An 'Eid Message from Imam Musa

On the occasion of 'Eid, Imam Musa distributed an 'Eid flier to Muslims attending various 'Eid events and activities in the DC area. The text of the message is below:

The community of Masjid Al-Islam wishes you a special 'Eid blessing. May Allah (swt) reward you for your well-intentioned efforts, and may your sincere practice of Islam aid you in improving in all areas of your life.

My name is Abdul Alim Musa. I am the imam of Masjid Al-Islam, which is located in Southeast Washington, DC. Our masjid is the headquarters branch of As-Sabiqun, an Islamic movement based in America which aims to establish self-sustaining Islamic communities across the country. Our institutional foundation, in the beginning stages of setting up Dar al-Islam in America by the year 2050, is the building of Islamic independence via the establishment of masajid, full-time Islamic schools, businesses, and geographical integrity (living close together as a community). We believe that living Islam and building dynamic model communities is the best possible da'wah.

Over the years, by the grace and mercy of Allah (swt), we have made a lot of progress in DC. We fully own a building which houses the largest prayer area (musalla) in all of Washington, DC; we hold regular classes and seminars to educate Muslims and non-Muslims; and alhamdulillah, we have established the best Islamic group home-schooling effort in the area, providing a top-notch education to the Muslim children of Southeast DC.

Now, it has become necessary for us to make a quantum leap in the area of institution-building. Due to a constant stream of shahadahs in recent months, we find it urgent to increase and upgrade our social services. We would also like to expand our geographical integrity by starting construction of residential space for Muslim families. We have only made it this far because of Allah's (swt) grace and your generous contributions. In the next phase of our development, we hope to raise five-million dollars ($5,000,000) in order to continue building the ideal Islamic community in this nation's capital.

Because of our desire to see Islam play a major role in the future development of this country and our steadfast moral support for Islamic causes around the world, we have become the target of several federal and media investigations here in DC, as well as state and local investigations at our community in Oakland, CA. The government has been successful at keeping us off of virtually every public platform. In order to survive and thrive in this hostile and anti-Islamic environment, we have adopted the attitude of the noble Prophet Ibrahim (as):

"Abraham was indeed a model. Devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in faith, and he joined not gods with Allah. He showed his gratitude for the favours of Allah, Who chose him, and guided him to a Straight Way. And We gave him good of this world, and he will be, in the Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous." (16:120-122)

"And by Allah, I have a plan for your idols—After ye go away and turn your backs…" (21:57)

We have placed our full trust in Allah (swt) and remain unfazed by the power and intimidation of the FBI and similar oppressors. The idol of U.S. imperialist invincibility, under the leadership of G.W. Bush, was thoroughly shattered in our minds and hearts before Allah (swt) shattered it in real life (alhamdulillah). For our constant struggle and sacrifice in His way, Allah (swt), out of His mercy, has made our condition similar to the one mentioned in this reassuring ayah:

"We said, 'O Fire! Be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Abraham!'" (21:69)

You can reach this state too. Help us with your du'as and your moral and financial support. Any contributions will be highly appreciated. Please send your check or money order to: Masjid Al-Islam / 4603 Benning Road SE / Washington, DC 20019.

Our community is made up of countless individuals who have witnessed the transformational power of Islam, including myself (as pictured above). By the great mercy of Allah (swt), this Deen has taken us from lives of deep-rooted jahiliyyah to lives of taqwa and iman. We have also seen that Islam, properly practiced, can rid us of the inferiority complexes that have come down to us from histories of slavery, colonization, and subjugation. We believe it can do the same for you. Join us in the noble cause of transforming America by transforming ourselves!

For speaking engagements, call: 202.904.1152 or 202.581.2800.