VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 45, September 16, 2008
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
Editors: Mohamed and Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
(3) American Near East Refugee Aid: (ANERA)
(ED NOTE:
Many minorities in the U.S. including Muslims that are looking for a job will tell you that generally it is not easy to get a job. It has become more difficult especially post 9/11. To top it, the recent economic downturns are going to impact the American economy all the more in various ways including tightening of the job market.
Let's assume that after sending several resumes and going to various interviews, you finally got a job offer. However your potential employer told you that it is contingent upon you passing the drug test. If the drug test is found to be positive, you could very well lose the job offer.
Let's assume that you already have a job. Even then it is important that in order for you to keep the job, certain employers expect you to have NEGATIVE in their random drug testing. If you are found have the result of POSITIVE, then disciplinary action could be taken against you up to and including termination. It is therefore very crucial that you don't lose your job for innocent reasons such as the below. Remember: "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER"
Especially for a practicing Muslim who does not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs the random drug tests showing POSITIVE would indeed be a SHOCK. So please read below and follow up on its recommendations).
THROW AWAY YOUR EXPIRED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS
The random drug tests the department conducts include tests for prescription medications which are illegal to possess without a prescription. Most of these fall within the painkiller family and include Darvocet, Oxycontin, Tylenol with codeine, etc. If a random drug test result indicates the presence of one of these controlled substances, then the employee can produce a valid prescription; however, if the prescription has expired, the result will be considered “positive” and the employee will have violated the department’s substance abuse policy.
Many prescriptions have an expiration date one year after the issue date. So a bottle of painkillers can be legally possessed for up to one year. Unfortunately, some people don’t check the expiration dates on their medications and when their back begins hurting again, they reach for the painkiller with an expired prescription. If they are then selected for the random drug test, it will be positive and disciplinary action could be taken.
When I realized this, I went home and checked the expiration dates of the painkiller and muscle relaxant I had and saw that it expired in two weeks. I went ahead and disposed of the pills so that I wouldn’t inadvertently take a pill that would result in me violating the policy. I suggest that everyone do the same.
NOT ONLY IS IT DANGEROUS FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, KEEPING EXPIRED PRESCRIPTIONS AROUND THE HOUSE CAN ALSO BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR CAREER.
Here's a government website on how to dispose of expired medications properly:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/prescrip_disposal.pdf
Patrick Murphy, Director,
Office of Human Resources
"Communique"
It is a misdemeanor crime to willfully fail to provide the USCIS with a written notice of address change (Form AR-11) within 10 days after remaining in the United States for 30 days or more.
Individuals being convicted, including the parent or the legal guardian of an alien under age 14 who is required to give notice, can be fined up to $200 or imprisoned up to 30 days or a combination of both.
Individuals may also be deported from the United States, ref. INA § 266(b).
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) run a “Special Registration” program where individuals from certain countries go through additional security steps to confirm their change of address while in the United States. Nationalities and procedures are included in this information guide.
Br. Abdul-Rahim Mathon (314) 276-7978
Council on American-Islamic Relations (636) 207-8882
St. Louis County residents can also register online at:
http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/ELECTIONS/ and
St. Louis City residents can obtain information on registering at: http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/electionbd/regist.html
The adage "crying in darkness rarely helps, but lighting a candle does," may be relevant to the presidential elections.
Shura Council appreciates a voter guide produced by Muslim Public Affairs Council (mpacmpac) . Similarly American Muslim Taskforce also offers its 2008 Election Agenda. Additionally, Council of American Islamic Relations urges everyone "to do our part in 2008 elections.
MPAC's 'Activate 08 Voter Guide' Now Available Online
1. LOOK back and thank God
2. LOOK forward and trust God
3. LOOK around and serve God
4. LOOK within and find God
"I asked God, "How do I get the best out of life"?
God said: "Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. And prepare for the future without fear"
WITHOUT GOD OUR WEEK IS:
MOURNday (Monday)
TEARSday (Tuesday)
WASTEday (Wednesday)
THIRSTday (Thursday)
FIGHTday (Friday)
SHATTERday (Saturday)
SINday (Sunday)
So allow GOD to be with you everyday.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
I) Hadith of the week
II) E-Mails/Letters/Comments to the Editors
III) Tips to all employees in the workplace
IV) Tips to immigrants in the U.S.
V) (STATE) Message to Muslims in Missouri
VI)(NATIONAL) Message to all Muslims in the U.S.
VII) Fictitious but thoughtful note by M.Sharif Mukati
I) HADITH OF THE WEEK:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not abuse anyone...Do not look down upon any good work, and when you speak to your brother, show him a cheerful face."
Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 1889
II) LETTERS/COMMENTS TO THE EDITORS:
(1) We thank Gary Baumgarten for posting a comment on one of our earlier blogs of VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH inviting us join in the News Talk Online show in which Gail Gartrell was his guest at 5pm New York time- today - Sept 16, 2008.
II) E-Mails/Letters/Comments to the Editors
III) Tips to all employees in the workplace
IV) Tips to immigrants in the U.S.
V) (STATE) Message to Muslims in Missouri
VI)(NATIONAL) Message to all Muslims in the U.S.
VII) Fictitious but thoughtful note by M.Sharif Mukati
I) HADITH OF THE WEEK:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not abuse anyone...Do not look down upon any good work, and when you speak to your brother, show him a cheerful face."
Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 1889
II) LETTERS/COMMENTS TO THE EDITORS:
(1) We thank Gary Baumgarten for posting a comment on one of our earlier blogs of VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH inviting us join in the News Talk Online show in which Gail Gartrell was his guest at 5pm New York time- today - Sept 16, 2008.
(Gary Baumgarten is an Award winning journalist who hosts the News Talk Online show on Paltalk.com. He asks critical questions, and invites people from all around the world to talk directly to his news maker guests using Paltalk's voice over IP technology. Gary came to Paltalk as director of news and programming from CNN where he was the radio bureau chief and correspondent in New York for a decade, where he covered, among other things, the 9/11 attacks in New York and Hurricane Katrina. He was previously reporter and Assistant News Director at CBS All News Radio Station WWJ in Detroit. Prior to that he was managing editor at Detroit Radio News Service and a reporter for the Jackson (MI) Citizen-Patriot, the Detroit News and a number of weekly newspapers. PALTALK IS THE LARGEST MULTIMEDIA INTERACTIVE PROGRAM ON THE INTERNET WITH MORE THAN FOUR MILLION UNIQUE USERS. News Talk Online is also syndicated by CRN Digital Talk Radio to cable systems serving an additional 12 million households.)
(2) To Editor:
Voice of the Global Ummah
Dear Brother in Islam
Assalamaualaikum Warahamathullahi Wabarakathuhu,
May Allah shower His blessings on you and your family in this Holy month of Ramadan.
This letter is to thank you for highlighting the Orphanage Programme in Sri Lanka in your esteemed blog and bringing about an awareness to support and cherish the orphans.
We pray to Allah SWT to accept your Ibada and grant all the family members of the Voice of the Global Ummah a place in Jannah along with our Holy Prophet sal, as promised by him.
Every dollar that is received by us is spent in the tender loving care of orphaned children and no money will be spent for any purpose other than in the interest of orphan.
Our volunteers worldwide are helping us by contributing their time in saving overhead cost which in turn is channeled back to the development of orphanage or for the welfare of the orphans. Please pray for these volunteers.
It is our earnest endeavour to establish such orphanages worldwide to take care of orphaned children, Insha Allah!
We are enthused and motivated by the encouragement and support we receive from our brothers and sisters worldwide. Some of these brothers and sisters are taking step to form ICCCT in Bangladesh, India and Australia. Some will be doing the function of fund raising and others will be doing the function of looking after the orphans, Insha Allah!
Through your kind assistance we purchased 12 acres of land, fenced its perimeter for about 2.5 Km in length, cleared the land, built a fresh water drinking well which by the grace of Allah is exuding water from a fountain below it even during the driest season, distributed Qurbani meat to 10,700 families and distributed Zakatul Fitr to 485 families and sponsored orphans as follows:
Year 2005: 7 orphans
Year 2006: 24 orphans
Year 2007: 46 orphans
Insha Allah, we intend to assist 155 orphans this year and may Allah help us to achieve this goal and guide us all by the right path, Ameen!
More information could be found in our website: http://www.iccct.org
Dr. Muhammed Ali
ICCCT Team
Voice of the Global Ummah
Dear Brother in Islam
Assalamaualaikum Warahamathullahi Wabarakathuhu,
May Allah shower His blessings on you and your family in this Holy month of Ramadan.
This letter is to thank you for highlighting the Orphanage Programme in Sri Lanka in your esteemed blog and bringing about an awareness to support and cherish the orphans.
We pray to Allah SWT to accept your Ibada and grant all the family members of the Voice of the Global Ummah a place in Jannah along with our Holy Prophet sal, as promised by him.
Every dollar that is received by us is spent in the tender loving care of orphaned children and no money will be spent for any purpose other than in the interest of orphan.
Our volunteers worldwide are helping us by contributing their time in saving overhead cost which in turn is channeled back to the development of orphanage or for the welfare of the orphans. Please pray for these volunteers.
It is our earnest endeavour to establish such orphanages worldwide to take care of orphaned children, Insha Allah!
We are enthused and motivated by the encouragement and support we receive from our brothers and sisters worldwide. Some of these brothers and sisters are taking step to form ICCCT in Bangladesh, India and Australia. Some will be doing the function of fund raising and others will be doing the function of looking after the orphans, Insha Allah!
Through your kind assistance we purchased 12 acres of land, fenced its perimeter for about 2.5 Km in length, cleared the land, built a fresh water drinking well which by the grace of Allah is exuding water from a fountain below it even during the driest season, distributed Qurbani meat to 10,700 families and distributed Zakatul Fitr to 485 families and sponsored orphans as follows:
Year 2005: 7 orphans
Year 2006: 24 orphans
Year 2007: 46 orphans
Insha Allah, we intend to assist 155 orphans this year and may Allah help us to achieve this goal and guide us all by the right path, Ameen!
More information could be found in our website: http://www.iccct.org
Dr. Muhammed Ali
ICCCT Team
(3) American Near East Refugee Aid: (ANERA)
Dear Friend:
For most Palestinians, a 10-minute shower would use a full day's water supply. After four years of drought, families who were already struggling for access to water are facing a crisis that is now far worse. Many are waking up every day wondering how they will get water, so their children can be healthy and their houses clean. Farmers are watching their crops die and their livelihoods fade. Families living in the districts of Jenin, Hebron, Bethlehem and parts of Ramallah have had no running water for days and weeks at a time this summer.
In Gaza, they are plagued by leaking sewage tanks that are polluting the water table, the streets and the Mediterranean. PLEASE DONATE TO ANERA TO HELP US BRING MUCH NEEDED WATER TO FAMILIES IN THE WEST BANK, GAZA, LEBANON AND JORDAN. ANERA is installing water tanks and building rain-collection cisterns. Since 2006, we built 177 cisterns to store rainwater, giving over 1,000 people access to 11 gallons of water every day.
More than 19,500 additional Palestinian households now have access to drinking water because of ANERA's work to expand and rehabilitate existing water supply networks. WE CAN DO MORE, BUT ONLY WITH YOUR HELP Your gift today will bring more relief in the ever-deepening water crisis of the Middle East. You can touch the lives of families who are the poorest and most in need, so they won't have to worry about water every day. PLEASE GIVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN TODAY Gratefully, Bill Corcoran President
For most Palestinians, a 10-minute shower would use a full day's water supply. After four years of drought, families who were already struggling for access to water are facing a crisis that is now far worse. Many are waking up every day wondering how they will get water, so their children can be healthy and their houses clean. Farmers are watching their crops die and their livelihoods fade. Families living in the districts of Jenin, Hebron, Bethlehem and parts of Ramallah have had no running water for days and weeks at a time this summer.
In Gaza, they are plagued by leaking sewage tanks that are polluting the water table, the streets and the Mediterranean. PLEASE DONATE TO ANERA TO HELP US BRING MUCH NEEDED WATER TO FAMILIES IN THE WEST BANK, GAZA, LEBANON AND JORDAN. ANERA is installing water tanks and building rain-collection cisterns. Since 2006, we built 177 cisterns to store rainwater, giving over 1,000 people access to 11 gallons of water every day.
More than 19,500 additional Palestinian households now have access to drinking water because of ANERA's work to expand and rehabilitate existing water supply networks. WE CAN DO MORE, BUT ONLY WITH YOUR HELP Your gift today will bring more relief in the ever-deepening water crisis of the Middle East. You can touch the lives of families who are the poorest and most in need, so they won't have to worry about water every day. PLEASE GIVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN TODAY Gratefully, Bill Corcoran President
III. TIPS TO ALL EMPLOYEES AT THE WORKPLACE:
(ED NOTE:
Many minorities in the U.S. including Muslims that are looking for a job will tell you that generally it is not easy to get a job. It has become more difficult especially post 9/11. To top it, the recent economic downturns are going to impact the American economy all the more in various ways including tightening of the job market.
Let's assume that after sending several resumes and going to various interviews, you finally got a job offer. However your potential employer told you that it is contingent upon you passing the drug test. If the drug test is found to be positive, you could very well lose the job offer.
Let's assume that you already have a job. Even then it is important that in order for you to keep the job, certain employers expect you to have NEGATIVE in their random drug testing. If you are found have the result of POSITIVE, then disciplinary action could be taken against you up to and including termination. It is therefore very crucial that you don't lose your job for innocent reasons such as the below. Remember: "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER"
Especially for a practicing Muslim who does not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs the random drug tests showing POSITIVE would indeed be a SHOCK. So please read below and follow up on its recommendations).
The random drug tests the department conducts include tests for prescription medications which are illegal to possess without a prescription. Most of these fall within the painkiller family and include Darvocet, Oxycontin, Tylenol with codeine, etc. If a random drug test result indicates the presence of one of these controlled substances, then the employee can produce a valid prescription; however, if the prescription has expired, the result will be considered “positive” and the employee will have violated the department’s substance abuse policy.
Many prescriptions have an expiration date one year after the issue date. So a bottle of painkillers can be legally possessed for up to one year. Unfortunately, some people don’t check the expiration dates on their medications and when their back begins hurting again, they reach for the painkiller with an expired prescription. If they are then selected for the random drug test, it will be positive and disciplinary action could be taken.
When I realized this, I went home and checked the expiration dates of the painkiller and muscle relaxant I had and saw that it expired in two weeks. I went ahead and disposed of the pills so that I wouldn’t inadvertently take a pill that would result in me violating the policy. I suggest that everyone do the same.
NOT ONLY IS IT DANGEROUS FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, KEEPING EXPIRED PRESCRIPTIONS AROUND THE HOUSE CAN ALSO BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR CAREER.
Here's a government website on how to dispose of expired medications properly:
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/prescrip_disposal.pdf
Patrick Murphy, Director,
Office of Human Resources
"Communique"
IV: TIPS TO IMMIGRANTS IN THE U.S.
(ED NOTE:
Most of the Muslims are unaware about the seriousness of failing to comply with reporting the change of address to the USCIS. Whenever any green card holder or F-1,J-1, H-1 Visa holder changes his residence/address, HE OR SHE MUST BY LAW report the change along with the new address to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Failing to report the above is a violation of law).
According to www.usimmigrationsupport.org:
Most of the Muslims are unaware about the seriousness of failing to comply with reporting the change of address to the USCIS. Whenever any green card holder or F-1,J-1, H-1 Visa holder changes his residence/address, HE OR SHE MUST BY LAW report the change along with the new address to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Failing to report the above is a violation of law).
According to www.usimmigrationsupport.org:
"Important Green Card and Visa Holder Change of Address Information:
It is a misdemeanor crime to willfully fail to provide the USCIS with a written notice of address change (Form AR-11) within 10 days after remaining in the United States for 30 days or more.
Individuals being convicted, including the parent or the legal guardian of an alien under age 14 who is required to give notice, can be fined up to $200 or imprisoned up to 30 days or a combination of both.
Individuals may also be deported from the United States, ref. INA § 266(b).
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) run a “Special Registration” program where individuals from certain countries go through additional security steps to confirm their change of address while in the United States. Nationalities and procedures are included in this information guide.
Notice of Change of Address applies to: * Nonimmigrant Visa Holders (visas such as F-1, H-1B, etc.) * Green Card Holders (permanent United States residents)
Providing the USCIS with your change of address is not a separate requirement, but it is a condition of a requirement of an individual’s stay in the United States. Visitors who do not comply with the change of address requirement during their stay in the United States will be considered “Out of Status”. The consequences of being out of status can lead to arrest, detention, fines, and/or removal from the United States. Future visa applications to enter the United States may also be impacted.
The purpose of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System, which was put in place after September 11, 2001, is to keep a track record of those entering and leaving the United States. NSEERS was the first step taken by the Department of Justice and then by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to comply with the development of the Congressionally-mandated requirement for a comprehensive entry-exit program".
(ED NOTE: It is a good deed to casually remind your friends or family members (who are permanent residents or with one of above visa categories) whom you know have relocated even if they relocated to a different apartment or house in the same block, to informally remind them of reporting the change of address, IF they have not done so. In the worst case scenario, you may have prevented their deportation and the subsequent devastation to the individual and family).
The change of address must be directly reported to the immigration service (USCIS) by using the form AR-11. OR best option is to change it online by logging on to: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa)
The change of address must be directly reported to the immigration service (USCIS) by using the form AR-11. OR best option is to change it online by logging on to: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa)
(V) MESSAGE TO MUSLIMS IN MISSOURI:
Deadline to register is October 8, 2008 Imam Muslim relates on the authority of Abu Saeed that Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alaihe wasallam) said: “Whoever sees something evil should change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot do even that, then in his heart but that is the weakest degree of faith”.
As Salaamu Alaikum:
"Many Muslims in the U.S., particularly since 9/11, have quietly allowed themselves to be stigmatized and even “demonized”. An affective step towards correcting unfavorable perceptions of Muslims is to help elect politicians that are sensitive to and understanding of our concerns. Any potential risks we take by becoming more politically involved or by expressing our own political positions are far outweighed by the huge potential for the betterment of Muslim lives and a greater respect for Islam across the world.
As Salaamu Alaikum:
"Many Muslims in the U.S., particularly since 9/11, have quietly allowed themselves to be stigmatized and even “demonized”. An affective step towards correcting unfavorable perceptions of Muslims is to help elect politicians that are sensitive to and understanding of our concerns. Any potential risks we take by becoming more politically involved or by expressing our own political positions are far outweighed by the huge potential for the betterment of Muslim lives and a greater respect for Islam across the world.
VOTE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. If you are not eligible to vote, it is important that each and every one of us encourages family members and friends who can, to VOTE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS OCTOBER 8. 2008. It is imperative that we do not rely on any one organization to undertake this “GETTING OUT THE MUSLIM VOTE”. No religious organization can fully represent all of our aspirations, especially those that are not religious in nature. The reality is that we (individuals or groups) must all work together effectively to achieve our goals, while appreciating and respecting even some areas of disagreement among ourselves. This must be a national effort and not just a local one.
To get a voter registration card and for other information on registering and polling locations, you may contact: Br. Abdul-Rahim Mathon (314) 276-7978
Council on American-Islamic Relations (636) 207-8882
St. Louis County residents can also register online at:
http://www.co.st-louis.mo.us/ELECTIONS/ and
St. Louis City residents can obtain information on registering at: http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/electionbd/regist.html
VI) MESSAGE TO ALL MUSLIMS IN THE U.S.
The adage "crying in darkness rarely helps, but lighting a candle does," may be relevant to the presidential elections.
Shura Council appreciates a voter guide produced by Muslim Public Affairs Council (mpacmpac) . Similarly American Muslim Taskforce also offers its 2008 Election Agenda. Additionally, Council of American Islamic Relations urges everyone "to do our part in 2008 elections.
MPAC's 'Activate 08 Voter Guide' Now Available Online
The Muslim Public Affairs Council today released "Activate 08 Voter's Guide: A Guide to the Candidates and the Issues," a special report created to promote greater awareness and participation among Muslim American voters.
The "Activate 08 Voter Guide" examines six key issues in the election and provides Muslim Americans with the presidential candidates' position in their own words. The issues include national security and civil rights, healthcare, the economy, the Iraq war, immigration, and U.S.-Muslim World relations. The guide also provides campaign officials with key information on engaging Muslim voters.
"As Muslim Americans, it is important that we support candidates who share our political views and more importantly, will protect the interests of all people," said MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati. "It is the responsibility of every Muslim American voter to register, educate themselves and mobilize their local communities to get involved in this crucial election."
During this crucial election season, MPAC will hold a series of Election Forums in a dozen cities around the country, including Sterling (VA), New York City, Los Angeles, and Dayton (OH). To find out more about these forums or learn how you can schedule a forum in your city or to order printed copies of the "Activate 08 Voter Guide", please email elections@mpac.org or call (213) 383-3443. MPAC continues to call upon the presidential candidates to publicly engage with Muslim American voters, and offers information to Muslim voters without any endorsements.
(VII) Fictitious but thoughtful note from Br. M.Sharif Mukati:
THE FOUR BLESSED LOOKS: 1. LOOK back and thank God
2. LOOK forward and trust God
3. LOOK around and serve God
4. LOOK within and find God
"I asked God, "How do I get the best out of life"?
God said: "Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. And prepare for the future without fear"
WITHOUT GOD OUR WEEK IS:
MOURNday (Monday)
TEARSday (Tuesday)
WASTEday (Wednesday)
THIRSTday (Thursday)
FIGHTday (Friday)
SHATTERday (Saturday)
SINday (Sunday)
So allow GOD to be with you everyday.
As usual, feel free to e-mail your comments to: info@mehrunyusuficds.com
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