United Muslim Foundation
June 2009/Jamadi-ul-Aakhar 1430
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In This Issue
FL Coffee Encounters
The World is Our Village
Lake Mary Life
UMF Scholarship
Discover Islam
UCF Students Visit Mosque
NASIMCO Convention
Youth Leadership Institute
ISNA Convention
Tawheed Islamic Summer Camp
Young Muslims Competition
Donate for FREE!
Fun Fair 4 Care
UMF Eid Celebration at Universal Studios
Gaza Refugee Family
Kids House Update
Zain Bhikha Update
Islamic Games Update
Muslim Congress
Community Organizers Retreat
ALIM Convention
Quick Links



UMF Website
Scholarship

Donate

FL Coffee Encounters Open Meeting
 

 
We plan to discuss grand plans for Eid-ul-Adha including Universal Studios and Islamic Games, and we'd like you to join us!

Date and Time:
Saturday, June 20, 2009
6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:
Panera Bread
1210 S International Pkwy Ste 110, Lake Mary, FL

Hope to see you there!  Coffee is on the house :)
Helping The World is Our Village
 
The world is our village
 
United Muslim Foundation donated $1,000 to The World is Our Village to aid in sending volunteers  overseas to assist in areas affected by natural disasters and poverty.

The organization's aim is to strengthen the leadership capacity of youth; promote a cultural exchange of ideas; and inspire participants to make a difference in the lives of others while reflecting the local vision of development.

Please visit the website for more information on how you can volunteer your time and money to help in this worthy cause.

UMF supports Lake Mary Historical Society
 
The world is our village
 
United Muslim Foundation donated $1,000 to The Lake Mary Historical Society for the production of their 60-minute documentary entitled "Growing Home: The Lake Mary Story."  The completed DVD will be mailed to about 5,000 local households and be broadcast on PBS.

Click here to view the trailer.
UMF Scholarship
 


UMF is offering a $4,000 scholarship to High School Seniors or University Students who are UMF members. If you wish to apply, sign up to become a UMF member today and start logging in your volunteer hours. Membership forms can be found on UMF's website. High School Students can also get their required community service hours with UMF, as officially recognized by Seminole County. 

*Applications are due July 19th*

QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicants should be high school seniors or current university students.  You must be a UMF member to apply. Ranking will be based on the following weighted factors:
  • GPA- 30%
  • Financial Need- 30%
  • UMF Volunteer Hours- 30%
  • Essay- 10%
So, don't wait... become a part of a team that's making a difference today!

Discover Islam

Discover Islam

UMF is proud to embark on an exciting venture with Discover Islam to begin distribution of six new documentaries on Islam. The purpose of these documentaries is to dispel the most popular misconceptions about Islam and portray it, and American Muslims, as part of the American mainstream.

Each film has been professionally produced and includes interviews of well known scholars like Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, Professor John Esposito, Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick, Dr. Umar Faruk Abdallah, Sister Lisa Killinger and Imam Jowhari Abdelmalik amongst many others. Also interviewed are numerous active Muslims and a variety of church leaders across the United States.

The topics covered are:
African Americans and Islam, Islam: An American Faith, Islam: Faith and History, Islam: A Faith Hijacked, Christians and Islam, and Women in Islam.
 
In addition to the video series, a companion booklet is being produced for every documentary and a support website designed to provide further information and closure to those who seek more than just the video and booklet.  UMF will be distributing these videos free of charge to those wishing to learn more about Islam and Muslims.

For more information please contact us.
Volunteers show UCF students local mosque
 
UCF
 
On Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6, UMF volunteers welcomed three community members to the Husseini Islamic Center for a special youth-organized program.  The visitors - students from UCF's College of Education - came as a result of their class's study of multiculturalism.

At the mosque, they talked with community members, asked questions about event, and listened to speeches presented by Br. Hasanain Rajabali on "Social Issues" and "Balancing an Islamic Lifestyle."

Alhamdulillah, all in all, much information about Islamic practices was shared, and the students enjoyed their visit!
NASIMCO Convention

The 29th Annual NASIMCO Conference will be held on June 20th, 2009 in Minnesota, and will be hosted by Anjuman-e-Asghari. The conference theme this year is "Meeting the Challenges of Recession". All are invited to participate.

Invitees, guests and delegates are all requested to register at their earliest to assist the host Jamaat in finalizing all arrangements for the Conference. The registration form, as well as information on hotels, can be obtained upon request to info@nasimco.org.

Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute
LV Volunteer
The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley is pleased to offer the Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute to high-school aged youth in the Lehigh Valley.

The leadership training is meant to teach valuable leadership skills while developing and implementing a service project; a great addition for a resume or college application!
 
When?
July 17-19, 2009
July 17, 5:00 - 9:00
July 18, 9:00 - 8:00
July 19, 9:00 - 6:00

Cost? 
$50 for course and materials, $10 for meals.  Scholarships are available!
 
How?
Click here for more information and an application, fill out the application and send it in via email, fax, or mail. A confirmation will be sent once your application has been received.

Application forms are due by June 30, 2009
ISNA Convention
 
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is presenting its 46th annual convention under the theme of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

The convention will take place at the Washington DC Convention Center from July 3rd through the 6th, and will feature a number of events including:

  • Break out Sessions
  • Qira'at Competition
  • Meet the Author Program
  • Bazaar with 500 Booths
  • Matrimonial Banquet
  • Islamic Art Exhibit
  • Islamic Film Festival
  • Health Services Fair
  • Babysitting Services
  • Children's Program
Speakers at the convention include Hamza Yusuf, John Esposito, Keith Ellison, Zaid Shakir, and Andre Carson.

Click here for more information.
Islamic Summer Camp
 
Tawheed Camp
 
For more than 15 years, Tawheed Camp has been conducting its annual summer camps at various locations in New York, New England, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. The camp will now be permanently located at Camp Taha in Columbiaville, Michigan.

With thousands of participants who have been inspired and their lives changed for the better, the two week family camp continues to grow and attract youth from all over the world.

There will be 2 programs for 16 nights each:
JULY 3 - JULY 19
JULY 31 - AUGUST 16

Camp rates are partially subsidized to keep the amount as low as possible.
Young Muslims Quiz and Essay Competition

ICNA FL

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) FL is holding a competition for young Muslims ages 5-16 on Saturday, August 8.  The registration fee is $10 before July 31 and $20 per child on-site.  All children will receive a participation prize.

Suggested reading for each category as well as a link to the registration form are provided on the website.
DONATE for FREE! 
 
  
Donate to UMF without spending an extra cent!
Goodsearch logo
Searching online?  Visit www.goodsearch.com!

Just set the site as your search page and choose UMF as the charity you want to support.  You'll be donating every time you use the search engine!

goodshop

Shopping online?  Visit www.goodshop.com!

A percentage of very purchase you make at one of the many stores registered at the site can be donated to the United Muslim Foundation.  Just choose UMF as the charity you want to support, and let the shopping begin!
Note: Lehigh Valley Fun Fair 4 Care has been postponed to its raindate on Sunday, June 21st.  See below for more details on the event.
Salaam Alaikum / Peace be with you

... I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

... So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

... it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretense of liberalism.
... Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.
... All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.

Excerpts from President Obama's prepared remarks to the Muslim world, delivered on June 4, 2009, as released by the White House.
Executive Director's visit with President Carter



UMF Executive Director, Masuma Virji visited with former Pres Jimmy Carter earlier this year where they talked shortly about United Muslim Foundation and The Carter Center.

"The Carter Center is a real inspiration to UMF" says Mrs. Virji. "It's an organization that wages peace, and builds hope just as UMF does."

Mrs. Virji also met with Mr. Hrair Balian Director of the Carter Center's Conflict Resolution Program and Mrs. Karin Ryan - Director of the Carter Center's Human Rights Program to share thoughts and ideas and talked over lunch with Mr. Frank O. Richards, Jr., M.D. Director of the River Blindness Program, Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program, Schistosomiasis Control Program, and Malaria Control Program

Lehigh Valley Fun Fair 4 Care Rescheduled for Sunday, June 21 (raindate)
Fun Fair
United Muslim Foundation along with the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley will be holding a Fun Fair 4 Care on Sunday, June 21st from 3:00 to 8:00 PM.  The event will be held at 1988 Schadt Ave. in Whitehall, PA, and will feature a number of attractions including a moonbounce, obstacle course, rockclimbing, and more!

Admission is free with a $10.00 pass available for all rides.  Proceeds will benefit Lehigh Valley "Muslims and Palestinians Relief."  Don't miss out on this great event.  Make sure to spread the word among family and friends today!
UMF Eid Celebration at Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Eid Celebration

Tickets will be available for purchase at ISNA Convention from July 3rd-6th in Washington D.C. and online at the United Muslim Foundation website!
Helping our Gaza Refugee Family



There are many ways that you can help our family from Gaza build their nest!  Whether you donate a gently used item, throw something extra into your grocery cart, shop the Target registry online, offer up a free service, or build a welcome basket - it's a blessed gift from your heart that will go a long way in helping our Palestinian friends succeed.

Please visit our website at www.helpgazafamily.com for more information on how you can do your part!
Kids House Update

On Saturday, May 30, UMF volunteers helped Kids House with their spring clean-up, organizing books, cleaning out the kitchen, and doing various other jobs to organize the facility. 

Alhamdulillah, double the number of needed volunteers attended.  All the help and enthusiasm was really appreciated!

A member of the Lake Mary Life Magazine team was also present to take pictures of UMF volunteers doing their part to help the organization.

Kids House Letter




Zain Bhikha Update

Zain BhikhaOn Sunday, June 14th the Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley held a fundraising event to raise money for relief efforts in Pakistan and Palestine.

The event featured world famous nasheed performer Zain Bhikha and guest speaker Imam Mustafa Zayed.

Alhamdulillah, the fundraiser was a great success, with everyone enjoying the evening while simultaneously helping those in need.

The event was cosponsored by United Muslim Foundation, Peace and Justice Across Borders, and Lahore Vallay 2 Lehigh Valley Entertainment.
Islamic Games Update

Islamic Games

The third annual Islamic Games, cosponsored by United Muslim Foundation, were held from May 22-24, 2009 at Rider University in New Jersey.  Alhamdulillah more than 1900 Athletes and thousands of spectators participated in the competition, fun and excitement!

Here's what one athlete had to say about his experience:
This year's Islamic Games hosted in New Jersey was a great experience... the main reason behind making this event one I will never forget is the unity established between all the Muslims. Going into the Islamic Games, the only people I knew were my teammates, but coming out, I ended up knowing a lot more... this experience is one I will cherish for the rest of my life. This Islamic games really stood by the slogan "Come as Many! Leave as One!"

According to Vice President of Islamic Games Br. Mohammed Khaku, "The Islamic Games is the fastest growing Muslim event in the USA.  It is a special privilege for me to be part of Islamic Games and its success is down to the spiritual and physical cooperation between the people involved... all athletes should be immensely proud of your individual and collective achievement."

For more information about this wonderful event, please visit the Islamic Games website.  And make sure to keep an eye out for a possible appearance by Islamic Games this Thanksgiving in Orlando!
5th Annual Muslim Congress

ICNA logo
 
Muslim Congress is presenting is 5th Annual Conference during Independence Day Weekend in Dearborn, Michigan.  The event will feature an interactive Youth Session / Poetry Night, special programs for children ages 9-14, a one-of-a-kind exhibition on Imam Ali' (a.s.) Life, and a bazaar.

There will also be a number of dynamic speakers discussing topics such as "Imam Ali (as): Structure of Government" and "Imam Ali (as) and Piety (Taqwaa)."  Workshops include:
  • Parenting
  • How to Cope with Stress
  • Harmonial Marriage
  • Civil Rights and Advocacy
  • Administrative Model of an Islamic Organization
  • Da'wa/Outreach Workshop
  • Process of Spiritual Cleanliness
  • Islamic School Syllabus (Registration Required) 
  • Current Affairs
Cost is $50 for ages 9 and above with a $10 discount for college students and senior citizens.  The maximum charge for families is $200.  Click here more information and to register or reserve a booth at the bazaar.
Community Organizer's Retreat

Organizer's Retreat
 
The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) - South East Region will be hosting a Muslim Community Organizers Family Retreat from July 10 through the 12 at Camp Ocala.

The camp, open to the entire family, will feature a number of activities, including Scholarly Presentations, Interactive Discussions, Educational Programs Swimming, Archery, Fishing, Canoeing, Camp Fire and other Social Activities.  Invited guests at the event include Sh. Mokhtar Maghraoui, Dr. Zahid Bukhari, and Dr. Mohammad Yunus.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity; register today!
ALIM Convention
ALIM convention
The Islamic Information Center is proud to announce its first annual three day convention, entitled the American Leadership Initiative for Muslims (ALIM) to take place from July 17th - July 19th, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington DC. The registration fee is $55 and will all the meals for the weekend, transportation and a special IIC Briefing Packet.

This convention includes site visits to critical US government agencies and meetings with government officials. The purpose of these meetings will be twofold. First, it will help facilitate communication in such a way where attendees can learn about programs from the government to engage the Muslim community, and voice their concerns to the government regarding issues of importance to the Muslim community. Second, these meetings will help showcase the fact that all it takes for Muslims to advance in this country, and help improve this country, is direct activism, and open communication.

Click here to apply to attend the convention.