VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

Volume 65, February 8, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

SPOTLIGHT ON IRAQ:

"A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS"

An Iraqi police woman casts her vote in the provincial elections in the Shiite Muslim city of Najaf, 160 kms south of the capital Baghdad. Several hundred thousand Iraqis voted on Wednesday in the first stage of a landmark provincial election, the country's first ballot since 2005, with officials reporting a high turnout. (AFP/Qassem Zein)

Policewomen hold up Iraqi national flags as they march during a graduation ceremony at a police academy in Baghdad January 26, 2009. Some 500 female police officers finished the first batch of first inspector course at the Baghdad Police College on Monday. REUTERS/Saad Shalash (IRAQ) PARADE

Iraqi policewomen celebrate their graduation from the police academy in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Jan, 26. 2009. 490 women graduated from Iraqi police academy to be ready for Iraq's provincial elections on Jan. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)

Policewomen chant slogans as they raise up their rifles celebrating graduation at a police academy in Baghdad January 26, 2009. Some 500 female police officers finished the first batch of first inspector course at the Baghdad Police College on Monday. REUTERS/Saad Shalash

Salwa Majid holds her newborn son, Haidar Karrar, as she casts here vote from her hospital bed in country's provincial elections in Najaf, 160 kilometers south of Baghdad, Iraq, Jan 28, 2009. Full scale voting is scheduled for Saturday to pick regional councils across much of Iraq. But special ballot boxes were brought early to detention facilities, hospitals and police and military units needed for the sweeping anti-terrorism measures that include vehicle bans and double-ring cordons around polling sites. (AP photo/Alaa al-Marjani)

Salwa Majid, seen with her newborn son, Haidar Karrar, holds up her ink-stained finger after she cast her vote from her hospital bed in the country's provincial elections in Najaf, 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009. Full-scale voting is scheduled for Saturday to pick regional councils across much of Iraq. (AP Photo/Alaa al)

A member of the Iraqi security forces uses a scanner to check policewomen standing in line to vote in a polling station in Kerbala, 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Baghdad January 28, 2009 . Soldiers, police, prisoners and displaced people began early voting on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's provincial election in Iraq, which will determine the political landscape across the country as U.S. forces withdraw. (Mushtaq Muhammed/Reuters

A blindfolded policewoman demonstrates her skills on weapons handling during a graduation ceremony at a police academy in Baghdad January 26, 2009. Some 500 female police officers finished the first batch of first inspector course at the Baghdad Police College on Monday. REUTERS/Saad Shalash

Jazakullah Khair

Feel free to give your valuable feedback: amyusuf786@yahoo.com

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 64, February 1, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

Editorial:

The Holy Quran's injunction of "MANKIND IS BUT ONE COMMUNITY" could be perceived in different ways. While the status of MANKIND is on the species level, Mankind has been blessed with its rich differences in terms of religion, nationality, culture, ethnicity, gender et.c. As for our Ummah, all Muslims are ONE regardless of their nationality, culture, ethnicity et.c.

Are you aware of the history of the growth of Islam in your local community ? For Muslims especially who reside in the Western countries, it is usually a challenge to build a strong Muslim community on an organizational level and continually building through its organizational supports.

The spotlight of this issue is on St. Louis, Missouri and below is a summary of the growth of the Muslim community in St. Louis. Needless to say the importance for Muslims getting together under the rubric of an organizational umbrella and then working for the common good for the growth of the Muslim community cannot be overemphasized.

SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORY OF MUSLIMS IN ST. LOUIS

PART I:

(Daar Ul Islam Masjid)

History:

Initially in the 1950's, Muslims came to St. Louis as students and professionals and were known by their nationality rather than by their religion. These were very few, mainly from Turkey, Iran and Palestine.

In the 1960's, Muslims from Pakistan and Indian began to meet in their homes and at st. Louis University Busch Center. In 1964, the MUSLIM STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (MSA) Local Chapter was established. The constitution of the national organization headquartered in Gary, Indiana was followed. This attracted other Muslims for Friday prayers. The Muslims also met on Sundays at INTERNATIONAL HOUSE which was located on West Pine Street.

In the 1970's, Middle Eastern Muslims joined the group. Sunday School was started in the International Institute. Adults established the Tafsir session on Sundays. Later Sunday Activities were moved to the Stix International House at Washington University. Friday and Eid prayers continued to be held at St. Louis University.

In 1974, the ISLAMIC CENTER OF GREATER ST. LOUIS was established as a not-for-profit organization with its own constitution. Efforts were made to find a permanent facility. In 1975, a warehouse of Pitney Bowes was bought for $65,000 from Wolf's Construction Company. A long process of renovation was undertaken. Sunday tafsir, madrassa and jumma prayers were held. At any Jumma prayer one could identify FIFTY DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES.

(Above Masjid at West Pine Street is currently called BILAL Masjid and comes under the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis)

The influx of Muslims led to search for an additional facility in West County (Daar Ul Islam).


In 1980, almost five acres of land on Weidman Road was sought for $90,000, however permission to build a Mosque at this facility (now called the MAHATMA GANDHI CENTER) was denied after protests by the neighbors. Above experience was quite valuable and strengthened the Muslim community's conviction to expand and the search continued.



In 1987, extensive search led us to buy over five acres of land at 1307 Wickstead Rd (off of Weidman Rd) for $270,000. Projected construction cost phase I was $1.7 million. FUND RAISING RESULTED IN PLEDGES OF MORE THAN ONE MILLION DOLLARS IN ONE SINGLE NIGHT.


In 1989, a full time Islamic Day School was established at the Islamic Center on West Pine Blvd. The school was later named Al-Salaam Day School, In 1992 Groundbreaking was held at this property on Friday, November 27, 1992 and was declared MUSLIM AWARENESS DAY. Besides over one thousand Muslims, religious leaders from the Jewish and Christian communities, and County Supervisor were in attendance.



In 1993, the construction Phase I, (II and III) was started. The Board of Directors was changed to MASJLIS AL-SHURA. The first Chairperson of Majlis Al-Shura was a woman. In 1994, Phase I was completed. A new constitution was passed. The Islamic Center of Greater St. Louis, Inc became the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, Inc.

(Bosnian Masjid that is officially called ISLAMIC COMMUNITY CENTER)

With the help of the International Institute, the Muslim community of St. Louis begins receiving Immigrants from Bosnia. The foundation hired a Bosnian Imam and the Bosnian community increased up to 25,000 in St. Louis. Today their numbers have exceeded fifty thousand in St. Louis and they have since constructed two of their own Masjids/Community Centers in the St. Louis Metro area.

In 1995, the Foundation Headquarters was moved to our new Masjid, Daar-ul-Islam. The Islamic Center of Greater St. Louis at West Pine was named the Gateway Masjid and later changed its name to Bilal Masjid.

(Muslims during Eid at the Gymnasium of Daar Ul Islam)

In 1998, the Muslim community of St. Louis hosted the convention for the ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA, well attended by about 20,000 Muslims from all over the world. The Gateway Masjid was renamed St. Louis Islamic Center at West Pine.

In 2000, the community broke ground for Phase II and Phase III on December 1. These projects included a gymnasium, a new full time school building, a library, Sunday madrassa with a total cost of $3.5 million. In 2001, Phase II and III Project started and in 2006 the gymnasium was completed.



In 2007, the new building for Al-Salaam Day School , the weekend Madrassa and the library were completed. ADS has moved into the new facility. In the past ten years many more masjids have been built in the St. Louis Metro area.

(Most of above information obtained from article compiled by Noor Ahmed & Jamil Rana)

THERE CONTINUES TO BE CONTINUED GROWTH OF ADDITIONAL MASJIDS INCLUDING (1) GRAND ISLAMIC CENTER (2) NORTHWEST ISLAMIC CENTER (3) HAZRAT ABUBAKR MASJID (INFORMALLY KNOWN AS AFGHAN MASJID), (4) MASJID QOOBA (INFORMALLY KNOWN AS SOMALI MASJID) AND MOST RECENTLY ST. CHARLES COUNTY ISLAMIC FOUNDATION.

PART II

To be sensitive to the great history of Black Muslims in St. Louis and to avoid being labeled as "immigrant focused", we would also like to highlight the vibrant and loving community of our African-American non-immigrant Muslim brothers and sisters.

" Mosque Name: Al-Mu'minun Islamic Center

Masjid Al-Mu'minun

Masjid Mu'minun originally had the name "Temple of Islam #28." It was founded in 1957 as a Masjid under the Nation of Islam. With the ascent of W. Deen Muhammad's leadership, many Masjids throughout the country have changed their beliefs and practices to comply with the Quran and Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad). This includes Masjid Mu'minun beginning in 1975.

Currently, the Masjid has a wide range of activities and services for the downtown St. Louis community. The Sister Clara Muhammad School, which is located across the street from Masjid Muminun, also had its origins in the Nation of Islam with the previous name "University of Islam." Now it is a full-time, God-centered private Islamic school (K-7). It offers the standard school curriculum along with Islamic and Arabic instruction.

PART III

Below information pertains to SOMALI MASJID formally known as Masjid Qooba.

Masjid Qooba originally started out as a musallah (prayer facility) in January of the year 2000 in two apartments within an apartment complex. Since October of 2001, it has offered a full range of many mosque services including the 5 daily prayers, the Friday prayer, and weekend children’s school. Its location in relation to the International Institute and local colleges is convenient for students, refugees, and others in the downtown St. Louis area. Unity for Refugee Welfare along with Masjid Qooba provides an important means to assisting newly arrived refugees.

Services:

Refugee Immigrant Assistance
After School program for children
Quranic Class
Help with school homework

PART IV:

St. Louis Muslim Community also hosts a branch of the national Islamic organization - CAIR (Council of American Islamic Relations), actively networks with other organizations such as INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP, FAITH BEYOND WALLS, besides having its own MUSLIM YOUTH GROUP OF ST. LOUIS and ISLAMIC CULTURAL REVIVAL & ADVANCEMENT (ICRA). St. Louis also hosts the publication of THE AMERICAN MUSLIM whose Editor is Sheila Musaji.

We know that this newsletter has a global circulation reaching the UMMAH in various parts of the world. We would love to know and share the history of your City through this publication. If you would like to give us your community's history, please feel free to do so at below e-mail address: amyusuf786@yahoo.com

Jazakullah Khair

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 63, January 25, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

بــــــــــسم الله الرحمن الرحيـــــــــــــم
In The Name Of Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركات
As'salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW ZEALAND:

Social Service Work by one Muslim Organization:
International Centre for Children Charitable Trust (ICCCT)
Website: http://www.iccct.org
E-mail: icccharity@gmail.com

(Special thanks to Dr. (Hajji) Mohamed Ali for providing below information)

Part I:

By the grace of Allah SWT, 123 shares were contributed by Muslim Ummah of New Zealand and using these contributions meat parcels were distributed to 1800 families in 18 centres to destitute, poor, widows, orphans and refugees in refugee camps.

International Centre for Children Charitable Trust (ICCCT) was instrumental in distributing Qurbani meat to 3,000 families in 7 towns and villages in 2005, 5,000 families in 40 towns and villages in 2006 and 2,700 families in 30 villages and towns in 2007. These families were poor, eedy and destitute.

Alhamdulillah, to date a total of 12,500 families have received meat parcels to celebrate Eid and many of them would have had this as their only meal during the festive season. Their Dua for the contributors, fundraisers, distributors and organizers of Qurbani is certain to be accepted by Allah SWT.

We extend our wholehearted gratitude and prayers to all those who contributed, canvassed and made this Qurbani distribution on December 11, 2008 possible in Sri Lanka.

Our full report on the contributors of Qurbani is available and could be obtained by sending an e-mail to us.

May Allah SWT reward you for this act of Sadaqatul Jariya to help the orphans, widows, destitute, needy and the poor through our orphanage in Sri Lanka. (12/11/08)

Part II:

Alhamdulillah! All praise is to Allah SWT who made it possible to sponsor 83 orphans in 2008. This contrasts well with the 46 orphans sponsored in 2007, 24 in 2006 and 7 in 2005.

Allah SWT, Insha Allah, will accept the Dua of Orphans and care givers for the sponsors under the dollar a day programme, Zakat, Qurbani and Sadaqa contributors, 100s of volunteers worldwide and well wishers who have been passing the message of orphans internationally.

(BEFORE): Invitation for Inaugural Jummah Prayers

Alhamdulillah! Arrangements have been made to conduct weekly Jummah prayers at Mt Albert Senior Citizens Hall, Wairere Avenue, Mt Albert, Auckland, New Zealand, from First Friday 2nd January 2009.

Athaan will be at 1.35pm and prayers will be over by 2.00pm, Insha Allah!

Initially prayers will be held only for brothers until special arrangements are made for sisters.

This will facilitate catering the needs of growing Muslim population. This will also help ease the traffic congestion at the closest Masjids that are 5 KMs away, Insha Allah!

(AFTER) JUMMAH PRAYERS STARTED AT THE SAME LOCATION AS MENTIONED ABOVE

When Allah SWT sends His help no one can stop it and when He says "be" it is done! Alhamdulillah! Friday 2nd January 2009, the dawn of Muharram 1430 (the 4th) saw the historic inauguration of Jummah prayers at Mt Albert Senior Citizens Hall laying the foundation for a future Masjid in Mt Albert, Auckland.

Sheikh Rafat Najm, addressing a well attended gathering reminded the followers of Islam that this month marks the liberation of Moosa Alaihissalam (Prophet Moses) and his believers from the tyranny of Firown (Pharoah) and according to our holy Prophet Muhammed Sal, Muslims have more right to celebrate this freedom by fasting on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The congregation joined him in prayers to liberate Palestine and to stop the bloodbath in Palestine!

Brother Javed Iqbal Khan, in his capacity as the President of the FEDERATION OF ISLAMIC ASSOCIATIONS OF NEW ZEALAND (FIANZ) extended the cooperation of FIANZ and pledged the support of FIANZ for success in the noble cause of establishing a Masjid in Mt Albert with a learning centre for the education of youth.

The congregation unanimously decided to answer the clarion call of sisters to accommodate them in Jummah prayers, Alhamdulillah! Insha Allah, commencing 9th January 2009, ladies will be given special arrangements to participate in Jummah prayers.

IT IS THE INTENTION THAT ULTIMATELY COUNTS:

Feel free to contribute your valuable feedback: amyusuf786@yahoo.com

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

Volume 62, January 18, 2009
St. Louis, Missouri

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

GLOBAL UMMAH IN PICTURES - PART I

(1) SUFFERINGS OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN GAZA

10 year old Ansam rahel sustained a head injury in the Israeli attacks (TIME MAGAZINE)

(Notice the stitches on her head )

A Palestinian woman hangs clothes on the balcony of her bullet-ridden apartment building (TIME Magazine)

The cards on the desks in this classrooom bear the names of children who were killed in the Israeli attacks (TIME Magazine)

A Palestinian family rests on the rubble of their home in Jebaliya (TIME Magazine)

Aftermath of an Israeli attack (Yahoo.news)

(2) DETAINEES IN GAUTANAMO BAY

Four detainees watch the Iranian movie THE COLOR OF PARADISE in a trailer in Campe Iguana on guantanamo bay US Naval Base in Cuba. Camp Iguana is a medium security facility where some detainees were white clothes, can view the ocean, play soccer or watch movies. President Obama bean overhauling US treatment of terror suspects, signing orders on Thursday jan 22, 2009 to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center. (YAHOO.News)

A guantanamo detainee sleeps on a mattress on the floor of his cell in the Camp 5 detention facility on the US Naval Base in guantanamo Bay, Cuba. (YAHOO.News)

(3) FLOODS IN THE INDONESIA- THE LARGEST MUSLIM COUNTRY IN THE WORLD (YAHOO.News)

Feel free to give your comments: amyusuf786@yahoo.com

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

Volume 61, January 11, 2009

St. Louis, Missouri

Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

EDITORIAL:

Islam stands for PEACE and SUBMISSION to ALLAH. This includes our ability to practice PEACE and NON-VIOLENCE in our day to day lives. We encourage Muslim organizations and groups across the globe to continue to stand up against our minority extremists who care less when they kill the innocents. The global Muslim leaders and organizations need to further build innovative ways to spread the Islamic universal message of PEACE.

We frequently hear the non-Muslims complain: WHY ARE THE MUSLIMS NOT SPEAKING OUT AGAINST TERRORISM ? They may need to redirect the question to the main stream media and ask why are they not HIGHLIGHTING the voices of the Muslims across the globe who speak out against terrorism ? Below are historical Muslim voices since September 11, 2001 led by our excellent role model organization CAIR (The Council of American-Islamic Relations) as well as by other Muslim leaders and organizations condeming terrorism.

American Muslims Against Terrorism:

"The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has consistently and persistently condemned terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians. CAIR has also organized fatwas, petition drives, placed advertisements in national and local newspapers, ran public service announcements on television and radio stations, helped local Mosques across the United States in holding open houses, published Op-Eds in local and national newspapers, conducted inter-faith meetings and worked with scholars to disseminate the peaceful teachings of Islam.

In addition to specific campaigns, we have compiled a 68 page document showing all of the condemnations of terrorism after September 11th, 2001 and a similar document after the July 7th, 2006 bombings in London, UK.

The following is a sampling of campaigns we have conducted.

Fatwa Against Terrorism

CAIR backs Fatwa against Terrorism. English, Arabic, Urdu radio anti-terror PSAs released (Washington, D.C., 7/28/05)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today offered its support for a fatwa, or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism issued by the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and endorsed by more than 120 U.S. Muslim groups, leaders and institutions.

Not in the Name of Islam Petition

The “Not in the Name of Islam” petition states:

“We, the undersigned Muslims, wish to state clearly that those who commit acts of terror, murder and cruelty in the name of Islam are not only destroying innocent lives, but are also betraying the values of the faith they claim to represent. No injustice done to Muslims can ever justify the massacre of innocent people, and no act of terror will ever serve the cause of Islam. We repudiate and dissociate ourselves from any Muslim group or individual who commits such brutal and un-Islamic acts. We refuse to allow our faith to be held hostage by the criminal actions of a tiny minority acting outside the teachings of both the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Persistent and Consistent Condemnation of Terrorism

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has a clear record of consistently and persistently condemning terrorism. Yet American Muslim groups like CAIR get repeatedly asked the question why have Muslims not spoken out against terrorism? The fact is they have, but who is listening? This prompted one media commentator to ask, “Are Muslims condemning terror to the deaf?”

CAIR Statements on the Events of September 11

"We condemn in the strongest terms possible what are apparently vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. We join with all Americans in calling for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. No cause could ever be assisted by such immoral acts."

CAIR Condemnation of Suicide Bombing

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/28/2002)

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic advocacy group, today condemned a bomb attack on a Passover celebration in the Middle East that left 20 people dead and more than 100 wounded.

In a statement, CAIR said: "We condemn this attack and all other attacks on innocent civilians. Illegitimate and counterproductive tactics must not be used in the legitimate struggle to end Israel's brutal occupation.

CAIR Full Page Advertisement in Washington Post on September 16, 2001

"We at the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), along with the entire American Muslim community are deeply saddened by the massive loss of life resulting from the tragic events of September 11. American Muslims utterly condemn the vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. We join with all American in calling for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. No political cause could ever be assisted by such immoral acts."

Canadian Muslim Scholars Reject "Misguided" Calls For Jihad

(OTTAWA, CANADA)

The Canadian office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR CAN) and the Canadian Muslim Civil Liberties Association (CMCLA) today denounced a series of recent statements made by Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaeda network that state that Muslims should wage a "jihad" against Americans.

Toledo Muslims Condemn Attack on US, Ask Media to Exercise Restraint

TOLEDO, OHIO

The United Muslim Association of Toledo, expresses its deepest regret at the death of our fellow citizens around the United States. The United Muslim Association condemns these acts of senseless violence. As American Muslims we are saddened by this loss of life. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the recovery of those injured in the explosion. We call for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy and full disclosure of the findings.

Rallying to Make a Difference Hundreds of Families and Community Leaders

"I'm here because I think I can try to make a difference – to inform the public about what's going on," he said.

Imad joined hundreds of other families and community leaders, Muslim and non-Muslim, on Saturday for a rally against terrorism sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations-DFW.

He stood with his siblings and cousins holding banners and American flags.

American Muslim Response to the September Attacks

We, the undersigned Muslim organizations, support the President and Congress of the U.S. in the struggle against terrorism. Holding to the ideals of both our religion and our country, we condemn all forms of terrorism, and confirm the need for perpetrators of any such acts of violence to be brought to justice, including those who carried out the attacks of Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

ISNA Joins AMPCC in Condemning Terrorist Attacks

(Plainfield, IN – 9/11/2001) – The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), along with other Muslim organizations throughout North America, today condemned the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and offered condolences to the families of those who were killed or injured.

The AMPCC statement read in part: "American Muslims utterly condemn what are vicious and cowardly acts of terrorism against innocent civilians. We join with all Americans in calling for the swift apprehension and punishment of the perpetrators. No political cause could ever be assisted by such immoral acts."

ICNA Declares Friday, September 14, 2001, a Day of Mourning and Prayers

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is extremely horrified and saddened by the tragedy in New York and Washington D.C.

Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this horrible and despicable crime. We condemn this heinous act and call upon our political leaders and the media to act responsibly, and not generalize when speculating about the perpetrators.

Scholars of Islam Speak Out Against Terrorism; Clarify Position of Islam

Dozens of scholars of Islam issued a statement today, condemning the violent attacks of September 11th.

"We are grief-stricken at these horrifying events," they wrote; "the murder of innocents can never be justified and must not be tolerated."

In a lengthy statement, professors from major colleges and universities throughout the country expressed their compassion for grieving family members while also decrying the increase in violence against American Muslims this past week. "Anger and frustration are completely understandable and shared by us all," they wrote "yet that anger must not be directed at individuals utterly innocent of these terrible crimes.

U.S. Muslim Scholars Condemn Attacks

CHICAGO, Sept 12 (IslamOnline) - Muslim scholars in North America unanimously condemned the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon and expressed their deep sorrow and sympathy for those Americans who were killed and injured.

The Detroit-based Shari'a Scholars Association of North America (SSANA) strongly condemned the attack and said that there is no cause that justifies "this type of an immoral and inhumane act that has affected so many innocent American lives."

Call for Holy War Condemned by Florida Muslim Cleric

Osama bin Laden and his call for a jihad, or holy war, against the United States were denounced in a scathing address on Friday by the leader of one of Florida's largest mosques.

"There are some who tarnish Islam, who do terror in the name of Islam," said Maulana Shafayat Mohamed, head of Darul Uloom Institute in Pembroke Pines. "They confuse jihad with their own problems. We must educate them about Islam, so they will not corrupt it."

Experts Say bin Laden Is Distorting Islamic Law

Leading American scholars and practitioners of Islam said yesterday that Osama bin Laden had twisted and debased Muslim theology in a videotaped statement in which he called on "every Muslim" to "rush to make his religion victorious" by emulating those who attacked the United States on Sept. 11.

Ingrid Mattson, a professor of Islamic studies and Muslim-Christian relations at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, said there was no basis in Islamic law or sacred text for Mr. bin Laden's remarks.

American Muslim Scholar Declares: Terrorists are Mass Murderers, not Martyrs

Tuesday's terrorist attacks have saddened and maddened millions -- and raised questions for many about Islam. Speculation abounds that the hijackers were inspired by terrorists like Osama bin Laden, who teach that violent acts can pave the way to paradise.

But what does Islam really say about such matters? About jihad and martyrdom?

We asked Hamza Yusuf, an Islamic scholar in the East Bay, who said the attackers were "enemies of Islam.'' Not martyrs, but ``mass murderers, pure and simple.''

Muslim Religious Figures Condemn Terrorism

"Hijacking Planes, terrorizing innocent people and shedding blood constitute a form of injustice that can not be tolerated by Islam, which views them as gross crimes and sinful acts."

Shaykh Abdul Aziz al-Ashaikh (Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Senior Ulama, on September 15th, 2001)

*The terrorists acts, from the perspective of Islamic law, constitute the crime of hirabah (waging war against society)."

Islamic Statements Against Terrorism in the Wake of the September 11 Mass Murders

Mustafa Mashhur, General Guide, Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt; Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Pakistan; Muti Rahman Nizami, Ameer, Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Bangladesh; Shaykh Ahmad Yassin, Founder, Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Palestine; Rashid Ghannoushi, President, Nahda Renaissance Movement, Tunisia; Fazil Nour, President, PAS - Parti Islam SeMalaysia, Malaysia; and 40 other Muslim scholars and politicians:

Messages From Shaikh Muhammad Yusuf Islahi

The sudden barbaric attack on innocent citizens living in peace is extremely distressing and deplorable. Every gentle human heart goes out to the victims of this attack and as humans we are ashamed at the barbarism perpetrated by a few people.

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi Condemns Attacks Against Civilians: Forbidden in Islam

DOHA, Qatar, Sept 13 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Renowned Muslim scholar Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi denounced the attacks against civilians in the U.S. Tuesday and encouraged Muslims to donate blood to the victims of the attack.

In response to the bloody attack against civilians in the U.S., Sheikh Yusuf issued a statement Wednesday saying that:

Muslim World Condemns Attacks on U.S.

DUBAI, Sept 12 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - The Muslim world expressed condemnation Wednesday towards the attacks that occurred Tuesday in the United States, news agencies reported.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) grouping 57 Muslim states condemned Wednesday the previous day's attacks on the United States, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

Expressions of grief and sympathy in the Arab and Muslim world

For many of us, one of the most disturbing images of these past painful weeks has been that of the celebration of a few Palestinian youths after the tragedy.

This image has been played over and over again on CNN, thus reinforcing the myth that somehow the whole of the Arab and Muslim world rejoices at our pain.

Bin Laden's violence is a heresy against Islam

In what sense were the World Trade Centre bombers members of Islam? This question has been sidelined by many Western analysts impatient with the niceties of theology; but it may be the key to understanding the recent attacks, and assessing the long-term prospects for peace in the Muslim world.

Koran a Book of Peace, Not War, Scholars Say

Osama bin Laden, who is widely assumed to be the force behind the September 11 hijackings in the United States, cites the Koran, Islam's most holy book, as the inspiration for terrorist attacks. But Muslim scholars around the world who are reviled by such actions explain that the Koran preaches peace.

Feel free to e-mail your valuable opinions: amyusuf786@yahoo.com