Thoughts on Imam Luqman's death

Over one thousand American Muslims gathered in the city of Detroit on Saturday to mourn the prayers leader who was shot [18] times by the FBI in an apparent attempt to arrest him. 

This is an injustice.
The FBI was wrong and the Media was wrong in their attempt to smear Islam.

This tragic shooting raises deep concerns regarding the use of lethal force by law enforcement agents.

Since the investigation was "solely criminal" based upon "smuggling and fraud," we urge law enforcement and the media not to take undo advantage of this tragedy in order to demonize American Muslims generally, and those who are African American Muslims in particular. -MANA

Imam leads House prayer

by Michael C. Bender | April 27th, 2009

As usual, the Florida House opened session today with a prayer. But for the first time this year (and possibly the first time ever), that prayer was led by an imam, Qasim Ahmed, from the Islamic Learning Institute in Tampa.

The prayer was videotaped by Ahmed Bedier, United Voices of America director, who remarked on the absence of House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Boca Raton. Bedier said he was videotaping the “historic” moment.

“We did notice Hasner’s empty chair. That’s definitely noticed,” Bedier said.

Hasner led a press conference on Muslim Day at the Capitol last month to protest Bedier’s organization. This weekend, Hasner hosted a “Free Speech Summit” with controversial writer Geert Wilders, leading the Council On American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to demand Hasner be removed from his leadership position.

Hasner said he wasn’t on the floor this morning for personal reasons and noted the iman was in the House at the invitation of Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek.

“It’s Jim Waldman’s right as a member to invite whomever he wants,” Hasner said.

Health Status of MANA's Amir, Imam Siraj Wahhaj

As salaamu 'alaykum

As some of you may know, our beloved Imam Siraj has taken ill with hypertension, having apparently collapsed several weeks ago. As I understand he is resting and recuperating insha'Allah. In the meantime, his family needs financial assistance to cover the costs of his care.

I don't have to remind anyone of the amount of service our dear Imam has provided to the ummah over the last few decades. And it would really be wonderful if we as a collective are there for him in his time of need. We have all been inspired by his energetic and relevant khutbahs, improved our lives after hearing a piece of advice that he gave. We have all prayed in masjids kept alive by his fundraising efforts, al hamdulillah.

MANA (Muslim Alliance of North America) has appointed a point person to coordinate the collection of funds on behalf of our Imam and his family. If you are interested in donating, you can make check or money order payable to:

Imam Siraj Wahhaj
c/o Jamilah Jihad
P.O. Box 312264
Atlanta, GA 31131

If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to Imam Qasim Khan, who is coordinating the efforts on behalf of MANA and Imam Siraj's family. He can be reached at 773.557.9315 insha'Allah,. He can also be reached via email at mana.events@gmail.com I spoke to Imam Qasim this afternoon, al hamdulillah, and he would be happy to answer your questions insha'Allah.

For more info, please see the statement issued from MANA regarding Imam Siraj. I am not connected with this effort in any official way, so I am not the best person to answer any questions.

May Allah bless our dear imam and his family, may He grant him shifa, forgive his sins, and lift his burdens. Ameen.

Naqiyba

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February 16, 2009

Health Status of MANA's Amir, Imam Siraj Wahhaj

"And if Allah touches thee with affliction, none can remove it but He: But if He bestows upon you a favor, remember that He is the Possessor of every power to do all that He wills." (Qur'an 6:17).

The Muslim Alliance in North America appreciates the concerns and questions we've received regarding the health of our beloved Amir, Imam Siraj Wahhaj. Recently, Imam Siraj was hospitalized briefly due to chest discomfort and has been diagnosed with hypertension. He is undergoing tests and treatment to bring his blood pressure under control and to prevent this health crisis from escalating. Presently he is resting and recuperating.

For more than 30 years Imam Siraj has traveled extensively at the invitation of other Muslim leaders and organizers in the U.S. and abroad. He freely and passionately shares his love and knowledge of Islam-often booking back-to-back speaking engagements on a weekly basis. There is no doubt that his demanding schedule factored into the development of his health condition. As such, it has become paramount for him to make important lifestyle changes, which includes taking a sabbatical from some of his responsibilities, in order to balance his life and improve his overall health. Towards this aim, he has canceled most of his speaking engagements until further notice. For MANA, Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, MANA's Deputy Amir, and Dr. Ihsan Bagby, MANA's General Secretary will provide sound leadership, in conjunction with other members of MANA's Diwan (Executive Committee), while Imam Siraj recuperates, insha'Allah.

We ask Allah to make the Imam's illness an expiation and provide him with a speedy recovery, Insha'Allah. According to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saws), we know that our body has rights over us. Our health is a high priority and cannot be compromised. We all look forward to the continuation of Imam Siraj's great work in service to humanity and for the love of Allah. Yet, we are encouraging him to take all the time he needs to stabilize and thrive again.

Let us all make dua for Imam Siraj and his family. We pray that Allah will guide, protect and shower His mercy on them during this crisis, insha'Allah. To offset the considerable costs associated with the Imam's treatment and care, and to aid in the support of his family, MANA is collecting donations. Donations can be made online or can be sent by mail to: MANA Office, FOR IMAM SIRAJ, P.O. Box 910375, Lexington, KY 40591. Please indicate "FOR IMAM SIRAJ" on the memo line of the payment, insha'Allah.

Once again, we appreciate your concern, prayers, generosity and support. May Allah reward you.

The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another. They enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil, they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy. Surely Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.

(Qur'an 9:71)

American Muslims: Invisible no more???

I'm back! I have been on vacation but now I'm back! My wife and I went to my brother's wedding in Atlanta. It was great to see my family again and I'm so happy for my brother and his wife. (May Allah bless him with a happy and ever-lasting marriage.)

The wedding was very nice and did I mention that it was good seeing family again? Four days was just not enough. But, the wedding alone was worth missing the MANA conference. (Somebody give me an update as to how that went!)

We came back on Monday morning and went straight to work....with only 3 hours of sleep. After work, even though I was tired, I could not miss out on the lecture by Imam Zaid Shakir and Shaykh Faraz Rabbani at Columbia University.

I try to study our American (and Canadian) Scholars as much as possible, especially Imam Zaid. This brother is a true scholar and has devoted his life to promoting Islam in America. To me he carries the demeanor of Malcolm himself. Although I really didn't know Malcolm outside of my own historical investigation, he seems to have this aura of wisdom and scholarship that matches his own physical height.

Imam Zaid, like Imam Siraj, Dr. Jackson, (and others) is African-American but predominantly supported by a large Arab and East-Asian population. Now, this has nothing to do with anything...I just find it ironic that many African-American muslims can't come together to financially support our scholars the way other American Muslims can. Probably the reason why Imam Mohammed (may the mercy of Allah be upon him) is not as widely known (but thats another post). Yet, we thank Allah for Imam Mohammed's dedication to his community.

But back to the topic at hand...the lecture was entitled on the flyer: American Muslims: Invisible no more.

Faraz Rabbani began with Obama. He spoke on 4 concepts: Hope, Change, Success, and Attitude. To sum up his part of the lecture in one sentence...Muslims place our hope in Allah with clear goals, clear means, and avidness for benefit. The state of the Messenger of Allah was reliance on Allah and the way of the Messenger was taking the means.

Imam Zaid began with Obama as well, yet his perspective took a more societal approach. He said that Obama was a son of America and a son of Africa. His most profound statement was:

"This election was a referendum on Islam in America"

He gave 2 reasons:

1. The name Barack Hussein Obama reflects the Islamic enemy that we (America) have been fighting. Yet, we elected a president based upon his MERIT and not his name!

2. Forty million copies of a DVD called Obsession was distributed free of charge during the election time heavily in SWING states. Ironically, Obama WON all those swing states except Missouri (although there would have been a recount, but it was not needed).

This suggests that the people said NO to the suggestions that Obama was a Muslim and some challenged, "what if he was". The people judged Obama upon his merits, his character, and American identity.

Imam Zaid went on to criticize the Lecture title that he was sent: Invisible no more. He said that those "invisible" Muslims of America did not accept the visibility of "visible" Muslims already establishing Islamic roots in America. Those "invisible" Muslims now feel comfortable to be visible only at the expense of those Muslims who established Islam in America, way before it was popular to do so. Why is is so difficult to inherit the Muslim Identity of those who established Islam in America?

Muslims like Hakim Olajuwon, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Mos Def, Andre Carson, Keith Ellison, etc. These Muslims have been visible and whether you see them as your examples or not, they, and others, have boldly claimed their religion while in the spotlight. We as Muslim Americans have to understand and embrace the Islamic roots already here in America. Muslims have mediated gang wars, humanized prisoners, cleaned up drug-infested neighborhoods. Like OBAMA, Muslims in America have defined their own character and let their actions speak for them instead of letting their enemies define who they are.

Now to me, Imam Zaid did not explicitly say it but this title was offensive to the indigenous (predominantly black) community. A community that has worked hard to establish Islam here in America at a time when you were scared to come out of your homes and keep your Muslim names. Now you want to ride the wave of "Visibility" without embracing, let alone, acknowledging the work and COURAGE of those before you??? How can you say "invisible no more" when Muslims have been visible in America since (for arguments sake) the 1950's but waayyyy before then.

YOU were the only group "invisible". Embrace your ROOTS!!! Your Islamic roots are right here in America! Cast your bucket down where you stand dear brothers! I am ready to work, and I am ready to make progress like never before. I love you for the sake of Allah and I see no color nor ethnicity in a true believer! Let's work for the cause of Allah.

Imam Zaid left us with a quote from Abigail Adams:

"These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. Would Cicero have shone so distinguished an orator if he had not been roused, kindled, and inflamed by the tyranny of Catiline, Verres, and Mark Anthony? The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. All history will convince you of this, and that wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised and animated by scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities, which would otherwise lie dormant, wake into life and form the character of the hero and the statesman."

LET'S GO TO WORK. WE CANNOT STOP NOW!

Imam Siraj Wahhaj speaks about the Muslim Alliance of North America (MANA)...

"You must pray as if everything depends upon Allah, and it does! But you must work as if everything depends on you!"