This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/473
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
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
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
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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|
|
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. |
 |
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.
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http://www.masnet.org/takeaction.asp?id=2072
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
<<
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 (
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
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
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
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.
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http://www.frontpagemag.com/articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=13748
A troubling presence at a funeral
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
Soon after the raid, Magid held a public meeting encouraging "community building" among the organizations investigated. Although 100 people showed up at the
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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
beef kebabs and rice.
"It is not the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but hey, what is
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
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
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 (
Others are taking part in an annual coat drive held by Reston Interfaith,
which runs through Feb. 12
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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
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
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
But unlike the
"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
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
Muslim Scholars' Fatwa regarding the Permissibility or Obligation of Muslims' Participation in Elections of Western Countries.
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:
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
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
Phone Number: (571) 323-2198
You can also help by VOLUNTEERING
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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:
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…
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]
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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
Muslim Scholars' Fatwa regarding the Permissibility or Obligation of Muslims' Participation in Elections of Western Countries.
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:
Limitations and Specifications:
This item is available on the Militant Islam Monitor website, at http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/473