Chairman's Message
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I am writing to you to invite you to join United Muslim Masjid at its 11th Annual Awards Banquet and Fundraiser at the historic Holiday Inn, 4th and Arch St., Philadelphia on Saturday August 25 2007 at 6:00 PM
United Muslim Movement, Inc (UMM) opened its first mosque on October 11, 1994 at 810 South 15th street in Philadelphia. The mosque was developed after a group of individuals approached Kenny Gamble aka Luqman Abdul-Haqq of Philadelphia International Records recording fame about using a building in which to establish prayer. The mosque was filled to capacity at the first Friday prayer service. In 1995, the mosque was expanded into 808 South 15th street. Although the capacity was doubled to hold about 350 people, the Masjid was filled to capacity at the first Friday prayer service after the expansion.
UMM is comprised of excellent people who have created a wonderful Muslim community in the heart of South Philly.
Please join CAIR-PA Board members in supporting this outstanding Muslim community.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Counter and Discourage Islamophobic Behavior
August 8, 2007
Chairman's Message
Counter and Discourage Islamophobic Behavior
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I am writing to you to ask your support in discouraging and changing Islamophobic behavior. Islamophobia is a growing cancer in our nation today where people target Islam and Muslims.
The Runnymede Trust has identified eight components that define Islamophobia. This definition, from the 1997 document 'Islamophobia: A Challenge For Us All' is widely accepted, including by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.
The eight components are:
1) Islam is seen as a monolithic bloc, static and unresponsive to change.
2) Islam is seen as separate and 'other'. It does not have values in common with other cultures, is not affected by them and does not influence them.
3) Islam is seen as inferior to the West. It is seen as barbaric, irrational, primitive and sexist.
4) Islam is seen as violent, aggressive, threatening, supportive of terrorism and engaged in a 'clash of civilizations'.
5) Islam is seen as a political ideology and is used for political or military advantage.
6) Criticisms made of the West by Islam and Muslims are rejected out of hand.
7) Hostility towards Islam is used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims and exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society.
8) Anti-Muslim hostility is seen as natural or normal.
The following 10 ideas may help to discourage Islamophobia and encourage its removal from the public sphere:
1. Don't make assumptions about Muslims.
Stereotypes hurt everyone. Examine what your prejudices are and make adjustments to view people based on facts not assumptions.
2. Make an effort to get to know Muslims.
Look for things in common with Muslims and celebrate the differences. We can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.
3. Learn about Islam.
Learn about Islam, even if you’re not interested in exploring alternative religious ideas. This will give you a chance to reflect on your own beliefs and values. It will also empower you to discourage Islamophobia.
4. Learn how to recognize anti-Muslim bias.
Do you view Muslim culture as a distinct, fixed entity with separate values? If your answer is yes, you may be harboring cultural racism. All cultures are diverse and dynamic. By sensitizing yourself to this fact, you empower yourself to treat every person as an individual and thereby contribute to the promotion of a vibrant, inclusive civil society.
5. Explore the unfamiliar.
Attend an organization meeting or an event at the nearest religious center of a different faith community. This first-hand experience can be enlightening and give you perspective.
6. If you witness a hate crime, report it.
If you observe someone’s property or person being attacked, call the police and let the victim know that you are a witness. This is one of the best ways to combat the violent expressions of hate. It is also a civic duty.
7. Don't remain silent when you encounter anti-Muslim prejudice.
Silence may be mistaken for tolerance by others. Don't let your silence speak for you. Simply say, "I don't find that interesting," or "I don't appreciate remarks like that." If the incident of bias involved a mistreatment of a Muslim, do what you can to help resolve the problem.
8. Be a proactive parent.
Expose your children to religious diversity at a young age. Encourage them to get acquainted with their Muslim classmates. Studies show that knowing a Muslim is correlated with a more tolerant attitude.
9. Support anti-prejudice organizations.
By volunteering, donating or being an advocate, working with other groups toward the same goal can be beneficial to you and the community. By getting involved, your voice can contribute to the promotion of tolerance and understanding.
10. Be a role model.
Practice the values of toleration and good citizenship with everyone in your life. Such behavior has a greater impact on combating prejudice than any words.
Please join CAIR-PA Board members in helping people change Islamophobic behaviors.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Chairman's Message
Counter and Discourage Islamophobic Behavior
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I am writing to you to ask your support in discouraging and changing Islamophobic behavior. Islamophobia is a growing cancer in our nation today where people target Islam and Muslims.
The Runnymede Trust has identified eight components that define Islamophobia. This definition, from the 1997 document 'Islamophobia: A Challenge For Us All' is widely accepted, including by the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia.
The eight components are:
1) Islam is seen as a monolithic bloc, static and unresponsive to change.
2) Islam is seen as separate and 'other'. It does not have values in common with other cultures, is not affected by them and does not influence them.
3) Islam is seen as inferior to the West. It is seen as barbaric, irrational, primitive and sexist.
4) Islam is seen as violent, aggressive, threatening, supportive of terrorism and engaged in a 'clash of civilizations'.
5) Islam is seen as a political ideology and is used for political or military advantage.
6) Criticisms made of the West by Islam and Muslims are rejected out of hand.
7) Hostility towards Islam is used to justify discriminatory practices towards Muslims and exclusion of Muslims from mainstream society.
8) Anti-Muslim hostility is seen as natural or normal.
The following 10 ideas may help to discourage Islamophobia and encourage its removal from the public sphere:
1. Don't make assumptions about Muslims.
Stereotypes hurt everyone. Examine what your prejudices are and make adjustments to view people based on facts not assumptions.
2. Make an effort to get to know Muslims.
Look for things in common with Muslims and celebrate the differences. We can learn from and appreciate something about everyone.
3. Learn about Islam.
Learn about Islam, even if you’re not interested in exploring alternative religious ideas. This will give you a chance to reflect on your own beliefs and values. It will also empower you to discourage Islamophobia.
4. Learn how to recognize anti-Muslim bias.
Do you view Muslim culture as a distinct, fixed entity with separate values? If your answer is yes, you may be harboring cultural racism. All cultures are diverse and dynamic. By sensitizing yourself to this fact, you empower yourself to treat every person as an individual and thereby contribute to the promotion of a vibrant, inclusive civil society.
5. Explore the unfamiliar.
Attend an organization meeting or an event at the nearest religious center of a different faith community. This first-hand experience can be enlightening and give you perspective.
6. If you witness a hate crime, report it.
If you observe someone’s property or person being attacked, call the police and let the victim know that you are a witness. This is one of the best ways to combat the violent expressions of hate. It is also a civic duty.
7. Don't remain silent when you encounter anti-Muslim prejudice.
Silence may be mistaken for tolerance by others. Don't let your silence speak for you. Simply say, "I don't find that interesting," or "I don't appreciate remarks like that." If the incident of bias involved a mistreatment of a Muslim, do what you can to help resolve the problem.
8. Be a proactive parent.
Expose your children to religious diversity at a young age. Encourage them to get acquainted with their Muslim classmates. Studies show that knowing a Muslim is correlated with a more tolerant attitude.
9. Support anti-prejudice organizations.
By volunteering, donating or being an advocate, working with other groups toward the same goal can be beneficial to you and the community. By getting involved, your voice can contribute to the promotion of tolerance and understanding.
10. Be a role model.
Practice the values of toleration and good citizenship with everyone in your life. Such behavior has a greater impact on combating prejudice than any words.
Please join CAIR-PA Board members in helping people change Islamophobic behaviors.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Saturday, August 4, 2007
A Letter to Your Beautiful Heart: Muslims are Your Family, Too, America
A Letter to Your Beautiful Heart: Muslims are Your Family, Too, America
Mohja Kahf
A certain Middle Eastern religion is much maligned in this country. Full of veils and mystery, it is seen by many as sexist. Often violent, sometimes manipulated by demagogues, it yet has sweetness at the core, and many people are turning to it in their search for meaning.
I’m talking about Christianity.
This Muslim squirms when secular friends, tolerant toward believers in Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Native spirituality, dismiss Christians with snorts of contempt. “It’s because the Christian right wants to take over this country,” they protest.
read more below
http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_letter_to_your_beautiful_heart_muslims_are_your_family_too_america/0014311
Mohja Kahf
A certain Middle Eastern religion is much maligned in this country. Full of veils and mystery, it is seen by many as sexist. Often violent, sometimes manipulated by demagogues, it yet has sweetness at the core, and many people are turning to it in their search for meaning.
I’m talking about Christianity.
This Muslim squirms when secular friends, tolerant toward believers in Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Native spirituality, dismiss Christians with snorts of contempt. “It’s because the Christian right wants to take over this country,” they protest.
read more below
http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/a_letter_to_your_beautiful_heart_muslims_are_your_family_too_america/0014311
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The myth of Muslim support for terror
The myth of Muslim support for terror
The common enemy is violence and terrorism, not Muslims any more than Christians or Jews.
By Kenneth Ballen
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
DEAN ROHRERWASHINGTON - Those who think that Muslim countries and pro-terrorist attitudes go hand-in-hand might be shocked by new polling research: Americans are more approving of terrorist attacks against civilians than any major Muslim country except for Nigeria.
The survey, conducted in December 2006 by the University of Maryland's prestigious Program on International Public Attitudes, shows that only 46 percent of Americans think that "bombing and other attacks intentionally aimed at civilians" are "never justified," while 24 percent believe these attacks are "often or sometimes justified."
read more below
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
The common enemy is violence and terrorism, not Muslims any more than Christians or Jews.
By Kenneth Ballen
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
DEAN ROHRERWASHINGTON - Those who think that Muslim countries and pro-terrorist attitudes go hand-in-hand might be shocked by new polling research: Americans are more approving of terrorist attacks against civilians than any major Muslim country except for Nigeria.
The survey, conducted in December 2006 by the University of Maryland's prestigious Program on International Public Attitudes, shows that only 46 percent of Americans think that "bombing and other attacks intentionally aimed at civilians" are "never justified," while 24 percent believe these attacks are "often or sometimes justified."
read more below
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0223/p09s01-coop.html
June Action: June 16th and June 26th
Dear Friends, As Salaam Alaikum (Peace be unto you)
I wanted to write to you and let you know about 2 upcoming events that I would like you to attend.
Program #1:
The first program is on June 16th 2007. The program is called 'Islam in the West' and it will be held in Somerset NJ.
Enjoy a full day of learning, entertainment, and more when leading scholars, artists and musicians come together for this special - first of its kind - event in the United States. Learn about being a Muslim living in the West and experience the rich diversity and unity of our Ummah.
Go to www.islaminthewest.org and reserve your ticket now! Tickets are selling fast.
Program #2:
For nearly seven years, our core values of freedom and fairness have been eroded, from the suspension of habeas corpus and due process, to shameful acts of torture, CIA kidnappings and secret prison programs.
On June 26, 2007, join CAIR-PA and ACLU-PA with other organizations in Washington, D.C. as we call on Congress to restore habeas corpus, fix the Military Commissions Act, stop torture, and restore all our constitutional rights. Rally with us outside the Capitol, then help deliver our urgent message in person to Members of Congress. This is your chance to make your voice heard!
Visit http://www.aclupa.org/juneaction to sign up. Let your Congressional representatives know that they have to restore habeas corpus and due process!
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
I wanted to write to you and let you know about 2 upcoming events that I would like you to attend.
Program #1:
The first program is on June 16th 2007. The program is called 'Islam in the West' and it will be held in Somerset NJ.
Enjoy a full day of learning, entertainment, and more when leading scholars, artists and musicians come together for this special - first of its kind - event in the United States. Learn about being a Muslim living in the West and experience the rich diversity and unity of our Ummah.
Go to www.islaminthewest.org and reserve your ticket now! Tickets are selling fast.
Program #2:
For nearly seven years, our core values of freedom and fairness have been eroded, from the suspension of habeas corpus and due process, to shameful acts of torture, CIA kidnappings and secret prison programs.
On June 26, 2007, join CAIR-PA and ACLU-PA with other organizations in Washington, D.C. as we call on Congress to restore habeas corpus, fix the Military Commissions Act, stop torture, and restore all our constitutional rights. Rally with us outside the Capitol, then help deliver our urgent message in person to Members of Congress. This is your chance to make your voice heard!
Visit http://www.aclupa.org/juneaction to sign up. Let your Congressional representatives know that they have to restore habeas corpus and due process!
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Arab American author in danger of cancellation by Barnes & Noble Thur 5/24 @ 7:30 pm in Bayside, NY
Dear Friend of CAIR-PA,
Susan Abulhawa, human rights activist, award winning writer and founder of
Playgrounds for Palestine (http://www.playgroundsforpalestine.org), will be appearing at Barnes & Noble ( Bayside NY ) to promote her book THE SCAR OF DAVID http://www.scarofdavid.com/reviews).
We are asking for your cooperation regarding an important development with respect to the event where there is concern that Barnes & Noble may not allow Ms. Abulhawa to read from her book during her appearance. We are expecting inappropriate pressure to be imposed by groups purporting to represent the Jewish community at large in their portrayal of this book as anti-Semitic and filled with hatred.
The Scar of David is a work of historic fiction which reveals the untold brutal history of Israel 's occupation of a nation as also depicted by the recently released PALESTINE , Peace Not Apartheid by former USA President Jimmy Carter. Set in the lap of one of the 20th century's most intractable political conflicts. Through the course of this story, a Palestinian boy grows up as a Jewish Israeli, tangled in a truth he cannot reconcile, a would-be suicide bomber is given a name, a face, and life of a man pushed to grave limits, an Arab girl of pious and humble beginnings lives the "American Dream," and a nation of destitute refugees is forced to live under the general label of "terrorists".
We feel it is important for you to attend the event on Thursday evening, May 24 at 7:30 PM to lend your support to Susan Abulhawa and to ensure she does not face alone the potential for strong opposition attempting to prevent the appearance from taking place as scheduled. Library Journal (the nation's most credible resource for public reading) has published a review stating "While some readers might see this novel as anti-Semitic, it is not. Indeed, Abulhawa goes to great lengths to highlight the universal desire of all people for a homeland. Furthermore, Abulhawa's compassion for
American victims of 9/11 and for those who suffered in the Holocaust illuminates what it means to be humane and spiritually generous. The Pennsylvania-based Abulhawa, herself Palestinian, has crafted an intensely beautiful fictionalized history that should be read by both politicians and those interested in contemporary politics. Highly recommended."
(Also see this review published simultaneously in Arab American News and Palestine Times: < articleid="7632">http://arabamericannews.com/newsarticle.php?articleid=7632 .)
Please use this link for directions to the store
Please use this link for directions to the store
(< jsessionid="F03866FADD5C576D246490FBBED04224.worker2?store="2562"> http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=F03866FADD5C576D246490FBBED04224.worker2?store=2562)
We look forward to a strong turnout on Thursday, May 24 at 7:30PM. Allowing Susan Abulhawa to be unfairly deprived of her right to free speech will make it even more difficult for other targeted minorities to express themselves while sending the wrong message to hate groups who find it easy to interfere with our rights as human beings.
We are counting on your personal support and expecting you to spread word of this potential threat to our freedom throughout your community.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Susan Abulhawa, human rights activist, award winning writer and founder of
Playgrounds for Palestine (
We are asking for your cooperation regarding an important development with respect to the event where there is concern that Barnes & Noble may not allow Ms. Abulhawa to read from her book during her appearance. We are expecting inappropriate pressure to be imposed by groups purporting to represent the Jewish community at large in their portrayal of this book as anti-Semitic and filled with hatred.
The Scar of David is a work of historic fiction which reveals the untold brutal history of Israel 's occupation of a nation as also depicted by the recently released PALESTINE , Peace Not Apartheid by former USA President Jimmy Carter. Set in the lap of one of the 20th century's most intractable political conflicts. Through the course of this story, a Palestinian boy grows up as a Jewish Israeli, tangled in a truth he cannot reconcile, a would-be suicide bomber is given a name, a face, and life of a man pushed to grave limits, an Arab girl of pious and humble beginnings lives the "American Dream," and a nation of destitute refugees is forced to live under the general label of "terrorists".
We feel it is important for you to attend the event on Thursday evening, May 24 at 7:30 PM to lend your support to Susan Abulhawa and to ensure she does not face alone the potential for strong opposition attempting to prevent the appearance from taking place as scheduled. Library Journal (the nation's most credible resource for public reading) has published a review stating "While some readers might see this novel as anti-Semitic, it is not. Indeed, Abulhawa goes to great lengths to highlight the universal desire of all people for a homeland. Furthermore, Abulhawa's compassion for
American victims of 9/11 and for those who suffered in the Holocaust illuminates what it means to be humane and spiritually generous. The Pennsylvania-based Abulhawa, herself Palestinian, has crafted an intensely beautiful fictionalized history that should be read by both politicians and those interested in contemporary politics. Highly recommended."
(Also see this review published simultaneously in Arab American News and Palestine Times: < articleid="7632">http://arabamericannews.com/newsarticle.php?articleid=7632 .)
Please use this link for directions to the store
Please use this link for directions to the store
(< jsessionid="F03866FADD5C576D246490FBBED04224.worker2?store="2562"> http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do;jsessionid=F03866FADD5C576D246490FBBED04224.worker2?store=2562)
We look forward to a strong turnout on Thursday, May 24 at 7:30PM. Allowing Susan Abulhawa to be unfairly deprived of her right to free speech will make it even more difficult for other targeted minorities to express themselves while sending the wrong message to hate groups who find it easy to interfere with our rights as human beings.
We are counting on your personal support and expecting you to spread word of this potential threat to our freedom throughout your community.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Iftekhar Hussain
Chairperson, CAIR-PA Philadelphia Chapter
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Balancing the Prophet: An article by Karen Armstrong
Balancing the Prophet
By Karen Armstrong
Published: April 27 2007 15:43 | Last updated: April 27 2007 15:43
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a05a4a4-f134-11db-838b-000b5df10621.html
Ever since the Crusades, people in the west have seen the prophet Muhammad as a sinister figure. During the 12th century, Christians were fighting brutal holy wars against Muslims, even though Jesus had told his followers to love their enemies, not to exterminate them. The scholar monks of Europe stigmatised Muhammad as a cruel warlord who established the false religion of Islam by the sword. They also, with ill-concealed envy, berated him as a lecher and sexual pervert at a time when the popes were attempting to impose celibacy on the reluctant clergy. Our Islamophobia became entwined with our chronic anti-Semitism; Jews and Muslims, the victims of the crusaders, became the shadow self of Europe, the enemies of decent civilisation and the opposite of ”us”.
read more below
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a05a4a4-f134-11db-838b-000b5df10621.html
By Karen Armstrong
Published: April 27 2007 15:43 | Last updated: April 27 2007 15:43
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a05a4a4-f134-11db-838b-000b5df10621.html
Ever since the Crusades, people in the west have seen the prophet Muhammad as a sinister figure. During the 12th century, Christians were fighting brutal holy wars against Muslims, even though Jesus had told his followers to love their enemies, not to exterminate them. The scholar monks of Europe stigmatised Muhammad as a cruel warlord who established the false religion of Islam by the sword. They also, with ill-concealed envy, berated him as a lecher and sexual pervert at a time when the popes were attempting to impose celibacy on the reluctant clergy. Our Islamophobia became entwined with our chronic anti-Semitism; Jews and Muslims, the victims of the crusaders, became the shadow self of Europe, the enemies of decent civilisation and the opposite of ”us”.
read more below
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a05a4a4-f134-11db-838b-000b5df10621.html
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