Message From the President

                                            

How many times have we heard these statements? "Islam raised the status of women 1400 years ago and made them equal to men," or "Women are more respected in Islam than in other religions."

These are true and valid statements indeed, but often, as in other aspects of contemporary Islamic life, there is a discrepancy between the ideal and the practice, and between the claim and the reality.  There is a clear double standard in the way many brothers treat non-Muslim women they encounter socially or in their workplace, and the way they treat Muslim sisters in the mosques, as if the mosque is a place where normal common sense civil interactions are suspended.

According to the last PEW study about the religious practices of American Muslims,   more women (48%) pray five times a day than men (34%)  , and younger Muslims (under 30) attend mosques more regularly than older Muslims.

In addressing the women's prayer space by U.S. mosques, three main practices are prevalent:  Many mosques have the women praying behind curtains (a bedcover or carpet in some cases), or barriers in the least accessible, least maintained, and least spiritual area. Some mosques designate the women's prayer hall away from the men's main prayer hall,   away from the Imam, away from speakers and away from attention.  Still some  mosques do not even designate a prayer area for women and do not allow women to pray in the mosque, as if they are not familiar with the Prophet's Hadith "Don't prevent Ima'a Allah "Muslim women" from the mosques of Allah."

From the Desk of the Imam

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds; peace and blessings are upon the seal of prophets and messengers, his family and companions.

Dear Respected Readers:

Allah says :{The mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, perform Salat and give Zakah and fear none but Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance} Holy Qur'an 18:9.

It was narrated that the prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever built a mosque from his money, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise." It was narrated through Anas that the prophet (PBUH) said: "For whomever lit a lantern in a mosque, the angels and the carriers of the throne shall keep praying for him and asking forgiveness for him as long as that lantern is lit. And to sweep the mosque's dust is the dowry for [hoor ein] wide eyed beauties." Now, if this is the reward for lighting a lantern, what about the rewards for those who build a mosque?

Our Beloved Community, Our Brothers and Sisters:

It is time for building. The time for lighting the lantern has come, lighting the lantern in this blessed mosque. Yes, here the foundations of the new expansion are before our eyes. The walls are being raised. The first bricks are being elevated. Come to diligence, come to work. Come to build and put forth effort.

O you who have given so much for this mosque, for its programs and functions, O you who have answered the call of all those who called on you, and were generous to the hands which reached out for your help, you never turned away those who called on you, and you were never short on responding to anyone. Moments of responsibility are recorded in your book of deeds with the One Whom nothing is hidden from Him, O you who built mosques, schools, centers and Qur'anic institutions, and eased the pain of the orphans, the injured, the poor and those who lost loved ones.

The wounds of your Muslim brothers in Indonesia's tsunami were your wounds. The desperate calls of calamity under the earthquake in Pakistan and Iran echoed in your hearts. The torment of people in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, and the victims of this country's hurricane Katrina was felt as if it were your own pain, their groaning was your groaning.

You gave, you were generous, and you were seeking Allah's pleasure. You helped build by the grace of Allah many mosques, near and far. The mosque in Orland Park testifies of your generosity. The nights of (Al-Qadr) documented your good deeds and generous moments.

Today, the call comes from your mosque, the mosque you love from your heart, the mosque that is your safety zone after Allah, this mosque which is attended by your sons and daughters, the place of celebration of your joyous occasions, and the place of support during your times of sorrow, the place where pure people come together. Today, more than any other time before, this mosque is asking for your support, calling on your hearts and minds to answer and give in generosity to complete the biggest expansion project ever.  This expansion is much greater than our existing mosque. The cost is around five million dollars which must be paid by the schedule already announced to you.

By Allah, I am not worried about this mosque nor its huge expansion project because I have lived among you for more than a quarter of a century. I have known you very closely and I have witnessed your responses in moments you were called upon to give. You are the worthy people of all that is good, you are the people of honor and responsibility. I tell you today, the time has come. It is the mother of all moments to donate to the mother project of all projects.

I plead to you, for those who donated before to continue your support, and for those who did not donate yet to start your pledges, and for those who promised previous amounts to honor your pledges. I am full of hope to hear from you soon, and for your donations to come quickly so we can enjoy our expansion by the date agreed upon and scheduled with the construction company. I hope we can start now because there is no time to wait. Send your donations to the mosque. Feel free to visit me in the mosque or to call me by phone. Even if you gather your friends, relatives, and colleagues for a meeting in your homes, I will gladly respond and visit you along with other Mosque officials to explain the project and answer your questions.

This is your mosque, your honor in this country. The mosque is in need of your support now more than any other time before, and Allah will not let go of any of your good deeds.

My final note is a story narrated by Said son of Zabban: My father narrated that his grandfather said: Abu Hind said: Tameem Al Dari carried lanterns, oil and ropes from Al Shamm (Greater Syria) to Madinah. When he reached Madinah, it was Thursday night. He ordered his servant Abu AlBazzad to prepare the lanterns with oil and wicks, and to then light them and hang them in the mosque of the prophet (PBUH). The prophet (PBUH) came to the mosque and saw the lights glowing and said: "Who did this?"  They said: Tameem Al Dari, O prophet of Allah. The prophet (PBUH) said: "You brought light to Islam, may Allah light your path in this life and in the Hereafter. If I had a daughter I would have given her to you in marriage."  A person called Nawfal son of Al Harith said: I have a daughter, O prophet of Allah, her name is Al Mugheera daughter of Nawfal, act upon what you wish. The prophet agreed to marry her to Tameem Al Dari.  Ibn Majah narrated through Abu Said Al Khudari: The first person to light a lantern in the mosque was Tameem Al Dari.

Let each one of you be like Tameem Al Dari, but we need to build it first to enjoy its light and noor, insha Allah.

I ask Allah to reward you for your deeds in the best way He chooses to reward the ones who do good deeds. I ask Allah to consider your donations to this mosque a reason to lead you to the top of the highest places of noor under the throne of Allah on the Day of Judgment.   Ameen.

Mosque Foundation Honors Class of 2007 Graduates

On Saturday, June 2^nd, 2007, the Mosque Foundation Monthly English Program presented "Honoring Our 2007 Graduates."  A packed house of graduates and their families enjoyed an evening of fun and reflection as graduates of middle school, high school, and college were honored.  The audienced listened to the inspirational words of Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Mosque Foundation president, as he compared the journey of education to the Chinese Bamboo which needs five years of constant care before its growth can be seen.  Sh. Jamal Said, Imam, reminded everyone about the importance of good friends and acquaintances, and Sh. Kifah Mustapha,  added a touch of humor as our host.  Ronza Othman, a Juris Doctorate graduate from DePaul University, guided whoever was old enough to remember on a walk down memory lane with her reflections of growing up in this mosque.  Another poignant moment was when Amal Shihadeh, a special needs student who graduated with her class from Argo Community High School, took the stage and stated that her goal was to become a teacher.  Other speakers included Omar Hassan, a middle school graduate from Conrady Jr. High,  high school graduates, Enas Rahima, from Aqsa School, and Abdelnasser Rashid, from Universal School, and  upper graduates, Hiba Yassin, with a BS from St. Xavier, and Khalid Madhi with a BA from Northeastern Illinois University.  "The best thing was having the private school and public school kids all together with their families to celebrate this happy occasion," commented one Aqsa student. All graduates who registered were recognized and received gifts from the Mosque Foundation in commemoration of their achievement. 

International Citizen Exchange Program visits the Mosque Foundation

On Sunday, June 17^th, the Mosque Foundation hosted a delegation sponsored by the State Department in coordination with ISNA and the National Peace Foundation called "Islam in America: New Dimensions in Activism, Pluralism, & Thought."  The group of representatives from Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia were touring various mosques and Islamic Organizations in America to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas.  Representatives from the Mosque Foundation including Dr. Zaher Sahloul, Sh. Jamal Said, Sh. Kifah Mustapha, Aisheh Said, and Itedal Shalabi, representing Arab American Family Services, spoke about the Social Service needs of the American Muslim Community and the Islamic response to address those needs.  Representatives of the touring delegation also shared their experiences with projects in their countries including the utilization of youth centers, reintroducing community development in rural areas, matrimonial services, and the facilitation of social work.  Translators speaking into earpieces for the English speakers gave a feeling of United Nations as questions were posed to Mosque Foundation representatives regarding the American Muslim experience.  After the formal program finished, the delegation was treated to lunch where the individual conversations became more relaxed and personal.  The groups parted with well wishes for each other and a clearer understanding and respect for all the dedication and hard work devoted to Islamic social work all around the world.

1^st Converts Unanimous Support Group

Long overdue, the very first support group for converts/reverts met on Friday, June 15^th, in the Mosque Foundation Community Center.  An introduction to the goals of the support group was presented by Connie Al-Ramahi, support group organizer, and guests were welcomed by Sh. Kifah Mustapha, on behalf of the Mosque Foundation.  Guests were given the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their experiences, and voice their hopes for these support group meetings to continue.  Emotions ran high as many recounted their personal experiences coming to Islam, and the pain of some being rejected by their families still felt fresh even after many years, and reconciliation, in some cases.  Everyone enjoyed the warm, relaxed atmosphere as the seeds of new friendships were planted and the bonds of old friendships were strengthened.  The group voted to meet on a monthly basis, with the next meeting scheduled for Friday, July 20^th at 7 pm in the MFCC.  The need for continuing Islamic education, social connection, and a venue for receiving fatawa or answers to pertinent Islamic questions were among the biggest concerns for the group.  The hope is to bring knowledgeable speakers to address the educational and spiritual needs of the group, and to choose books for group discussion in future meetings.  All converts/reverts, recent and non-recent, are welcome to attend. 

Program Spotlight

This month's program spotlight features Sh. Jamal Said's Tafseer class in Arabic, every Sunday, beginning one hour before Isha prayer.  This is a regular weekly program at the Mosque Foundation, running year round except during the month of Ramadan.  Sh. Jamal began this class in 1997 with the intention of teaching a detailed tafseer of the entire Qur'an, from beginning to end.  Sh. Jamal focuses his teachings on the issues surrounding the verses, such as the occasions of how, when, and where revelation was given, the circumstances surrounding the revelation, the linguistic dimensions, the fiqh details of the verses, lessons to apply to our own daily lives, and occasionally relating the issues to current events when the need arises.  Over fifty men regularly attend this class, and women can view it on the television monitor in their prayer area as well.  Sh. Jamal is currently detailing Surat Sod, so if you haven't attended this class yet, you are missing a great benefit.  All are welcome to attend.

Arabic as Foreign Language in Public High Schools

The Mosque Foundation in coordination with United Power for Action and Justice is starting a campaign to introduce Arabic as an accredited foreign language in five local public high schools.  Dr. Talal Sunbulli, Kifah Shukair, and Jeanean Othman, representing the Mosque Foundation, along with Lina Jamoul, representing United Power for Action and Justice, recently met with Oak Lawn Community High School Principal Mike Riordan to discuss the prospect.  Mr. Riordan was receptive to the proposal, but cautioned it could be a long process to meet approval from each District Superintendent and Board of Education.  A town hall meeting is being planned for August at the Mosque Foundation to involve the community in discussing appropriate strategies for presenting the proposal. 

Kolb School Food Drive for MF Food Pantry

A special thanks goes out to Ernest Kolb Elementary School in Oak Lawn for their donation to the Mosque Foundation Community Food Pantry.  For the second year in a row, Kolb's Service Club, sponsored by Kathleen McCarthy and Mary Ellen Phelps, has held a food drive for local area food pantries.  The Kolb Service Club was started four years ago to involve 2^nd through 6^th Graders about the value of community services through involvement.  Along with the Food Drive, which collected over 400 lbs of non-perishable food items for the MF Food Pantry, the Service Club has collected money for such worthy causes as children's cancer research and the Animal Welfare League, and has collected eyeglasses for the poor and shoes for the tsunami victims.

The Council of Arab Religious Leaders of Chicago's First Anniversary Celebration

 

After formally announcing their formation in January 2007, the Council of Arab Religious Leaders of Chicago (ARC) held their first anniversary celebration on Wednesday, June 20^th, at Niko's Restaurant in Bridgeview.  Over 300 Arab American Muslim and Christian community leaders and members were in attendance for the dinner, speeches, and fellowship.  "We need each other.  We need to stand together and hold hands so we can speak with one voice.  We're all Arabs here, whether Muslim or Christian," said Fr. Musa Haddad of the Church of the Virgin Mary.  "Lakum deenukum is something beautiful.  It means I don't have to change my religion and you don't have to change your religion for us to have a relationship with each other," stated Sh. Jamal Said of the Mosque Foundation.  These sentiments were echoed throughout the evening as the audience listened reflectively to the emotionally charged speeches of ARC leaders, such as Fr. Nicholas Dahdal of St. George Orthodox Church recalling the help his family gave to a young Muslim girl in need when he was growing up. 

The Council of Arab Religious Leaders of Chicagoland was formed to nurture relationships and solidarity among Arab-Americans in the Chicago area and to promote their rich heritage fairly and accurately.  ARC is chaired by Sh. Jamal Said of the Mosque Foundation and Fr. Nicholas Dahdal of St. George Orthodox Church, and its members include religious leaders from local mosques, churches, and Arab organizations. 

Expansion Update

Mosque Foundation Annual Picnic

On Sunday, June 24^th, the Mosque Foundation held its Annual Picnic.  Beginning at noon, and ending at sunset, the Annual Picnic drew over one thousand people to Pioneer Woods to enjoy barbeque, games, and family fun.