By: Soha Yassine 

As many of you know, I am a relatively new hire at the ICSC. I began working as Youth and Volunteer Coordinator at the Center in June 2011 and, what an adventure it has been! Praise is due to Allah for putting me in this wonderful position where I have been able use my employment experience and academic background to serve the youth community of the Center, speak on behalf of Muslims at universities and places of worship etc, and oversee the volunteer corps which has served our Center’s vision.

Email syassine@icsconline.org is you are interested in volunteering at the Food Pantry

One of our most successful volunteer programs at the Center is the MECA SoCal Food Pantry. For almost seven years now, MECA has distributed grocery bags comprised of everything from fresh eggs to bagged rice to hundreds of people every week. In fact, in 2011 alone, the MECA Pantry served 11,296 households and 29,782 persons. Through our partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, we have been able to provide wholesome food at no cost to our Center. Last December, through a partnership with QueensCare, we administered hundreds of free flu shots to Pantry constituents. The beauty of our pantry is that it is open to anyone and everyone  who is in need of assistance regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation.

Another example of a successful volunteer program at our Center is our Zakat Committee. The Committee draws from community donations to provide immediate assistance for the needy. Anyone who is need of help can meet with the Committee on Fridays by arriving the Center at noon to fill out an assistance application and add their name to the interview list. Interviews take place after Jumma where the needy talk with the Zakat Committee and receive direct help. In 2012, through the diligence of ICSC intern, Zach Smith, the Zakat Committee now has a comprehensive resource guide to help offer referrals that deal with issues outside their capacity.

One thing that I immediately noticed when I began working last June is that our community is in need of other types of services beyond our Food Pantry and Zakat Committee. The reality is that, while both of these wonderful endeavors have helped thousands of people,  they do not address the root causes of the issues at hand. The Center’s Board of Directors, too, has realized that our community, Muslim and non-Muslim, is need of the type services that create lasting change in people’s lives. For this reason, they entrusted MECA SoCal to develop more social service programs at the Center.

In 2011 and 2012, MECA has launched a dynamic Social Service & Outreach Committee. Below you can find the projects we have started:

Family outreach: In response to the growing immigrant/refugee communities surrounding the Center we, along with the Tiyya Foundation, assist with the distribution of basic necessities such as furniture and other household items to needy families. Tiyya will be providing ESL tutoring, translation, transportation, community support, tutoring, and at-risk youth programs.

Homelessness project: MECA volunteers have signed on to be “Faith Partner Volunteers” to help end the cycle of homelessness in our city. Imagine LA, our partner organization, facilitates a mentorship program that matches families exiting homelessness with volunteer teams from faith communities. Together, they progress through a two-year program that teaches life skills, aids the families in accessing resources, instills confidence and allows every member of the family to thrive.

Health Initiative: While providing free healthy food at our Pantry is a wonderful start, many families lack basic information about health and nutrition. As result MECA has started a Health Initiative that will be holding educational forums and health fairs in 2012. Click here for information about the upcoming event “LET’S GET HEALTHY!“ Additionally, through this initiative, CalFresh (the state food stamp program) will conduct outreach at our Center after Jumma and during the Food Pantry.

Incarcerated Muslim Support Project: Like homelessness, incarceration is cyclical. The Center is inundated with requests for Qurans and Islamic literature from inmates seeking to reform their lives through spiritual guidance. Through a partnership with the Claremont Forum Bookstore’s Prison Library Project, we will now be able to respond to the hundreds of requests seamlessly.  We also provide MP3s of our Friday sermons, Dr. Maher Hathout’s podcast, and more to the Muslim Chaplains Association so they can share the material with inmates interested in learning about Islam.

We are proud to report that all of MECAs committees saw growth in 2011. Besides the developments in the Social Service & Outreach Committee, the other MECA committees have been bustling with activity. In fact, in 2011 alone, MECA started new projects such as the Young Professionals Group, MYG Tutoring Program, and more! With the commitment of our wonderful volunteers, we will only see more growth in 2012 and beyond.

Soha Yassine is the Youth and Volunteer Coordinator at the ICSC. If you are interested in learning more about the Muslim Youth Group, MECA SoCal, or volunteering at ICSC, email syassine@icsconline.org. 

By: Jihad Turk 

When I was approached almost two years ago by Saddleback pastor Abraham Meulenberg who expressed interest in exploring ways that we can bring our communities together in friendship, I welcomed the initiative. In this time of great fear, mistrust, and ignorance, I perceive an important and transformative potential in bringing together our communities of faith, distinctive as they are in certain respects, to both bridge the gap of understanding by getting to know one another, and to become friends working together in an expression of our shared values. Many people, both Muslim and Christian, misunderstand why a religion such as Islam, which makes exclusive truth claims about the nature of God (i.e. that God is One, the Creator of all things and the Lord of Abraham, Ishmael, Issac, and of all humanity), prophet-hood (i.e. that Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may God bless them, are all Divinely inspired human beings), and revelation (i.e. that the Qur’an is the final Divinely inspired scripture confirming in essence the Torah and Gospels) would engage in interfaith relations in general and with Saddleback Church in particular. Some view our community with an eye of suspicion assuming that Muslims are focused upon world domination, the imposition of Shari’ah upon others, and the conversion of all of humanity to Islam.  The truth of the matter is different. Let me explain our theology.

Firstly, we believe that it is God’s will that there be diversity, both in our physical beings as well as in our beliefs and that all human beings were endowed with dignity by God Almighty.

Secondly, we believe that it is an affront to faith and contrary to God’s commandments to try to impose belief on anyone, for true faith comes through a direct relationship with God.

Thirdly and consequently, our role as Muslims is nothing more than to convey the truth about the Islamic religion (through both word and deed) and to work for the shared values of justice, compassion, freedom, and truth.

So, over the past couple of years, Saddleback Church through King’s Way has participated in a number of events with several local Muslim communities. I was invited to give a presentation at Saddleback Church alongside pastor Meulenberg.  You might have read reports that our friends at Saddleback Church have been under attack for their friendship with Muslims. Some of what has been reported is incorrect, namely, that a discussion paper drafted in preparation for a presentation at one of our gatherings was reported as an attempt to create a partnership for a new religion. Of course this is completely false.  Muslims and Christians have significant theological differences but we love our friends at Saddleback and they love us. We do not gloss over our differences. We simply do not allow our differences to prevent mutual respect. So we listen to each other and we value our friendship in spite of our different beliefs.  As Muslims, we know what it is like to face false accusations and irresponsible attacks by people who refuse to accept the facts. So we appreciate Saddleback’s desire to continue our friendship and love us in spite of lies and vicious attacks by others. Islam and Christianity are both monotheistic faiths. We understand that we each respectively are commanded to both love God and love our neighbors. Our communities are committed to becoming friends, building peace, and serving the world together.

If you would like to read Saddleback Church’s position on our relationship, click here.

By: Maha Kamel

The two bright yellow school buses contrasted beautifully against the fresh blanket of white snow that just arrived to greet the Muslim Youth Group and its annual Ski Trip. Friday February 17 ^th marked the start to a weekend of fun, spirituality, and most importantly, bonds of friendship that would last a lifetime.

The MYG Board and the Youth Coordinator, Soha Yassine, spent countless weeks booking a venue, sorting out transportation, and organizing over 100 registration forms. After arriving to Camp Whittle in Big Bear, CA on Friday evening, excitement and anticipation rose over the attendees. Ice breakers and isha prayer began the night as our wonderful counselors gathered around introducing themselves and getting us to our cabins. Each cabin settled in while exploring their new found surroundings, amazed by the beauty around them. The stars shined brighter than anything most have seen in Los Angeles.

Saturday came bright early as parents and youth headed for fajr prayer, and prepared for the big day ahead. At 8:30am it was time to finally hit the slopes! But it was breakfast first, with a wide array of choices the food at Camp Whittle provided. As breakfast came to an end, the snowboards and ski’s began to roll in and the mighty MYG snowboarders and skiers hit Big Bear’s famous slopes. Ranging from beginners to practically professional riders, there was a slope for everyone. The MYG’ers impressed us all; the thrill seekers hit double black diamond gliding through harsh mountain and coming back all in one piece all alhamdulliah. While the rest hit the bunny or intermediate slopes riding through the day until coming back for dinner.

But  we can’t forget those of us who stayed back at camp enjoying the numerous activities offered on the site. The rest of the MYG’ers enjoyed an array of options such as archery, a reptile show, rock climbing, arts and crafts, a ropes course, and the popular petting zoo. The archery fields called to us as we learned to shot a bow and arrow and successfully aim at targets. Next we hit the exotic reptile show, watching in awe as the guide pulled out boa constrictors, tarantulas, and other creatures. To fulfill their daily workout goals and have some fun others hit the towering rock climbing wall and ropes course. The infamous petting zoo kept the MYG in awe with its friendly lamas and baby goats! As the riders returned from the slope we all gathered for a night of board games and discussion.

Sunday came and went as some continued to hit the slopes and others explored the camp site. But the renowned talent show served as the highlight of the night. With the stars our bright and shining the MYG spent the night immersed in the talents of these wonderful youth. From joke telling, singing, to poetry all the acts entertained the room, putting beaming smiles on all our faces.

As the night came to an end we headed to our cabins realizing the strong bonds we’ve created and our last moments at Camp Whittle. Monday breakfast came and went and we found ourselves packing the bus to head back to home sweet home ICSC. Then the dreaded moment came when we parted ways but more importantly each of us realized the refocus and connections we gained that weekend that would surpass any of our expectations.

Overall the MYG’s 2012 ski trip was one of great success. Through the mishaps, turns, talents and white snow we each took something away to apply to our daily lives, and that was the most important lesson of all.

By: Marium Mohideen, MPAC

(Washington, DC, – 2/29/12) – The Muslim Public Affairs Council is proud to announce that it is now accepting applications for its 2012 Young Leaders Summits, which offer Muslim American undergraduate and graduate students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to turn their passions in government, media and the arts into possibilities.

Through the Young Leaders Summits, MPAC seeks to expand the pool of talent and new voices in the fields of policymaking, news media and entertainment; provide leadership development; and create a vibrant national network of emerging leaders.

Visit summits.mpac.orgnow for more information and to apply.
All applications must be submitted by Monday, April 2.

Hollywood Summit in Los Angeles | May 30 – June 2
Ever wanted to be a filmmaker, screenwriter, or actor? The Young Leaders Hollywood Summit in Los Angeles is your chance to meet with working actors, screenwriters, directors, talent managers and studio executives; get practical training in digital storytelling; and provide practical tips for transforming your talent into a successful career.

Media Summit in New York City | June 10-14
Interested in becoming a journalist, blogger or writer? The Young Leaders Media Summit will provide you with an exciting opportunity to meet prominent journalists, editors, producers and on-air talent to learn about the ins and outs of the news media industry and learn how you can pursue career opportunities in the field.

Government Summit in Washington, DC | July 9-14
Wonder how policies get made in Congress and the administration? Want to share your opinions with decision makers? The Young Leaders Government Summit will provide you with an inside-look at the inner workings of the nation’s capitol while simultaneously providing government officials and congressional leaders the opportunity to learn what is on the minds of young Muslim Americans.

For more information, contact Young Leaders Program Coordinator Yasmin Hussein at yasmin@mpac.org or (202) 547-7701.

Founded in 1988, MPAC is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.

[CONTACT: Marium Mohiuddin, 323-258-6722, marium@mpac.org]

By: By Michael Aushenker / Special to The Malibu Times

Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 1:53 PM PST

By: Haris Tarin, MPAC 

The contributions to Islam and America by African Americans have been both inspiring and truly eye-opening. Without a doubt, Islam in America, as it stands today, would not be the way it is without African American influence. Sadly, the narrative of Islam in America generally tends to forget about the major impact African Americans made in shaping a Muslim American identity.More than 200 years ago, our nation was embedded in the gross practice of slavery; by 1800, estimates have shown that at least 15 to 30 percent of slaves were Muslim. Muslim slaves unknowingly contributed to the narrative of Islam in America by continuing to practice their faith in the face of great adversity. Indeed, Muslims have been part of the American framework since its very inception. American society saw its first population of Muslims through the import of African slaves. From that point, there are historical accounts of Muslims fighting in the American Revolutionary War, aiming to assist in the very creation of this nation.

For example, Peter Salem, a former slave of Muslim background from Massachusetts, fought in 1775 in the Battle of Bunker Hill and later fought in the Battle of Saratoga. In the course of our nation’s short history, Muslims have participated and fought in every American war. Further, when the slaves were emancipated, they fought for their nation’s principles of freedom, equality and justice in the Civil War. Forming the Muslim American identity of participation and engagement—even at the military level—was in its infancy stage of being established.

More than 100 years later, Malcolm X was born and established himself as one of the most prolific contributors to America. In his transformation from petty criminal to a member of the Nation of Islam where he espoused powerful rhetoric in defense of black supremacy to his shift to Sunni Islam, Malcolm X proved to be an intellectual force in the formation of identity to be reckoned with. Malcolm’s fascinating change from exclusion in American society to the realization that participation and engagement within the larger fabric of our nation was exemplified, highlighted and emulated during and after his life. From, “we’re not American, we’re Africans who happen to be in America. We were kidnapped and brought here against our will from Africa. We didn’t land on Plymouth Rock- that rock landed on us,” to his infamous speech in Cleveland, Ohio, “The Ballot or the Bullet,” in which he stressed the importance of political participation to address political maturity and recognizing that through unity comes action.

African Americans have certainly established the bedrock of Islam in America; without them, the way we see and experience Islam in America today would not be. In a time when Islam is seen as a suspicious foreign entity existing within the U.S., the centuries old narrative of Islam in America proves otherwise—it has been a thriving, contributing force to the very structure of our nation from the country’s inception.

It would be completely untrue for the African American experience to be left out of the hundreds of years of forming and shaping a Muslim American identity. The narrative exists, and the roots of Islam in America can be dated back to the very formation of this nation on the backs of those whose religion values freedom, justice, human rights and equality.

[CONTACT: Haris Tarin, DC Office Director, (202) 547-7701, haris@mpac.org]

By : Jim Hinch/ Orange County Register 

By: Editor

As many of you may know, the Academy for Jewish Religion California entered into a consortium with Claremont School of Theology and the Islamic Center of Southern California for the purpose of promoting understanding, collaboration, cooperation, friendship, and harmony between members of the three Abrahimic traditions at the individual, organizational, and governmental level.

As a result of this evolving partnership, a new university was launched in the fall of 2011—Claremont Lincoln University, whose mission is to find common threads among religious and ethical traditions while honoring the distinctiveness of each. Claremont Lincoln University is an ecumenical, interreligious institution that seeks to instill students with the ethical integrity, religious intelligence, and intercultural understanding necessary to become effective leaders in thought and action in the increasingly diverse, multi-religious world of the 21st century. As part of our commitment to these lofty goals the Academy for Jewish Religion California is sponsoring a series of seminars addressing the values and beliefs the three Abrahimic traditions share with each other.

We are delighted to invite you to attend the first seminar in the series entitled: The Children of Abraham: An exploration of the values and beliefs that Jews, Christians, and Muslims share with each other.

The meeting will consist of short presentations by Jerry Campbell, PhD, President of Claremont School of Theology, Jihad Turk, Director of Religious Affairs, The Islamic Center of Southern California, and Interim Dean, Bayan Graduate Program at Claremont Lincoln University, and Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, PhD, President of the Academy for Jewish Religion California. This will be followed by 45 minutes of Questions and Answers.

Date: Sunday March 25^th from 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Ytzhak Rabin Hillel Center for Jewish Life at UCLA, 574 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA  90024

Parking: At UCLA, Lot 2 (Entrance on Westholme Ave)

Seating is Limited. Please reserve your seat today at jacobzighelboim@yahoo.com

On Saturday, March 3, the Muslim Public Affairs Council announced it is bringing together some of the top Muslim American artists for “Finding Soul Through Sound,” for a special concert in Los Angeles, which will showcase the cultural and artistic expressions of young Muslim Americans.

To be held at the Barnsdall Gallery Theater in Hollywood, the one-of-a-kind concert will feature the following trailblazing artists:

• Acclaimed hip-hop artist Brother Ali
• Emcee and spoken word artist Baraka Blue known for his contemporary and Sufi poetry
• Soul singer Bridget Barkan of Scissor Sister fame
• DJ Anas Canon, director of Remarkable Current and the Hip-Hop Ambassadors
• Syrian American hip-hop artist Omar Offendum

The evening’s emcees will be Ahmed Younis, named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Centre, and Sireen Sawaf, an attorney who previously served as MPAC’s Southern California Government Relations Director.

This event follows the success of MPAC’s “Finding Soul Through Sound” concert in Washington, DC, which drew a packed house of more than 350 people for an energizing and inspiring night in December.

WHEN: Saturday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Barnsdall Gallery Theater
4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027

TICKETS: Starting at $25
Click here to purchase your tickets now!

For more information, please contact Deana Nassar, MPAC’s Hollywood Liaison, at deana@mpac.org or 323-258-6722.

By: Editor

Jihad Turk, in his capacity of Interim Dean of Bayan, an Islamic Graduate School of Claremont Lincoln University, was awarded a U.S. Speaker and Specialist Grant to participate in an Interfaith Dialogue program in Morocco from Feb. 20 – 29. This program will support the U.S. Embassy in Rabat’s outreach efforts to relay positive messages about Islam in the U.S., and how the U.S. government advocates interfaith cooperation.

Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has praised the efforts of the U.S. Embassy inviting North American Imams to emphasize this message of tolerance and dialogue between different traditions. The program supports the goals of mutual understanding and partnership, as well as countering extremism.

Jihad has a full schedule. He will be speaking with students and faculty at University Mohammed V in Rabat, Dar Al Hadith Al Hassaniyya School of Theology, Al Qarawiyyin University School of Sharia, University Cadi Ayyad, and University Hassan II. He will also be meeting with a number of youth groups and dignitaries between his University speaking engagements.

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

He will also visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Inspired by the verse of the Qur’an that states, “the throne of Allah was built on water,” the mosque is built on reclaimed land with almost half of its surface above the Atlantic. Part of its floor is glass and offers a view down into the sea. Its minaret is the world’s tallest, and it can hold up to 105,000 worshipers.