.jpg)
In recent years, Imam Musa has often noted the heavy impact that media--and the arts in general (movies, music, etc.)--have on people. In a khutbah given in late July, he noted that with rap music in particular, it has been manipulated--by outside forces--from its original flavor of conscious struggle and self-determination, and insisted that the original spirit of rap music must be brought back today in order to inspire and educate masses of people who have lost direction due to the pervasive influence of the Zionist and corporate media. This could be just one of the weapons in our arsenal as we continue our multi-faceted [non-military] guerrilla offensive against ignorance and anti-Islam.
With this being said, we were pleasantly surprised to discover recently an audio clip from one of Imam Musa's khutbahs featured on a track entitled "God-Given" by Muslim hip hop artist Yusuf Abdul-Mateen. Br. Yusuf forms one-half of the hip hop team Blak Madeen, a unique and sociopolitically apt duo which hails from Boston, MA. They will be releasing their second album, entitled Sacred Defense, in mid-November. Check out the track featuring the clip of Imam Musa by clicking here.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
On Behalf of the Forgotten
As-salaamu 'alaikum, dear believers!A recent message from Imam Musa:
ON BEHALF OF THE FORGOTTEN IN OUR UMMAH
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Every Muslim is a Muslim's brother. He should neither harm him nor leave him alone when others treat him unjustly (but try to help him). Whomever will fulfill the need of a brother, Allah (swt) will fulfill his need, and whoever will remove a distress of a Muslim, he will find a distress of his removed on the Day of Requital, and whomever will hide the shame of a Muslim, his sins will be hidden by Allah (swt) on the Last Day." (Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet (saw) also said: "He who equips a warrior in the way of Allah (swt) is like the one who actually fights, and he who looks after the family of a warrior in the way of Allah in fact participated in the battle." (Sahih Muslim)
My name is Abdul Alim Musa. I am the imam of Masjid Al-Islam, which has locations in Washington, DC, and Oakland, CA, and the Amir of As-Sabiqun, an Islamic movement based in America which aims to establish self-sustaining Islamic communities across the country (for more info, visit www.sabiqun.org).
As Muslims, we are prescribed to look after one another, especially when our fellow believers are facing serious hardship or difficulty. Many of us have forgotten about the toll that U.S. government oppression has taken on our community. In recent years, a countless number of innocent Muslims—men and women—have been unjustly harassed and jailed on account of false charges. Each of their families has suffered tremendously, facing the loss of a breadwinner, a life companion, or even a loving parent who once filled their lives.
This reality can no longer remain ignored. It is our collective duty to support our brothers and sisters who are facing unjust oppression. For this reason, I am respectfully requesting from you an opportunity to make a short presentation after the Maghrib, ‘Isha, or Jumu’ah prayer at your center—whichever is most feasible—with the purpose of raising funds for our imprisoned brothers and sisters, both for their legal defense and their families. I am also available to give a Jumu’ah khutbah. Our ultimate goal is raise $1 million for this purpose, as well as to form a legal review committee that can take steps toward liberating our brothers and sisters from their current conditions.
To grant my request, please call me: 202.904.1152, or e-mail me: imammusa2009@hotmail.com. To learn more about our community, please visit our website (listed above). We would also like to welcome you to visit one of our locations: Masjid Al-Islam / 4603 Benning Road SE / Washington, DC 20019, or Masjid Al-Islam / 8210 MacArthur Blvd. / Oakland, CA 94605. Our community is based on the institutional cornerstones of: 1) masjid, 2) full-time Islamic school, 3) businesses, and 4) geographical integrity (living close together). We are a strong and independent community that receives no funding from overseas financiers. We have made it to where we are only because of Allah’s (swt) grace and the generous contributions of supportive Muslims. We now ask you to help us in our endeavors to provide assistance to the less fortunate in our Ummah.
***
If you would like to contribute to the Assistance Fund, simply click on the flier image above, print it out, fill out the slip, and mail it in with your donation. If you are interested in having Imam Musa visit your masjid or Islamic center, contact us via phone or e-mail and make arrangements with your local leadership.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
'Eid Mubarak!
For those in the DC area Muslim community:
Insha'Allah, the 'Eid prayer at Masjid Al-Islam will be held on Sunday (tomorrow), Sept. 20th @ 10 am. If you're in the area, come join us for this festive gathering!
Directions via Metro: Take the blue line to the Benning Road stop and walk 3 blocks to Benning Road and C Street SE.
Insha'Allah, the 'Eid prayer at Masjid Al-Islam will be held on Sunday (tomorrow), Sept. 20th @ 10 am. If you're in the area, come join us for this festive gathering!
MASJID AL-ISLAM
4603 Benning Road
Washington, DC 20019
4603 Benning Road
Washington, DC 20019
Directions via Metro: Take the blue line to the Benning Road stop and walk 3 blocks to Benning Road and C Street SE.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Latest on Imam Jamil
On September 3, in an interview with Dr. Kaukab Siddique of New Trend Magazine, Sis. Karima Al-Amin, Imam Jamil's wife, made the following points after returning from a visit with Imam Jamil at the maximum security prison in Florence, CO:
- The government has made it extremely expensive for family to visit Imam Jamil by imprisoning him in far away Florence, Colorado. Each time they visit, they must fly to Denver, drive to a town next to Florence, and take a hotel room.
- The family is trying to use a legal process to bring Imam Jamil back to Georgia or nearby. For this, they have attorneys who are working pro bono.
- The habeas corpus appeal is underway! This will be the means to re-try the case against Imam Jamil due to its weak foundations. Imam Jamil's family is desperately in need of funds to pay for a team of lawyers.
- Breaking News: Otis Jackson, the man who confessed that he is responsible for the crime for which Imam Jamil was convicted, is now giving testimony before Imam Jamil's attorney. This could lead to a major break in the case!
An Imam Jamil Ramadan Assistance Fund has been set up to help fight the Imam's case. The goal is to raise $20,000. If 20 communities across America collect $1,000 each, there will be enough money to carry out the habeas corpus appeal. This should not be difficult in Ramadan. If your masjid or local Islamic center is collecting funds for extended parking lots and cosmetic domes, please stop and contribute your money where it will make a difference.
Donations for Imam Jamil's legal defense committee (in the form of check or money order) can be sent to:
Donations to provide assistance to Imam Jamil's family (in the form of check or money order) can be sent to:
- The government has made it extremely expensive for family to visit Imam Jamil by imprisoning him in far away Florence, Colorado. Each time they visit, they must fly to Denver, drive to a town next to Florence, and take a hotel room.
- The family is trying to use a legal process to bring Imam Jamil back to Georgia or nearby. For this, they have attorneys who are working pro bono.
- The habeas corpus appeal is underway! This will be the means to re-try the case against Imam Jamil due to its weak foundations. Imam Jamil's family is desperately in need of funds to pay for a team of lawyers.
- Breaking News: Otis Jackson, the man who confessed that he is responsible for the crime for which Imam Jamil was convicted, is now giving testimony before Imam Jamil's attorney. This could lead to a major break in the case!
An Imam Jamil Ramadan Assistance Fund has been set up to help fight the Imam's case. The goal is to raise $20,000. If 20 communities across America collect $1,000 each, there will be enough money to carry out the habeas corpus appeal. This should not be difficult in Ramadan. If your masjid or local Islamic center is collecting funds for extended parking lots and cosmetic domes, please stop and contribute your money where it will make a difference.
Donations for Imam Jamil's legal defense committee (in the form of check or money order) can be sent to:
The Justice Fund
P.O. Box 115363
Atlanta, GA 30310
P.O. Box 115363
Atlanta, GA 30310
Donations to provide assistance to Imam Jamil's family (in the form of check or money order) can be sent to:
Masjid Al-Islam
Imam Jamil Fund
4603 Benning Road SE
Washington, DC 20019
Imam Jamil Fund
4603 Benning Road SE
Washington, DC 20019
Monday, September 7, 2009
Al-Quds Day Rally 2009 (DC)
(Click on flier for enlarged view)What is Al-Quds Day?
Al-Quds Day is held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. It is a day when Muslims around the world, as well as non-Muslims, come together to demonstrate their support for the oppressed in the world, in particular our oppressed brothers and sisters in Palestine who have been living under Zionist occupation for over 60 years (...and don't forget the massacre in Ghazzah which occurred just a few months ago). The details of this year's local Al-Quds Day rally (in DC) can be found on the flier above. Please show your support by attending!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
On the DC Shahadah Wave
Below is an article written by one of our local members regarding a very interesting phenomenon that has taken root in Washington, DC.
ON THE DC SHAHADAH WAVE
By Muhaafiz Khan
It is about time that the news is passed on: There is a growing trend in inner-city neighborhoods across DC. Its momentum has not subsided; rather, it has only increased. What is the trend? Islam.
In inner-cities across America, and in the African-American community in particular, Islam has long been known as an uplifting force. In previous decades and generations, Islam was embraced as part of an evolutionary growth process. Seekers of social justice would embrace Islam after finding the gaps or shortcomings in various ideologies such as Black nationalism, socialism, and communism. Embracing Islam was attaching oneself to a universal and all-encompassing way of life; it was viewed by pioneer homegrown Islamic movements (the Islamic Party, Dar al-Islam, etc.) as a vehicle for spiritual, social, economic, and political progress; it was also akin to returning to one's roots, as many of the enslaved Africans who arrived on American and Caribbean shores from the 1500s to the 1800s arrived as practicing Muslims.
It seems that none of these earlier motivations, however, can be accurately ascribed 100% to the current shahadah wave in DC.
At Masjid Al-Islam in Southeast DC, we saw the first sign of this trend in the fall of 2007. At that time, it was only a trickle. One brother, or two, or three--all under the age of 20--would take their shahadahs each or every other week. It was a curious sight. Many of us were not quite sure what to make of it. Of course, we welcomed these fresh new faces, but we were also puzzled. For years, our community members had lived in the neighborhoods of Southeast. For years, we had given various forms of da'wah; every few weeks, or months, there would be a new shahadah. But now, it had become a weekly phenomenon. Upon being asked what had motivated them to take their shahadahs, various responses were given. The most common one: "I want to change my life."
In that first year, many of the new shahadahs were coming from a nearby Southeast neighborhood known as Simple City. Simple City has been an area notoriously known for its concentration of drugs, crimes, and violence. Nevertheless, out of this chaotic environment emerged an unabated flow of young people interested in Islam. At the Masjid, requests were being made regularly for literature, books, prayer calendars, CDs, etc. The Intro to Islam class (Wednesday evenings @ 7pm) that seemed to exist since time immemorial came to life with a sudden influx of fresh young students, from middle school ages on up to just past high school.
"We're happy to be in a position to welcome these new shahadahs and give them support," says Imam Musa, the imam of Masjid Al-Islam. "We hope to live up to the expectations of Islam and pass it on in a way that is functional and helpful, as a mercy from Allah (swt)." Imam Tufayl Abdillah, who was born in DC and lived here nearly all of his life, further elaborates: "Several years ago, Imam Musa made a decision to establish a masjid in an area that most people would avoid—even Muslims. Now, almost twenty years later, Masjid Al-Islam is reaping the benefits of that action. In just this last year, well over 100 young people have taken their shahadahs. Allah (swt) has blessed this Masjid to be a tool for Islam in an area where most people, Muslim and non-Muslim, had given up all hope in its young people."
The trend is still very much alive today, and it seems to have spread all across DC. As strange as it may sound to the suburbanite believer, it has now become en vogue in inner-city DC to be a Muslim; it is "cool" to sport a colorful kufi or Palestinian-style keffiyeh. Young brothers in thobes are becoming an increasingly common sight. Scented oils are in high demand. It is not uncommon to hear the greeting of "As-salamu 'alaikum" while walking down the street (that is, if you are obviously a Muslim). I recently witnessed an argument between 9- and 10-year old neighborhood kids centered around who really did or did not take their shahadahs between them. There is a string of popular debates and questions being raised: Does Yellow #5 have pork in it? Must dreadlocks be shaved off? How can Muslim brothers and sisters marry each other if they don't date? In Islam, when are fights allowed? There are other questions a bit more solemn and unique to the inner-city scene, such as this one: What becomes of a young Muslim brother who receives a non-Islamic burial?
With a steady stream of only young brothers taking their shahadahs locally for the past two years, it is natural for one to become concerned about their future marriage prospects. Not to worry: the sisters' wave has started to kick in about a month or two ago. Masha'Allah, on a weekly basis now, 3-5 young sisters, or more--also all under the age of 20--are taking their shahadahs.
To address this incredible (and curious) phenomenon, as a community, we have steadily served up a wholesome and balanced picture of Islam: one that does not dwell solely on the "look" and external practice of a Muslim, but also deals with the improvement of self and the building of character, morals, and values; one that addresses not only personal issues, but pertinent and relevant societal issues as well. We are emphasizing the building-block process of Islam: to learn the fundamentals, practice them, become consistent, and then keep building a step at a time; to prioritize first what is important so as to not be overwhelmed by the details that new Muslims are often bombarded with.
We are also making sure to connect this young generation of new Muslims with today's global Islamic scene. As part of a universal Ummah that is constantly facing challenges, it is of the utmost importance that young Muslims understand the world they live in. "Islam is in a global process of revival, and our enemies understand that," Imam Musa explains. "Many of these new shahadahs already have two strikes against them: they're black and they’re youth. Black people in this country have a unique history. Now, they're Muslim too? This has some serious implications, and so we have to understand the history, the current events, and how things are set up. We have a big mission ahead of us."
Unfortunately, as with any trend, there are some who seem to be entering the fold of Islam "just because". But even for those whose sincerity is seemingly questionable, we are confident that with their constant exposure to the message (Jumu'ah khutbahs are hardly missed), some of it is bound to sink in and take root, whether sooner or later. It is important to understand that many of these young people have had no regular exposure to religious beliefs and values; they come from neighborhoods in which all kinds of social ills run rampant. Now, with their connection to this Deen, if and when life throws them big challenges, they will have an Islamic framework and foundation to turn back to. This is invaluable. Insha'Allah, many will mature into their practice.
Eclipsing the skepticism that surrounds the current DC shahadah wave, and overshadowing the questionable sincerity demonstrated by some, there is a weighty fact: this "trend" has led an oft-ignored portion of humanity--even if it is a few out of the many--to the immeasurable satisfaction and reward of learning the Truth, knowing Allah (swt), and being aligned with the true purpose of life.
------------
We are expecting a very festive Ramadan this year with all of our new shahadahs. Many of our new sisters are in need of modest clothing. Donations of gently-used hijabs, khimars, and outfits (that can fit teenagers) will be greatly appreciated. To schedule a drop-off, call 202.903.8977 or e-mail sisterbahiyah@hotmail.com. To schedule a pick-up, e-mail ubzerva82@msn.com. We would also appreciate book donations, but we have certain titles in mind (which fit into our class structure). For details, contact info@sabiqun.org.
ON THE DC SHAHADAH WAVE
By Muhaafiz Khan
It is about time that the news is passed on: There is a growing trend in inner-city neighborhoods across DC. Its momentum has not subsided; rather, it has only increased. What is the trend? Islam.
In inner-cities across America, and in the African-American community in particular, Islam has long been known as an uplifting force. In previous decades and generations, Islam was embraced as part of an evolutionary growth process. Seekers of social justice would embrace Islam after finding the gaps or shortcomings in various ideologies such as Black nationalism, socialism, and communism. Embracing Islam was attaching oneself to a universal and all-encompassing way of life; it was viewed by pioneer homegrown Islamic movements (the Islamic Party, Dar al-Islam, etc.) as a vehicle for spiritual, social, economic, and political progress; it was also akin to returning to one's roots, as many of the enslaved Africans who arrived on American and Caribbean shores from the 1500s to the 1800s arrived as practicing Muslims.
It seems that none of these earlier motivations, however, can be accurately ascribed 100% to the current shahadah wave in DC.
At Masjid Al-Islam in Southeast DC, we saw the first sign of this trend in the fall of 2007. At that time, it was only a trickle. One brother, or two, or three--all under the age of 20--would take their shahadahs each or every other week. It was a curious sight. Many of us were not quite sure what to make of it. Of course, we welcomed these fresh new faces, but we were also puzzled. For years, our community members had lived in the neighborhoods of Southeast. For years, we had given various forms of da'wah; every few weeks, or months, there would be a new shahadah. But now, it had become a weekly phenomenon. Upon being asked what had motivated them to take their shahadahs, various responses were given. The most common one: "I want to change my life."
In that first year, many of the new shahadahs were coming from a nearby Southeast neighborhood known as Simple City. Simple City has been an area notoriously known for its concentration of drugs, crimes, and violence. Nevertheless, out of this chaotic environment emerged an unabated flow of young people interested in Islam. At the Masjid, requests were being made regularly for literature, books, prayer calendars, CDs, etc. The Intro to Islam class (Wednesday evenings @ 7pm) that seemed to exist since time immemorial came to life with a sudden influx of fresh young students, from middle school ages on up to just past high school.
"We're happy to be in a position to welcome these new shahadahs and give them support," says Imam Musa, the imam of Masjid Al-Islam. "We hope to live up to the expectations of Islam and pass it on in a way that is functional and helpful, as a mercy from Allah (swt)." Imam Tufayl Abdillah, who was born in DC and lived here nearly all of his life, further elaborates: "Several years ago, Imam Musa made a decision to establish a masjid in an area that most people would avoid—even Muslims. Now, almost twenty years later, Masjid Al-Islam is reaping the benefits of that action. In just this last year, well over 100 young people have taken their shahadahs. Allah (swt) has blessed this Masjid to be a tool for Islam in an area where most people, Muslim and non-Muslim, had given up all hope in its young people."
The trend is still very much alive today, and it seems to have spread all across DC. As strange as it may sound to the suburbanite believer, it has now become en vogue in inner-city DC to be a Muslim; it is "cool" to sport a colorful kufi or Palestinian-style keffiyeh. Young brothers in thobes are becoming an increasingly common sight. Scented oils are in high demand. It is not uncommon to hear the greeting of "As-salamu 'alaikum" while walking down the street (that is, if you are obviously a Muslim). I recently witnessed an argument between 9- and 10-year old neighborhood kids centered around who really did or did not take their shahadahs between them. There is a string of popular debates and questions being raised: Does Yellow #5 have pork in it? Must dreadlocks be shaved off? How can Muslim brothers and sisters marry each other if they don't date? In Islam, when are fights allowed? There are other questions a bit more solemn and unique to the inner-city scene, such as this one: What becomes of a young Muslim brother who receives a non-Islamic burial?
With a steady stream of only young brothers taking their shahadahs locally for the past two years, it is natural for one to become concerned about their future marriage prospects. Not to worry: the sisters' wave has started to kick in about a month or two ago. Masha'Allah, on a weekly basis now, 3-5 young sisters, or more--also all under the age of 20--are taking their shahadahs.
To address this incredible (and curious) phenomenon, as a community, we have steadily served up a wholesome and balanced picture of Islam: one that does not dwell solely on the "look" and external practice of a Muslim, but also deals with the improvement of self and the building of character, morals, and values; one that addresses not only personal issues, but pertinent and relevant societal issues as well. We are emphasizing the building-block process of Islam: to learn the fundamentals, practice them, become consistent, and then keep building a step at a time; to prioritize first what is important so as to not be overwhelmed by the details that new Muslims are often bombarded with.
We are also making sure to connect this young generation of new Muslims with today's global Islamic scene. As part of a universal Ummah that is constantly facing challenges, it is of the utmost importance that young Muslims understand the world they live in. "Islam is in a global process of revival, and our enemies understand that," Imam Musa explains. "Many of these new shahadahs already have two strikes against them: they're black and they’re youth. Black people in this country have a unique history. Now, they're Muslim too? This has some serious implications, and so we have to understand the history, the current events, and how things are set up. We have a big mission ahead of us."
Unfortunately, as with any trend, there are some who seem to be entering the fold of Islam "just because". But even for those whose sincerity is seemingly questionable, we are confident that with their constant exposure to the message (Jumu'ah khutbahs are hardly missed), some of it is bound to sink in and take root, whether sooner or later. It is important to understand that many of these young people have had no regular exposure to religious beliefs and values; they come from neighborhoods in which all kinds of social ills run rampant. Now, with their connection to this Deen, if and when life throws them big challenges, they will have an Islamic framework and foundation to turn back to. This is invaluable. Insha'Allah, many will mature into their practice.
Eclipsing the skepticism that surrounds the current DC shahadah wave, and overshadowing the questionable sincerity demonstrated by some, there is a weighty fact: this "trend" has led an oft-ignored portion of humanity--even if it is a few out of the many--to the immeasurable satisfaction and reward of learning the Truth, knowing Allah (swt), and being aligned with the true purpose of life.
------------
We are expecting a very festive Ramadan this year with all of our new shahadahs. Many of our new sisters are in need of modest clothing. Donations of gently-used hijabs, khimars, and outfits (that can fit teenagers) will be greatly appreciated. To schedule a drop-off, call 202.903.8977 or e-mail sisterbahiyah@hotmail.com. To schedule a pick-up, e-mail ubzerva82@msn.com. We would also appreciate book donations, but we have certain titles in mind (which fit into our class structure). For details, contact info@sabiqun.org.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ramadan Mubarak!
As-Sabiqun would like to wish all of our members, workers, friends, supporters, and well-wishers a RAMADAN MUBARAK! May Allah's (swt) mercy, forgiveness, and grace be showered upon you during this blessed month.
Please keep us in your du'as.
Please keep us in your du'as.
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