The American Islamic Fellowship condemns the actions taken by the terrorist forces in Mumbai, India that attacked, killed and injured people this past week.
One of AIF's values is the encouragement of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. We encourage each of you to find ways to reach out to others constantly. Times of tragedy often alert individuals to issues in the world, but one must constantly work and strive to collaborate with others and to be aware of how to live with each other peacefully regardless of practices or beliefs.
Chabad of Georgia has setup a site for those who would like to send their thoughts and prayers to Mumbai and those affected by the events there.
One can visit the What Can I Do? section of the Chabad website to select a Mitzvah, or an act of human kindness, to do in honor of the victims in Mumbai. These acts of kindness can be posted publicly or only shared with those at the center.
If one is interested in attending a memorial service, there will be one Monday, December 1 at 8pm at the Chabad of GA/Beth Tefillah (5065 Highpoint Road, Atlanta, GA 30342). The service will be held in memory of Rabbi Gavriel and Mrs Rivkah Holtzberg, Chabad emissaries to Mumbai, India.
The American Islamic Fellowship is aware of the many event affecting humanity in the world today and constantly works to provide resources and activities to facilitate helping others.
"So hasten towards all that is good." Qu'ran 2:148
~~~~~~
Board of Directors
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanks!
First of all, I'm thankful for enough time to write a blog post!
I'm thankful for these developments in the world.
As Taboos Ease, Saudi Girl Group Dares to Rock - Robert F. Worth
18 female suicide bombers turn themselves in to U.S. troops - China View
and bittersweetly, I'm very thankful the main troubles in Mumbai came to an end.
A Day of Reckoning as India Toll Tops 170 - Somini Sangupta and Keith Bradsher
I'm thankful for happy news.
Even in tough times, blessings abound - Jay Bookman
Atlanta Institutions Come Together to Honor Human Rights Efforts - Center for Civil and Human Rights
Here's some good news -- for a change - Robert L. Jamieson Jr.
I'm thankful for people working together.
Thanksgiving Together - Christina Kremer
And creatively using talents (and technology) to help people.
Peace in our time? Turning virtual swords into ploughshares - Cara Bonnett
Whether one is religious or not, finding things one is thankful for can provide the basis for making the day the best it can be. Every day, no matter what, no matter the situation, I look for 5 things for which I am thankful. Not just around Thanksgiving, but every day. It has given me much comfort in very dark times.
I can always be thankful for my belief that God provides in good times and in not so good times.
I am thankful for family and friends.
I am thankful for waking up every day.
I am thankful for the beauty and love I can find everywhere in the world.
I am thankful for the ability to constantly find something to learn.
I leave today with this thought from Abraham Lincoln.
"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
I'm thankful for these developments in the world.
As Taboos Ease, Saudi Girl Group Dares to Rock - Robert F. Worth
18 female suicide bombers turn themselves in to U.S. troops - China View
and bittersweetly, I'm very thankful the main troubles in Mumbai came to an end.
A Day of Reckoning as India Toll Tops 170 - Somini Sangupta and Keith Bradsher
I'm thankful for happy news.
Even in tough times, blessings abound - Jay Bookman
Atlanta Institutions Come Together to Honor Human Rights Efforts - Center for Civil and Human Rights
Here's some good news -- for a change - Robert L. Jamieson Jr.
I'm thankful for people working together.
Thanksgiving Together - Christina Kremer
And creatively using talents (and technology) to help people.
Peace in our time? Turning virtual swords into ploughshares - Cara Bonnett
Whether one is religious or not, finding things one is thankful for can provide the basis for making the day the best it can be. Every day, no matter what, no matter the situation, I look for 5 things for which I am thankful. Not just around Thanksgiving, but every day. It has given me much comfort in very dark times.
I can always be thankful for my belief that God provides in good times and in not so good times.
I am thankful for family and friends.
I am thankful for waking up every day.
I am thankful for the beauty and love I can find everywhere in the world.
I am thankful for the ability to constantly find something to learn.
I leave today with this thought from Abraham Lincoln.
"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Religion and the Media
Coming off of AIF's discussion of religion and the media are two interesting and related articles.
The first article is from the Wall Street Journal and covers a German professor and Muslim who has made the claim Prophet Mohammed never existed. This statement, sure to create waves in many sectors of the world, should be considered a step in critical analysis of Islam and in exploration and questioning of one's faith.
Professor Hired for Outreach to Muslims Delivers a Jolt - Andrew Higgins
Christianity (and Islam to a degree) has already dealt with this sort of challenge with scholars questioning the historical existence of Jesus.
This is not the first claim of the non-existence of Mohammed, but it is the most recent. Some earlier examples would be Christopher Hitchens in God is Not Great, Klimovich in an article entitled "Did Muhummed Exist?" and Ibn Warraq (citing Klimovich) in his book The Quest for the Historical Muhammed.
Muslims may be quick to dismiss the books mentioned above here, but it is hopeful the very question of the existence of Muhammed will have each Muslim looking into the very core of faith and why Islam instead of reacting in dismissive or other ways. This is a golden opportunity to evaluate and really understand why one believes what one believes.
One should consider such questions as, "what if Muhammed didn't exist?" Would that fact diminish one's faith? Muhammed as a prophet is certainly a foundation of Islam as a religion, but the cornerstone of the Islamic faith is God. Muslims have pondered similar questions, including the non-existence of the Qu'ran, other prophets, etc... One would hope a person would understand the vastness and adaptability of the concept of God in religion...Mohammed is how Muslims received the revelation of Islam, but God would have the capacity to have delivered the message regardless of the constraints of the world. Let's not discount the extreme importance of Mohammed as a messenger...someone who had the capacity to not only receive, but live and spread the message of God...but a Muslim or any person with belief in God should not fall into the philosophical trap of placing one's faith in humanity rather than God.
Mike Ghouse of the World Muslim Congress also cautions Muslims not to fall into the trap of reacting negatively to such news. He has a different spin on the approach and intentions of such challenges, but it is important to consider the consequences of a Muslim's response and how the world is watching.
Should Muslims Play the Game - Mike Ghouse
What do you think?
How would you react considering your faith perspective?
Here are the articles and sites referenced during the discussion meeting:
Religion and the Media
The Media Gets Religion - Fred Barnes
On the Spiritual Perils of Religion Writing - Andrea Unseem
When Religion Meets New Media
And here is a video, winner of the 2007 One Nation, Many Voices Online Film Contest, showcasing some thoughts of Muslims and what they would like to convey to the public about themselves.
A Land Called Paradise - Lena Khan
Think on!
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
The first article is from the Wall Street Journal and covers a German professor and Muslim who has made the claim Prophet Mohammed never existed. This statement, sure to create waves in many sectors of the world, should be considered a step in critical analysis of Islam and in exploration and questioning of one's faith.
Professor Hired for Outreach to Muslims Delivers a Jolt - Andrew Higgins
Christianity (and Islam to a degree) has already dealt with this sort of challenge with scholars questioning the historical existence of Jesus.
This is not the first claim of the non-existence of Mohammed, but it is the most recent. Some earlier examples would be Christopher Hitchens in God is Not Great, Klimovich in an article entitled "Did Muhummed Exist?" and Ibn Warraq (citing Klimovich) in his book The Quest for the Historical Muhammed.
Muslims may be quick to dismiss the books mentioned above here, but it is hopeful the very question of the existence of Muhammed will have each Muslim looking into the very core of faith and why Islam instead of reacting in dismissive or other ways. This is a golden opportunity to evaluate and really understand why one believes what one believes.
One should consider such questions as, "what if Muhammed didn't exist?" Would that fact diminish one's faith? Muhammed as a prophet is certainly a foundation of Islam as a religion, but the cornerstone of the Islamic faith is God. Muslims have pondered similar questions, including the non-existence of the Qu'ran, other prophets, etc... One would hope a person would understand the vastness and adaptability of the concept of God in religion...Mohammed is how Muslims received the revelation of Islam, but God would have the capacity to have delivered the message regardless of the constraints of the world. Let's not discount the extreme importance of Mohammed as a messenger...someone who had the capacity to not only receive, but live and spread the message of God...but a Muslim or any person with belief in God should not fall into the philosophical trap of placing one's faith in humanity rather than God.
Mike Ghouse of the World Muslim Congress also cautions Muslims not to fall into the trap of reacting negatively to such news. He has a different spin on the approach and intentions of such challenges, but it is important to consider the consequences of a Muslim's response and how the world is watching.
Should Muslims Play the Game - Mike Ghouse
What do you think?
How would you react considering your faith perspective?
Here are the articles and sites referenced during the discussion meeting:
Religion and the Media
The Media Gets Religion - Fred Barnes
On the Spiritual Perils of Religion Writing - Andrea Unseem
When Religion Meets New Media
And here is a video, winner of the 2007 One Nation, Many Voices Online Film Contest, showcasing some thoughts of Muslims and what they would like to convey to the public about themselves.
A Land Called Paradise - Lena Khan
Think on!
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
UN Faith Forum - Saudi Arabia
Saudi Hypocrisy or Saudi Tolerance - Eboo Patel
My first reaction to Saudi calling for religious pluralism is outright cynicism. This is a country that forces a particular religion, Islam, on everyone, forces the practice of that religion on people who ascribe to the religion no matter how the individual chooses to practice the religion and disallows any other religion from begin practiced in the country. The human rights record of the country, especially in the name of religion, is beyond dismal. The Saudi Government also acts as "custodians" of Mecca (and Medina) where they dictate who can come to the city, regardless of a person's stated belief in Islam, and prohibit any non-Muslim from entering the city based on the country's interpretation of scripture. Disallowing some Muslims from performing Hajj and disbarring non-Muslims from Mecca has long been thorn in the side of any progress in both Saudi and Islamic public relations.
The many problems with Saudi in relation to other Muslims, human rights, other religions, etc... has been an issue for Muslims in being able to complete or in wanting to complete (out of principle) the pilgrimage to Mecca...I won't even bring up the financial component. Some Muslims have reacted by forming alternate pilgrimages out of social consciousness and/or revisiting the meaning of Mecca and pilgrimage in the Qur'an. Some just wait for the day when Saudi "wakes up" and they can finally make their journey and complete what many believe is a necessary part of their religious practices.
Maybe this is a step. Perhaps the new attempt at Saudi to interact with other faiths is a sign of some sort of progress towards, well, progress. I am going to have to stay skeptical and do a lot more observing before I believe the government is moving towards real change. I see the change internally through movements inside Saudi, but are these movements actually having that much of an effect? We shall see...
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
My first reaction to Saudi calling for religious pluralism is outright cynicism. This is a country that forces a particular religion, Islam, on everyone, forces the practice of that religion on people who ascribe to the religion no matter how the individual chooses to practice the religion and disallows any other religion from begin practiced in the country. The human rights record of the country, especially in the name of religion, is beyond dismal. The Saudi Government also acts as "custodians" of Mecca (and Medina) where they dictate who can come to the city, regardless of a person's stated belief in Islam, and prohibit any non-Muslim from entering the city based on the country's interpretation of scripture. Disallowing some Muslims from performing Hajj and disbarring non-Muslims from Mecca has long been thorn in the side of any progress in both Saudi and Islamic public relations.
The many problems with Saudi in relation to other Muslims, human rights, other religions, etc... has been an issue for Muslims in being able to complete or in wanting to complete (out of principle) the pilgrimage to Mecca...I won't even bring up the financial component. Some Muslims have reacted by forming alternate pilgrimages out of social consciousness and/or revisiting the meaning of Mecca and pilgrimage in the Qur'an. Some just wait for the day when Saudi "wakes up" and they can finally make their journey and complete what many believe is a necessary part of their religious practices.
Maybe this is a step. Perhaps the new attempt at Saudi to interact with other faiths is a sign of some sort of progress towards, well, progress. I am going to have to stay skeptical and do a lot more observing before I believe the government is moving towards real change. I see the change internally through movements inside Saudi, but are these movements actually having that much of an effect? We shall see...
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Opportunity to Make a Difference - International
Here is an opportunity to have your voice heard in an international project called the Charter for Compassion. Led by author Karen Armstrong and supported by the TED Prize, the Charter for Compassion Project is aimed at bringing together people from all walks of life and focused on the shared human concept through many philosophies and religions of The Golden Rule. You can contribute your thoughts to the charter and your stories about your faith and compassion you have experienced or given in you life.
From the Charter for Compassion website:
The Charter for Compassion is a collaborative effort to build a peaceful and harmonious global community. Bringing together the voices of people from all religions, the Charter seeks to remind the world that while all faiths are not the same, they all share the core principle of compassion and the Golden Rule. The Charter will change the tenor of the conversation around religion. It will be a clarion call to the world.
From the Charter for Compassion website:The Charter for Compassion is a collaborative effort to build a peaceful and harmonious global community. Bringing together the voices of people from all religions, the Charter seeks to remind the world that while all faiths are not the same, they all share the core principle of compassion and the Golden Rule. The Charter will change the tenor of the conversation around religion. It will be a clarion call to the world.
Video about the Charter for Compassion
Feel inspired and share your compassion with the world!
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans Day Tribute
Veteran's Heart Georgia held a fantastic interfaith Veterans Day service this evening. There were many faith traditions represented and stories from several veterans. We honored the veterans in the crowd, those still in service and those who had passed.
Veterans/service people who spoke:
Bob Cagle - Vietnam Veteran
Ret Lt Col Barb Devlin - Vietnam Veteran
PFC James Price - Active Duty
Chris Kemper - Iraqi Veteran
Chris Kemper honored the memory of PFC Chance Phelps and stirred the room with a story from the book Operation Homecoming edited by Andrew Carroll.
We also enjoyed meditative contemplations from Native American spirituality, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.
Calling of the Directions, Mending of the Sacred Hoop
Mantra of Green Tara - Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha (Oh, Tara be swift, protect us and guide us so we may transcend suffering, fear and ignorance, so be it.)
Isaiah 2:1-5: The Mountain of God
Sufi Chant - Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim (In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful)
Luke 7:1-10: A Soldier's Faith
Prayer of Remembrance (Adapted)
For those who are serving Iraq and Afghanistan, For those who will be leaving soon to serve their country, For military families, especially their children, For all people on all sides of the conflicts, For all people healing from the effects of war, For veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia and the First Gulf War, For those still missing in action, For all current and past prisoners of war, At the rising of the sun and at its going down, At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter, At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, At the beginning of the year and when it ends, For those who have died in service to our country, When we have decisions that are difficult to make, When we have achievements that are based on their achievements...
We remember them.
As long as we live, those who serve and those who have served will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Gaitri Mantra - Om Mani Podme Om
Here's hoping our efforts help those who have helped us.
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americansislamicfellowship.com
Veterans/service people who spoke:
Bob Cagle - Vietnam Veteran
Ret Lt Col Barb Devlin - Vietnam Veteran
PFC James Price - Active Duty
Chris Kemper - Iraqi Veteran
Chris Kemper honored the memory of PFC Chance Phelps and stirred the room with a story from the book Operation Homecoming edited by Andrew Carroll.
We also enjoyed meditative contemplations from Native American spirituality, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.
Calling of the Directions, Mending of the Sacred Hoop
Mantra of Green Tara - Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha (Oh, Tara be swift, protect us and guide us so we may transcend suffering, fear and ignorance, so be it.)
Isaiah 2:1-5: The Mountain of God
Sufi Chant - Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim (In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful)
Luke 7:1-10: A Soldier's Faith
Prayer of Remembrance (Adapted)
For those who are serving Iraq and Afghanistan, For those who will be leaving soon to serve their country, For military families, especially their children, For all people on all sides of the conflicts, For all people healing from the effects of war, For veterans who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia and the First Gulf War, For those still missing in action, For all current and past prisoners of war, At the rising of the sun and at its going down, At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter, At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, At the beginning of the year and when it ends, For those who have died in service to our country, When we have decisions that are difficult to make, When we have achievements that are based on their achievements...
We remember them.
As long as we live, those who serve and those who have served will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Gaitri Mantra - Om Mani Podme Om
Here's hoping our efforts help those who have helped us.
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americansislamicfellowship.com
Monday, November 10, 2008
MJCCA Book Festival and Veterans Day
Saturday, November 8, 2008 - Saturday, November 22, 2008 - The Book Festival of the MJCCA
Host: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
Schedule
AIF Recommends
You Don't Have to Be Wrong for Me to Be Right - Rabbi Brad Hirschfeld - Nov 19 - 7:30pm - Free - AIF Library Book
Sarah's Key - Tatiana De Rosnay - Nov 13 - 12pm - $12
The Last Lecture - Jeffrey Zaslow - Nov 22 - 7:30pm - $15
Location: Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA (map)
Book Festival Website
~~~~~~
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 - Interfaith Veteran's Day Service
Sponsored by: Veteran's Heart Georgia
Featuring AIF's Elizabeth Leila L'Abate
7:30pm
Location: St. Bede's Episcopal Church
2601 Henderson Mill Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 (Map)
For more information, please contact 770-938-9797
Program Site
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Saturday, November 8, 2008
What Defines Us?
On Being a Bumble Bee - Mona Eltahawy
What defines you? Does anything? What are you experiences that brought you to where you are now? How can we take those experience, both positive and negative, and see how they have helped us grow? Are we thankful for these experiences and our growth or can we find ways to be that way?
These are questions surrounding part of our discussion of our theme of gratitude at our bi-monthly discussion. We looked into how the things we encountered in our past have allowed us to come to where we are now. Even if we are not exactly where we may want to ultimately end up in life, we discussed how to look at our present and build upon it to create a positive atmosphere to propel us into the future.
We also discussed the role of God in guiding us on our paths and how giving thanks was one way to not only acknowledge what we have accomplished so far in life or where life is taking us, but also to help us stop and see the positive aspects of our journey and how important each step has been in moving us along that journey.
We talked about our relationship to our fellow humans and if we learn to be thankful for what we have, it can also inspire us to look to others for help, to help and to move along with in our journeys. Selfishness, while sometimes seemingly innate, is something one can learn to grow beyond and learn to find a process to recover from the selfishness spiral.
This month's focus is on thanks, because of Thanksgiving at the end of the month, and on religion and the media, because of the recent elections and other world events occuring around us. So, how we combine image, journey, thanks and definition of one's self in relation to God and others have been common elements in our discussions.
What are your thoughts?
~~~~~~
Verses from the discussion:
It is not permitted for a person to die except by God's leave in an appointed record. Whoever wants the rewards of this world We give him of it, and whoever wants the reward of the Hereafter, We give him of it. We will reward the thankful. Qu'ran 3:145
God is the One who committed the sea, that you may eat from it a tender meat, and that you may extract from it pearls that you wear. You see the ships flowing through it, so that you may seek from His bounty, and that you may be thankful. Qu'ran 16:14
God is the One Who made the night and the day in succession, for those who wish to remember or wish to be thankful. Qu'ran 25:62
One who had knowledge from the book said, "I will bring it to you before you blink." So when he saw it resting before him, he said, "This is from the grace of my Lord, so that He tests me whether I am thankful or whether I reject. As for he who is thankful, he is thankful for himself, and as for he who rejects, then my Lord is Rich, Bountiful." Qu'ran 27:40
We had given Luqman the wisdom: "You shall be thankful to God, and whoever is thankful is being thankful for his own good. As for whosoever rejects, then God is Rich, Praiseworthy." Qu'ran 31.12
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God's works are so great, worth A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love. He gave food to those who fear him, He remembered to keep his ancient promise. He proved to his people that he could do what he said: Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift! He manufactures truth and justice; All his products are guaranteed to last— Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof. All that he makes and does is honest and true: He paid the ransom for his people, He ordered his Covenant kept forever. He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the fear of God— Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever! Psalm 111
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
What defines you? Does anything? What are you experiences that brought you to where you are now? How can we take those experience, both positive and negative, and see how they have helped us grow? Are we thankful for these experiences and our growth or can we find ways to be that way?
These are questions surrounding part of our discussion of our theme of gratitude at our bi-monthly discussion. We looked into how the things we encountered in our past have allowed us to come to where we are now. Even if we are not exactly where we may want to ultimately end up in life, we discussed how to look at our present and build upon it to create a positive atmosphere to propel us into the future.
We also discussed the role of God in guiding us on our paths and how giving thanks was one way to not only acknowledge what we have accomplished so far in life or where life is taking us, but also to help us stop and see the positive aspects of our journey and how important each step has been in moving us along that journey.
We talked about our relationship to our fellow humans and if we learn to be thankful for what we have, it can also inspire us to look to others for help, to help and to move along with in our journeys. Selfishness, while sometimes seemingly innate, is something one can learn to grow beyond and learn to find a process to recover from the selfishness spiral.
This month's focus is on thanks, because of Thanksgiving at the end of the month, and on religion and the media, because of the recent elections and other world events occuring around us. So, how we combine image, journey, thanks and definition of one's self in relation to God and others have been common elements in our discussions.
What are your thoughts?
~~~~~~
Verses from the discussion:
It is not permitted for a person to die except by God's leave in an appointed record. Whoever wants the rewards of this world We give him of it, and whoever wants the reward of the Hereafter, We give him of it. We will reward the thankful. Qu'ran 3:145
God is the One who committed the sea, that you may eat from it a tender meat, and that you may extract from it pearls that you wear. You see the ships flowing through it, so that you may seek from His bounty, and that you may be thankful. Qu'ran 16:14
God is the One Who made the night and the day in succession, for those who wish to remember or wish to be thankful. Qu'ran 25:62
One who had knowledge from the book said, "I will bring it to you before you blink." So when he saw it resting before him, he said, "This is from the grace of my Lord, so that He tests me whether I am thankful or whether I reject. As for he who is thankful, he is thankful for himself, and as for he who rejects, then my Lord is Rich, Bountiful." Qu'ran 27:40
We had given Luqman the wisdom: "You shall be thankful to God, and whoever is thankful is being thankful for his own good. As for whosoever rejects, then God is Rich, Praiseworthy." Qu'ran 31.12
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God's works are so great, worth A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love. He gave food to those who fear him, He remembered to keep his ancient promise. He proved to his people that he could do what he said: Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift! He manufactures truth and justice; All his products are guaranteed to last— Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof. All that he makes and does is honest and true: He paid the ransom for his people, He ordered his Covenant kept forever. He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the fear of God— Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever! Psalm 111
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Friday, November 7, 2008
First Female Muslim elected to Michigan Legislature
Michigan Legislature getting 1st female Muslim - David N. Goodman
She is joining other State and National Muslim political leaders.
Saqib Ali - Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
André Carson - United States Congressman from Indiana
Keith Ellison - United States Congressman from Minnesota
Rodney Hubbard - Missouri State Representative
Yusuf Salaam - Alabama State Representative
Larry Shaw - North Carolina State Senator
Saghir "Saggy" Tahir - New Hampshire State Representative
Rashida Tlaib - Michigan State Representative
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
She is joining other State and National Muslim political leaders.
Saqib Ali - Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
André Carson - United States Congressman from Indiana
Keith Ellison - United States Congressman from Minnesota
Rodney Hubbard - Missouri State Representative
Yusuf Salaam - Alabama State Representative
Larry Shaw - North Carolina State Senator
Saghir "Saggy" Tahir - New Hampshire State Representative
Rashida Tlaib - Michigan State Representative
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Gratitude - November 7 Discussion Meeting
Friday, November 7, 2008 - AIF Bi-Monthly Discussion Meeting
Topic: Gratitude
8:00pm - 10:00pm
Light Refreshments will be served
Location: Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Chalice House
1025 Mount Vernon Hwy NW, Atlanta, Georgia (map)
For more information, please email us at info@americanislamicfellowship.com.
~~~~~~
Hope to see you there!
Board of Directors
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
U.S. Elections - Something for Which to Be Thankful
“…there is something rather extraordinary about the role humor plays in American politics: It reflects the fact that politics in the United States isn't, as in many places, a matter of life or death -- whoever loses today is not going to jail, and his followers will not be removed from their jobs or houses. It also means the political class has some healthy distance from what it does, at least a few nights a year.”
~Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
When Politics is Funny
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
~Anne Applebaum, Washington Post
When Politics is Funny
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
God Provides
"And how many creatures do not provide for themselves! God provides for it and for you. God is the Hearer, the Knower." Quran 29:60
We all want something...prosperity of some sort, success, happiness, etc... Our patience to get to that point can be short as our dreams of reaching our goals begin to take over reality and reality becomes an obstacle that can sometimes be overwhelming. Somewhere in the back of our minds, if we'll just listen is a small, steady voice guiding us and cheering us to the next step that will bring us either closer to what we want or what will make us prosper in our own way. Are we listening?
God listens to us and knows our very souls and our deepest desires. Sometimes we are sure the desires we have at the present are the only things that can help us reach happiness in life. God knows if this is true. We simply have to listen, as well. We have to be observant.
It may be painful to start down another path after forging forward on another one for so long, but look, listen and feel. The path God is showing to you may not be the path we think we want or a path that looks like the easiest one, but if we let go and have faith, the path is where we will find what will make us happy.
Is there just one path? I don't believe there is just one path, but there is a way, depending on choices we have made in life, that can use our past, to help us in the present and move us forward in the future. What if the path seems wrong? Then look and know God is there to show you the truth. Muslims pray for God to lead them on the straight path. Know that when you are on that path that things will happen and in a way that does not require you to compromise yourself or your beliefs.
As we move towards Thanksgiving, think about and look for the things God has provided to you. Even if you are in a very difficult situation, look for the tools you have to help you make it through that situation. Whether it is a physical item or even just a coping mechanism. Think about each of these things as something provided to you to help you. When you feel nothing can go right, pull yourself towards prayer, read the Qu'ran and/or try to think of at least one thing to thank God for and give thanks for that. You may find you have many things to help you at that moment.
God is there and is guiding you towards prosperity. God hears your prayers, your thanks, your cries for help and God knows which way will lead you to the goals that will be best for your life. Keep an open mind and heart and trust that no matter the outcome, something good is waiting.
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
Saturday, November 1, 2008
My "Hair-Raising" Halloween Tradition
One of our family traditions is to get together on Halloween and spend time with each other. My grandmother, mother, sisters, husband and I all gathered to eat pizza and hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. My husband surprised me by decorating the front lawn. I hadn't expected it because we had decided to limit our spending to candy this year because of finances. He had gone to the store before I got home and found several great deals on simple decorations. It was something little, but meaningful.
It may seem strange to some to have a family party on Halloween, but it has been a part of our family for my whole life. It started with my grandmother. Halloween was another time to gather with family and friends and to help neighbors. She would not only give candy, but little things, like school supplies, that neighborhood children might need.
We carry on this tradition at my home now. We hand out candy, but still give some basic school supplies. This year we gave out erasers. The kids loved the decorations and were so excited about the erasers that some of them came near the end of the night to politely ask if they could have some more. It was fantastic. I never thought about erasers being so valuable, but it put a smile on the kids' faces. My grandmother and mother got excited with seeing all the costumes and some, who for various reasons, did not dress up and just came to get candy.
It is possible my family started this to make sure we stayed home with them on Halloween instead of going out to party with our friends and to save us from the potential trouble kids get into sometimes on such a night, but I don't mind. I have such fun hanging with them that I never thought I was missing anything by being with my family. I hope I can carry on this tradition with my own children and impress on them the reasons why it is so worthwhile.
I know some people focus on the negative aspects of certain holidays, but when a holiday brings together family, helps people, and puts a smile on someone's face, I believe there is nothing better.
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
It may seem strange to some to have a family party on Halloween, but it has been a part of our family for my whole life. It started with my grandmother. Halloween was another time to gather with family and friends and to help neighbors. She would not only give candy, but little things, like school supplies, that neighborhood children might need.
We carry on this tradition at my home now. We hand out candy, but still give some basic school supplies. This year we gave out erasers. The kids loved the decorations and were so excited about the erasers that some of them came near the end of the night to politely ask if they could have some more. It was fantastic. I never thought about erasers being so valuable, but it put a smile on the kids' faces. My grandmother and mother got excited with seeing all the costumes and some, who for various reasons, did not dress up and just came to get candy.
It is possible my family started this to make sure we stayed home with them on Halloween instead of going out to party with our friends and to save us from the potential trouble kids get into sometimes on such a night, but I don't mind. I have such fun hanging with them that I never thought I was missing anything by being with my family. I hope I can carry on this tradition with my own children and impress on them the reasons why it is so worthwhile.
I know some people focus on the negative aspects of certain holidays, but when a holiday brings together family, helps people, and puts a smile on someone's face, I believe there is nothing better.
~~~~~~
Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com
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