 In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
"Call men to the path of your Lord with wisdom and mild exhortation. Reason with them in the most courteous manner. Your Lord best knows those who stray from His Path and best knows those who are rightly guided." --- The Holy Koran 16:125
UMF condemns the attacks on Shia pilgrims in Iraq on Tuesday that left more than 120 people dead and more than 200 wounded as they gather to commemorate 'Chehlum' - The end of the 40 days of mourning for the grandson of Prophet Muhammad - Hussain, son of Ali (peace be with them). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A Muslim is the brother of (every other) Muslim. He neither oppresses him nor humiliates him nor looks down on him. . . All things of a (fellow) Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith; his blood, his wealth and his honor."
It is vital that Muslims begin to work together in their communities and use the media to spread the peaceful message of Islam. Muslims can work together for the common good of humanity, feeding the poor and helping the orphans and homeless while strengthening their bond of brotherhood by getting to know each other and working together toward common goals like clarifying common misconceptions that abound about Islam. The media in this country is a great resource that we must learn to utilize properly. It can spread truth, as in this interview on 3D Dialogue discussing the similarities of the Sunni and Shia faith. But with this also comes the power to disseminate falsehood. As Muslims, it is our duty to be aware of statements present in the media which negatively and incorrectly portray our religion. If we are passive, and regard these instances with disinterest, the frequency of their occurrences can only increase.
But what can we do to ensure that our voice is heard? The answer may very well lie in the problem: the media. Use it to your advantage. Take some time out to respond to an article or to comment on something you saw, good or bad. You never know how far your words will go. When responding, please also remember to exhibit Islamic morals. Be polite. It's simple, but effective. And it's the way of our Holy Prophet (pbuh).
Ready to start? Media Matters contains a list of instances in which Muslims and Islam have been "attacked" in the media. The information is updated regularly and contains contact information. I also encourage you to visit Sound Vision and read about ways to promote unity between Muslims and help prevent Shia - Sunni Conflicts around the world.
Fatema Kermalli - UMF Correspondence Officer.
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| Attention Spring Breakers!
UMF is organizing three weekday events this Spring Break where you can join other Muslims in cheering up the sick and elderly as well as help those who make a difference in feeding the poor - all while collecting your community service hours that you can use for school and UMF scholarship opportunities! Come with your family or friends and call us at (407) 804-1504 or e-mail info@unitedmuslimfoundation.org to register for any or all of these events ASAP as space is limited.
Tuesday March 13th: UMF will provide transport to anyone to wishes to visit a man from our community who is critically ill at South Seminole Hospital. Just bring your smile and a prayer in your heart to help give this family of faith the hope and love they need in this serious time.
Wednesday March 14th: UMF is working with Meals on Wheels
on 2801 South Financial Court, Sanford, 32773 to help clean up and organize their kitchen from 8:30am-11:30am. We need help moving around cooking equipment and making sure that the facility is clean. We also need help cleaning and organizing the large freezer on site, so come with a sweater and wear tennis shoes and jeans so that you are comfortable. This event is for volunteers ages 16 and over.
Thursday, March 15th: UMF will provide transport to a group of women and girls who would like to visit an elderly woman from our community in a nursing home. A happy disposition is all you need to share your warmth and join us for this event.
UMF's PA Walk America Team
UMF has created a team to walk in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event on 4/29/07. We've formed our WalkAmerica team to raise money to help all babies be born healthy. The walk is generally about 3-5 miles and is a lot of fun. Please join us in this important endeavor. Simply sign up by clicking the link below.
The money we raise helps fund research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies' health today.
Can you think of anything more important than the health of our babies? If you can't join us, please donate to our team by clicking UMF Walks America. It's fast, easy and secure and every little bit counts.
We look forward to seeing you there! |
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UMF partners with Al Furqaan for Nationwide Koran Distribution
United Muslim Foundation is proud to partner with Al Furqaan in an effort to get a translation of the Holy Qur'an in Every Household, Every Hotel Room, Every Hospital, Every College Dorm, and Every Retirement Home, In America!
UMF made it's first donation of $5,000 to Al Furqaan in Febuary which is being immediately activated to focus on a zip code in Naperville IL with about 15,300 homes for Qur'an delivery door-to-door.
Through these and many other avenues Al Furqaan has moved over 40,000 copies since Ramadhan and have recently printed another 53,000 copies.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting project to spread the message of Islam across the nation and abroad, please send your tax-deductible check payable to:
United Muslim Foundation
P.O. Box 952934
Lake Mary, FL 32795-2934 |
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Sharing and Caring in Unity
On Febuary 17th, Members of United Muslim Foundation, Mumtaz Foundation and Madrasah Orlando joined Hands on Orlando to help cheer up the disabled and elderly at Westminster Care. Adults and Children alike found the volunteering experience deeply rewarding. Children joyfully sang songs and painted residents' nails while the adults enjoyed cheering up old, blind, young and disabled residents as they interacted, conversed and laughed with them. |
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UMF Donates $1,000 for University of Florida Outreach Event - 'Islam in America' |
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This evening, scheduled for April 26th of 2007, will provide the opportunity for alumni and friends of The University of Florida to get together and socialize. It also provides visibility for the Department of Religion and Islam. This evening stems from several alumni wanting to learn more about Islam. The questions came from a desire to understand and be better informed.
The content of the event involves an effort underway to build a Center for Middle East Studies, and faculty from UF will speak to this effort and report on the progress of the proposed Center. A featured speaker, Dr. Hamid Mavani, will then discuss Islam in America. This is intended to be an apolitical event, an evening not of conversion or preaching, but of education and information. It is the chance to demonstrate the beauty and richness of a faith that is largely misunderstood in many parts of this state and country. |
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UMF donates $1,000 to help build Orphanage
UMF Directors met with the President of Comfortaid last month and reviewed various projects that are underway to meet the needy. Through contributions from generous donors, UMF was able to donate $1,000 toward the building of a much needed orphanage. |
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