Dar AL-HIJRAH TIMES

VOLUME 1 NO. 2 ST. PAUL | MINNEAPOLIS DECEMBER 2008 | THUL-HIJAH 1429 WWW.DARALHIJRAH.COM

SPORTS\CAYAARAHA POLITICS UPDATES

SOMALI TIGERS OO NOQOTAY KOOXDA SANADKA 2008 IT'S ONLY THE BEGINNING: IT HAS BEEN
EE GOBOLKA MINISOTA DECIDED:
Waxaa maalintii Sabtida taariikhduna ahayd Nov. 29, 2008 Muslims have been a big fraction of America especially in our own state Min-
Magaalada Burnsville ee Gobolka Minisota, USA lagu soo gebage- nesota which about 100,000 Muslims reside in. An immense amount of the in-
beeyay tartanka Kubadda cagta ee habitants living in Minnesota come from East Africa mainly Somalia. Just in
Somali Fall League 2008, waxaana ku guuleystay Tartankaas kooxda Minnesota alone the Muslim community owns over 20 mosques nearly tripling
Somali Tigers. what it had owned just a decade ago. American Muslims are becoming a major THE NASHEEDIST OF
Kooxda Somali Tigers ayaa waxay noqotay kooxda ugu wanaagsan ama kooxda sanadka contribution to America whether this is economically, politically or even reli- THE MONTH IS...
2008 ee Gobolka Minisota ee dalka Maraykanka. giously.
Somali Tigers 2008  sii akhri BOOGA 6A  read more at PAGE 7A  read more at PAGE 4A

A series of Community Issues part 1

Crisis within the Community
BY ABDIKADIR M. IBRAHIM
abdikadir@daralhijrah.com
In today’s world, where the role and responsibilities of
an individual, family, community, and nation are inter-
mingled, the right and wrong are blended and tough to
classify, the religion and purpose of life are misunder-
stood. Every corner of the world is burning with flames
of injustice, inequality of economics, racial disparities,
persecution of religion, ethnicity, to name a few in gen-
eral and in particular the Muslim world, more specifi-
cally Somalia.
Somalia, a tiny country in the Horn of East Africa with
rich of natural sources, once used to be called the “para-
dise of Africa” has lost itself in the eyes of the interna-
tional and local community. A war has been going on
for about 18 years, and children who were born at the
beginning of the civil war have kids now. Many Somali
families/parents fled with their children from this hostile
environment, in which no one no longer knows who is
to blame for committing this calamous crime. Many of
these families fled to many parts of the world, and many
of them chose to come to Minnesota, United States of
America, to have a basic life of education, freedom,
and food and shelter for their kids. Many needs such
as education and work were acquired, even though
many negatives arose, and outcomes did not come as
was expected.
However, what is going on with the lives of Somali
youngsters for the last couple of months has been shock-
ing and outrageous to many of us. This year alone seven
Somali boys lost their lives in shootings from other lo-
cal Somali boys. The number of drop outs in schools is
high rocketing among Somali teenagers, robberies and
other mischievous actions are unimaginable to be men-
tioned here. Jails are filled up by Somali youngsters
and studies show the number of Somali youngsters in
jails have increased in double digits since the last couple
of years. Many others are lost in the middle, hanging
outside with no value in this life. Lack of parental care
and communication, positive role models within the
community, failure of public school systems to accom-
modate their needs, to be named of few, are to blame
for these causes.
As the community grieves the losss of these young
men, and uncertain future of many others, the commu-
nity encounters another dreadful dilemma, in which is
yet not known for its bases. Somali young men have
gone back to Somalia to fight in the civil war. There are
many stories about this episode among the community,
media and the general main stream. However, there are
no clear answers to some basic questions such as why
they have left, how, and who was behind it thus so far,
but I am sure the law enforcement and FBI will investi-
gate this case and get to the bottom of the story.
Somali people have had enough difficulties already
abroad and back home, a whole society with no func-
tioning government for about two decades, one can
imagine how serious the conditions of such people are.
Everything, including the rule of law, has been eradi-
cated because of lack of order everybody does anything
he or she wants. The only thing that we have, which we
are proud of is the peaceful religion of Islam, and if this
becomes true (Somali young men have gone back to
Somalia to fight in this so called ‘holy war’), it will be
a catastrophic and another loss for Somalis, because Is-
lam was misunderstood compeletly, either by these stu-
dents or the recruiters who have taught them as the two
are interconnected. It is hard to believe the reasons of
why one should put an effort and energy to jeopardize
the lives of these young boys and perhaps their relatives
and the community at large if any. They should spend
their time and money to help them to go to school, be
obedient to their parents instead, so that they can help
themselves later. This is absolutely a despicable action,
which is against the aims and objectives of Islam. After
one has taken care of his or her self including education,
work, and etc, the basic principle of Islam, one should This means whether one lives in Somalia, U.S.A or any other country for that matter, Islam obligates him or her to work hard
take as their next step to take care of his or her com- to promote the common good in the community that one lives in. In Minnesota, and Twin Cities, we have many homeless,
munity. By ‘community’ we mean and define as where sick, elderly people who need our immediate assistant.
one resides. It is a religious obligation on one to help his
or her neighbor. According to Islamic tradition, the land
belongs to God, so the people that live in the land have
to obey the land and the people. God said, “Verily, the
 Read more at PAGE 4A

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Is it Recession or Depression? A Billion Joys:

BY MOHAMED SAMATAR
msamatar@daralhijrah.com Celebrating Eid Al-Adha All Over the World
BY FARTUN 'QODOW' AHMED
fahmed@daralhijrah.com

Signs of the fall down of the world financial system have emerged, caus-
ing great fear to people all over the world. Many governments called upon
economists and experts to find a way out. Financial organizations and their
agents began to think about rescue plans. One person sought out to express
the moment in history; she is going through in this comment; “He comes
home later than usual and tired every night. I try to talk to my father, but he
nods a long with a look that says: please let me get some rest. He has too
much on his mind. My dad works for filtration company and, believe it or
not, at moments it can be a pretty stressful job, especially recently with the
economic downfall. He has to lay off people by the tens to deal with this
low time in our history. Just last weekend he let go 50 hard working people.
His emotions show on his face. When he walks in the door, I can see the
conflict and frustration dragging along side of him. This makes me feel like
I cannot talk to him about what happened at school or at practice, because
nothing measures up to what he endured during the day. Our family friend Throughout the millennia from Neanderthals to modern day we as humans have celebrated holidays for almost all occasions. Each religion and culture has its own
currently does not have a job and with the drop at the moment there is not unique Identifiable holiday or festivity. For Muslims, this year, the holiday season begun with the devout practices of Ramadan ending with Eid Al-Fitr and the second
much hope for recent employment.” There is a little what a student in college holiday will conclude with the festival of sacrifice better known as Eid Al-Adha.
had to say about the economy down fall and more in depth what she deals By the time this article gets into your hands you will be celebrating Eid Al-Adha, the festival that marks the end of a long year. Eid which is an Arabic word and
with at home. roughly translated in English as “festivity” is celebrated among the Muslims nation wide twice a year. Eid Al-Adha is the second among the two Eids. The word Adha
 Read more at PAGE 4A itself means “sacrifice” symbolizing when Prophet Abraham dreamed to slaughter his son prophet Ismail and Allah saved Ismail by replace him on a big domestic animal
to be slaughter. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja, in other words Eid Al-Adha occurs the day the end of pilgrimage on the day of Arafah. Dhul

 Read more at PAGE 5A
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Exploring the Social Infrastructure of Muslim Americans

BY RAMLA BILE
rbile@daralhijrah.com
Islam is vibrant in the most cosmopoli-
tan of communities and in the most remote
areas across the world. It is an undeniably
global religion and its impact on people
transcends numerous cultural, ethnic, and
national lines. The epicenter of Muslim
diversity is perhaps United States where
Muslims reflect the melting pot that exists
The Muslim community in the Twin Cit-
ies metro area is multi-ethnic and diverse,
representing a wide range of cultures and
experiences, including victims of the harsh
civil wars in Liberia and Somalia, prosper-
ous economic immigrants from the Indian
subcontinent and the Arab states, refugees
from Iraq and Palestine, and people who
marched with Dr. King during the civil
rights movement in America.
Just as the American population continues
to struggle with questions on race, ethnic-
ity, and social justice, Muslim Americans
similarly struggle with integration and
community building amidst a highly het-
erogeneous population. Communities con-
tinue to be defined by ethnic groups and the
most is not an integrated space. Mosques in
Minnesota are largely segregated and vari-
ous ethnic communities are left to fend for
themselves.
Diversity is an asset that should be
celebrated, difference ought to be val-
ued, and identities must be honored;
however, in the process of recognizing
the range of complexities that make up
Muslims in America, we fall short of
acknowledging the faith the binds us.
 Ka si akhriso Booga 4A

INDEX POETRY 4 | UPDATES 5 | SPORTS 6 | SOMALI 6 WWW.DARALHIJRAH.COM

2A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429
3A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429

Editor's
LETTER
All praises and thanks are due to Allah, the Exalted, for guiding us to the path of Islam. Many thanks go to the writers,
editors, founders, designers, organizers, and sponsors of Dar Al-Hijrah Times.

These series of community issues' articles that Dar Al-Hijrah Times will present to the rest of the community are of the utmost
acme to pay attention to, and perhaps deduce some common knowledge and solutions out of what our Muslim community is
undergoing. Most of these articles are written by youths in elementary, high school, college, and or graduate levels. Hence, they SALAHUDIN STUDENT UNION EDITORS:
face most of these problems in a daily life and their articles need attention from the community leaders and others to take heed in OFFICIALS ABDIKADIR M. IBRAHIM
what they say. aibrahim@daralhijrah.com
The eleventh century theologian Imam Hamid Abu Al-Ghazzali was present during the prime times of the first entry of those CHAIR:
who invaded the Holy Land illegaly. Scholars in the Islamic tradition say that he did not utter one word of jihad during this period, MOHAMED SAMATAR KAAMIL HAIDER
even one time on the pulpit during his Friday khutbah (sermons). The hall fame of Muslim scholars had a split regarding this
msamatar@daralhijrah.com khaider@daralhijrah.com
situation and why did the imam not talk about jihad or at least made some sort of remarks towards the aggression of the people
against the invasion.
Some scholars say that the imam did not have the adequate means or courage to say what he was ought to say. Others, majority, VICE-CHAIR: SPONSORED BY
agree that the imam Al-Ghazzali saw what many people at his time did not see. The Muslims at that time were very weak in their MARYAN YUSUF DAR AL-HIJRAH ISLAMIC
iman or even had content with their religion as they were supposed like the earlier generations; thus, they were in the amusements myusuf@daralhijrah.com CIVIC CENTER
of drugs, alcohol, prostitution, music, and other vices that were clearly prohibited by the Qur'an and hadiths. Imam Al-Ghazzali,
thus, built a school where students were coupled to study and sleep together, a rather modern dormitory. The latter scholars argue
SECRETARY: SUPERVISED BY
that out of this school, after many years, came a man that not only pushed the invaders out of the Holy Land but did so in a manner
that till today is talked about in the West, Salahudin Al-Ayoubi. JIHAN SAMATER DAR AL-HIJRAH YOUTH COUNCIL
Our religion dictates us to teach our youth and progress them towards that which is good, for surely any civilization has rested jsamatar@daralhijrah.com (DYC)
on the shoulders of the youth to make way. Sending our youth back home to bomb themselves or even going back into a war
that is no longer a civil war, rather a tribal war, is devestating to our community and a great shame upon those who know better TREASURER: DYC@DARALHIJRAH.COM
of what Islam does teach. KHADIJA HASSAN
Like the story of Imam Al-Ghazzali, we as a community need to put our resources collectively and start building institutions khassan@daralhijrah.com
that can teach our youth what Islam really is about. At this point in Minnesota, we have enough mosques but not enough institu-
tions to develop these youth and help them lead the way collectively. We, at Dar Al-Hijrah Times, urge everyone to take part in this
process to help one another in collecting and utilizing resources to help our youth and community at large as this is the beginning SSU MAIN BRANCH
of how severe our youth can be in the long run.
504 CEDAR AVE SUITE #2
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55454
612.227.8374 / 612.481.4423
Jazakalahuma kheyran.
SJ@DARALHIJRAH.COM

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Closer Look at Dar Al-Hijrah's Programs

[Programs] To seek knowledge is a sacred responsibility
and binding action upon every Muslim, female or male.
Being part of a Muslim community that resides within a
non-Muslim nation, a great responsibility rests upon every
Muslim's shoulders to understand and convey the religion of
Islam in the noblest way that has been taught and preached
by our great teacher prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Therefore, Masjid Dar Al-Hijrah has estab-
lished programs on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays. These
weekly programs focus on people from any educational
level including students, the principle that guide fellow
Muslims in their daily lives and the essence of Islam. The
programs include:
Salahudin Islamic School is one of the Dar Al-Hi-
jrah‘s Islamic schools that currently service students
of all ages. Its curriculum includes memorization of
the holy Qur’an, Islamic Beliefs (Aqeedah), read-
ing and writing Arabic, Islamic manners (Tarbiyah),
Islamic history (Seerah), prophet’s way of life (Ha-
dith), jurisprudence (Fiq), and remembrance of Allah
(Thikr). It is has been serving the Muslim community
in Minnesota for a number of years. It has passed
through different level of situations that has encour-
aged its staffs, students, parents, teachers to double
their efforts to promote for the wellbeing of the soci-
eties. Now, Salahudin School reached a level which
its students established to form a Salahudin Student
Union. To enroll please contact us (612) 227-8374/
(612) 298-3021 or info@daralhijrah.com
Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council (DYC) shall welcome
any Muslim youth in the state of Minnesota to en-
hance their religion and culture, expand their educa-
tional level, strengthen between families and youth
ties, and establish non-violent methods for peace,
institute integrity, and work for better future. To work
with or become a member, please contact us 612-644-
3864 (612) 481-4423 or chairs@daralhijrah.com
Salahudin Student Union (SSU) is a student organi-
zation that helps youth get more involved in Islamic
activities and to get Muslim youths involved in the
community and keep their Islamic values. SSU is
a branch of Dar Al-Hijrah Youth Council that deals
with younger students. It works closely with students
in elementary and middle school, operates a bi-yearly
journal, holds Islamic events, workshops, and produc-
ing documentaries regarding issues in our society. To
work with or become a member, please contact us
(612) 226-0134 ssu@daralhijrah.com
Salahudin Journal is published by Salahudin Student
Union; a group of youths from Salahudin Weekend
Islamic School. It is produced bi-yearly, and this is
part of the community that promotes education and
knowledge. Every issue discusses current affairs in
the community, Islamic, health, science, education,
literature, entertainment, and many more. To become
a columnist (Somali/English) or subscribe, please e-
mail us sj@daralhijrah.com
Dar Al-Hijrah Times is a newspaper that is published
monthly by SSU officials and members of Dar Al-
Hijrah. The newspaper discusses current news both
in the world and community at large.
Karmel-AlHikmah Islamic School (KAHIS) is a pri-
vate Islamic school based in South Minneapolis, of-
fering high quality academic and Islamic instruction.
It is an elementary school for children 3 to 5 years of
age. The school intends to grow by adding a grade
each year insha’Allah. To enroll please contact us
(612) 227-8374
Tajreed Sareeh (Sahih Bukhari): Being one of the six
major Hadith collections, Sahih Bukahri is the
most authentic book after the Quran. Written by the
Muslim scholar Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari,
this book covers almost all aspects of life in providing
proper guidance of Islam such as the method of per-
forming prayers and other actions of worship directly
from Muhammad.
General Information:
Instructor: Imam Sharif Mohamed
Email address: halaqa@daralhijrah.com
Phone Number: 612-481-4423/612-226-0134
Day(s): Fridays
Time: 7-8:30pm
Location: Sisters’ section @ Masjid Dar Al-Hijrah
Type of the Program: Teachings of Bukhari book
(Hadith)
Qisasul Ambiya: Muslims regard those individuals
chosen by Allah as the divine Prophets of Islam. All
Prophets brought the same basic message of wor-
shipping one God and abstaining from any form of
idolatry. Allah has also mentioned in the Quran sev-
eral times “And whoever obeys God and the mes-
senger, these will be [in paradise] with the prophets
and the truthful and the martyrs and the righteous,
upon whom God has bestowed favors", thus Qisiul
Ambiya will not only teach you about the stories of
the Prophet’s but also the untold stories of History.
Starting from Prophet Adam this book will take you
all the way to the common era of the 21st century.
Many unrevealed questions of today’s society such
as division, land, and even war will become as clear
as crystal because the Prophets of Allah not only held
lessons they held history.
Instructor: Imam Sharif Mohamed
Email address: halaqa@daralhijrah.com
Phone Number: 612-481-4423/612-226-0134
Day(s): Saturdays
Time: 7-8:30pm
Location: Sisters’ section @ Masjid Dar Al-Hijrah
Type of the Program: Teachings of History of
Prophets
Life Making 101 : In today’s world where every-
thing is being flipped from it is original aspect, Is-
lam and Muslims are going through several major
changes. Therefore, in this program we will put
Islamic Education into practical skills and prac-
tices of everyday life inshAllah. Our intention of
this program is for it to be a model to follow by
placing everything in its original place instead of
flip flopping it from its innovative site. The pro-
gram will consists of lectures, discussions, specific
study cases, research in particular topics and of
course learning from one of the profound Islamic
author’s book ( Mukhtasar Saheh Bukhari~ Abi-
jamra). Just as many other courses in life require
significant policies we intend to make our polices
ones that will evolve directly from the teachings of
this program, in other words teachings will involve
an itinerary of actions that will prolong through an
individuals lifetime inshallah.
General Information:
Instructor: Abdikadir Ibrahim
Email address: lifemaking101@daralhijrah.com
Phone Number: 612-227-8374
Date: Saturdays & Sundays
Time: Instantly after Fajr- 8:00 AM
Location: Sisters’ section @ Masjid Dar Al-
Hijrah
Type of the Program: Lecture, discussion &
teaching of Bukhari book
Yearlong Children School:
This new program will start 1st week of Janu-
ary 2009 on Mondays through Thursdays from
3:30pm-6:30pm at the center. Contact for more
information at 612.227.8374 | 612.423.5401
Sh. Ali Sufi : Islamic weekend school on
Saturdays and Sundays.
Iftin: Islamic weekend school on

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Dar Al-HijrahIslamic Civic Center

504 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612.227.8374\612.226.5662
info@daralhijrah.com
www.daralhijrah.com
 4A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429
Poem Section: Pure
BY Aidrous Ali
aali@daralhijrah.com
Pure Faith
Islam is pure
Muslims are pure
The world is pure but sadly
People are not purified
The Quran is pure
The Prophets are pure
But sadly
People are not taking advantage of the universe
The sun is pure
The moon is pure
But sadly
We are polluting it
Allah gave us pure faith,
Pure Prophets, Pure Quran,
Pure world,
So are you ready to make yourself
Purified Muslim
Allahu Akbar
The day that our Prophet celebrated has come
Allahu Akbar
Today is Eid
Allahu Akbar today Muslims are purified
Allahu Akbar
Today the mosques will be full of people
Allahu Akbar
Today all Muslim are excited
Allahu Akbar
Now that is Eid “Eid Mubarak”
Our Day
Our day to share has come
Our day to share love has come
Our day to share time together has come
Our day to cherish our lives has come
Our day to share the only, only day has come
Its Eid Mubarak Brothers and Sisters
.............................................................
Society
BY ABDIFATAH MOHAMUD
amohamud@daralhijrah.com
We as Muslims should know what is going on in the world
today but many of us do not seem to understand. Robbing,
oppressing, killing, and corruptions have become normal
things in Muslim Societies. Homes are being destroyed,
children are becoming orphans, and mothers don not know
where to go and what to feed their own children. We have
fled from our countries to a new world where we do not
have any similarities in many cases whether that is reli-
gion, language, or culture. Here in America we have been
given peace, food, healthcare, education, and a roof over
our heads but have we ever asked ourselves what are we
going to move forward? What caused us to flee from our
countries in the beginning and how much of that has re-
ally changed us? Take a piece of paper and pencil to an-
swer these questions. You will find out the reality: you
will find out where we are today as a Muslim community,
probably in an ocean without a navigator. We have been
attacked in our own lands and by our own people within
our own hands to be truthful. In reality we have immigrated
to a country where a separation of church and state exists,
something most of us cannot relate to Therefore let me
make it clear for you as to what our goal should be in an
Islamic sense. We as Muslims should use the resources that
have been provided to us here in America in creating op-
portunities for the upcoming generations and the ones back
at home. By this I mean that we should gain a well rounded
education so we may be able to become intellectual, well
developed thinkers who could possible take part in creating
an industrialized Somali.
We should not look at the acts of this country especially
as it is displayed in the media. In our world there exists an
entertainment device that has directed our minds in to dark-
ness, that of course being the television if used wrongly.
Imminent from our religious and cultural norms we cannot
even seem to make time for our own children. Our kids
have gotten influenced by cartoons, movies and games.
They try to imitate each and every single thing that they see
or hear from the television.
Media is also the leading chief for our elderly people.
They listen and argue about what has been said on BBC
when sadly this will not change there lives one bit. Our
young men are engrossed in playing soccer while our
young Muslim girls have left their only identity (Hijab) in
order to fit in with the peer pressures of our lives. With that
said, we need you, we need Muslims who can stand up and
move forward in upholding Islamic values, because with-
out this we will never manage to move forward. Brothers
and Sisters the resources that we have been endowed with
are endless and with these resources we can go far in creat-
ing international relations with the world at large. In terms
of religion, there are many think that we are different than
from Christians and Jewish, so they we let a lone their reli-
gion they will let our religion a lone. We can live together as
happily as possible, they will not get into Islam nor we get
into Christianity or Judaism, Quran says, “Never will they
be pleased with you till you follow their religion”
We must develop within our won people doctors, law-
yers, philosophers, professors, and even interior designers
so that we can better serve our people and even ourselves.
Dar Al-HijrahIslamic Civic Center
504 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612.227.8374\612.226.5662
info@daralhijrah.com
www.daralhijrah.com
Crisis within a Community
continued from page 1
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) states numerous times for help-
ing ones neighbors, and the followings are some examples
of his hadtihs.
In a Hadith related by Abu Hurairah (r.’a.) the Prophet
(pbuh) said,
"By Allah, one is not a true believer, By Allah, one is
not a true believer, By Allah, one is not a true believer
(three times). He was asked 'Who?" Upon which he
replied, "The one whose neighbors do not feel secure
from his or her mischief and evil.
In another Hadith, related by Anas (r.’a.), the Prophet
(pbuh) said
"One has not affirmed faith in me (i.e. One is not a true
follower) who eats to his or her satisfaction and sleeps
comfortably at night while his or her neighbor goes
hungry - and he or she is aware of it."
Another hadith narrated by Abu Shurayh (r.’a.) that the
Prophet (pbuh) said
"Whoever believes in Allah and the final day (Day of
Judgment) it is essential that he or she does not harm
his neighbors and whoever believes in Allah and the
final Day it is essential for him or her to entertain his
or her guest with kindness and generosity and whoever
believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that
he or she speaks what is good or otherwise remain
silent."
It is reported, on the authority of Ayesha (r.’a.) and Ibn
Umar (R.A.) that the messenger of Allah (pbuh) said
"The Angel Jibra'il (A.S.) counseled me so frequently
regarding the rights of the neighbor that I feared, he
too would be declared an heir."
These are just few hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),
in which he emphasized the importance of helping our
neighbors. If we put our resources together and prioritize
our work and most importantly understand our religion
and follow it truly, we would be able to help and satisfiy
whoever needs help. One of the biggest challenges we are
encountering these days is misunderstanding the religion of
Islam. When the concept and principle of Islam is misun-
derstood, when YouTube becomes a primary teacher, when
only appearance is emphasized, when there is no hierarchy
and respect for actual scholars, when there is no control and
everybody becomes an imam, we get ourselves into where
we are today and people would do anything through their
......................................................................................................................................................................
Exploring the Social
Infrastructure of Muslim Americans
continued from page 1
Many elements of Islamic worship emphasis community.
Muslims pray and congregate in community, it is encour-
aged to eat in community and celebrate Eid in community.
Allah and his prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also warned
against division. Allah (swt) says, "And hold fast, all of you
together, to the Rope of Allah [the Qur'an] and be not di-
vided among yourselves" (Qur'an 3:103).
Despite this message, tension among first-generation,
second-generation, and indigenous immigrants continues
to plague Muslim communities in almost every American
city. Muslims oftentimes bicker with one another on petty
differences in worship among cultures–loosing sight of the
broader notion of brotherhood and community building.
This friction is not limited to Muslims of other countries.
Indigenous Muslims sometimes find themselves impatient
with immigrant Muslims, forgetting that immigrants are
engaging with dramatic transformations as a result of move-
ment and failing to appreciate the migrant experience. There
also exists bias against indigenous Muslims by some immi-
grant Muslims who carry a sense of self-righteousness and
pride with regards to Islam. Ultimately, Islam in America
is no less authentic than Islam anywhere else; rather, indi-
vidual practitioners define their authenticity.
.................................................................................................................................
Believe me we can do all this while at the same time carry-
ing the role of a religiously learned man and woman.
What kind of people do you think should have the hon-
or to have the authority to control upholding our peaceful
religion? What kind of people do you think Allah has given
the honor (izzah) to? Allah has provided us with a brain so
that we may think and apply what we gain from our think-
ing. You as a Muslim person should know greater things
than anyone else because you carry the responsibility of re-
ligion and the world. Our early companions (the sahaabah
r.w.c.) are a great example to follow. When you read their
marvelous histories, you will find out that their goals were
to please Allah in any means possible. They come up with
efforts and Allah; the al-mighty gave them izza (honor).
My brothers and sisters in Islam I directed to you to fear
Allah and think ahead because at this rate we will never
>> id
get anywhere. May Allah forgive me for what I said wrong
e
and reward me for what I have said that is correct, He is
ntity
oft-forgiving, most merciful. Thank you and May Allah’s
blessing and mercy be upon you all. Let’s seek the paradise
that they (sahaabah) sought and we’ll have our honor back
>>
pri
nt
own periscope of Islam, which in return becomes bid’ah, an
innovation to the religion.
The ideology which promotes hate and violence is not part
of Islam, no more than excessive and deviation from the
path of majority of Muslims, but unfortunately in these days
many people use the name of the religion to fulfill their po-
litical agenda and to promote their hate crimes to the society.
The Nasheedist of the Month is:
And if the Muslims do not stand shoulder to shoulder to stop
this virus idea, it will create more problems. This corrupted Ebtisam Mohamed
ideology has a tie and is sister to the idea of (khawrijtes) Ebtisam Mohamed is a very bright and respectful student.
who killed the Islamic caliphate, Ali bin Abi Talib (r.’a). This This month she has been especially considerate of those
type of extremism, who put much emphasis on people’s ap- around her and very respectful to her elders. She walks into
pearance and based on their corrupted description makes a room and brightens it with her wonderful attitude and
anyone who does not fit their portrayal out of the religion good manners. She keeps up with her Quran and deserves
will not make any benefit for Muslims nor to others. When to be noticed this month. Masha-allah Ebtisam! May Allah
the world becomes one room with sophisticated technology, bless you and those around you. Keep it up!!
internet with YouTube and Facebook, this ideology is tak-
ing the minds of the younger people who have no ability of Maryan Yusuf and Khadija Hassan
knowing who is who. The Nasheed Crew coordinators
Islam is a religion of moderation, it is not and has never .............................................................
been nor it will be to far and extreme to the right nor to far
and extreme to the left. It is a religion of peace and mercy
that tells its followers to respect the elders, to be kind to the
youngsters, to feed the needy, to cloth the naked, to educate
the ignorant, to welcome the guests, to forbid evil, and tell
and encourage the good. These are the core values of Islam,
which we need to apply to ourselves and to implement to
our daily activities. Therefore, a Muslim person should be
a productive and active citizen who contributes to the com-
mon good. Sh, Abdirahman Sharif , Imam of Dar Al-Hijrah
mosque, said , “our curriculum is one that teaches people self
responsibility and development”, in other words, we build
people from the grassroots, teach them how to succeed in
their education in both Islam, school, and other subjects, to
be obedient to their parents, help needy people, to be truth-
ful and not lie, to be law abiding citizens, to be active in the
community they live in, to keep their Islamic identity, and
to treat people as to how they want to be treated, whether
they are Muslims or non-Muslims, because Prophet Mu-
hamed (pbuh) commanded us to do so. Two days ago, Br.
Abdisalam Adam, director of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Civic
Center (DAHICC) was talking to many parents whom their
children are currently studying at Dar Al-Hijrah weekend
schools, and study circles, and he said in brief “As Islam
rejects all forms of violence whether that be religious, or
non-religious, we, at DAHICC also reject it.”
Islam and the East are not dependent upon one another. In
fact, the brilliance and beauty in Islam rests in the notion that
the logic and teachings of Islam transcend temporal and spa-
tial boundaries. There is nothing in the fundamental notions
of Islam that should cause division among Muslims in the
East and those in the West.
Tension between Muslims of varying generations is sharp-
ened by language barriers, which exacerbate hostility be-
tween newcomers and those who have been in the country
longer. This type of sentiment is a breeding ground for fear
and misunderstanding and this tension is a ripe environment
for resentment.
In addition to dealing with religion-specific questions, the .............................................................
Muslim community in America is a microcosm of the
American society. In this sense, the community also faces
the same questions all Americans struggle with, whether this Is it Recession or Depression?
is interpersonal and institutional racism or economic dispari-
continued from page 1
ties and divisions. In light of this context, it becomes impor-
tant for Muslims to not only lead the effort to eliminate bias
among Muslims, but to also challenge the larger community Economic crisis of 2008 is suggested by several hints in
and fight inequality and advocate for other socially margin- the media that this is an economic downturn worldwide. It
alized populations. shifted life styles in many directions, many in bankruptcy
and many more into poverty. A record-breaking oil prices
reaching as high as $100 a barrel which lead to both high
food prices (due to the dependency on petroleum) and glob-
al “boom”. Personal saving rates went as low as negative
.5% meaning- people were spending more than they were
earning. These decreasing saving rates were balanced at the
designed by time by increasing real estate values and a growing national
shortage of more than 9 trillion dollars. As we speak, this
number still increases by minute, which is resulted by lend-
ing from foreign nations. A high number of interest rates
(ribah) caused this crisis that lead to bankruptcy of high and
well-organized investment banks as well as commercial
banks in different nations around the world and increased
+1 612.481.4423 byhaider@gmail.com
unemployment. Is this recession or depression?
We all hear this, in the media but let us get the facts
straight. How did we get here? “Greed” right now is the
hot topic. Taxpayers stated how greedy wall investment
bankers are. Bankers state the greed of homeowners who
>>we
purchased more house than they could afford. Now, after
Me
a decade and a half of record profits, the financial sector
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Everyone has a clear idea about the problem, but what
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is the clear motive to solving the modern era. The is what
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Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in many
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years ago, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth
ica
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before your old age, your health before your sickness, your
nf d
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ro
wealth before your poverty, your free time before your be-
m
s
the
designed by
coming [too] busy, and your life before your death.” (Al-
as
an
Hakim in Al-Mustadrak). So one should think where each
of his pennies goes or they will soon undertake in this 2008
misery. May peace and blessing be upon me and you and
may Allah (swt) forgive all of our sins. Salaam Calykum
612.481.4423
5A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429

A Billion Joys: Celebrating Eid Al-Adha All Over the World
BY FARTUN AHMED "QODOW"
fahmed@daralhijrah.com
The significance of Eid is indeed a great tradition because
the prophet (pbuh) celebrated it himself.
Unas (ra) reported that when the Prophet Muhammad
(saw) migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the people of
Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days
they had carnivals and festivity. The Prophet Muham-
mad (saw) asked the Ansaar (the Muslims of Madinah)
about it. They replied that before Islam they used to
have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet
Muhammad (saw) told them: 'Instead of those two days,
Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the
days of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.' (Hadith)
The traditions, customs, rituals, and acts of Eid vary from
country to country. For one thing Eid Al-Adha is not just a
holiday to enjoy one’s self and celebrate it, but rather it has
a bigger inner spiritual meaning. Eid Al-Adha is in many
ways the true “thanksgiving” of all Muslims. Muslims all
over the world display their joy for health, happiness, op-
portunity and wealth.
For many Muslims who are financially capable to do so
may sacrifice their finest domestic animals as a way to sym-
bolize Abraham's sacrifice of his son Ishmael. The animals
that are sacrificed are termed "udhiya” enchantingly known
as "qurbani", must meet a definite age and eminence aver-
age. If not, the sacrifice will be considered unacceptable. At
Ibn Abbass (ra) reported: “I participated in the Salaat-
al-Eid-al-Fitr with the Messenger of Allah (saw), Abu
Bakr (ra), Umar (ra) and Uthman (ra), and all of them
held Salaat-al-Eid before Khutbah, and then the Prophet
Muhammad (saw) delivered the Khutbah (sermon)”
Hadith, Muslim.
After the khutbah takes place Muslims depart to their des-
tination of celebration with candy, money, presents, and the
Eid greeting”Eid Mubarak!”
Around the world, Eid has preformed differently. For the
Arab world, Eid is the perfect time to provide the best hos-
pitality and pamper or should I say over-pamper the cluster
of guests that come in and out on the day Eid. The women
of these families usually prepare vast amounts of different
food and sweets during the week before Eid. Arabic coffee
and chocolate are all time favorites usually being distributed
after the guests leave. The Eid is divided into three days of
visiting family and friends. Each visit usually lasts no more
than twenty minutes starting with the elders on the first day.
Southeast Asian Muslims such as Malaysia, Indonesia,
and so forth, Eid is known as “Hari Raya AidlAdha” liter-
ally meaning “grand day.” In this part of the world, Eid is
the national holiday, thus making it the biggest and most
awaited holiday of all time. People’s days are filled with
visits to friends, family, shopping malls and bazaars. Tradi-
say it feels as if the whole community has awakened from
a deep sleep especially the children. In back home, children
are bombarded with gifts, candy, and money. Keep in mind
that the givers of these gifts are not just family and friends
but even strangers walking the streets.
All In all it is safe to say that you are never too old to cel-
ebrate Eid especially Muslims in the west. This should give
us more meaning to greatly emphasize Eid as it is a Muslim
holiday. Billions of Muslims celebrate Eid each year, we
shall understand that no matter how hectic life can get Eid
will always light our hearts with the thoughts of joy, laugh-
ter, and compassion.
May you have a blessed Eid, full of love, laughter, and luck,
Eid Mubarak to you, your family, and your loved ones.
.............................................................
D&T
Family:
Who is Our Family?
BY Luulay Abdirahin Osman
losman@daralhijrah.com
Sometimes in life we do not know what we have until it
is gone forever. Most of us grow old with those who we love
and some of lose their loved ones at a very young age, but
it is all part of Allah’s test. Those who have their parents are
being tested on how he should treat his parents, and those
who do not are being tested on how he or she should survive
without someone to love him or her. For those who have
their parents should be lucky and take advantage of the love
they are receiving, because honestly they are more blessed
than millions of people who pray not to wake up the next
morning. Innocent children are being suffocated and abused
for no reason. Thus they should say Alhumdhulillah, praise
be to Allah because they are deeply living in peace.
Everything happens for a reason though and every step
we take lead us to a new journey. The move we make today
will affect us tomorrow and the rest of our lives. After know-
ing this then why make a wrong/negative choice? Brothers
and sisters be careful, and know who you bring close to your
heart because not everyone can be the way you expect him
or her to be.
In today’s society, we as Muslims deal with the fact that
we abuse our parents physically and also mentally. It is jut
disgusting and annoying because those we abuse today are

the time of sacrifice, Allah's name is recited along with the
offering statement and a supplication as Prophet Muham-
mad said. Regards to Islam, the meat that comes from the
sacrifice is split into three parts, one part for the poor, one
part for the relatives and neighbors, and the last to keep part
belongs to the one who made the sacrifice. Much A of the
meat must be given towards the poor and hungry people so
they can all join in the feast which is held on Eid-Al-Adha.
The rituals of Eid Al-Adha start out by basically doing
a short morning fast, in other words it is not good to eat
anything until after the Eid prayer. Contrary to Eid Al-fitr
in which it is actually good practice to eat before the Eid
prayer. The practices of Eid day include various customs
starting with waking up early, preparing for personal clean-
liness by taking a bath, and putting on brand new clothes
or the cleanest of your clothes if you cannot afford to buy
any. Then to come to the main objective of Eid, the prayer
which is offered in the morning usually a few hours after
Fajar prayer.
The performance of Eid prayer includes the reputation of
the takbeer in the first Rakah seven times and Quran is to
be recited after each actual Rakah. A fundamental of the Eid
prayer includes the ruling of performing the Eid prayer be-
fore the khutbah or lecture.
..................................................................................................................................
tional clothing is worn and for the kids it does not get any
better than that.
For North American Muslims, Eid is unlike any other
holiday because it is their only holiday. Many claim that it
is a challenge to maintain the traditions and customs of Eid,
especially for children because the excitement for Eid is not
as visual or vital as it is back home in our countries. Here in
North America, the Eid prayer is probably about the biggest
act that occurs and once this happens an immense amount of
people go back to school or work. Eid in North America is
different especially when it is not a national holiday. In Min-
nesota for example, most children staying Mall of America
is about as good as it gets. As for the youth and the rest of
the country, Eid has become a time to party and sin instead
of giving thanks to Allah for the blessings of Ramadan and
pilgrimage. Singers come in from all over the world to
broadcast a hoard of evil acts.
It is an ironic how back home in Africa, the children, adults
and the old were all eager to await Eid chanting folk songs
such as:
”wadac wadac yaa rabanaa biri dambe eid waaye” two days
before Eid even begins. Each and everyone including the
elderly used to go out for days searching in favor of which
clothes to wear and then when the actual day comes many
Auto Repairs
the same people who have picked us when we fell, cleaned
us when we wrestled in the mud, held us when we got
scared, and loved us when we cried. What is the real reason
we do this nonsense now? We never did such thing back in
our country, is it because we thought that if we do such thing
we can get into the so called popular group? Well, maybe if
everyone listened to their hearts and followed the Sunnah of
the prophets no parents would ever curse their child.
What is the importance of a mother? A mother is some-
one you can always count on, one that will never as she is
living turn her back on you, and she is always here and there
to understand your pain without any judgments. Her love
will always be so true and everlasting, and do not ever think
you can take her love for granted, because the moment you
do she will gain and you the child will lose a lot. A mother’s
love is the most precious gift from up above, make her smile
and make her realize it was worth the 9 months you lived
inside her. Someone once said a mother will become jealous
American Imports of her sister or friend, but never will she become jealous of
Cars & Trucks her own child because her happiness is through your smile
and success. A mother is but a mother.
A father can be someone who is very hard to understand
Complete Major and deal with, but to make it through the survival you have
to come with patience. Not all fathers are the same, there are
& Minor Repair ones who are both a mother and a father to their child, and

Wake up and Make Your Life at Fajr

BY FARTUN AHMED "QODOW" &
MOHAMED SAMATAR
dtimes@daralhijrah.com
In this month’s newspaper, Fartun Ahmed and Mo-
hamed Samatar, of Minneapolis, MN give us an insight
into a course that was literally life changing. IF YOU re-
ally think you have attended the best of the best when it
comes to good courses, read on! The course to pre-empt
any others, (and there are some great ones out there), has
to be Life Making 101. In fact, it is more a life changing
event than a course; two of the most valuable days I have
ever spent in my weeks. There really is no point in going
on to any other courses until you have been on this one.
It is a course for everyone – and with 30 attendees, there
is certainly a diverse collection of people. Some get up to
be coached and others simply sit quietly at the back to be
coached anonymously – the results are the same for every-
one. You must be wondering exactly what it is. It is hard
to describe – unlike anything you have ever done before.
Being involved in the community it is clear to see this is the
age of breakthroughs, amazing leaps in service, in volun-
teering and in understanding we have vastly elevated our
quality of life. The life Making 101 is such a breakthrough
– a breakthrough in what is possible for people. Maybe the
best way to explain this experience is to share our experi-
ences (oh yes, this is good).
Many might be excited or even mind boggled to hear
what vase ways we have contributed to the mosque, com-
munity, and yes our self’s too. Subjects initial starting from
time, congregation (tacmiir), communication and etc. We
spend approximately about a month on each issue, in which
we by the way chose. We tackle the issue to its core roots so
that by tomorrow we may rise as new people because we
were simply “making life.” As for time we learned and en-
joyed waking up early in the morning because the benefits
of having an early start are just endless. We became skilled
on the matters of time and how much of it was actually in
the Quran and Hadith. To my surprise we even learned the
importance of a “millisecond” you think we would go that
far. I think we can say that without a doubt most of us ar-
rive at our appointments 5 minutes prior to the actual time.
A hands-on experience is what makes us practice what we
are taught. At the end of our discussion on the importance
of time each and every one of us made a complete schedule
that was imperative to our daily lives. This schedule was
approved by our instructor, and May I say were following
it to our heartiest.
A few weeks ago we concluded our lessons on Tacmiir
(better known as congregation) and truthfully it was more
beneficial then any lesson that we have been given. We
wrote a list of over 50 things we must do and not do while
we are in the mosque. And, guess what were teaching our
community! because after all we were spreading the word
right? Astonishingly, we really must reexamine our duties
to the mosque because it is more then just praying in it
twice a year (The two Eids.) Just last week we worked on
what seemed like the impossible, remodeling our very own
basement impressive huh? Were just good, too good, Life
Making 101 really awakens you for the real world, it will
without a doubt teach you priorities, values, principles, and
ethics all which are essential to our society. Taking place on
Saturdays and Sundays after Fajar prayer until 8 the time we
put into reevaluating our lives is actually paying off. Truth
be told, this program is one that will in fact change lives and
not because we are creating a wave of change but we are
learning our weakness and how to flourish from them. By
learning selected hadiths from the authentic book Sahih Al-
Bukahri Abu Jamra, we have mastered the life style of the
Prophet. This is vital to our lives because we want to live as
the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) once lived. In conclusion
you must be willing to change yourself and especially your
lifestyle. If not you will not be equal to those who have.
"Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the depths of
darkness equal with light?" 013:016 Patience and Persever-
ance will diminish any barrier that stands in the way of you
..........................................................................
the same goes for a mother. A father is a son’s first hero and
General Repairs: a daughter’s first love. The child needs both parents, grow-
•Tune Up ing up with parents keep his or her mind well stable and
•Brakes are better than a child who has no one. Today many fathers
•Radiater waste their time at the corner of Starbucks and have no idea
•Engine of where their child spends his or her time at. They are not
•Axle aware of what their children are doing, because there is a
•Alternator chance they come home while their children are sleeping.
•Starter If that is the case why did you bring a child to this world in
the first place? Again many fathers believe just because they
M-F | 8:30am-6:00pm are the men of the house they will take control and destroy
Sat | 8:30am-4:00pm everything the mother has been building all her life. A father
Sun | Closed who is blind and deaf is one hundred percent better than one
who is never home, because the father that is home is show-
3446 Bloomington Ave S ing love and comfort to his children. Thus, fathers who are
(Bllomington Ave & 35th Avenue South) reading this article, please take advantage of what you have
Minneapolis, MN 55407 today because this chance may never knock at your door.
Enough said about the parents. Children are sometimes
612. 720.8092 not any better than the parents; actually we can be a lot
worse. We start out to be the most loving people and the
moment we get into peer pressure everything changes from
head to toe. We as the children start to swear, hit, and hurt
those who always gave nothing but love and care. I person-
ally believe in karma, what goes around comes around, and
what goes up must come down some day. Everyone will
someday become a parent and deal with everything your
parents are going through now. Have you ever heard of the
statement that reads: your children will treat you the same
exact way you treat your parents today. Feel free to swear
today and the same routine will come back in your genera-
tion. Therefore, do not get involved into the bad side of the
world because life is beautiful and full of great opportuni-
ties. Everyone, especially youth are afraid if they do not get
involved into a group that commits crimes they will be hated
but honestly that is not true. It is not easy, because it is our
parents (especially our mother) who prepare us for the up-
coming future. Now imagine the life of a mother, truly that
is one of the biggest test a child has to take because it is your
mother who protects you from others. If the whole world
came together and tried to harm you, know that no body can
do anything until Allah has written it down for you. Hence,
do not fear of anyone as long as Allah is supporting you then
you have nothing thing to fear.
Breathing is part of life experience because in this life
you face and deal with a lot of different struggles. It teaches
the value of others and yourself.
6A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429

DO YOU WRITE?
DO YOU WANT TO VOICE YOUR
OPINION?
DO YOU HAVE A CLEAR TOPIC? OR
NOT? DO NOT WORRY, DTIMES
IS ON!

dtimes@daralhijr
ah.com

LETS THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX!

PUT YOUR TWO CENTS TOGETHER,

DAR AL-HIJRAH ACCEPTS ALL TYPES OF WRITINGS AS LONG IT DOES NOT DENIGRATE
ANY RELIGION, RACE, GENDER, OR ETHNICITY DESPITE THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCA-
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OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED, ETC.

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Somali Tigers oo Noqotay Kooxda Sanadka 2008 ee Gobolka Minisota

BY ABIRAHMAN 'ABDIRASHIID' MUKHTAR
amukhtar@daralhijrah.com
Waxaa maalintii Sabtida taariikhduna ahayd 11/29/2008
Magaalada Burnsville ee Gobolka Minisota, USA lagu
soo gebagebeeyay tartanka Kubadda cagta ee Somali Fall
League 2008, waxaana ku guuleystay Tartankaas kooxda
Somali Tigers.
Ciyartii kama dambeysta ahayd ayaa dhexmartay la-
badda kooxeed ee kala ah Somali Tigers iyo Cedar Stars,
isla markaana ahayd mid aad iyo aad u adkeyd. Macalin
Barkhad iyo kooxdiisa Cedar Stars ayaa qaybtii hore cayaar
wanaag soo bandhigay, weerar is daba joog ah oo xamaas-
ad lehna la beegsaday S. Tigers, balse waxay qaybtii hore
ku soo gebagebowday barbar dhac 2-2. Qaybtii labaad ee
cayaartan kama danbaysta ah ayey labadda kooxiba fooda
isa saaren iyaga oo dar dar iyo dadaal dheerad ah muuji-
naya. Kooxda Somali Tigers ayaa waxa ay lasoo if bexeen
farsamo iyo dar dar aad u xoogan taas oo u suura gelisay
inay guushu raacdo, koobkana ku qaadan natiijo dhan 5-3.
Cayaartan oo ahayd mid aad xiiso iyo xamaasad
xoogleh u leh ayaa waxaa ka soo qeybgaleen gudiga
cayaaraha ee gobolka Minisota
Gool haye Abdiqani Ducaale oo u cayaara kooxda
Communality ayaa noqday gool hayihii ugu wanaagsanaa
tartanka. Abdinuur Jama (Buulo) ayaa helay abaal marinta
difaaca ugu wanaagsanaa tartanku intuu socday. Abdi Na-
jiib oo ah maamulaha guud ee kooxda Cedar Stars ayaa
noqday abaabulaha iyo maamulaha ugu wanaagsan ee
maamula koox kamid ah kooxaha Gobolka Minisota ka
dhisan.
Kooxda Somali Tigers ayaa waxay noqotay kooxda
ugu wanaagsan ama kooxda sanadka 2008 ee Gobolka
Minisota ee dalka Maraykanka. Kooxdan ayaa waxay ku
guulaysatay afartii koob ama horyaal ee sanadkan lagu
qabtay gobolkan Minisota, halka ay gaareen ciyaarta kama
dambaysta ah koobka weyn ee lagu qabto magaalada Co-
Kooxda Somali Tigers lumbus ee gobolka Ohio.
! Macalin Jibriil oo ah macalin aad u da’ yar ahna ma-
oo iyagu billadaha gudoonsiiyay cayaartoydii iyo kooxihii iyagu mutaystay abaalmarinta. Gudiga cayaaraha oo ay qaark- calinka sanadka sida aan anigu u arko ayaa intii uu la wa-
amid ahi ahaayeen cayaartooydii hore ee dalka Soomaaliya, sida Cabbdullahi Morgan, Sacid Mashaale, Cabdiraxman reegay xilka macalinimada kooxda Somali Tigers ayay u
Amaan, Cabdiasis Bixi iyo Maxamud Madaxey ayaa iyagu hadalo guubaabin iyo wacyi galin iskugu jira la wadaagay suurto gashay in uu soo hooyo guulo badan, kooxdiisuna
cayaartooydii halkaas iskugu yimid. Waxaa kaloo cayaarta daawanayey Dadweyne aad u tiro badan iyo marti sharaf kale ay hanatay afar koob oo is daba joog ah. S. Tigers ayaa soo
oo kamid ah bulsho weynta Soomaaliyeed ee degan gobolka Minisota. bandhigta cayaar wanaag joogto ah iyaga oo dhankasta ka
Cayaartoygii ugu wanaagsanaa cayaarta kama danbaysta ah ayaa waxaa noqday Diini Axmed oo isagu u ciyaara dheeli tiran, tartan kasta oo ay ka qayb galeen sanadkan
S.Tigers. Bashiir oo u ciyaara kooxda Midnimo ayaa wuxuu noqday cayaartoyga ugu wanaagsanaa tartankan. Khalid 2008 cayaarta kama danbaysta ah soo gaaray, dabadeedna
(Okocha) oo u ciyaara kooxda Cedar Stars ahna wiil aad u da’a yar ayaa wuxuu ku guulaystay abaal marinta gool dhaliska, hantay abaal marinta koobaad.
halka macalin Carab Dheere oo macalin u ah kooxda Twin City Stars uu isaguna hantay bilada macalinka ugu wanaagsanaa
tartanka.
7A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429

Kooxda Cedar Stars

!
Kooxda Somali Tigers !

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

It's Only the Beginning

BY FARTUN AHMED "QODOW"
fahmed@daralhijrah.com
2008 Presidential Election
On a cool silent night in the first week of November a
black man stood in front of over 100,000 people in Chi-
cago to accept his victory in becoming the first African
American President of the United States. Tuesday Novem-
ber 4th, 2008 was unlike any other day in history and not
just in the United States but in each and every corner of the
world. History was made, change was created, and for the
first time ever color did not matter in the U.S. The United
States, a nation founded by slave owners, vast amounts of
civil war and generations of racial strife following an inde-
cencies of hate for the latter color voted for Barack Hussein
Obama. To imagine that when Barack Obama was born a
majority of African Americans did not even have the right
to vote, let alone campaign in a presidential election.
In his victory speech Obama proclaimed to Americans
and the rest of the world “If there is anyone out there who
still doubts that America is a place where all things are pos-
sible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive
in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy,
tonight is your answer.” The acts that happened on that ev-
ery night underestimated what many literals believe should
have never occurred and many doubted could ever be pos-
sible in their life time. But underestimation of ones color
proved America wrong while crowds of McCain support-
ers booed his victorious opponent. Obama not just secured
his success on becoming the 44th president of the United
States but he aided in leading his party to sharp gains in
Congress and House of Representatives, just what America
needed. As the returns became known, and Mr. Obama
passed milestone after milestone Ohio, Florida, Virginia,
Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Iowa and New Mexico
and so on people rolled spontaneously into the streets to
celebrate what many described, with perhaps overstated if
understandable exhilaration, a new era in a country where
just 143 years ago, Mr. Obama, as a black man, could have
been owned as a slave.
For Republicans, especially the conservatives who have
dominated the party for nearly three decades, the night rep-
resented a bitter setback and left them contemplate as to
where they now stand in American politics. On December
10, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the No-
bel Peace Prize, the youngest man to receive the award; he
was 35 years of age and on November 4th, 2008 Barack
Obama at the age of 47 become the first African Ameri-
can president in a country where whites dominated for 43
presidential terms. Rooting from Selma, New Orleans, and
even Memphis racial barriers were destroyed and hope was
placed in the hearts of the next generation of presidents.
......................................................................................................................
Muslim American History
About 40,000 years ago a colony made up of Alaskan
natives created the four fronts of what is now known as
present day America. Just in 1492 did Christopher Colum-
bus the Spanish explorer discover the already discovered
lands which rested on the shores of the actual “discovered
lands”. At the turn of two centuries later, immigrants from
Africa were being shipped down to the European con-
trolled Americas in order to become slaves for much of the
labor that was needed. Surprisingly the African population
was not the first slaves owned by the Europeans in America
but for a long period of time the Native Americans served
that purpose.
The first establishment of African slaves took place
in Charles Town located in South Carolina. A significant
amount of the individuals that were brought over from
Africa were Muslims, many of them ended up gaining the
smallest levels of freedom by forcefully having to convert
to Christianity. Eventually the African slave trade was legal-
ized and it became a mania without shame. Astoundingly,
more then 30% of African slaves were Muslims, who later
become the backbone of the United States economy. Mus-
lims hold a rich history in the United States and not many
people are aware of. From the prominent Muslim experi-
menter Hajji Ali in the late 1600’s to Reverend Norman’s
conversion to Islam in the early 1800’s, Muslim Americans
have been a part of the creation just as much as any other
Americans. From 1955-1968 African slaves fought long
and hard for basic rights that are owed to every individual.
Living in an America that mimicked “Justice and liberty”
African slaves wondered where the meaning of the words
took place in a dear country that they fought for as much
as the whites.
American Muslims
To be quite factual the largest population of Muslims
began arriving to United States in the early 1900’s. In 1915
a group of Albanian Muslims build a Mosque in Maine and
established an Islamic association, this being one of the first
major Islamic organizations ever established in the United
States. Five years later a group of young Muslims ascer-
tained what was known as the Red Crescent modeling after
the Red Cross in order to aid Muslims in poverty. Around
1932 Muslims in the Armed Services sued the federal gov-
ernment to be allowed to identify themselves as Muslims,
sadly enough until then; Islam was not recognized as a le-
gitimate religion.
Finally The Muslim Students Association (MSA) was
established in 1963 as an organization to abet foreign Mus-
lim students attending schools in the United States. Just like
numerous other American alliances, organizations, and as-
sociations the Muslim population has founded their very
own including the creation of the biggest umbrella
organization in the United States ISNA which launched
itself in 1982. Muslims have been a big fraction of Amer-
ica especially in our own state Minnesota which about
100,000 Muslims reside in. An immense amount of the
inhabitants living in Minnesota come from East Africa
mainly Somalia. Just in Minnesota alone the Muslim
community owns over 20 mosques nearly tripling what
it had owned just a decade ago. American Muslims are
becoming a major contribution to America whether this
is economically, politically or even religiously.
Americans Muslims and Politics
The Political spectrum is one of the crucial points in
the American government and the Muslim Americans
are more involved then ever. The 9/11 attacks jolted
the Muslim community with over raging energy, this
of course improving many American-Muslim relations.
Muslims learned that they need to make themselves
more aware of their neighborhoods, communities, and
even states. They are voting, running for offices and
getting more involved in civic and political life at every
level, from PTAs and school boards to town councils and
state legislatures, Muslim Americans are climbing there
way up to the political spectrum. The Council on Amer-
ican-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which sponsors Muslim
political commotion, has opened 23 of its 31 U.S. chap-
ters since 9/11. In just the 2004 election, two studies have
initiated that one in five Muslim voters were first-time
voters. Muslim Americans are opening there eyes to a
country that is as much there’s as any real “American”.
From the creation of full time Islamic schools to degrees
in Islamic studies, Muslims are really making this coun-
try their permanent homes, but hey who would have ever
thought, it is only a beginning.
............................................................
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A Cold Glass of Water

BY MARYAN YUSUF
myusuf@daralhijrah.com
Through out my life I have seen struggle. From being
forcefully removed from my home to living in a Nation
I knew nothing of. I believe that I am not disadvantaged,
in a way I am privileged because it gives me gratitude for
every aspect of my life whether good or bad. My mother
has worked hard to give me all that I have and I have done
my best to take it and run with it. I see myself as blessed
because I have a home, a family, friends, and an education.
There are so many people with so much potential that are
not able to express it because they are in a poverty stricken
country. I can remember my mother taught me to be thank-
ful for everything in my life. When I was 9 and I was turn-
ing 10 in five days, I begged my mother for a birthday pres-
ent constantly. The days have passed and it did not seem
like she was making any effort to get me anything. On the
morning of my tenth birthday she came into my room and
set on my bedside table a cold glass of water. She said, “In
Somalia I walked across the country barefoot to get my
family to safety. I walked until my feet bled and finally
when I reached Kenya I had to fight to get in. In Kenya
I was working day and night so we could survive. I got a
visa to America and I thought my troubles would be gone.
Instead I still walked miles to get to a job that I worked all
night. I fought hard to give birth to you, I fought hard to
survive, I fought so hard so I can be able to provide my
children with a glass of cold water, happy birthday.”
I never realized how much my mom went through to
get me where I am and from that day I promised myself it
would not go to waste. I promised myself that I would
struggle too, that I would struggle to change the world.
No one realizes the power they have. They constantly un-
derestimate themselves. But we as Muslims must not only
practice and live our religion we must also spread its kind-
ness and its message. People always tell me not to love too
hard or to not put my faith in the world. I can not take that
advice. I will love as hard as I can even if it hurts and I will
put all my faith in the world. Margaret Mead said, “Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful people could change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Maybe
if I love hard enough so will someone else. Prophet Mo-
hamed (SAW) says, “You will not have true faith until you
love for your brother what you love for yourself.” I put my This newspaper is proudly sponsored and
hope, trust and love in those around me. There is one thing published by
I always stand by, one thing I believe in. That if you smile Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Civic Center
even when you cannot so will everyone around you, and
by that time you will be smiling so hard you forget why
you weren’t smiling in the first place. The Prophet (SAW)
also said, “A smile is charity.” I believe in what Mahatmas
Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
I believe that we can change the world with our minds and
with our will. We can each chase our dreams and capture
!
them in the image that we make. We leave the impossible
to Allah and seek the possibility of our strength that will
carry us through. I will say as martin Luther king said; I
have a dream: I want to change the world but in doing so
I must start where my mother did. I will start from where
I was born, I will help the many who are dying and suffer-
ing. I’ll start out by saying, “You matter to me and I will not
leave you behind” and in my hand a cold glass of water.
8A Vol. 1 No. 2 December 2008 - Thul-Hijah 1429

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