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Militant Islam Monitor > Satire > Virginistan Follies: Islamist honored by VA Senate is "supporter" of Al Qaeda linked group demanding Bush assassination plotters release

Virginistan Follies: Islamist honored by VA Senate is "supporter" of Al Qaeda linked group demanding Bush assassination plotters release

Mukrit Hossain twice honored in VA uses 'charitable work as front for Da'wa and helping illegal migrants circumvent US law
March 3, 2005

MIM: The War on Terror suffered another setback when the 'Virginistan' Senate honored Mukrit Hossain, an Islamist who has used his 'charitable' work - to for Da'wa and to undermine the interests of the United States. Hossain has not only parlayed giving food and coats to illegal migrants into a federally funded exercise in Da'wa ( Islamic propagation), he has assisted those who broke the law with legal aid to help them fight to stay in the US .

Hossain exploits his 'charitable' work for furthering his Islamist agenda,and openly proclaims this to be his polical mission as well. A letter from him to readers on his Muslim Political Action Committee website states that his groups objectives are :

* To portray Islam in it's true nature as a complete religion".

*"Benefitting from government grants and financial aid given by philanthropic organisations and social welfare centersand who are visible come to also participate in the disbursement and utilization of a large amount of funds available from the government especially for this purpose".

Hossain states on his website that "MAPAC shall strive to boost political participation and empowerment of Muslim Americans".

His website also contains a 'fatwa' from a Muslim cleric which explains to Muslims are Islamically obligated to vote and that they can;

"support a non Muslim candidate if he/ she would be more beneficial to the American Muslim community and the rest of the country".

MIM: This is likely what prompted the Virginia National Assembly and Senator Janet Howell (D) and delegate Thom Rust (R) to push for a motion to recognize Hossain for his "civic and volunteer contributions"....

Hossain is also active in MAS, the Muslim American Society, the group which is in the forefront of campaiging for the release of jailed presidental assassin wannabe Omar Abu Ali. MAS also lauded Hossain as a "supporter" of their organisation which is directly linked to ICNA and by extension Al Qaeda. The trustee of MAS's Islamic American University is Sheik Yusuf Qaradawi who proclaimed that Muslim women have an Islamic duty to become suicide bombers . http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/216

Perhaps most outrageous of all is that the FAITH 'charity' -Foundation for Appropriate and Temporary Immediate Help" which Hossain is being lauded for which helps illegal migrants get around American law and enables him to expose them to Islam, is registered at 500 Grove Street an address which was raided by law enforcement because "it housed more then 100 interlocking Muslim organisations... which gave material aid to terrorists"

Besides Hossain and FAITH's activities in recruiting illegal migrant converts to Islam, one must also conclude that the potential for these people to become terrorist operatives is just as likely. As a recent newspaper article correctly pointed out:

"...Hossain and the other Muslims working with Project Hope and Harmony have been accused of trying to justify illegal immigration, but their commitment to the issue has remained strong..." http://www.masnet.org/takeaction.asp?id=2072

The Virginia State Senate's honor of Hossain has bestowed legitmacy on a Grove Street 'charity' (FAITH) which likely has ties to terrorism. Their governmental endorsement also helped a radical Islamist gain legitimacy (and access to politicians) and help further his efforts to enable potential terrorist operatives to circumvent American immigration laws. Hossain's" support " by and of MAS, has also by extension, helped the Muslim American's Society's efforts to raise money for the defense of Abu Ali, a Virginia schooled Al Qaeda operative, who plotted to kill President Bush and whose father works in nearby Washington for the Saudi embassy.

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Virginia Senate Honors Muslim Leader

http://www.isna.net/news/miniheadlines.asp?dismode=article&artid=542

Mukit Hossain, a Northern Virginia Muslim leader and activist has been recognized for his numerous civic and volunteer contributions to Herndon and Fairfax County in a joint resolution of the Virginia General Assembly.

The bipartisan bill offered by State senator Janet Howell (D) and Delegate Tom Rust (R) noted that Hossain was named the Herndon Times' Citizen of the Year for 2004; and is one of the founders of Project Hope and Harmony, which represents various faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and community volunteers who are working to create an organized day labor site in Herndon and provide social services to the workers; and the resolution noted Hossain's efforts through the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), in November 2004, to provide coats for day laborers with winter coats.

Hossain is on the board of trustees for the ADAMS Center and the board of directors for the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help (FAITH) in Herndon. He is the founder of the Food Source Foundation, which provides meals to homeless people in Fairfax County, and has previously been involved with food banks and Meals on Wheels. In honor of his "extraordinary acts of service to the community," Mukit Hossain was the recipient of the November 2004 Best of Herndon Dulles Award from the Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce.

The resolution noted that Mukit Hossain continues to devote his considerable energy and positive attitude to the betterment of the lives of the less-fortunate members of the Herndon and Fairfax County communities.

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http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab5.cfm?newsid=13422562&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=511691&rfi=6

Muslim charity group raises $10,000 By Kali Schumitz
11/23/2004

At the second meeting of Project Hope and Harmony Thursday, a group formed recently to assist day laborers in Herndon, a Reston Interfaith representative announced that the group had $400 allocated to provide winter coats for the laborers.

Mukit Hossain and the Muslim charity group Foundation for Immediate and Appropriate Temporary Help (FAITH) thought this was not sufficient. They began contacting Muslim businesses and charitable organizations and by Saturday morning had more than $10,000 in pledges to buy winter coats and food for the day laborers; 15 people volunteered to distribute coats Saturday morning.

They distributed about 30 coats Saturday, Hossain said, and made a list of others who need coats. Those people will be invited to a community dinner this week where they will be able to pick up their new coats.

Hossain said the recipients of the coats were extremely happy. Even though it was a warm day, he said, they ripped off the tags and put on the new coats right away.

"We were all wearing T-shirts, and they wanted to put on their winter coats," he said. "It really was a wonderful, human moment."

Explaining how FAITH was able to raise so much money so quickly, Hossain explained that Islam treats the concept of charity a little differently than other religions.

"Doing charity is a privilege," he said. "It's not just a nice thing to do."

In addition to the pledges for immediate assistance, Hossain said he got an "extremely encouraging" response from Muslims who could help support a permanent site. In the worst-case scenario that no other group pitched in to support a permanent day labor site, he said, "we will provide the operating expenses."

Project Hope and Harmony will meet again in January to explore potential day labor sites and will begin recruiting members of various faith communities to assist the effort. The group currently includes representatives of FAITH, Reston Interfaith, churches and interested community volunteers.

Mukit Hossain - Best Of Herndon Dulles

http://www.herndondulleschamber.org/index.cfm?main=newsletter

In collaboration with the Hyatt Dulles, the Herndon Dulles Chamber bestowed upon Mukit Hossain the Best of Herndon Dulles award for November in recognition of his extraordinary acts of service to the community.

As a board member of Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Hope (FAITH), he co-founded the subgroup Project Hope and Harmony, drawing together public officials, diverse faith-based organizations and other nonprofits to develop an acceptable place for day laborers to congregate. While that is being hammered out, he has been busy - through fund-raising, pickup and deliveries--ensuring that the laborers and other poor have enough warm coats and food for this season.

Best of Nov. 04

Hossain has long devoted himself to helping lift up those in difficult circumstances. Three years ago, he founded Food Source, a local charity, and previously he was heavily involved with The United Way's Operation Breakthrough. Hossain also serves on the board of trustees of ADAMS Center, a large mosque and education center. He heads up the national Muslim-American Political Action Committee as well.

Born in Bangladesh and college-educated in the U.S., Mukit Hossain is chief operating officer at Optical Band. He and his wife have two young children. He claims that his Muslim heritage influences his charitable actions.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.masnet.org/takeaction.asp?id=2072

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

<<January 13, 2004 ALERT>>

MAS FREEDOM SALUTES MUKIT HOSSAIN, HERNDON CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Mukit Hossain, a long-time Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation supporter and community political activist, was named Herndon's (Virginia) Citizen Of The Year.

MAS Freedom also recognizes the outstanding work and services Mukit Hossain has provided for his fellow citizens and residents within his community.

Below is a reprint from the Herndon Times highlighting Mukit's activities:

2004 Citizen of the Year

Staff

Herndon Times
01/11/2005

In November, when Mukit Hossain learned that many of Herndon's day laborers did not have winter coats, he immediately began soliciting donations through the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center and from Muslim-owned businesses in the area. In a matter of hours, he had raised more than $10,000 to buy new coats for the laborers and their families.

"I don't think he's comfortable sitting still when there is a need out there that needs to be met," Herndon Mayor Michael O'Reilly said of Hossain.

That successful coat drive is only one example of Hossain's deeply held beliefs that all people have an obligation to care for those in need and that those who provide the help are the ones rewarded.

For his many civic and volunteer contributions in Herndon and Fairfax County—exemplified most recently by the coat drive, a first initiative of the new Project Hope and Harmony group, which he helped found, as well as his encouragement of the area's Muslim community to increase their civic involvement—Hossain has been named The Herndon Times' Citizen of the Year for 2004.

A refusal to accept defeat

Hossain, 44, does not view himself as a leader, but he clearly has the ability to get results and inspire others to do the same.

"I think I tend to get things done because I don't take 'no' for an answer," he said recently. "If you refuse to accept defeat, I think it tends to encourage others sooner or later."

Hossain is one of the founding members of Project Hope and Harmony, a group representing various faith communities, nonprofit organizations and other community volunteers that are working to create an organized day labor site in Herndon and provide social services to the workers.

Though he lives in Sterling, Hossain launched his efforts to help Herndon's day laborers when he learned there was a need. He became interested in the issue during the Town Council elections last year and said he wanted to follow through and keep people interested.

He contacted a number of different groups, and the group that became Project Hope and Harmony had its first meeting in September.

"He emerged immediately as a leader in that group," O'Reilly said. Hossain is "very energetic, very positive," he said.

The group has created a new outlet for people who want to help the day laborers in the community and has the promise of helping solve a longstanding challenge for the town.

"Mukit has a heart of gold," said Amy Langrher, day labor coordinator for Reston Interfaith and a member of Project Hope and Harmony. "And he puts it into practice regularly. His warmth is contagious, and I am so glad to have him in our community."

One of the first outgrowths of that group was a project called "Warmth for the Winter," which provided hundreds of new coats to day laborers and their families. Hossain said he is now trying to raise funds to buy sturdy work boots for the laborers.

Some of the public education efforts that Project Hope and Harmony has started have helped and should continue to help "elevate the level of discussion," O'Reilly said. The group's work "helps us understand that we are dealing with a very human issue," he said.

The Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce showed its appreciation of Hossain's efforts recently with its "Best of Herndon Dulles" award for November. It was bestowed, the chamber said, "in recognition of his extraordinary acts of service to the community."

Volunteerism, a way of life

Hossain and the other Muslims working with Project Hope and Harmony have been accused of trying to justify illegal immigration, but their commitment to the issue has remained strong.

"One of the most important tenets of Islam is to stand up for justice. ... To me, this is an issue of social justice," Hossain said of his efforts to assist the laborers.

"Aside from the religious perspective, I think there is a secular moral obligation to take care of those who are in need of help in our society," he added.

Hossain is also on the board of trustees for the ADAMS Center in Sterling; on the board of directors for the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help (FAITH) in Herndon; founder of the Food Source Foundation, which provides meals to homeless people in Fairfax County; and is involved in two Muslim political action committees, one on the state level and one on a national level.

Hossain, who is originally from Bangladesh, first came to the United States to attend Duke University (and still proudly sports a Blue Devils cap).

Though his volunteer work is very much tied to his religious beliefs now, Hossain, who works in the telecommunications field, said volunteerism has always been a major part of his life, even before converting to Islam about six years ago.

In his past volunteer work, he has worked with food banks, Meals on Wheels and Kosovo refugees.

"I think religion has helped aggravate the condition," he said, laughing. But, he added more seriously, religion has given more purpose and more humility to his contributions to the community.

"When Muslims do charity, they are supposed to feel gratitude to the person who they are helping," he said.

As someone who will use his own credit card to pay for a week-long hotel stay for a homeless family, Hossain said, he could not do what he does without the support of his family.

His wife, Sabrina, has put up with missed dinner dates and welcomed strangers into their home, he said.

They have two daughters—Maya, who is 5 and already wants to be a civil rights lawyer, and Hana, 2 1/2.

"If you're trying to do something like this, you have to get support from your family," Hossain said.

Herndon Times article

----------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.frontpagemag.com/articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=13748

A troubling presence at a funeral June 11 2004

Patriotic Americans will always cherish their memories of Ronald Reagan's strong and courageous leadership during the Cold War. However, his funeral at the National Cathedral may uncap different emotions. Among those the Reagan family has invited to the ecumenical service is Mohammad Magid, a D.C.-area Muslim imam with disturbing ties to suspected terrorists.

Magid, who was born and educated in the Sudan, is the Director of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS). ADAMS has numerous close affiliations with the main targets of "Operation Green Quest," "the largest U.S. terror finance investigation anywhere in the world." In March 2002, federal agents raided ADAMS's facility in Herndon, Virginia, as part of an investigation into financial support for terrorism. Federal affidavits state that the "Grove Street addresses" (500 and 555 Grove St. in Herndon) housed more than 100 interlocking Muslim organizations, most headed by Jamal Barzinji, and these groups gave material aid to terrorists. Among those raided were several major ADAMS associates, including its chairman. Magid himself was present when federal agents raided the Herndon offices of ADAMS in March 2002.

Soon after the raid, Magid held a public meeting encouraging "community building" among the organizations investigated. Although 100 people showed up at the Sterling, Virginia, public library for the meeting, another 150 members of the overflow crowd met at ADAMS headquarters itself.

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Muslims Warm Needy Inside and Out

http://www.cair-net.org/asp/printthis.asp?id=35244&page=NB

Muslims passed out new winter coats and served hot meals to low-income
families in the Herndon area last night to celebrate Thanksgiving.

At least 100 members of the town's Hispanic community crowded Zuhair's Cafe
on Grant Street, where they received a nontraditional Thanksgiving meal of
beef kebabs and rice.

"It is not the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but hey, what is America
without a little diversity?" said Mukit Hossain, who heads the
Herndon-based Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help
(FAITH), which organized the dinner.

About 20 FAITH volunteers served the dinners on paper plates and soda in
paper cups. The volunteers had made enough food to feed at least 120
persons. After picking up their meals at the counter, the families sat down
at the booths or tables that were set up for the dinner.

Before dinner was served at 7 p.m., the FAITH volunteers began the evening
by giving away a van full of new winter coats to those who came to the event.

"We are glad to get the coats," said Elvis Ayala Sr., whose son Elvis Jr.
also received one. Elvis Jr., 5, put on his baby-blue coat as soon as he
received it, even though it was still warm outside.

Several minutes earlier, the FAITH volunteers had received more coats from
Ray Mhattab, a bus driver for the Fairfax Connector, who stopped by
Zuhair's and made the donation
.

"I drive the bus every day and see the need," Mr. Mhattab said. "I'm so
glad this group is doing this. It compelled me to buy up coats, also."

Last night's dinner and coat giveaway were only two of many ways Muslims in
Northern Virginia dedicated their Thanksgiving to charitable outreach
projects.

The Islamic faith obligates its followers to give to the poor and the
hungry, so many Muslims participated in charitable events.

"The concept of charity in the West is very different from Islam at a
fundamental level," Mr. Hossain said. "We believe that when one does
charity, it is charity to oneself..."

Over the past week, about 100 volunteers with the All Dulles Area Muslim
Society (
ADAMS) took the canned goods every day to the intersection of
Elden Street and Alabama Drive in Herndon, where day laborers congregate.

Others are taking part in an annual coat drive held by Reston Interfaith,
which runs through Feb. 12

------------------------------------------------------

2003 Local Virginia Race heats up over ties to Muslim Support 2003
 

".March 2002, agents representing U.S. Customs and other federal agencies, raided several Muslim-affiliated organizations and individuals in Northern Virginia. The raids, dubbed "Operation Green Quest," were part of an investigation into organizations and individuals with possible financial ties to "terrorist groups". The probe has thus far failed to produce any charges and Muslim leaders have since criticized the investigation, calling it a "witchhunt".

The Loudoun County Democratic Party passed a resolution in 2002, condemning the raids, in which agents are accused of ransacking the homes and businesses targeted. The government was also criticized for unnecessarily handcuffing suspects, particularly Muslim women.

Black, who had attended several Muslim functions prior to the raids, won additional support from the community after he sent a "strongly worded" letter to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, protesting their treatment.

The Virginia delegate, according to the Loudoun Times-Mirror, received campaign contributions from some targeted in the raid, including $5,000 from Aradi Inc., and $2,000 from Sterling Management Group. Other local politicians reportedly returned campaign contributions from Muslim groups and individuals, but Black did not, according to one local activist.

In the past, other politicians have used donations from Muslim individuals and organizations to attack their opponents. In the 2000 New York Senate elections candidate Rick Lazio used the issue of Muslim campaign contributions to publicly attack his opponent, Hillary Rodham Clinton, in the local media.

After a New York tabloid published an article titled, "Israel Foes Give Hil 50G: Muslim Group Backs Palestinian Use of Force," Clinton appeared at a news conference with representatives of Jewish groups at her side to announce she would return the money.

But unlike the New York race, Morrissey's attempt to publicize Muslim support for her opponent has apparently backfired. Political activists publicly blasted Morrissey through media interviews and letters to local newspapers, saying her tactics were divisive.

"In the highly sensitized world of post-9/11, any politician who tries to divide the community further - rather than help it heal - and tries to profit from a great national tragedy doesn't deserve to hold office," said Mukit Hossain, president of the Platform for Active Civil Empowerment (PACE), a Muslim American PAC, in a recently published interview with the Times-Mirror.

Although her campaign has denied that the "push-pull" question was intended to malign Muslims in general, Morrissey has since apologized.

"I sincerely apologize for inadvertently creating an additional sense of fear for good Muslim-Americans," Morrissey wrote in a letter to PACE. She also phoned Hossain, who said she wanted to know what she could do to "make amends."

"I told her that she must apologize for the poll she had conducted. I also added that Islam forbids Muslims to be vengeful and we have no vendetta against her," said Hossain.

"Muslims are kind and forgiving, and do not deserve the rubbish they are frequently subject to in the media and other circles."

Despite the apologies, Black plans to continue campaigning on the issue, and this week, will distribute campaign literature quoting area politicians who have come out against the poll.

"Patti Morrissey is actually the minority outreach coordinator for her party," said Black. "She is keenly aware of what she's doing, and she made a calculated decision to hurt an entire community."

The Muslim vote in this race could prove to be crucial this November. In Loudoun County, PACE has a database of more than 8,000 registered Muslim voters. Morrissey, in her first bid against Black in 2001, lost by less than 3,000 votes. If a majority of Muslim voters turn out to the polls in November, they may help to deliver another decisive victory for the Virginia politician.

Activists see growing Muslim political empowerment as a major milestone.

"Alhamdulillah, this is a great achievement for our community - to be able to hold candidates responsible for unfair attacks on the Muslims and make them apologize," said Hossain. "We have succeeded in reaching this result while making her [Morrissey] sympathetic about [Muslims'] issues - rather than antagonize her."

----------------------

http://www.mapac-us.org/home.asp

Furthermore, Muslim Americans today are subject to attacks from bigoted and prejudiced circles, laws are being passed to greatly restrict civil liberties of Muslim Americans, unfair profiling by government agencies is becoming established practice. The first step toward a resistance to these is political participation. We have to educate the candidates of the truth about us. At the same time, we must mobilize political opposition against these attacks by actively participating in the greatest American gifts to the world - the democratic process and political institutions. Establishment of a new federal political action committee (PAC) called Muslim American Political Action Committee (MAPAC) on the 4th of July, 2004, represents our American response for political empowerment of Muslim Americans.

Objectives of MAPAC:

Excerpts from Article on MAPAC website

http://www.mapac-us.org/elections.asp#irr


  1. In America, it will not be possible to appropriately support which is good and forbid which is bad, and oppose the deviations from morality, humanitarianism and belief except through a collaborative and supporting political front. This also will enable the law to be correctly upheld. Non-participation would cause the Muslims to miss:

  2. The opportunity to contribute to the formulation of local laws as well as international laws, and to leave that task in the hands of others who may make decisions that adversely effect them.

  3. The opportunity to portray Islam in its true nature, as a complete religion. It will also cause them to not be considered as a civilized community that is well-established with almost 8 million members. And they will miss the opportunity to settle their own affairs (within as well as without) leaving their issues for others to settle. On this issue I quote Paul Findley who said that 95% of Americans do not know the truth about Islam. I also quote former President Nixon who painted in his book, The Present Opportunity, a picture of Islam and Muslims that is completely twisted. Thus, non-participation does not only cause rights to be lost, it may also lead to laws to be instituted that eventually results in hardship for the Muslims within as well as outside the United States.

  4. Benefiting from governmental grants and allocations given to philanthropic organizations and social welfare centers. Organizations who participate in faith-based initiatives and who are visible come to also participate in the disbursement and utilization of a large amount of funds available from the government especially for this purpose.

  5. The preservation of Islamic rights and freedom in expressing themselves in a way that dispels negative images, particularly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Muslim Scholars' Fatwa regarding the Permissibility or Obligation of Muslims' Participation in Elections of Western Countries.

  1. Fatwa of Research and Fatwa of European Council

  2. Fatwa of Dr. Taha Jabir Alawani, North America Jurisprudence Academy

First, it is the duty of American Muslims to participate constructively in the political process, if only to protect their rights, and give support to views and causes they favor. Their participation may also improve the quality of information disseminated about Islam. We call this participation a "duty" because we do not consider it merely a "right" that can be abandoned or a "permission" which can be ignored. It falls into the category of safeguarding of necessities and ensuring the betterment of the Muslim community in this country.

Second, every legitimate means or tool that helps achieve these noble goals is similarly judged. This includes:

  1. The nomination of any competent American Muslim for election to any post where his or her presence may ensure either bringing benefits to American Muslims and other citizens, or preventing harm to them.

  2. Self-candidacy by an American Muslim, if the initiative for his/her nomination is not undertaken by the community, or if election laws require this form of candidacy. (Refer to the statement by Ibn Hajr on the question of becoming an Amir (or coming into power) in the "Introduction".)

  3. Adopting a non-Muslim candidate if he/she would be either more beneficial or less harmful to the American Muslim community and the rest of the country.

  4. Providing financial support to a non-Muslim candidate. God the Almighty has permitted righteous conduct and good relations with non-Muslims in exchange for nothing. So how much more so is such support permitted if clear and tangible benefits were to result from such behavior?

  5. Obtaining American citizenship. Such citizenship emphasizes the true diversity of this country and is a necessary condition for participation in the political process.

  6. Both registering to vote and participation in elections and voting are means to a goal. Hence, they are subject to the same legal ruling as their intended goal.
  7. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.isna.net/news/miniheadlines.asp?dismode=article&artid=422

While they had about several hundred dollars for coats, their need greatly exceeded that. So Hossain asked local Muslim organizations, businesses and individuals for donations.
His plea resulted in a collection of over $10,000 in just a few hour, with many of the contributions from the All Dulles Area Muslim Society in Sterling and the Dar Al Hijra Mosque in Falls Church.
With the money, Hossain has purchased hundreds of coats. Kohl's department stores in Sterling and Herndon also showed their holiday spirit, giving the group discounted prices on their purchase of more than 150 coats.
Last Sunday, Nov. 28, after collecting a list from day laborers, the Warmth for Winter drive distributed about 120 of the coats to day laborers at the temporary day labor site at 7-Eleven.
Just a few days earlier, Hossain and the Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help (FAITH) organized a Middle Eastern dinner at Zuhair Cafe specifically for the day laborers. FAITH helped establish the Project Hope and Harmony.
At the pre-Thanksgiving dinner, students from Al Fatih and ADAMS served over 160 meals to the day laborers and their families. This dinner was planned after a coat distribution Saturday, Nov. 20, at which Hossain and volunteers gave out 30 coats and learned more about the great need for winter coats.
Despite the numerous coats they have provided, there is still a great need for warm winter coats as the temperatures drop. To participate in the Warmth for Winter drive, contact Hossain by phone at 703-507-7223 or by e-mail at [email protected] or contact Ellen Kaminsky at the Herndon-Dulles Chamber of Commerce.

Hossain said the Warmth for Winter drive will also provide coats to homeless people in the county.

Meanwhile, thousands of Muslims - whose U.S. population is estimated at between 3 and 7 million - are pressing their influence. One national group, the Virginia-based Muslim American Political Action Committee, is organizing voters in four swing states with large Muslim populations - Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Florida. President Mukit Hossain says Muslims there could conceivably swing the election

http://www.cair-net.org/asp/article.asp?id=35227&page=NB

http://www.faithus.org/donations.htm

Or send your donations through the mail to:

FAITH
500 Grove Street, Suite 210
Herndon, VA 20170-1163

Phone Number: (571) 323-2198

You can also help by VOLUNTEERING

-------------------------------------------------------

http://www.mapac-us.org/home.asp


My fellow Muslim Americans:

Citizenship in a democracy is a privilege, trust and empowerment. While we, Muslim Americans, generally accept the privilege and honor the trust, we seem to shy away from political empowerment, which is ours to exercise. This deprives us of our rightful political voice and participation, as well as depriving the fair-minded political leaders of our much needed and concerted support.

Furthermore, Muslim Americans today are subject to attacks from bigoted and prejudiced circles, laws are being passed to greatly restrict civil liberties of Muslim Americans, unfair profiling by government agencies is becoming established practice. The first step toward a resistance to these is political participation. We have to educate the candidates of the truth about us. At the same time, we must mobilize political opposition against these attacks by actively participating in the greatest American gifts to the world – the democratic process and political institutions. Establishment of a new federal political action committee (PAC) called Muslim American Political Action Committee (MAPAC) on the 4th of July, 2004, represents our American response for political empowerment of Muslim Americans.

Objectives of MAPAC:

  • MAPAC shall directly engage political office holders and candidates to work for preservation of due rights and liberties of Muslim Americans in the United States, and promote social justice for all people in the United States, as granted by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

  • MAPAC shall strive to boost political participation and empowerment of Muslim Americans.

These objectives may be attained through development of political leaderships, political appointments, lobbying, campaign activities, mobilization of bloc votes, endorsement and fund-raising drives for and contributions to deserving candidates, and other activities pertinent to political and legal processes.

Besides the Presidential candidates, MAPAC is actively engaging Senate and Congress candidates in dialogs to explore whether it should endorse their candidacy. MAPAC is also seeking local Muslim American input for these candidates. Please feel free to email me your input on any federal candidate from your state. Information on all MAPAC endorsements will be published through this website.

Structure and scope:

MAPAC seeks to build a strong relationship with any Muslim American or other organization which supports its objectives, and work with any entity within the scope allowed by law. However, MAPAC operates independently, and is not financed, maintained or controlled by any other organization. Furthermore…

  • MAPAC is organized as a federal political committee registered with FEC.

  • The scope of MAPAC is primarily the federal elections, i.e., the President of the US, the US Senate and the US Congress.

These activities require a substantial amount of funding:

The task we have undertaken is essential and monumental. However, we can only accept personal individual (non-institutional) donations from American citizens and immigrants (permanent residents). According to the law, a qualified individual can make a donation of up to $5,000 to MAPAC per calendar year.

Inshallah, with your support, we can raise the funds needed for our activities. So, please make a donation to MAPAC to strengthen and uphold the Muslim American cause. Please go to the Donations & Membership page of this website and make a contribution.

We'll also request you to make campaign contributions to the candidates we endorse. It's YOUR vote and donations which will make the difference – to get these candidates elected.

May our effort be successful and make the Muslim Americans a constructive, beneficial, just and strong community.

Sincerely,

Mukit Hossain
President
[email protected]

--------------


Many Muslim American voters have inquired whether voting at all is recommended in Islam. According to Muslim scholars, it is not only recommended, it is mandatory. http://www.mapac-us.org/home.asp

http://www.mapac-us.org/elections.asp#irr

Islamic Requirement Regarding the Participation of Muslims in American Elections

  1. God says: "…and we will not hide the testimony which we will be giving for the sake of Allah; for we shall be sinners if we do so." [Al-Maida 5:106] This verse is clear proof of the sinfulness and wickedness of the person who withholds testimony. Such a person should truly speak up for God's sake, or hold back for God's sake only.

  2. God says: "O believers! Stand firm for justice and bear true witness for the sake of Allah, even though it be against yourselves, your parents or your relatives. It does not matter whether the party is rich or poor – Allah is well wisher of both. So let not your selfish desires swerve you from justice. If you distort your testimony or decline to give it, then you should remember that Allah is fully aware of your actions." [An-Nisaa 4:135]

    In this verse we see a clear order to stand up for social justice and to give witness only for the sake of God. A human being should not follow their desire to the point where they are electing their own family or those who are related to them, nor should they nominate themselves. This is considered to be twisting the truth and walking away from social justice. God surely does know the hidden reasons why we make the choices that we do and why we elect the people that we do. And He also knows the testimonies that we make. This verse is in Tafsir Jalalain, that we should not be biased towards the rich desiring their approval or the poor out of misplaced mercy. Instead, we should stand up for social justice in every situation. This is what a Muslim should follow at all times when casting of their votes.

  3. God says: "O believers! Be steadfast for the sake of Allah and bear true witness and let not the enmity of a people incite you to do injustice; do justice; that is nearer to piety. Fear Allah, surely Allah is fully aware of all your actions." [Al-Maida 5:8] The ayah is instructing us to assume the kind of manners and good character traits of being upstanding for Allah, witnesses to justice even for our enemies. And do not exaggerate in your response, whether it be passing judgment or actual actions, in dealing with either friend of foe. God is ordering us to exercise restraint so that we are always within the limits that He has drawn for us, and to deal with people according to His orders (Tafsir of Al-Tabari ).

    We note here, in this verse, a requirement to be compliant in our fulfillment of the orders of Allah. One component of this is to establish justice in our testimonies, even if the nominated candidate is from a people with whom we have some disagreement. If he is the most suitable candidate for the position, then we are obliged to show piety and to distance ourselves from our whims, and to give him our support.

    In the verses mentioned above, there are areas of commonality and areas of difference. The commonality is in the fact that both start by Allah calling upon the believers who have hearts that are sensitive and compliant to His obedience, hearts that are pursuing His approval and His mercy. In both, we find a direct order to be upstanding and steadfast when giving witness, and to implement justice in our actions. Both verses end by warning the believers that Allah (swt) is an expert judge of what they do. As for the differences, they are as follows: 1) With family and relatives, Allah says: "O believers! Stand firm for justice and bear true witness for the sake of Allah…"; 2) With those with whom we have enmity or with whom we differ, God says, "Be steadfast for the sake of Allah and bear true witness …" The order has been given twice to be pious and to fear His wrath when it comes to dealing with those with whom we disagree, whereas when dealing with family and relatives, we are ordered not to follow our whims and desires. Therefore, the message is more stringent when it refers to dealing with those with whom we disagree.

  4. In America, it will not be possible to appropriately support which is good and forbid which is bad, and oppose the deviations from morality, humanitarianism and belief except through a collaborative and supporting political front. This also will enable the law to be correctly upheld. Non-participation would cause the Muslims to miss:

    1. The opportunity to contribute to the formulation of local laws as well as international laws, and to leave that task in the hands of others who may make decisions that adversely effect them.

    2. The opportunity to portray Islam in its true nature, as a complete religion. It will also cause them to not be considered as a civilized community that is well-established with almost 8 million members. And they will miss the opportunity to settle their own affairs (within as well as without) leaving their issues for others to settle. On this issue I quote Paul Findley who said that 95% of Americans do not know the truth about Islam. I also quote former President Nixon who painted in his book, The Present Opportunity, a picture of Islam and Muslims that is completely twisted. Thus, non-participation does not only cause rights to be lost, it may also lead to laws to be instituted that eventually results in hardship for the Muslims within as well as outside the United States.

    3. Benefiting from governmental grants and allocations given to philanthropic organizations and social welfare centers. Organizations who participate in faith-based initiatives and who are visible come to also participate in the disbursement and utilization of a large amount of funds available from the government especially for this purpose.

    4. The preservation of Islamic rights and freedom in expressing themselves in a way that dispels negative images, particularly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Muslim Scholars' Fatwa regarding the Permissibility or Obligation of Muslims' Participation in Elections of Western Countries.

  1. Fatwa of Research and Fatwa of European Council

  2. Fatwa of Dr. Taha Jabir Alawani, North America Jurisprudence Academy

First, it is the duty of American Muslims to participate constructively in the political process, if only to protect their rights, and give support to views and causes they favor. Their participation may also improve the quality of information disseminated about Islam. We call this participation a "duty" because we do not consider it merely a "right" that can be abandoned or a "permission" which can be ignored. It falls into the category of safeguarding of necessities and ensuring the betterment of the Muslim community in this country.

Second, every legitimate means or tool that helps achieve these noble goals is similarly judged. This includes:

  1. The nomination of any competent American Muslim for election to any post where his or her presence may ensure either bringing benefits to American Muslims and other citizens, or preventing harm to them.

  2. Self-candidacy by an American Muslim, if the initiative for his/her nomination is not undertaken by the community, or if election laws require this form of candidacy. (Refer to the statement by Ibn Hajr on the question of becoming an Amir (or coming into power) in the "Introduction".)

  3. Adopting a non-Muslim candidate if he/she would be either more beneficial or less harmful to the American Muslim community and the rest of the country.

  4. Providing financial support to a non-Muslim candidate. God the Almighty has permitted righteous conduct and good relations with non-Muslims in exchange for nothing. So how much more so is such support permitted if clear and tangible benefits were to result from such behavior?

  5. Obtaining American citizenship. Such citizenship emphasizes the true diversity of this country and is a necessary condition for participation in the political process.

  6. Both registering to vote and participation in elections and voting are means to a goal. Hence, they are subject to the same legal ruling as their intended goal.

Limitations and Specifications:

    Protection of Muslim civil rights in this country and the enjoyment of positive interaction with other Americans require American Muslims to engage in acts of deliberation to reach consensus on general principles, and to tolerate disagreement on particulars and disputed matters. We find a good example to follow in our ancestors who migrated to Ethiopia. They met and deliberated together about the best way to respond to the critical situation they faced.

  1. The children of the Muslim minority must have a fair opportunity to develop and deepen their faith in God and Islam. Otherwise, their interaction with others may lead them to compromise on the basic tenets of their religion merely to keep up with a prevailing custom or sweeping current. Ja'far, by refusing to bow to al Najashi -The King of Abyssinia- (his two Quraishi opponents did as necessitated by custom) provides a good example for such situations.

  2. The Muslim minority needs to have a fair opportunity to express clearly in its own voice the immortal truths of Islam and its advanced system of human values. The example of Ja'far helps in this regards. In his eloquent speech to al Najashi, Ja'far summarized the main Islamic virtues and explained the difference between them and those of the pre-Islamic life (the Jahiliyah). By applying this method, Muslims not only gain the understanding of the rest of the people, but also their good will.

  3. Both the art of persuasion and the science of public relations have an important role that should not be ignored. The words by which Ja'far ended his speech are appropriate here: "We came out to your country, we chose you from all others, we wished to be in your neighborhood, and hoped, O King, not to be treated unjustly in your country".


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