1/05/2010

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 114, January 19, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Editors: Haji Mohamed & Hajira Rashida Ziauddin

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST BENEFICENT AND THE MOST MERCIFUL

EDITORIAL:

Yet another natural disaster taking 150,000 plus lives. The whole world including the global ummah is pained to know about the loss of lives, destruction of property and other related sufferings by the Haitians. Haitians are our brothers & sisters in humanity and we need to extend all possible assistance to them. In this connection we applaud the humanitarian assistance provided by Muslim organizations such as ISLAMIC RELIEF USA, (HHRD)
HELPING HAND FOR RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT USA and others who have stepped up to the plate in such a critical time and are doing the best that they can, to assist the Haitians. We also applaud the Shifa Clinic for providing free medical services to the Houston (Texas) community on January 18, 2010 on the birthday of Martin Luther King.

Global Ummah appreciates all Muslim Organizations that are assisting the distressed people of Haiti.

This is a good example of
ISLAM IN ACTION.
"Mankind is but One Community"- Holy Quran.




Residents of Miami Beach and surrounding neighborhoods deliver goods to a truck being loaded in South Beach to be delivered to the nation of Haiti, January 14, 2010 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Angel Valentin/Getty Images) yahoo.news.photos



A man makes his way amidst lifeless bodies outside the morgue in Port-au-Prince following a devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12. (AFP/Juan Barreto) yahoo.news.




(a) U.S. MUSLIM CHARITY TO FLY $1 MILLION IN RELIEF SUPPLIES TO HAITI

Islamic Relief USA works with Mormon church to aid Haitian quake victim
(Alexandria, VA, January 13, 2010)

Islamic Relief USA, America’s largest Muslim relief organization, announced today that it will immediately fly a $1 million shipment of aid to those impacted by yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti. That relief aid will be sent in coordination with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Those wishing to donate to Islamic Relief USA's "Haiti Emergency" appeal may visit www.IslamicReliefUSA.org or call (888) 479-4968.

Checks payable to “Islamic Relief USA” may be mailed to: Islamic Relief USA, P.O. Box 5640, Buena Park, CA, 90622.


In October 2009, Islamic Relief USA responded to two Pacific Rim earthquakes by coordinating a massive aid shipment to Samoa and deploying emergency teams in Indonesia. Islamic Relief partners worldwide also responded to other major disasters such as the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and the Pakistan earthquake in 2005. More than $100 million in relief aid was collected to assist the victims in those disaster areas. Islamic Relief also responded to Hurricane Katrina, delivering aid to more than 60,000 people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

NOTE: Media professionals interested in speaking to aid workers who have experience in disaster zones or to learn more about ongoing response efforts may contact Islamic Relief USA VP of Fund Development Anwar Khan at 818-216-9723.

Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) humanitarian agency with offices also in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas. As an international relief and development organization, Islamic Relief strives to alleviate the poverty and suffering of the world's poorest people. Since its establishment, Islamic Relief has expanded greatly with permanent locations in more than 35 countries worldwide. FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, ISIC RELIEF USA HAS BEEN AWARDED FOUR STARS BY CHARITY NAVIGATOR, THE LARGEST CHARITY EVALUATOR IN THE COUNTRY.

This prestigious award puts Islamic Relief among the top 2.25 percent of charities in the nation.

Media Contacts: Anwar Khan, 818-216-9723 (mobile),
E-mail: anwar@IslamicReliefUSA.org;
Mostafa Mahboob, 310-351-0952 (mobile)
E-mail: mostafa@IslamicReliefUSA.org



(b) HHRD Sending Relief Coordinator to Haiti on Behalf of all Americans Announces $1.5 Million Haiti Earthquake Fund
(Jan 17, 2010 www.hhrd.org)

This is to inform that on behalf of all Americans, Helping Hand For Relief & Development ( HHRD), a leading US Muslim Community International Relief organization, has launched a $1.5 Million Haiti Earthquake Fund and is sending Irfan Khurshid, HHRD Executive International Relief Projects, to Haiti and Dominican Republic on Monday, January 18th, 2010.

HHRD is one of the leading international NGOs of USA Muslim Community [501 (c) (3) - Federal IRS Tax Exempt ID: 31-1628040] and our motto is “Muslims For Humanity”, meaning wherever humanity will need assistance, HHRD will try the best possible way using all resources and networks to help our fellow beings.


The needs are dire in Haiti: As such with the help of contacts he has already established with a leading Islamic Center in Port-Au-Prince, Mr. Khurshid’s immediate task is to establish a Haiti Earthquake Recuperation Base Camp in Port-Au-Prince.


Once proper logistical and other mechanisms are in place, HHRD will start to sponsor Relief & Medical Teams for Haiti from USA and also with the help of our international partners.


Starting from 01-16-2010, HHRD has also started to accept in-kind donations in Rancho Cucamonga, California and over the next few weeks and may be months depending on the needs in the field, we will be doing this in-kind donation efforts in various cities of USA (details are given on our website at www.hhrd.org)

HHRD Team www.hhrd.org
Farrukh Raza, Chairman HHRD, Cell: 1-732-593-7017
Shahid Hayat, Executive Director, Cell: 1-347-400-1899


(C) Shura Council of Southern California urges your support for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti

ANAHEIM - Jan 13, 2010 - Shura Council extends its most heartfelt condolences to the people of Haiti and of many other nations who were in Haiti during the recent earthquake.

May those who survived be blessed with patience for their irrevocable loss. "Calamities transcend faiths and geography and so should compassion," said Dr. Maher Hathout, Chairman of the Shura Council and urged Muslims to respond and contribute to the humanitarian aid appeal by Islamic Relief, a member organization.

Islamic Shura Council calls upon all Masajid to encourage the community to donate generously in alleviating the suffering of people in Haiti. Donations can also be made by calling 888-479-4968 or checks can be mailed : Islamic Relief USA, P.O. Box 5640, Buena Park, CA 90622.


(D) Flint Islamic Center hosts disaster relief for Haiti
By Teri Banas January 15, 2010, (www.mlive.com)

FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- The Flint Islamic Center will host a fundraiser at 2:30 p.m. today at the center to raise relief money for the Haitian tragedy. The local effort is part of a $1 million campaign among Islamic centers nationwide by the charity group, Islamic Relief, to help victims of Tuesday's earthquake.

More than 300 families, or nearly 1,000 people, are members of the local congregation where organizers have pledged to raise $5,000-$10,000 after weekly Friday prayers today, said Abed Khirfan, of the center's management committee. Today's event will include a five-minute slide show of the devastation in the small island nation where tens of thousands are dead.

(E) FUND RAISING BY MASJID AL-MADINAH MOSQUE
Delaware County, Pennyslvania By KATHLEEN E. CAREY
kcarey@delcotimes.com

UPPER DARBY — Repeating an act of kindness exhibited in times of devastation nine years ago, the Masjid Al-Madinah mosque plans to hold a fundraiser Jan. 22 for the victims of the Haiti earthquake, similar to what it did for 9/11.

When congregants come to services today, they will be informed of a monetary collection that will be taken from 12:30-2 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the 6800 Ludlow St. facility. “This is a human cause,” Abu Rahman, senior member of the mosque, said. “When people suffer, you help those who are suffering. Help the needy. Who has fallen, pick him up.”

Rahman likened the effort to that of the mosque’s younger members in 2001. A month after the attacks, youths between the ages of 5 and 22 sold hot dogs and pizza in front of the mosque to raise money for the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. They raised $2,300 to benefit children orphaned by the destruction of the World Trade Center. This time, the efforts will be directed at the earthquake victims of Haiti. Rahman said the congregation is determining if all of the proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross or if it will be divided between the Red Cross and a local Haitian group.

He said the mosque, whose members spill out onto the nearby parking lots during summer worship, comprises individuals from 30 countries that span India, Africa and the Middle East. For this effort, Rahman appealed to his members’ compassion. “I am asking all our friends to look into your hearts and donate for those who are suffering so much,” he said.


(F) FUND RAISING BY "MUSLIM HANDS"
(UNITED KINGDOM)

HELP HAITI - EMERGENCY CHARITY NETWORKING EVENT

Date: 21st January 2010

Venue: Poppadom Express Restaurant, 40-42 Woburn Place London, WC1H 0JX

Leading organisations uniting as ONE for the common cause for a EMERGENCY charity networking event in the heart of London.

Following the devastating earthquake which hit the Caribbean island of Haiti late Tuesday evening, Muslim Hands have two British NGOs workers due to arrive on Friday 15th January on the ground in Port au Prince, south west of the worst affected area in the earthquake zone.

MUSLIM HANDS have launched an emergency appeal to tend to the victims and Mr Arslan Nusrat (senior projects manager) and Mr Irfan Akram (UK fundraising manager) will mobilise aid teams, report the situation from the zone, speak with survivors of the earthquake and provide an ‘on the ground’ perspective.

Please show your support for the ONE LONDON EVENT - every donation will help ease the anticipated struggles facing relief teams and the longer-term implications for the people of Haiti.

If you are unable to attend, please forward to others, as this may generate additional attendance and in turn donation. May Allah (swt) reward you for any effort, and insh'Allah the people in the affected region will receive the necessary urgent help and aid.


(G) SHIFA CLINIC AGAIN ON THE SPOTLIGHT FOR THEIR GOOD WORK TO ASSIST THE POOR BY PROVIDING FREE MEDICAL SERVICES


FREE HEALTH CHECK UPS AND OTHER HEALTH EVENTS
Houston Chronicle Online
Jan 18 2010

(chron.com
)

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the Shifa Clinic in Sugar Land will offer free physician consultations and lab tests today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.



SHIFA CLINIC, HOUSTON, TEXAS


The clinic's address is 10410 Synott Road.
The health center will treat patients at no cost as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, initiated by Congress in 1994 to transform the federal holiday into a "day on" for service — not a "day off." "This is a special day and a special event for us," wrote clinic executive director Rafique Jangda, adding that Shifa organized a similar event last year.

The Sugar Land health center is joining the nation's other Muslim free clinics to highlight the need for healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured.



(ED NOTE:
As usual, we know that such positive news truly reflects ISLAM IN ACTION mentioned both above and below this Ed note, will be completely blacked out from the anti-islamic websites and some extremist media outlets. Because highlighting such positive news will not serve their purpose of smearing and denigrating Islam. We know what kind of negative news they are patiently waiting to identify and then announce it to the world in order to feed their own hatred and prejudice towards Islam. It is like going to a community's local jail and blaming the whole community for the anti-social, illegal & criminal actions of the jail inmates.

We respectfully appeal to all Muslims around the globe to consistently do your best to represent yourself as an AMBASSADOR OF ISLAM by emulating the principles of Islam in terms of honesty, working for peace and harmony no matter which part of the world you live in and the different types of people you deal with.


Thank you Brother Mohamed Mukul Asajuddaman (below) for truly practicing Islam in your day to day life in terms of the below example of demonstrating honesty).

(H) Bangladeshi Cabbie in New York Returns Cash (over $21,000) Left in Taxi.
(Jan 14, 2010) BBC



Mohammad "Mukal" Asadujjaman speaks during an interview at his home in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010. Asadujjaman is being praised for returning over $21,000 left in his taxi
by a visitor from Italy. He says he's "broke but honest" and owes his values to his mother and his Muslim beliefs. (AP Photos/Bebeto Matthews)

Mukul Asadujjaman: "I did the honest thing" A Bangladeshi taxi driver in New York City has gone out of his way to track down the person who left thousands of dollars in cash in the back of his cab. Mukul Asadujjaman, a medical student, drove nearly 80km (50 miles) to an address he found with the money. He left his phone number when he found no-one at home. The money belonged to an Italian grandmother visiting the US.

Mr Asadujjaman was offered a reward, but he turned it down saying that as a devout Muslim he could not accept it
.


Felicia Lettieri, of Pompeii, Italy, and six relatives had taken two cabs on Christmas Eve, Newsday newspaper reported. Mrs Lettieri, 72, left her handbag behind, with more than $21,000 of the group's travelling money, jewellery worth thousands more, and some of their passports. Her sister, Francesca Lettieri, 79, of Long Island, said the honest driver had saved her family's vacation.

"We really love what he did," she said. 'Be honest'

"My mother is my inspiration. She always said to be honest and work hard." Mr Asadujjaman called a friend with a car and drove to a Long Island address he found in the handbag. No-one was at home, so he left his phone number and a note, the report said. His phone rang a short time later and he drove back to return the bag. "They were so, so, so happy," Mr Asadujjaman told the paper. Asked if he was tempted to keep the cash, Mr Asadujjaman said the money would have allowed him more time to study, "but my heart said this is not good".

Mr Asadujjaman is not the first honest American-Bangladeshi cabbie to hit the headlines for noble behaviour.

In 2007, driver Osman Chowdhury returned a lost bag containing diamond rings worth $500,000 to the rightful owner.


(II a) STUDENTS VOTE TO BOYCOTT ISRAELI GOODS
By Elham Asaad Buaras

Muslim News: Issue 247
27 November 2009 - 10 Dhu al-Hijjah
1430 University of Sussex


Students at the University of Sussex voted to boycott Israeli goods on November 5. The decision follows the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel, which calls upon the Israeli state to respect international law and end the occupation of Palestine.


In a campus-wide referendum, 56% of students voted in favour of the boycott.
The referendum was held by the University of Sussex Students' Union (USSU), which represents the institution's 11,000 students. Goods from Israel will no longer be stocked in USSU shops on the university campus, and USSU will be lobbying the University administration to observe the boycott. USSU President, Tom Wills, told The Muslim News.

Israel has broken more UN resolutions than any other state. No other Western-backed democracy has committed such egregious violations of international law, but the international community has failed to hold Israel to account
?

Sussex was one of the first universities to boycott South Africa during apartheid, and we hope that this will help kickstart an international movement on a similar scale to put pressure on Israel to end its oppression of the Palestinian people.
?

We call on students at other universities to table boycott motions in their own unions.?
Earlier this year, the Israeli attack on Gaza triggered resurgence in student activism when hundreds of students in 30 universities occupied theatre rooms across the country in January and February (see The Muslim News issue 238).

The student boycott comes after the Trades Union Congress (TUC) backed a boycott of Israeli settlement goods in September.


(II b) BOYCOTT OF ISRAELI GOODS BY PALESTINIANS



(yahoo.news.photos)

Palestinian customs officials dump Dead Sea beauty products into dumpsters as part of a boycott of goods made in Israeli settlements in the West Bank city of Jericho. Palestinian customs officials on Wednesday dumped tens of thousands of dollars worth of Dead Sea beauty products into dumpsters as part of a boycott of goods made in Israeli settlements. (AFP/Imad Abu Sombul)



(III) URGENT APPEAL (TIME SENSITIVE) FOR YOUR ONLINE FEEDBACK:

(Thanks for Jabeen Mobasheshera from Los Angeles, California for forwarding below e-mail).

"Assalam-o-Alaikum:

The below website has a online Research going on, Regarding the best Man loved by most people in the world, Results are to be announced on 2nd February-2010. There are 10 nominees & Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H. is also in the list, (currently his name is on No.8). If you have easy access to internet & Vote for Him (S.A.A.W) so that every one should know that more people love the Messenger of Allah. Tell all your contacts too if you can. So just Vote & Forward to every one. Please go to website www.bestofmen.org and respond".


(IV) MUSLIM WOMEN, FITNESS AND SPORTS:

(ED NOTE:
LONDON continues to be the Number One City in the western world which has the most diverse activities and programs for Muslims. For details of ongoing Islamic oriented activities, check out details from Londonistan Islamic Events and Notices.


No city in the United States nor Canada comes even close to match the extent of providing an array of multiple Islamic oriented activities as London.

London is a role model and beacon for the Muslims in the western world to emulate in their own metropolitan cities.

While it is sad that women are still strictly prohibited to enter the HOUSE OF ALLAH in many Muslim countries, an opportunity for them to get together to develop physical activities to maintain good health and improve their fitness does not even arise. Below is a restricted sample of health related activities designed for female Muslims in London.)



(a) The Muslim Women's Sports Foundation presents:

WEEKLY BASKETBALL AND FUTSAL SESSIONS

Venue: The Ellen Wilkinson School for girls. Queens Drive, Acton W3 0HW

Basketball: 10am - 12pm, Futsal: Noon - 2pm

The sessions are held in a strictly all female enviornment led by professionals. For more information please visit www.mwsf.org.uk


(b) BLOSSOM SISTER (ONLY) FITNESS - NW LONDON - HARROW

Venue Details:
Hatch End Pool - Uxbridge Rd, Harrow, HA5 4EA (Bus routes: H14, H12)
Harrow Leisure Centre - Christchurch Avn, Harrow, HA3 5BD (Bus Routes:
340, 140, 185, H9, H10)
Canons High School - Shaldon Rd, HA8 6AN (Bus Routes: 114, 288, 79)
Harrow High School - Gayton Rd, HA1 2JG (Bus routes: 114, 183)

All environments created to be HALAL with qualified female coaches, instructors and life-guards. All sessions managed by sisters. Free car-parking with no joining membership costs. Improve your mind and body, building confidence and team building strength. Friendly environment.

Saturday Casual Swimming - 5.30pm-6.30pm - General swim - Hatch End Pool - free floats with women and children swim. Dress code applies.

Saturday Learn to Swim - 5.30pm-6.30pm - spaces available - for adults and children, over 1.3 metres tall. 30 minutes tutored swim with 30 minutes free swim. Dress code applies.

Saturday Aerobics/Keep Fit/Circuit Training - 10.15am-11.15am - Harrow High School Main Hall. Aimed at all ages, from Beginner level to advanced. No difficult aerobic routines to master, completely aimed at those who wish to improve their fitness. Interval training to strengthen muscle.

Monday Aqua-Aerobics - 8.30pm-9.30pm Hatch End Pool - free floats available. Toning aerobic resistance moves in the pool. No swimming experience required.

Tuesday Play Basketball - 7.30pm-8.30pm - Canons High School Gym - Team basketball taught and played.

Wednesday Yoga 1.45pm-2.45pm - Harrow Leisure Centre - Studio - for adults and children. Gentle moves to improve flexibility and circulation. Free advice given on health benefits.

Wednesday Self Defence/Martial Arts 7.45pm-8.45pm - Harrow Leisure Centre - Combat Room - for adults and children. Learn how to defend yourself from a potential attack. Great for building confidence in children and adults.

For more information please contact:
Tel: 0208 248 9922 / 07908 196 065


(c) 10 WEEKS LADIES ONLY KEEP FIT CLASSES AT EMAN FOUNDATION

Dates: Every Fridays for 10 weeks
Time: 7.15pm - 8.15pm
Venue: EMAN Foundation, 2A Ashgrove Road, Goodmayes, Ilford, IG3 9XE

This is an excellent opportunity for you all to improve your fitness levels and meet new sisters in your community.

All sisters welcome but spaces limited No booking required, just turn up on the day with suitable clothes to exercise in!

For more information please contact:
Tel: 0208 597 6009
Web: www.emanfoundation.co.uk

(d) SWIMMING SESSIONS FOR MUSLIMS IN EAST LONDON

Date and time:

MONDAY (evenings)
Girls (Lessons): 7:30pm to 8:15pm
Sisters (Lessons): 8.15pm – 9.00pm

Sunday (mornings)
Girls (Lessons): 9:00am to 09:30am
Women & Children (Open Swimming): 9.30am to 10.30am

Boys (Lessons): 10.30am to 11.00am
Men & Children (Open Swimming) : 11.00am to 12.00pm

Venue: Loxford School, Loxford Lane, Ilford IG1 2UT

Limited spaces so book now!

For more information please contact
Tel: 07946 555 516 / 07817 655 191 / 07932023132
Web: www.igsoc.org.uk/index.php/Swimming


(e) INDIA: TENNIS STAR SISTER MIRZA SANIA


This handout picture shows INDAN TENNIS STAR SANIA MIRZA (R) and Mohammed Sohrab Mirza at their engagement ceremony in Hyderabad in July, 2009. (AFP/HO/File/Ho)

(V) Announcement:

For Muslims living in Europe:
NOMINATE YOUR MUSLIM WOMAN OF INFLUENCE NOW!


Do you know a Muslim woman, based in Europe, who has been an inspiring role model, leader, innovator or visionary? Is she a trailblazer in the public or private sector? Is she pursuing a non-traditional career choice successfully? Has she been a catalyst of positive change in her community or beyond? Nominate her for the European Muslim Women of Influence List (EMWI) 2010 by completing the Nomination Form! If you fit this description please nominate yourself! Visit www.cedar-emwi.com

THE END

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