United Muslim Foundation
September 2008/Ramadhan 1429
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In This Issue
UMF Scholarship Winner
Pocket Quran
Arabic Class
Orphan Benefit Jam
MPAC Voter Guide
Calendar of Events
National Muslim Calendar
Muslim Family Day (FL)
Ramadhan Resources
Emergency Response
Islamic Book Sale
Day of Dignity
Care and Share Event
Muslim Youth Day (NJ)
Bowls for the Hungry
Fair for Care
Quick Links

UMF Website
UMF Calendar
Officers Page
Scholarship
Donate

UMF Scholarship Winner
UMF would like to congratulate Nausheen Habib for winning this year's scholarship award of $4,000!

Through her service to others, Nausheen has been a good example within the Muslim community.  Her hard work and dedication to helping those less fortunate also reflect very positively on our religion in this country. 

Great work, Nausheen!
Pocket Qur'an
Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an (TTQ) has recently published a new pocket-size Quran in simplified English. 

Get yours for only $4.00!  Visit www.koranusa.org
Arabic Class Update
UMF has decided to pursue the Arabic Program at a professional level, and will be working with Inlingua to bring students the same method of learning conversational Arabic, this time taught by Native Arabic Speakers.  Interested students were given the opportunity to attend one of three free classes and be orally tested for evaluation purposes.

Classes will insha'llah begin following the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
Orphan Benefit Jam
 


The Orphan Benefit Jam was an overall incredible event. Guests were treated to performances by artists such as D-Clique and Sound of Reason from Canada.  Also present were comedians from Lota Pani Pictures.

Everyone had an incredible time and got to meet each artist individually.  United Muslim Foundation had a table set up at the event, allowing attendees to learn more about the organization. All proceeds went to Islamic Relief to support orphans across the world.

MPAC Releases New 2008 Voter Guide
The "Activate 08 Voter's Guide" examines six key issues in the election and provides Muslim Americans with the presidential candidates' position in their own words. The issues include national security and civil rights, healthcare, the economy, the Iraq war, immigration, and U.S.-Muslim World relations. The guide also provides campaign officials with key information on engaging Muslim voters.
 
Calendar of Events
United Muslim Foundation is happy to be providing a dynamic online calendar of community events.

Located at www.umfonline.org the calendar is meant to allow for more involvement among community members in organized local events.  Information regarding time, location, and registration/RSVP will be included on the site.

Want to add an organization's event to the calendar?
Just click on the "add event" link on the website and your event will be posted after receiving approval.  It's a great way to try and increase attendance.

Help the community become more aware and involved.  Post your event today!
National Muslim Calendar
www.muslim-calendar.com

This new site has been created as a source for information on Muslim events taking place throughout the United States.

Adding, searching for, and publicizing events is easy!  The website also allows you to create a personal calendar and receive reminders for events in your city.
Salaam Alaikum/Peace be with you,

Ramadhan Mubarak! The first few days of the holy month of fasting have already gone by and before we know it time will fly and Ramadhan will be over all too soon. We need to make the most of this month, turning our focus to worshipping Allah and serving His creation. As you feel the pangs of hunger this Ramadhan, we urge you to join us bringing grass roots relief to the needy in Philadelphia by joining us at the Day of Dignity, and help us Care and Share with a drive to collect, sort and deliver new and gently used clothes, shoes and toys. For Eid we have planned to make Bowls for the Hungry at the Lake Mary Art Studio, giving volunteers the opportunity to work magic with their own hands, turning clay into personalized creations to help raise money for those in need. We invite you to join us as we try to make a positive impact in our communities this Ramadhan. Together, we can make a difference, one step at a time!

The beauty of Ramadhan overflows into so many aspects of our life, giving us an opportunity to reflect on being better and trying to attain nearness to God. As we meet for fast breaking iftars and pray together, we establish a special bond with our Muslim brothers and sisters, one that helps us to value each other even more and strengthens our unity of faith in one God. UMF along with our co-sponsors are planning an exciting Muslim Family Day at Fun Spot Orlando to celebrate Eid, open exclusively for Muslims on Oct. 12th, from 10am - 6pm. We hope you will join us, as we gather together to celebrate the occasion, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the day with something exciting for the whole family.

Have a blessed Ramadhan, and please keep UMF in your prayers.

Peace,
Masuma Virji, Executive Director 
Muslim Family Day at Fun Spot (FL)
 
Muslim Family day at Fun Spot Orlando

Insha Allah, on October 12th, 2008, Fun Spot Orlando on I-Drive, is set to be transformed as 'Muslim Family Day', an event organized by United Muslim Foundation.

This event is designed to provide Islamic entertainment for the entire family!  Come join 1,000 Muslims for EID CELEBRATIONS for this multi-ethnic event. Event Highlights are as follows:

� 4 Multi-Level Tracks
� 5 Exciting Thrill Rides
� 6 Pre-School Rides
� 120 Video Games
� Adhan and Prayer Facilities in the Park
� Islamic Goods Bazaar
� Quality Halal Food Vendors serving American, Middle Eastern, Pak/Indian food and Desserts
Park Open to Muslims only - 10am-6pm!
Huge Discounts for Rides - over 50% (more if you pre-register online!)
 
To purchase tickets, click the button below:

Ramadhan Resources

Brochures, videos, books, banners, Qur'ans and other resources are available for those interested in teaching others about the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

United Muslim Foundation is also available to make presentations; youths are urged to contact their schools and universities for opportunities to teach their fellow classmates about the Muslim month of fasting.

To request information resources or book a presentation, email us at [email protected]

Interested in learning more? 
Click here to view a PowerPoint Presentation on the Holy Month of Ramadhan.  To read about the Holy Prophet Muhammad, click here.
Emergency Response
AMER
The American Muslims for Emergency & Relief (AMER) would like to request everyone to take some time out in this blessed month of Ramadan to think about helping those in the community around us, especially in times of natural disasters.  

One such opportunity to help our community is possible with upcoming Hurricane Ike. Potential volunteers may contact the organization with the following information:  Name, profession, address, phone numbers, email, and fax.  Your time and efforts will help the organization to become better representatives of our faith as well as encourage others around you to make a positive difference.  Donations are also very much appreciated.

May Allah reward all of us and give all of us the motivation to take the extra step to become a better Muslim and community member through volunteering and donation efforts.
Islamic Book Sale
Books
UMF Allentown has initiated its 2nd Islamic book sale during the month of Ramadhan. 

Books may be ordered via e-mail or telephone: (610) 336-0257.  There will also be tables set up in the MALV Center as well as in the ladies side of the Al-Ahad Islamic Center Insha'allah.

Do not miss out on this opportunity to share the gift and meaning of Islam with the younger generation.  These books can make great Eid gifts and we will wrap your order for only an extra dollar!

By buying these books you will be educating children about Islam in a fun way as well as supporting the United Muslim Foundation as we strive to promote unity, education and humanity. 

Here is a list of the titles of the books and their prices:
* Allah's Zoo, $6.00
* My Islamic Fun Books Box, $8.00 for a set of 5, or $2.00 per book
* Hamza's First Fast, $5.00

For more information on this project, or to purchase a book, please contact Sr. Nausheen Habib at the number above, or through e-mail at [email protected].
Day of Dignity (PA)

Day of Dignity Flier

In the spirit of Ramadan, Islamic Relief hosts the nationwide Day of Dignity in a number of cities, where communities come together to provide services to individuals in need and promote their well-being, including those of the homeless population. Day of Dignity is a grass-roots effort led by Islamic Relief and coordinated by volunteers who provide clothing, hygiene items, toys, food, and health screenings.

The event allows community members like you to provide services to our neighbors in need and creates an opportunity for individuals from diverse communities to work together. Do your part to help your neighbors. Join us for this rewarding annual Ramadan event and donate to the Day of Dignity fund to help make this project happen!

The Philadelphia Day of Dignity will take place on September 14, from 1:00PM - 5:00PM at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia located at 2125 Chestnut Street.  Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks, as listed which can be seen by clicking here.
Care and Share (FL)
clothes
We're collecting clothes, shoes and toys for the needy in new and gently used condition this Ramadhan. Please help us to get as much as you can and bring it all in by September 27 when we get together to sort through these collections and pack them up for the needy. If you have anything to donate, please give it to any UMF officer or call (407) 804-1504 to arrange a drop off.

Interested in helping?  Click here to see more information and RSVP via our event on Facebook!

Date/Time: Saturday, September 27, 2008.
 
Meeting Location: Husseini Islamic Center, 5211 Hester Avenue
Sanford, Florida
 
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Muslim Youth Day at Six Flags (PA)



Insha Allah, on October 1, 2008, the New Jersey theme park, Six Flags Great Adventure, is set to be transformed as 'The Great Muslim Adventure Day', an event organized by ICNA-NJ. This year entire parks are reserved for two days!  In addition to October 1, park will also be open on either September 30 or October 2.  The second date will be announced on Sept. 3.

This event is designed to provide Islamic entertainment for the entire family!  Come join 30,000 Muslims for EID CELEBRATIONS for this multi-ethnic event. Event Highlights are as follows:

� Two parks with 50% discount for only $25  (Online ticket sales will start shortly)
� Entire Day - Entire Parks - 10 AM to 10 PM
� Azaan and Eid Prayers in the Park
� Huge Islamic Goods Bazaar
� Quality Halal Food Vendors serving American, Middle Eastern and Pak/Indian food
� Tiger and Dolphin shows through out the day
� Drive-Thru Safari
� 100's of rides and special shows for children

For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
Bowls for the Hungry (FL)

You're invited!  Join us at the Lake Mary Art Studio to work magic with your own hands, turning clay into your very own personalized creation to help a hungry person.

Click here to get more information and RSVP via our event on Facebook!

Date/Time: Thursday, October 2, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Lake Mary Art Studio, Suite 1021, 241 North Country Club Road, Lake Mary
Fair for Care Review

The sun shone brightly on Saturday, August 16th, as volunteers prepared and vendors set up their stalls for the 3rd annual "Fair for Care" carnival in Allentown.  The carnival featured several inflatable activities -- a moonbounce, dual-lane slides, and an obstacle course -- as well as some "carnival type" games and, of couse, lots of food! 

In addition, a new feature this year was the addition of large tents, which were set up to organize the various areas and provide some relief from the hot summer sun.   Advertising for the fair was done in several states, and volunteers participated from as far away as New York, making this a truly tri-state event!  

Alhamdulillah, about $3,600 was collected, and all proceeds will go towards this year's featured charity -- the Afghanistan Water Project; to build wells for the people of Kabul in Afghanistan so that they have access to clean water for their sanitary and drinking needs.


If you would like to include a donation towards this project, please send in your donation to UMF or donate on the UMF website by September 6, 2008.

Fair for Care Fair for Care

Fair for Care Fair for Care
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