United Muslim Foundation, Inc. Newsletter
Making a Difference One Step at a Time
 July 2006
Salaam Alaikum

"The number of Lebanese killed from the assaults now tops 330 - nearly all of them civilians. About half a million people have been displaced. Thirty-four Israelis have been killed, including 15 civilians. " (Source - Democracy Now! ) "... the Bush administration has so far refused to join international appeals for a cease- fire, and Congress is about to throw its weight entirely behind Israel." (Source - Sun Sentinel .com) UMF urges you to please pray for the innocent victims on both sides of this war and to pray for peace all over the world.

It is easy to find examples these days of intolerance and ignorance toward Muslims. A key factor is that we are not more visible, showing people the peaceful spirit of Islam through our own actions. One person recently commented to a newspaper article on Islam saying that Muslims :"... need to be more visible and much more vocal... people here in America are labeling all Muslims as animals and any practical minded American must at least view all Muslims as suspect... It is truly sad that it has come to this."

True Muslims have been attacked and discriminated against due to the fault of a few who distort the image of Islam, a religion which upholds the value of tolerance, respect, peace and justice for all. Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion, and it is these values, that attract over a billion followers. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.”

Join United Muslim Foundation in working towards helping those in need around us and in educating people about the truly peaceful spirit of Islam so that their judgement is not clouded by media propoganda or swayed by terrorists who taint Islam by claiming to fight in the name of our religion. Let's aim to make a difference one small step at a time!

Soup Kitchen Event a Huge Success!

On July 9th, UMF volunteers generously betook themselves to a hot stove, clanking pots and chopping vegetables as they set to work preparing a feast for the hungry. And this was not the first time they had done so, with such cheerful spirits and devotedness, eager to feed as many as they could and work together in harmony.

UMF's own junior volunteer Yasmeeen Virji was on the scene and interviewed volunteers as they prepared the meal. Fatema Kermalli busy cutting lettuce said that her favorite part about volunteering with UMF is "helping others" while Fatema Jaffer shredding carrots reported gaily that it was "volunteering with friends" she most enjoyed. Shazia Hassanali said "My favorite part is seeing their smiles" true enough, for that soup kitchen had people coming for seconds and thirds with happy faces as they savoured the delicious food prepared with so much love.

UMF President, Masuma Virji attended the event and was introduced by Deacon John Weaver to the congregation. She was given the opportunity to talk about UMF and say a few words before lunch was served.

Shirin Jivraj, a social worker with the Salvation Army loves "to be able to help people". A UMF member, Shirin says she is treated excellently by her peers at the Salvation Army and is a great asset to UMF in organizing the soup kitchen events in PA. UMF"s Orlando division has also held and participated in local soup kitchen and 'Meals on Wheels' events and volunteers attest that it is the most gratifying feeling to help someone who needs you.

Thank you to all the generous donors and kind volunteers who made this event possible - May God reward you plentifully!
Join us at the UMF - HOO Sunday Supper

UMF would like to invite everyone age 14+ to join us in volunteering for a Sunday Supper on August 27th from 3:30 - 7:30pm. You’re invited to help cook and serve dinner to residents of Hubbard House. It’s a home away from home for families who have a loved one in the hospital. It’s similar to Ronald McDonald House.

UMF will be bringing in halal meat and groceries, insha-Allah and we’ll cook a tasty dish, bake a cake or cookies and decorate dinner placemats. You don’t have to know how to cook to participate and we guarantee you will have a good time. We’ll serve about 50 children and families and turn the dining room into a restaurant. All volunteers will receive dinner as well. Be sure to check your calendar before you sign up online. Having just the right number of volunteers show up is important. This project is managed and supported by Hands On Orlando.

Please e-mail info@unitedmuslimfoundation.org if you would like to participate ASAP as spaces are limited to only 12 people!
UMF News

UMF recently held an annual members meeting where many exciting ideas were shared. We are pleased to report that the funds from the Fair for Care have already been distributed to Comfort Aid and Islamic Relief to help those affected by the Earthquake.

We are also happy to announce the addition of three new officers to our action team - Omar Belkerdid, Kumail Merchant and Nausheen Habib, all vibrant, talented individuals whom we are excited to have on board helping to Promote Unity, Education and Charity.

We would also like to wish a dear UMF member Salha Shaban our hearty congratulations and duas on the occasion of her marriage to Munsif Rashid. Our duas are with you as you travel to the United Kingdom and begin your da'wah efforts there just as you have made such a big impact with all your hard work here.

"Verily, this brotherhood of yours is one brotherhood, and I am your only Lord, therefore serve Me" - Holy Koran 21:92


United Muslim Foundation, Inc.
phone: (407) 804-1504
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