5th Annual Muslim Day October 24-25, 2009
By: Na’Aisha Malika B.
YRAC Aux Staff Journalist/Photographer
Picture this: It’s a beautiful sunny autumn day around noon. The children are smiling, energetic backseat drivers! Predicting the every turn, bump and curve of my vehicle‘s path. They know their designated time to arrive at the park is coming soon. It’s Muslim Day, and they’ve been waiting all year for this wonderful family festivity! But wait, I suddenly look at the gas gauge and forgot that I was in dire need of gas. So, I pulled over at the big gas station a block away from the park. As I unscrew the top from my gas tank, I look around, surveying the other gas pumping folks, looking for a recognizable face. I see no one. Then I am momentarily drawn away from pumping gas to clean out my son’s car seat for a minute. Suddenly, when I glance back at the gas pump, I see that the numbers in price and gallon are escalating far higher than I need or desire to pay. I know my tanks capacity is 12.5 gallons, but the gauge is showing 14.0 gallons pumping! What happened to the automatic pump that stops when the tank is full?
“Oh my goodness!” As I rush towards the pump exploding gasoline four feet into the air, I am interrupted (and saved) from performing the unwanted task of pulling the spewing pump out of my car. It was a Muslim brother who quickly shouts out the greetings, and makes his way in between my car and the gas pump. Very carefully and meticulously, he pulls the pump out, and somehow manages to avoid stepping in the 1.5 gallons of vaporous gas surrounding the wheels on the right side of my car.
I am disoriented and in shock from the incident, and probably the toxic fumes! After calling the attendant, getting me a refund caused by the defective pump, he then backs my car up away from the gasoline, so as not to ignite any fumes and cause a potential gasoline fire while my children were innocently and eagerly sitting in the car. Visibly shaken, I looked up towards the sky and uttered an ironically relaxed, “Allahuakbar, thank you…so much!” The brother gives a humble greeting and replies, “No problem sister. I am glad that I was able to help you. My name is Zaid. As Salaamu Alaikum! I pray that you enjoy the activities at the park with your children.” And he walks towards his car, opens the door, gets in, nods his head at me one last time, then drives off. I have not seen him since.
I will forever remember Muslim Day 2009. I was a firsthand witness of the miraculous beauty of Allah swt, that is everywhere surrounding us, at times when we least expect it, and when we need it the most. Incidents like this make me remember Imam WD Mohammed and his vision for the unification and charitable deeds towards humanity in our community. These words can only partially convey my gratitude and pride to be a Muslim living in America in such a beautiful community, and in an era that is the catalyst for global change.
The spirit for change was felt amongst the crowd at the historic Grant Park, although significantly smaller than previous years due to weather and other city events. Last year’s crowd was over 5,000 Muslims. Impromptu games of volleyball, football, soccer and even foot racing were starting everywhere I turned. Hundreds of children enjoyed the 5 large inflatable playhouses to their little hearts’ content. Mothers, such as myself, and older siblings looked on proudly at their childrens’ incredible feats of jumping 2-3 feet into the air! The delectable aromas of the finest and freshest halaal cuisine that Atlanta has to offer, permeated my nostrils with every blow of the wind.
Muslim Day featured a mini health fair, family picnics, a great bazaar area, and much more!
A live performances from an all muslim jazz band got everyone on their toes, including a refreshing performance from new teen crooner Saif-Allah Jackson, performing his local hit, “She Be Rocking Hijab.” There were many other performers, including Spoken word/HipHop artist Mustafa Abdul-Basit. The performances were concluded by presentations from Atlanta’s mayoral candidates Kasim Reed, Jesse Spikes, Lisa Borders, and Mary Norwood. This intimate discussion gave viewers an opportunity to listen to the candidates view points ranging from city budget proposals, crime reduction, and diversity. Quranic recitation and nasheed competitions were also held, featuring some of our finest young reciters! The spirit of camaraderie, unity, and peace was all too prevalent. Muslims from all communities in Atlanta were in attendance at Muslim Day 2009.
Performer at Muslim Day
Couple at Muslim Day
Believer capturing the moment
Children enjoying themselves
(For more information or to assist with next year’s planning go to www.muslimday.org.)
On the YRAC Name
By: Nadirah Angail
You R A Creator Editor/Journalist
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet said that. And I agree, to an extent. Names don’t define or alter the worth of the things they identify, but if you have a choice, why not choose one that’s fitting?
And so “You R A Creator” was chosen. We needed something that represented the God-given talents this site works to unearth, something that highlighted Muslims’ natural inclination to produce and cultivate. We wanted to unite the worldwide ummah, to create connections where there were none, all with the help of Allah (SWT). We wanted to serve Allah (SWT) by creating peace and productivity on our site, hoping that it would leak into other spheres. This was our intention in choosing this name.
Despite our intentions, some believe that “You R A Creator” means something else. They aggressively suggest that our name attempts to link us, mere humans, to the Creator. They see the word “creator” and become incensed. I appreciate and share their lack of tolerance for blasphemy, but a closer look at the name shows that their energy is unwarranted. It’s all in the article. The difference between “a” creator and “the” Creator is immeasurable. The word “a” implies a general, lower case term, just another one of many. “The” implies a specific, upper case term, the one and only. We believe wholeheartedly that you are a creator, never the Creator. YRAC would never support or promote anything that associates itself with the Creator. Before anything else, each and every one of us is Muslim, dedicated to Allah(SWT) and fully aware of the one unforgivable sin.
Sure, we could have chosen another less controversial name, but our purpose is not to be non-controversial. If that is what it takes to awaken the natural spirit in us all, let there be controversy. As long as those involved have pure hearts, intelligent discussion never does any harm. In fact, it is welcome. Active members know YRAC has been the host of many controversial topics, all of which were discussed in a candid yet respectful and Islamic manner. Disagree all you want. It is your right, but know that we love Allah (SWT) just as much as you do. Know that were know our place as His servants and would never blur the boundary.
Nadirah Angail
Copyright© 2009
YRAC MOVEMENT
Imagine ISNA, ICNA, MANA, and etc. collaborating together for the sake of Allah. Great things can happen. So, let it be YRAC to take the challenge and collaborate together with major sites for the sake of Allah and to unite our Ummah.
Yrac is the garden. with the Muslim Ummah you can achieve all dreams. YOU can be apart of the nation that will provide all needs.
Networking | Economical Independence | Collaboration on Projects |
Discussions about Progress | Calendar | Islamic resource Guide |
Education Art and Philosophy | Pass the Time | Islamic Research |
News | Blogs
December 23rd | Thul-Hijjah 25th
Today is a new Day. A Day to Reclaim our own! That’s what my father told me this morning when I told him about the site!
This is a great opportunity for Muslims to communicate and understand new arts and theory.
There Will be bumpy roads ahead but, please trust that, inshallah, we will uncover vast privileges by Allahs’(swt) mercy.
I will begin by telling you that we have made it possible for you to receive our News Releases directly to your email! Currently we are working on a link and help manual to show you how. But meanwhile please refer to the contact Page and send us an email that you would like to subscribe to our newsletter.
The new Featuers that we have added are.
* We added the YRAC.us domain for quick access
* Header for Pages are now fuller
* Worked towards the detail of the Music Page
* More Page Contents
* Features Blog
* TCST Acoount for main Administration
* Map Image On front Page
* FAQ subtab so it directs to features
* HomePage now showing plus 20 latest actions
* The Groups are now showing in the middle of the YRAC website
* The most popular Videos are now showing on the right side of YRAC
* The YRAC MUSIC Group was made, all YRAC music artist can now add their self to the group to be fount when added to the top music tab, again located at the top of the YouRACreator website, and fans can find you much easier. You can post new updated on your music career and music releases in the groups forum
* the photo display is now showing on left panel – but can be viewed in exspanded size and photos can be commented on under the Multimedia tab at the top of the YRAC website
* Gamma Models of calendar, News, Forums Are Created and Placed
* Poetry Page Links to Group
* The Chat ROOM/Video’s/ And Badges are now on the side of every page of yrac!
* New Background
* new Tab Backgrounds
* new Contact Page with Email Submission Form with Database REcords, LIVE!
* 10 new Icons Created for Pages.
Also remember, you can become a news editor within a short time.
Comments (1)
December 20, 2008
Saturday First Post
Filed under: First Release — Tags: First Post — admin @ 1:24 pm
The First News Post Beta!
Please Contribute as an editor: For Filling We Will put in the About text
We appreciate you coming to our blessed site. We hope that you find everything you’re looking for and give even more for the sake of Allah(swt).
YRAC.us -> You R A Creator -> You Are A Creator -> You
YRAC was brought about first by the might and will of Allah(swt), with his guidance and inspiration. A few youth would gather yearly to talk about thier interests and struggles. These same youth were adamant students of Imam Warith Deen Mohommed, and sought to spread peace, art, technology, and intellectual concepts out towards the wider muslim society and World. During those late workshops, with hours of laughtere and stories, a spark of love was igniting. That love become a firee that lights the future for all of the individuals in our sommunity. We must love our sommunity as it loves us, and that’s why YRAC was brought forth. Many of these youth grew to become Leaders at Schools like Howard University, Florida A&M, Tuskegee, Harvard, MIT, and the University of Michigan to name a few. Leaders in sports like Basketball, Swimming, and football, some of which have gone proffesional. But Most impressively close to the majority of these youths have gone forth to start thier own successful companies and land executive positions at companies such as AT&T, Microsoft, Dominion, EHabitats, Taqwa Clothing. As these youth have grown, married, and began thier own families, they started to make an extra effort to reach out and spend regular time providing these resources you see here for each other and future generations.
As the youth were so valued and admired, so will be the future generations. That is why we, young proffessional muslims, are preparing for OUR future. With all of these wonderful resources it was no doubt how educated individuals like themselves would look for a networking hub that would connect thier thoughts, resources, creative expression, and most importantly provide a network and scholar tract for the new young muslims. It’s important to stay communicated with your family and comunity, if you lose track of them you will ultimately lose track of yourself.
Young Proffessionals are taking thier islamic, and non islamic companies by the horns and steering them towards the benefit of our community. What is best for our community is also best for the larger community and service starts at home. There are many other persons and communities which have any numbers of problems with us. To that we say welcome! We are eager to hear your critiscms so that we may all grow together in the eyes of the Almighty.
* Calendar of Events from around the world
* A map of believers across the world for networking
* A Radio Gadget to allow you to listen to countless hours of Islamic Music
* Important news Concerning YOUR community.
* A List of All of your beautiful Brothers and Sisters
* Groups related to your heritage and Interests.
* Discussions on All of the Topics YOU need to talk about.
* Interesting Blogs of believers across the world.
* Shopping Mall of Muslim clothes, accessories, and resources
* Open ChatRooms, Videos, Art, and More……
IMAM WARITH DEEN MOHAMMED
IMAM WARITH DEEN MOHAMMED
(1933-2008)
“If we become independent thinkers, we can make a contribution”
In his last known interview, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed speaks about American Islam, Black American culture, and why Barack Obama should be the next US President.
INTRODUCTION
As Imam Warith Deen Mohammed was laid to rest on September 11, 2008, many people are learning more about what he was able to achieve during his lifetime of leadership. Too many outside the Muslim community still conflate his leadership among mainstream African-American Muslims with the smaller (yet more visible) Nation of Islam led by Louis Farrakhan. And many Muslims are still unaware of the efforts he made to bridge the gap between disparate Muslim communities, as well as between Muslims and those of other faiths. As Muslim American leaders who worked closely with Imam Mohammed flew to Villa Park, IL for the burial, and mourners reflected on his vision for a united and engaged Muslim community, many are also wondering what legacy “Brother Imam” will leave for Muslim Americans to follow. In this, his last known interview, he speaks to Islamica Magazine about Black American culture, his struggles with the Nation of Islam, and his vision for the future of Islam in America. Here is an abridged version of the interview conducted by Michael Vicente Perez and Fatima Bahloul.
INTERVIEW
ISLAMICA You’ve been teaching Islam in the United States for over 40 years. What challenges have you faced and what have you learned from these challenges?
W.D. MOHAMMAD The main challenge we faced was from ourselves. We are newly converted to Islam. And the way we came to Islam was different from other communities. It was intentionally an indirect movement. Teaching Islam at the time of my father, Elijah Muhammad, was a strategy of protest – to protest the condition of black people in America. And I was hoping that, in time, things would get better and that the conditions of black people would be better for blacks in the US.
ISLAMICA You were quoted by the Chicago Tribune as saying: “I have tried over the last 10 to 12 years to encourage [American Muslims] to get more religious education, but I have made no progress … American Society of Muslim (ASM) leaders don’t support me, but the followers do.” Can you elaborate on this?
WDM Yes. Yes. Well let me first speak of the problem inside our association: the mosques, the schools. The problem is that they were not educated in the teaching of Islam: Qur’an, Arabic, its meanings. They were not given that. So when we go to prisons to accept our imams as chaplains, they tell us that they need to be educated more in the religion.
The imams amongst us don’t want that understanding. They stand in the way. They are really working against what I am trying to do. So all organizations that work for reform suffer that. The Prophet, who sought reform, look how he suffered – back biting and all that. So if he suffered that, how can we expect not to?
ISLAMICA What, in your view, distinguishes the experience of Black American Muslims from that of other Muslims in the United States? Has this produced an indigenous Islam amongst Black Americans?
WDM Mainly it’s the history: how we became Muslims, the strange routes that we took, the feeling we have in our hearts and minds, our outlook on everything. I am not saying it is negative. It is positive. It encouraged us to become independent thinkers. And if we can become independent thinkers, then we can make a contribution to Islam in America.
ISLAMICA Black Americans have a rich cultural tradition including jazz, poetry and other artistic expressions. Is there a relationship between these cultural expressions and Islam?
WDM Yes. Yes. I think our entertainment culture has really influenced America’s entertainment culture more than anything else. And we can use this positively to raise the moral life rather than putting it down. I think that nothing has raised the moral life more than that in black American culture. I can name many males and females that have lifted the life in American culture. But nothing compares to the rappers and the musicians.
ISLAMICA What is your relationship with African Muslims and scholars? Has this relationship influenced your role in America amongst the Muslim community? Is your outlook Afro-centric?
WDM There is no direct connection. We don’t have any direct connection with them. They are doing their work given their circumstance in the world and we are doing ours. We are separate. We are trying to advance our lives.
But we really appreciate each other. For example, [Howard University professor] Sulayman Nyang. We have contact with him at least 3 or 4 times a year, at least. We meet with him and he shares his views with us and we share our views with him. But as a work effort, we are not connected to him.
ISLAMICA Does the rise of Barack Obama suggest that the US has progressed in terms of race?
WDM He put an end to the black baby crying and whining all the time (Laughs). And we welcome him. We thank God for him. Alhamdulilah. Even if he doesn’t become the president – but I strongly believe that he will become the President – his success has already sent signals to our spirits, our sentiments. That will make for a new spirit in black America.
ISLAMICA Less attention has been given to Keith Ellison, yet he’s both Black and Muslim. Does his election suggest anything about the future of Muslims in American politics?
WDM I met with him in his mother’s house in Maryland. I am impressed with him. Like all elected officials, when they become elected, they have to recognize reality and the issues they have to deal with. They have to serve the country and they can’t jeopardize that interest by being too inclined to address Muslim problems.
I think that a lot of financial backers that supported him are disappointed because they expected him to do more. But he can’t do more. I don’t think that his meaning for us is anywhere near Obama’s meaning for us, even though Obama is not on record for being a Muslim. He’s on record for being a Christian: he goes to church on Sundays, etc. But just his image as a person helps all of us whether or not we’re Muslim or not.
ISLAMICA You were the first Muslim to deliver the invocation opening the US Senate; you met the pope in 1996 and in 1999 addressed a gathering of 100,000 at the Vatican. You’ve met with presidents, the Dalai Lama, and Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious and political leaders worldwide. Is interfaith a cornerstone of your mission? What’s unique about your approach?
WDM There are efforts here and there. We know there are African Americans working hard in the community to revive things. But on the whole we are sleeping. So we believe, unlike other people, other ethnic groups in America, we need to be brought to our true human values. And to do that we need to be taught humanity – appreciation for human values – and we need to join humanity. That is more important than racial identity – identification with humanity. Some individuals, educators, have tried to get our people to wake up to that.
I recall a book in which the author wrote, “It seems that somewhere behind me I got separated from my social contract.” And that is just what he was talking about, the original life with all people. If you don’t have that you can’t succeed with your family, you can’t succeed with other people. And the Nation of Islam was trying to do that for us – give us a strong sense of identity.
I don’t know if you are going to appreciate this language, but African Americans, when we were brought to this land, and were made slaves, the slaves were intensely deprived of going back to their culture or their religions. So we’re raised with an intense void inside. So I believe that is why black people lag behind when it comes to community life.
We have giants when it comes to Barack Obama or Colin Powell, and many others. Even females. We have giants, but those are individuals. And they are oppressed. They are depressed. Why? Because they know that the community life of black people is very slow to come around, if it’s coming around at all.
ISLAMICA What lessons can the new generation of immigrant Muslims learn from the experience of Black Muslims in the US?
WDM Well, I think they are learning it. And I think they are doing very well. We have to work our way up by working in the system and by being elected into positions of consequence. And I think that is happening – immigrant Muslims are working in politics. But not only politics, but working in the community and serving the needs of the community. And I think that they are doing an excellent job by working in America and defending their civil rights. So there is a growing, real deeply-rooted Muslim life right now in America.
ISLAMICA Do you think racism has a role in the relationship between immigrant communities of Muslims and Black Americans?
WDM Yes. But I think it started a long time ago. I’m not comfortable with you writing everything I say (Laughs). We find that immigrant Muslims show more racism than the white man sometimes because the majority of them (whites) have left it out of shame. They are really ashamed of it, what they did to black people.
I find that in the Bible, people find a way, if they want something [racist], they find a way of putting it into Scripture. They got something they can use in the Bible. But the Bible as a whole is against it as we know.
The shaytan has done his work all over the world. And we are all victims. All of us. So we should work together to work against Satan.
ISLAMICA Some say that the future of Islam in the US will be led by the African American community. Others predict that the new generations of immigrants will be leading. In 50 years, where do you see Islam in the US?
WDM Islam is a religion that directs us to community, to develop community – under God of course. And to be productive. The same message is in Jesus’ teachings. The Muslims that come here, some of them are very intelligent, and they know their religion. They are already doing things. So in 50 years from now, there’s a big hope.
© 2008 Islamica Magazine. All rights reserved.
Michael Vicente Perez is Senior Editor and Fatima Bahloul is Managing Editor of Islamica Magazine. While the magazine is editorially based in Amman, Jordan, both live in Michigan and are pursuing post-graduate degrees and research in the fields of anthropology and media studies.
