Society of Baltimore mosque Rahim, chairman of Idaho-based JRM Foun- “Aon Feb. 3. He sadded: “An attack on one faith is an attack on all dation for Humanity, amidst the Islamopho- our faiths.” bic rants by extremists, got a pleasant surprise in early December 2015. The ”inexcusable political rhetoric against not reinforce the ideas and the rhetoric of His 91-year-old patient “Grandma Louise” Muslim Americans that has no place in our terrorists themselves.” gifted him hand-crafted stuffed animals and country,” he said and reminded: “We can’t be There were several lawmakers in atten- words that changed his day, “I know how bystanders to bigotry. Together, we have to dance, including the House’s two Muslims, y ou fe e l .” show that America truly protects all faiths.” Reps. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Andre The doctor posted the photo on his Face- He cautioned: “When any part of our Carson (D-Ind.). book page; it gathered more than 33,000 “likes” family starts to feel separate, or second-class, At the mosque, he held a round-table with and nearly 8,000 “shares.” Rahim said, “I posted or targeted, it tears at the very fabric of our Muslim leaders from across the country who this for the Muslim community — people in the nation.” included Kameelah Mu’Min Rashad, found- world — to know what Trump is saying does He declared: “Mere tolerance of different er, Muslim Wellness Foundation & chaplain not reflect American sentiment. “What this religions is not enough. Our faiths summon at University of Pennsylvania, Imam Khalid woman did and said is the true American spirit.” us to embrace our common humanity.” Latif, executive director and chaplain, Islam- Muslim Americans, he said, are some of ic Center at New York University, Suzanne the most resilient and patriotic Americans Barakat, chair, Our Three Winners Endow- you’ll ever meet, and declared, “We have to ment Fund, Rami Nashashibi, executive di- reaffirm that most fundamental of truths—we rector, Inner-City Muslim Action Network, are all God’s children, all born equal with Khadija Gurnah, a White House Champion of inherent dignity.” Change, founder, Project Ejaba, Colin Chris- The President said it is important that hate topher, executive director, Green Muslims, crimes are punished and the civil rights of all Ibtihaj Muhammad, U.S. Olympics Fencing Americans are upheld. He said, “As we pro- Team, Sarah Jawaid, community organizer,

tect our country from terrorism, we should LA Voice, Emtithal “Emi” Mahmoud, a senior RAHIM FACEBOOK PHOTO: FAHIM

48 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 ISNA headquarters received a card signed guided ideals that lead to radicalization, it is Crowley (D-N.Y.) invited their colleagues to by members of the First Mennonite Church the responsibility of all Americans of every the Dec. 4, 2015 Friday prayers at Dar Al-Hi- of Indianapolis, Ind. that read, “We stand in faith to reject discrimination. … we must not jrah, a Northern Virginia mosque that was support of your community in these very let fear drive us to hateful and divisive acts ….” attacked with Molotov cocktails and a hoax difficult days.” On Dec. 22, 2015, John R. Parker, U.S. bomb, “Intolerance and hatred have no place ISNA secretary general Hazem Bata said, Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, in American society,” said Beyer. “We are a “We first met members of the church when wrote an op-ed in the Dallas Morning News, diverse nation of immigrants whose shared they attended ISNA’s open house. A relation- acknowledging how “recent and horrific ter- cultural heritage is one of openness and in- ship grew from there. ror attacks around the world have resulted in a clusion. We must celebrate this diverse thread “I learned three things from this card. One, regrettable and divisive rhetoric, and unlawful of our cultural cloth, not tear it apart.” the power of human relationships can bridge any gap. Two, open houses lead to open hearts. And three, there are some really good and MERE TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT caring people in this world.” In response to Rep. Keith Ellison’s chal- RELIGIONS IS NOT ENOUGH. OUR lenge to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to bring FAITHS SUMMON US TO EMBRACE OUR a Muslim American as one of his guests to the State of the Union address, Democratic COMMON HUMANITY.” —President Obama lawmakers Reps. Zoe Lofgren (Calif.) hosted Sameena Usman, a government relations coordinator in the Council on American-Is- conduct in some corners, throwing millions D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Rep. lamic Relations San Francisco office, and of law-abiding and patriotic Arab and Mus- Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) also attended. Alcee Hastings (Fla.) hosted Nezar Hamze, lim Americans, as well as others perceived Dar Al-Hijrah outreach director Imam the chief operating officer of the nonprofit’s to be Muslim, into the frightening reality of Johari Abdul-Malik said, “Many in our Florida branch. feeling unsafe and threatened right here in community feel under siege …. Passersby “This is an opportunity to really drive the communities we share.” have heckled women taking their children to the point home that there are no Americans In a Dec. 31, 2015, in a Dear Colleague school, and we experienced two incidences of who are suspect just based on their religious Letter to educational leaders, Secretary of hate violence. It is with the support of good identity, that all Americans are welcome in Education Arne Duncan wrote, “We can- neighbors like Congressmen Beyer, Ellison, the people’s house,” Ellison told The Hill Jan. not permit discrimination or harassment in and Crowley that we carry on knowing that 11, 2016. schools against students based on their actual our future will be brighter.” Democratic National Committee Chair- or perceived race, religion, or national origin. Their visits came on the heels of the many woman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) Moreover, because parents and students look recent reports of anti-Muslim acts in North- urged Democratic lawmakers to invite Mus- to you for leadership, their hearing from you ern Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, North Car- lims to offset the political right’s anti-Islamic that such conduct is unconditionally wrong olina, Arizona and elsewhere. verbal onslaught. The Sun-Sentinel quoted her and will not be tolerated in our schools will Ellison, who attended Friday prayers at remarks at a recent news conference, among make a real difference.” his home-town mosque, said, “The recent them that, “The rhetoric and vitriol that has Democratic Party presidential candidate attack on the mosque in Falls Church is an been targeted at this [Muslim] community has Sen. Bernie Sanders attended Imam Talib attack on the core American value of freedom been absolutely outrageous and unacceptable. Shareef’s Dec. 1, 2015 town hall discussion of religion. We must all stand together and A self-identified Jew, she added, “the idea at Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque, condemn these acts of hatred and intolerance that we would stand idly by and ignore that and in Washington, D.C. The meeting sought to — they are not who we are as a people. Sadly, not stand up and use our voices to stand up for dispel the anti-Muslim rhetoric that has incit- attacks on Muslim Americans have increased our brothers and sisters in the Muslim-Amer- ed attacks on Muslims in the U.S. and protests due to Republican presidential candidate ican community was just unacceptable.” against mosques, including a failed October Donald Trump calling for the surveillance of In a concerted effort to defuse concerns, 2015 protest attempt at Masjid Muhammad. mosques and registering Muslim Americans. John Walsh, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rep. Ellison, Rev. Reginald Green, interim Our communities and nation are strongest Colorado, affirmed in a Denver Post op-ed, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and orig- when people of all faiths and backgrounds Jan. 9 that even as the Justice Department’s inal Freedom Rider, Rabbi Batya Steinlauf hold fast to tolerance and inclusion.” top priority is “to protect our people and our of the Jewish Community Relations Council Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic national security,” we must also ensure, “that of Greater Washington and Abdul-Rasheed Caucus, stated, “Members of Congress are our legitimate fears do not cause us to react Muhammad, the first Muslim Army chaplain, the faces of their communities, and we must against an entire group of law-abiding peo- participated. bring to our jobs a knowledge of the diversity ple: the members of our Muslim-American Sanders, who is Jewish, said, “It is time of religions and cultures that make up our communities.” to say enough is enough … to end religious both our individual districts and the nation. Earlier on Dec. 15, 2015, Barry Grissom, bigotry ... to build a nation in which we all We must also speak out when we see preju- U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, issued stand together … to create a nation that ben- dice, discrimination, and hate — whether it’s a statement: “Just as it is the responsibility of efits all of us.” a bomb threat on a mosque, a child bullied Muslims around the world to root out mis- Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.), Ellison, and Joe on a bus, or a slur painted on a building.”

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 49 ISLAM IN AMERICA MUSLIMS IN ACTION Members were also encouraged to attend prayer services in their home districts that Friday. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) did so at the Islamic Center of the North Seeds of Progress East Valley in Scottsdale, Ariz. with his wife and two of his four sons. He said, “There can be no religious test for those who serve Muslim Americans giving back to uplift the in public office; we do not tolerate religious discrimination in the workplace, or in the neighborhood … My hope and prayer today people in their homelands. is that the isolated voices calling for division are overwhelmed by the chorus of voices like those in this room today calling for BY MOHAMMAD ISMAIL KHAN acceptance, for tolerance and inclusion.” On Friday, Jan. 1, Rep. John B. Larson (D-Conn.) praised ndia has the world’s third-largest concentration the Islamic Association of Greater Hartford’s service campaigns of Muslims and is home to 10% of the global Muslim popu- and efforts to combat radicalization and promote tolerance lation. And yet its various government-appointed commis- and understanding statewide. He concluded, “It is crucial to sions have listed them as being among the most backward remember our Muslim neighbors are important members of Icommunities on every measurable socioeconomic scale. our community. However, a new trend emerged with the beginning of the 21st century: Expatriate Muslims sending resources back home to give CANADIAN ACCEPTANCE back. For example, the nonprofit Dallas-based Support for Educa- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Dec. 10, 2015 warm welcome tional & Economic Development (SEED), founded in 2009, focuses to the first 163 Syrian refugees was especially heart-warming, on raising and then funneling resources to uplift Muslims and other given the hostility of his ultra-Islamophobic predecessor Stephen backward sections of Indian society. Harper. The first batch of 10,000 had arrived by February 2016. Over the last six years, it has provided educational aid to 26,400 “This is a wonderful night where we get to show not just a children, including 6,000 orphans. Some 500 talented but needy planeload of new Canadians what Canada’s all about, but we get Muslim students have received full scholarships for professional to show the world how to open our hearts and welcome in people degrees in medicine, engineering and other courses. who are fleeing extraordinarily difficult situations,” Trudeau said. Sisters Mehjabeen and Noorain (not their real names) graduated “Tonight, they step off the plane as refugees. But they walk out from reputable medical colleges in Hyderabad. Their sickly father of this terminal as permanent residents of Canada, with social was unable to work and thus could not afford any of the expens- insurance numbers, health cards, and an opportunity to become es associated with higher education. “Had it not been for SEED’s full Canadians.” scholarship program,” the two physicians-in-training informed He had offered them a warm welcome on Twitter on Dec. 9 Mohammad Ismail Khan of twocircle.net, “we would have had and announced their arrival in Parliament. to abandon our dream of becoming doctors. SEED’s Scholarship Trudeau and Ontario Prime Minister Kathleen Wynne received helped us concentrate on our studies without worrying about any them at the airport, and gave them coats, toys and a great deal tuition fees.” of affection. Wynne, accompanied by Member of the Provincial Parliament Yasir Naqvi to Friday prayer at the Ottawa Muslim A PERSONAL COMMITMENT Association Ottawa Mosque, Nov. 20, 2015, said, “It’s our responsibility as Canadians to make sure we guard against the fear and SEED founding member and executive director Syed Mazheruddin we resist blame that can lead to racism and to hatred. At these Hussaini says that education and economic development go hand-in- moments it’s extremely important we reinforce our Canadian hand. “We are not involved in feel-good short-term efforts. Feeding values that are includes and based in compassion.” the hungry is a noble gesture, but enabling the poor to earn their A day earlier, she also met with one of her constituents, the own food is advancement. Indian Muslims need advancement, not young Toronto-born Muslim woman who was physically attacked mere gestures or alms.” outside her children’s school, and called a terrorist, and reminded, “That kind of hatred is what we have to guard against at this moment in our history,” Wynne said. Naqvi said Wynne’s visit to the mosque sends “a very strong message that we as Ontarians stand together.” The burning down of the Peterborough’s (Ont.) only mosque, Masjid Al-Salaam, which caused Can $80,000 in damages, is being investigated as hate crime. The congregation now prays at the local Beth Israel synagogue. Synagogue president Larry Gillman told CBC’s Metro Morning, “As Canadians we have to stick together. It’s not about religion, it’s not about race. Canadians do this.” The local community has raised Can $110,000 for the mosque’s reconstruction.

Abu Ali Bafaquih is a freelance writer.

50 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 THERE ARE MANY BRIGHT STUDENTS IN INDIA’S MUSLIM COMMUNITY WHOSE DREAMS JUST NEED TO BE GIVEN WINGS. ONCE THEY TAKE OFF, INDIAN MUSLIMS CAN BECOME A PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY.” —Syed Mazheruddin Hussaini

“We plan for long-term incisive and deci- in the fact that it has received Better Business sive constructive changes for the community. Bureau accreditation for maintaining high Our programs impart education and create transparency and ethical standards. employment opportunities that will boost In the near future, SEED wants to estab- the community’s morale and strengthen lish a liaison office in India to monitor its its standards. There are no quick results in ongoing projects and, most importantly, to our programs. But if these efforts remain look for new avenues of social investments constant, in the long-run we will see the in Indian Muslims. “Data collection and re- Indian Muslim community transform itself search is important if we want to carry our from one of gloom into one of joy,” he said. operations forward in an organized manner. hadith, “The best of people are [those who Dallas resident Hussaini, a retired engi- In the coming days, we would like to diversi- are of) benefit to others” (Source: Mu’jam neer and the moving force behind the foun- fy our work to uplift the community through al-Awsat, hadith no. 5937). dation, was born in Hyderabad, a Muslim systematic targeted programs.” Hussaini emphasizes “this hadith inspires princely state that India, contrary to the 1947 The foundation might be small-scale when us to not be just a mere spectator in this Partition Agreement, invaded and annexed compared to large U.S.-based charity alli- despairing environment, but to work on colin 1948. ances, but what makes it fascinating is that lective individual efforts to build the com- He says that he personally struggled individual members, instead of remaining on munity of which you wish to be a part.” to support his own education. “I experi- the sidelines, planned and did something con- Mohammad Ismail Khan, a journalist and an attorney, enced the situation of being a capable and structive for their fellow Muslims back home. published a version of this article on twocircle.net (Nov. bright student but, due to economic fac- Its credo is based on the well-known 20, 2015). tors, couldn’t dream high. There are many bright students in India’s Muslim community whose dreams just need to be given wings. Once they take off, Indian Muslims can become a prosperous community.” After retiring, he and some like-minded community members contributed and organized SEED. Now in its sixth year, it is Ad for MCYC (Elk Grove, California) yielding the results of an organized social The MAS Community & Youth Center Qualifications: investment. (MCYC) of Elk Grove in California is • Strong Islamic knowledge or a degree The foundation manages its education, embarking on a new Islamic Center and is in Islamic studies economic and medical aid projects in In- seeking to hire the first full-time Director • Ability to relate to and understand dia through partnership with Indian NGOs. of Tarbiya & Religious Services, to provide the youth and the 2nd-generation Islamic religious guidance and leadership Muslim Americans Currently, 22 NGOs registered under the to the Muslim community according to • Fluent in English Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act have the teachings of the Holy Quran and • Good understanding of American partnered with it. In 2015 SEED, with an the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad system and social issues annual total budget of $490,000, supported (peace and blessings be upon him), • Dynamic public speaking skills, the education of 10,000 students, vocational establish and promote educational and personable and energetic job training programs for the unemployed, extracurricular programs for adults and • Be able to lead youth halaqas as well as a medical aid and widow support youth, and lead the establishment of a • Be able to develop and lead Tarbiya program. diverse and unified Muslim community programs for dedicated volunteers welcoming to all Muslims from different Hussaini understands that transparency Please send your resume to backgrounds and cultures. is the most important factor for a charitable [email protected] institution. Thus, the board publishes its an- Competitive salary and benefits available, or contact nual report with open accounts of project ex- based on qualifications Br. Jamal at (916) 417-0656 penditures. The foundation also takes pride

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 51 FINANCE

But this is not true, for America does not have The Islamic Law of Inheritance any concept of such a “right” for children. In fact, it begins with the absence of any such Do Muslims and other critics understand the wisdom right because the parents can do whatever behind Islam’s inheritance laws? they want: give all their assets to their son and nothing to their daughter, for example, or to just one child. Such bequests are common. BY ASHRAF SAEED But according to Islam, a Muslim daughter must receive at least half of what her biological he American scene is based brother inherits. on the “free alienation of prop- A better understanding of Q. 4:11 reveals erty,” meaning that one can dis- that Islam’s inheritance law actually favors tribute it as he/she wants. In the women, for its underlying intention is to Tabsence of any faith-based guidance, it is not strengthen the weaker group by mandating surprising that Americans sometime make support for those who cannot stand on their very odd wills. Among the most famous own. In particular, it supports and protects examples is New York hotel heiress Leona women from all types of exploitation by giving Helmsley (d. 2007), who bequeathed the bulk them a high status. of her $12 million estate to her dog. The rich- Islam wants to see a prosperous, happy est lapdog in the world died in 2010, aged and content society. But this goal cannot be 12, after spending her final days in luxury, realized until the rights of the daughters of every need tended to around the clock, in Eve (‘alayhi as salaam) are observed. History Sarasota, Fla. shows that men have always exploited, sup- Elizabeth Schwartz, a Florida lawyer who pressed and oppressed women, regardless of focuses on probate, told ABC News’ Susan culture, religion or time period. This contin- Donaldson James (June 10, 2011) that an ues even today under the banner of freedom, estimated 80 percent of Americans do not justice and equality. have wills and that people view this document Ahmed Shaikh, a Tustin, Calif., estate The purpose of wealth and property is as their final chance to punish or to reward planning attorney with a great deal of ex- to create ease. Life is not meant for earning someone. pertise in Islamic inheritance laws, remarks and/or hoarding wealth, for increasing bank While doing whatever one chooses with that he published his “When Less is More: accounts and/or acquiring real estate. Islam their property appeals to the American notion The Quran and Inheritance for Women” on wants every member of society to have a of freedom — indeed, it is this system that altmuslimah.com in January 2012 “primarily peaceful, balanced, comfortable and pros- allows the country’s religious communities to because it was ‘hostile territory’ as a feminist perous life. Islam encourages and forbids distribute their wealth according to their faith website, and would generate some conversa- various practices to guide humanity in the traditions — Muslims have a different view of tions. Back then the comments section was desired direction. But to realize this objective, property: It is not their property, for God, the filled with dozens of hateful comments (many wealth has to be distributed in a way that true owner of everything, has only entrusted by Muslims).” meets the basic needs of every individual. them with a part of it. Thus, it must be di- He wondered, “Does that not seem unfair Islam’s spirit is seen in the Prophet’s (salla vided according to His will. “Everything in in 21st-century America, with all of its notions Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) words and deeds. the heavens and Earth and all that it contains of equality? As an American estate-planning For example, Ibn al-Zubayr reported: “I heard belongs to God” (Quran 31:26). As its trustees, attorney, I can assure the reader that neither the Messenger of God say, ‘He is not a believer their say in its distribution is limited to the this mandate nor Islamic inheritance rules whose stomach is filled while the neighbor parameters formulated by Muslim jurists. in general are outdated or unjust (emphasis to his side goes hungry’” (“Sunan al-Kubra,” Quran 4:11, “God directs you concerning added). Indeed, these rules are more relevant hadith no. 19049). your children: for a male there is a share equal and fair than the system of inheritance that This is a sharp contrast with the law of to that of two females,” was revealed to a people exists in America today.” primogeniture, which remains prevalent who saw nothing wrong with burying their Shaikh adds that this ruling is not abso- today in many societies, including some ad- newborn daughters alive. This clear instruc- lute, for sometimes women can inherit just as vanced societies, where the first-born takes tion, however, contained a rider clause: The much as or even more than men, depending it all. And yet it was implemented in Arabia’s man’s greater share was accompanied by great- upon the specific relationship. However, it is tribal society some 1,500 years ago. This was a er responsibility, as will be discussed below. always true that daughters receive less than revolutionary proclamation to a society where A reading of this verse gives the mistaken sons, a fact that Islamic jurists and scholars fathers had no problem with murdering their impression that, at least in matters of wealth, have spent a great deal of time explaining. infant daughters. God prefers husbands and brothers. Crit- And yet these rules are not anachronistic, Islam was also crafting a society based ics always use it to support their claim that outmoded or somehow trumped by moder- upon a self-subsistent family unit. The hus- Islam discriminates against women. Many nity or changes in gender roles. band would care for his parents, wife and Muslims, perhaps due to their superficial There is a common misconception that children; his sister would be in her own understanding of inheritance laws, accept sons and daughters have the same right to family sphere helping her husband care for such insinuations. inheritance in America, continues Shaikh. his parents.

52 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 When evaluating how the deceased’s wealth Sometimes it seems that this 2:1 distribu- member that there may be (at least in Amer- is distributed, one should look at the nature tion ratio is unjust and unfair, such as when ica) a gift tax. Therefore, you should consult of the work being done as well as be aware of the son is financially very strong and the your tax advisor before doing so. the specific individual’s needs, responsibilities daughter is struggling, or when the daugh- Muslims view inheritance as a transfer of and duties. Islamic inheritance law considers ter is rich and the son is enduring financial wealth, not a device to prove a man’s supe- all of these perspectives and factors. hardship. In such cases, one could argue that riority over a woman or to demonstrate the Islam obliges a man to take care of him- the daughter should inherit everything or value of one relative over another. In fact, self and fulfill the basic needs of his wife, that she should inherit nothing, respectively. this divinely mandated uniform system re- moves a person’s biases and prejudices in the interests of justice. It is fairly easy to abide by Islamic rules of inheritance while living ISLAM WANTS TO SEE A PROSPEROUS, in North America; in fact, it is a Muslim’s HAPPY AND CONTENT SOCIETY. BUT THIS religious obligation to do so. One question that may arise at this junc- GOAL CANNOT BE REALIZED UNTIL THE ture is why God willed only men to assume RIGHTS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF EVE (‘ALAYHI this particular financial responsibility. The answer to this is hidden in the nature of men AL-SALAAM) ARE OBSERVED. and women, all of which our Creator knows. Of all the great work and contributions that women make to society, their most noble children, parents and, when necessary, his Although inheritance law always accord contribution and role is to be a mother. In siblings. However, a woman is not required with the Quran’s guidelines, Muslim jurists the Quran and the hadith, after prophecy, the to support herself or her children. In fact, sometimes study those principles that the next highest status is motherhood. Giving she has no financial obligation toward them Quran states are to be applied to humani- birth, then nurturing and caring for children at all. Everything a man does in this regard ty as a whole. For example, in the first case and turning them into responsible citizens is an obligation and duty, whereas everything mentioned above, the brother must ensure are critically important tasks, for they will a woman does in this regard is a charity and his sister’s continued welfare or he will be determine the world’s future. In fact, Napo- favor. When this is the case in practice, does plagued by a never-ending torment. In the leon once stated, “Give me good mothers and a woman really need a share of her parents’ second case, she must help him in order to I shall give you a great nation!” wealth? In fact, the brother should receive avoid the same fate. It may not reach her to- As we read in Q. 46:15, “We have enjoined everything because only he has to shoulder morrow, but she will eventually confront her. on man kindness to his parents; in pain did all of the family’s financial burdens. According to Islam, all wealth belongs his mother bear him, and in pain did she give Critics, especially those of other faiths and to God, who has entrusted each individual him birth.” The Hadith literature relates that traditions, tend to gloss over the fact that wom- with a part of it according to His will. There- Prophet Muhammad once said, “Your Heaven en also have some exclusive property rights. fore, Muslims should strive to dispense their lies under the feet of your mother” (Ahmad For example, Q. 4:20 refers to the obligatory possessions accordingly. For example, Islam and Nasai) and the following incident: A mahr, the groom’s contractual gift given to his declares that other people have a right to a man once asked “O Messenger of God, who soon-to-be wife and over which she has com- certain share of our earnings and wealth: is most worthy of my good companionship?’ plete control, as being a potential “treasure.” our spouses, children and parents; deserving He replied, “Your mother.” The man asked When drawing up the marriage contract, the neighbors, regardless of their faith communi- the same question two more time, and the woman (and her guardian) must to consider ty; and people undergoing tough times and Prophet gave the same reply. When he asked her future financial security regardless of the hardships wherever they live. This reflects the fourth time, the Prophet said, “Your fa- life or death of her relatives. If done correctly, Islam’s nature and spirit, its concern with all ther” (Bukhari and Muslim). this mahr will ensure her complete financial se- of humanity. All of this acknowledges the critical role curity, something that inheritance cannot do. Shaikh also points out an important point: of women in this world. As a favor to our Quran 4:5 proclaims that husbands must These rulesonly apply to those assets left in mothers, God made it easy for them to fulfill meet all of their families’ financial needs. the person’s possession at the time of death. their primary responsibilities without having North America is full of examples of sons In other words, they do not regulate what to worry about their livelihood. As their hus- (and their wives) caring for their parents, he/she can distribute while alive, provided bands must meet all of the family members’ daughters and sisters. The usual criticisms that those gifts were not intended to deprive financial needs, women can choose whether should be aimed not at the inheritance dis- legitimate heirs by favoring others or giving to work or not. During pregnancy or after tribution laws, but at whether the children things away during one’s final illness. Thus childbirth, mothers must be free of all worry are being raised to beware of and eventually giving your daughter or any female relative about her and her children’s sustenance so that assume their obligations. a generous gift because you worry about her they may prepare to present to the nation its Clearly, the inheritance law seeks to make financial security and welfare is perfectly ac- (future) best citizens. our mothers, daughters, sisters and wives fi- ceptable, even laudable. nancially strong so that men cannot exploit Islam defines gift as an asset handed over Ashraf Saeed, senior research scientist at Eli Lilly and them. Rather than just focusing on these un- while still alive, as opposed to something writ- Company, Inc., is a board member of Al-Salam Founda- tion, Carmel, Ind., and a teacher at Al-Ilm weekend school, equal inheritance rights, critics must analyze ten in a living trust or will that will change Indianapolis. (Note: The author would like to acknowledge the related rules that appear elsewhere in the hands when one’s will is implemented. If you his late father Saeed Ahmad’s letter inspired him to write Quran and the Hadith literature. plan to make a large gift, Shaikh states, re- this article.)

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 53 SPECIAL FEATURE Yes, Islam Really is a Religion

BY JIBREEL DELGADO

hat Yasmine Taeb, a co-author of “Fear, Inc. 2.0: The Islamophobia Network’s Efforts to Manufacture Hate Movement as his primary constituency, have been blessed and anointed by Dominionist in America” (Center for American Progress, 2015) calls — a political and religious philosophy that a “transatlantic network of hate” is actively promoting seeks to make the U.S. government a Chris- IslamophobicW prejudice and racism throughout the U.S. and Europe. In tian theocracy — pastors who consider the Europe, this network has led to such institutionalizations of Islamophobia Constitution to be rooted solely in Christian as Austria’s Islam Law, while its transatlantic nature is best exemplified by Biblical law and call for an end to all forms of secularism. the U.S. Department of State’s casting of Dutch-American Islamophobe This political Christianism is part of a and former Muslim, Ayaan Hirsi Ali as a “Muslim reformer.” larger trend that began in the 1960s, one which sociologists such as the Austri- Among its tactics is to argue that Islam political system ... bent on world domina- an-American Peter L. Berger have referred is not a religion due to its relationship with tion.” This mode of argumentation has led to as the “desecularization of the world,” politics. When running for office, now-Rep- Republican presidential hopefuls like Ben where, except for Western Europe and resentative Jody Hice (R-Ga.) stated that Carson to claim that a Muslim should not Western academia, religion in the public while “most people think Islam is a religion, be president until he/she rejects the tenets sphere, particularly in politics, has surged. it’s not. It’s a totalitarian way of life with a of Islam, the Sharia, and embraces American This distinction between a secularized West- religious component” and that “although values and the Constitution. ern academia and a descularized American

Jody Hice Pat Robertson Ted Cruz

Islam has a religious component, it is much And yet many of the same politicians who public sphere is important. Scholars like more than a simple religious ideology. It is make this claim actively seek to promote German sociologist and philosopher Jürgen a complete geo-political structure and, as Christianity in the political sphere. From Habermas have shed light on the fact that such, does not deserve First Amendment abortion to gay marriage, they continue to the U.S. represents a global norm of modern protection.” State Representative John Ben- base their positions, at least partially, on religiously committed citizenry, whereas nett (R-Okla.) told HuffPost Live’s Alyona Christian morality framed as American academic studies continue to suffer from Minkovski that, “I would even submit to values. Several states, among them Indiana Western Eurocentrism. you that Islam is not even a religion. It’s a and Arkansas, enacted the Religious Free- This outlook can best be seen in the writ- political system that uses a deity to advance dom Bill in the wake of federal legalization ings of Danish-American author, scholar its agenda of global conquest.” of same-sex marriage, a bill that ISNA and and orientalist Patricia Crone (1945-2015), Evangelist Pat Robertson, founder of other religious associations have contended a historian who specialized in early Islamic the Christian Broadcasting Network and could be used to discriminate against reli- history and religious freedom in Islam. A host of its popular 700 Club, made a similar gious minorities. Presidential candidates close study of her definition of secularism statement on more than one occasion while like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who counts will disclose that it is at odds with its histori- on the air, “Islam is not a religion, it is a the ultra-conservative Evangelical Christian cal American understanding, but completely

54 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 in line with the European view identified Islam, definesdeen as a comprehensive sys- America, who maintain that the sharia is an by Habermas. tem that deals with all spheres of life, includ- ethical system that informs their views on Berger, one of the mid-20th century’s ing governance, conduct, culture, doctrine such issues as the definition of marriage, pro- foremost theorists of secularization who and worship. However, this did not mean choice versus pro-life, and religious freedom predicted religion’s inevitable socio-polit- that he considered Islam as something other — all of which are equally important to those ical irrelevance due to modernization, was than religion. Christian conservatives who hypocritically forced to revise his views by the end of the Sociologists of religion who have adopted argue against their own understanding of the century. At the very beginning of the last a global approach, like José Casanova, one religion-public sphere relationship. century, American philosopher William of the world’s top scholars in the sociology A more consistent interpretation of reli- James (1842-1910) presented the pragmatist of religion, and Martin Riesebrodt (1948- gious freedom in the U.S., like the one that ideal of religion as individual experience as 2014), a German-American professor of so- Massachusetts Chief Justice Ralph Gants opposed to a social institution. ciology and politics, have overcome many presented to the Islamic Society of Boston Such an individualist definition and the of the analytical shortcomings of their more on Dec. 18, 2015 ought to prevail over the modernist liberal definitions typified by the Eurocentric predecessors and constructed hateful rhetoric of Islamophobia. Some Mus- conceptualizations offered by Berger were definitions of religion and secularism that lim Americans have attempted to combat based on secularization theory. However, are not too far from those provided by Mus- the messages of Ben Carson and Donald their work actually paved the way for Muslim lim scholars. While Casanova argues that Trump by citing the positive opinions held scholars arguing for the distinction between definitions of secularization need to take by some of those who helped draft the Con- Islam and religion. This is now providing fuel account of the differences among the U.S., stitution, among them George Washington for the fire of Islamophobic hatred. European, and global contexts, Riesebrodt and Thomas Jefferson. Muslim intellectuals in the early and mid- argues that the world’s religions share three Even more important is the historical 20th century encountered definitions that general features: interventionist practices fact that since the time of that original presented religion as something entirely per- (worship and creed), discursive practices transatlantic network of hate, namely, the sonal and with so little — if any — impact on (e.g., a literary heritage, speculative theol- transatlantic slave trade, the U.S. has always social life that it would soon disappear even ogy, and exegesis), and behavior-regulating contained Muslims, a fact highlighted by from the personal realm. Muslim critiques practices (ethics, social responsibility, and UCLA historian Carla Gardina Pestana (The of equating deen and religion, like those of law). Al-Banna was referring to this final Huffington Post Jan.6, 2016 and Umar Faruq

Peter L. Berger Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi Hassan al-Banna

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi (1903-79) in his set of practices, which includes concepts of Abd-Allah, Muslim American teacher and “Four Basic Qur’anic Terms,” were developed governance, economics and conduct, in his lecturer. Activists seeking to combat Islam- within the prevailing context of contempora- definition of Islam. ophobia should place more emphasis on the neous Western scholarship’s understanding The Witherspoon Institute, a Prince- publications of these scholars. Greater advo- of secularity, conceptualization of the public ton, N.J., conservative think tank whose cacy for the protection of religious and racial sphere and prediction of the inevitable de- public policy positions mirror those of the minorities in general is also necessary and, mise of religious belief and practice. Christian conservatives, states that religious unlike what H. A. Hellyer, a British political Other leading scholars of that period, in- freedom protects a person’s belief in (1) an journalist, suggested in his recent article for cluding Egypt’s Muhammad Abdullah Draz unseen order; (2) harmonious adjustment the National (Dec. 31, 2015; UAE) does not (1894-1958) and Hyderabad’s Muhammad of life to the unseen order; (3) community undermine the call for protecting the rights Hamidullah (1908-2002), both of whom re- action and political and legal expression and of majorities or the fundamental liberties ceived a traditional Islamic education and (4) understanding the unseen order through of all people in the U.S. and elsewhere. graduated from the Sorbonne, routinely reason, revelation or some combination of Jibreel Delgado is a PhD candidate at the School of Middle translated deen as religion. Hassan al-Banna the two. This definition corresponds with Eastern and North African Studies, College of Social and (1906-49), in the first of his 20 Principles of understandings of Islam held by Muslims in Behavioral Sciences, University of Arizona.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 55 THE MUSLIM WORLD

percent of the national vote; in both 1990 and 2015 it garnered just under 80 percent Muslim-Free Democracy of the contested seats, almost exactly the No one seems to mind that Myanmar reentered same percentage. This is the first time that the country’s the “democratic” sphere while barring 4 percent of Muslims will not be represented in Parlia- its population, the Rohingya Muslims, from voting. ment. From the British period up until the 2010 election, Muslims were equal participants in all parliaments and even served as cabinet ministers.

BUDDHIST DIKTAT The NLD’s victory notwithstanding, Alja- zeera reported on Nov. 15, 2015, that this is a victory for the ultra-nationalists, who rose to prominence in this Buddhist-majority country after President Thein Sein took office as the head of a semi-civilian government in 2011. Sectarian tensions first flared seriously during mid-2012, when violence broke out between Buddhists in Rakhine, a western Aung San Suu Kyi with Commander in Chief of the Army Min Aung Hlaing. © EPA/MYANMAR MINISTRY OF DEFENCE © EPA/MYANMAR coastal state, and the Muslim Rohingya. Approximately 140,000 Rohingya were BY RAMADAN ALIG proclaimed that while historic, the elections eventually internally displaced. Sectarian were “far from perfect” for various reasons, tensions also spread to the heartland, with ung San Suu Kyi’s National among them the Rohingya’s disenfranchise- violence breaking out in several cities, in- League for Democracy (NLD) ment and “the disqualification of candidates cluding Mandalay. won a landslide victory in based on [the] arbitrary application of citi- The ultra-nationalist Buddhist group, the Myanmar/Burma in the Nov. zenship and residency requirements.” Association for the Protection of Race and 8,A 2015, general elections. Although Suu Kyi is constitutionally dis- Religion, led the anti-Muslim campaign. Ironically, however, the 1991 Nobel Peace qualified from holding the presidency, her Known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Tha, Prize winner did not even bat an eye while NLD controls Parliament and can choose this monk-led organization was instrumen- participating in an exercise from which the someone loyal to her. Perhaps she could be a tal in the Parliament’s recent passage of four ruling junta had disenfranchised the Ro- remote power-bearer like India’s Italian-born repressive “race and religion” laws that ban hingya Muslim minority. As this was the Sonia Gandhi, who was obliged to take the interfaith marriage and tightly regulate re- country’s first national vote since a nom- back seat to mollify the extremists’ objec- ligious conversions. inally civilian government was introduced tions to being ruled by a foreigner. Its top leader, the monk Wirathu, has in 2011, ending nearly 50 years of military The 2008 constitution sets out the com- described Muslims as “mad dogs” and called rule, her eyes were on the presidency. plex process by which the bicameral As- upon Buddhists to boycott their businesses. The military-drafted constitution dictates sembly of the Union chooses a president. Fearing Ma Ba Tha pressure, few parties that the unelected military representatives First, this Electoral College is divided into risked fielding Muslim candidates. Even the occupy 25 percent of the seats in the Pyid- three groups: the elected representatives of NLD refused to endorse Muslim candidates. aungsu Hluttaw (Assembly of the Union) the Lower and the Upper Houses, and the Of the 6,074 candidates who stood, just and can veto any constitutional change. In unelected army representatives. Each group 28 (0.5 percent) were Muslim — a minis- this “disciplined democracy,” a phrase coined nominates a candidate who then faces a vote cule slice of the community’s population as by the generals, the military chief selects the in a joint session of all the elected and unelect- a whole. Rakhine state presents a challenge. security ministries (e.g., defense, internal ed representatives. The winner becomes pres- With around 650,000 Rohingya barred from affairs and border affairs). ident; the two losers become vice presidents. voting, the state’s hardline Buddhist Arakan Despite such realities, the responses of Given the scale of the NLD’s win, its National Party (ANP), which had lobbied world leaders and news coverage have been, members will be able to nominate two of hard to strip them of their citizenship and with rare exception, stereotypically superficial. the three vice presidents and ensure that voting rights, dominated the election. The President Obama declared the elections “free their choice takes the top job. installation of an ANP chief minister will and fair.” British Prime Minister Cameron Election irregularities aside, the NLD only increase the Muslims’ difficulties. described them as a “landmark” and a “step to- has kept its vote bank. The BBC (Dec. 2, Without representation in Parliament, ward democracy,” a “triumph for the Burmese 2015) noted that in 1990 the NLD won Muslims have been reduced to a degraded people.” Secretary of State Kerry, however, 392 of the 492 available seats and won 52.5 and unwanted community that now feels

56 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 WITHOUT REPRESENTATION IN PARLIAMENT, MUSLIMS HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO A DEGRADED AND UNWANTED experts say up to one-tenth of the country’s COMMUNITY THAT NOW FEELS EVEN LESS WELCOME IN 51 million people might be Muslim. More than 100,000 Muslims are current- THEIR OWN COUNTRY. ly living in what some have called “hellish concentration camps.” Their perilous boat even less welcome in their own country. A rights and the even higher duty of taking journeys, if they survive them, often end in very small number of Rohingya who ac- care of them. their being placed in squalid Malaysian or cepted the government’s term for them — Mark Farmaner, the director of Burma Thai refugee camps and an almost non-ex- “Bengali” — were granted citizenship and Campaign UK, told the BBC that with Suu istent chance of being granted asylum. allowed to vote. Kyi’s power restricted by the military-drafted Anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar is President U Thein Sein, not only doesn’t constitution, there is a big question as to widespread and virulent among the Bud- accept the “Rohingya” word, but also insists how far [her government] will go to restore dhist base that elected Suu Kyi. The inter- that they are illegal Bengali immigrants from Muslims rights and ensure that they have national community will expect her to do the neighboring country. citizenship. something about their ongoing persecution, Muslims participated in the anti-British David Scott Mathieson, an HRW Myan- about which she has so far, much to her dis- struggle and stood with the Buddhists at the mar specialist, told the New York Times on credit, said absolutely nothing. Political ana- 1948 independence ceremonies. Among the Nov. 19, 2015, “That’s an added governance lysts say that Muslims voted overwhelmingly most prominent of them was U Razak, a burden on Suu Kyi that she has to address for the NLD in the hope that their situation former minister of education who was as- — we might not support full Muslim par- would change. sassinated in 1947 alongside Suu Kyi’s father, ticipation, but we will ensure that you’ll be The question remains that if she was so General Aung San, a revered national figure. treated as citizens, and there will be no fur- mindful of her Buddhist constituency before Phil Robertson, the Asia deputy direc- ther discrimination during her government’s her party’s victory and rode to success on its tor for the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch term. She’s got an overwhelming mandate shoulders, will she risk upsetting this part- (HRW), told Aljazeera that since the Mus- to do that.” nership to accommodate a small sidelined lims had voted overwhelmingly for the NLD, Muslims officially make up 4 percent of and despised minority? it now has the responsibility to protect their the country’s population; however, some Ramadan Alig is freelance writer.

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 57 FAMILY LIFE

out Q. 3:21, so would any article on marriage be incomplete without the ones that precede and follow this verse: “And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then suddenly you were human beings dispersing throughout the earth” (Q. 30:20) and: “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and Earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed, in that are signs for people of knowledge” (30:22). These verses bring to light the diversity of our creation while also highlighting our common origin — dust — and purpose: dispersing throughout the land. In other words, the verse that reminds us marriage’s purpose as a place of serenity where we can find love and mercy is couched between a verse on our similar origin and another one that points to the beauty in our differences. Along with these, Muslims should also recall the Prophet’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa Embodying Care and Mercy sallam) statement in his final sermon: “All humanity is from Adam and Eve. An Arab Can Muslims overcome mundane considerations has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; when seeking marriage? also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except BY SUZY S. ISMAIL by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. uslim weddings, like all upon a type of care, compassion, mercy and Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, other weddings, are often a affection that transcends this world on its which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless time of joy, anticipation and journey toward a far higher spiritual love. it was given freely and willingly. Do not, family drama. When the in- The verse closes with the reminder that therefore, do injustice to yourselves.” Mvitation arrives in the mailbox, or more com- marriage itself is a heavenly sign and that From the Quran’s verses to the Messen- monly in today’s digital age in the electronic Muslims should reflect and marvel upon the ger’s words, Islam condemns all forms of inbox, the invitee is likely to search through connection that makes such a union work racism and belittling based upon race, cul- the stylistic writing for the “all-important” at all. The mere idea of taking two com- ture or ethnicity. If deen clearly articulates information of who, what, when, where and, pletely different individuals from different the importance of equality in all of our re- of course, the meal choice. While doing so, families, backgrounds, communities, ways lationships, then from where does our fear the eager eye may quickly glance over the of living, and thoughts and bringing them of mixed marriages stem? Below are the typical Quranic verse that usually precedes together to form a new bond really does call top ten myths that I’ve often come across the basic information, usually located on the for reflection. in the marriage facilitation and counseling top of the card: “And of His signs is that He The operative word here is different, in we provide at Cornerstone: created for you from amongst yourselves the sense that our differences bring us to- • You won’t speak the same language spouses that you may find tranquility in gether to unite for the sake of God and hold • Your children won’t be raised the them; and He placed between you love and onto the tight bond of marriage. Yet in our same way mercy. Indeed in that is a sign for people ummah, which is plagued by a rampant fear • You won’t be able to keep your cul- who reflect” (Q. 30:21). of all that is different, the idea of marrying ture intact More important than finding out the someone sooooo different as to be from a • You’ll miss out on all the cultural mundane information, this verse is the one different race, culture or ethnicity is almost meals that needs the most pondering. It speaks of as difficult to traverse as marrying someone • Your temperaments won’t match marriage as a means of finding rest and tran- from a different species. • Your children will come out con- quility from the outside world, not as a way An exploration of the Quran shows that fused of finding constant fireworks and stomach this fear of marrying outside our cultures • You won’t have a “back home” to butterflies a là Hollywood. It also speaks of is totally unfounded. Just as any talk about visit as a family finding a love within marriage that is built marriage in Islam would be incomplete with- • Your in-laws will treat you poorly

58 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 • Your traditions will be lost and gath- “Back home” really exists only for the become divided….” He brings our hearts erings will have no meaning, and initial immigrants. The place in which we together and advises against being divided. • Your wedding and every major live is and should be our home. There is It’s time we lose our shackles of hesitancy holiday will be a jumble of clash- no other “back home.” Make your current toward mixed marriages and embrace our ing outfits. Now if we deconstruct these myths (and many more that are too numerous to list), we can see the fault in each empty assumption: AN EXPLORATION OF THE QURAN SHOWS Living in the West, chances are we are all THAT THIS FEAR OF MARRYING OUTSIDE OUR speaking English or some variation thereof. If not, there’s always language software, such CULTURES IS TOTALLY UNFOUNDED. as Rosetta Stone®. The couple can embark together on the journey of learning a new language or learning his/her spouse’s native residence your home and make every other community’s diversity, for doing so can only tongue. The language of the Quran can also country to which you have a connection strengthen us if we nurture and support it. be a powerful base connector. Languages of or in which your siblings or relatives are When you find a righteous spouse, follow love can be expressed in more ways than living another part of your own home, but the deen and take the leap if the levels of one. When it comes to communicating with not a “back home.” There is nothing more compatibility exist. Don’t shy away from parents and in-laws, maybe less is more. Or beautiful than raising children with a love of someone just because his/her culture, eth- then again, the power of nonverbal commu- diversity and a connected feeling to brothers nicity or race may differ, for that difference nication can be more effective than words and sisters around the world. may make your marriage connection more and the sincerity of a smile in any language This myth could require a whole other blessed than one built upon a perpetuation can conquer even the most distant of hearts. article. The in-laws’ treatment of the new of sameness. The way we raise our children differs from spouse does not hinge upon that person’s Suzy S. Ismail, a visiting professor of communication at how we were raised, and the way they will cultural, racial or ethnic make-up, but upon DeVry University, is the founder and head communication be raised will differ greatly from the way their view and respect toward the spouse. counselor at Cornerstone. their children will be raised. Insisting that That takes a whole lot of work, sometimes marrying outside one’s race or culture will regardless of background. change your child’s tarbiyah is like arguing Traditions made within your family are Director of Religious Affairs that the grass is green. Of course it will, but the ones that will be passed on. Create your in a good way. Our child-rearing techniques own traditions with your children. Bring a California Islamic Center (CIC) should evolve to fit the society we live in little from each of your backgrounds into the Lodi CA, was created in 1998, to while maintaining the importance of holding mix and watch the beauty begin to blossom. serve a growing Muslim commu- onto our faith, character, akhlaq and adab. Whether one wears red shalwar kameez nity in the heart of central valley. Culture is derived from how we act and or a white gown at the wedding or any other CIC’s newly completed 12,000 sf live, our preferences and connections. The holiday event won’t matter. What will matter center consists of prayer areas for set of rules that helps define our lives from is the level of respect brought to that cultural men and women, a multi-purpose a cultural perspective are not dictates set in acceptance and the acceptance of all that hall, class rooms, janaza wash- stone, but are fluid and flexible and meant makes us beautifully different. ing place, office space, medical to evolve with time, people and experiences. In the end, if we are to practice what clinic, and kitchen. The diverse If you love your biryani, samosa and we profess to believe, then we must open Muslim community of Lodi and chicken tikka masala and are marrying ourselves up to Q. 49:13: “O humanity, in- neighboring areas is in need of someone who is used to making falafel or deed We have created you from a male and a , burritos, then it’s time you get cooking. Both a female and made you peoples and tribes Director of Religious Affairs spouses should equally share their tradition- that you may know one another. Indeed, who is well versed scholar of Islam al foods. What better connection could a the most noble of you in the sight of God as our first Imam who will lead couple have than bonding over sharing the is the most righteous of you. Indeed, God our community in religious and foods they love and grew up with? is Knowing and Acquainted.” spiritual matters. He is expected Marriage is a large leap of faith. Regard- Muslims are meant to come together, to teach, lead prayers, take part less of the ethnicity, race or culture, your connect, find one another and know one in outreach programs, provide temperaments are not likely to be a perfect another through our interracial, interethnic guidance and counseling for our match. It takes a great deal of adjustment to and intercultural marriages. Just because community members. Detailed Job make a marriage work, regardless of your we are different doesn’t mean that we are Description can be found at Cal- background. any better or any worse than someone else. iforniaIslamicCenter.org. Email Our children will probably be confused The weakness in our ummah comes from detailed resume to Taj Khan on about a lot of things. But culture doesn’t have divisions; strength comes from unions. In [email protected]. to be one of them. And if it is, that’s one Q. 3:103, God reminds us: “And hold firmly more reason to start saving up for therapy. to the rope of God all together and do not

ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 59 NEW RELEASES

A QUEST TO UNDERSTAND THE QURAN Inside Syria: A Physician’s Memoir — My Life as a Child, a Student & an MD in an Era of War Revelation: The Story of Muhammad Tarif Bakdash Meraj Mohiuddin 2016. Pp. 190. PB. $24.95. 2015. Pp. 440. PB. $80.00 Cune Press, Seattle, Wash. Whiteboard Press, LLC., Scottsdale, Ariz. akdash, who went to school with Bashar al-As- he author, an anesthesiologist and athlete, Bsad, worked with Bashar’s wife Asma, butted heads with Tpresents a uniquely modern interpretation of the Proph- Baath Party bureaucrats, lost friends to anti-Islamic purges, shows Syrian et’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) life. For Mohiuddin, the history from the inside in the life of a child, a student a young man strug- need for a fresh approach to classical texts emerged from his own quest to gling to create a life for himself. And then shows it again, in the eyes of a understand the Quran. middle-aged MD who, after many years in the U.S., returns to the city of The answer came when he realized that the Companions did not read his birth as an impatient American intent on reforming the Syrian system the Quran, but experienced it. It is quite remarkable that he could produce from within. such a comprehensive study while pursuing his medical studies. This biographical textbook offers a wide variety of scholarly viewpoints The Life and Times of Abu Tammam on the story of Muhammad and the revelation. Mohiuddin brings it to the Abu Bakr al-Suli (Ed. and Trans. Beatrice Gruendler) forefront of the sirah by weaving Quranic verses into an authentic narra- 2015. Pp. 336. HB. $40.00 tive of Muhammad’s life. His inclusion of unique commentary points from New York University Press, N.Y. eight respected authors and scholars that enable readers to understand and bu Tammam (d. 845/46) is one of the most cele- reflect upon the varied topics related to the Prophet’s life and draw their Abrated Arabic poets. Born a Greek Christian in Syria, he own conclusions. Clean and simple visual aids, including maps, family trees, soon made his name in the caliphal court of Baghdad. diagrams and helpful elaborations, guide readers through the story of rev- His new style of poetry, which merged abstract and complex imagery elation so that they can understand the Quran’s historical and scriptural with archaic Bedouin language, was both highly controversial and extreme- context and how it was revealed. Commentators include Safi-ur-Rahman ly popular. In fact, his sophisticated verse epitomized the “modern style” al-Mubarakpuri (1943-2006); author of Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum [The Sealed (badi) that influenced all subsequent Arabic and Arabic-inspired poetry — Nectar]), Karen Armstrong, Reza Aslan, Martin Lings, Tariq Ramadan, Adil an avant-garde aesthetic that was fully in step with the Abbasid dynasty’s Salahi, W. Montgomery Watt, and Hamza Yusuf. Yahiya Emerick, author of intellectual, artistic and cultural vibrancy. The Holy Qur’an in Today’s English, 2010) provides a modern, easy-to-under- Translated into English for the first time, al-Suli mounts a robust defense stand translation of the verses. of “modern” poetry and of Abu Tammam’s significance as a poet against his detractors, while painting a lively picture of literary life in Baghdad and A QURAN INSTRUCTOR Samarra.

Gender and Sexuality in Muslim Cultures Big Book of Quranic Lessons: Quran as a Textbook Series: Gul Ozyegin (Ed.) Surah al-Qassas 2015. Pp. 408. HB. £75.00 Waseem Peracha Ashgate Publishing Limited, U.K. 2015. Pp. 188. PB. $19.99 his collection explores Muslim identities CreateSpace Independent Publishing, North Tthrough the lens of sexuality and gender: their historical Charleston, S.C. and contemporary transformations and local and global articulations. It also aseem Peracha, who has taught Islamic studies and interrogates our understanding of what constitutes a “Muslim” identity in Wworked as a youth coordinator for more than a decade, offers an select Muslim-majority countries at this pivotal historical moment, char- easy-to-understand explanation of Surah al-Qassas (chapter 28). His ap- acterized by transformative destabilizations in which national, ethnic and proach is that instead of searching through dozens of resources, the Quran religious boundaries are being re-imagined and re-made. Contributors take instructor should use lessons that have already been tried and tested in a on the most fundamental questions at the intersections of gender, sexuality, classroom setting and paced accordingly. Every unit focuses on six vers- and the body. es in clear readable text, which makes it suitable for a parent or a homes- Ozyegin is associate professor of Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, and chooler, a teacher at a Sunday or a full-time school, or those who want to Women’s Studies Program at Virginia’s College of William and Mary. connect to the Quran on their own. The book features easy-to-implement and well-structured lesson plans, word-to-word translations, explanation of Forced Marriage and “Honour” Killings in Britain: Private the Quran, activities, resources, discussions, important vocabulary and root Lives, Community Crimes, and Public Policy Perspectives words, as well as a quiz at the end of each lesson. Julios Christina 2015. Pp. 170. HB. $109.95 One Islam, Many Muslim Worlds: Spirituality, Identity, and Ashgate Publishing Limited, U.K. Resistance across Islamic Lands et against a background of increasing “hon- Raymond William Baker Sor”-based violence within the U.K.’s South Asian and 2015. Pp. 408. HB. $34.95 Muslim diasporas, Julios Christina traces the development of the “honor” Oxford University Press, N.Y. question over the past two decades. She relates the unprecedented changes he late 20th century was a time of dramatic de- in public awareness and government policy, including the groundbreaking Tcline for the Islamic world, particularly its Arab heartland. And yet pre- “honor”-specific legislation and the criminalization of forced marriage. All cisely at this time of unprecedented material vulnerability, Islam emerged as of this makes the country an important context for studying this now-indig- a civilizational force strong enough to challenge the imposition of Western, enous and self-perpetuating social problem. particularly American, homogenizing power on Muslim peoples. Baker argues that Islam’s unexpected strength (1) does not come from official politi- Ya Seen: A Hifdh Journey in America cal, economic or religious institutions and (2) cannot be explained by focus- Umm Muhemmed ing exclusively on the often-criminal assertions of violent, marginal groups. 2015. Pp. 185. PB. $9.99 While extremists monopolize the international press and scholarly journals, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, North those who live and work in the Islamic world know that the vast majority Charleston, S.C. of Muslims look elsewhere for guidance. The author shows that extremists mm Muhemmed’s book addresses the central draw their energy and support not from any reinterpretations and revival Uquestion of what is the point of memorizing the Quran of Islamic beliefs and practices, but from the generations-long hatreds en- if we do not change our hearts. She seeks not to teach the surah, but to show gendered by misguided Western policies. His analysis identifies Muslim how learning it may unfold in a 21st century Western family facing many centrists as the revitalizing force that has constructed a modern, cohesive of the same challenges that we all do. Her main focus is, therefore, hifdh Islamic identity that has become a force to be reckoned with. al-Quran (memorizing and preserving the Quran).

60 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MARCH/APRIL 2016 The world we live in is constantly evolving and ISNA is committed to being a positive driver of change. ISNA has long recognized the importance of engaging with other faith communities as a fundamental part of its mission, and therefore, we continuously host and participate in interfaith events, meetings and webinars to educate our friends, partners, officials and activists about Islam.

These interreligious initiatives have helped break down barriers of misunderstanding, formed genuine partnerships of faith and ethics, and established a platform to advocate for social justice issues for the common good.

We aim to work together to fight Islamophobia and share knowledge about the true teachings and understanding of our religion in all sectors. The gift of education has a ripple effect—it creates change locally, nationally and globally.

Ignorance is our enemy, and with your support we can make a difference. Please donate to ISNA today.

P.O. Box 808 • Plainfield, Indiana 46168 • (317) 839-8157 • www.isna.net ROAD MAP TO IMPROVE THE IMAGE OF MUSLIMS/ISLAM in USA Your mosque can do it, but you can do it by yourself

Today, the image of Muslims is under attack. However, we should not forget, that it is our responsibility to correct it collectively and individually: it is every Muslim’s responsibility. YES, if we do it seriously we can see positive results emerging in a few years. Muslims, who are spread out across the United States, should place this ad. in their local newspapers and magazines. Below is a sample text for the ad. that you can use:

Islam is a religion of inclusion. Muslims believe in all the Prophets of Old & New Testaments. Read Quran — The Original, unchanged word of God as His Last and Final testament to humankind. More information is available on following sites: www.peacetv.tv • www.theDeenShow.com www.Gainpeace.com Or 877whyIslam • www.twf.org

Such ads are already running in many newspapers in the United States but may not be in your area of residence yet. Placing these ads can be a continuous reward (sadqa-e-jaria) for yourself, your children, your loved deceased ones and with the prayer for a sick person that Allah make life easy here and in the Hereafter. Please Google the list of newspapers in your state and contact their advertising departments.

Such ads are not expensive. They range for around $20 to $50 per slot and are cheaper if run for a longer time. Call your local newspaper and ask how many print copies they distribute, and run it for a longer period of time to get cheaper rates.

Don’t forget that DAWAH works on the same principles as that of advertisement, BULK AND REPEATED EX- POSURE CREATES ACCEPTANCE. Printing continuously for a long period of time is better than printing one big advertisement for only once. Let your advertisement run for a longer time even if it is as small as a business card.

NOTE: If you are living East of Chicago, choose in the ad 877-whyIslam, but also please call 877-WHYISLAM before putting the ad and check if someone is already running an advertisement in the same newspaper as yours. If that is the case choose another newspaper. And if you are living West of Chicago, choose www.GainPeace.com and also call GainPeace.com before putting your ad. Also, after the ad appears, please send a clipping to the respective organization.

If you have any questions, or want copies of the ads that others have already placed in their area newspapers/ magazines, please contact me, Muhammad Khan at: [email protected] so that I can guide you better.

You can also contact 1-877-why-Islam or Gainpeace.com

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) NON PROFIT ORG. P.O. Box 38 • Plainfield, IN 46168-0038 US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #15 KENT, OH