Being an American Muslim?

Rami Nashashibi talks about what it means to be an American Muslim.

Muslims near Ground Zero?

A great op/ed in the Richmond Times Dispatch that makes some important points in this heated debate.

Critics are saying it would be disrespectful and insensitive to the 9/11 victims’ families since the proposed house of worship will stand as a reminder for those who practice the same religion as those who deliberately, intentionally killed innocent Americans at their place of work. Certainly it would be immoral to add any burden to the unimaginable pain already carried by these families for the past 10 years. However, this argument is in essence accusing all Muslims of participating in the 9/11 atrocities.

The reality is that Ground Zero is a sacred ground for all Americans and not a particular religious tradition. Indeed, numerous Muslims were among the innocent victims on 9/11. While it is hard to overlook the religious motivation of the 9/11 terrorists, it is critical to draw the sharpest possible distinction between Islam and a murderous terrorist organization that claims, but has no right or mandate, to speak in its name. Most American Muslims do not tolerate extremism in their mosques. They don’t want it, need it, or care for it. They are simply striving to practice their religion and get closer to God through the acts truly prescribed by Islam — charity, prayer, and justice.

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The constitutional rights of Americans and the cohesiveness of their communities must not be left in the hands of those who exploit and promote fear of the “other.” Our faith traditions call us to love our neighbors and remind us that God calls for compassion, justice, love, and peace. No doubt, our religious diversity is at its peak and one wonders how all these different religious groups will live, study, and work together in American cities and towns without creating large and deep conflicts and tensions.

While Americans are generally living in peace with one another, this peaceful coexistence came after difficult years of struggle and suffering. What is certain is that fear and anxiety will not help but will simply perpetuate a vicious cycle of hate, suspicion, and division.

Supporting Moderate Muslims?

Islam & the Environment – Imam Ammar

Imam Ammar Amonette gave a moving and very in-depth explanation of our responsibility as Muslims towards the environment and the resources Allah has given us stewardship over.

You can watch the entire halaqa below, divided into four parts:

Learn about the Census this Friday

Dear Muslim Community members: Assalamu Alaykum,

Islamic Center is hosting an event to educate the Muslim community about the 2010 Census, to inspire interest in the process and encourage participation. The Census Bureau staff will be at Islamic Center this Friday January 15, 2010 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. They will answer any of your questions and demonstrate that the 2010 Census is easy, safe and important. They will set up an information booth at each entrance of the Center.

You are encouraged to stop by one of the booths and ask questions. It is important that we as Muslims show our full participation, talk to the staff and educate ourselves about the upcoming 2010 Census.

Islamic Center of Virginia
1241 Buford Road,
Richmond, VA 23235

THE SOLA CAMPAIGN

The SOLA campaign is  an international art project by A-Pax (Artists for Peace) that promotes the peaceful teachings of Islam and condemns the brutal and inhumane acts being committed in the name of this faith. The campaign takes its name from the word for “peace” in Pashto, the national language of Afghanistan.

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Muslims & Ramadan in Congress

NPR interviewed the head of the Congressional Muslim Staff Association (CMSA) about Ramadan at the Capitol. A great interview!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112506246

“Muslims across the world are celebrating Ramadan, the holiest thirty days of the year. Earlier this week, President Obama hosted Iftaar – the evening breaking of the day-long fast by Muslim adults. And another Iftaar is scheduled to be held on Capitol Hill. J. Saleh Williams, the Program and Outreach Coordinator of the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association, discusses Ramadan on the ‘Hill’.”

Muslims & Health Reform

Health reform is everywhere right now. As Muslims it is important for us to examine our faith to see where we should stand. We know that people are suffering for lack of health care in America and it is our duty to speak and act to change this.

The Islamic Society of North America has released an Action Alert for Muslims in the United States to support health care reform. You can view the action alert by visiting the URL below:

http://www.isna.net/articles/Press-Releases/Action-Alert-Call-in-on-Health-Care-Reform-featuring-President-Obama.aspx

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Health Care Forum at Islamic Center

The Islamic Center of Virginia is pleased to invite you to a Health Care Reform town hall meeting on Saturday May 16th, 2009 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at ICVA to discuss healthcare reform.

This event is sponsored by the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, which unites people of faith in Virginia to promote just and compassionate public policy at the state level. The goal of this event is to help inform our community about the health care debate and to build support for qualify, affordable health care for all.
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Political participation in Islam

Some people have questions about the fiqh of political participation in Islam. Imam Suhaib Webb has an excellent lecture on this topic. It is available on is his website via the URL below.

http://www.suhaibwebb.com/blog/minority-fiqh/the-case-for-political-apartment-audio-suhaib-webb/

Please feel free to express your thoughts by commenting below.

Imam Suhaib Webb was born in 1972 and raised in Oklahoma, USA. During his teens he was a Hip Hop DJ and a member of a gang. Feeling spiritually bankrupt, Imam Suhaib Webb set out on a path of spirituality ultimately leading up to the acceptance of Islam at the age of twenty. He graduated  from the Central Oklahoma University with a degree in Education. He currently serves as a Board Member at MeccaOne Media and resides in Egypt while studying at Al-Azhar university.