Muslims Fight Terrorism: Congressman

Source: onislam.net

WASHINGTON – US Muslims have been one of the nation’s biggest intelligence allies who helped in countering terrorism, a Muslim congressman set to be appointed to the House intelligence committee revealed.

“We want to see relationships where trust can be built and the relationship doesn’t feel purely transactional,” Congressman Andre Carson told USA Today on Friday, January 16.

“I’ve said time and time again that one of the biggest allies our intelligence has is the Muslim community. They know their communities better than anyone.

“I just had a meeting with the FBI, and (the National Security Agency) and Justice Department and we were talking about the efforts that the Muslim community have really contributed collectively in terms of thwarting potential attacks that you’ll never even hear about in the media.”

The Indianapolis Democrat, Carson, stressed that building relationships with the Muslim community through law enforcement is essential. Carson also criticized mosques surveillance by police, unless it’s expedient.

US: Detroit Muslims donate $100,000 in post flood relief

By: Jen Hayden

Source: dailykos.com

Positive news for Detroit residents on the verge of having their water shut off:

Two Muslim organizations are donating $100,000 to provide assistance to Detroit residents facing water shutoffs or recovering from recent flooding.

The Michigan Muslim Community Council has partnered with Islamic Relief USA, the largest Muslim charity organization in the country, to help thousands of households at risk of having their water shut off. The grant will be divided between the Detroit Water Fund, United Way of Southeastern Michigan and Wayne Metro Community Council.

The organizations are hoping to encourage others to follow suit:

“We are hoping this is going to be contagious,” Anwar Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, said in a statement. “The most important thing we have is not our money, it’s our energy and our enthusiasm, and it’s our people. … Also, it is important to us in our faith to help our neighbors. It is a part of our faith to help our friends.”

Bosnian Muslims begin new year with Quran and Mawlid

Source: worldbulletin.net

The United Islamic Assembly organised a Quran recital at the Cekrekci Muslihudin Mosque and great interest was shown by the Sarajevo Muslim community.

The mosque muezzin Bilal Efendic said that each year a Quran recital night was organised for the last night of the year and that the youth came together at the mosque in celebration of this. Efendic said that during the event 30 youths who are hafiz – those who have committed the entire Quran to memory – read from the Quran until late night. Many hymns were also sung as part of the event.

Organised each year, the programme opened with a ceremony at the Bascarsi Mosque. Mevlud programmes, where hymns and poetry are recited in honour of the Prophet Muhammad, book launches and Islamic song concerts are also part of the programme, which will continue until the 23rd January.

Yusuf Talia passes away

Source: nanima.co.za

Yusuf Talia, despite his challenges with Muscular Dystrophy  was truly an inspiration to all that knew him.  He was the President of the MSA Union, vice president of the Wits SRC. He was also very active with the Free Palestine campaign. In his time at university he studied a science degree and a accounting degree. Truly a legend.

Germany: Muslims invite all faiths for day of solidarity against ISIS

Source: worldbulletin.net

Muslim organizations in Germany have held rallies in 2,000 mosques nationwide in protest against the ISIL and racist attacks targeting mosques and synagogues.

Germany’s Muslim community staged the rallies on Friday as part of the campaign Muslims Standing Against Hate and Injustice aimed at renouncing all kinds of violence and raise awareness for growing racism.

US: Alaska to get its first mosque

Source: http://www.worldbulletin.net/

The U.S. state of Alaska is due to get its first mosque in the town of Anchorage.

Australia: Christian and Jewish leaders rally in support of Muslims

By: Gabrielle Chan

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/

Christian and Jewish leaders have rallied to support the Muslim community, asking members of the Australian public to join them in a campaign called “We’ll love Muslims 100 years”.

Rabbi Zalman Kastel will join Australian Christian Churches pastor, Brad Chilcott, Tim Costello and other denominational leaders in three events in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia on Friday to declare their support for Australian Muslims.

Nouman Ali Khan: Down Under (Video)

 OnePath Network special show with Ustadth Nouman Ali Khan. Q&A session discussing Islamic education in the west, and how it can be improved. Great insights & perspective, and a very beneficial show for educators, da3ees, and those involved within the Muslim community.

Q&A: Is Protesting Permissible in Islam?

Source: http://www.suhaibwebb.com/

Question: What is the ruling for participating in protests, and if they are permissible, what is the proof?

Answer: Protests are a means by which the Muslim community makes its voice heard regarding a specific issue, to those in authority so they can act accordingly or respond to their concerns. In the modern age, this has become the main objective behind protests: informing governments about the concerns of the governed.

Islam as a faith welcomes protests according to the definition provided above, because they serve the Muslim community to make its positions known on issues. Especially if that issues pertains to a general benefit that affects Muslims or Muslim countries such as Palestine, in general, and Gaza, in particular.