United Muslim Foundation, Inc. Newsletter )
Making Connections May 2006
Headlines
  • Fair For Care Carnival a Huge Success!
  • Faith and Pluralism: Challenges in the 21st Century
  • IV Convention Fast Approaching
  • New Muslim Support Group’s Shahada Appreciation Day and Family Dinner
  • UMF Helps the Needy
  • Africa Needs You!
  • Salaam Alaikum

    "Verily, this brotherhood of yours is one brotherhood, and I am your only Lord. Therefore serve Me. Men have divided themselves, but to Us they shall return. He that does good works in the fullness of his faith, his endeavours shall not be lost: We record them all." Holy Koran 21:92-94

    With the Grace of the Almighty, United Muslim Foundation has been blessed over the last two years with many, many opportunities to make a difference; helping the needy through a unified Muslim effort and portraying a positive image of Islam.

    The introduction of our recognized community service hours and scholarship, as well as our extensive and growing network with Muslim individuals and communities nationwide has been our reward, along with the satisfaction of knowing that we are reaching out to those who need our help, near and far.

    We invite you to visit UMF's website to find out more about our objectives and accomplishments over the last two years. We also have updated information on our Scholarship Program and much more!

    We pride ourselves on Promoting Unity, Education and Charity and look forward to having your support so that together we can work to make the world we live in a better place.


    Masuma Virji

    Fair For Care Carnival a Huge Success!

    Alhamdu-lil-Lah, Allah gave UMF the opportunity to serve Him through our Fair for Care event on Sunday, April 23, 2006.

    Planning for this event started at the end of last year, when UMF decided there was a need to raise money for the victims for the Pakistan earthquake. The Fair for Care idea was born as the objectives of the carnival event corresponded to all of UMF’s objectives by inviting Shias and Sunnis to promote unity, inviting non-Muslims and providing Islamic information to educate them about Islam; and fundraising money to serve humanity.

    Dedicated UMF volunteers, ranging from 11 years and up worked hard, spending countless hours to set up games, presentations banners and get everything ready for the carnival.

    The Morning Call newspaper included the information about the fair in the “In your Community” section of the newspaper. The Sunni Masjid was helpful in spreading word about the fair. They posted flyers around their center and school about the fair, and a teacher at their Islamic school, made arrangements for the flyers to be copied and given to each child in the school. In addition, the Shia Masjid and madrasah were also very helpful in assisting us with items and support for the fair. Flyers were distributed in New York and New Jersey too, making the attendance at this carnival a truly tri- state event!

    At the fair there was a presentation of the Pakistan earthquake and its aftermath and a presentation on the life and character of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W). There were a variety of tables selling food, clothing, art, and even a “Variety table”. There were 3 entertaining inflatables for children: moonbounce, crawl through, and 22’ high slides. All of these inflatables were popular and the children really enjoyed themselves. We even had a Clown who made balloon animals and painted faces for the children. Other activities included games like: Basketball free throws, Golf, Knock down the pins, Bean bag toss, Cakewalk, The Ultimate Race and 3-Legged Race. There were even stalls for women and girls to dress up in the latest fashions and get their pictures taken, apply Henna and get their Threading done.

    People donated items, like food for us to use at the Bake Sale and Cakewalk. And various organizations let us borrow items, like tables, projectors and donated food and gift cards. Despite the rain forcing us to postpone the Fair by a day, Alhamdu-lil-Lah we managed to raise over $4,000 for the earthquake victims, promote unity and a greater awareness and understanding about our Holy Prophet’s character through UMF's Fair for Care.

    Many enthusiastic guests commented that they would like to see this kind of carnival held annually or even more often if possible, and offered their help. Jazak.-Allahu Khairan to all the UMF Volunteers, supporters and donors who helped to make this event truly memorable. Thank You for being part of a team that’s making a difference!

    Faith and Pluralism: Challenges in the 21st Century

    On May 13th, UMF Directors met with Shia Imami Ismaili Council of Florida for a convention on Faith and Pluralism. Dignitaries representing various organizations, members of the government and academia, as well as leaders from the local community, convened to talk about challenges we face in the 21st century as a Muslim Ummah.

    The event was exceptional as speakers Dr. Nargis Virani, a talented scholar and speaker and currently assistant professor of Arabic Language and Literature at Washington University in Saint Louis and Dr. Roy H. Kaplan, Former Executive Director of the National Conference for Community and Justice and visiting assosiate professor from the Africana studies department of the University of South Florida in Tampa, talked about unity and understanding as a Muslim Ummah and it's importance in clarifying misconceptions about Islam. The choir was also very moving as they sang praises and peace on Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

    Pictured above is UMF President Masuma Virji with Florida Council President Iqbal Lakhani at the event.

    IV Convention Fast Approaching

    • Dialogue on "Shias, Sunnis and Politics in Iraq"
    • Date: Saturday, June 3rd 2006
    • Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Venue: Rose Hall at Lincoln Center, 60th St. & Broadway, New York, NY. (Just north of Columbus Circle)
    • Shia Sunni Speaker's Panel
    • Keynote Speaker Dr. Noam Chomsky
    • Moderator Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!

    We are providing transportation to the event insha-Allah from Allentown, PA. If you are interested in attending or volunteering at the event, please contact us ASAP at [email protected].

    New Muslim Support Group’s Shahada Appreciation Day and Family Dinner

    • Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley
    • Saturday, May 20th 2006
    • 6:30pm
    • 1988 Schadt Ave.
    • Whitehall, PA 18052

    This event is being held by the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley to welcome people embracing new shahadas, and to understand their needs, assist them with their new lifestyle, offer solutions to problems they face and introduce them to the community.

    All are invited to join. This is a pot luck dinner event. So bring some food and drink and join in to welcome our new Muslim Brothers and Sisters into Islam.

    UMF Helps the Needy

    UMF has collected over 10 boxes of new and gently used clothes for delivery to those in need. UMF member Br. Mohamed Sheriff Manekia is taking collections that he plans on personally making sure, reach the victims of Hurricane Katrina while Sr. Fatim Manekia, also a UMF member is always reaching out to the sick and needy who are in need of food and clothes.

    Pictured is UMF Treasurer and Br. Mohamed Sheriff Manekia with the donations.

    Please check UMF's website frequently for updates on our latest collections for those in need and Drop us a line if you would like to be part of our 'Muslims who Care' group that visits the sick and elderly, helping to brighten up their days!

    Africa Needs You!

    Millions of people in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania struggle to cope with the effects of a persistent drought that has created severe shortages of food and water and contributed to the deaths of much of the livestock on which people in the region depend. Spring rains have in some areas have created additional problems, impeding travel and spreading disease.

    Please do your part to help a person dying of hunger by making your donation to a trusted charity helping the cause.


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