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’.”

Female President of Islamic Center

An interesting article that talks about a Muslim sister who was elected President of a Masjid in Ohio. See the article below:

Female Leader of Mosque Takes on Stereotypes

By Jeff Swicord
Toleda, Ohio
05 August 2009

Some in the West have long held negative stereotypes toward the Islamic faith, particularly when it comes to the role of women. But if one woman in Toledo, Ohio has her way, that is about to change. She was recently elected president of a local Islamic center. She oversees the operations of a community center, school, and mosque, including the activities of the Imam. Her goal is to show the non-Muslim world that women of Islam can do and achieve anything they want….

FULL TEXT: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-08-05-voa25.cfm

We definitely need to make sure our Muslim communities are doing as much to support our Mothers and sisters as they are to support the men. In response to this, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is creating resources to help masajid be more women friendly. See link below:

Toward Women Friendly Mosques
By. Dr. Louay Safi

The Islamic Social Services Association and Woman in Islam have released a guide underlining a set of principles rooted in Islamic sources that outlines the rights of Muslim women to have full access to the masjid, and calling on Muslim leaders to privilege Islamic principles and values over cultural habits and traditions. The guide is entitled “Women Friendly Mosques and Community Centers: Working Together to Reclaim Our Heritage.”

The guide presents a serious attempt to deal with an issue that requires an immediate attention by Muslim communities: the place of women in the masjid and the community. I personally faced the issue for the first time two decades ago when a Muslim Student Association board member objected to the inclusion of women in an executive meeting. He based his position in Islamic traditions, but his argument was found lacking by everyone else on the board. The meeting went on without him but with the two sisters.

FULL TEXT: http://www.isna.net/Leadership/articles/ILDC-Articles-Archives/Toward-Women-Friendly-Mosques.aspx

America’s most diverse religious community

Salam,
Another one from LA Times shows that a clear shift is needed in our communities.
Imad

Analysis of America’s most diverse religious community
By: Sarah Gantz
Los Angeles Times

Reporting from Washington — A study of Muslim Americans released
Monday presents a portrait of an often misunderstood community — one
that is integrated socio-economically but culturally alienated; that
succeeds in the workforce but struggles to find contentment.

The numbers suggest economic and career success among Muslim Americans
– they have a higher employment rate than the national average and
are among the nation’s most educated religious groups. Yet only 41%
described themselves as “thriving.”

FULL TEXT:

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=LT0903-3821

WashPo: Muslims In America

Salaams all,

An intriguing article in the Washington Post about how most American
Muslims are racially diverse and young. Another reason why our active
young muslims initiative here in Richmond is so important!

MUSLIMS IN AMERICA
Saturday, March 7, 2009; Page B06

Muslims in America attend worship services weekly just as much as
Protestant Americans. Among the nation’s faith groups, they are the
most racially diverse. And they’re younger than average: More than a
third of Muslim adults — 36 percent — are between 18 and 29, double
the percentage of young U.S. adults overall.

FULL TEXT:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/06/AR2009030603198.html

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments below