IN THIS ISSUE
Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) announces launching of eNews as a forum for dialogue and discussion on issue affecting Muslims locally, to learn from each others' experiences and bring communities together. It aims to empower Muslims through social engagement and developing awareness of public issues among Muslims and connecting 280,000 Muslim Hoosiers with the leadership, which has been neglected.
Muslims have been fabric of American society for centuries; our profound contribution has been well recognized past few decades through professional work, enterpreneurship and philanthropic activities. Stereotypical negative image have been devastating since the tragic events of 9/11. Muslims have been making extra efforts to overcome negative media and Hollywood depictions.
Countless efforts are carried out to develop harmonious relation among various communities as well as mutual respect among various religious and ethnic groups. Our efforts are making Indiana strong and making the society better place to live. However, these contributions remain isolated within particular communities in various cities/centers and unrecognized. Muslim Alliance of Indiana attempts to connect these communities through strong networking that has been developed throughout Indiana. It aims to bring communities together and develop closer relationship with public leadership and society at large.
Even though the issues are many, MAI is dedicated to local issues that affect us, our community and the State of Indiana. We believe local, grassroots relation and networking is most effective to bring desired change.
MAI is open to suggestions and is continuing efforts to improve. Please contact us, advise us, get involved and strengthen the community.
To review past MAI activities, please visit www.muslimalliancein.com
To become resource for your city/community, please contact muslimalliancein@yahoo.com
Executive Director to Represent and Unify Indiana's 280,000 Muslims
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, Monday, June 26, 2006 - Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI), a non-profit, grassroots organization focused on developing awareness of public affairs issues among Indiana Muslims, recently announced the appointment of Alia Shah as the organization's first executive director.
A born Hoosier, Alia Shah, 27, worked most recently as the marketing director of a consultant company based in Indianapolis. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington before studying public relations and marketing at the graduate level at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Alia will be the first hire for Muslim Alliance of Indiana, an organization that seeks to connect over 280,000 Muslims in Indiana. Founded in 2002, MAI's mission is to empower Muslims by social engagement and developing awareness of public affairs issues, Alia's dynamic personality and educational background makes her a great addition to MAI team. We are excited to have her on our team as we proceed to educate and create awareness among Muslims and non- Muslims.
Dr. Sayyid Syeed, former Secretary General of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) based in Plainfield, Indiana, added, "Muslim Alliance of Indiana is an essential organization that serves a crucial role. The organization's mission to connect 280,000 Muslim Hoosiers to its public leadership is much needed. It is imperative that Muslim Hoosiers increase their participation in making Indiana one of the most vibrant states in the county."
Alia has made tremendous progress past few weeks on State Capitol, Governor's office and several government agencies on behalf of Muslim community. A News Brief well be forwarded to you with further details.
To contribute in these endeavors, contact Alia Shah at (317) 443-7878 or e-mail her at MuslimAllianceIn@gmail.com
Alia Shah, Executive Director, Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) has had a series of meetings with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels office. On May 26, 2006 Shah met with Eric Holcomb, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Mitch Daniels. Mr. Holcomb has been exceptionally receptive to Muslim Alliance of Indiana and is working hard with MAI to move forward and create a lasting relationship with the Governor's office. MAI has been asked to continue to work on the Governor's Iftaar which will occur again this Ramadan.
Last week the Governor's office requested that the Muslim Alliance of Indiana arrange quarterly consultation meetings between Muslim leaders in Indiana and the Governor's office. These meetings, which will occur at three months intervals, will create an occasion where Hoosier Muslims can participate and voice the concerns and issues of their communities. The meetings with the Governors office will be an opportunity for Muslim Hoosiers to have further input in the future of the state.
In this manner, MAI seeks to create a continuous and open relationship with the Governor's office and make the leadership more accessible to the Hoosier Muslim community.
On Monday, June 26th, 2006, Alia Shah, Executive Director, Muslim Alliance of Indiana met with Susan Brouillette, the Assistant State Director of Constituent Services from Senator Lugar's office.
They discussed exciting ways in which the Senator Lugar's office and Muslim Alliance of Indiana can foster a stronger relationship between the Indiana Muslim community and the state leadership.
The Senator's office has suggested that Muslim Alliance of Indiana assist in recruiting Muslim Hoosiers for the internship program that is offered through Senator Lugar's office. A political internship is one of the best ways to introduce young Muslims to the political process. Interns can be based in either the Indianapolis office or the Washington D.C. office and, if chosen, can serve specifically for the Foreign Relations Committee.
Interning for a United States Senator can a valuable and eye-opening experience. Tasks for an intern may include drafting letters to constituents, researching legislation, attending committee hearings and more. Interns for Foreign relations committee assist the staff in research on a variety of current issues of a global scale.
Most importantly, an internship with a senator's office can be the definitive experience for a college student interested in a career in public service. Students leave the experience with a full understanding of the inner workings of a United States Senator's office.
In addition to requesting the senator's office be put on MAI's e-newsletter and mailing list for the quarterly newsletter, the Senator's office expressed interest in participating in future Muslim Alliance of Indiana events. MAI will continue to work with Senator Lugar to further the interests of Muslims Hoosiers.
Do you know someone who would be a great candidate for the Senator's internship program? If so, contact us: muslimalliancein@gmail.com or visit the Senator's website: http://lugar.senate.gov/ and click on Hoosier Services.
On June 6, 2006, Alia Shah, Executive Director, Muslim Alliance of Indiana met with Paul Okeson, Deputy Secretary of State/Chief of Staff in the Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita's office. Mr. Okeson was very welcoming and interested in the mission and objectives of Muslim Alliance of Indiana. He made it evident that the Secretary of State's office is interested in helping to build the bridge between the Indiana Muslim community and the local leadership.
One way in which the Secretary of State's office has had a direct impact on Hoosier Muslims is through the recent modernization of business filing. Many Hoosier Muslims are business owners. As any business owner knows, the first step to starting a business is to file and secure the name of the business entity with the Secretary of State's Office.
Todd Rokita and staff have made the push to modernize and put the entire filing process online. Entreprenuers and business starters can now file the appropriate forms via the internet and sidestep the hassle of having to file in person. The Secretary of State's office has expressed an interest in participating in MAI events as well as being added to MAI's newsletter and enews list.
Visit the Secretary of State's website to learn more: http://www.in.gov/sos/
| Date |
Saturday, August 26, 2006 |
| Time |
2 P.M. - 6 P.M. |
| Location |
Masjid Al-Huda Grounds, Fisher |
| Objectives |
- To know and honor our neighbors.
- To show the correct face of Islam, the face of peace, harmony, love, kindness and generosity.
- To apply to our life what we learn from the Quran and the Hadith. We have been advised in the Holy Quran (49:13) to know and respect our fellow human beings and neighbors. The translation of that verse "O mankind, we created you from pair of a male and female (Adam and Eve), and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not to despise each other)". Taking care of the neighbors is fundamental doctrine in the Islamic tradition.
- To let our community members know each other.
- To give our children a good and fun time.
|
| Fee |
FREE |
| Activities |
Besides the international food, there will be a bouncer, clown, balloons, popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream. |
| Special Feature |
Ask the Imam Table, that features four of our Imams. They will answer questions on Islam from both visitors and your community members. |
| How Can You Help |
- Volunteering
- Bring authentic food and desserts (be generous)
- Talk to our visitors.
- Come with your family.
- Donate for the cause.
- Pray for the success of the event.
|
| Donations |
You may give a donation to the Masjid treasurer. |
| Contact Orgnizers (The Faith Awareness committee members) |
- Sister Michelle Tobach
- Brother Wail Bakdash
- Brother Souhil Anwer
- Brother Yasser Badderdain
- Brother Salah Elsaharty
|
| Contact Email |
Selsaharty @aol.com |
| Phone |
(765) 644-5197
(765) 617-0383 |
On Tuesday, May 2nd, there was a dedication ceremony for the chapel of the new Clarian North Hospital in Indianapolis and religious leaders were invited to offer prayers and blessings. Dr. Shahid Athar represented Muslim community and offered prayers for patients and health care providers. He gifted a copy of Quran and recited Surah Al-Fateha.
R to L are Rev. Elizabeth Price, Chaplain Judy Doll, CEO of the hospital Jonathan Goble, Director of Ethics, Dr. Steve Ivy, Rabbi Jonathan Adland, Dr. Shahid Athar, and Rabbi Arnold Beinstock.
Nur-Allah Islamic Center Of Indianapolis builds House of Abraham
Resident Imam: Michael "Mikal" Saahir
2040 E. 46th Street - Indianapolis, IN - 46205
Tel (317) 251-9796
Fax (317) 549-2814
Email nurallah-ic@juno.com
Website: www.nurallah.org
Nur-Allah Islamic Center is an integral part of Habitat for Humanity's House of Abraham, a collaborative effect that involves Muslims, Christians, and Jews working side by side to build a home for a needy family.
The location for the building is at 2125 Wagner Lane on the south side of Indianapolis near the intersection of S. Sherman and E. Raymond.
Work schedule is posted for you to review. Please sign up where you can best work. Work will go on rain or shine, so make sure that you can fulfill your selection. All work, unless indicated otherwise, will be on weekends-- Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
There will be no need to bring any tools. Habitat will provide all tools and materials for each day's work. If you have any questions please contact Imam Michael Saahir or better yet contact Sheila Carlson at 502-4135.
HATE CRIME: Michigan City Islamic Center suffered $8,600 in criminal mischief damage
BY JERRY DAVICH
jdavich@nwitimes.com
219.933.3376
Saturday, July 8, 2006
PINE TOWNSHIP - Muslim-American leaders of the Michigan City Islamic Center say that $8,600 in recent criminal mischief damage to their mosque was a "systematic hate crime."
"People here are shocked. It looks more like someone sending a message than random vandalism by bored teenagers," said Abraham Hakim, the center's president and a third-generation American.
The center is at 1606 N. County Road 500 East.
Hakim, whose family has lived in the Michigan City area for decades, cites the fact that all 10 windows were shot only once, costing the most money to replace. Thrill-seeking teenage vandals wouldn't be so methodical, he figured.
Muslim-American converts Greg and Alice Fulmer, a Maryland couple who visit many mosques while vacationing across the country, say this is nothing new in their travels.
A random rock through a back window can cause the same feelings of fear and intimidation as aimed bullet holes through a front door, they said.
"Sadly, we see this too often," said Greg, 33, who visited the center Friday for midday prayers with his wife and three children.
"I'll bet at least one mosque is vandalized every day in this country."
On Sunday, Porter County police received a report of bullets shot into the center's copper dome, leaving six large and obvious holes. Also, two glass doors, 10 windows, a sign and a spotlight were vandalized, possibly by a BB gun, police reported.
The 16-acre center is the first chartered Islamic center in the country, serving local Muslims since 1924, and Hakim has documentation to prove it, he said. Yet there had been no hate-crime vandalism there in the past decade, even since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, he said.
Samer Agemy, who is on the board of directors and is groundskeeper there, told police a sign also had a swastika carved into it, but the responding officer said he could not make out that symbol through the scratch marks.
The letters "KKK" are clearly yet crudely scratched into the sign.
The Fulmers, who live outside Baltimore, found the center -- on a county road just south of U.S. 20 -- by serendipity several years ago while vacationing at Indiana Dunes State Park.
They routinely seek out mosques to join in prayer services, and they were disappointed the Michigan City center's Friday noon service did not materialize. Instead, they draped a blanket under a tree there, near an American flag pole, and prayed outside, alone.
Through a series of programs MAI hopes to activate the Muslim community in Indiana to help make Indiana a more dynamic and vibrant state. The MAI Retreat seeks to determine 1, 3 and 5 year vision and activities for Muslims in Indiana.
The MAI Retreat will bring together key leaders from the Muslim community of Indiana to determine the direction for the community over the next 1, 3 and 5 years. These ideas will specifically impact MAI's activities.
Representatives from statewide leaders like the Governor and Secretary of State will be providing the leaders information about the direction that they are adopting for the next few years. Furthermore, leaders from CAIR, MPAC and ISNA will share their view from the national stage.
The daylong retreat will take place in Indianapolis at University Place Conference Center.
Registration will be available online on our website: www.muslimalliancein.com
