Spring 2009 - Muslim Unity Center

The
COMMUNITY
Since 1993
“Come as you are and bring your kids”
Journal
“Islam and the environment”
“ He (Allah, the everlasting), brought you on earth and settled you therein to develop it”
- The Holy Qur’an 11:61
A Publication of The Muslim Unity Center of Bloomfield Hills
Winter 2008
Rabi I | Rabi II | Jumada I 1429H
“Come as you are and bring your children”
1
SCHEDULE OF FRIDAY EVENTS AT THE UNITY CENTER
1st Friday of the Month: Book Club, Dinner, & Brief Lecture by Sheikh Musa
2nd Friday of the Month: Lecture by Sheikh Musa
3rd Friday of the Month: Lecture by a Guest Speaker
4th Friday of the Month: Movie Night
SCHEDULE OF GUEST SPEAKERS
3/20 – Tamer Afr on Preparing Your Taxes
4/17 – Earth Day Speaker
5/15 – Jawad Shah
6/19 – Dawud Walid from CAIR Michigan
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments to:
[email protected], and have your thoughts displayed in the
letters to the editors section.
FROM THE PULPIT
INDEED ALLAH IS BEAUTIFUL AND HE LOVES BEAUTY
By: Imam Muhammad Musa
done to our bodies. This includes tattooing,
intentional scarring, and intentional deforming of the
body. Also, not only are we to preserve our physical
beauty, but Islam also teaches us to keep care of and
to beautify our manners, morals, and treatment of
others.
This preservation of beauty is not particular
to human beings; Islam has forbidden us from
causing harm to the beauty of any living thing. Allah
has created everything in the best shape and form.
In Surat Al-Anʼam Allah says, “And there is no
creature on the earth or bird that flies with its wings
except that they are communities like you. We have
not neglected in the Register (al-Lawh al Mahfuth) a
thing. Then unto their Lord they will be
gathered” (6:38). In this verse, Allah emphasizes that
He created all living
things in communities
with unique systems
and ways of living. In
Surat Al-Araf, he
warns us against
causing harm to this
beauty and promises
a great reward to
those who do good in
taking care of this
beauty by saying,
“And cause not
corruption upon the
earth after its
reformation (after
being beautified). And
invoke him in fear and
aspiration. Indeed,
the mercy of Allah is
near to the doers of good” (7:56).
Allah also says, “And (of the people) he who
strives throughout the land to cause corruption
therein and destroys crops and animals. And Allah
does not like corruption” (2:205). Those people are
the fiercest opponents as Allah mentions in verse
204. This destruction can be done in many ways;
either through abuse, unjust hunting, or launching war
and using mass destruction. Thus the preservation of
the universe and of all living things is part of our duty
as Muslims. A duty that requires preserving the
beauty, balance, and best form of this universe.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
The title of this article is a great and well
known saying if the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The meaning of beauty in this hadith goes beyond
outer beauty; it includes physical, spiritual, and moral
beauty. Nature around us reflects a glimpse of Godʼs
beauty on earth. If you look everywhere in his
universe, one can see examples of beautiful creation.
Many of the verses of the Quran glorify the greatness
and beauty of Allahʼs creations.
In Surat Qaf, Allah says, “Have they not
looked at the heaven above them-how We structured
it and adorned it and how it has no rifts. And the
earth- We spread it out and cast therein firmly set
mountains and made grow therein something of every
beautiful kind” (50:6-7).
Allah also mentions the beautiful balance of
the universe in the
following verses. “And
the earth-We have
spread it and cast
therein firmly set
mountains and caused
to grow therein of
every well-balanced
thing…And there is
not a thing but that
with Us are its
depositories and We
do not send down
except to a specified
measure” (15:19,21).
As we all know, too
much of a good thing
can cause harm; Allah
has wellbalanced the
exact proportions of
this universe to make it most fit for our living. If you
observe closely, you would be astonished by the
exactness of His measurement.
With respect to human beauty, Allah says,
“We have certainly created man in the best of stature
(i.e., upright, symmetrical and balanced in form and
nature)” (95:4). The Prophet (PBUH) advised us to
give newborns beautiful names in order to match the
beauty of their creation. Through the Prophetʼs
example, Allah has ordered us to take care of our
bodies and to keep ourselves healthy, good looking,
and clean. For example, regarding oneʼs hair,
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “And those who
have hair, should keep it beautiful and kept.”
Regarding oneʼs teeth, the Prophet (PBUH) taught us
that using Siwak is a means for purification of the
mouth and a cause for the love of Allah.
In addition, keeping oneʼs body clean and
smelling nicely is also a teaching of the Prophet
(PBUH). That is why he asked those who eat garlic
and onions to not attend prayers until they have rid
themselves of the foul smell. Furthermore, Allah
(SWT) commands us to preserve the beautiful form of
our bodies, by forbidding intentional acts of harm
2
The CommUnity Journal is published by the
Muslim Unity Center of Bloomfield Hills.
1830 Square Lake Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
IMAMS
Sheikh Muhammad Musa
Achmat Salie
“Come as you are and bring your children”
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mouhib Ayas President
Fahd Al-Saghir Vice-President
Yousuf Siddiqui Mazen Shoukfeh
Wael Al-Ameri
Muhammad Kashlan Ismaeel Basha
Mahmoud Al-Hadidi
Ihor Debryn
Basim Abdullah Roze Kadri
3
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fadi Demashkieh
President
Leana Salka
Talha Hares
Abdulsalam Al-Kassab
Gada Siada
Asma Siddiqui
Riad Dali
Ali Abdullah
Ammar Hatahet
Ghaidaa Al Najjar
TABLE OF CONTENTS
From The Pulpit
From The Editor’s Desk
President’s Corner Islam In America Series: A Brief History of Islam in America
Medical Corner: Cigarette Smoking and Your Health
Can Muslims Be Part of the Solutions The Greatest Role Model
My Grandmothers Flowers
Youth Corner: A Lesson Of Leadership
Building Green
Keep Going Green
Back To Nature And Away From The Screen
Reflections Of A Traveler: Part 2
Take Advantage Of Your Youth
My Niyyah
Technology Section
Community Corner
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3
4
5
6
7-8
9-10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
By: Abdulsalam Al-Kassab M.D.
THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Abdulsalam Al-Kassab, Chairperson
Nuha Al-Fahham
Mouhib Ayas
Farouk Tootla
Ihor Debryn
Yousuf Siddiqui
MANAGING EDITOR
Anasie Tayyen
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC MARKETING &
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jameel A. Syed
The CommUnity Journal aims to inform the
community of opportunities to participate in
events with our congregation, with our
extended family of Muslim Centers in SE
Michigan, and with our Muslim and NonMuslim neighbors through interfaith dialogue.
Articles appearing in this publication are part
of a dialogue that is taking place in the world,
and the Muslim community. Publication does
not mean endorsement: each article presents
the view of its author (s) only. When articles
are submitted for the publication, they may be
edited for the content, language or length.
DESIGNED & CONCEPTUALIZED BY
The Fluid Visions | Creative Marketing Firm
[email protected] 248.635.9275
www.fluidvisions.com
This is the first issue of the Community Journal in 2009.
We had a tough winter this year and by the time you receive this
issue spring will almost be here. We chose Islam and the
Environment as the theme of this issue, Spring 2009. While
researching this topic it was amazing to discover how much
emphasis Islam has placed on conserving the environment and
earth resources. Way before the “Green” movement was popular,
over 1400 years ago, our religion taught, both in the holy Quran
and Hadith that the earth and the environment were blessings
from Allah and for us to reflect upon these blessing or signs.
This issue will also coincide with the birth of the Prophet
(PBUH) and thus you will find articles about the Prophetʼs (PBUH)
amazing life and guidance.
We are also in the midst of changing the journal. Starting
with this issue we will begin a section called the “Technology
Section” . This section will educate readers about new technology
issues and websites that are common and widely understood by
our youth but not necessarily by adults. Also, beginning with the
next issue, we will begin publishing readerʼs feedback and
comments about published articles under a new Letters to the
Editor Section. We would like to hear your views and opinions at
[email protected].
Finally beginning with this issue we will begin to publish a
schedule of major events held at the Unity Center so that our
readers can plan their time accordingly and join in such activities.
Hope you find this issue useful, interesting, and entertaining.
Environmental Acts Of Charity
The Prophet (PBUH) sought to encourage agriculture in order to increase
vegetation resources and enhance a benevolent environment. He
said, "Whenever a Muslim plants or grows a sapling or a plant, and a
human being, a beast, or anything else feeds upon it, it is counted for him
as an act of benevolence." (Bukhari)
OUR CHILDREN OUR FUTURE
By: Fadi Demashkieh
very excited about this project since it will be a means
for us to increase our knowledge of the holy book, the
Quran. Inshallah, we will have many huffaz (people
who have memorized the Quran) graduate from this
school. The Prophet (S) said, “The best amongst you
is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it.”
Another mission we are hoping to achieve this year is
to unite all the centers in the area by having shared
activities. Our goal is to have one Eid prayer and one
Eid party. We would like to join efforts with the
surrounding centers to be able to achieve this.
I would like to thank every member of our
community for their dedication and their support. We
would not have been able to advance this much
without each member’s contributions. Inshallah, every
member will be from those who will accompany our
Prophet Muhammad in the hereafter. May Allah help
us expand our center and build a stable Masjid for
future generations. Amen.
Welcome Our New
Board of Director Members
Br. Ali Abdallah
Br. Ali Abdallah is an active member of our
community, and he is well known to many of
us. He is a builder/realtor by profession. He
has volunteered in several projects in the
Unity Center.
Sr. Ghaidaa Najjar
Sr. Ghaidaa Najjar is a registered pharmacist
by profession. She volunteers her time
teaching people about Islam and the Qur’an.
EVEN A SMILE
CAN BE
CHARITY!
“Come as you are and bring your children”
It is my pleasure to write about my second
home, the Unity Center. It means a lot to me to serve
the house of God, and I take this as a privilege that
Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon me. It is a great honor
to serve our community.
I anticipate the year of 2009 will be a great
year for our center with many planned activities and
many projects to be carried out, Inshallah. Some of
these projects include: paying off the loan, creating a
multipurpose room next to the gym, advancing our
youth program, and expanding our Quran School.
As many of you know, the Unity Center
recently held elections, and I would like to take this
opportunity to welcome new and returning board
members. Alhamdulillah, we have a great team this
year, and, Inshallah, all board members are ready to
rise to their full potentials in order to advance the
center and to serve the house of God. I can’t but
mention my brother Talha Hares who is thankfully back
with us from recently having heart surgery.
Alhamdulillah he is doing well. Brother Talha, as you
know, is an essential part of our board. He devotes
much of his time to the Center, and we wish him a full
recovery, Inshallah. We are very blessed to have him
back with us.
I’d like to mention the great job our youth
leaders are doing on our Friday program.
Alhamdulillah, the youth programs are progressing very
well and we are working on building and expanding
these programs. We would like to bring more youth
leaders, people who can be role models for our kids.
Our Sunday school is doing great with the help of
Brother Hossam. We are also looking for ways to
expand the Sunday school, Inshallah.
Our newest project is the Quran School. It
will be directed by our beloved Sheikh Ahmad
Mabrouk whom we are very blessed to have. I am
4
ISLAM IN AMERICA SERIES
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ISLAM IN AMERICA
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Ghada Siada
5
Data on the early history of Islam in America is
incomplete, however, evidence exists that Muslims
visited North America before Columbus. It is believed
that Mansa Abu Bakr, of Mali, traveled to the Gulf of
Mexico in 1312. Ethno-linguistic analysis shows
connections between certain peoples of the West
African coast and the Native Americans living in the
Gulf of Mexico region of the Americas.
Clear evidence of the presence of Islam in
America begins with the Moriches who accompanied
the Spanish invaders. Following the Moriches, great
numbers of Muslim slaves were imported to this
continent to work on the plantations of the South. At
least ten percent of the African slaves who were
brought to America came from Muslim backgrounds.
Many of these Muslim slaves
were highly literate.
In the early part of the
twentieth century, waves of
immigrants from various parts of
the Muslim world, most notably
Palestine, Lebanon and what is
now Pakistan, appeared on
these shores. These people
were mostly illiterate. Then,
beginning in the ʻ50s, the picture
changed drastically. An influx of
Muslim professionals settled in
this country after completing
their studies. The black
movements and the back-toAfrica groups gained
prominence and flourished
during this time period as well.
Also, great numbers of Muslim
students from all parts of the
world began to arrive on
American soil.
This was the time
period which saw the formation of the early Muslim
communities and mosques in such places as Detroit,
Ann Arbor, Gary (Indiana), Cedar Rapids (Iowa),
Sacramento and the like. Visiting scholars and
missionary groups from the Middle East and the IndoPakistan subcontinent also began to arrive, and Islam
began, in a very slow manner, to gain adherents among
white Americans.
It was this period, which also witnessed the
formation of national Islamic groups, such as the
Muslim Students Association (MSA) of the United
States and Canada, the Islamic Society of North
America (ISNA), and their supporting institutions.
Regional and national conferences of Muslims for the
discussion of issues of common concern were
streamlined during this period. Many Muslims who had
never practiced their religion now found their way back
to their roots and began, for the very first time, to
appreciate the value of their faith.
The black movements now started to form and
gain momentum. Most prominent among them was the
Black Muslim sect, headed by the self-proclaimed
“prophet” Elijah Muhammed. Heading a political, rather
than a religious movement, Mr. Muhammad was easily
able to sell the frustrated, suffering black community his
ideology of reacting to racism with racism under the
heading of “Black Islam.” For a time the movement
flourished, but later, with the exposure of Mr.
Muhammadʼs sexual improprieties, it began to whither
and fade. Malcolm X, who had
been its chief spokesman, had
turned against its leader and,
after experiencing the
brotherhood of true Islam during
his pilgrimage to Mecca also
know as Hajj, he changed his
position concerning the inherent
evil of all members of the white
race.
Malcolmʼs assassination in 1965
did nothing to halt the
dissolution of the Black Muslims.
Subsequently, Elijahʼs son
Wallace, later known as
Warithuddin Muhammad, led the
majority of his fatherʼs exfollowers into Orthodox Islam.
What remained of Elijahʼs
followers became the Nation of
Islam under the leadership of
the controversial Louis
Farrakhan.
Today, mosques, Islamic
centers, and schools are found in virtually every
community of any size. Islamic organizations and
institutions cater to the needs of the Muslim
congregation in America. Muslimsʼ voices are heard
speaking up for their faith in official circles, to the
media, and in every field of endeavor, and Muslims are
now able to make significant contributions, especially in
the realm of spirituality, values and morals.
*The continuation of this article will be printed in the
upcoming, Summer 2009, edition of the CommUnity
Journal.
Environmental Reservations
The Prophet (PBUH) was the first to establish environmental reservations, where trees could not be cut down and animals could not be
killed. God's messenger protected the whole of Medina, section by section, where no tree could be uprooted and nothing bigger than what
can be used to drive a camel could be cut. He said about the city that: “Its game may not be scared, and none of its trees may be cut, except
for a man feeding his game." (Bukhari)
MEDICAL CORNER
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND YOUR HEALTH
By: Muhammad Kashlan, M.D., FCCP*
Smoking remains the most preventable cause of
premature death and morbidity in the United States
and throughout the world. Cigarette smoke is a
complex mixture of more than 6,000 compounds and
causes a variety of pulmonary and systemic effects in
humans. More than 400,000 deaths occur each year
as a result of cigarette smoking.
Cigarette smoking is the principal risk factor for
developing long-term lung diseases namely chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Asthma and
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) are more
common among children exposed to smoke, and
cigarette smoking makes it more difficult to treat
asthma.
Effect on the Heart: Cigarette smoking doubles the
risk of developing coronary heart disease including
heart attack.
Effect on the stomach: Cigarette smoking increases
the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease and acid
reflux.
Effect on the Bone: Smoking increases bone loss
and increases the risk of hip fracture in women
(Osteoporosis).
Effect on Fetus: Pregnant women who smoke have
an increased risk of birth defects and of having an
underweight baby.
Effect on the Skin: Smoking causes premature skin
wrinkling.
Other effects: Aside from lung cancer, smoking
increases the risk of other cancers such as cancers of
the head and neck, esophagus, pancreas, and
bladder. In addition smoking increases the risk of
sexual dysfunction.
Effects of smoking cessation: Smoking cessation
has major and immediate health benefits for men and
women of all ages. People who quit smoking before
age 50 reduce their risk of dying over the next 15
years by one-half, as compared to those who
continue to smoke.
Smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer
within five years of stopping, although former
smokers still have a higher risk of lung cancer than
people who have never smoked.
Smoking cessation decreases the risk of peptic ulcer
disease and increases the rate of ulcer healing, if
ulcers have developed. Stopping smoking begins to
reverse the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis after
about 10 years.
Generally, any risks of smoking cessation are far
outweighed by the benefits. Nevertheless, it is
reasonable to prepare for the discomforts of stopping
smoking, including withdrawal symptoms such as
difficulty falling asleep, irritability, frustration or anger,
anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, a
decreased heart rate, depression, and weight gain.
These side effects can be reduced or eliminated by
using behavioral methods, medications, counseling,
and exercise.
Strategies to help you quit: After deciding to quit
smoking, the first step is to set a quit date. Ideally, this
date should be within two weeks. Gradual reduction
in smoking is occasionally successful, but quitting
"cold turkey" is generally more successful.
Behavioral approaches to smoking cessation can be
done independently or in individual or group sessions,
including problem solving and skills training, support
from family and friends, counseling, and occasionally
with hypnosis or acupuncture.
Many medical approaches exist, including use of
nicotine patches, gum, inhalers, as well as
pharmaceutical agents like Wellbutrin and Chantix.
Your physician can guide you in the optimal selection
and use of these products. Many healthcare
insurance companies run free support groups and
phone motivation programs to assist in this process.
Most smokers make many attempts to quit before
they are able to quit completely. After all, smoking is
a proven dangerous society health hazard, carries
with it an economic burden on the smokers as the
cigarette taxes are escalating, and a negative social
stigma.
Quitting may be difficult but not impossible. If you are
a smoker set your quit date and consult with your
doctor.
“Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and be
not cast by your own hands to ruin; and do good.
Lo! Allah loveth the beneficent”
The Holy Qurʼan 2:195
“Come as you are and bring your children”
Effect on the Lung: Cigarette smoking is responsible
for almost 90 percent of cases of lung cancer, which
in turn is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both
males and females in the United States.
One year after stopping smoking, the risk of dying
from coronary heart disease is reduced by about onehalf and continues to decline with time. The risk of
heart attack was reduced to the rate of nonsmokers
within two years of quitting smoking.
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CAN MUSLIMS BE PART OF THE SOLUTION?
By: Nuha Alfahham*
“Come as you are and bring your children”
Envision a world where nature accelerates modern
advancements and where technological developments
nurture the environmental balance; a world where you
donʼt have to worry about depleting energy recourses,
or deal with the consequences of pollution.
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How can modern civilization, the same
civilization that created the current environmental crisis,
achieve sustainability? Why did we, as top civilized
nations, end up facing some very challenging ecological
consequences? Where do Muslims fit into this
equation, and can they be part of the solution? Although
not all of these questions can be addressed in this
article, it is advantageous to know how being a Muslim
would translate into practical terms from an
environmental standpoint.
In fact, there is historical evidence that traces
environmental awareness back to the early Islamic era;
establishing what is todayʼs environmental ethic.
This is not only marked by the Prophet and his
companionsʼ practices, but also by the remarkable
environmental developments that earlier Muslims
undertook. The Prophet (PBUH) established the
foundation of environmental ethics by caring for natural
resources, establishing regulations for land and water
management, and implementing large scale “Hima,”
which resembles modern day conservation areas.
Since the earliest stages of the Islamic civilization,
whether in Damascus, Iraq, or Al Andalus, gardens and
water were of particular importance. Moreover,
innovative methods for large-scale irrigation and
farming were developed during this early Islamic era.
Renewable energy sources were utilized and the first
windmill was invented. Dams, water reservoirs and
transportation systems were constructed for effective
water management and supply. The earliest largescale water clarifiers were designed and implemented
Unlike modern times, past Islamic civilizations
took nature into account and guarded the environment
while reaching great achievements. All without incurring
noticeable adverse effects on the environment.
It is well established, in both the Quran and
the Sunnah, that caring for our environment is part of
the Islamic faith. While earlier Muslimsʼ behavior
demonstrated this environmental sensitivity and
responsibility, it took Muslims in the modern times an
ecological mishap to revert to these responsibilities.
Protection of Wild Life
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "I forbid the trees between the two lavas of Medina to be cut down and the game to be killed."
Referring to the Wajj Valley in Taif, he said, "The game and trees of Wajj are forbidden." (Bukhari)
CAN MUSLIMS BE PART OF THE SOLUTION? (Continued)
“Come as you are and bring your children”
Although Muslimsʼ care in regard to the use of
resources has become less apparent in the modern
period, there are recent encouraging movements on an
individual, community, and international level. On an
individual and community level, there are an increasing
number of Muslims who are adopting more
environmentally friendly lifestyles. Community centers
and Imams are participating in environmental programs,
and Muslim community members are leading
environmental efforts such as the Green Muslims Group
based in Washington D.C.
On an international level, Muslims are
becoming part of international environmental
organizations, and in some cases leading the initiative.
One of the significant developments in the Islamic world
is a project in Abu Dhabi, called the “Masdar” initiative.
As stated by Masdar, this initiative is a global
cooperative platform for the open engagement in the
search for solutions to some of mankind's most pressing
issues: energy security, climate change and the
development of human expertise in sustainability.
One key objective of Masdar is to position Abu
Dhabi as a world-class research and development hub
for new energy technologies, effectively balancing its
strong position in an evolving world energy market. One
component of the current sustainability project at Masdar
will include the world's largest hydrogen power plant,
where hydrogen can be released without carbon release.
Another component of Abu Dhabiʼs plans is the Masdar
Sustainable City, featuring all of the modern
conveniences, services and benefits of living in a city,
but in a carbon-neutral zero-waste environment. It is
estimated that the city will have 40,000 residents and
50,000 daily commuters. Buildings will allow air in but
keep the sun's heat out. Homes and offices will be
ventilated by wind towers. Masdar City, the first of its
kind, is designed as a self-sustained car-free zone
where solar panels to generate electricity will be used as
the principal renewable energy resource.
The implementation of such programs and
plans is an indication of the urge within the Muslim
population to become a part of the solution for todayʼs
environmental problems. It is anticipated that these
initiatives are the steps needed for Muslims to transition
from technology consumers to technology producers.
Although, not noticeably reducing the momentum of
environmentally devastating industrialization, a collective
effort for environmentalism is developing among Muslims
across the world. If this positive trend continues, it is
likely that Muslim environmental movements will play a
significant role in slowing the present destructive trends
as well as directing human society towards sustainability.
The planetʼs 1.2 billion Muslims have the religious
foundation and the resources to solve the modern day
environmental crisis, as well as to meet emerging needs.
Don’t forget to donate generously
to the Muslim Unity Center
for more information visit
www.muslimunitycenter.com
8
THE ROAD TO GHAZA
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Maher Kafri, M.D.*
9
There is no doubt that we all have a great deal of
frustration brought on by the ever-growing media that
has transformed our world into a small village. We
watch and hear, on a daily basis, news about human
pain, hunger, epidemics and death caused by man-made
and natural disasters.
A sense of helplessness has crippled our
efforts. We ask ourselves everyday, “What can we do to
relieve the immense human suffering around the globe?”
We can't feed the whole world or foster all the orphans.
I think as Muslims we should take a look at our
values and examine the situation
in a different light. Islam does not want us to be passive,
pessimistic, miserable or
helpless. Alhamdulillah, there are many opportunities to
prove our Muslim character considering all the crises
around the world.
The latest Gaza tragedy was definitely life
changing for me. I asked myself, what are my priorities
as a Muslim? Are they my family, my life, or my
business? What is my responsibility? Can I do it?
After a moment of truth, I was on an airplane to
Cairo Egypt. Several hours later I found myself standing
at the Gaza border watching the Palestinian territories
being bombed by the jet fighters that I could hear and
see roaming the sky above Gaza. However, I learned
that before I could enter Gaza, a visit to the US embassy
was required.
The US Embassy (with some hesitancy) was
helpful and proved to me that communication and
humanity could defeat stereotyping. I was proud of my
American citizenship.
Finally, I entered Gaza where I was picked up
by an ambulance that went to the main hospital in Khan
Younes. In the empty streets of Rafah and Khan
Younes, the ambulance was traveling at top speed,
passing by some wrecked homes, in order to get to the
hospital.
With a smile on my face my emotions were growing
rapidly. Euphoria, peace, and tranquility had completely
replaced 44 years of frustration and helplessness. I
finally made it from total selfishness and materialism to
humanity. With a little bravery I could clearly see my
priorities.
At the Nasser Medical Center the situation was
anything but chaotic. I was received
by a warm welcome by the hospital official, and after
lunch and a tour, I was introduced to the intensive care
unit where I spent most of the day. Everybody was
highly professional, competent and calm.
Upon my arrival to the unit, a critically wounded
child was on his way out of the unit to Egypt in an
attempt to keep the small unit ready for the next wave of
the wounded.
That evening a wounded young man died after several
attempts to save him. A few moments later he was
pronounced "martyr" by the hospital staff, his brother
was standing silently at the bedside. Then he cried
quietly while reciting "Alfateha." This instantly brought
tears to my eyes but I was able to stay calm and
supportive.
I am usually moved by the death of my patients
but have never cried. Perhaps I cried because this
young man, who never had a future or a secure day in
his life, was fatally wounded by an unfair war against
armless civilians.
Environmental Concerns
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to urge people to clean and not pollute their environment. He said, "To clear the road
of all sources of harm is a benefaction." (Bukhari)
THE ROAD TO GHAZA CONTINUED
wounded children. They didnʼt come to Gaza out of
desperation or thoughts of suicide. We all hated the
war and wished it never happened.
On the third night, I managed to reach Gaza
City with a multinational group of doctors.
At Al-Shifaa hospital, I met a wounded little girl with
serious chest trauma, who was terrified to be in the
intensive care unit, fighting for her life. Another young
man was badly wounded; he went into respiratory and
cardiovascular failure and required mechanical
ventilation. His brother was torn into pieces when both
were hit by a rocket, as they were innocently standing
and eating fruits, his father stated.
As a Muslim I learned a lot from this
experience. I learned that the road to Gaza
does not necessarily end in Gaza. It starts in our
heart, with praying five times a day punctually, and
with going back to our genuine Islamic morals and
priorities.
How often do we behave nicely with
neighbors or coworkers? How often do we drive
responsibly and stop to help others on the side of the
road during a snowstorm?
The road does not end in Gaza but perhaps it
keeps going and passes by other disaster areas like
Zimbabwe, where more than three thousand people
have died recently as a result of an epidemic. Have
we heard about a humanitarian Muslim doctors
organization that will extend its humanitarian work to
everyone?
I hope the road will end in everyoneʼs heart
(Muslim and non-Muslim), so that Muslims will no
longer be stereotyped as they have been in recent
years, and the true humanity and kindness of Muslims
can shine through.
*Maher Kefri is an attending physician in private
practice.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
Luckily the remaining two wounded people (a young
man with a bullet in his head
and an old man with multiple wounds) were stable and
had an uneventful night.
The random and intermittent bombing never stopped
throughout the day but intensified after midnight to the
point that the hospital windows shook. I learned later
that day that some of the wounded had not yet been
cleared from a bombed zone because ambulances
were not able to get to them for fear of Israeli tanks.
Apparently, ambulances were being targeted.
Around 1 AM and shortly after his bedtime a
three-year old boy was brought to the ER with a scalp
laceration after a bombing took place nearby. Thank
God his condition was stable and non-life threatening.
For the second time, I managed to hide my tears and
my emotions.
The most noticeable behavior of the Muslims
in Gaza, starting from the security checkpoint in Rafah
all the way to the intensive care unit at the hospital
was the immediate and unconditional answer to the
call of Salaht (prayer). People of different ranks in the
society dropped everything they were doing and lined
up for the prayer, as soon as it was called. The
mosques were packed with praying Muslims, even at
the early morning prayer. Obviously people stopped
going to the hospital to seek medical care but they
never stopped going to the mosques.
The remaining three days and two nights
were mostly filled with joy and a sense of fulfillment
and satisfaction that will last me a lifetime. Everyone
was smiling, cheerful and high-spirited. This was
fueled by strong faith and the love of our Prophet
Mohammed (PBUH).
I shared family photos with the other
volunteer doctors. These doctors were full of life as
well, and shared common goals and beliefs. They
risked their lives to help armless civilians and
10
MY GRANDMOTHERS FLOWERS
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Salma Zarzour AlAbed*
11
When my grandmother died almost
twenty-eight years ago, I felt that many things
died with her! With her kind voice, warm hugs,
and gentle touch forever gone, everything lost
its bliss. I no longer impatiently waited for
Fridayʼs gathering or the delicious candy that
used to magically appear from underneath her
pillow. My cousins and I lost the joy of making
flower necklaces and chasing after butterflies,
and we all watched as the dozens of the
beautifully arranged plants and flower pots that
she, ever so passionately nourished and cared
for, slowly disappeared.
My grandmother spent all her life in a
traditional Syrian house where the magnificent
courtyard made the sky her ceiling, and where
the spring water fountain and the citrus and
jasmine trees created a breathtaking and an
exceptionally relaxing atmosphere. Yet she
yearned for more nature in her surroundings
and this never ceased to amaze me. She
wasted nothing, recycled almost everything, and
had a passion for all thatʼs green, long before
such conduct was considered fashionable or
politically correct. Did the woman who had no
official education beyond the fourth grade know
something that we donʼt?
From an Islamic perspective, humans
are Godʼs vicegerents on earth and they hold a
responsibility to maintain the fragile equilibrium
of the natural world he (SWT) has entrusted us
with. Man is not entitled to assume ownership or
exercise dominion over the universe. The holy
Quran and the Sunna stipulate that through
reflection upon nature and by exploring and
investigating its laws and rules one comes
closer to God and realizes his oneness or
“tawheed”.
On the other hand, all forms of
scientific knowledge that one arrives at must be
used for the benefit of humanity and in
accordance with Islamic principles and values.
Without such balance, exploitation and
destruction, Islam teaches, are inevitable. I
seriously doubt, however that my grandmother,
though was a pious Muslim who enjoyed
reciting the Quran, had an understanding of
such philosophical and metaphysical issues. I
would argue, however, that she responded to
something thatʼs in no way less significant - her
own fitra.
Itʼs thus intuitively natural, I believe,
that the woman who had so much kindness and
compassion, would show only empathy to all of
Godʼs creatures. For with no doubt, one needs
no degree or a certain level of knowledge to
realize that God upholds the sky, causes the
rivers and streams to flow, and makes trees,
flowers, and all plants grow. Those who truly
submit to God intrinsically realize the sacred
relations among his creatures and can in no
way be selfish or abusive- regardless of their
educational levels.
I therefore, believe, that the challenge
to our environment is mainly ethical, with greed
and selfishness at the core of its predicament.
Manʼs actions, as it seems, are not only
destroying the natural world but theyʼre also
corroding humanityʼs own spirit and morality. I
would also suggest that the hope of saving the
planet rests on a true revival of such spirit in a
way that would reconstruct humanityʼs moral
and ethical foundation. For my grandmotherʼs
flowers such hope, Iʼm afraid, is forever lost. It
has vanished alongside the houseʼs historical
carved walls, its decorated arches, and decades
old trees; all callously bulldozed to give way to a
more modern, yet suffocating, apartment
building.
*Salma Zarzour AlAbed holds a Masters Degree in
Education and Curriculum Development.
Protecting the Environment Until Doomsday Comes
“When doomsday comes, if someone has a palm shoot in his hand, he should plant it. Whoever brings dead land to life, that
is, cultivates wasteland, for him is a reward therein.” Thus any person who irrigates a plot of “dead”, or desert land becomes
its rightful owner. (Bukhari)
ZARQA
NAWAZ
YOUTH
CORNER
A LESSON OF LEADERSHIP
By: Besher Kashlan*
The final practice of the five is to encourage the
heart. This implies that one who is a leader should not
only strive for success, but once they have achieved
success they must satisfy their hearts by
celebrating.
Dr. Tariq Suwaidan is an inspiration for all of us,
and his lectures leave a message that we can learn from.
All the youth of this generation should follow the
practices found above and strive to be the best leader by
following the footsteps of Rasool-ullah (PBUH).
*Besher Kashlan is an eighth grader at Country Day.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
“Leadership is the key to the success of a
generation.” Dr. Tariq Suwaidan made a series of
lectures about leadership during the 2008 Reviving the
Islamic Spirit Convention. His lectures were said to be
inspirational to some, and great advice to others.
Leadership was one of the greatest qualities of the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For example, in the
incident of the rebuilding of the Kaaba, the people of
Mecca were arguing over who was going to place the
Hajar Al-Aswad (The Black Stone) into the wall of the
Kaaba. When the Prophet walked toward the quarreling
group, they stopped everything and asked him for
advice. The Prophet (PBUH) told them to put the black
stone in the middle of a sheet and then all the families
picked up the sheet together and put the stone in place.
The young adults of this generation are losing the
leadership skills that have been passed on for
generations from the time of the Rasool (Messenger)
(PBUH). The most important quality that our generation
has forgotten is the quality of honesty and
trustworthiness. These days, all kids care about is fun.
A kid will do whatever it takes “to get his fun.” He will
even lie. A minor example is when a kid has to finish his
homework before he can do something fun. This kid will
lie, and say he is done just to have fun. Kids these days
should be changing their priorities to Islam and not fun
and games. Dr. Tariq Suwaidan made his lecture about
the five main practices for a person to become a leader.
The first one is for a person to model the way. A leader
is not supposed to order people and tell them what to
do. He is supposed to do something good and make
people follow by inspiring them. The second practice is
to inspire a shared vision. This means that leaders are
people who envision the future, and they enlist others on
a common vision. The third practice is to challenge the
process. What he means by this is that leaders search
for opportunities; they don’t just stick to the task. They
find other ways to make things better. They also
experiment and take risks; this leads to learning from a
mistake. Leaders make mistakes too, and they have to
learn from them. The fourth practice is to enable others
to act. Leaders must engage all people and partners in
their projects. They have to give everyone who wants a
part, a part. They also should be strengthening others.
This means that they shouldn’t just care about
themselves. Once a leader has worked on themselves
and has done their part, they should help put enthusiasm
into their workers work. They shouldn’t just sit and do
nothing.
12
BUILDING GREEN
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Haithem Obeid*
13
Iʼm sure weʼve all been exposed to the term
ʻgreen buildingʼ either in a recent article weʼve read, a
news report on TV, or from an Internet blog. Green
building is one of the fastest growing building and design
concepts in America. Architects, designers, developers,
and homeowners are becoming infatuated with the cost
saving possibilities, energy saving emphasis, modern
look, and the symbiotic relationship with nature that
green buildings possess.
Green building is defined by the Office of the
Federal Environmental Executive as “the practice of
increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their
sites use energy, water, and materials, and reducing
building impacts of human health and the environment,
through better siting, design, construction, operation,
maintenance, and removal throughout the complete life
cycle.”
The modern green building movement took off
in the early 1970s, when a group of forward-thinking
architects, environmentalists, and ecologists were
inspired by the growing environmental movement and
the higher fuel costs that were prevalent during that time.
Throughout the 70s and into the 90s, much research has
been done on energy efficient processes. This research
has resulted in developing more effective solar panels,
prefabricated efficient wall systems, modular
construction units, and direct usage of light through
windows.
When Bill Clinton was elected president in
1992, the green community began to toss around the
idea of ʻgreeningʼ the White House as a way of putting
their ideas on the radar. This program was designed to
improve energy efficiency and environmental
performance of the White House complex by identifying
opportunities to reduce waste, lower energy use, and
make an appropriate use of renewable resources, all
while improving the indoor air quality and building
comfort. In March 1996, it was reported that through the
first two years of the “Greening” project, more than
$150,000 per year in energy and water costs,
landscaping expenses, and expenditures associated
with solid waste were saved. Since 1996, $300,000 has
been saved annually due to additional projects. The
success of the White House greening project prompted
the government to give other institutions a green
makeover, namely the Pentagon and the Department of
Energy.
So how does one build ʻgreen?ʼ
Fortunately, we have access to a certification program
that is the accepted benchmark for the design and
construction of green buildings. Itʼs called the LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Rating System. Buildings under LEED are classified as
Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum depending upon the
number of points they acquire within 6 building
components:
1. Sustainable Sites
2. Water Efficiency
3. Energy and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
6. Innovation and Design Process
Examples of green building characteristics include
building vertical to save land space, reusing a
percentage of salvage from demolition as new building
material, utilizing rapidly-renewable materials,
generating electricity from renewable resources, and
many, many more.
Why is green building relevant to us?
As
Muslims, we know that mankind has been entrusted by
Allah Almighty to protect and safeguard the earth and its
resources. The Quran states, “…Your Lord said unto the
angels: ʻLo! I am about to place a viceroy on the
earth…,ʼ” and “Do you not see that God has made
subject to you (humans) all that is on the earth.” The
rewards of tending to the environment are great indeed,
as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said,
“Whenever a Muslim plants trees or cultivates land and
birds or a man or a beast eats out of them, it is a charity
on his behalf.”(Sahih Muslim) With this knowledge in
mind, we can do our part in safeguarding the
environment by building our homes, mosques, and
places of business utilizing green design.
*Haytham Obeid is the owner of Pine Cove Building.
Sanctity of Wild Life
“If anyone wrongfully kills even a sparrow, let alone anything greater, he will face God’s
interrogation.” (Bukhari)
KEEP GOING GREEN
By: Sabrina Aboosaiedi*
5) Reduce your meat consumption
Relax, I didnʼt say not to eat it at all! But reducing meat consumption
has huge consequences for global land use, climate change, and
indigenous communities who are food insecure. More acres of land
(and food) are needed to keep up with world meat demand, which
means more soil erosion, more methane, and less food available to
humans. Even if you switch to fish from red meat, you should keep in
mind that over-fishing is depleting fish supplies worldwide. So try the
veggie wrap the next time you go to Romaʼs, its not that bad.
“Do not make your stomach the graveyard of animals” is a common
hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
6) (Re)connect with your source of food
The Qurʼan asks repeatedly if we stop and ponder the miracle of
growth and creation, and the blessing of rain that is necessary for
crops to grow. Try to connect with a local community garden, farm, or
orchard so that you can see where your food is coming from: get on
your hands and knees to gather the blueberries, reach up high for
the apples and cherries, blow off the dirt and shuck the corn yourself!
This is especially important once you have children so that they can
see that food is grown from the land, not the sterile packages of the
grocery store display counters. Harvesting the plants from the earth
humbles us, and gives us a more realistic and aware appreciation of
our source of nutrition and nourishment; as well as what it takes for
all the elements to come together for the food to grow.
7) Reconsider gifts
Generosity and hospitality are important characteristics of Islamic
culture, regardless of region. However, they can be interpreted in
different ways. Sometimes, a good intention of kindness can
nevertheless be lost in wasteful gifts. The next time you want to give
a gift, consider what your friend actually needs. If what your female
friend really needs is help setting up for a big party, offer cooking
help instead of a bath set. If what your male friend really needs is
Qurʼan lessons, offer him tutoring lessons instead of a flashy gadget.
Does the sick friend really need a teddy bear, or your grandmotherʼs
killer soup recipe, made by your own hands? Give of your time and
experience before you have to turn to your wallet. A bottle of lotion or
a new tool never strengthened a community the same way good
companionship did!
*Posted by Sabira Aboosaiedi on dcgreenmuslims.blogspot.com.
DC Green Muslims is a network of Muslims in the District of
Columbia (and surrounding
areas) working proactively to help communities understand and
implement sustainable and eco-conscious ways of living while
relating it to our faith and a holistic world-view.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
Weʼve all heard the common “go green!” tips of changing your light
bulbs and shopping local. Here are a few others for your
consideration, most of which are based on our own Islamic principles
which were given to us well before the start of the Green Movement.
InshaʼAllah they can be used to remind us of the things that really
matter in this life, strengthen our connection to each other, the land,
and ultimately our Creator. Lets reduce wasteful consumption, green
our ibada (worship) and our everyday in the path of Allah, and maybe
even save some money along the way!
1) Donʼt leave the water running while you make wudhu
It only takes a quick second to turn off the faucet between strokes.
Think of the impact if millions of Muslims used 1 cupʼs worth of water
less. We all know that less than 1% of the worldʼs water supply is
fresh, and even less than that is readily available. If millions of
Muslims reduce their water consumption for wudhu 3-5 times a day,
the impact is sure to be significant!
2) Fast Mondays and Thursdays
Youʼve already heard that it can earn you blessings to fast on these
days. But it can also help reach out to our hungrier brothers and
sisters, and lower food prices. Just think if 10% of the population in
developed countries fasted 2 of every 7 days, consistently. Not
convinced that our fasting will significantly help alleviate the hunger
and hardship of others? Try donating the money you would spend on
your own food to world food organizations instead. If a minimum of
10% of the population practiced this, it could add up to billions of
dollars each year.
3) Ditch the artificial lights for Salah
When you can, try keeping the artificial lights off when you pray on
your own. Use whatever natural light you can instead; use moonlight
or beeswax candles. Not only are you reducing electricity use, but
you are also enhancing your atmosphere with a soft light that
reminds you of the intimacy that exists between Allah and His
worshiper. Praying outside, directly on the grass also prevents the
need for artificial lights, and gives you a direct connection with the
nature that Allah keeps commanding us to contemplate in the Qurʼan
and the earth from which we were created.
4) Support Muslim businesses for craftsmanship you can see
The next time youʼre visiting relatives oversees (or wherever),
purchase clothes and items that you can see being made. Not only
are you supporting a craftsman, you can be sure you are NOT
supporting sweatshop labor. Have your clothes sewn, jewelry
custom-made, ʻatr (scented oil) prepared, etc.
14
COMMUNITY
CORNER:
OpenAND
House
May 2nd,
2008
BACK
TO NATURE
AWAY
FROM
THE SCREEN
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Loubna Alkhayat-Hatahet*
15
The glimmering glittering snow crystals were
delightfully blinding my sight as I stared out the window
observing the snow covered trees and my son frolicking about
outside despite the icy cold weather. His unrestricted curiosity
was driving him to unpredictable activities. “Getting Back to the
Great Outdoors” was the title of the article that caught my
attention, as I picked up the journal next to me.
Iʼve always believed that outdoor activities have
positive influences on our childrenʼs physical and
psychological well being including reduced stress, greater
physical health, more creativity, and improved concentration.
Psychologists have actively studied the role nature
plays in children's mental health since the early 1980s, when
Harvard University biologist Edward O. Wilson, PhD,
introduced his theory of "biophilia," which argues that humans
have an innate affinity for the natural world. Now, a host of
studies are showing just how essential outdoor activities are
for the developing mind.
However, some researchers are suggesting that
beyond the health and cognitive benefits children may gain
from free and unstructured outdoor play, nature also provides
them with a sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of
our responsibility to take care of the Earth. With many factors
pushing children to stay indoors, personal connections with
nature seem hard to come by, threatening to lessen future
generations' concerns about the environment, as some are
suggesting.
Since 1997, the amount of time children ages 9 to
12 spent participating in outdoor activities such as hiking,
horseback riding, fishing, camping and gardening declined by
50 percent.
What are our children doing instead? Playing video
games, watching TV and spending time on the computer, this
is to a great extent, reflecting negatively on some aspects of
the development of our children.
In a study performed by researchers from Yale
Universityʼs School of Medicine, a systematic review looked at
the best studies on media and health in the last 30 years and
found that 80 percent of the studies showed that greater media
exposure led to negative health effects in children and
adolescents. The study examined media exposure's
connection to seven different health outcomes, including
tobacco use, sexual behavior, obesity, ADHD (Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder), academic performance, and drug/
alcohol use. The strongest relationship was found between
media and obesity.
Other resources suggested the following negative effects:
•
Over-dependence on video games could foster
social isolation, as they are often played alone.
•
Practicing violent acts may contribute more to
aggressive behavior than passive television
watching. Studies do find a relationship between
violent television watching and behavior.
•
Game environments are often based on plots of
violence, aggression and gender bias.
•
Many games only offer an arena of weapons,
killings, kicking, stabbing and shooting.
•
Playing violent video games may be related to
aggressive behavior. Questions have been raised
about early exposure to violent video games.
•
Many games do not offer action that requires
independent thought or creativity.
•
•
Games can confuse reality and fantasy.
•
Academic achievement may be negatively related to
over-all time spent playing video games
In many violent games, players must become more
violent to win. In "1st person" violent video games
the player may be more affected because he or she
controls the game and experiences the action
through the eyes of his or her character.
These studies and other similar findings do not suggest in
any way that media and video games are evil and all bad.
Media including TV, computer and video games could be a
great source of knowledge. Recent studies are showing that
playing video games can actually improve some cognitive and
perceptual skills.
The golden key is moderation, to place limits on the
amount of media our kids consume, as well as to make smart,
age-appropriate choices. At the same time, we should
encourage our children to spend more time outdoors. Plan
outdoor family time, and help them connect with nature, teach
them to look, reflect, and observe the wonders of creation.
Keeping in mind that while we are teaching our kids to connect
with nature, and act more responsibly toward the earth, we are
increasing their connection with the Creator (SWT), and
strengthening their relationship with Him, as everything is a
blessing and grace from Allah to humanity.
As parents, our goal is to raise healthy, responsible and
intelligent children. To nurture their desire for knowledge and
provide them with the skills that will help them succeed in life.
Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is to help them connect with
Allah and live by the values of Islam. The choices we make for
them and the values we pass on to them will be accounted for,
in this life and the hereafter.
*Loubna Alkhayat-Hatahet has a Masterʼs Degree in
community counseling and is a therapist at ACCESS/Mental
Health.
Noble Reward
The Prophet (PBUH) said a woman was granted paradise because she gave water to a thirsty dog using her shoe as a
container to get water from a well. (Bukhari)
REFLECTIONS ON TRAVELS (PART 2)
By: Ghalib Begg*
•
Over-dependence on video games could foster
social isolation, as they are often played alone.
•
Practicing violent acts may contribute more to
aggressive behavior than passive television
watching. Studies do find a relationship between
violent television watching and behavior.
•
Game environments are often based on plots of
violence, aggression and gender bias.
•
Many games only offer an arena of weapons,
killings, kicking, stabbing and shooting.
•
Playing violent video games may be related to
aggressive behavior. Questions have been raised
about early exposure to violent video games.
•
Many games do not offer action that requires
independent thought or creativity.
•Games can confuse reality
and fantasy.
•In many violent games,
players must become more
violent to win. In "1st person"
violent video games the
player may be more affected
because he or she controls
the game and experiences
the action through the eyes of
his or her character.
•Academic achievement may
be negatively related to overall time spent playing video
games
These studies and other
similar findings do not
suggest in any way that
media and video games are
evil and all bad. Media
including TV, computer and video games could be a great
source of knowledge. Recent studies are showing that playing
video games can actually improve some cognitive and
perceptual skills.
The golden key is moderation, to place limits on the
amount of media our kids consume, as well as to make smart,
age-appropriate choices. At the same time, we should
encourage our children to spend more time outdoors. Plan
outdoor family time, and help them connect with nature, teach
them to look, reflect, and observe the wonders of creation.
Keeping in mind that while we are teaching our kids to connect
with nature, and act more responsibly toward the earth, we are
increasing their connection with the Creator (SWT), and
strengthening their relationship with Him, as everything is a
blessing and grace from Allah to humanity.
As parents, our goal is to raise healthy, responsible and
intelligent children. To nurture their desire for knowledge and
provide them with the skills that will help them succeed in life.
Nevertheless, our ultimate goal is to help them connect with
Allah and live by the values of Islam. The choices we make for
them and the values we pass on to them will be accounted for,
in this life and the hereafter.
*Loubna Alkhayat-Hatahet has a Masterʼs Degree in
community counseling and is a therapist at ACCESS/Mental
Health.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
The glimmering glittering snow crystals were
delightfully blinding my sight as I stared out the window
observing the snow covered trees and my son frolicking about
outside despite the icy cold weather. His unrestricted curiosity
was driving him to unpredictable activities. “Getting Back to the
Great Outdoors” was the title of the article that caught my
attention, as I picked up the journal next to me.
Iʼve always believed that outdoor activities have
positive influences on our childrenʼs physical and
psychological well being including reduced stress, greater
physical health, more creativity, and improved concentration.
Psychologists have actively studied the role nature
plays in children's mental health since the early 1980s, when
Harvard University biologist Edward O. Wilson, PhD,
introduced his theory of "biophilia," which argues that humans
have an innate affinity for
the natural world. Now, a
host of studies are showing
just how essential outdoor
activities are for the
developing mind.
However, some
researchers are suggesting
that beyond the health and
cognitive benefits children
may gain from free and
unstructured outdoor play,
nature also provides them
with a sense of wonder and
a deeper understanding of
our responsibility to take
care of the Earth. With many
factors pushing children to
stay indoors, personal
connections with nature
seem hard to come by,
threatening to lessen future
generations' concerns about the environment, as some are
suggesting.
Since 1997, the amount of time children ages 9 to
12 spent participating in outdoor activities such as hiking,
horseback riding, fishing, camping and gardening declined by
50 percent.
What are our children doing instead? Playing video
games, watching TV and spending time on the computer, this
is to a great extent, reflecting negatively on some aspects of
the development of our children.
In a study performed by researchers from Yale
Universityʼs School of Medicine, a systematic review looked at
the best studies on media and health in the last 30 years and
found that 80 percent of the studies showed that greater media
exposure led to negative health effects in children and
adolescents. The study examined media exposure's
connection to seven different health outcomes, including
tobacco use, sexual behavior, obesity, ADHD (Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder), academic performance, and drug/
alcohol use. The strongest relationship was found between
media and obesity.
Other resources suggested the following negative effects:
16
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR YOUTH
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Hosam Musa*
17
“There has certainly been for you in the
Messenger of Allah an excellent example to be followed
for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day
and [who] remembers Allah often” (33:21).
Let us, briefly, glance through our dear and
beloved Prophet Muhammadʼs (PBUH) biography and
see how we can learn from his excellent example. First
of all, prior to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) receiving
the divine revelation, he was known as “The truthful
and honest one.” Letʼs just stop here and ask
ourselves, are we always honest? And are we always
truthful? Perhaps, we need to start here!
Letʼs see how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
treated children. One day the Prophet (PBUH) was
playing horsy with his grandchildren, Al-Hassan and AlHussain, may Allah be pleased with them. They were
riding on his back. Omar, may Allah be pleased with
him, enters into the room, sees them and says, “What a
great horse you two have!” The Prophet (PBUH)
replies “And two great knights they are!”
Also, the Prophet (PBUH) would play with a
young boy, Omair, and ask him, “Howʼs your pet bird
An-Nughair?” One day, the Prophet (PBUH) saw
Omair and asked him as usual. Omair, started to cry
and said “It died, O Prophet of Allah!” The Prophet
(PBUH) sat by Omair and started to talk to him to try to
make him feel better!
Now Let us look at how the Prophet (PBUH)
treated his wives and family.
The Prophet (PBUH) used to patch his own clothes,
repair his shoes, and participate in house hold chores!
The Prophet (PBUH), would always tend to his families
needs, and not only when they were young. When his
daughter Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her, was
married with children, he would constantly visit her and
see if she needed any thing! Whenever he returned to
Madinah from a trip, he would visit Fatima before going
home and resting! The Prophet (PBUH) would also
race/jog with his wife Aʼishah, may Allah be pleased
with her. We can find many more examples of his
kindness towards his family recorded in the books of
Seerah and Hadith. How many of us jog with our
wives? Or have strong loving bonds with our sons and
daughters?
The Prophet (PBUH) used to visit the ill, week,
and poor whether they be Muslim and Non-Muslim. We
even know of him visiting a sick Jewish man. How
many of us visit those who are sick and are not related
to us? He determined the caravanʼs traveling pace
according to the weakest personʼs pace. He not only
cared about the poor, but he also honored them by
making sure that they were included in all social
events, when he said “God will not bless a feast that
doesnʼt include the poor!”
There are many examples of the Prophet
(PBUH) that prove he is the greatest role model. It is
next to impossible to list them all, but let us, perhaps,
focus on some of his many admirable attributes and
noblest of character so that we may emulate them.
Letʼs embrace and practice our deen in its entirety; so
that we may strengthen our relationship with Allah
(SWT) and our relationship with his creations.
“O you have believed, enter into Islam
completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the
footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear
enemy” (2:208).
MY NIYYAH
By: Sarah Jawaid*
I am humbled to be in the presence of my Green
Muslim peers. I have spent much of my academic
profession, having to explain what I do to the older
generation, qualifying it to careers comparable to
those typical of South Asian second-generation
Americans. To be in the presence of other Green
Muslims, people who just get it, is a very
empowering feeling. They have taken the initiative
to demand change and I want to be a part of this
movement.
"To enjoy this conversation…make everything in
you an ear, each atom of your being, and you will
hear at every moment what the Source is
whispering to you, just to you and for you, without
any need for my words or anyone else's. You are
—we all are—the beloved of the Beloved, and in
every moment, in every event of your life, the
Beloved is whispering to you exactly what you
need to hear and know. Who can ever explain this
miracle? It simply is. Listen and you will discover it
every passing moment. Listen, and your whole life
will become a conversation in thought and act
between you and Him, directly, wordlessly, now
and always. It was to enjoy this conversation that
you and I were created."
* Posted by Sarah Jawaid on
dcgreenmuslims.blogspot.com. DC Green Muslims
is a network of Muslims in the District of Columbia
(and surrounding areas) working proactively to help
communities understand and implement
sustainable and eco-conscious ways of living while
relating it to our faith and a holistic world-view.
For me, my presence in nature is a deep
conversation between me and my Creator. I realize
this feeling of general health/wellness that nature
provides is often times a luxury and can be seen as
intellectual elitism, a sentiment I do not share.
Everyone should have the right to reach their
greatest human potential and this is certainly true
in our interactions with something as ubiquitous as
the built environment and the natural world. Many
of our urban centers are concrete sterile shells void
of a meaningful exchange between the built
environment and nature. We are unequivocally
changed by our surroundings, public spaces can
empower us or be a part of our detriment.
My involvement with Green Muslims stems from
my desire to help others see the inequalities that
exist between those who have access to affordable
housing in safe neighborhoods, equitable
transportation uses, healthy foods, and accessible
green public space, and those who unfortunately
do not. My hope is that we can foster greater
opportunities for bottom-up community building,
thereby directly addressing these inequalities.
Simultaneously, engaging in dialogue with the other
Green Muslims will help me grow into a more
reflective person, in hopes of discovering
sustainable ways to preserve the environment for
future generations. In many ways, my interest in
urban planning is motivated by these factors.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
My name is Sarah and this is my niyyah: Being a
Green Muslim, to me, means recognizing and
reflecting on my presence in the moment and my
direct impact on everything around me. Despite
negative externalities, which may seek to unsettle
my state of equilibrium, I take time to get lost in the
simple miracles of nature, the streams, sycamores,
pocket parks in an urba jungle and the like. This is
where I feel at peace with myself. I am reminded of
a Rumi poem:
18
NEW SECTION!
TECHNOLOGY SECTION
“Come as you are and bring your children”
By: Anasie Tayyen
19
Do your kids spend hours on the computer
surfing the web, and do you wonder, “What are they
doing?” As Muslims our priorities should be focused on
raising responsible practicing faithful Muslims.
We try to protect our kids from harm, but the
Internet is another world filled with good and bad. The
first step that we, as parents, can take to protect our
kids from the harms of the Internet is for us to become
familiar with the Internet and the sites that our kids
frequent.
This Technology Section has been created to
help parents decipher the websites that kids love to
use. Also this section can help parents and kids find
fun, educational, or Islamic sites that they can visit
together.
To start off the Technology Section series, we
will learn about the website, YouTube.com.
YouTube enables users to upload, or save, videos
onto its website, and then share the video with anyone
who uses the site. It is a site that enables public
sharing of videos. Some really interesting and
informative video clips exist on YouTube. However,
everything that can come to mind is on the site as well.
Be careful! Know what your kids are watching
on this site.
Think of a topic, any topic that interests you,
such as Prophet Muhammed. After typing the words
Prophet Muhammed under search, more than 59,00
videos are found. Be cautious though because many
videos are opinionated, unfair, and bias.
Remember anyone can post anything they
want on YouTube. Itʼs a public forum for the
people of the world to share what they think is
important, funny, or just plain stupid.
Here are some fun things to watch on
YouTube as a family:
•
Yusuf Islam music videos
•
Sami Yusuf music videos
•
Lectures by Scholars or
Sheikhs, such as Ratib AlNabulsi and Hamza Yusuf
•
Tourist videos and guides
for every nation in the
world.
•
Ask Baba Ali video clips
*Remember be cautious and question
everything you watch on this website. Just
because itʼs on YouTube doesnʼt mean itʼs
correct.
“Come as you are and bring your children”
20
“Come as you are and bring your children”
COMMUNITY CORNER
21
COMMUNITY CORNER
1830 W. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
MI 48302
Fully Accredited Montessori Program
Fully Licensed Daycare
Ages 8 weeks to 6 years
Experienced Teachers
We offer:
Pre-school
Kindergarten
Hifz Program
Computers
Quranic Studies Arabic Program
Hours of Operation: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
For information: 248-338-8383
or http://www.unitymontessori.com
“Come as you are and bring your children”
Unity Montessori and Daycare
22
“Come as you are and bring your children”
COMMUNITY CORNER
23
Despicable Act
The Prophet (PBUH) said a woman was doomed to hellfire as she incarcerated a cat and prevented her from eating or
drinking until the animal died. She neither fed her nor let her free to eat from the wild. (Bukhari)
COMMUNITY CORNER
Consider the
Muslim Unity Center
Banquet Hall
SHAMIM ISLAM, M.D.
PEDIATRICS & ADOLESCENTS
PINE TREE MEDICAL CENTER
4186 Pontiac Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328
T: (248)-674-PEDS
(7337)
F: (248)-674-7335
Hours: Mon – Fri 9am-6pm
Sat 9am-2pm
Sick Visits :: Immunizations (Newborn -Age 4 to 5 years
AND adolescents)
Newborn Exam :: Sports PE :: Annual PE (1-21 years)
Attention Deficit Disorders :: Pelvic Exam/Pap Smear
Appointments Preferred/Walk-Ins Welcome
FREE!
ARABIC LANGUAGE CLASSES
WHERE? At the Unity Center
WHEN? Monday evenings 7-9 pm
This is a great opportunity and is being
offered free of charge to learners at all
levels. FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CALL ILHAM MAHFOUZ
at 248.561.3367
“Come as you are and bring your children”
248.857.9200 ext. 205
248.660.6416
24
“Come as you are and bring your children”
COMMUNITY CORNER
25
COMMUNITY CORNER
“Come as you are and bring your children”
26
A Beautiful view of the Green
Dome from behind MasjidAn-Nabawi. Directly below
the dome lies the resting
place of the Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon
Him). and his companions
may Allah (SWT) be pleased
with them.
PRAYER SCHEDULE - MAY
www.muslimunitycenter.org
The Muslim Unity Center of Bloomfield Hills
1830 West Square Lake Rd
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Non-Profit Org.
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