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Coffee Encounters 
Join us for UMF's next Coffee Encounters
Date:
Friday, Sept 25, 2009
Time:
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Panera Bread
1210 S International Pkwy Ste 110
Lake Mary, FL
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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. |
| DONATE for FREE!
Donate to UMF without spending an extra cent!
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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!  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! |
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UMF T-Shirt Sale
Support UMF by purchasing a T-Shirt for $25
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UMF Congratulates Annual Scholarsip Awardee Sr. Zainab Somji
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, UMF was proud to award UMF Scholarship to Sr. Zainab Somji. Congratulations to Sr. Zainab on her accomplishments! Below is a short biography of Sr. Zainab:
My name is Zainab Somji and I used to be a liason officer, and was in charge of the prisoner and chaplain requests; Currently, I handle the phone calls as an operationalist for the UMF. A branch was once formed under this organization known as Muslims Care foundation and I took up the Public Relations position to handle the clothes drive event that was a stressful, yet beautiful success at the HIC alhamdulillah.
I graduated from Seminole Highschool with the IB diploma, and was accepted into a wide variety of schools including NYU, Rollins and UF with full scholarships. I decided that moving to Gainesville was a good idea as I would still be closer to my family, as well as attend a resourceful and accredited university. I entered UF with 45 credits from IB, and am taking 19 credits this fall semester. I am double majoring in political science and public relations, in aspiration to attend law school at Harvard University.
Besides the verbose academic blob, I love to engage in sports, including intramural basketball, soccer and group excersizes at the gym. I am working two part time jobs currently (along with my classes) to save up for law school. I laborously stack books at the library, and thread eyebrows at the mall. Although both require hardwork, they have taught me valuable life lessons, especially how hard it is to earn money. My parents are really liking the idea as I use to be a spendthrift :) With two jobs, 19 credit hours, and lots and lots of homework, I have an awesome motorbike which takes me everywhere I need to go. I have named it little alphie because of its license plate alf79! In addition, I am recently engaged to Rizwan Merchant, who also studies in gainesville with me. Lets just say that he is the reason I went from being Zainab Somji to Chef Zainab Somji. Yes, I cook alot and enjoy it with a passion.
However, my foundations and principles that are helping me achieve all this are not because of myself, but because of my Lord, my family, and this wonderful organization that I am honored to be a part of. When I was the editor in chief of a magazine I founded at the age of twelve, I implemented my experiences and skills learnt from extraordinary leaders of this organization. Not only to the magazine, but everything I do and will do, has stemmed from the essence of the umf. Today, I do not look at the scholarship I have recieved as just an ordinary scholarship, but an honor that I value; Thank You to their consideration of my minute achievements.
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Arabic Class Update
Arabic classes are to resume on October 2nd 2009 through the Inlingua Institute of Language. Classes are expected to continue through till the end of the year. At the present time no new enrolments are being accepted, however any one interested in starting Arabic instruction for next year is encouraged to contact Sister Taskeen Thariani for details. |
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Helping our Gaza Refugee Family
We would like to update you on the status of the refugees from Gaza at the mark of their six month period relationship with UMF.
UMF helped the refugees from Gaza into their new American environment since their arrival to Central Florida in March 2009. A group of dedicated UMF volunteers helped the family with all their basic needs.
We wish their family happiness and success in their acclimation to their new home. UMF and its volunteers were honored to have partaken in this initiative working with the State Dept. | |
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Salaam Alaykum and Eid Mubarak,
 It has been an extraordinary year for UMF and this year we are doing something very exciting for Eid Al Adha. Building on our phenomenal success with last year's Fun Spot event for Eid Al Fitr we are going to have an Eid Celebration at Universal Studios 'Islands of Adventure' on November 28th from 5PM to 11PM. Since Eid will fall during Thanksgiving weekend, we are going the extra mile by adding a Golf charity event the next day at Magnolia Plantation in Lake Mary which starts at 8 AM with a complimentary lunch. Additionally we are teaming up with Islamic Relief to help fundraise as well as Islamic Games to provide a family sports event with basketball, volleyball, soccer and many more games in Orlando over the weekend. Check out eiduladha2009.com for the latest updates. I hope you will bring your family and friends and join other Muslims in celebrating Eid Al Adha at Islands of Adventure. On behalf of all of us at UMF, Eid Mubarak. Sincerely Atif Fareed Board Member |
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UMF Eid Celebration at Universal Studios Orlando
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Sacred Hospitality: Interfaith dinner "Building bridges through Iftar"
On September 12, 2009 United Muslim Foundation (UMF), the Peace & Justice Across Borders (PJAB) and CAIR PA hosted an interfaith ifatr at the Al Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown PA. This event was attended by members of all faiths, communities, clergies, teachers of religion and students.
This fast breaking dinner of 'Iftar' offered opportunities for people of all faiths to experience the Islamic month of fasting. This event allowed American Muslims to share and celebrate the importance of the month of Ramadan with individuals of all faiths. Over 1 billion Muslims worldwide including 8 millions in the USA fast during the daytime of this holy month. This Iftar was a chance to celebrate diversity and recognize the richness in our community. It was a wonderful opportunity in which the Greater Lehigh Valley residents came to share a delicious fast-breaking Iftar with their Muslim neighbors.
Speech given by Rev. Leslie Kearney, pastor at Olivet-Schwenkfelder United Church of Christ.
Good evening. My name is Rev. Leslie Kearney, and I am both honored and humbled to be with you this evening.
Tonight's theme is "building bridges" through iftar. When I was asked to speak to you, I began thinking of all the different venues and opportunities to build interfaith bridges. I thought about the international stage, and how bridges are built between entire nations: Countries setting aside religious difference by focusing on common political, economic, and humanitarian goals. I thought about the community level: How mosques and churches can build bridges through shared charity work and interfaith dialogue... Not unlike we have here tonight. However, I am not a national leader or politician. And although I am an ordained Christian clergyperson, I am also a woman. So when I think about building bridges, my mind also goes to the home and family. When I - God willing, Insha'Allah - have children of my own one day, how will I, as a clergywoman and a mother, instill values that will build bridges rather than walls? After all, our young people hold the promise of our faith, and the future of our world.
I thought back to when I was a child, and realized there was a deafening silence with regard to Islam. I attended Sunday School at my church each week before worship. My Sunday School teachers taught me all about the story of Abraham; about Sarah and Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael. I learned that Abraham made a covenant with God, and that God promised to make great nations of him. I learned that, as a Christian, I trace my heritage to Isaac. No one ever mentioned Hagar running to and fro in the desert.
No one taught me that Muslims trace their heritage to Ishmael. What a perfectly simple way to teach the young that we are all God's children! Yet it was a lesson I never got in church. Similarly, I was never told that Jesus was in the Qur'an. I never knew that I could find an account of his birth in the pages of not one, but two holy books. I was never told what we have in common.
When I was a little girl, there were no opportunities to build bridges because there was no communication. And the sad truth is that when we - parents, teachers, and religious leaders - are silent, the media fills that gap. Instead of speaking about fellow children of God, we hear words like "extremist," "Islamist," and "terrorist." Instead of seeing the hijab as a beautiful means of personal devotion, we see it as some kind of alien threat to society. Instead of joyfully sharing experiences of our holy days and celebrations, we ostracize the students who aren't eating in the cafeteria this month [Ramadan]. When we are silent on the things we have in common, society and the media fill that silence by emphasizing our differences. Walls are built instead of bridges.
What I encourage as a clergyperson, as a woman, is teaching our children not to hate other mother's children. I believe the bridges between communities and even nations begin at home. Practice your faith, and be proud of it! This clerical collar I wear is not a dress requirement in my Christian denomination. I wear it by choice as an outward symbol of my inner faith. And oh, does it start conversations! People see it and ask me questions. Questions lead to communication. Communication leads to understanding. When we openly and unashamedly practice our faiths, people notice! It makes us real people - classmates, coworkers, and friends - rather than intangible stereotypes. Ask questions. And don't be afraid to answer questions asked of you. As both Christians and Muslims, we are called to be devoted servants of God. Learn to be comfortable enough in your faith practice to be willing to talk about it. If our children make friends with youth from a different religion, invite them over! Invite them for dinner. Invite them to celebrate iftar. Invite them to see your mosque. Invite them to church, or to a prayer gathering! I don't mean this in a proselytizing way. I mean it as sacred hospitality. When my dear friend, a Muslim from Jordan, got married, I flew across the ocean for her wedding. And when I was ordained just four months ago, she was there for me, sitting right there in one of the front rows of the church. Such experiences of sacred hospitality open the eyes of our children to difference, but also similarity, in their midst. So proudly live your faith, encourage questions, and build bridges through shared experience.
Perhaps most importantly, set a good example. When any one of my church members walks into my office, they will find a Qur'an on my bookshelf. (And a well-worn Qur'an at that!) It's presence in a Christian clergy office sends a message: It's not "us versus them," we are all children of God. On Sunday morning if a Muslim holiday has just begun, I mention it and ask for prayers for our Muslim sisters and brothers as they celebrate. Being prayerful sets and example for my parishioners, and builds bridges.
I believe that every time we teach the scriptures in such a way that they honor the "other," every time we invite someone to be a guest in our home or place of worship, every time we hold each other in prayer, openly practice our faith, and ask one another questions... Every time we do these things we help our children take a single stone from the wall that divides us, and make from it a bridge's foundation. With each individual stone the wall shrinks, and the bridge grows wider. We are not responsible for building the entire bridge overnight; just for removing our one stone from the wall. Thank you.
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UMF featured in Lake Mary Life Magazine
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UMF helps Islamic Relief Day of Dignity
The Philadelphia chapter of Islamic Relief held its third annual Day of Dignity event on Sunday, August 30th, 2009. The purpose of Day of Dignity was to assist those in need. This year, beneficiaries received a variety of items and services including sweatshirts, hygiene kits, bed sheets, blankets, gloves, boxers, scarves, knit caps, socks, dental floss, deodorant, chapstick, bags, pizza, snacks, water, juice, face painting, and medical/dental screenings. School supplies such as book bags, lunch sacks, pencil cases, crayons, notebooks, folders, pencils, and story books were provided to school-aged beneficiaries. As previous years, this year's event was held during the month of Ramadan. Sunday's Day of Dignity event in Philadelphia brought together over 100 volunteers from various affiliations and exceeded its goal of serving 400 beneficiaries. UMF was proud to be a part of supporting this initiative. |
Lehigh Valley Fun Fair 4 Care Update
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UMF hosted its fourth annual "Fair for Care" fundraising carnival on Sunday June 21st. This year we teamed up with the Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley (MALV) to pool our resources and communities in a successful day of unity. The carnival was held at MALV and featured a moonbounce, bungee run, and even a trackless train! There were a variety of mouth-watering foods available for purchase as well as vendor tables offering unique products and services. Overall, the crowd was bustling-although we hoped to have more people attend. The profits from the fair will insha'allah be used locally to help Muslims in the Lehigh Valley as well as internationally for Palestinian relief. | |
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Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Batuta
Last month, UMF was proud to help promote the IMAX movie Journey to Mecca: In the Footsteps of Ibn Batuta.
This movie is the incredible story of the legendary Morocan explorer Ibn Battuta, who left his home in 1325 to perform Hajj, and went on to become one of the greatest travelers of all time.
The movie was narrated by Ben Kingsley and contained incredible footage from inside the Grand Mosque in Mecca. We received rave reviews from many Muslims who attended the show. To view the trailer and other information please visit: www.journeytomeccagiantscreen.com. |
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Juma on Capitol Hill
The objective of this gathering is to invite the Muslim Communities and friends of Islam to express and illustrate the wonderful diversity of Islam. We intend to manifest Islam's majestic spiritual principals as revealed by Allah to our beloved prophet
Muhammad (PEACE BE UPON HIM) of Arabia. Likewise; we intend to inspire a new generation of Muslim to work for the greater good of all people. We shall serve all people, regardless of race, religion or national origin.
ON THIS DAY
-The Athan will be chanted on Capitol Hill, echoing off of the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and other great edifices that surround Capitol Hill
-Thousands of Muslims from all races, creeds, colors and ethnicities will gather for the sole purpose of prayer
-Bonds of friendship will be formed between those in attendance, both Muslims and Non-Muslims
-Muslim youth will experience tours of the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court.
-The peace, beauty and solidarity of Islam will shine through America's capitol. |
Muslim Family Day - September 26!
Join us on Saturday, September 26th
for Muslim Family Day!
11:30am-7:00pm Six Flags America is the nation's capital of thrills! The ENTIRE PARK is reserved for this exclusive event for EID Celebration! Enjoy miles of inspired family attractions all in one location Six Flags America. With seven coasters, unbelievable rides, a huge children's area, interactive characters, shows, games of chance, and mouth-watering treats PLUS:
-Ethnic Bazaar
Order your tickets TODAY and don't miss out of this EXCLUSIVE event at Six Flags America!! |
Muslims United for Change
United For Change is dedicated to helping to bring about a world where the loftiest principles of Islam are actualized as the basis for Muslim unity as well as focused, purposeful work directed towards the alleviation of human suffering that is directly attributable to human neglect, insensitivity and wantonness.United For Change exists to facilitate the unity of Muslim organizations in North America to address through collective action monumental tasks that are larger than the human and material resources of any individual group. Through this effort we aim to foster greater unity, cooperation and goodwill between participating groups and organizations and to be a source of compassion, empathy and relief for impoverished and marginalized communities both here in North America and abroad.
Visit Muslims United for Change today!
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