Voice of Global Ummah

Volume 16, February 26, 2008

Mehrun Yusuf Behavioral Care

St. Louis, Missouri

Editor: Hajji Mohamed Ziauddin

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

AMERICAN UMMAH’S WHO’S WHO:

Yusuf Estes is very loved by young Muslims, who call him the "Funny Sheik". Children and adults all delight to hear Yusuf Estes talk about coming to Islam while trying to convert a Muslim from Egypt to be a Christian, an amazing story, it makes you laugh and cry at the same time. www.YusufEstes.com

• Raised a strong Christian, educated in Texas, he became very successful owning music stores, TV shows and was a music minister and preacher of the Bible.

• He explains how priests and preachers come to Islam when they learn the truth. www.911bible.com

• He was a U.S. federal chaplain and Delegate to United Nations Peace Summit for Religious Leaders.

• He now runs hundreds of websites for Islam (list: www.IslamAlways.com)

• His lectures in universities are for all faiths and even rabbis, ministers, preachers and priests compliment his way of presenting a fresh and enlightening picture of the world's fastest growing religion - Islam.

• He works to share the correct message of Islam to our youth, new Muslims and non-Muslims in simple English terms, making it enjoyable and even humorous at times while referring to Quran and teachings of Islam.

• •As Islam overtakes Christianity as the world's biggest religion, Sheik Yusuf uses the latest in websites on the Internet and hi-tech in DVDs, CDs to encourage us all to share the message of "Peace, Surrender and Obedience to God" (Arabic = 'Islam'). www.ShareIslam.com

• •Sheik Yusuf brings many new people to Islam using straight talk and funny jokes, while answering many of the harsh attacks against Islam and the Muslims. He makes it fun and easy for all to understand. www.IslamNewsroom.com • www.YusufEstes.com + www.LinksToIslam.com for a list of his many websites, chatrooms, TV & radio broadcasts.

AMERICAN UMMAH’S SELF INTROSPECTION IN THE WORKPLACE:

How many Muslim employees have made good faith attempt to discuss with other Muslim employees in the same workplace about the possibility of doing Friday prayers in a common area?

In cities with sizeable Muslim populations and in a hospital setting that had a chapel room, how many Muslims had prayed as an individual or group in the Chapel room? How many Muslims ensured that besides there being copies of Bible, that there was at least one copy of the Holy Quran in the Chapel ?

How many Muslims when asked about the origin of their positive qualities in the workplace ascribed it to the teachings of Islam?

How many Muslims can emphatically state that they indeed did their best to be the AMBASSADOR OF ISLAM at their workplace by demonstrating it in so many different ways?

During the month of Ramadan, how many Muslims assertively stated to their colleagues at their work place that they are fasting and answered additional questions about the issue when asked?

During lunch gatherings, how many Muslims had shied away from explaining to their colleagues about the halaal concept in foods and silently accepted the food on the table, secretly wishing “hopefully there is no pork in this mixed dish”?

Last but not the least, for all the complaints of “ no option but to confirm to the American culture” in the workplace and the subsequent justification for “wearing appropriate acceptable western dress”, how many Muslims during weekends and holidays when given the freedom to wear what they want, really wear the dress of their ethnicity or culture or religion ?

REVIEWING LAWS BY TAKING AN EXAMPLE OF “COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES”, CALIFORNIA:

BELOW IS A LIST OF PARTIAL GUIDELINES FROM THE POLICY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY FOR ITS EMPLOYEES:

RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION:

Religious diversity is on the rise in America and the same issues of intolerance that permeate society also exist in the workplace.

Religious discrimination can occur in two forms. A person can be harassed or discriminated against based on their religious beliefs, their association with others of a particular faith, or the perception that they belong to a certain religious group.

Religious discrimination can also occur when an employer refused to accommodate an employee based on their religious beliefs:

UNDER THE LAW, EMPLOYERS MAY NOT:

Refuse to hire someone because of his or her religion

Impose more stringent discipline on an employee because of his or her religion or lack of religion.

Give an advantage to an employee in a promotion or assignment based on his or her religious belief or lack of religion

Lead a lunch hour religious class that includes career advancement discussions

Coerce or in anyway demand participation in religious activities

(Ed note: Muslims please note): REFUSE TO ADJUST AN EMPLOYEE’S WORK SCHEDULE TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE AN EMPLOYEE’S RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE IF TO DO SO WOULD NOT CREATE AN UNDUE HARDSHIP

REFUSE TO PERMIT AN EMPLOYEE TO WEAR RELIGIOUS GARB, SUCH AS A CRUCIFIX OR A YARMULKE IF WEARING SUCH ATTIRE IS PART OF THE EMPLOYEE’S RELIGIOUS PRACTICE OR EXPRESSION AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE SAFETY OR EFFICIENCY OF THE WORK PLACE

REFUSE TO ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO GATHER ON THEIR OWN TIME FOR PRAYER, BIBLE STUDY OR OTHER RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION, IN EMPTY CONFERENCE ROOMS OR THE CAFETERIA

Engage in activities that a reasonable observer would interpret as governmental endorsement or denigration of religion or of a particular religion; or

Lead a prayer at the end of a staff meeting that all employees are required to attend.

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION:

Employers are obligated to attempt to reasonably accommodate the religious needs of their employees. Examples of accommodations include:

Allowing for different dress and grooming requirements

Establishment of special work schedules or

Use of personal time off for religious purposes

An employer may refuse an accommodation when it would result in undue hardship upon the organization or on other employees.

In determining what constitutes an undue hardship considerations are given to the size of the organization, type of operation they are engaged in, nature and cost of the accommodation, reasonable notice to employer of the need for the accommodation, and reasonable alternatives available.

FINAL NOTE:

All Muslims are encouraged to do their best to put ISLAM IN ACTION at their workplace. This can be done in several ways. If a practicing Muslim brings out his best in terms of his Islamic qualities at the work place, in most cases it is likely to boost his or her status as AN EXCELLENT AND DEPENDABLE EMPLOYEE.

As usual feel free to e-mail your comments at info@mehrunyusuficds.com.

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH

Mehrun Yusuf Behavioral Health

Volume 15, Feb 17, 2008

St. Louis, Missouri

Editor: Hajji. Mohamed Ziauddin

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST BENEFICENT AND MERCIFUL

Part I:

ONE OF THE KEYS TO ATTAIN GLOBAL PEACE AND HARMONY IS – “BUILDING ON INTERFAITH RELATIONS”:

VISUALIZE WORLD PEACE: VISUALIZE EACH OF BELOW TULIP REPRESENTATIVE OF ONE PARTICULAR RELIGION.

Below is from a wonderful brochure published by FOUNDATION FOR ISLAMIC KNOWLEDGE titled “LIVING TOGETHER”.

“O’ Mankind, Allah created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (NOT THAT YOU DESPISE EACH OTHER). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). Holy Quran: (49:13)

GENERAL:

How can we live together peacefully and happily? People may see things differently because they may have been taught and raised differently. The basic measures and standards with which people evaluate and assess things are different, and, as such, their approaches to life are different.

IGNORANCE:

In order to live peacefully among other people, one has to realize that it is the concept IGNORANCE about others which makes people to denounce one another. To be stubborn, arrogant, vicious or closed-minded does not help solve any problem. Remaining ignorant and unwilling to learn about others will augment the problem. IT IS ONLY THROUGH PROPER EDUCATION, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION THAT PEOPLE MAY COME TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER. THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL THEY APPRECIATE ONE ANOTHER. One should seek knowledge from every source available. GOD HAS CREATED ALL OF US FROM ADAM AND EVE. As far as Muslims are concerned, they were instructed to live in peace and harmony with the Creator, with themselves, their families, their relatives, their neighbors, the society, the environment and the universe.

PROPHETS OF GOD:

Muslims are instructed to believe in all the prophets and messengers of God (Allah) to mankind. The Quran mentions twenty five prophets. Of these, five are considered to be mighty and most influential prophets. These are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed (SAW).

Above illustrates that the prophets of Judaism and Christianity are also the prophets of Islam. In the Holy Quran it is stated: SAY: ‘WE BELIEVE IN ALLAH, AND THE REVELATION GIVEN TO US, AND TO ABRAHAM, ISMAIL, ISAAC, JACOB, AND THE TRIBES, AND THAT GIVEN TO MOSES AND JESUS, AND THAT GIVEN TO (ALL) PROPHETS FROM THEIR LORD: WE MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONE AND ANOTHER OF THEM: AND WE SUBMIT TO ALLAH”.

Holy Quran (2:136).

LIVING PEACEFULLY:

To live together in peace and harmony, one has to realize that others might be as good as you are if not even better. One cannot know what is in the hearts of other people, and one does not know the intention of others. It is Allah alone, the Creator Who knows everything. Muslims are told in the Quran that among the People of the Book there are those who are staunch believers and good practicing servants of God.

MUSLIMS SHOULD BE THE MOST TOLERANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TOWARDS NON-MUSLIMS.

Indeed, they have proven this to be throughout history. They have coexisted with Christians, Jews, Hindus, Persians, Sikhs and Buddhists regardless of whether the Muslims were in majority or minority. They have lived throughout most of their history on good terms with people of other faiths.

THE NEED OF THE HOUR IS FOR MUSLIMS TO CONTINUE TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR DIALOGUES AMONG PEOPLE OF OTHER FAITHS.

FINAL REMARKS:

In order to live peacefully and work together with integrity and honesty, one has to recognize the following:

• People should think of their duties and responsibilities before they ask for their rights and for their privileges.
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• The God fearing people should recognize that their method to reach and/or approach God is not the only way. It is not only the method that counts, but also the GOOD INTENTION AND GOOD WILL.
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• God has created people with a rainbow of colors, a rainbow of races, a rainbow of nationalities, a rainbow of languages, and a rainbow of creeds. They were put together on this planet to compose a coalition, to work together, to help one another, and to RESPECT ONE ANOTHER.
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• PEOPLE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY CAN DIFFER FROM ONE ANOTHER, YET THEY SHOULD WORK TOGETHER DESPITE THEIR DIFFERENCES.
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• PEOPLE SHOULD RECOGNIZE THAT THEIR FUTURE WILL NOT BE BETTER UNLESS THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM ONE ANOTHER’S BACKGROUND, FAITH, CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION. (Ed note: For example, instead of playing with words describing CLASH BETWEEN ISLAM AND THE WEST, it can be reframed as BLENDING BETWEEN ISLAM AND THE WEST).
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• Those who claim to be God-fearing have to realize that NONE OF THEM HAS BEEN GIVEN THE AUTHORITY TO JUDGE PEOPLE. THERE WILL BE A DAY OF JUDGEMENT AND IT IS GOD ALMIGHTY WHO IS THE SOLE AUTHORITY IN JUDGING PEOPLE.
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• People should be equal in the eyes of the law. No one is better than the other. No one should be considered superior and no one group is better than the other due to their biological composition or appearance.
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• People have to understand that they should render their services to others without exploitation, coercion, or conversion or proselytization.
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• Leadership is not bestowed on anyone and it will never be offered freely to anyone and that it has to be earned.
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• Might should not be considered to be right, rather RIGHT IS MIGHT.
• 
  

Part II:

MUSLIMS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO VISIT THE BLOG:

“muslimpositive.blogspot.com from which below information has been obtained to PRACTICALLY APPLY ABOVE CONCEPT OF LIVING TOGETHER AND BUILDING ON INTERFAITH WORK.

• MUSLIM, CHRISTIAN, JEWISH LEADERS SEEK PEACE BETWEEN U.S AND IRAN: Des Moines – A coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders is calling for American and Iranian authorities to open negotiations and stop planning for war.
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• MUSLIM SCHOLARS SEND CHRISTMAS GREETINGS, CALL FOR PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND DIALOGUE: Paris: Leading Muslim Scholars have addressed warm Christmas greetings to Christians around the world, a message notable both for what it said and the fact that it was sent to all:
• The greetings sent by a group of 138 Sunni, Shiite, Sufi and other scholars who recently proposed a dialogue with Christian leaders, called for peace on earth and thanked Church leaders who have responded positively to their invitation. THE MESSAGE WAS UNPRECEDENTED BECAUSE THERE HAS NOT BEEN UNTIL NOW SUCH A LARGE GROUP OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARS THAT COULD DRAFT A COMMON LETTER”. Islam is a decentralized faith, with no Pope or Archbishop who can speak for believers as a group. While individual Muslim clerics have exchanged holiday greetings with Christians in the past, nothing on this scale has been possible before.
• 
  
• 
  
• MUSLIM STUDENT DEFENDS JEWISH RIDERS UNDER ATTACK IN NY SUBWAY: New York: A suspected bias attack on four Jewish subway riders has resulted in a friendship between the Jewish victims and the Muslim college student who came to their aid. Walter Adler is calling Hassan Askari a HERO for intervening when Adler and three friends were assaulted on a subway train in lower Manhattan. The altercation erupted when Adler and his friends said: “Happy Chanukah” to a group yelling “Merry Christmas” on the Brooklyn-bound train.
• 
  
• MUSLIM CONTRACTOR BUILDS JEWISH TEMPLE FOR FREE IN ARKANSAS: Fayetteville, Arkansas: Br. Fadil Bayyari a general contractor, will build the first permanent temple for the REFORM JEWISH CONGREGATION in Fayetteville, of which Bill Feldman is President. Br. Bayyari, a Palestinian-American Muslim, is doing the job AT NO CHARGE. Without his sacrifice, the congregation probably could not afford the project at all. “TO ME, IT’S A PLACE OF WORSHIP,’ said Br. Bayyari, 55. “In my mind and in my religion, I believe in Judaism as part of Islam. We believe in Abraham. We believe in Moses. In the Koran, there’s lot of talk about Issac and Joseph. I am always fascinated by this, and I always feel I have a relationship with this faith. AND KNOWING WHAT’S HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE EAST, WHAT BETTER WAY TO BUILD BRIDGES?”.

SUGGESTIONS:

Whether you are a student or employee, have an open mind when it comes to understanding the perspective of your friend or colleague of a different faith. Keep the torch of human curiosity ON. The more you want to understand the other; there is increased probability that he or she would like to reciprocate by wanting to know more about you and Islam.

Check with your local Masjid if they have any interfaith activity, if they don’t, then it does not hurt to make a suggestion of exploring such a possibility in the form an “INTERFAITH INITIATIVE”. There is always a first time.

WE AT MEHRUN-YUSUF BEHAVIORAL CARE STRONGLY BELIEVE IN ADVOCATING FOR INCREASED INTERFAITH ACTIVITIES AND BELIEVE THAT TO COME CLOSER TO THE VISION OF GLOBAL PEACE, WE MUST GO BEYOND OUR UMMAH AND LITERALLY EMBRACE ALL OF MANKIND WITH ALLAH AS OUR WITNESS.

As usual, feel free to e-mail your valuable suggestions and comments to info@mehrunyusuficds.com.

Voice of the Global Ummah

Mehrun Yusuf Behavioral Health

Volume 14, Feb 10, 2008

St. Louis, Missouri

Editor: Hajji. Mohamed Ziauddin

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST BENEFICIENT AND MERCIFUL

“Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people…” HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON.

“There are more Muslims in North America than Jews now”. DAN RATHERS, CBS NEWS.

“Five to six million strong, Muslims in America already outnumber Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Mormons and they are numerous than Quakers, Unitarians, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Scientists, combined. Many demographers say Islam has overtaken Judaism as the country’s second-most commonly practiced religion; others say it is in the passing lane.” JOHAN BLANK. US NEWS

AMERICAN UMMAH’S WHO’S WHO- Br. Yassir Fazaga

Yassir Fazaga is an inspiring, multi-lingual speaker sought-after from USA through Canada to the Middle and Far East. He was born in Eritrea in Northeast Africa and moved to the United States at the age of 15. He has a Bachelors Degree in Islamic Studies from Imam Saud University, Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in Virginia in addition to his Masters Degree in Psychotherapy from the California State University of Long Beach. At present, Shaikh Yassir is undertaking his Masters in Theology at Loyola Marymount University.

He serves as the Imam (Religious Leader) of the Orange County Islamic Foundation (OCIF) in Mission Viejo, California. He is involved as a therapist at FACES, where he helps families with different challenges in life which include: domestic violence issues, communication problems, marital matters, generational gap, difficult teens, some mental and personality disorders, divorce, grief, and single parenting among others.

Yassir Fazaga has taught the Arabic language and Islamic Sciences for the past eight years and has taught Islamic courses on Scriptural Exegesis and Islamic financial contracts for American Open University.

Shaikh Yassir Fazaga has done numerous interviews about Islam on television news stations and radio stations around the globe. He speaks on Islam and related topics for conferences, churches, high schools, colleges and universities. He also participates on behalf of foundation in many outreach and interfaith events.

Shaikh Yassir Fazaga has this charismatic ability to instantly connect with audiences, through his lucid wit and profound wisdom, his timely humor and the warmth that his presence exudes.

UMMAH ALERT:

ASTROLOGY AND THE BELIEF IN STARS:

The other day the writer saw an online ad, stating: FREE ISLAMIC PALMISTRY. It went on to say…….Jenna, (Professional Astrologer, Psychic-Born, Tarot Card Reader, Numerologist) world-famous Palmist specialized in ISLAMIC PALMISTRY and ASTROLOGICAL ANALYSIS, offers Islamic Palmistry Report.

Jeeeee, one wonders about the above. Of course, as an individual, Jenna has the right to freely practice an unlicensed field in which she strongly believes. But as Muslims, we need to focus on ourselves in terms of what Allah and our loving Prophet Mohammed (SAW) had guided us in this matter.

Zaid ibn Khald al-Juhani reported: “The Messenger of Allah (SHT) led us in the morning prayer at al-Hudaybiyah after rain had fallen during the night. When he had finished, he turned around to face the people and said: “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR LORD SAYS?”. They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said :”( Allah says): This morning one of my slaves became a believer in Me and one became a disbeliever. As for the one who said, “We have been given rain by the grace and mercy of Allah,” he is a believer in Me and a disbeliever in the stars. But as for the one who said,” We have been given rain by such-and-such star,’ he is a disbeliever in Me and a BELIEVER IN THE STARS”.

Similarly, one who reads the horoscopes in newspapers and magazines and believes what they say about the influence of the stars and planets is a mushrik, while one who reads them for entertainment is a sinner, for it is not permitted that one entertain themselves by reading things that contain shirk, for through this, the Shaytaan will try to lead him or her to shirk.

Sheik Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid in his book: “Muharramaat Prohibitions taken too Lightly” stated: “Forture-tellers and their likes are kaafirs who disbelieve in Allah. They claim knowledge of the Unseen while no-one has knowledge of the Unseen except Allah. Many of these fortune-tellers take advantage of simple-minded people and take their money….. They use many methods, such as drawing lines in the sand, throwing sea-shells, reading palms, crystal balls, mirrors and so on. .They go to them to find out about the future, whether they will be successful in marriage or business, or to help them find something they have lost and so on. The ruling concerning the person who visits a fortune-teller is as follows: if he believes what he says, he is a kaafir who has left Islam, due to the hadeeth in which the Prophet (SAW) said: WHOEVER GOES TO A FORTUNE-TELLER OR A SOOTHSAYER AND BELIEVES IN WHAT HE SAYS HAS DISBELIEVED IN WHAT WAS REVEALED TO MUHAMMAD”. (Reported by Imam Ahmed, 2/249; see also Saheeh al-Jaami” 5939).

If a person does not believe that they have knowledge of the Unseen, but he visits them out of curiosity or anything else, he is NOT a kaafir, but his prayers will not be accepted for forty days, as the Prophet Mohamed (SAW) said: WHOEVER GOES TO A FORTUNE-TELLER AND ASKS HIM ABOUT SOMETHING, HIS PRAYERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR FORTY NIGHTS” (Saheed Muslim, 4/1751), even though it is still obligatory to pray and to repent for this sin”.

AN APPEAL AND A GOOD CAUSE TO HELP:

February 7, 2008

Brothers and Sisters

Assalaamalaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu

California Science Academy High School, the only high school in Orange County, California is in dire need for funds to continue to keep its doors open for the Muslim youth.

This is an open crying call for all conscientious Muslims to open their hearts and rush to assist this institution to stay open so that Muslim youth can have an option for a superior education that will enable them to compete in a healthy manner with the rest of their peers in this beautiful America.

California Science Academy is a nonprofit institution. All funds given by the donors are tax deductible and can be written off. For Muslims this is a Sadaqa Jarieh Insha’ALLAH. We encourage all members of our Islamic Society to donate so Muslim children can get the education that will qualify them to attend the best Universities and attain the best knowledge that will make them Eloquent, Argumentative, Politically tuned in, and above all excellent citizens.

Please, please help us so that we can help our Muslim children triumph and stay away from the evil of drugs that the public schools are painfully trying to combat. Our high school is drug and alcohol free and we pride ourselves in protecting our children from the temptation and agony of being exposed to the ills of such an open society.

Muslims, wealthy and poor, come together and help our best assets ----our children---give them the push that they need.

For more information about the school please call 714-962-0903

Thank you

Sisters Arwa and Afifa, parents, and PTO members

As usual, feel free to e-mail your comments: info@mehrunyusuficds.com.

VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH:
Volume 13, February 3, 2008
Mehrun Yusuf Behavioral Care
St. Louis, Missouri

Editor: Hajji. Mohamed Ziauddin

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

UMMAH’S SACRED RELATIONSHIP WITH PLANET EARTH: THE ULTIMATE HOME THAT WAS BESTOWED BY ALLAH TO

HUMANITY.

(1) "AMONG HIS SIGNS IS THE CREATION OF THE COSMOS AND THE EARTH, THE DIVERSITY OF YOUR COMPLEXIONS AND LANGUAGES. SURELY IN THIS, THERE ARE SIGNS FOR THE KNOWLEDGEABLE".

HOLY QURAN (30:21:211).

(2) “KNOW THAT THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD IS BUT PLAY AND AMUSEMENT, POMP AND MUTUAL BOASTING AND MULTIPLYING, RIVALRY AMONG YOURSELVES REGARDING RICHES AND CHILDREN. IT IS LIKE RAIN AND THE GROWTH WHICH IT BRINGS FORTH, DELIGHTING THE HEARTS OF THE TILLERS; SOON IT WITHERS: YOU WILT SEE IT GROW YELLOW; THEN IT BCOMES DRY AND CRUMBLES AWAY…..AFTER ALL, WHAT IS THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD BUT (INDULGENCE IN TEMPORARY) THINGS OF DECEPTION?”

HOLY QURAN (57:20)

(3) “DO PEOPLE NOT SEE THAT IS ALLAH WHO CREATED THE HUMAN BEING FROM SPERM? YET BEHOLD, THE HUMAN BEING STANDS FORTH AS AN OPEN ADVERSARY AND MAKES COMPARISONS FOR US, AND FORGETS HIS OWN (ORIGIN) CREATION: HE SAYS, “WHO CAN GIVE LIFE TO DECOMPOSED BONES?” SAY, “HE WILL REVIVE THEM WHO CREATED THEM INITIALLY”. ALLAH IS FULLY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT EVERY KIND OF CREATION.
HOLY QURAN (36:77-79).

(4) “IT IS ALLAH WHO HAS EVOLVED FOR YOU THE FACULTIES OF HEARING, SIGHT, FEELING AND UNDERSTANDING: LITTLE THANKS DO YOU GIVE. AND HE HAS MULTIPLIED YOU THROUGH THE EARTH, AND TO HIM SHALL YOU BE GATHERED TOGETHER. IT IS HE WHO GRANTS LIFE AND DEATH, AND TO HIM (IS DUE) THE ALTERNATE OF NIGHT AND DAY: WILL YOU NOT THEN UNDERSTAND?”
HOLY QURAN (23:77-80).

MAN'S ACCOUNTABILITY TO ALLAH:

Man's life is not limited to the short span of earthly existence. On the Day of Judgment the entire human race will be resurrected: everyone will appear before the Almighty Allah and face the consequences of his deeds in this life. Thus, life in the Hereafter is a continuation of the earthly life. Belief in man's accountability to Allah gives a sense and meaning to life and differentiates human beings from animals and inanimate objects. It serves as a reminder against crime (including suicide attacks killing innocent women and children), corruption, immorality, and injustice.

Several hadith emphasize on avoiding wastage in our lifestyles and by default encourages and supports recycling. With Muslims being one fifth of the world's population, the lifestyle of Ummah- both on an individual level and on a national level does contribute in impacting the earth’s environment.

DAMAGE ALREADY DONE BY HUMANS TO PLANET EARTH:

According to Robert Roy Britt: The major changes heralding this two century-old man-made epochs:

(1) Vastly altered sediment erosion and deposition patterns.
(2) Major disturbances to the carbon cycle and global temperature
(3) Wholesale changes in biology, from altered flowering times to new immigration patterns
(4) Acidification of the ocean, which threatens the marine life that forms the bottom of the food chain.

Humans have changed our planet Earth to such an extent that they have forced the Earth to start a new epoch in the planet’s geological history. Say goodbye to the 10,000-year-old Holocene Epoch, which initially began after first Ice Age and say “Hello” to the Anthropocene Epoch. (Anthropo-human; cene-new). “Sufficient evidence has emerged of stratigraphically significant change (both elapsed and imminent) for recognition of Anthropocene Epoch– currently a vivid yet informal metaphor of global environmental change –as a new geological epoch is considered for formalization by international discussion”, Jan Zalasiewicz’s team (from University of Leicester) had stated.

“With more than half of all soils on Earth now being cultivated for food crops, grazed or periodically logged for wood, how to sustain Earth’s soils is becoming a major scientific and policy issue,” said Duke University soil scientist Daniel Richter.

Earth’s 4.5 billion year history is divided into major eras, then periods and finally epochs. The Holocene Epoch began after last ice age.

URBANIZATION HAS… INCREASED TENFOLD IN THE PAST CENTURY. In a few generations mankind will exhaust the fossil fuel that were generated over several hundred million years.”

UP TO HALF OF EARTH’S LAND HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED BY HUMAN ACTIVITY, wrote Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer of the University of Michigan. They also noted the dramatic increase in greenhouse gases and other chemicals and pollutants humans have introduced into global ecosystems.

BIOLOGICAL DAMAGE: PROBLEMS TO HUMANS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS:

According to Dr. Mercola, over the past seven decades, humans have experienced significant changes in diet, lifestyle and social practices, all of which may have profound effects on human health.

According to researchers:

Environmental and lifestyle factors play a MAJOR ROLE IN HUMAN DISEASE – ACCOUNTING FOR PERHAPS 75 PERCENT OF MOST CANCERS.

They suggest that exposure to chemicals may pose the greatest threat to pregnant women, which then may affect the health of the fetus later in life. THEY RECOMMEND THAT WOMEN REDUCE THEIR USE OF COSMETICS AND BODY CREAMS, WHICH OFTEN CONTAIN CHEMICALS, AND SEEK TO AVOID OTHER CHEMICAL EXPOSURES PRIOR TO BECOMING PREGNANT TO LESSEN THIS RISK.

Several studies have shown associations between prenatal or postnatal exposure to certain pesticides or phthalates and REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS in humans.

They also recommend that where synthetic chemicals are found in raised concentrations in biological fluids such as breast milk and in tissues of humans, marine mammals or top predators, regulatory steps should be taken to remove them from the market immediately.

NEW LEGISLATION SHOULD PROHIBIT MARKETING OF ANY CHEMICAL FOR WHICH BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY DATA IS NOT REGISTERED.

According to Dr. Mercola, below is a list of health effects from just one type of chemical, phthalates, a chemical commonly used in plastics. They have been associated with (a) Declining sperm counts (b) Increase in sexual deformities (c) Increase in testicular cancer (d) Early puberty. The effects of these chemicals on the endocrine system, particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood are very disturbing.

For more information on this important topic, check out Dr. Rapp’s book: “OUR TOXIC WORLD: A WAKE UP CALL”, which expands on this topic in great detail.

(1) HOW PLASTIC CHEMICALS ALTERS FEMALE BRAINS: Toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA). There are more than six billion pounds of BPA that are manufactured for use in products such as polycarbonate plastic – the resin lining food cans and dental sealants. City Supervisors in San Francisco had already banned the chemical for use in products such as baby bottles that are intended for use by children under 3 years of age. One study found that exposure to BPA is associated with recurrent miscarriage. Scientists also found that BPA can permanently alter DNA in rats. Ana Soto found that BPA can lead to problems of the reproductive tract in both male and female rodents. “There is plenty of evidence now that low-dose levels lead to problems” she added. In 2005, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 95% of Americans excrete at least 100 parts per trillion (ppt) of BPA in their urine.

(2) FLAME RETARDANT CHEMICAL FOUND IN HUMANS:
A chemical flame retardant commonly used in foam furniture padding, carpets, and draperies is accumulating so rapidly in the breast milk of nursing mothers that environmentalists and some scientists are calling for a BAN on it, the ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS NETWORK reports. Research suggests that these chemicals, called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE’s) can cause harmful effects similar to those caused by PCB’s. Banned in the US in 1976, PCB’s are known to cause birth defects, neurological damage and thyroid imbalances. Fresh water fish in Virginia were found to contain the highest reported levels in the world of PBDE’s. The EUROPEAN COMMISSION has approved a BAN on PBDE effective July 2003.

(3) CHEMICALS FOUND IN DETERGENTS, COSMETICS DISRUPTING HORMONE ACTIVITY IN FISH AND HUMANS

The laundry detergent additive belongs to a family of “surfactants”, chemicals that lift dirt and help detergents and cleaning agents do a better job of stain removal. These chemicals also resulted in sex changes in frogs. The endocrine disruptors have been found to be the cause of enlarged breasts in young boys and feminization of almost all the fish in Jamaica Bay. The chemicals’ residues found their way into Jamaica Bay where the fish live and are contained in the hair gels and shampoos used by the boys featured in the study. After above study, the NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH took the extraordinary step of advising doctors to ask patients what kinds of personal-care products they use at home. Researchers who reported about the boys who used the hair gel and shampoo products – made from lavender and tea-tree oil, say the growth stopped after they stopped using the estrogenic cosmetics.

Jeanne Rizzo stated that the average American is exposed to at least six endocrine disruptors before leaving home daily for work or school. Researchers suggest that endocrine disruptors may be associated with an elevated risk of testicular, breast and ovarian cancers. They also suggest that exposure may explain puberty occurring at younger ages in girls and the underdevelopment of genitals in some boys. The three cases of enlarged breasts in young boys prompted the National Institute of Health to advise doctors to suspect the use of cosmetics that act as endocrine disruptors. Any of the compounds tend to mimic the female hormone estrogen in the boys developed enlarged breasts. Researchers have found that fish are exquisitely sensitive to natural and synthetic steroid estrogens and in sewage rich streams, almost all fish become feminized.

(4) TEFLON CHEMICALS FOUND IN HUMANS:

Chemicals used in Teflon and Scotch guard are showing up in the bloodstream of humans throughout the world, with higher levels in the US and other highly developed nations. Perfluoronated compounds have been found in the blood of virtually every person tested for them in the United States, including children as young as 2 years. The compounds have been linked to cancer, developmental problems, liver damage and other ailments in animals, though there is no general agreement about their effects on humans. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) stepped up its investigation in 2003 because of concerns of potential links between the compounds and reproductive and developmental problems in young girls and women. Levels of the compounds in some children have been as high as those for chemical-plant workers and were close to levels that caused developmental problems in rats.

How best can Muslims work on issues of environmental discipline?

(1) Those Muslims that live in societies that have infrastructure to recycle should utilize every opportunity to use such facilities. This includes disposing the plastics, glass and paper in separate containers for recycling, this includes both at home and in Islamic Centers, specially when there are dinner functions held at such Centers. Even Holy Quran encourages to "Recycle".

(2) Muslims should do their best to ensure that they throw waste and garbage in the appropriate waste disposals whether they are in a park, public place and avoid throwing cups and other waste products in the waters from streams, rivers, lakes et.c.

(3) Muslims and Muslim organizations are encouraged to actively volunteer or network with organizations that are “green” in terms of working on projects that aim to minimize waste and are environmentally friendly.

(4) Islamic Centers across the United States are encouraged to enlist youth volunteers and sponsor one small section of their nearest freeway and regularly work to keep in clean. BONUS: In most cities of the US, you may be offered the option of posting a green board on that selected section indicating that your Masjid has sponsored that section for clean up. (Not only good public relations but also yet another evidence that the mainstream Muslim society is part of the American society and is there to HELP the local community).

(5) Support advocates like Dr. Mercola who believes that "it is just a ridiculous policy to place the burden of proof on the government to prove the chemicals are harmful in order for them to be restricted or removed. IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED THAT THE MANUFACTURERS PROVE THAT THEY ARE SAFE BEFORE THEY ARE EVEN ALLOWED ON THE MARKET".

(6) Many changes in a community start with a reframed mind-set. Muslims and Muslim organizations are strongly encouraged to go way beyond the basics of our great religion of ISLAM and its golden history. They need to draw symbolic building blocks from the contemporary times and use it to build over our Ummah’s historic Islamic foundation. This includes addressing all current problems that we face including issues of our lifestyle and the most recent environmentally harmful developments from an Islamic perspective. Muslims could participate and utilize existing available networks and interest groups to more efficiently achieve our goals to resolve such problems. This also includes other related concepts of “advancement” “progress” and their corresponding negative impact on our planet Earth, issues which HIKMA FOUNDATION has addressed below.

(7) WITH REGARD TO ABOVE ISSUES OF ADVANCEMENT, PROGRESS ET.C., THE AMERICAN UMMAH IS PROUD AND HONORED TO INTRODUCE TO THE “GLOBAL UMMAH” – “HIKMA FOUNDATION” based in California. It is a non-profit educational institution in California and was founded in 2005. It is a leader in spearheading a literacy initiative seeking to provide individuals with the intellectual tools that will enhance their understanding of Islamic tradition in the context of contemporary and enduring issues. Details of their FIRST PROGRAM FOR THIS YEAR is mentioned below. However they also have a second program titled: “RELIGION IN AMERICA” on May 3 and 4th 2008 in Long Beach, CA and yet another program titled: “Transformative Spirituality” on October 2008 in Los Angeles, CA. To those of our brothers and sisters, especially who reside in California, we strongly encourage you to do your best to attend below Program on coming Saturday and be in their mailing list to get regular updates by emailing them at contact@hikma.org. OR better, become a member of HIKMA and assist them in creating programs for the community by contacting them by e-mail at adam@hikma.org.

DETAILS OF PROGRAM SPONSORED BY HIKMA FOUNDATION:

“Our current times have witnessed the greatest technological advances in human history. An e-mail or instant message can be sent across the world in fractions of a second. Travel has been completely revolutionized. Great "advancements" have been made in the name of "progress." But given the severe negative impacts to our planet, can this really be considered "advancement" or "progress"? What has been the impact to our psychology as human beings? How does all this relate to our faith as Muslims? And how do we function as Muslims in this "Modern" world without being disconnected from our traditional values and principles? These are the questions that will be explored in a discussion that is imperative for all Muslims to engage in.
Y.M.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

MODERNITY AND THE MUSLIM:
One of the most important discussions Muslims can engage in, including discourses about the birth of modernity, its meaning to the conduct of human affairs, and its implications for posterity. Yet tragically, many Muslims don't recognize the need to engage in these discussions. After all, we live in a time where enlightenment byproducts have turned the world inside and out. Muslims—as well as most moderns—are thus left with little understanding of the conceptual and intellectual underpinnings that distinguish the age in which we live.

To Register Click Here: http://www.hikmawinter.eventbrite.com

TOPIC:
PRE-MODERN MUSLIM IN A POST-MODERN WORLD

DATE:
FEB 23, 2008. More details at hikma.org.

SPEAKERS:
Dr. Muneer Fareed, Dr. Aslam Abdallah, Br. Munir Shairk

LOCATION:
California State University
2555 E. Nutwood Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92834.
Contact: adam@hikma.org (Tel:909-724-9747).
Adult: $35
Student: $25
Couple: $50
Employees of Non-Profit: Free Admission

Speaker Information:

Dr Muneer Fareed:

Dr. Muneer Fareed is currently the Secretary General for ISNA, the Islamic Society of North America and Instructor of ALIM (Alimprogram.com ). Previously, Dr. Fareed was an Associate Professor of Islamic studies in the Department of Near Eastern and Asian Studies at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Fareed's fields of interest include Qur'anic Studies, Islamic Legal Reform, and Islam in the Modern World. He has to his credit several journal articles, a monograph entitled Legal Reform in the Muslim World, and translations of classics of the Islamic world, including the Síra Nabawiyya of Ibn Kathir, The Muqaddima of Ibn Saláh, and 'l-Itqán fi 'Ulúm 'l-Qur'an of Suyúti.

He obtained his diploma in Arabic Language and Literature from King Abdul Aziz University, Mecca, the Ijáza in Classical Islamic Studies from Dár al-`Ulúm, Deoband, and his doctorate in Islamic Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Since his arrival in the United States in 1989 he has served the Muslim community in various capacities, including Imam and Scholar-in-Residence for the Muslim community in Metropolitan Detroit.

Dr Aslam Abdullah

Dr. Aslam Abdullah holds three Masters degrees in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Sociology, and Journalism in addition to a Ph.D. in journalism. He has taught at Jamia Millia Islamia, India, and the American Islamic College, Chicago. He was former editor of Arabia magazine, published from London. Additionally, he has regularly given lectures at Punjab University- Lahore, Pakistan; Delhi University, New Delhi, India; Islamic University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and other places. He currently is the Chair of the publication division of the Lahore based International Iqbal Institute for Research, Education and Dialogue as well as the Director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Dr. Abdullah has authored 16 books. The latest one is the treaties and letters of the Prophet. He translated Muhammad al Ghazali's Khulq Muslim distributed world wide under the title of “Morals and Manners in Islam”. His forthcoming titles include, history of the compilation of the Quran and an Encyclopedia of the Quran.

Br. Munir A. Shaikh

Is currently completing a PhD in Islamic Studies at UCLA, California with training in Muslim history, Arabic and Islamic Art & Architectural history. His primary research focuses on the social and cultural history of medieval Islamic Iberia (Spain & Portugal). He currently teaches Middle East History and World History at the University of Redlands, California. Br. Munir is Executive Director of the Institute on Religion and Civic Values (formerly known as the Council on Islamic Education), a National Non-profit Research Center that addresses issues of religious freedom, scholarship on world religions, civic engagement, and public policy. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Muslim Youth Camp of California, and is involved with various community organizations.

Acknowledgements:

(1) “Humans Force Earth into New Geologic Epoch” Robert Roy Britt: news.yahoo.com
(2) “Islam at a glance”: Islam at a glance: Islamic Society of North America-Canada.
(3) “Plastics chemical alters female brains: Research renews debate over the toxicity of bisphenol A, a plastic chemical found in humans”- Science News
(4) “Flame Retardant Chemical Found in Humans and Fish” – Children’s Health Environmental Coalition. www.checnet.org
(5) “Teflon Chemicals Found in Humans” – www. consumeraffairs.com.
(6) “Chemicals Found in Detergents, Cosmetics Disrupting Hormone Activity in Fish and Humans” – Delthia Ricks – Redorbit NEWS.
(7) “Do Environmental Chemicals Harm Humans?”-www.mercola.com.

As usual, feel free to give your feedback by e-mailing us at info@mehrunyusuficds.com .