Being an American Muslim?

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

Domestic Abuse – Imam Zaid Shakir

A great interview with Imam Zaid Shakir on the important topic of Domestic Abuse and violence in the Muslim Community. This was originally posted on the blog SheikhyNotes.

Share the Ramadan Spirit

Ammar Amonette, Imam of the Islamic Center of Virginia in Chesterfield County

Imam Ammar Amonette of the Islamic Center of Virginia has written a very timely op/ed asking some important questions about Ramadan and American culture.

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What about Ramadan? Is it an exclusively Muslim holy season to be observed by members of the faith? Or is there a “Ramadan spirit” that may be shared with our neighbors and friends? Does this holy month of Islam have any meaning or value that could contribute to the overall American experience?

Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Quran — the Islamic scripture — as according to the Quran itself it was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed. But according to the Prophet Muhammad, it is also the month in which Moses received the Torah and Jesus received the Gospel. Therefore, it is a month of contemplation of God’s divine guidance to all humanity:

“Fasting has been decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you, that you may acquire God-consciousness.”

Fasting is, therefore, a universal form of worship observed by all the prophets of God, and recognized by most world religions.

Through fasting we learn to give up things which may give us pleasure for the sake of higher principle. The Prophet taught us to spend Ramadan in acts of charity, feeding the poor, and assisting those who are less fortunate. In fact, the fasting is not complete until food or money is given to those in need.

The Prophet also spent the nights of Ramadan not in feasting, but in contemplation of the Quran through reading and prayer. Mosques are always full during the nighttime prayers in which the entire Quran is recited in a beautiful chant, followed by litanies of prayers on behalf of the community.

What a tremendous idea: the idea that the creator of the entire universe would actually care to guide us to a better way of life, a life of ethics and service to others. According to the Quran, we Muslims are not the only ones who have divine guidance, but the followers of the other faiths have also received revelation through their prophets. All of us agree on the basic message of universal brotherhood, peace, and charity toward others. Each prophet according to the Quran has taught his own particular “law and way of life,” yet they are all “one nation, one community.”

The Ramadan spirit should not be something exclusive, enjoyed within the confines of our private homes and in the assemblies of our mosques. It is a beautiful season with a message of unity for mankind. Let us wish a blessed Ramadan to all!

Attend the Annual Muslim FunFest ’10

Attend the Annual Muslim FunFest ’10

Saturday ~ May 29th ~ 12pm

The 3rd Annual Muslim FunFest Family Carnival is organized in an effort to bring all DC Metro Muslim communities together. The Muslim FunFest is a great opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy a day of out door fun with family and friends. The location is below:

High Point Farm
23730 Frederick Road
Clarksburg, MD 20871

We had about 5,000 people come out to the 2nd Annual Muslim FunFest last year. This year we are anticipating over 8,000 people, insha’Allah.

VCU MSA CoffeeHouse: Islam Forever

Some of our local brothers at the VCU Muslim Student Association have created the music and video below. It was performed live at this year’s CoffeeHouse. Enjoy!

Muslims in China & Food!

A fascinating blog post by a college student who studied in China and encountered ethnic Chinese Muslims. Below is a quote:

Having been here for almost three months, I have been keenly observing the Islamic life. Despite China’s oppressiveness, a diverse, multi-faceted Muslim culture still perseveres. Although there is a certain level of rigid tension between the Muslim community and the greater Chinese community, I have found that through Halal food the two cultures can find a common ground.