| Salaam Alaikum, Peace be with You
As Muslims prepare for the start of the holy month of Ramadan and Jews approach the year 5768, each of us pauses to reflect on all that we have done over the last year and all that we plan to do in the next.
In this holy month of Ramadhan, the month of fasting and drawing closer to God, let us put aside our differences and rejoice in our brotherhood of faith. Let us use the strength we gain in unity and continue working together to actively try and build bridges of understanding with those of other faiths and within our own faith, to replace ignorance with love and harmony. 
At UMF we believe that every human being has an enormous potential to make a difference because we are all God's creation. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine by giving of ourselves and reaching our greatest potential, we subconsciously give others permission to do the same.
United Muslim Foundation dedicates this month of reflection and renewal to you and countless others who work tirelessly, each in your own way, to bring peace, justice and compassion into the world.
Today, we recommit ourselves to carrying on in this path with you through the blessed month of Ramadhan and into the future.
Sincerely,
Masuma Virji - Exeutive Director. |
| UMF is Hiring |
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For the first time ever, UMF is proud to advertise for our first paid position. We are looking for a part time Operations Co-ordinator. Applicant must be a Florida Permanent Resident, living in Orlando with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree. Applicant must also be fluent in English, be able to drive, and have access to the internet.
This position will require working most weekends.
For more details, drop us a line at (407) 804-1504.
We look forward to hearing from you! |
| Muslim Serve Day |
On September 4th, the United Muslim Foundation assisted the Muslims Against Hunger project, which "serves hot lunches to homeless, hungry, and working poor" in the area.
The event, alhamdulillah, went well, and helped to promote both unity and charity within the community. It also served to show through actions what Islam truly advocates in the way of humanity. |
| UMF Scholarship |
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This year, UMF was proud to award two wonderful youths the UMF Scholarship. This is the first time that UMF has ever had a two way tie for the top scholarship recipients.
UMF awards a scholarship of $4,000 every year to a deserving student that meets the UMF scholarship criteria as outlined on our website. This year it was too close to call, and it was determined that the award be split. Due to a generous donatioin of an extra $2,000, the amount awarded to each recipient totaled $3,000.
Congratulations to Br. Kumail Merchant and Sr. Tanveer Pirmohamed on their superior accomplishments! |
| Foster Home Donations |
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"Thank you for your generous gift of school supplies and check. We appreciate your wonderful consideration of the children."
- Intervention Services
Jazak-Allah khair to all our generous donors who made it possible for us to donate $500, as well as clothes and school supplies for these children. |
| UMF Arabic Class News |
Our first month in Arabic class has been exceptional. With such dedicated teachers and volunteers, and children eager to practice their new linguistic skills, it's hard to tell which class is having the most fun!
Classes will continue through the holy month of Ramadhan and parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their children directly from their classrooms to minimize any disruptions. |
| New Jersey Fair |
On Saturday, August 11th, MFI in New Jersey held a fair with the goal of raising money in order to build a new mosque in the area. The fair was, alhamdulillah, very successful and consisted of many vendors who were selling hijabs, hijab pins, jewelry, clothing, and most importantly, food! There was also an enormous slide which the kids and adults alike really enjoyed. All in all, it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood filled with unity and excitement. Inshallah enough money will soon be raised in order to construct a place of worship in New Jersey. |
| MALV Fair |
The Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley held a community fair on August 11, 2007. The fair was open to the public and included attractions such as moon bounces, slides, and rock climbing, all of which the children really enjoyed. In addition, kids also spent their time playing games and winning prizes. Guests of all ages shopped around the bazaar and tasted the multitude of ethnic foods and American favorites provided. In all, the day was very fun-filled and a great opportunity to bring the community together. |
| Muslim Congress
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During
the Labor Day weekend, members of the United Muslim Foundation attended
a conference in Orlando organized by Muslim Congress, a group that aims
to strengthen the Ummah of North America. The third annual event,
entitled "Legacy of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Muslim Unity", was
attended by Muslims from all over the country. They listened to various speakers, socialized, and attended interactive sessions during the course of the two days.
UMF had a
booth at the event and handed out free materials in order to raise
awareness of the organization and its work in promoting unity,
education, and charity.
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| Yoot Camp |
The Yoot Camp that took place this summer was alhamdulillah very successful. Reem Al Khaldi reports: "I have attended many Muslim youth activities and I can honestly say that the Yoot Camp at Wekiwa Springs was one of the best. It was incredibily beneficial and entertaining. It allows the youth to look at Islam from a different point of view. It allowed us to praise Allah's creations in all its greatness. I also really enjoyed the entertainment night, where DCLICK performed. Despite the rain at night we still had a lot of fun. We made halal smores, swam, went canoeing (which kind of scared me), went hiking and had many more adventures. Overall, it was a great expereince, alhamdulillah."  | |
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| Allentown Interfaith Iftaar |
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On Sunday, September 16th, the Lehigh Valley Dialogue Center is hosting an interfaith iftaar. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will take place at the Holiday Inn in Allentown.
This event is free of charge!
All are encouraged to attend, especially non-Muslims so that we may unite and share the beautiful message of Islam.
"Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation..." (16:125). For more information, please feel free to vist the website: http://www.lehighdialogue.org/website/. |
| Florida Interfaith Iftaar |
UMF would like to invite all Muslims living in the Greater Orlando area to share an iftar with us this holy month of Ramadhan, as we remember the life, and commemorate the death of Bibi Khadija (a.s.) on the 10th night of Ramadhan.
When: Saturday, Sept. 22nd
Where: 5211 Hester Avenue
Sanford, Florida 32773
Time: Iftar ~ 7:30pm
Contact: UMF
Office: 407 804-1504
Mobile: 407 474-3156
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Let us come together in a spirit of brotherhood to pray for each other and share in the blessings of breaking our fast as one Ummah. |
| Allentown Islamic Book Sale! |
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The United Muslim Foundation (UMF) will insha'allh be having a fundraising Islamic book sale from Monday September 17th, 2007 through Thursday October 11th, 2007 at both the Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley (MALV) and Al-Ahad Islamic Center.
One of the books that we are selling is called Ramadhan and Eid-ul-Fitr. This book was written and illustrated by Azra Jessa when she was eight years old. It is a colorfully illustrated, easy-to-read story for children of all backgrounds and faiths. This book is ideal in communicating the message of the holy month of Ramadhan to all and can serve as a wonderful gift to neighbors and friends.
In addition to learning about the Islamic holidays, Azra has dedicated this book to the children of Iraq and a percentage of proceeds will be donated to help orphan children in Iraq through Child Air International (CAI). CAI has been successful in implementing an Eid Gift program for the past two years for orphaned children in Iraq.
For more information on this project, or to purchase a book, please contact Sr. Shelina Kermalli at
Shelina@unitedmuslimfoundation.org. Thank you for your support. We hope to see you there! |
| Project Downtown Orlando |
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"The hand that gives and the hand that receives are both in need of one and the same."
- Anonymous
Project Downtown Orlando is a group dedicated to helping the less fortunate in our city. Events are held every other Saturday; the next two being held on 9/15 at 7 a.m and 9/29 at 7 a.m.
If you are interested in helping out, feel free to email: projectdowntownorlando@gmail.com or visit the website: www.projectdowntown.org.
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| Humanitarian Day in PA |
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Since 2000, the Los Angeles Humanitarian Day event has expanded from local to statewide into a national event of charity in the Holy Month of Ramadan. Communities across the nation have united to aid fellow American citizens.
"Serving the homeless and those in need is our duty as Muslims, we are not doing anyone any a favor, it is their right and we are happy to be of service," says Imam Saadiq Saafir, Founder of the ILM Foundation and Humanitarian Day. Humanitarian Day Organization was established in 2006, and is committed to preserve and promote the original founders motto of "Convert One day into a life Mission and Put Faith into Action."
"Humanitarian Day" is being presented by Islamic Relief & ILM Foundation are hosting this event in PA for the first time in Philadelphia. Mark your calendars for Sunday September 30th, 2007. Please visit the following website for more information: www.HumanitarianDay.com |
| CAIR Book Campaign |
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CAIR-Orlando is embarking on a campaign to send out a copy of Esposito's book "What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam," to government officials and interfaith partners. The total cost is estimated to be $17.00 per book sent out to each individual.
If you would like to sponsor a book, please call 407-804-1504 with your credit card dontion or send a check made out to United Muslim Foundation and mark it for the 'Islamic Book Campaign'
P.O. Box9 52934, Lake Mary, FL 32795. | |
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