Source: Tabletmag.com

A Bronx Tale

After the congregants of an Orthodox synagogue could no longer afford their rent, they found help in the local mosque.

By Ted Regencia and Lindsay Minerva

Members of the Chabad of East Bronx worship in the Islamic Cultural Center of North America. (Ted Regencia)

Near the corner of Westchester Avenue and Pugsley Street in Parkchester, just off the elevated tracks of the No. 6 train, Yaakov Wayne Baumann stood outside a graffiti-covered storefront on a chilly Saturday morning. Suited up in a black overcoat with a matching wide-brimmed black fedora, the thickly bearded 42-year-old chatted with elderly congregants as they entered the building for Shabbat service.

The only unusual detail: This synagogue is a mosque.

Or rather, it’s housed inside a mosque. That’s right: Members of the Chabad of East Bronx, an ultra-Orthodox synagogue, worship in the Islamic Cultural Center of North America, which is home to the Al-Iman mosque.

“People have a misconception that Muslims hate Jews,” said Baumann. “But here is an example of them working with us.”

Indeed, though conventionally viewed as adversaries both here and abroad, the Jews and Muslims of the Bronx have been propelled into an unlikely bond by a demographic shift. The borough was once home to an estimated 630,000 Jews, but by 2002 that number had dropped to 45,100, according to a study by the Jewish Community Relations Council. At the same time, the Muslim population has been increasing. In Parkchester alone, there are currently five mosques, including Masjid Al-Iman.

“Nowhere in the world would Jews and Muslims be meeting under the same roof,” said Patricia Tomasulo, the Catholic Democratic precinct captain and Parkchester community organizer, who first introduced the leaders of the synagogue and mosque to each other. “It’s so unique.”

The relationship started years ago, when the Young Israel Congregation, then located on Virginia Avenue in Parkchester, was running clothing drives for needy families, according to Leon Bleckman, now 78, who was at the time the treasurer of the congregation. One of the recipients was Sheikh Moussa Drammeh, the founder of the Al-Iman Mosque, who was collecting donations for his congregants—many of whom are immigrants from Africa. The 49-year-old imam is an immigrant from Gambia in West Africa who came to the United States in 1986. After a year in Harlem, he moved to Parkchester, where he eventually founded the Muslim center and later established an Islamic grade school. Through that initial meeting, a rapport developed between the two houses of worship, and the synagogue continued to donate to the Islamic center, among other organizations.

But in 2003, after years of declining membership, Young Israel was forced to sell its building at 1375 Virginia Ave., according to a database maintained by Yeshiva University, which keeps historical records of synagogues. Before the closing, non-religious items were given away; in fact, among the beneficiaries was none other than Drammeh, who took some chairs and tables for his center.

Meanwhile, Bleckman and the remaining members moved to a nearby storefront location, renting it for $2,000 a month including utilities. With mostly elderly congregants, Young Israel struggled to survive financially and, at the end of 2007, was forced to close for good. The remaining congregants were left without a place to pray. During the synagogue’s farewell service, four young men from the Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters in Crown Heights showed up. Three months earlier, Bleckman, then chairman of the synagogue’s emergency fund, had appealed for help from the Chabad.

“The boys from the Chabad said they came to save us,” said Bleckman. “We were crying.”

At this point, Chabad took over the congregational reins from Young Israel, with members officially adopting the new name Chabad of East Bronx. Still, for the next six to seven weeks, Bleckman said they could not even hold a service because they had nowhere to hold it.

When Drammeh learned of their plight, he immediately volunteered to accommodate them at the Muslim center at 2006 Westchester Ave.—for free.

“They don’t pay anything, because these are old folks whose income are very limited now,” said Drammeh, adding that he felt it was his turn to help the people who had once helped him and his community. “Not every Muslim likes us, because not every Muslim believes that Muslims and Jews should be like this,” Drammeh said, referring to the shared space. But “there’s no reason why we should hate each other, why we cannot be families.” Drammeh in particular admires the dedication of the Chabad rabbis, who walked 15 miles from Brooklyn every Saturday to run prayer services for the small Parkchester community.

For the first six months, congregants held Friday night Sabbath services inside Drammeh’s cramped office. As more people began joining the congregation, Drammeh offered them a bigger room where they could set up a makeshift shul. (When it’s not in use, students from the Islamic school use it as their classroom.) Inside the synagogue, a worn, beige cotton curtain separates the men and women who attend the service. A solitary chandelier hangs just above the black wooden arc that holds the borrowed Torah, which is brought weekly from the Chabad headquarters. A large table covered with prayer books stands in the center, and a picture of the Lubavitcher Rebbe is displayed prominently on a nearby wall. During Shabbat, when Jewish congregants are strictly prohibited from working, they have to rely on the Muslim workers at the center or on Drammeh to do simple chores such as turning on the light and switching on the heater.

At first, it did not make sense, said Hana Kabakow, wife of Rabbi Meir Kabakow. “I was surprised,” said the 26-year-old congregant who was born and raised in Israel. “But when I came here I understood.” The Kabakows have been coming to the service from Brooklyn for the last two years.

Harriet Miller, another congregant, said she appreciated the center’s accommodating the synagogue. “They are very sweet people,” said the 79-year-old Bronx native and long-time resident of Parkchester, who added that she welcomes the new Muslim immigrants in her neighborhood: “We were not brought up to hate.”

Drammeh also understands the importance of teaching tolerance more broadly, and for turning the school—which was itself founded at the nearby St. Helena Catholic Church on, of all days, Sept. 11, 2001—into a model of sorts for religious tolerance in New York.

“We’re not as divided as the media portrays us to be,” Drammeh said. “Almost 90 percent of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian teachings are the same.”

His latest project involves introducing fifth-grade Jewish and Islamic school students to each other’s religious traditions. Other participants of the program, now in its sixth year, include the Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan, the Al Ihsan Academy of Queens, and the Kinneret Day School of Riverdale. At the end of the program, students organize an exhibit that shows family artifacts of their respective cultures and religion. The principal of the Islamic school, who is also Sheik Drammeh’s wife, said that even after the program ended, the participants became “fast friends” and would visit each other’s homes.

“They would have birthday parties together,” Shireena Drammeh said. “When someone invites you to their house, I mean, that says it all right there and then.”

While the Jewish congregants are thankful for their new home, they hope that one day they can rebuild their own synagogue. That day may be far off: Even now that they have space to worship, they still struggle to operate. They don’t have proper heating inside, and the portable working heater could not reach the separate area where the elderly women are seated, forcing them to wear their jackets during the entire service. Congregants are appealing for financial support from the Jewish community and other congregations.

But Leon Bleckman and others say they now also have loftier goals, including reviving the Jewish presence in the neighborhood and reaffirming the positive relationship with their Muslim friends. “We are able to co-exist together side by side in the same building,” said Assistant Rabbi Avi Friedman, 42. “That’s sort of like a taste of the future world to come—the messianic future where all people live in peace.”

MV: Muslims have a bad name these days. In fact, a few weeks ago I remember talking to my mom, who told me that in times like these, a good job for a Muslim to pursue would be in trying to get somewhere in the government field. This would be a great way to show that Muslims not only love their country but they’re trying to help bring a good change for their country. Although not as big of a job as lets say as becoming a senator,  NBA legend, Kareem Abdul Jabber was appointed the job as Global Cultural Ambassador by the US State Department. His job will include promoting the importance of education, social and racial tolerance, cultural understanding and using sports as a means of empowerment. Already being such a high NBA scorer and considered by some as one of the greatest NBA players, he was already able to promote Islam as he is a devoted revert (convert) to Islam. Remember this post about him? This is a big step for Muslims in America.

From: http://www.washingtonpost.com

By Associated Press

NEW YORK — In a move to engage young people worldwide, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has named Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as a global cultural ambassador.The NBA Hall of Famer and all-time scoring leader will promote the importance of education, social and racial tolerance, cultural understanding and using sports as a means of empowerment.

His appointment was announced Wednesday by the State Department.“It’s a great honor and I’m thrilled that they see me as the person that could get this done,” he said in a phone interview.The 64-year-old said he remembers a similar program under President John F. Kennedy where speakers came to his school in Harlem.

“So now I get to follow in the footsteps of one my heroes,” he said.

Ann Stock, assistant secretary of state for education and cultural affairs, said Abdul-Jabbar will travel the world to engage a generation of young people to help promote diplomacy.

Stock said Tuesday the appointment is part of Clinton’s vision of “Smart Power” that combines diplomacy, defense and development to “bridge the gap in a tense world through young people.”

Abdul-Jabbar said he will share his take on life in America, adding: “I’ll be doing a few basketball clinics, too.”

He will make his first official trip Sunday when he travels to Brazil for a number of events centering on education.

“I look forward to meeting with young people all over the world and discussing ways in which we can strengthen our understanding of one another through education, through sports and through greater cultural tolerance,” he said.

Since his retirement in 1989, Abdul-Jabbar has been involved in projects focused on African-American history and socio-economic justice. His 2011 documentary, “On the Shoulders of Giants,” sought to highlight these issues. He has also launched the Skyhook Foundation, which works to improve children’s lives through education and sports.

Last year, he received the Lincoln Medal for his commitment to education, understanding and equality and his contributions that exemplify President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy.

His latest book, “What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors,” was released earlier this month.

He says Clinton told him: “In Brazil, they would be shocked to find out black Americans were so much involved inventing so many useful items that we use today.”

Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 points during his 20-year NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Xavi thinks that life gathers everybody, saying that “football and Barcelona bring us together also; the football gathers peoples, cultures and religions, and our team combines all of these issues. (Reuters)

By AL ARABIYA

The great Spanish star and maestro of the Spanish national team and Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez, emphasized that he respects the Islamic religion.

In an interview with the Algeria-based newspaper el-Heddaf, Xavi said: “This is what we have learned at Barcelona’s school since we were young, respecting the others; therefore in the Barcelona team, we are committed to respect our Muslim teammates, their religion and culture. ‘Seydou’ prays everywhere and this does not bother anyone. He often asks for a room where he can be alone in order to pray serenely, and in the dressing room we all respect him, as well as Abidal and Afellay; they are Muslims and the three of them are great.” Xavi was referring to Eric Abidal, Seydou Keita and Ibrahim Affelay, fellow Barcelona stars.

“What really piqued my curiosity is the holy month of Ramadan. I found it difficult for a football player not to drink or eat for 12 hours, and sometimes even for 15 hours, under the intense hot summer weather, but it is a religious duty for Muslims and we should respect it. We also have religious rituals that we abide by.”

Xavi thinks that life gathers everybody, saying that “football and Barcelona bring us together also; the football gathers peoples, cultures and religions, and our team combines all of these issues. In the end, the respect is established between all of us, no matter how different our religions and cultures are.”

Speaking of the World Cup playoff match between Egypt and Algeria, Xavi said, “Unfortunately, I do not know a lot about it; however, I recall something that I did not want to talk about, I would rather talk about beautiful things.”

The superstar, referring to accolades and awards, added, “those who wish me to win the Golden Ball should realize that in football nowadays we have a player who is above all whether we like it or not, and he is Lionel Messi; he is a great and unique football player, and if he keeps up the same level of playing and succeeds at least to win the world cup with the National Argentinian team, he will be the best footballer ever in the world. As for me, I am satisfied with what I have reached; the fact that I qualified and got to the last nomination stage for the Golden Ball is a great achievement and honor for me.”

About his role in helping Messi becoming a star, Xavi said: “It is true that I always try to help him on the pitch, but in modern football nowadays, each and every one of us should make his teammates play better. It is true that Leo needs me on the field, but he also needs Iniesta, Busquets and the others. “On the other hand, I strongly need him in addition to Iniesta and the others. I think that what has hampered him so far in Argentina is their method; it is different from Barcelona’s; nevertheless they have a strong and great team. In fact, Messi remains an amazing footballer and I am happy to be his teammate.”

Speaking of Zinedine Zidane, Xavi said: “In my opinion, Zidane was the best player in the world during the period in which he played – from 1995 until 2006 – and he is one of the best players of all time. It is a real pleasure to see him play and perform.

(Translated from Arabic by Sarah Sfeir)

MV: In today’s world, the male species are many times stereotyped as being ignorant, lazy, manly, or you know, they can’t even make themselves their own sandwiches. But still, this wasn’t only in today’s time in fact, in another time period the state of ignorance was so high that, to be a real man one had to be ignorant and had to put people down by acting stronger then them, you just couldn’t be soft. During this time one man gave rise and transformed what it meant to be a man in the arab world. He made them think twice.

This man was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). A man had to hit people, abuse people to show himself as being a real man. This man was filled with rahma (or kindness and compassion that Allah (swt) blesses people with), he was a man that could cry so much that his tears flew from his chest just because of his fear of Allah (swt). He had all these good traits such as honesty, humbleness, compassion, patience, etc. He was a definition of a real man. And yes, he was the man.

How many people have gotten hit by accident while playing a sport? When usually we men get hurt real bad, most of us would hold in our tears because if we don’t….we’d be called a sissy, a girl, etc. But I can guarantee you, if anyone were to get hit at the bottom of their nose, even Lebron James would have tears in his eyes (and that’s saying something). The point that im trying to make is that, just because you can pretend not to cry or be this man who’s feared by others because he doesn’t “cry” while in a series injury, doesn’t make you a man.  What makes you a real man is if you pray Salaat or read the Quran and cry at the words because of the fear you have of Allah (swt) or if you stop and think about your sins, and cry thinking of all the sins you have committed, being humble not arrogant, that’s what makes someone a real man.

So when does manhood start in Islam? Puberty. Now I don’t think there’s a need of going into the physical changes, most of you have probably learned that in health class. Spiritually, puberty in Islam is the age of being held responsible for your sins, the age when you should know whats right and wrong. When a child dies before the age of puberty, you don’t make dua to forgive his sins because he has been forgiven of all of his sins. You start getting all these temptations and desires that come swinging at you. So many changes occur and in all honestly, when we first go through this age it’s a lot of weight that we get, right? At whatever age we go through this age are we ever given a handbook or a guidebook that tells us that this is how so we have to deal with these problems?

In school we actually are given information about changes occur in our life but does anyone ever stop and gives us a class on how we learn how to control our emotions and temptations when we first go through this age? No. In fact so many elder adults shy away from this topic and aspect of Islam. But in reality, knowing this part is such a big part of becoming a man, or even a women.

There are two ways that we can look at Islam. One way is saying, “well, tell me what I can not do in this Deen and I’ll do whatever else I can” So basically religion is just a thing to keep me from away from doing what I want to do, its a barrier from me wanting to live it up. Oh and High School is basically portrayed as the golden age, how many movies do we see or hear about that basically show that in high school we have to live it up and party and do whatever you want in high school then after that everything else will be boring. You know, you won’t get that chance.

On the other hand we can look at Islam as, we were given this gift, this gift which gives us a purpose and amazing goal. I wasn’t given this gift to party or live it up with sins, but I was given this gift to worship Allah (Swt). And remember, there is a huge population in this earth who were not given this gift. Alhumdollilah, I was a born Muslim, so I didn’t have to go searching for the gift of Islam.

And the best years of your life that we can serve Islam is what years? The Youth. The Prophet  said: “There are seven whom Allaah will shade in His Shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: One of them is a youth who grew up in the worship of Allaah. 

[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

(Day of shade being day of Judgement)

Now these points of views are completely different from each other, one point of view asks whats the least I can do and get by and the other asks what more can I do for this great deen, in fact I want other people to have this gift.

So now lets get into sports a little, if were constantly on the defensive side of lets say a basketball game, then what does that mean? We’re losing. An obvious example would be the Dallas Cowboys.

So now, back to the point, that if we just want to “at least defend some of the things that Islam wants us to do and the rest of it we can let go.” What you’re asking for is eventual failure. And on the other hand, the what more can we do is the offensive side of the team.

In these days, what we usually see is, instead of the Muslim youth being happy and on the offensive side, they look at a non Muslims, drinking, drugs and all these other types of behaviors and they say, “ohh I wish I could do that, too bad its haram”. But the correct attitude that we should have is, “I feel bad for him, hes doing all that stuff just to have fun.” Its really important to have that kind of attitude.

Now remember, at this age not only are we expected to follow our deen, as we grow up our parents expect us to be more mature, responsible and maybe later on in life support ourselves on own own and then our future family insh’Allah. So how do we deal with all this pressure? Here’s some tips:

Set limits.

Set Goals.

Become Responsible.

Get Educated.

Worship Allah (Swt).

Make good friends.

And Listen to your parents.

May Allah (Swt) help us become real men and help us to grow us in the worship of Allah (Swt).

Note: Much of the information and examples were taken by a speech by Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan.

I am sure it is an honor for the Muslim Voice that I am sharing my story with them , as it’s an honor for me to get chance to write something on this amazing website mash’Allah. So…am I some celebrity? No (at least I don’t think so) I am an average Muslim teenage girl and I’m currently studying in a college in New York. Almost 3 years ago, I was a completely different person, until I had a turning point in life. This change took place in New Jersey when I went to the Jam’e Masjid Islamic Center (New Jersey) with my family to attend a lecture on modesty. I listened to it carefully and decided to follow to it. I made a decision to start covering my head with a scarf which is a significant part of Islam. I wanted to wear one for years, but I was not sure because it was a big decision that I had to take it because my parents never forced me or pressurized me to do it. So I decided to do an experiment, I wanted see how people, not only family and friends but those who I did not know would react after seeing me wear it.

So the following day, I made myself wear a scarf and then go to the mall in New Jersey with my cousins. Nothing happened and people treated me the same way as they use to treat me before. That was the moment when I decided to change my style forever by start wearing a scarf. In the beginning I thought it would be different but then I kept motivating myself by reminding myself that, I CAN DO IT! And I did it. I completed my high school with wearing a head scarf. I even made, many friends of different nationalities just like any other normal person. I was happy and satisfied. But at the same time there were some difficulties down the road.

One day, I went to a mall in New York near where I live, and a lady approached me. For some reason, she thought that by wearing a headscarf, I was a disgrace to women around the world, along with a few other racist remarks. I didn’t yell at her, flip out or panic, instead I tried to explain her why Islam teaches women to cover our hair, but unfortunately I guess she didn’t want to understand and so later on she left after taking her frustration out on me. May Allah (swt) guide her through the right path, Ameen. That was the day when I felt very proud of being a Muslim woman. I felt like I have my own identity and I felt proud of controlling my anger and frustration when she behaved the way she did. It did not care if a woman came to me and showed her hatred but instead I was and still am thankful to Allah (swt) for showing me the right path and all those people who chose me as their friend without caring about my appearance, nationality, religion or language. Just because of them I am motivated to live my life according to the way Allah (swt) wants.

“Your body, your soul was created for something higher. Something so much higher.”
‘Verily, the most honored of you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous’ (Quran 49:13).

By: Victoria Swoboda

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – A missing 19-year-old Olathe woman was found safe Wednesday.

Aisha Khan, a student at Johnson County Community College, disappeared on Friday, Dec. 16.

Around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, Overland Park police said officers personally made contact with Khan. They verified her identity and safety. She was not abducted or held against her will.

“We are all pleased she was found safe and sound,” said Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass in a news release.

Police said there is no criminal investigation and declined further comment.

Aaner Trambu, a family friend, released a statement on behalf of the family late Wednesday evening. He said prayers have been answered and the family is grateful to all the people involved including volunteers, friends, extended family and all law enforcement.

Police had been searching for Khan since Friday. She was at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park when she left her sister a voice mail saying she was assaulted by a stranger.

“Oh my gosh. It was so scary,” Khan said in her voice message. “My heart is like pounding. I’ve never got this scared in my life.”

When the sister drove to get her, she found only her book bag and cellphone.

Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass said earlier this week that Khan’s disappearance was classified as a missing case, but police would devote resources typical of an abduction case.

Officers said they searched the campus on horseback, interviewed family members and students on campus and even looked through surveillance video from a nearby gas station. KU Edwards Campus does not have any surveillance cameras .

The parents of Kelsey Smith, who was abducted from an Overland Park parking lot and murdered in 2007, met with Khan’s Monday night. The Smiths offered support and coordinated efforts to find their daughter.

Earlier on Wednesday, family members and volunteers put up fliers in a 15-mile radius around the area where Khan was last seen.

Source

MV: Just a few days ago, one my friends here Texas informed me that one of his good friend’s sister has gone missing a possibly (God forbid) kidnapped after a man had harassed her. Upon hearing that my friend drove all the way to Kansas to help her family out but unfortunately, she was no where to be found. Only a few days after, the story of her disappearance has been throughout the news and on the internet. Imagine the stress and fear her family is going through. Please pray for her and if you know anything at all, call the number bellow.

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas — Overland Park police are looking for a 19-year-old Johnson County Community College student who was last seen at the University of Kansas Edwards campus just before noon Friday.

Before Aisha Khan disappeared, she left a voice message on her sister’s phone.

According to her sister, Khan had been sitting on a bench on campus when a stranger approached her and assaulted her.

She managed to run away and place the phone call to her sister.

“My heart is like pounding,” Khan said in her voice message. ”I’ve never got this scared in my life.  Pick up your phone. I am freaked out right now.”

When the sister got the message, she tried calling Khan back, but there was no answer.

When Khan’s family arrived at the location, they found her belongings, including her cell phone, but Khan was missing.

Police searched a wooded area near the campus Saturday.

Khan’s family is handing out thousands of fliers and is offering a $10,000 reward in the case.

Khan was last seen wearing black sweat pants, a yellow-and-black shirt, black head scarf, black regular-length jacket, and a long outer jacket that is black and white.

She is described as 5-foot-2, 120 pounds with dark hear and brown eyes. Police say she may or may not be wearing glasses.

Anyone with information on her disappearance is asked to contact the Overland Park Police Department or TIPS Hotline, 816-474-TIPS.

Source

Click here to watch a video about her.

Her last words were: ”My heart is like pounding, I’ve never got this scared in my life.  Pick up your phone. I am freaked out right now.”

12/18/2011: A $10,000 reward is now being offered for information in the search for a Johnson County College student who was reported missing Friday. Dozens of volunteers worked throughout Sunday in the effort to find 19-year-old Aisha Khan. The search began at midday Friday when she was reported missing from the University of Kansas Edwards campus in Overland Park. “We need everybody to be thinking about Aisha all of the time,” said her uncle Adil Sheikh, one of

one of many out-of-town relatives who have traveled to the Kansas City area.

Late Friday morning Khan called and sent text messages to relatives saying that she had slapped an intoxicated stranger who was harassing her.

A short time later her sister who had gone to the campus at 127th Street and Quivira Road to give her a ride found her unattended book bag and cell phone.

Besides the volunteet effort, an Overland Park police spokesman said Sunday that about 30 officers were involved in the investigation.

About 15,000 flyers have been printed and volunteers have been passing them out and canvassing the neighborhoods surrounding the campus.

Khan was studying for finals at the Edwards location, but she is actually a student at Johnson County Community College.

Besides the efforts on the ground, Khan’s uncle said they are utilizing Facebook and Twitter to disseminate information. The Facebook page “Help Find Aisha Khan” had accumulated more than 5,500 “likes” as of Sunday evening.

The family is offering the reward for information leading to her whereabouts, he said.

“We are appealing for leads and cooperation from the community,” Sheikh said.

Khan is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds. She has brown eyes and dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing a yellow and black shirt, black sweat pants and a black head scarf. She may have also been wearing glasses. She was wearing a black jacket beneath a longer black and white coat.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (874-474-8477).

Source

You can follow updates about her through twitter, as well as on her Facebook page.

May Allah (swt) protect her and bring her back home safe insh’Allah. Ameen.

According to MuslimMatters:

Muslims and other outraged consumers are flexing their social media muscle over the news Friday that the home improvement chain Lowes pulled its advertising from TLC’s “All American Muslim” TV series after pressure from a Florida-based right wing conservative group.

The Twitter hashtag #LowesHatesMuslims developed overnight, and while semantically not ideal, it seems to be the one with the most traction at this hour. The twitterstorm for boycotts and/or action by Lowe’s is increasing, with high profile figures such as Russell Simmons joining the call.

Friday morning as the story broke, interfaith writer and activist Chris Stedman pressed the company via Twitter on their decision, drawing out the only two Tweet responses so far from Lowes:

“We did not pull our ads based solely on the complaints or emails of any one group. It is never our intent to alienate anyone,” tweeted the company, followed shortly thereafter by “Lowe’s values diversity of thought in everyone, including our employees and prospective customers.”

As of Saturday morning, these two lawyered-up corporate responses remain the company’s only Twitter response on the issue. Lowe’s Facebook page also shows no response at this time, though many are posting on their wall are recopying and posting a message on their wall to express their opposition to the company’s decision (a “Boycott Lowe’s Home Improvement” Facebook page has also sprung up). There is no statement or press release on the Lowe’s site either, as of this writing.

From a professional public relations perspective, Lowe’s public response indicates a lack of a good crisis communications plan. Without detailing the chinks in their armour — as I have no desire to strengthen their strategy at this stage — that lack of planning does indicate a certain corporate vulnerability. Also noteworthy is the fact that the company succumbed easily to pressure from the Florida group, which indicates some corporate attention to consumer buying power and interests — so continued and increasing pressure should yield results.

The key will be in numbers: the objective will be to show Lowes management that those outraged over the company’s decision far exceed the constituency that called for the ad pull. Alert your non-Muslim friends and allies to this issue and encourage them to participate.

Muslim organizations have also sprung into action: MPAC pulled together a good summary and action alert replete with links; ICNA also stepped into the mix with helpful, specific information. An online petition is also circulating.

Moving forward, MPAC makes the wise assessment on their alert page that it will be important to determine the status of other companies targeted to pull ads by the Florida group. There is the legitimate possibility that ads may have been bought for only one or two episodes, but if it comes to light that ads were pulled due to this pressure, then a call for boycotts of such firms would also be in order.

Such actions by Lowe’s flies in the face of the increasing business bandwagon of “Corporate Social Responsibility.” Indeed, Lowe’s actions seem to not be very consistent with their own CSR spin.

Reminding companies via your shopping power that bigotry and bias are not good business decisions is beyond a Muslim issue — it’s an ethical call that people of all faiths can understand.

Click here to see what Imam Suhaib Webb had to say. Looks like the voice was heard by the company. Around 4:30 est, Lowe’s issued a statement on their Facebook page:

It appears that we managed to step into a hotly contested debate with strong views from virtually every angle and perspective – social, political and otherwise – and we’ve managed to make some people very unhappy. We are sincerely sorry. We have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, across our workforce and our customers, and we’re proud of that longstanding commitment.

Lowe’s has received a significant amount of communication on this program, from every perspective possible. Individuals and groups have strong political and societal views on this topic, and this program became a lighting rod for many of those views. As a result we did pull our advertising on this program. We believe it is best to respectfully defer to communities, individuals and groups to discuss and consider such issues of importance.

We strongly support and respect the right of our customers, the community at large, and our employees to have different views. If we have made anyone question that commitment, we apologize.

Thank you for allowing us to further explain our position.

Yeah. I don’t think that apology will work. Also, an email from a Lowe’s representative posted on the Florida group’s page, a Lowe’s Representative  states “there are certain programs that do not meet Lowe’s advertising guidelines, including the show you brought to our attention.” Which still holds an issue to others as MuslimMatters stated,”Without access to those guidelines, it’s not possible to verify the truthfulness of their response.”

We’ll keep you updated insh’Allah.

Leader of Roxbury mosque says he brings a welcoming vision

Webb’s unusual path to his new role is at the heart of his plan to make the mosque more inclusive, and reflects a broad desire by Islamic leaders nationally to dispel the perception of a rigid faith presided over by stern imams. That desire is evident, too, in the pop culture references Webb sprinkles into his sermons, from “Monday Night Football’’ to the Twilight vampire romance series.

“He’s ushering in a new era in the Muslim community of young imams who have knowledge of classical Islamic scholarship, but who are born in America and familiar with American life, and who are able to connect with the youth,’’ said Safaa Zarzour, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America.

The mosque had been seeking an imam for three years. Board members were familiar with Webb – and with his life story. That narrative appealed to them.

“There’s a huge dearth of qualified imams in this country,’’ said Nancy Khalil, a board member at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center. “We wanted somebody who could relate to a diverse congregation.’’

Webb, who converted to Islam at age 20, said he comes to Boston eager to introduce his big tent philosophy to an ethnically diverse community in a city with a history rich in interfaith work.

But he is also aware that he inherits a mosque with critics who accuse it of radical affiliations.

Webb himself has confronted similar criticisms, with some suggesting he is a dangerous fundamentalist who harbors discriminatory views, while others from inside his faith excoriate him for being too accepting, too liberal.

Too many mosques, Webb said – though not necessarily the one in Roxbury – scare away some Muslims because congregations seem to exclude members of certain ethnicities or are led by imams who prove overly doctrinaire.

“If we’re able to function together to some degree, then we become like a Muslim ‘Cheers,’ ’’said Webb, who is married to a Malaysian-born Muslim and has two children, ages 10 and 8. “If we can acknowledge that we have certain differences, even religiously, then we’ll be able to develop as a community.’’

Webb started questioning his Christian faith as a youngster. Despite achieving popularity as a hip-hop DJ, he felt an emptiness. But hip-hop introduced him to African-American Muslims who stirred his curiosity about Islam. He checked out a copy of the Koran from his local library and studied the faith for three years before converting.

Webb then studied under a Senegalese sheik in Oklahoma and later became imam at a local mosque there.

From 2004 to 2010, he studied at Cairo’s Sharia College of Al-Azhar University, founded in the 10th century and considered a preeminent institution of Islamic learning. He graduated with multiple certificates in Islamic sciences, qualifying him to preach and teach, and says he’s memorized the Koran in Arabic (6,236 verses).

After his time in Cairo, Webb moved to the San Francisco Bay area, where he preached at local mosques and led spiritual retreats. He also established suhaibwebb.com, a “virtual mosque’’ that showcases writings from him and about 20 Muslim scholars, who answer questions about jihad, dating, sex, music, women, and celebrating Western holidays.

The site gets more than 10,000 hits a day, with some of the most commented-on articles including “Save the Sisters,’’ “Wifehood and Motherhood are Not the Only Ways to Paradise,’’ and “Taking Off the Hijab.’’

Indeed, the role of women in Muslim communities, and how men treat women, are issues Webb grapples with frequently. He said he believes women can have active and leading roles in mosques, and said one reason he was attracted to the Roxbury mosque was because it had a woman on the board. Those views, in turn, appealed to the Roxbury mosque.

Many Muslims regard Webb’s training at Al-Azhar University as a stamp of authenticity, but Webb cautions Muslims that Islam imported from traditionally Muslim countries is not superior to the faith as it exists in the United States.

“We represent a different group of brothers and sisters now who are born in America, who went overseas to study for a number of years and realize that everything overseas isn’t necessarily right,’’ said Webb, who can seamlessly switch from English to Arabic. “I don’t have to be an Arab or a Pakistani to authenticate my Islam.’’

In 2010, Webb was part of a delegation of eight North American imams who visited the Auschwitz and Dachau concentration camps and issued a statement condemning anti-Semitism and terrorism.

“He was clear in his condemnation of anti-Semitism and evidenced considerable knowledge of the subject, and was helpful in clarifying many issues to the others on the trip,’’ Rabbi Jack Bemporad, director of the Center for Interreligious Understanding in New Jersey, said in an e-mail.

Despite his big tent philosophy, interfaith work, and preaching against radicalism, Webb has been assailed by mosque critics as a homophobic fundamentalist.

Charles Jacobs, the president of Americans for Peace and Tolerance, a Watertown-based group that has long been critical of the Roxbury mosque, accuses Webb of belonging to the hard-line Salafi sect of Islam and referring to homosexuality as an evil inclination.

“Considering Suhaib Webb’s homophobic and otherwise fundamentalist views, it would be strange to see him embraced by Boston’s progressive community,’’ Jacobs said in a statement.

Webb’s comments, posted on his website, were made in 2007 in response to an e-mailed question from a homosexual who wanted to convert to Islam. Webb acknowledged the comments, and said he regrets referring the questioner to an organization that purports to undo same-sex attraction. Webb said he believes sexual orientation is no reason to discriminate against someone’s right to worship, and that imams should offer guidance and compassion to gay congregants who seek it.

“If someone who’s a homosexual comes to the mosque, wants to pray, wants to worship, be part of the community, I have no issue with that,’’ Webb said. “Ultimately, people who have whatever inclinations in their life, no one has a right to bar them from their experience with God.’’

Webb accused his critics of belonging to an “Islamophobia industry’’ that seeks to demonize Muslims. His foes, he said, cite his old statements while ignoring more recent remarks.

“In Oklahoma, we say you can never judge a man till you walk in his moccasins. I would encourage them to come and meet me,’’ he said. Webb denied being a Salafi disciple and said he follows the Maliki Islamic school, which is followed mainly in North Africa.

Some of Webb’s biggest critics are hard-liners who accuse him of compromising Islam and misleading followers with his positions on homosexuality, gender mixing, and other issues.

In 2007, Webb left Sunnipath.com, a conservative online Islamic academy where he taught, and had a public clash with another teacher there, Sheikh Nuh Keller, also an American Muslim convert.

Online comments appended to a Los Angeles Times story about Webb earlier this year revealed the anger percolating toward him in some quarters. “This guy wants to destroy Islam from the inside, and he [wants] to turn mosques like churches where they come to eat food, and listen to music, and mingle with gays, men and women all together,’’ one commenter wrote.

Webb dismisses such criticisms, referring to Islam’s Prophet Mohammed, who didn’t spurn adulterers and drunkards seeking help, offering compassion instead.

“Religion is for people with issues,’’ Webb said. “Creating a comfortable space for people, and letting people know that I’m not here to indict you but invite you – that’s something that me and a few other imams in America believe is crucial to the sustainability as well as the dignity of Islam in America.’’

Source

MV: This Thanksgiving when your about to dig in some of that Zabiha halal turkey make sure you leave some for the poor.  For those that live out of US, today marks “Thanksgiving”, an American holiday in which families get together to eat, while keeping in mind of all the things that you have to be thankful for. Besides the feast part (or I hope not at least), we Muslims should already be thanking Allah (swt) for all the blessings that we got, Alhumdollilah. But here’s the catch, while you may be chewing on that juicy turkey (American custom in eating turkey on thanksgiving), remember that there’s people in this world who would do anything just to eat a piece of that turkey thats only the size of a rice! I speak to myself first, of course. Want to help? Check out what ISNA‘s doing this year: 

Click to view slideshow.

By RANDY KENNEDY

In one of Washington Irving’s tales from “The Alhambra,” the short-story collection that rooted the great 14th-century Moorish landmark in the American imagination, a

poor Spaniard and his daughter discover a hidden chamber deep within the abandoned palace’s crumbling walls and spirit away the treasure inside.