How to Revive Your MSA

FALL/WINTER 2008 WWW.MSANATIONAL.ORGA PUBLICATION OF MSA NATIONAL

FEATURED SCHOLARS Imam Dr. Muneer FareedDr. Altaf Husain Imam Suhaib Webb

Celebrating the MSA Legacy:MOVING FORWARD TOGETHERINSIDE 6th AnnualRamadan Fast-A-Thon:Get Hungry For A Change

Envisioning AContinent-Wide Student Organization

PLUSADVICE FOR YOUR CAMPUS IFTARSHELPING THE HELPLESSPUT YOUR MSA ON THE GREEN PATHREFLECTIONS FROM A SUPER DELEGATE

MSA’s GUIDETO NORTH AMERICAN

BASED SUMMER PROGRAMS

http://www.helpinghandonline.org/

EDITOR IN CHIEF Zainab Khan

DESIGN & LAYOUT Altaf Sharif

CONTRIBUTING SCHOLARS

Dr. Muneer FareedDr. Altaf Husain Imam Suhaib Webb

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Meha AhmadMoazzam AhmedAsma HussainAwais KhaleelZubair KhanHadia MubarakSaif OmarSofina QureshiSoraya SalamFarha Tahir

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Hala Adil Fareena AlamHesham Mabrouk

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MSA NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EX OFFICIO Mohamed SheibaniPRESIDENT Asma MirzaVICE PRESIDENT OF THE USA Randa KuziezVICE PRESIDENT OF CANADA VacantTREASURER Danish Adil

MSA NATIONAL ZONAL REPRESENTATIVES

EAST ZONE CANADA REP Kareem MirzaEAST ZONE US REP Tauqeer ZaidiCENTRAL ZONE US REP Nura SediqeWEST ZONE CANADA REP Samir HassanWEST ZONE US REP Yasmin Elhady

MSA NATIONAL TASK FORCE CHAIRS

COMMUNITY SERVICE Yasmin HusseinCOMPASS Idris ElbakriMEDIA AND COMMUNICATION Zainab KhanINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Meraj AhmedPOLITICAL ACTION TASK FORCE Asma RehmanPROGRAMS Atifa Chiragh

MSA National P.O. Box 1096 // Falls Church, VA 22041tel: (703) 820-7900 // fax: (703) 820-7888www.msanational.org // [email protected]

The views expressed in the MSA Link do not necessarily reflect those of the MSA National executive committee.

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) National, headquartered near Washington D.C., has been serving Muslim students on colleges and university campuses across the United States and Canada since 1963. There are over 250 MSA chapters on university and college campuses throughout the United States and Canada.

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04 LETTER FROM THE EDITORBY ZAINAB KHAN

05 MSA MATTERS 6th Annual Ramadan Fast-A-Thon: Get Hungry for a Change 5 By MSA National Dawah Task Force contributors: Sofina Qureshi and Ala Abdel

Practical Advice for Organizing Campus Iftars 6By Sofina Qureshi

How to Revive an MSA 7BY HADIA MUBARAK

08 CELEBRATING THE MSA LEGACYEnvisioning A Continent-Wide Student Organization 8 BY DR. ALTAF HUSAIN

10 MSAs MAKE AN IMPACT Helping the Helpless 10BY MEHA AHMAD

Putting Your MSA on the Green Path 12BY SANJANA AHMAD

Beyond Rhetoric: UMMA Clinic in Action 14BY ASMA HUSSAIN

Radio Review: The Devil in Me 16 BY ASMA HUSSAIN

17 SPOTLIGHT ON MUSLIM STUDENTSMSAer Named Grand Prize Winner in Film Competition 17BY ASMA HUSSAIN

MSA Link is looking for the best talented artists,

designers, photographers, and writers around the

continent. To join our team, contact us at:

[email protected]

Muslim Students Awarded Fulbright Scholarships 17BY ZAINAB KHAN

This Moon Rises Higher and Higher 18BY MEHA AHMAD

20 MSA MOMENTS 22 NEWS FROM NATIONALLetter from the President 22BY ASMA MIRZA

2008-2009 MSA National Executive Committee 22BY ZAINAB KHAN

Looking Back: 2008 Zonal Conferences 23BY SORAYA SALAM

25 MSAs IN SOCIETYEmpowering the Muslim Community: Reflections from A Super Delegate 25BY AWAIS KHALEEL

MSA’s Guide to North American Based Summer Programs 26BY MOAZZAM AHMED, SAIF OMAR, FARHA TAHIR AND ZAINAB KHAN

28 SEEKING FROM SCHOLARSIncreasing Your Faith During Finals 28BY IMAM SUHAIB WEBB & ZUBAIR KHAN

Rights of God, Rights of Man 29BY IMAM DR. MUNEER FAREED

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

THIS FALL, BACK TO SCHOOL CORRESPONDS with the start of the blessed month of Ramadan. Muslims around the world use

Ramadan as a time to renew their commitment to their Creator. It is also in Ramadan, more than any other time of the year, that MSAs facilitate the means for Muslim students to fulfill their obligations towards God. From daily tarawih prayers to iftars to campus-wide Fast-A-Thons, MSAs organize these and many other events in an effort to bring the feelings of community to the Muslim students on campus.

It is through countless efforts of volunteers and community members that MSAs are able to provide such spiritual and communal opportunities for the students on their campuses. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever has not thanked people, has not thanked God.” (Imam Bukhari) In reflecting upon our bounties and blessings during this month, we should not only be grateful to the current MSA Board, but our hearts should fill with immense gratitude for the earlier generations of Muslim students who not only established MSA chapters and MSA National 45 years ago, but did so at the expense of their personal health, wealth and overall well-being.

But the MSA legacy that we celebrate today onour 45th anniversary extends beyond this humble pioneering generation. In more recent years, MSAs have made tremendous strides to positively affect the social landscape of our broader communities. A consequence of the creativity of one campus, and through the networking and outreach provided by MSA National, the annual Ramadan Fast-A-Thon now benefits hundreds of charitable causes across the continent each year. Similarly, each Friday, Muslim students across North America participate in Project Downtown, a unique community service activity in which students distribute not only water and food to the homeless, but extend their

friendships as well. Project Downtown began as an initiative of Muslim students in Florida who were dissatisfied by the plight of the homeless. Through collaborating with MSA National, this project has now been implemented by Muslim students worldwide. Yet another example is COMPASS, MSA National’s state of the art management training program which caters to any campus organization, including but not limited to MSAs. Through the expertise of COMPASS trainers, organizations can ensure that their members receive the best possible skills, tools and resources that they need to serve their communities.

At the local level, UMMA clinic, an initiative of UCLA medical students, was recognized in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Maxine Waters who expressed that these students “wanted to put their faith and their patriotism into action by serving their community and their country.” Similarly, Muslim students such as Atif Moon, a cancer survivor who did not lose focus of his dreams, are courageously overcoming challenges and are beacons of hope for all those around. Furthermore, Lena Khan, Hela Kotob and Khadijeh Zarafshar are examples of students excelling in their fields of study while demonstrating that Muslim women in North America are intelligent contributors to broader society. This edition of MSA Link, “Celebrating the MSA Legacy: Moving Forward Together” features these achievements and many others. The accomplishments of Muslim students are the result of the collaboration and diligent efforts of many people. But most importantly, they are the result of sincere objectives and unwavering faith in God alone. At the 45th Annual MSA National Continental Conference and in this edition of MSA Link, the legacy that we celebrate is the product of these essential characteristics that we hope to retain as we journey forward.

We pray to God that this Ramadan He enables and inspires Muslim students to continue the tradition of creating positive change in our communities. We wish you and your loved ones a safe month of fasting and prayers. Ramadan Mubarak!

Zainab Khan,Editor in Chief

Whoever has not thanked people, has not thanked God.” Imam Bukhari

04 FALL/WINTER 2008 MSANATIONAL.ORG

Fast-A-Thon was originally conceived by the Muslim Student Association at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In a single day during Ramadan in November 2001, MSA-Knoxville, helped raise nearly $500 for a local food pantry and united Muslims and non-Muslims in an effort to address issues of hunger in their community. Through MSA National, Ramadan 2002 saw the event flourish at the continental level, with an excellent reception from MSAs who hosted the program in the first continental initiative. Every subsequent Ramadan, Fast-A-Thon was immensely successful as well, with over 200 events across the world in 2007. With the great diversity among MSAs, each group personalizes the event to suit their needs.

In the Islamic month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours as an act of submission, solidarity, and remembrance. One of the reasons for fasting is to call attention to those who go hungry every day, not as an exercise of religious expression, but as a fact of life. Fast-A-Thon organizers around the continent accept pledges from area businesses and individuals that promise to donate one dollar for every non-

Muslim student who agrees to fast during the daylight hours of a specified day in Ramadan. Once the funds are collected, they are donated to a local beneficiary such as a shelter or soup kitchen to alleviate hunger and poverty.

This event has become an impressive reflection of the creativity, dedication, and tireless community service efforts of Muslim students across the US and Canada. It allows MSAs to enable the service of the underprivileged, promote the ideals of Islam, and build bridges with non-Muslims who will, God willing, continue to work together for social justice in their communities.

As in all things, our intention should be to please our Lord who has commanded us, as Muslims, to act with Mercy and Justice on His Earth. Part of this charge entails feeding the hungry, sheltering

MSA MATTERS

6th Annual Ramadan Fast-A-Thon:

the homeless, and comforting the afflicted.

While Fast-A-Thon can be a wonderful way for Muslim students to connect with the broader campus community, it takes a lot of careful planning to be effective. It is important that the venue is large enough and that if necessary there is audio equipment. It is also critical that there are enough dates and water, food, plates, cups and utensils and that there are enough volunteers to ensure that this all runs smoothly. Understanding the number of participants will also help to ensure that the budget does not spiral out of control.

In order to make the continental Fast-A-Thon campaign a team effort, it is crucial to register your event by contacting [email protected] and provide updates on the amount of funds raised and the intended beneficiary. This also allows MSA National to report accurate statistics to members of the media.

Fast-A-Thon has a vision of a continent that doesn’t just understand Islam and Muslims, but is better because of them, a continent helped in its aspirations to justice through this religion. We envision a society that goes beyond simply acknowledging Islam and Muslims, to reach out for them and ultimately, for their Lord.

For more on Fast-A-Thon or to obtain a How-to manual, e-mail [email protected] or [email protected]. •

By MSA National Dawah Task Forcecontributers: Sofina Qureshi and Ala Abdel

GET HUNGRY FOR CHANGE

One of the reasons for fasting is to call attention to those who go hungry every day”

05FALL/WINTER 2008 MSANATIONAL.ORG

Practical Advice For ORGANIZING CAMPUS IFTARS

By Sofina Qureshi

MSA MATTERS

FALL IS APPROACHING, STUDENTS are returning to campus and MSAs everywhere are facing the first major

task of the year- organizing Ramadan iftars. As a former Ramadan Coordinator at Georgetown University and first year MBA student at Harvard University, Sofina Qureshi provides some practical advice for MSA chapters.

Goal / ThemeDecide on a goal and a theme for the month. A possible goal can be to ensure that the Ramadan iftars are as welcoming as possible for both the Muslim and greater campus community. A corresponding theme can be ‘A Tour of the Muslim World- Foods from around the World.’ The theme helps in planning the menu for the month.

Food / RestaurantsSome general advice:

• Have a consistent zabihah standard (e.g. verbal confirmation from the owner) when selecting restaurants.

• Know how much lead time each restaurant needs and if they deliver.

• Vary the food- if possible don’t get food from the same place more than once in a week.

• Have extra menus to put on the tables to help support the restaurant of the evening.• If you are having people pick up food buy

plastic painting sheets and use them to line the trunk of the car so that any food spills or leaks can be easily cleaned up!

• Always be sure to have enough dates for everyone to break their fast however after people start to eat put the box under the table otherwise dates become dessert.

• Make sure you have plenty of water.

Volunteers / LogisticsVolunteers- Typically you need 2 shifts per day with the first shift helping with set up and serving food and the second shift helping with clean up. Some volunteers become flaky as the month progress. It can be tough to remain positive when people back out 20 minutes before volunteering because they have too much work. But look for the positive each night; be it a kind act by a brother or a sister or just the smile of someone’s face when they say salaam to you. Use these as sources of inspiration for the month.

LogisticsThis is the foundation to a smoothly run iftar. Here are some key tasks:

• Confirm the room reservation with the appropriate on-campus office.

• Know exactly how expense reimbursement works, who has authority to spend money on behalf of the MSA and who needs to approve spending.

• Confirm a storage location for all the paper products, extra soda / water, dates, serving spoon and utensils.

• If you will be praying Maghrib at the iftar location have volunteers to bring prayer sheets (and headscarves) for the iftar and.

Budgeting / FundraisingBudgeting- It is critically important that whoever is organizing the iftars has a clearly agreed upon budget; this number needs to be explicitly stated from the outset. It is most effective to have single person responsible for making the final call on expenses and accountable for keeping the month on budget.

FundraisingFundraising is a key component of the Ramadan iftar process. Think about how to creatively reach out and include a broader community:

• Parents• Alumni• Dollar-a-day campaign (everyone who comes to the iftar contributes a dollar)• Muslim Professors / Doctors (particularly if

the university also has a hospital)• Mini sponsorship (sponsoring the dates for

the night or water for the week)• Co sponsorship with other clubs / programs

/ University departments

Be sensitive to the fact that some people want their donation to be anonymous and respect this request!

Cosponsored/InterfaithEventsOne of the largest events in most iftar calendars is Fast-A-Thon which draws on the greater university community. Given the resources needed to make it successful I would recommend having a separate team dedicated to organizing Fast-A-Thon and thinking through:• Program / content• Obtaining sponsors• Advertising• Budget• Venue

ReviewCreating an anonymous survey half way through the month is a great way to understand what is working well and what could be adjusted. This review can be a very simple for categories such as food, organization, communication and promptness and then additional lines for suggestions. Don’t take any criticism personally; recognize that this kind of feedback will help to make the month the best that it can be.

Remember, Ramadan is the most blessed time of the year. Organizing iftars for fasting people is a great service to your MSA community that will, God willing, gain great reward in both this life and the next. •


THE MOST CHALLENGING TASK FOR any MSA is to first determine its focus. If your MSA is characteristic of most

student organizations, there are probably a very limited number of active workers and you are all being pulled in many divergent directions. If there are only a handful of goals that your MSA can realistically realize this year, what would you want them to be? If your MSA is fairly new, then the first objective is to build a support base. In order to expand the sphere of individuals who identify and care for your organization, it is essential that your MSA be 1) visible, 2) active and 3) relevant to the student body.

Visibility: There are a number of effective ways to increase your organization’s visibility. First, make sure that MSA has a booth in the university’s weekly fair/flea market/club day on campus grounds. If your university does not have an official day for student organizations to hold a booth outdoors, then consider reserving one anyhow. Many MSAs underplay the importance of having a weekly booth on campus, but this is absolutely essential. The booth is a symbolic manifestation of Islam and Muslims’ presence on campus. Whether the booth is marked by a worn-out banner imprinted with ‘Muslim Students Association’ or by free copies of Quran translations, the booth becomes the gateway through which Islam enters students’ frame of consciousness. The booth will provide an opportunity for students, student organizations, university administrators and visitors to learn about Islam and MSA. Make sure the booth is properly identified. Provide free literature on Islam. Have a sign-up sheet for your listserve. Collect the email addresses from the sign-up sheets and add them to your listserve on a weekly basis. This allows your organization to maintain

communication with the students, professors or visitors that have expressed interest in MSA. Other ways to increase MSA’s visibility is to cosponsor events of interest with other organizations, invite them to cosponsor your events and publicize your meetings and events through flyers, emails and letters to faculty members. ‘Activism’: People will take MSA seriously when they see that it is consistently engaged and active. This does not mean that your goal should be to host an event each week, for quantity without quality is meaningless. Rather, the executive committee should begin each semester with a detailed calendar of events. It should know exactly what day of each week or month it will hold general body meetings and it should know exactly what events it hold, their specific theme, invited speakers and general date. This will require a level of strategic planning from the executive committee prior to the semester, but it will pay dividends later. When creating your MSA’s semester calendar of events, make sure to avoid burnout. The Qur’an instructs us: God does not impose on any soul a burden greater than it can bear (2:286). If you know your members cannot commit to more than one meeting a month, then only schedule one meeting a month and make sure it as fruitful and productive as possible. If the MSA executive committee cannot handle organizing more than one major event every month or two months, then cater to those needs. Focus all your effort, time and energy in planning few, but clearly defined, well organized and fruitful events.

Relevance: The only way your MSA will gain relevance is by catering its product to market needs. Tap into your members’ interests. If your members are politically inclined, then incorporate political discussions in your general body meetings. These can be student-led

MSA MATTERS

How to Revive an MSA

By Hadia Mubarak

Originally a response on Sunnipath Q&A. Reprinted in MSA Link with edits.

discussions on issues as varied as the French ban on hijab, the impact of the PATRIOT Act on civil liberties or the role of US foreign policy in promoting democratization in the Muslim world. If your members want a social forum where they can make Muslim friends, then hold activities that will foster a stronger sense of community. For example, hold an Islamic Jeopardy contest at one general body meeting, organize a monthly sports fest or host a night vigil prayer once a semester for students to unwind and share reflections.

In order to gain relevance to the student body, become involved in university events and institutions. March as an MSA contingent in the MLK Jr. Rally, participate in ‘Stop Rape Week,’ have a booth at the annual cultural festival or send an MSA representative to freshmen orientation sessions. Furthermore, utilize mainstream avenues of participation. For example, take advantage of the five minutes at the start of each student senate session to address student senators. Invite student government candidates to your meetings. Attend university-hosted events. Bottom line: Be visible. Be active. Be relevant. •


“FOCUS ALL YOUR EFFORT, TIME AND ENERGY IN PLANNING FEW, BUT CLEARLY DEFINED, WELL ORGANIZED AND FRUITFUL EVENTS.”

South African proverb states that “any waterfall begins with one drop.” in the case of Muslim students organizing themselves on university

and college campuses in North America, the pioneering immigrants and their sacrifices in envisioning and ultimately institutionalizing a continent-wide student organization represent the one drop of water and the now over 500 Muslim Student Association (MSA) chapters around North America are truly the waterfall.

North America in the 1940s and 50s was only recently becoming a destination of opportunity and choice for students from around the world who wished to pursue higher education. In the late 1940s, through the visionary outlook of the founders of scholarship programs such as the Fulbright in the United States and the Rotary, among others, the best and the brightest of the Muslim world traveled to North America to pursue opportunities for higher education, teaching, scholarship and research. Among these early arrivals were young men and some women who were dynamic, articulate and consummate organizers. Arriving on various campuses throughout North America, they undertook the task of organizing student societies and later associations to allow young Muslims to turn to each other for spiritual, social, emotional, financial and academic support. Campus records and anecdotal evidence indicate the existence of Muslim student organizations at Ivy League institutions such as Stanford, Harvard and Columbia, as well as other prestigious institutions such as the University of Toronto and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne (UIUC), among others. As more students arrived in the late 1950s, a loosely knit network of the Muslim student organizations was developing. Ultimately, in January, 1963, the leaders and members of the various student organizations met on the campus of UIUC and founded the Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada, known today as MSA National. While this short essay cannot do justice to describing the monumental task that lay ahead for these students, nor to extolling praises on every individual who was a part of this

pioneering effort, what follows is a brief focus on the sacrifices of the pioneering immigrants whose collective efforts resulted in the founding and development of MSA National.

Trusting in AllahHaving had the honor learning at the feet of some of these giants, I am in a position to say without reservation that their spirit of sacrifice was fueled first and foremost by an unwavering trust in Allah. Trusting in Allah seems to have been at the center of their early efforts because they had such meager resources at their disposal. There are oft-repeated stories of graduate students using what few dollars they earned through assistantships, using their own savings to pay for Greyhound bus tickets to travel to neighboring states or even cross-country to visit other Muslim students. Or sacrificing much needed sleep or even the comfort of their own bed by studying and conducting their research by day and planning and organizing programs and services for Muslims students by night; at times they ended up napping late nights in makeshift beds in the research labs. Handwriting correspondence compared to the luxury of laptop generated e-letters, paying for photocopying compared to documents we convert to PDF and email, paying for postage compared to the hundreds of emails we exchange to organize one event, and coin-operated payphone phone calls compared to our incessant text messaging from our PDAs, etc. are humbling examples of their sacrifices. After drafting the best plan they could, they trusted in Allah to bless their efforts. How could they have possibly known then that a national organization started by several dozen

students would withstand the test of time for over four decades and maintain its leadership role in serving Muslim students on campuses throughout the continent?

Serving First, Leading If & When Called UponSo competitive were the slots for higher education opportunities in North America that many of the most brilliant Muslim students ended up being selected or accepted to study here. Every single one of them could have served as the first president of MSA National. Although many women did not come independently, those who did migrate with their husbands, were highly educated and professionals. Every single one of them was a leader in their own right, most often having already served in leadership capacities in their home countries. And instead of being guided by selfish motives and seeking leadership, they chose to be selfless and to continue to serve in whatever capacity they could. What stands out most for me is that without exception every one of the pioneers with whom I met and interacted came across as sincere, humble people. No task was too menial and no challenge was insurmountable for them. There are numerous accounts of elected officials of MSA National who were just as comfortable making motivational and informative speeches as they were setting up for events, serving food to attendees, and cleaning up after events. When called upon to lead, they lead in the Prophetic tradition, consulting one another, being merciful to one another, and most importantly, putting aside personal interests and ambitions in order to advance the well-being of their fellow students and indeed the Muslim community at large.

CELEBRATING THE MSA LEGACY

ENVISIONING A CONTINENT WIDE STUDENT ORGANIZATION

BY DR. ALTAF HUSAINSACRIFICES OF THE PIONEERING IMMIGRANTS

A


Early MSA Lecture1968 MSA, Illinois

Emulating Our PredecessorsOur generation and generations to come will be called upon to deal with unique and complex challenges. However, no matter how far we advance, and how successfully we deal with those challenges, we must never forget the sacrifices of those who came before us. We are sons and daughters of this continent and it is our turn to serve. Will we be able to maintain the state of that drop of water which ultimately turns into the waterfall? Will we instead evaporate, overcome with anxiety rather than putting forward our best efforts and trusting in Allah? Will we serve without being called upon and lead humbly if and when asked to do so? Will we be content with the tremendous human and financial resources with which we are blessed or will be turn in complaint, ungrateful to Allah? Envisioning a continent-wide student organization was the challenge our predecessors undertook and met. Our goal now should be to emulate our predecessors and in doing so, be at once grateful to them for what they accomplished with so little and build upon their foundation so that this blessed organization can serve Muslim students and the community at large for another five decades to come insha’Allah. •


“Trusting in Allah seems to have been at

the center of their early efforts”

1964 East Zone Conference, Philadelphia.Early MSA Lecture

1971 MSA Picnic

Early MSA Lecture

1966 MSA Group

1970 Conference

Early MSA Dinner

MSAs MAKE AN IMPACT

R AHID KHAN is about 10 years old. An orphan in Bangladesh, Rahid lives in poverty with his mother and sisters.

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, not to mention one of the poorest. And it’s where Rahid struggles to live a different childhood: one without iPods, allowances and a refrigerator stocked with ice cream and pizza rolls. For Rahid, it is a wonder where the money for any food to eat will come from.

That’s where his sponsor steps in.

Nazia Ahmed is the chair of the Orphan Drive, a program of Islamic Relief, an independent relief and development charity. Not to mention it’s an international four-star charity, according to Charity Navigators. Nazia works with Islamic Relief to raise awareness of the desperate situations of many of the world’s orphans. And she’s also Rahid’s sponsor.

For $1.10 a day (about $33 a month, less than many shoppers spend on one pair of shoes), Nazia is able to sponsor Rahid and says that others can do the same.

Nazia recounts a fated trip she took to Bangladesh to visit her grandmother. While there, she arranged to meet Rahid for the first time.

“When I first met him, he saluted me and gave me salaams!” Nazia says. “He’s like my baby.”

According to Nazia, she was surprised to hear that the simple dollar and change a day she sends can go a long way. “His mother told me, ‘Sister, you give $1.10 a day, but it doesn’t just feed Rahid. It feeds me and my two daughters.’”

Last Ramadan, the Drive’s title was Drive to Save Lives. The plan then was to get 250 sponsorships—a goal that was surpassed with over 400 instead. This year’s Orphan Drive theme, according to Nazia, is Give a Portion, Save an Orphan. The Drive’s goal is to get 2008 orphans sponsored in honor of the year 2008. A tall order, but the Drive coordinators aren’t

worried. In fact, some supporters assure them they’ll surpass the goal yet again.

“I’m very confident—I’m a little nervous—but confident that, God willing, we can meet the goal with God’s help,” Nazia says.

But why does the Orphan Drive not go into full swing until Ramadan?

“It is a season for giving and gives donors opportunity to help this cause,” Nazia says. “In Ramadan, the rewards are multiplied and donors take advantage of the blessed month through our program.”

“The best benefit is the extra rewards and blessings of the month of Ramadan,” says Keran Gaziani, another coordinator in the Orphan Drive. She said a lot of the work up until then (done in 22 field offices in 22 countries around the globe) is to get people involved. “The main target group is college MSAs, but many Islamic schools and even individuals join to participate in the drive.”

And according to Nazia, girl scouts, youth groups, and high schools MSAs are also involved. So is the Catholic Church, the Drive’s biggest donator.

“The idea behind this is not for these groups to sponsor orphans themselves but to go out into the community and raise those sponsorships,” Keran says. “We send them a starter kit with resources about the orphan program, orphan sponsorship forms as well as an orphan video DVD.”

So far, they’ve got over 100 organizations signed up.

“This is a terrific project for MSAs to get involved in,” Nazia says. The Orphan Drive is also looking for state and city representatives, responsible leaders to encourage the program and keep up with the amount of sponsorships in their area.

But she addresses some people’s concerns about charity. “Some people will be afraid their money won’t get to the right place. But with us, you know it’s going to the right place.”

The proof is in the mail.

Each sponsor will get sent a package of information on their orphan, receive annual progress reports, pictures and updates on the orphan. The sponsor may also write to or even visit their orphan. Each donor actually gets to pick the country of sponsorship, or even specify the sex of the orphan.

Nazia says there’s still a lot of work to do, but it’s a rewarding job.

“When an orphan gets sponsored, I get chills,” she says.

And it’s not the only job out there.

Another program is being lead in Toronto, Canada. At the University of Toronto, the Orphan Sponsorship Program (OSP), a volunteer student initiative, works tirelessly in the same cause as the Orphan Drive. And it has definitely paid off.

helping the

By Meha Ahmad

helpless


First established in 2003, the group raised more than $18,000 in just a month and a half, enabling them to sponsor 41 orphans. In the current fiscal year (2007-2008), the OSP has so far raised more than $60,000, according to founder Dr. Farhan Asrar. Since its inception nearly five years ago, the program has raised more than $205,000 total. And the dollars are going up.

According to Farhan, the program is currently sponsoring 120 orphans annually (through officially recognized and registered charities)

from 17 countries spanning four continents, making the OSP one of the most successful fundraising initiatives in Muslim youth fundraising history.

As founder, Farhan says his inspiration for starting OSP was just to seek God’s pleasure.

“[I wanted] to do whatever I could, fi sabi Lillah, to help and make a positive difference in the life of orphans and children. That was it, plain and

simple,” Farhan says. “I think what inspired me is what inspired others.”

What’s unique about OSP isn’t that it sponsors orphans, but that it is a continuous initiative consisting of intense, regular fundraising year after year. One of the most successful of its kind, it also maintains an emotional contact with the orphans sponsored.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said, “Whoever supports

an orphan from among his own or any other family, he will be as close to me in Heaven as these fingers are close to each other.”

Keeping this in mind, Farhan believes the plight of the orphan is one of the world’s saddest tragedies.

“I think all of us are aware of current world affairs; not only natural disasters but wars, conflict, religious/political divide,” Farhan says.

“It is very sad that children always face the brunt of it all.”

But with the mercy of God, a child can get sponsored and their situation may improve. And that’s what keeps both the Orphan Drive and the Orphan Sponsorship Program continue their work day after day.“Some of the orphans are in life and death situations,” Nazia says.

As for Rahid, Nazia plans to sponsor him until

he’s 18 and can support his family himself. She hopes to meet with Rahid again one day. “I can go to sleep knowing I helped someone.”

To learn more about the Orphan Sponsorship Program, visit www.Ospuoft.wordpress.com, or e-mail Farhan at [email protected]. To learn more about Islamic Relief ’s Orphan Drive (or if you’re interested in a state/city representative position), visit www.irw.org/orphandrive, or e-mail Nazia at [email protected]. •


“For $1.10 a day, Nazia is able to sponsor Rahid and says that others can do the same.”

http://www.justlongshirts.com/

organizational activities, and then to the campus and community. The examples below hopefully give you ideas of where to start.

1. RE-RETHINK RAMADAN ACTIVITIES.In the spirit of reducing food consumption during Ramadan, use it as a time to consume less in every aspect, and thereby be more eco-friendly. Think of it instead as a time for reflection and awareness and helping others. Most of the time we don’t realize that our consumption is not just about buying stuff at the store, but has a history. Where did the natural resources come from – perhaps a metal mine in Africa run by child labor? How they were put together – a sweatshop with workers barely making a living wage? And where they end up – in a toxic landfill near an economically blighted community? Ramadan, with its emphasis on limited food intake and spiritual reflection, is a good time to think about our consumption in general. To implement these ideas, last year, several of us, from all across the country, challenged ourselves to take part in a “buy nothing” Ramadan. This effort was an attempt to simplify our lives and redirect it to non-material activities (prayer, service, reflection). We agreed to go the entire month of Ramadan without buying anything but the essential food and personal items. You can visit the blog at http://ramadancompact.blogspot.com. The Compact taught us to be more conscious of our actions, combining very important aspects of our faith: spiritual reflection and improvement, with a concern for others – in this case the workers who put all this “stuff ” together, with a responsibility to

the natural world to not deplete its resources, unnecessarily.

Another project, started by the Rev. James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, is the idea of a “carbon fast.” He encouraged his congregation to take one action every day that will help reduce their carbon footprint. These actions can range from unplugging electronics when not in use, praying for those who suffer from environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change, to getting a your car tuned up to make sure it runs efficiently. Either of these initiatives provide fun, but challenging first steps to change our personal relationship to the environment.

2. IMPLEMENT A “WASTE-FREE” DINNER OR IFTAR.Moving to the organizational level, host a “waste free” MSA event. You all have probably seen the disproportionate waste at mosque and community dinners – Styrofoam everywhere, good food wasted, and tons of leftovers and no idea what to do with them. Try this out for an MSA dinner or iftar. Ask people to bring their own plates and utensils and set-up a place for them to wash things afterwards. Have people sort any compostable trash. These little things – for example, working together to wash dishes – are not only more environmentally friendly but also foster a sense of community. It’s not just eat, trash and leave.

For example, in Washington, DC, All Souls Unitarian Church started a zero trash lunch program in 2003. Zero trash means no disposable plates and utensils and also that

THE LAST ISSUE OF MSA LINK discussed how a connection to nature is intrinsic part of the Muslim’s way of life and proposed

a simple, first step to be a better steward or khalifa of the Earth. In this article, I’ll outline four ways to raise awareness of environmental issues in your MSA.

Start with a call to students on your campus – find those that have a passion for environmental issues. Get this group together and discuss your motivations or niyaah. I always find it interesting to see the different perspectives and reasons for individual involvement in environmental issues. Some people are motivated by an interest in science; some simply find contentment in the nature world and want to protect it; others are concerned about energy use and conservation. Discussing these ideas will give you a good sense of where to begin with your MSA “green” process.

When planning your activities, as always, be creative! Think outside the box, or rather, beyond the CFL light bulb. Set aside some time think about how your life is connected to and sustained by the bounties of the natural world. Start small – we didn’t reach our current situation in one day and we can’t change in just one either. Small also means adaptable and easy to organize. Keep it local, to see the effect of your actions in your community, and make it relevant to your campus, that is, connected to issues and concerns of the community. And link up, no need to reinvent the wheel!

Use these principles to as a guide to develop your own activities. Begin with the personal, move to

Putting your MSA on

By Sanjana Ahmad

THE GREEN PATH

MSAs MAKE AN IMPACT


food doesn’t go to waste. It started, with a lunch once per quarter, then moved to every week, on Sundays. The church estimates that, every week, 750 items are saved from being used once and thrown in trash. Not only does this save money, but it also keeps even more (unnecessary) stuff from ending up in landfills.

3. GET INVOLVED IN SUSTAINABILITY WORK ON YOUR CAMPUS.Many schools now have sustainability plans that attempt to make sure that the university and its operations are environmentally and socially responsible. Sustainability is generally defined as the ability to meet needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations. Activities in this area include green buildings, access to public transportation and pedestrian

and bike paths, reducing toxic material use (ex. in cleaning products and pesticides), requiring facilities to meet higher standards for energy efficiency, providing organic foods, developing green space (grass and trees!), recycling, etc. Find out what and how your school is doing in these areas by visiting the Sustainable Endowments Institute website. The Institute publishes a college sustainability report card, which examines the traditional areas of environmental responsibility, as well as financial practices in the areas of investment priorities, shareholder engagement, and endowment transparency. Both Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and Worldwatch Institute also maintain profiles of campus sustainability activities. Visit their websites to read up on what’s happening at your school. Link into these

efforts – this work can serve as an important entry-point to affect profound and lasting change on your campus and community, on both environmental and social issues.

4. CONNECT TO YOUR COMMUNITY.Moving to the community level, connect to environmental issues in your community through a service project. Help clean-up a park or neglected public space. Start a community garden on campus or in the community and sell or donate those vegetables. Help out with the landscaping at a local school, mosque or community center. Reach out to other groups championing common causes. And realize that local, small and relevant environmental activities can grow into sustainable efforts with a BIG impact. •


“Many schools now have sustainability plans that attempt to make sure that the university and its operations are

environmentally and socially responsible.”

http://www.deen-intensive.com/

Until 1992: Broken beer bottles, illegal drugs. One abandoned building.

1996: UMMA opens its doors, and new chapter begins for South L.A.

Today: A medical home for over 20,000 in the poorest community in Los Angeles

Twelve years ago, medical and graduate students from UCLA and Charles R. Drew University formed a student organization with the purpose of developing a clinic. Their determination drove them to serve a population with the highest uninsured rate and one of the poorest and most medically underserved regions in the United States. Apart from their ambitions, there is something else unique about this group.

They are Muslims.

The University Muslim Medical Association, commonly known as the (UMMA) Community Clinic offers free and low-cost primary medical services including everything

from pediatric to adult care; immunizations, specialty care services, an on-site laboratory, disease testing; direct referrals, to semi-annual health fairs. Perhaps surprisingly, no more than three percent of UMMA’s patient population is Muslim.

The clinic’s mission is “to promote the well-being of the underserved by providing access to high quality health care for all, regardless of ability to pay”. These are not merely words. Within the area the clinic serves, nearly 40% do not have a regular doctor and the occurrence of chronic diseases including hypertension, asthma, and diabetes is well above the national average. Moreover, 87% of the residents live below the federal poverty level. This already delicate situation continues to decline with the recent downsizing or closure of local health providers. In UMMA’s service region, there is only one general practice physician per 10,000 residents and four pediatricians per 100,000 residents. The federal government states that a physician-to-population ratio of one to 3,500 qualifies as a shortage. The ratio in UMMA’s area is nearly three times worse. In California, one out of three people do not have health insurance.

UMMA began with two staff members. The clinical staff now includes nearly 20 employees, with ten medical personnel and a growing management team. The clinic remains true to its volunteer roots, though it continues to be strongly supported by the volunteerism of students and physicians.

UMMA’s newest, ambitious three-year strategic plan includes almost doubling the number of patient visits annually. This can be accomplished by keeping the clinic open for additional hours weekly, hiring more staff, and modifying facilities to accommodate a broader range of services. According to UMMA staff, this critical expansion requires an additional $300,000 per year in operating costs, just part of its annual organizational budget of approximately $2 million. This Ramadan, UMMA launches a campaign titled “One More Day for South L.A.” to raise funds to achieve this goal.

An enthusiastic Dr. Rumi Abdul Cader believes this goal can be attained. “The Muslim American community has been extremely generous,” he says gratefully. Dr. Abdul Cader is one of the founding Board members of UMMA and has

Beyond Rhetoric:

UMMA Clinic in Action BY ASMA HUSSAIN

MSAs MAKE AN IMPACT


been a volunteer physician since 1996. After 12 years of Board service, he recently stepped down but remains active as an Advisory Board member and the clinic’s Medical Education Director. He is an Associate Professor at UCLA’s School of Medicine.

Dr. Abdul Cader attributes the clinic’s success to its caring nature. “Our biggest accomplishment has been showing the community here in LA, in the nation, and even the world, that Muslims care.” His sentiments are echoed by founding Board member and Advisory Board member Aisha Siddiq.

“With God’s help we will achieve this goal. The community—the Muslim community, the people in the residential area the clinic is located in and the community at large—have been very generous and supportive of the clinic. We have a great staff led by President/CEO Yasser Aman and Sharif Rosen who has been outstanding as a Community Relations Director reaching out to individuals and groups and promoting the great good the clinic has accomplished in the area and in the lives of so many people. We also have Hoori Sadler who as the Chair of the Fundraising Committee works tirelessly to raise

funds for the clinic to serve those in need of quality healthcare,” adds Siddiq. Additionally, the clinic has been supported by generous grants from governmental and private agencies. The city of Los Angeles has helped with capital development and the Kaiser Permanente Foundation and the California Endowment Foundation have funded staff and board development.

UMMA’s inspiring example has even won over major media and viewing audiences across the world. The clinic took top prize in the Documentary category for the “One Nation, Many Voices Online Film Contest” in early 2008. The contest was sponsored through Link TV, the first nationwide television channel dedicated to providing Americans with global perspectives on culture, news, and events. Their newest contest is currently open for submissions and is scheduled to close on September 26, 2008.

UMMA was a chosen charity in 2007 for MSA National’s $1 Campaign which raises funds for orphaned children and high quality healthcare for the underserved. This campaign launches with the vision and dream of every single

Muslim student in North America donating simply $1 in order to support our Muslim and non-Muslim brothers and sisters in need all around the world. MSA’s legacy is the representation and celebration of individuals—such as those involved with UMMA Clinic—who create and sustain meaningful impacts in the broader society.

UMMA clinic is perfectly named. UMMA is compassion. UMMA is the living Qur’an and Sunnah. UMMA clinic is Islam in action.

Piety does not consist in whether you face east or west during worship. True piety consists in… giving your wealth, for the sake of God, to your relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to wayfarers and to strangers…attending prayers and paying the poor-rate; being true to your promises; and being steadfast in times of distress, adversity and war. Those who show true piety, are genuine in their faith; they honour God. - Qur’an 2:177

For more information about UMMA, please visit www.ummaclinic.org. For more information about the One Nation, Many Voices contest, please visit http://www.linktv.org/onenation.. •


“Our biggest accomplishment has been showing the community here in LA, in the nation, and even the world, that Muslims care.”

This American Life, a radio station in Chicago, aired a show titled “The Devil in Me.” One compassionate story came from a young man named Sam Slaven from Indiana who was sent to Iraq in 2003. After his traumatic experiences abroad, he festered deep feelings of hatred and fear towards Muslims even after re-entering society in the United States. Slaven’s story describes the beginnings of his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and his resolve to fight against his prejudice of Muslims and Islam.

While in Iraq in October 2003, a platoon close to where Slaven was stationed was tricked into an ambush by a woman and child pretending to need help. Slaven says, “I’ve never seen anything like it even in a horror movie.” Two men from Slaven’s unit were killed that night. He describes the overwhelming fear and intense anger he felt whenever he saw Muslims. One year later he left Iraq and was stationed in Miami. However, he was constantly reminded of his past-the hot weather and palm trees resonated with the image of Iraq. In Miami, Slaven worked at a recruiting station.

Incidentally, there was a mosque between Slaven’s apartment and his station. He says, “I could physically see myself tense up. My heart would start pounding, it would make me angry” when he would see the mosque and Muslims. When he would see Muslims entering the mosque, he considered writing

down their license plate numbers so that he could track them.

Soon after, Slaven began having nightmares and experienced other signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One day, a presentation was being made to the young men who had been recruited, informing them that Iraq was not a bad place to be. Slaven sat in the back of the room, listening and thought, “We’re training people to lie to these kids.” He left the room and began crying. He describes that incident as the moment he hit his lowest point. As he sat in the room crying, he knew he could no longer continue in the army. He left and began treatment for PTSD.

In May 2006 at the age of 28, Slaven began taking classes at Parkland Community College in Champagne, Illinois. One day, he came across a bearded man in a hallway who looked Middle-Eastern and Slaven found himself wanting to physically hurt the student. He describes how his mind raced as he battled his physical desire to be violent while his mind was reminding him that he was no longer on the battlefield. Slaven was astonished at his reaction and thought, “What have I become?” As he sat in a classroom, he looked up and saw a poster declaring “Learn about Islam. Join the Muslim Students Association.” He decided to attend their next meeting and thought “maybe that would be good for me.” He says he “wanted to get back to the way he was-a better person.”

Slaven describes how he was sweating and trembling when he attended the meeting and he felt he was going to have a major anxiety attack. He saw that the male and females were sitting on opposite ends of the room. From his training in Iraq, he knew he should not sit with the females-but the door was closest to them. This was the first time he was outnumbered by Muslims since his time in Iraq. There, he saw the same student whom he had wanted to hurt in the hallway-Yusuf Radiv-founder and president of the MSA. He was also an Iraqi.

Muslims were also ambivalent about Slaven’s presence at the meeting. Some believed he was a spy for the government because Slaven asked many questions, including the origin of the students and how to spell their names. One student asked why he was there. He confessed that he was an Iraq war veteran and this was part of his self-prescribed therapy.

Approximately six weeks later, Slaven moved from sitting by the door. He asked questions to better understand Islam and dispel the incorrect information he had received. Soon, he became one of the most active members of the organization. Moreover, Yusuf and Slaven became very good friends, even spending time outside of the MSA. Slaven describes the amazement he felt when he realized that a Muslim man had become a friend-a genuine friend. •

Radio Review: THE DEVIL IN ME BY ASMA HUSSAIN

MSAs MAKE AN IMPACT


“This was the first time he was outnumbered by Muslims since his time in Iraq.”

Lena Khan was so stunned to hear the voice on the other end of the phone that she had to pull over while driving on the highway to attend the call. It was Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, congratulating the young woman on her achievement as the Grand Prize Winner for the “One Nation, Many Voices Online Film Contest.” Lena, 24, was awarded $20,000 for her “A Land Called Paradise” submission along with an additional $5,000 for her winning film titled “Bassem is Trying” in the Under 60 Seconds category.

The “One Nation, Many Voices Online Film Contest” was designed to educate others about the American-Muslim experience. This contest was sponsored through Link TV, the first nationwide television channel dedicated to providing Americans with global perspectives on culture, news, and events. Launched in December 1999, Link TV is currently available as a basic service in over 29 million homes in the United States.

Judges for the contest included philanthropist Sara Abbasi, actor/activist Danny Glover, journalist Mariane Pearl--also the widow of Wall Street reporter Daniel Pearl who was kidnapped and killed in 2002 by terrorists in Pakistan, and Azhar Usman, comedian and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed “Allah Made Me Funny-the Official Muslim Comedy Tour.”

The six categories in the contest included Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Animation/Music, Youth 18 and under, and Under 60 seconds.

Two-time winner Khan, who was born in Canada but lives in California, thought she had a good chance of winning the Under 60 Seconds

category but had no intention of winning the grand prize. She came to learn about the contest after receiving emails from her friends as word spread through “Muslimland” of the opportunity. After receiving the same email about ten times, she gave the contest a serious consideration.

Khan graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with an undergraduate degree in political science and history after which she attended the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television as a film major in 2007. She is currently employed in film development and is pursuing her passion for making independent feature films about social justice issues. Khan’s latest production is a psychological drama which points to the underlying inadequacies of the juvenile justice system. The misunderstanding of Muslims is one theme close to Khan’s heart but she points to the importance of “not being too preachy” and in order to prevent such a message, some of her films revolve around “real and normal people who happen to be Muslim.” In May 2008, Khan received the South Asian Excellence Award by Sony Entertainment Television for the field of entertainment.

Khan’s interest in social justice extends far beyond her documentaries. She has been actively involved with her local Muslim Students’ Association (MSA), was a publisher for the Al-Talib news magazine, and Director of the Mentors for Academic and Peer Support (MAPS). She is currently on the board of her local mosque and also teaches Arabic there.

In December 2007, Khan set up a blog inviting Muslims to answer the question of what they

Hela Kotob University of lllinois at Urbana-Champaign A graduate who majored in history (pre-medicine), Hela will research the perception of death in Syria. She plans to research how Syrian history has shaped end-of-life decisions, investigate how medical students are taught ethics, and observe how doctors practice them. Upon returning to the U.S., Hela hopes to pursue a medical degree and begin practicing medicine domestically and internationally (News Bureau,

MSAer Named Grand Prize Winner in Film Competition

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). During her undergraduate studies, Hela was an active member of her MSA chapter and served on the MSA board for 2 years.

Khadijeh Zarafshar Georgetown University A graduate of Georgetown, Khadijeh was selected to receive a Fulbright award to Malaysia. As an English major with a minor in Arabic, she will teach English as a foreign language and study religious

identity and the state-sponsored religious court system in Malaysia’s multiethnic, multireligious society (Georgetown University, Office of Communications). Khadijeh also played a crucial role in Georgetown University’s MSA chapter by serving as Treasurer and Vice President.

Congratulations on your achievements! To feature the achievements of exemplary Muslim students in the next edition of MSA Link please contact [email protected]

would like to say to the rest of the world. She also visited several mosques to pose the same question to the members. Khan received over 2400 responses and found many recurring themes of which many were related to hijab and politics. Most were submitted through her blog and many were anonymous, including the surprising ones she received about the person who cheated his way through high school and the person whose suicidal ideations were inhibited by Islam. Others however are actual respondents who were invited to share their response in Khan’s film such as the couple who fell in love and did not have an arranged marriage.

Lena Khan attributes her numerous accomplishments to her trust in Allah. She notes the importance of maintaining a good intention and says “Put your trust in Allah and He will give it back to you.”

For more information regarding the contest, Link TV, and other winners of the competition, please visit http://www.linktv.org/onenation. •

Muslim Students Awarded Fulbright Scholarships BY ZAINAB KHAN

BY ASMA HUSSAIN

SPOTLIGHT ON MUSLIM STUDENTS


THE MOON STANDS in the sky and shines its brightness on us all. Every once in a while, something massively

extraordinary and much more impressive, namely the sun, will eclipse it.

It would take a heck of a lot to eclipse this Moon.

Atif Moon has his own impressive traits and extraordinary accomplishments to feel proud of. He was the finance director of his Muslim Student Association at UCLA before graduating college in 2007. He’s got a B.S in economics, he’s interned at the White House, Fox Sports and the marketing and promotion team for the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. He excels in the world of sports, especially swimming and tennis, where he’s won numerous successes. And just last April, the California Junior Chambers gave him the Outstanding Young Californian award, making him the first Muslim American to receive it. He currently is enjoying his job in the page program at NBC, one of the biggest networks in the country, and a job that was once filled by the likes of Ted Koppel and Regis Philbin. Atif is also working to master Kung Fu.

Oh, and he’s also a cancer survivor.

Atif, 22, has lived his life in a wheelchair,

but he doesn’t consider himself disabled. Instead, he feels he has advantages rather than disadvantages because of it, and looking at his track record of accomplishments, who can argue?

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at just one month old, Atif was given no chance of survival by doctors, his father, Munir Moon, says. But numerous dangerous surgeries to remove the tumor from his spinal cord and place a steel rod in his back has helped him have a chance at life. And he’s made the most of the opportunity.

“There’s a lot of things I can do,” Atif says. “Just because I’m disabled doesn’t mean I can’t. There are people more disabled than I am, and they can do so much.”

What seems to have set off the never-ending cycle of success is Atif ’s parents. When Atif was still a child, his father, Munir, and stepmother, Elena, agreed that they never wanted him to feel at a disadvantage or feel like a victim.

“We never wanted him to feel like ‘I can’t do this,’” Elena says.

So, wanting him to participate in something healthy and character-building, they encouraged him at a very young age to take part in sports. At six years old, Atif was learning tennis, a sport suited for him since it requires

a lot of upper-arm strength. Over the years, with hard work,

determination, c o u n t l e s s

training sessions and the occasional

competitive game with his now 13-year-old brother

Jamal at the local tennis court, Atif would excel so far in tennis as to rank No. 7 in the nation in wheelchair tennis. He now plays in a more advanced division.

“I still continue to play,” Atif says about his recent games

of tennis. “I’m working my way up.”

God willing, Atif will work his way up to

the Olympics.

SPOTLIGHT ON MUSLIM STUDENTS

The Paralympics, that is, which is an olympics for athletes with disablities. The games host nearly 4,000 athletes from across the globe.

“That’s one of my goals in 2012, insha’Allah, to be in the Paralympics,” Atif says. He knows which of his many sport interests he would participate in, of course. “Playing tennis.”

Dreaming big has always panned out for this California native. Described by family members as tenacious, “never one to complain,” humble and the three Ps–”persistent, patient, and pleasant”–Atif has used his traits to achieve his ultimate goal: independence.

He says that having to depend on others early on in life to do things, like getting dressed or chauffeur him from place to place, instilled a deep desire to gain a freer life. What many take for granted, Atif had to earn. And hard work pays off.

“Independence,” Atif says of the life he leads now. “That’s what I’m most proud of. Living on my own. Being able to travel [on my own].” Atif lives in his own apartment in the North Hollywood area of Los Angeles. He also drives himself around now. Driving since he was 17, Atif has a hand control on his Toyota Matrix in order to brake. “A lot of these things I didn’t think I could do, but my dad encouraged me and I tried it and it worked.”

His father also encouraged Atif to intern in our nation’s capital. Munir is the founder of Center For Global Understanding (centerforglobalunderstanding.org), a non-profit where he’s spearheaded a program to get young Muslim students to intern in Washington, D.C and “cultivate the next generation of leaders.” Like his older brother Amar, Atif gained his internship through the program. But to ask Munir, it would seem his son was the real motivation all along. “He was the inspiration behind the program,” Munir says and adds, “Atif is an inspiration to all.”

Every father usually has hopes, expectations for his son’s future: a mental blueprint for how his life can turn out. But Munir doesn’t hold his children to how he thinks they should live. In fact, his advice to parents is for them to help their children be the best in their field, whatever it may be. And as for Atif, Munir seems pretty unworried.

THIS MOON RISES HIGHER AND HIGHER

The story of an extraordinary MSAer

BY MEHA AHMAD


“Sky is the limit for Atif,” his father says. “We just watch him grow and feel blessed for Atif being Atif and us having the opportunity to be a part of his life.”

But Munir isn’t the only proud and gushing parent.

As Atif ’s stepmother, Elena says she never hesitated in wanting to become a part of her stepson’s life. “I met him for the first time when he was four years old. He was in this tiny little wheelchair-he was so cute! It was one of those situations where I just fell in love with him,”

Atif ’s stepmom says fondly. But she continues in wisdom: “Sometimes you just look at something and Allah makes it pleasant to your eyes. He colors things for you. I look at it as a kind of guidance.”

Elena goes on to say, “I feel blessed and privileged to be a part of his life. I feel like I have learned a lot of about humanity. I feel blessed by Allah through this child. I feel like what I get in return is even more precious.”

When it comes to her own dreams for him, Elena says, “My goals for Atif are the same for all my children, insha’Allah. ... He should enjoy what everybody else is enjoying.” To succeed in their careers, to enjoy life, and eventually have a family, she explains.

As for the future, it’s anyone’s guess what Atif will see fit to accomplish next. But he has some idea of where he wants to go. Atif says he’s considering going to grad school, perhaps for business or law

or even a sports manager program.

“I’m still trying to figure it out. But I know I want to go to grad school,” he says, adding that his dream job would be to work in the front office of a sports team. “Maybe working for the Lakers.”

And who knows? If the other things he’s tackled is any indication, he probably will.

Considering what advantages he has over able-bodied people, Atif lightly says “cool perks” like special parking spots and special seating

at places are fun, but what he really considers an advantage is the opportunity to set an example.

“I think with the situation I am in and the things I have been able to do, I feel like I have been able to inspire others disabled or able bodied people to show them that nothing is impossible,” he says. “Hopefully, that has encouraged others to do things they are passionate about or stay positive about life.” •


“Just because I’m disabled doesn’t mean I can’t.”

http://www.centerforglobalunderstanding.org/

MSA MOMENTS

MSAmoments


I remember feeling the frustration. Another day of negative media attention, splashed across headlines and television with labeled “Muslims” behaving in ways I never thought imaginable--in ways I never saw my own Muslim community ever behave. MSA for me was the belief that this community can do better when it unifies to speak with one voice, a voice of justice and respect. I remember joining MSA and finally feeling empowered after years of frustration as a young student. Finally, I could find a group of individuals who were striving for the same cause and effectively organizing positive programming and volunteer events. The MSA is at the heart of my activism and deep connection to the community at large and it has helped me stay true to who I am. I will always remember being a mere freshmen, absorbing the wise words of my former MSA President: “The ummah of the Prophet (AS) did not exist in his mind. It existed in the real world, with its own negotiations and with its own problems. If you ignore MSA in your area, how will you ever be ready for the larger community?” That day, my MSA President ensured that I would be an MSAer for life. - Yasmin Elhady, UCLA Law

Thank to MSA I never had any difficulties performing my prayers on campus. The vibrant sisterhood in my local chapter and the presence of the prayer room was effective in helping me find my way to perform my daily prayers. In the MSA I built strong and lasting ties with my sisters who served as reminders for me to do what was just. The MSA also helped me to develop an audible voice and provided me with a platform to represent my needs and perspectives on various issues. I am thus eternally grateful to MSA for being a part of my university experience. - Fatouma Khaire, University of Ottawa

We often hear people discussing how difficult it is transitioning from a laid back high school lifestyle to a more demanding university lifestyle. Depending on our character, most of us end up merging in quite nicely. The question that often comes to mind is, what is it that we seek in order to feel this sense of stability throughout our years of “university life”?

As we progress in our lives and studies, we find ourselves maturing over the years. This instills confidence in ourselves as we progressively begin to see where our lives are headed, hence a partial contributor to stability. The most effective factors that I believe will ensure us stability are the friendships that we establish.

Throughout my years as a university student, I often found myself inevitably aiding the MSA with their activities. In doing so, I have met many people who are now among my closest and most well-respected friends.

What I find fascinating about my experience with the MSA is that I was able to realize that the source of this stability that we all long for is found when we are among the people who constantly remind us of Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian, The Preserver), Allah (swt).- Anonymous brother

http://www.sunnipath.com/msalink/

2008-2009MSA NATIONALEXECUTIVECOMMITTEE

This past spring you voted in the MSA National officers for the 2008-2009 school year. They look forward to serving you this year. In late June they met in Herndon, VA to discuss the new activities and projects for MSA chapters and MSA members. The Executive Committee for the coming year is:

President: Asma Mirza [email protected]

Ex-officio: Mohamed Sheibani [email protected]

Vice President USA: Randa [email protected]

Vice President Canada: [email protected]

Treasurer: Danish [email protected]

East Zone USA Rep: Tauqeer [email protected]

Central Zone USA Rep: Nura [email protected]

West Zone USA Rep: Yasmin [email protected]

East Zone Canada Rep: Kareem [email protected]

West Zone Canada Rep: Samir [email protected]

By Zainab Khan

For most college seniors, the final year of college is filled with many questions. What do I want to do for the rest of my life? Have I made the most of my college experience? And for some – What will I do after MSA?

The answer is simple: Anything (God Willing!)

MSA National’s mission is to support local chapters and the individual Muslim student. This dual focus translates into an effort to train future leaders and set-up Muslim students for success. Long before reaching the professional world, MSA members organize interfaith dialogs, manage

budgets, build and lead teams, and work with multiple groups with varying viewpoints. Post-graduation, these amazingly talented individuals go on to run social organizations, become artists, join the world of academia, work for leading corporations, and become entrepreneurs.

To me, that is the true legacy of MSAs, MSUs, Islamic Societies and MSA National: People. The goal of any MSA is not to hold as many events as possible or have the same leadership for decades, but to facilitate networking and develop the best people possible.

This legacy is perhaps most apparent in today’s leading American and Canadian organizations. Local and National MSA workers formed ICNA, ISNA, and MAS. The UMMA Clinic, a free clinic in Los Angeles, traces its roots back to the UCLA MSA.

At a recent lecture, Dr. Seyyed Hossein Nasr fondly recalled his involvement with the Harvard Islamic Society. MSA volunteer Isra Bhatty, featured in the Spring/Summer 2008 Edition of the MSA Link, became a Rhodes Scholar, one of the highest international academic awards. And former MSA members helped draft the “Fatwa Against Terror”, a declaration by the North American Fiqh Council condemning all acts of terrorism.

Unlike organizations that strive to retain their members, an MSA inherently losses members every year, and gains new members every year. While tough, the transition from MSA life to post-MSA life is perhaps a true test of an MSAer. We’ve been blessed with the experience and training we need to make a difference in our local and national communities. The question for each of us is will we maintain that MSA spirit in the next phase of our lives.

Asma MirzaPresidentMSA National

NEWS FROM NATIONAL

letter from thepresident


It SEEMS THAT THESE DAYS, Muslims often discuss how increasingly divided our Ummah is becoming. Whether it

is on grounds of nationality, school of thought, or what day the indecisive moon decides to finally show its face, the undeniable truth is that more unification in the North American Muslim community is greatly needed. As we get farther away from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) with every passing year, as does our focus from the fundamental values of our great religion. At this year’s MSA National Zonal conferences, Muslim students across the continent discovered that in order for our continental community to be truly united, we must strengthen the three essential elements in our lives that bind us together: Faith, Family, and Community.

MSA National’s Zonal Conferences this year took place in New Jersey for East Zone USA (April 4-6); Mississauga, Ontario for East Zone Canada (May 24-25); St. Louis, Missouri for Central Zone USA (March 28-30); and Winnipeg, Manitoba for West Zone Canada (May 30-31). Complete with main sessions, informational workshops, and entertainment, each conference remained consistent in its goals to emphasize the theme,

Ties that Bind: Faith, Family, and Community, and provide a dynamic schedule of events for all participants.

There were six main sessions presented throughout the span of 2 or 3 days, conducted by prominent scholars and revered members of the North American Muslim community. Subjects ranged from the ideal character of the Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him) and Islamic etiquette, to what to look for in a potential mate and how to remain in a unified Muslim environment post-college. There were also training sessions by COMPASS, MSA National’s management training program, on topics such as gender relations, conflict-resolution, and succession planning. The workshops in-between highlighted various projects of Task Forces, such as Project Downtown and Islamic Awareness Week, as well as topics including: career planning, civil rights, collectivist voting, and the rise of Islamic civilizations. With titles such as “Pleadin’ the 5th,” “M.D vs. PhD: Where do you Stand Today?” and “Dueling and Dealing with Desires,” the workshops were not shy of confronting issues that affect the new generation of Muslims in our ever-evolving society.

Looking Back: 2008 ZONAL CONFERENCES

BY SORAYA SALAM

NEWS FROM NATIONAL


Additional features included in the conferences varied between zones. For example, at the Central Zone conference in St. Louis, there was a workshop discussing how to bridge the generational and cultural gap between the younger generation and their parents. The East Zone conference, the largest of the four, conducted a workshop on the story of the Virginia Tech massacre. Some of the conferences also provided ‘career networking’ breakfasts that enabled students to interact with professionals and gain advice about the job market.

True to its mission, MSA National’s Zonal Conferences not only gave its attendees insight into a series of Islamic topics, but also provided young Muslim students with validation and a stronger identity. Let’s face it, there isn’t anything more empowering than being around other young Muslims who live where ideals contrary to Islamic traditions are commonplace, yet still invest time and dedication to increasing their faith. Learning collectively about methods to strengthen ones faith, family, and community embodies the theme of this year’s Zonal Conferences in itself. After all, Holding tightly onto the rope of God has more to do with why you are grasping it in the first place. •

“Learning collectively about methods to strengthen ones faith, family, and community embodies the theme of this year’s Zonal Conferences in itself.”

NEWS FROM NATIONAL


Looking Back: 2008 ZONAL CONFERENCES

http://www.alimprogram.com/programs/isl_home.shtml

Like many in my generation, the events of September 11th, 2001 profoundly changed the way I approach my life.

While I shared the sadness and anger that had taken over the national mood, I found myself defending my faith in an effort to separate the beauty of Islam from the fallacies of those who call themselves Muslim. What immediately took over me was a profound sense of helplessness that dwarfed all other feelings. I was as upset as anyone I knew, and yet I felt attacked. There seemed to be no support from any public figures, as defending Muslims was often equated with defending the terrorists.

And yet in the middle of the anti-Muslim hysteria that followed the tragic events of that day, I found inspiration. While nearly all of the members of the House of Representatives and ninety-nine percent of the Senate hastily passed legislation referred to as the United States Patriot Act (which employed racial profiling against American Muslims in particular), Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) voted against it.

This legislation was so powerful, both symbolically and in practice, and it put a spotlight on the authority that our elected officials hold. It also highlighted how some are able to stand above the fray and take a position that is truly principled. This despite the fact that, in the weeks after the attacks, it was politically risky for anyone to vote against legislation that included the word “patriot” in the title.

At that point, I realized that I was tired of talking. I was done complaining about the bias of the media and the lack of politicians who reached out to Muslims. My helplessness no longer felt justified, as I had begun to recognize what needed to be done.

Our democratic system of governance provides incredible power to our elected officials to shape both legislation and public opinion. This same system allows the people awesome authority over who serves in these elite positions. As a young Muslim searching for ways to feel empowered (for both me and my community,) I knew this is where my answer lied.

As a principle that is steeped in political reality, elected officials care deeply about the issues important to those who can help them stay in office. The communities that have become most successful in effecting the policies promoted by our government officials recognize this fact. They understand that getting involved in the political process is paramount if you want politicians to respect the interests of your community. Recognizing this comes with the realization that at least some of the blame for the less-than-desirable situation American Muslims find themselves in is our own fault. While there is still undeniable media bias, as well as prejudices that many of us experience on a consistent basis, there is more that we could be doing. Like other flourishing communities who have faced deep-seated bigotry, if American Muslims make a greater commitment to organizing ourselves, we can become similarly empowered.

I understand that to some, these hopes seem overly idealistic. Certainly, there is no debating that we live in a nation with entrenched interests, both domestically and abroad. Thus, there is room for cynicism. In other words, while the nearly universal majority cares deeply about what happens in and to this nation, they wonder if there is any room left for Muslims to have any true influence.

MSAs IN SOCIETY

The answer is an emphatic and unwavering YES.

According to the extensive 2007 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, eligible Muslims vote in embarrassingly below-average numbers. Why do I list this statistic? Because it underscores why Muslims do not get the level of political attention we seek. However, it also illustrates how much room for improvement our community has. When coupled with the fact that the great majority of the at least 2.5 million Muslims in America are under the age of forty, the possible influence Muslims could have in the coming election years is incredibly encouraging.

Because our community is so young and growing at an extraordinary pace, there has never been a better time for Muslims to step up their political involvement. This election year also offers at least one candidate, Barack Obama, whose experiences and message uniquely position him to speak to the interests of, and excite, American Muslims.

What we do this year will set the tone for our community’s position in American society for years to come. We must be willing to volunteer on the campaign of our liking, prepared to open our wallets and invest in our futures, and change the political culture of our community. And if you are a student, sign up for the MSA National’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Coalition www.msanational.org/projects/gotv.

Muslims in this nation are not helpless. However more than anyone else, it is up to us to ensure the progress of our own community. •

Empowering the Muslim Community: REFLECTIONS FROM A SUPER DELEGATE

BY AWAIS KHALEEL

A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Awais Khaleel served as the Vice President of the College Democrats of America from July 2006 until August 2008 and was a pledged superdelegate for Senator Barack Obama. He has also been a staff member for a half dozen political campaigns and organizations. He currently serves as an advisor on the MSA National Get Out the Vote (GOTV) campaign.

MSAs IN SOCIETY


As FALL SEMESTER ROLLS around, most students begin to think about the summer opportunities

available to them. Many students turn to jobs and internships to give them the professional experience necessary for success after graduation. However, some prospects offer an intangible benefit that lasts well beyond the confines of professional life. The American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM)’s Summer Program, Fawakih Arabic Intensive and Rihla are just a few of several summer Islamic studies programs that expose Muslims to the true beauty of Islam.

Attracting students of every imaginable age group, ALIM is unique in its ability to deconstruct the manner in which students approach religion, forcing them to reflect upon what they knew, how they practice, and what it means on a broader context. With some students fresh out of high school and others past the age of retirement, ALIM offers unique opportunity for a wide subset of the Muslim population to learn from one another’s unique experiences and unite on shared values. Often, older students are able to offer insight into life experiences and mentor younger students through their most difficult times.

The one-month getaway serves as an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing students to learn in an atmosphere safety and forming community through the classroom and social opportunities. The program’s curriculum is as

unique as its premise, forcing students to shed the incorrect, culturally-infused practices that so often are claimed as doctrine and learn to assess true beliefs critically. ALIM students tear down the basis of what they know and how they learned it, constructing a new foundation based on Quran, Sunnah (Prophetic traditions), and the Islamic sciences. The newly-created foundation is built stronger from the ground up, seemingly unshakeable compared to its predecessor.

Attracting some of the foremost scholars around the U.S., and in some instances abroad,

the program offers a unique opportunity to interact with and ask questions to some of the leading minds in the Muslim community. The core ALIM scholars, Imam Muneer Fareed, Dr. Sherman Jackson, and Sheikh Ali Suleiman Ali, offer the bulk of the instruction. However, guest scholars from various organizations and various fields who are both classically and academically trained. Scholars challenge students to think beyond conventionally means and teach students not to put faith on “auto-pilot,” but to instead live it actively. Scholars offer students a new appreciation for Islam, instilling in them the concept that Islam is not a mechanical experience, but a way of life that requires us to know why we practice, understand its value, and practice with enhanced sincerity. As one ALIM student said in a reflection, “…it is extremely difficult to walk away from this experience without being eternally changed.”

MSAs IN SOCIETY

BY MOAZZAM AHMED, SAIF OMAR, FARHA TAHIR AND ZAINAB KHAN

The Fawakih Arabic Intensive is another program available to Muslim students. Their Curriculum Team has worked hard surveying students and instructors alike to create a unique and innovative approach to learning the Arabic language and the Quran. The mission is simple: to make a deep understanding of Quran accessible to as many Muslims as possible. As a highly subsidized program, Fawakih aims to reach out to Muslim students and professionals at affordable rates through the existence of generous grants. The Fawakih experience is priceless, and as one student expressed, “[it] is probably the most comprehensive Quranic

Arabic program in the U.S. The teachers are dedicated, extremely knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful.”

Yet another program is the Rihla summer program to the blessed cities of Makkah and Medina. This program is led by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf from the Zaytuna Institute along with scholars including Shaykh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Abdullah Al-Kadi and Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad amongst others. The Rihla program integrates intensive study, tours and workshops. Amongst the highlights of this program is the opportunity for sisters and brothers alike to pray in the Rawda of the Prophet’s Mosque, a tour of the various mosques of Medina and the opportunity to perform Umrah. One former attendee reflects that, “in attending the Rihla I learned who the Prophet was. What greater blessing could I ever ask for?” •


MSA’s Guide to NORTH AMERICAN BASED SUMMER PROGRAMS

It is extremely difficult to walk away from this experience without being eternally changed.”

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Islamic Studies

Suffa Islamic Seminary -Arabic Dallas, TXDuration: 2 monthsMonths: June-Julywww.suffa.org

ALIM- American Learning Institute for MuslimsLivonia, MichiganDuration: 1 monthMonths: July-Augustwww.alimprogram.com

Arabic

Darul Qasim Institute - Arabic Chicago, ILDuration: 1 monthMonths: Junewww.darulqasim.org

Zaytuna Institute Arabic Intensive Berkeley, CADuration: 8 weeks Months: June-Augustwww.arabicintensive.org

Middlebury – Arabic Summer Session Middlebury, VermontDuration: 6-9 weeksMonths: June – Augustwww.middlebury.edu/academics/ls/arabic

Fawakih Quranic Arabic Intensive Indianapolis, INDuration: 1 monthMonths: June-Julywww.fawakih.com

Internship

ISNAPlainfield, IN & Washingston, DCDuration: 3 monthsMonths: June-Augustwww.isna.net

Karamah Lawyers for Human RightsWashington, DC Variouswww.karamah.org

CAIRDuration: Various Months: Summerwww.cair.com

Muslim Public Service Network Washington, DCDuration: 3-4 months Months: Summerwww.muslimpublicservice.org

Muslim Public Affairs Councils Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CADuration: 3-4 months Months: Summer and Year-rounwww.mpac.org

Centre for Global UnderstandingWashington, DC Duration: Various Months: Summer and Year-roundwww.centerforglobalunderstanding.org

IIIT Summer Internship Program Herndon, VADuration: 2 monthsMonths: June-Julywww.iiit.org

Short-term

Almaghrib InstituteAcross North AmericaDuration: 2 weekends Months: Variouswww.almaghrib.org

Tazkiya Retreatwith Shaykh Mokhtar MaghraouiAdriondak Mountains, NYDuration: 1-2 weeksMonths: Junewww.zawiyah.net

Darul HikmahDes Plains, ILDuration: 3 days Months: Maywww.darulhikmah.com

Travelling

Deen Intensive Foundation – Rihla to MedinaMakkah and Medina, Saudi ArabiaDuration: 1 month Months: Julywww.deenintensive.com

Muslim Study AbroadMalaysia, UAEDuration: 1 monthMonths: Summerwww.muslimstudyabroad.com


Nawawi FoundationVarious countries around the worldDuration: 2-3 weeks Months: Augustwww.nawawi.org

MSA

MSA National Continental ConferenceColumbus, Ohio(Rotates cities around the USA)Duration: 2-3 DaysMonths: Augustwww.msanational.org

Distant Learning

Sunnipath AcademyOnline www.sunnipath.com

Seekers MediaOnlinewww.seekersmedia.com/shop Islamic American UniversityOnlinewww.islamicau.org

Arees InstituteOnlinewww.arees.org

MSA National Key Lessonsfor MSA WorkersConference calls and onlinewww.msanational.org/events/conferencecalls

New Islamic DirectionsOnlinewww.newislamicdirections.com

Zaytuna Institute Distant LearningOnlinewww.zaytuna.org/distancelearning.asp

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Ibada (worship) groups? As we sit with others to study, we can also rely on others to help us worship Allah! The group is blessed and the lone sheep is always the first to get eaten. Thus, we should build on the relationship we built during finals and do the same for worship.

3. Reaching out to people of other faiths: many of us will be working with people of other faiths during this time. Use this as a means to build shared bridges and clarify the misconceptions of Islam that many people have. Every word you speak, every step you take and every effort you make towards treating people well and being a positive role model links you with the efforts of the Companions of the noble Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him) and those after them in spreading this noble message. Thus, try and avoid falling into the crowd, using rude language, harming others or doing something forbidden. But upright and set a positive example for others.

4. Build a strong inner relationship with Allah. At the end of the day your talents and success are from Allah. Could you imagine a baby at birth speaking a language fluently, understanding the nuances of religious law and having a number of miracles at its hand? How would you react? Would, that baby not have a license to feel a little arrogant and think “Yeah I can talk, I can quote this and that and I can cause the dead to come back to life?” This actually happened, at least the first part. But this baby, the first thing he said was, “I’m the servant of Allah” and that baby was Jesus (peace and blessings of God be upon him). Thus, let’s not get carried away with our success and lose focus on who we are. Rather, use this opportunity to build strong faith in your hearts. On the way to the exam perform the prayer of need, engage in the remembrance of God and ask God to help you. When you start your exam, begin it in the name of God, and when you complete it, say “Praise to God.” Increase your supplication and plead to God to make things easy for you and to open your heart. Ask Him to use you for good, be sincere and shed tears when you feel He has blessed you.

5. Examinations afford you the opportunity to work on two important qualities:1. Trust in God2. Hard work in this worldBoth go together and it is important to put forth an effort that will merit great results and, at the same time, for you to trust in Allah. Finals

gives us the opportunity to apply, what I call, the Abu Hurairah (may God have mercy upon him) model because he relied upon Allah and he worked very hard to get his share of narrations from the Prophet.

6. Remember that there is a greater examination awaiting you: Many of us will spend five to six hours taking tests. However, there is a Day that awaits us where we might, may God have mercy upon us, stand for thousands of years! Thus, this final [the meeting with God], is, indeed, the true final. As we fear standing in front of our teachers and the test itself, let us remember the standing in front of Allah! This is a Day where the young will become old, women will drop their loads and parents will disown their children. Thus, think. Think hard about it. Are you ready? Would you pass the first question “How were your prayers?” What makes this final more difficult is it is a take home exam. Not only do we have a few days to prepare, but Allah has given us a few years [if we are lucky] to prepare for it and He, out of His mercy, has given us the answers. “The first thing the slave will be asked about is his/her prayers. If they are sound, everything else will be sound. If they are corrupted, then everything else is corrupted.” That narration gives us the first question that awaits us. Thus, dear brother and dear sister I address you with my love and concern for you, “How are your prayers?” “How is your relationship with Allah?” The Prophet was asked, “When will be the Hour?” His response, “What did you prepare for it?” Thus, dear brother and dear sisters, let us ask ourselves now, “What have we prepared for it?”.

And that is the final lesson and, indeed, the most important. •

We dedicate so much time and money to go to college and work tirelessly because we know that the reward

(e.g., getting a six figure salary after college) will be there. During finals week, we are more focused than ever, shunning aside anything that will distract us from getting good grades. We need to bring all of this focus and dedication into our deen as well. Just as we know that the nice paying job is awaiting us after we graduate, we should be sure of Allah’s promise to us and strive towards bettering ourselves as Muslims and human beings. Allah has promised in the Quran, “But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness,- we shall soon admit them to gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,-to dwell therein forever. Allah’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah’s?” (Quran, 4:122).

A few lessons to keep in mind are:

1. I remember my exam days from when I lived in the United States: sleepless nights, lots of caffeine and plenty of predawn prayers in the mosque. It was so amazing that outside of those times I would find it so hard to pray in the night, make supplication, fast and struggle in worship. But, when exams rolled around I became a 24 hours per day test maniac, making nearly unbelievable sacrifices for my exams. Although, this might seem negative at first, I would like to think that it means we can do it! If you can stay up, work like crazy, live off of coffee and struggle for a week towards success in this temporal world, then surely you can struggle a little for the Hereafter. You have the potential; it just needs to be redirected towards Allah. Thus, the first lesson we learn from this time is one related to potential and priorities. If the goal is beloved to the person, he will put forth great effort and feel very little stress. Thus, after this time, try and set a program for yourself that is related to worship. Spend, at least one night a week, worshipping Allah, serving Him and drawing nearer to him.

2. Many might be saying, “That is not easy.” Indeed, there is no doubt that such an effort requires assistance. For that reason we can take a lesson from our study groups. Why not make

BY IMAM SUHAIB WEBB AND ZUBAIR KHAN

INCREASE YOUR

DURING FINALS FAITH

SEEKING FROM SCHOLARS


and the human will the only measure of all things good and bad, divinely based human rights, at least among western religions, make God central to all things human and His will the measure of all things good and bad. Secular human rights have much to be proud of, I admit, but they have failed us in some significant ways, of which perhaps the genocides of the twentieth century are the best examples. Divinely based human rights have for the most part stood the test of time, but they too stand humbled if not humiliated by the countless pogroms and internecine purges perpetrated in the name of God.

With regard to Islam, there’s both the good and the bad. The sacred texts uphold the rights of all human beings to life and liberty, to equality before the law, to social and economic rights, and to the right to religious freedom. They cover everything from the rights and the obligations of parents and children, to the duties owed to the disabled, to the ethics of warfare, and the humane treatment of enemy combatants. This was not quite the Magna Carta, or the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I admit, but for the era, these standards were without equal. Muslim history, however, had an enormous influence on the interpretation and application of these texts; they often softened or hardened in tandem with the level of hostility that prevailed between Islam and its neighbors.

As for those rights owed to God, these, on closer examination, actually hinge on the fulfillment of human rights as well. The five

pillars of Islam, for instance are all acts of worship, which, as we know are rights owed solely to God. But the striking feature of Muslim worship is that to comply, one must fulfill certain human rights. This applies to all acts of worship in Islam, and is perhaps best exemplified in the zakat, or the religious tithe. But the human element in worship inheres even in the most abstract tenet of Islam, tauhid, or the proclamation of the unity of the Divine. In testifying explicitly to God’s oneness, to His exclusive role in our creation, nurture, and evolution—this being the very rationale of monotheistic worship—we at the same time testify to all His creatures, Muslim and non Muslim, animal and human, as being essentially equal. As equals before God, theirs is the task, not of living in subservience to each other, but of interacting symbiotically with each other to the benefit of life on earth.

The stark contrast often drawn between the huquq Allah and the huquq al-`ibad, therefore, is not just facile, but downright misleading. It all too often obscures the fact that Islam’s ethical divisions are in reality two sides of the same coin. More disturbing is the false notion that the rights of God trump the rights of human beings, that the individual seeking salvation must curtail the rights of others in order to fulfill the rights of God. This distorted understanding of our ethical system, more than anything else, gives license to those who engage in honor killings, for instance, or those who unilaterally apply the public aspects of Islamic law without political mandate. •

ONE DEFINING FEATURE OF Islam’s ethics is the distinction drawn between rights owed to

God and rights owed to fellow humans. Even those otherwise unfamiliar with the Arabic language recognize the phrases huquq Allah and huquq al-`ibad when they hear them; this might be because human rights are but a handful of themes Muslims still find relevant in the weekly sermons. Generally, we use these terms to emphasize our obligations to others—individuals mainly in the case of our fellow humans—and of course, to God. We also use it to express Islam’s own contributions to the global culture of human rights, or to demand our rights from others—from those wielding authority over us, or those in control of our institutions—and less frequently, to demand that others be treated justly. This habit of not demanding for others what we ourselves seek is roundly condemned by almost all faiths as humanity’s collective shame. Among Muslims there are two more ‘shames’ that have yet to be recognized: the first is our ignorance of how intertwined divine rights and human rights really are, and the second, is our unfortunate willingness to sacrifice other people’s human rights to comply with our duties to the Divine.

Lest we get the impression that this is but one more effort to reduce all things sacred to the utterly human and profane, I should emphasize that human rights within the context of religion is different in one important way. Whereas secular human rights are homocentric to the extent that the human condition is its point of departure,

SEEKING FROM SCHOLARS

Rights of PeopleBY IMAM DR. MUNEER FAREEDRights of God,


“The sacred texts uphold the rights of all human beings to life and liberty, to equality before the law, to social and economic rights, and to the right to religious freedom.”

SINCERITY IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR EXISTENCE.

KNOWLEDGE PRECEDES OUR ACTIONS.

HUMILITY GUIDES OUR CONDUCT.

TRUTHFULNESS IS THE MARK OF OUR SPEECH.

MODERATION IS THE COMPASS OF OUR JOURNEY.

TOLERANCE IS THE BANNER OF OUR OUTREACH.

FORGIVENESS PRECEDES OUR RECONCILIATORY EFFORTS.

PATIENCE IS THE HALLMARK OF OUR PLANNING.

GRATITUDE BINDS OUR HEARTS TOGETHER.

In early 2000, MSA National

adopted 9 Guiding Principles,

derived from the Quran and

Sunnah, as a broad framework

to guide our work. Since that

time, other groups, including

the students government

at Virginia Commonwealth

University, have adopted these

Guiding Principles.

PrinciplesGuiding

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Documents

How to Revive Your MSA