July/August 2023

While you will be reading this issue, ISNA staff, the Convention Program Committee (CPC) and ISNA friends in Chicago are fervently putting the final touches  to welcome attendees from across North America.

The upcoming event is a landmark moment, the 60th year of ISNA’s founding as a student body. It has grown and continues to blossom forth.

In keeping with this year’s Convention theme, “Sixty Years of Service: Navigating the Way Forward,” the CPC has come up with a convention program with a dual purpose in sight.

We look forward to hosting you in Chicago this Labor Day weekend.

In May, more than 300 educators gathered in Chicago for ISNA’s 24th Educational Forum. With a theme focusing on enriching students’ lives, teachers and administrators from across the country learned about various topics in curriculum, Islamic studies, Arabic, and leadership. The highlight of the celebration banquet was the enthusiastic Keynote Speaker, Nabeela Syed, the first Muslim and youngest-ever member of the Illinois State Legislature.

In April, Islamic Horizons welcomed Kiran Ansari as assistant editor. She has a rich background in the field and will add to the magazine’s offerings.

A reality exists and, in this issue, we talk about it: single parenting. Whatever the reasons may be but more than often, in the Muslim community, single mothers and fathers feel stigmatized. While the acceptance may be improving slightly, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. The community needs to invest time and money in creating special programs specifically for single parents. We need more support from the mimbars (pulpit) and stories about brave single parents in Islamic history.

Fawzia Mai Tung takes us on a wonderful journey to the birthplace of apples. Or should we say, the real apple! Taking an arduous journey, she examines many aspects and offers her observation that commercial apple orchards causing a natural crossing of cultivated and wild apples, threaten Eastern Kazakhstan’s centuries-old natural fruit. 

It may surprise many of us that the tentacles of Hindu caste discrimination have been spreading in the United States. Shakeel Syed shares that unable to exercise their right to protest in India, the caste-oppressed Dalits – the lowest in the caste system — in the U.S. have started speaking up against the age-old discrimination and oppression. American and Canadian cities and states are moving forward to confront this violative system. The state of California became the latest when Aisha Wahab, a refugee from Afghanistan and a first-time elected California Senator, successfully advanced her bill SB-403 out of the State Senate voting 34-1 to ban caste-based discrimination.

Lisa Kahler shares that Islamic presence south of the border is much larger than many may assume. She talks about the cross border support for the growing Latino Muslim community and how institutions based in Southern California are working in a variety of ways to support Latino Muslims.

The trials and tribulations of Muslims living in Muslim states continue. Tunisia is one such example. Monia Mazigh tells us what pain the police state is casting on its people.

Prof. Khaled A. Beydoun states that the recent wave of optimism surrounding new Saudi-Iran relations demands a critical examination that transcends the surface-level narrative of reconciliation. While it is tempting to view the thawing of tensions as a positive development for regional stability, a closer look reveals underlying motives and complexities that warrant skepticism.

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July/August 2023

In May, more than 300 teachers, administrators, board members, and parents felt inspired at the 24th ISNA Education Forum in Chicago. The engaging sessions provided relevant information and activities for attendees to take back to their schools and communities. 

The Forum was blessed with the presence of one of its founders, Dr. Abdalla Idris Ali, a former ISNA president. In his khutbah, he shared some of the struggles of the original Islamic Schools and expressed his satisfaction with the progress that Muslims have made in this area. He motivated attendees by reminding them that the work that is done in Islamic Schools may seem difficult, but it should be viewed as an honor to be selected by God to be in His service.  

Islamic Studies Track:

This year’s Islamic Studies sessions touched upon a wide range of interesting topics. The Monarch Unit Companion Series session demonstrated a multistep approach to learning about the Sahaba (companions). Educators learned how they could act as “knowledge architects,” guiding their students on a metamorphic journey where students emerge, transforming their knowledge into action beyond the classroom. Participants learned that they could make Sahaba biographies relevant to students today, such as Musab bin Umayr (radi Allahu ‘anh) could be viewed as an influencer in Makkah. The participants were provided with a free resource from presenter, Leila Osman, that was ready to be incorporated in their classrooms.

The attendees also got hands-on experience with additional resources available to educators thanks to Susan Douglass, Farea Khan, and Nada Wafa. Participants became students, engaging with film clips from Unity Productions Foundation. They completed a cooperative learning activity to acquire knowledge and share that with other members of the audience.  

Another timely presentation was “The Need for Health Education from the Islamic Perspective.” Presenter Amber Khan explained that now, more than ever, because our culture lacks education in the spiritual dimension, Muslims must acquire the necessary Islamic knowledge to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and be ready to address sensitive topics in an appropriate manner. 

In the “Teaching for Better Brains and Healthy Learners” session, Sue Labadi (founder and president of Genius School, Inc.), shared how good habits such as an exercise regimen, a healthy diet, and practicing methods to reduce stress are essential for brain health and learning.

Saffet Catovic emphasized in his presentation, “Teaching About Care for the Natural World, Environment and Climate,” that we must teach our children that they have the responsibility to be the caretakers of our Earth. They should strive to find solutions for the problems brought about by climate change. 

Arabic, Quran, and Curriculum Tracks

As always, the Arabic & Quran sessions were well-attended and offered teachers and administrators insight into teaching strategies to enhance the programs at their schools and raise their students to even higher levels of mastery.

It was noted by one of the long-time presenters and experts in the field, Dr. Dalia El-Deeb, that the level of proficiency of the teachers has significantly increased over the past 10 years. She attributed it to being a testament of the effectiveness and importance of the sessions offered at the Ed Forum.

Diverse topics were covered in the Curriculum & Instruction track ranging from cultural diversity and teaching with social emotional learning in mind, to brain-based learning.  The sessions were engaging and hands-on, and the attendees all left wishing they had more time to increase their knowledge and skills. 

Leadership Track  

The leadership track began with a full day Pre-Conference on “Strengthening the Principal and Board Partnership” presented by outgoing CISNA Board President Dr. Leila Shatara and incoming president, William White. It covered roles and responsibilities, board recruitment, principal search, recruitment and evaluation, and ways to build the relationship between the Board and the school leadership to make it most effective and positive. Attendees said they  “genuinely benefited from the discussions” and that the sessions were “well-organized and engaging.” 

Leadership sessions also included an insightful presentation by Talaat Pasha on “Best Practices for Educators from Prophetic Tradition and Positive Intelligence.” Participants were able to complete a survey that allowed them to better understand their own thinking and their own saboteurs. Pasha infused both Prophetic lessons with research based positive intelligence to provide insight for the attendees to best find ways to strengthen their performance and well-being.  

Continuing to provide examples of the Prophetic model in leadership, Magda Elkadi Saleh and Shatara presented a session on Leading with Compassion. It was an interactive session where attendees were able to learn from one another as they shared experiences and provided examples in the life of the Prophet that showed how merciful he was even when faced with the harshest circumstances and individuals.  

Dr. Muhammad Khalifa presented a workshop entitled “What’s Missing from Islamic Schools? Culturally Responsive School Leadership” that was electric and introspective. It reminded attendees of how Prophetic tradition was inclusive, diverse, equitable and made the Sahaba feel valued. Questions for reflection included, “How do we deal with school members and community members within schools that may feel marginalized? It was a perfect interactive and engaging workshop that allowed participants to do much needed self-auditing. 

Becoming A Reflective Practitioner to Enrich the Lives of Students by Dr. Suad Islam demonstrated the power and impact of effective reflective practices for school leaders looking at tafakkur (deep contemplation that impacts behavior) as a daily iterative process. Some of the thought-provoking questions posed included “How do we self-examine?” and “How to measure the impact of the solution? The workshop was engaging, filled with laughter, and tools provided can be transferred in helping participants become better reflective practitioners in their respective schools.

Weekend Schools

WISER (Weekend Islamic Schools Educational Resources) presented “Designing Your Dream Weekend School” with the support of five of its board members. They introduced WISER’s mission “…to raise the quality of Islamic weekend schools and after-school programs that nurture spiritual growth, develop character, and instill God-consciousness.” 

The audience also caught a glimpse of some professional development expertise that board members can offer to teachers, administrators, and school board members. Necva Ozgur (founder, WISER), touched everyone’s hearts as she shared her vision for what an ideal school can be. Weekend schools can acquire a complimentary membership and get access to several resources at www.wiser-usa.org. Be sure to check the website each month for new updates, including WISER’s 10 Standards for Islamic weekend schools. 

Ask the Experts & Concluding Sessions 

Participating in workshops is beneficial, but sometimes more help is needed to implement new ideas.  That was one of the reasons for the “Ask the Experts” session.  The room was filled with educators seeking guidance for their school issues: “How can we teach the meaning of the Quran when we have only two periods a week for Quranic Studies?” “What do you think of these resources that we are using for our classes?” “How do we deal with implicit and explicit racism that may exist in our schools?” 

This session allowed speakers to learn about some of the challenges that their colleagues were facing and it provided an opportunity for speakers and participants to brainstorm to come up with solutions. Even after the official session ended, the conversations continued demonstrating the benefits gained from the collegial experience.

In the concluding session, attendees got a chance to hear from the Forum Planning Committee, and more importantly, they got a chance to give their feedback. Overall, the comments were very positive, and most of the attendees stressed that they would attend again. Raffles added a lot of excitement to the final session. Twenty attendees introduced themselves and their schools as they received their gifts. The diversity was amazing and inspiring.

Banquet Highlights

The Saturday banquet was truly an enjoyable and memorable event.  The keynote speaker was Illinois State Rep. Nabeela Syed (D), who took office in January 2023 as the youngest ever to serve in the state General Assembly. She encouraged the youth to take a greater interest in and become active in their local communities. “To make change, we need to be the change”, Syed said.

Sue Labadi received the ISNA Ed Forum Lifetime Achievement award. She is a licensed health trainer, an experienced consultant, teacher, and Islamic school administrator with degrees in psychology, sociology, and a master’s degree in teaching. She has served on the CISNA and WISER boards and serves on the faculty of CISE and DEFINE360. It was a well-deserved honor, which she accepted surrounded by her family, friends, and colleagues.

The evening also included fundraising conducted by Sh. Abdalla Idris Ali. The banquet concluded with beautiful nasheed and poetry from Chicago area students.

This report was put together by the ISNA Education Forum Planning Committee

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By Wendy Díaz

July/August 2023

The Latino Muslim community in America is as diverse as the general body of believers who share the same soil and prayer spaces. Latin Americans represent twenty-one different countries with a myriad of races, traditions, and cultures. According to statistics from the Pew Research Center in 2017, 8% of Muslims in the U.S. identified as Latin American. This number has continued to grow, mainly because of immigration and conversion. 

Most Latin American converts to Islam are women. However, single Latinas are particularly vulnerable to harassment and exploitation. As new Muslims they are often unaware of their rights in Islam regarding marriage and family. The oppression of Latin American women, mainly converts, by Muslim men is a growing problem that needs to be addressed in our communities.

Unfortunately, the over-sexualization of Latinas on film, television, music videos, and the like has led to Latin American women, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to become seemingly easy targets for men looking for illicit sexual relationships. The media propagates the “spicy Latina” stereotype as a harmless and flattering compliment. However, it overlooks the damaging consequences of Latinas being fetishized and reduced to exotic objects.

Some Muslims then unfairly assume that Latina Muslim women are seductresses readily available for courtship and even illicit relationships. In their search for a Muslim spouse, they are used, discarded, and dismissed for not fulfilling unrealistic expectations. To fulfill lusts driven by the entertainment industry, some men go to great lengths to corner Latina Muslims with false promises of an Islamic “happily ever after.” They know their families will not accept the Latinas due to cultural differences. 

These women do not always have the assistance of Muslim family members or guardians to vet potential marriage partners. Additionally, Islamic centers may not offer adequate support to new converts in their quest for marriage. This leaves them vulnerable to abusive situations.

Women new to Islam are often unfamiliar with Islamic etiquette about intermingling between the sexes. They can be blindsided when approached by non-practicing Muslim men with evil intentions. Since Latino Muslims are still a minority, Muslim families from other cultures may be apprehensive about letting their sons or daughters pursue them for marriage.

Another challenge is that convert Latina sisters seldom have a Muslim guardian who can screen suitors effectively and conduct background checks. What transpires is that Muslim men can bypass the system of checks and balances established by the Quran and Sunnah regarding the legal aspects of Islamic marriage. A new Muslim who may not know she is entitled to a dowry, financial and emotional support may find herself in an abusive relationship. She may experience neglect, exploitation, domestic violence, and other harm.

To curtail the abuse toward Latin American Muslim men and women, mosque leaders must provide educational opportunities for their congregations to learn about the close historical ties between Islam and Latin America. Islamic centers should provide easily accessible authentic education about marital rights, roles, and responsibilities. If some community leaders help new Muslim sisters find, vet, and interview a potential spouse, many of these problems can be reduced.  

From Our Sisters’ Lips

To give Latin American Muslim women a chance to voice their concerns, a question was posed to them on social media: What is one thing you want Muslim men to know?

We received more than a hundred responses in less than two weeks. The feedback came mainly from women, however, within the comments received, Muslim men echoed some of the sick stereotypes and harassment already mentioned. They said Latinas are “spicy,” “crazy”, and “sexy.” They proceeded to gaslight women who were speaking their truth. Below, we highlight the main points that our Latina sisters made and included some of their complaints in their own words. Quotes include first names only to protect respondents from further harassment. 

Here are some issues Latina Muslims want Muslim men to know:

1.      “No, we do not want to be your secret 2nd, 3rd or 4th wife.”

Some Muslim men believe they have impunity when it comes to converts. They offer fraudulent marriage contracts, secret polygamous situations, temporary marriages, or other illicit arrangements under the guise of Islamic marriage. They do not guarantee financial support or companionship. However, one thing is clear – Latina sisters are not having it.

“We are not an exotic item to collect.” – Jessica

“Just because we reply to a comment or like your post or comment (on social media) does not mean we want you in our DMs.” – Damaris

2.      “We come in all colors and nationalities.”

Countries in Latin America have their own governments, flags, regions, and varying cultures. Indigenous nations living all over Latin America have their own tribal languages. What ties most of them together are shared languages derived from Latin like Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Their dialects are as distinct as their populations. Unfortunately, this is not common knowledge in the Muslim community, and fellow worshippers tend to group Latinos into a single category, like Mexican, Spanish, or Puerto Rican. This oversimplification can be very offensive. The only solution is education.

“Latina is not the same as Mexican.” – Nahara

“Not all Latinas speak Spanish (at all or fluently). We come in all different colors, races, backgrounds, and life experiences.” – Gia

3.      “We do not all look (or act) like J-Lo.”

Many Muslim men who harass Latina sisters are searching for their “J-Lo” (Jennifer Lopez) lookalike. The famous Puerto Rican star is an international sensation known for her acting, dance moves, singing, and voluptuous curves. Similar Latina sex symbols like Salma Hayek, Eva Mendes, Sofia Vergara, and singer Shakira have created unrealistic expectations of Latina women. When Muslim men realize that Latinas do not always fit the mold of the hypersexualized celebrities on television, they run the other way. Unfortunately, however, the damage may have already been done.

“Not all Latinas look the same. I have seen (Muslim) brothers looking for a Latina wife that looks like Sofia Vergara or Salma Hayek, but they are one in a million.” – María

“We know you are interested in us because of the stereotypes, but we’re not your fetish.” – Gia

“Just because I’m Latina doesn’t mean I know how to dance!” – Isa

4.      “We do not all come from horrible backgrounds.”

A common misconception about Latinos is that they come from poor, uneducated families. Similarly, Muslim men may believe that due to their upbringing, Latina women are hot-tempered, ill-mannered, and not “wife material.” Worse yet, they may assume they have had multiple intimate partners or that they converted because of a Muslim boyfriend. These false narratives fuel predators looking for easy targets and drive away serious potential suitors.

“There are so many different types of women in Latin America. It is not true that we are crazy and that we are always looking for a fight. I think that is a very common stereotype.” – Alejandra

“Some sisters convert to Islamic without being married to a Muslim man. Their decision to convert was not influenced by a Muslim husband.” – Francoise

5.      We deserve respect

Predators lurk on social media, matrimonial apps, or other chatting platforms and prey on new Muslim women who are vulnerable and lonely. Converts in Latin America and the U.S. are often contacted by so-called “habibis” from foreign countries who lie about their marital status. They lure women into false marriages or marriages of convenience for sex or immigration papers. To remedy this problem, our community centers must offer adequate education for our new sisters and stern warnings for men.

“We don’t need you to private message us (on social media) and save us by teaching us Islam. We also know how to study the same way you have.” – Cristina

“We are just as great as any good sister out there! In the end, we all want the same things.” – Juana

6.      The Islamic rules of marriage apply to us too.

Muslim men should show the same regard for Latina Muslims as they would for a potential spouse of their background. At minimum, they must meet their families, ask for their hand, talk to their walis, and pay them a fair dowry. Latina Muslims have fathers, brothers, and uncles that love and protect them and who deserve respect. An intercultural marriage with a Latina must be conducted the same as any other legal Islamic marriage, according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. If a Muslim man marries a Latina, he owes her the same kind of respect and treatment as recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

“We are very close with our family.” – Khadijah

“We don’t belong in the kitchen 24/7.” – Esmii

“We are not fast. We know our rights.” – Lessie

7.      We deserve to learn about Islam the correct way.

Latina Muslims should be encouraged to seek Islamic knowledge. Men who seek Latina converts often want to keep them as ignorant as possible to easily manipulate them. A Muslim woman who knows her worth and her rights would not fall for any foolishness easily. She will know that a man who is interested in marriage will take appropriate steps like asking for her guardian’s contact information. Creating safe, judgment-free spaces for our new converts to learn is vital to protecting their dignity and limiting private interactions even with male religious leaders within the Islamic community centers.

“When I’m among my Muslim brothers and sisters I don’t want to be singled out as a Latina sister. I just want to be seen as a Muslimah.” – Shirley

“Be patient and understanding with those who have experienced some kind of trauma in our lives.” – Michelle 

Our beloved Prophet taught the best lessons about how women should be treated. Once, a young man approached him and asked if he could give him permission to commit adultery. The people began rebuking him, but the Prophet asked him to come close and calmly asked him, “Would you like that for your mother?” The man said no. The Prophet then said, “Neither would people like it for their mothers. Would you like that for your daughter?” The man said no. The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their daughters. Would you like that for your sister?” The man said no. The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their sisters. Would you like that for your aunts?” The man said no. The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their aunts.” He concluded by saying, “Then hate what Allah has hated, and love for your brother what you love for yourself” (Musnad Aḥmad, 21708).

New Muslimahs, Latina or non-Latina, deserve the same respect owed to mothers, sisters, daughters, and aunts. The Muslim community cannot boast about the rights of all women in Islam while ignoring some of the most vulnerable. One of the final lessons our Prophet taught his followers in his last sermon was to treat women kindly (Tirmidhi). He did not distinguish between black, white, Arab, non-Arab, born Muslim, or converts. In fact, most Muslims during that time were converts. Muslims in North America and beyond should heed these teachings and fear Allah, who will call the believers to account for everything they do.  

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By Kiran Ansari

July/August 2023

Asmaa Hussein was just 27 when she became a single mother. Her husband, Amr, was killed in Egypt while peacefully protesting the injustices in the aftermath of the military coup. Her daughter was not even one at that time. Hanan Ahmad* was 45 when she finally had the courage to leave an unhealthy marriage. Her children were teenagers. Imam Pavlíček’s boys were just 8 and 10 when he became a single father. The demographics may make these individuals sound very different. However, they have a lot in common.

These brothers and sisters in the Muslim community feel stigmatized as single parents. While the acceptance may be improving slightly, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

“There is 100% a stigma – and it’s not subtle,” Hussein said. “It was mere weeks after my husband was killed that I was being asked when I will remarry! I was still in my iddah (mourning period).” Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she poured out her heart into a bestselling book, “A Temporary Gift: Reflections on Love, Loss, and Healing.” What started off as her journal has become a handbook for thousands of readers.

Despite being able to use her gift of words to help others, single mom life still has its challenges. “Not having a second parent to share the spiritual and emotional load of parenting has been the hardest part,” Hussein said. “It can be incredibly overwhelming even if the physical tasks are not so many.”

Single fathers don’t have it any easier. Hasan Syed’s daughter was only four months old when he became a single dad. He found it particularly difficult to juggle work and parenting. Luckily his mother was able to help. Imam Christopher AbdulKareem Pavlíček of Ojala Foundation in Chicago agrees.

“I truly don’t know how I would have been able to take care of everything without the help of my mother, sister and my son’s abuelo (grandfather) helping out,” Pavlíček said.

Types of Single Parents

One might think there are just two types of single parents – widowed or divorced. That is not true. The stigmas and assumptions also vary between single parent categories.

“People are more sympathetic towards widows because it’s not considered ‘their fault’,” Hussein said. “In contrast, I have seen the unhealthy levels of blame placed on divorcees.”

“We tend to be selective about what we attribute to Allah as His decree,” said Fahad Khan, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Deputy Director of Khalil Center, the largest provider of Muslim mental health in North America. “We may consider certain aspects like death as part of His divine plan while blaming ourselves for others like divorce.”

“Say, “Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.” And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (Quran 9:51)

Separated parents are bombarded with questions about whether they are getting back together or how long they will remain “in limbo.”

Ahmad believes we also have many “married single parents” in our community. It may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s much more rampant than you imagine. It’s a term coined for parents (mostly mothers) taking on all the parental responsibilities even while married. The fathers in such situations believe their job is only paying the bills. This uneven share of parenting is leaving children in seemingly regular homes grow up with a void from one parent’s active involvement in their life.

Common Struggles

Regardless of the type of single parent, one thing remains the same: the barrage of questions and lack of support.

“Why couldn’t they work it out?”

“When will she remarry?”  

“I wonder what he did that she left him” and so on.

Even though divorce among Muslims is on the rise, it is still considered taboo and against our faith.

“In the Prophet’s time, both men and women used to get remarried multiple times. Whether it be because of death in battles, disease, or divorce, it was common to remarry,” said Dr. Khan. “What we see in our community today is that after a certain age, women particularly, are not even considered for marriage.”

“Remarriage is not bad, it’s the sunnah,” Hussein said. “But remarriage with children can be a minefield.” Scholars are not addressing this. Blended or single parent families are not even brought up at seminars.”

Dads are not off the hook either. “Those that embrace Islam as single parents are definitely pushed towards marriage,” said Imam Pavlíček. “This can be harmful for new Muslims and even more so for their young children.” 

“Why do people at the mosque feel compelled to point out who is available?” wondered Syed. “Let’s be realistic, available should not be mistaken for compatible or desirable. Having a peaceful life is more important than society’s approval. Introducing children to the possibility of a new figure in their lives is a huge undertaking. A toddler will react very differently than a teenager. Not everyone gets a fairytale.”

Another huge struggle for single parents is dealing with their former spouse. It becomes even harder if parenting styles and priorities are poles apart.

“When Palestinians get divorced, women are often encouraged to give the kids to their father, so they can get remarried easily,” said Hebeh Fares from Ohio. “However, I would never want to be away from my children, ages 7 and 4. If Allah wishes, I may find someone who loves me and my children.”

Co-parenting can become very triggering at times because of different parenting styles and priorities. However, she has learned that it’s all about picking your battles.

“I miss my kids terribly when they spend alternate weekends with their father, but I know Allah loves them more than I do, and they’ll be okay.”

Since single family homes are not discussed openly, kids often bear the brunt.  When Syed’s daughter was growing up, other children would ask her “where’s your mom?”  

“I tried to be there for her, but I could not be her mom.”

The Muslim community has some other unique struggles that prevent access to justice too,” said Maliha Siddiqui, a family law attorney in Chicago. There could be immigration issues with U.S. citizens marrying people abroad and then not enabling them to get the right paperwork once they are here. New immigrants or refugees could have financial literacy or language issues. There are legal aid organizations that help for free or on a sliding scale. However, they are overburdened and may not understand the cultural nuances of iddah, mahar, jewelry as heirlooms, etc.

Siddiqui is on the board of Muslim Bar Association of Chicago. She chairs the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago and volunteers at their monthly legal clinic. She can help people know what they could be entitled to as far as child support and parenting time goes. However, Muslims are often hesitant to come to these clinics because of “what will people say if they saw me here?” In that case, most attorneys also offer complimentary initial consultations.

How Can the Community Help?

The community needs to invest time and money in creating special programs specifically for single parents. We need support from the mimbars (pulpit) and stories about brave single parents in Islamic history.

“Our community still doesn’t know how to talk about marriage properly, let alone divorce,” said Rashed* who was a single parent for more than a decade. “Single parents feel invisible in their mosque. It’s not like we have a disease that someone can catch. It’s ironic that something that was normalized in the time of the Prophet is so stigmatized today.”

“Someone once close to me said no one will invite you to events if you leave your husband. Families don’t want to mingle with single women,” said Ahmad. “I am proud to have proven her wrong today, but that thought was scary then.”

Imam Pavlíček believes the support offered to single moms in our community is getting better as the challenge becomes more common.  However, events and support for single fathers is severely lacking. Consider a father that is desperately trying to keep his children involved in the Muslim community. Many children’s events are organized by women. The single dad may have to drop off his kids to the masjid hoping and praying that some sisters look out for them.  The opposite is true too. Single moms with sons that hit the age of puberty are often told they can no longer bring them to the sisters’ gatherings. We must find alternatives.

We also need matrimonial services for single parents. Just like a physician may want to marry someone in the same field because they may relate more to residency and match struggles, single parents may be able to relate better with one another too.

Community members need to know who lives around them. If they know the true circumstances without judgment, they may be able to offer childcare for a single parent who has no one as backup in case he needs to go out. Without perpetuating stereotypes, a single mom would appreciate her neighbors coming over to help assemble furniture or mount a TV. A single dad would be grateful if the family round the corner invites him for a home cooked meal on occasion.

Reach out to single parents and see how you can help. Never assume they are rolling in alimony payments even if their former spouse earns well. Coparents often go to great lengths to avoid paying. No one hears an automatic ka-ching in their bank account.  

If a single parent is starting from scratch, see if you can help cosign a car loan or help them lease an apartment. They might qualify for government assistance like Medicaid or food stamps. Help them with the paperwork.

What community members should not do is give bad advice. “I’ve seen people tutor ex-husbands to pay attorneys to try every loophole to not pay alimony (now called maintenance) or child support,” Ahmad said. “Such advice can be very damaging as it goes against the Islamic teachings of the father being responsible for his children’s needs. It’s their haqq (right). By robbing the children of that right, you may consider it a legal win. But it can haunt you in this life and the Next.”

How Can Single Parents Help Themselves?

“Sometimes mosques don’t want to talk about single parent homes because they feel if they do, it can be misinterpreted as them advocating for divorce,” said Farheen Khan, a certified elementary educator and Muslim parenting coach in Pennsylvania. “Muslims are not immune to this topic,” Khan said. “It won’t go away if we don’t talk about it.

She wants to provide emotional validation to children who can’t verbalize emotions when they transition between parents. So, she wrote a book called, “One Thing That Stays The Same…At My Mom’s House and My Dad’s House.” Even though she hasn’t included any specific Islamic traditions, it’s the first children’s book about single parent homes written by a Muslim.

“It’s normal for kids to feel a little sad leaving one parent but it is often mixed with joy of seeing the other parent,” Khan said. “That is what we need to acknowledge.”

When parents are themselves in survival mode in a divorce or separation, it’s hard for them to pinpoint what kids need. Through her online sessions and social media, Khan wants to help parents remain more child centered through divorce and beyond.

Single parents can also help their children by adapting to unique arrangements that work for their family.

“You need a good village to raise a child. They can benefit from multiple healthy role models,” said Rashed. “Our Prophet was raised by his grandfather and uncle.”.

When it doesn’t become a tribal war between dad’s side of the family versus moms’ side, kids win. Rashed worked hard with his first wife to come up with an arrangement that he feels worked out well. They decided that while the kids were young, they would stay with their mother. And high school onward they would stay primarily with their father.

“We have a problem with masculinity in our community,” Rashed said. “If fathers are removed from the equation, the problem can get worse. We have a responsibility to both our sons and daughters to be healthy role models of manhood.”

Even though her husband died, Hussein tried to have her daughter spend time with her uncles, so she has a positive male influence in her life.

Shabnam’s* children were 2, 4, and 6 when she left her husband. “I left for my kids not to have to live in a toxic environment. I left for my mental health so I could be a strong parent for them. We are groomed in our culture to keep taking it. But we need to appreciate ourselves as human beings too.”

Coming to a healthy co-parenting stage took a lot of time and tears. Even though it may sound surprising, she credits her ex-husband’s new wife for being the best “angel mom” to her children.

“I literally prayed for her, so I refer to her as my kids’ angel mom,” Shabnam said. “My kids get two loving moms, and it has helped bring my kids closer to their father. If I had wished bad for him, I could be causing generational trauma for my kids.

In return she includes her children’s new brother in as many activities as she can. He really enjoys spending time with his older siblings even if they do live in a separate home.

Single parents should refrain from badmouthing the other parent. You may be hurt (and broke) from the divorce but wanting your kids to hate their mom may backfire and end up with kids hating both parents. Kids are not the pawns with which you get back at your former spouse.

If coparents “part with goodness” as recommended by our faith, they may not have to spend as much time and money in the court system. Unfortunately, however, that doesn’t usually happen. A peaceful co-parenting situation is what a child needs. But if your ex-spouse was understanding and cooperative, they might not be an ex today. That’s when you need the law.

Legalities

You might feel you’ve spent enough time and money on the case, and you want to wrap up as soon as possible. But every line of the parenting plan is important. There is a basic template, but attorneys can help you add or subtract things that best suit your family. It’s not just about who gets to spend Eid al Fitr with the kids. It could also include which mosque they would follow for Eid day if there is a difference.

Siddiqui hopes single parents understand that until the children are minors, their ex can keep coming back to the court system. That can be a good thing too as checks and balances ensure orders are respected. That’s why it’s crucial for parents not to rush the parenting plan in their divorce process.

Parents should also have reasonable expectations. Unless there are significant safety concerns, the law requires minor children to spend time with both parents. Both mothers and fathers need to put their ego aside and do what is in the best interest of the child. A child should ideally have a healthy relationship with both parents. This can set the foundation for them to have healthy relationships with their own spouses one day.

“My advice to clients with high conflict co-parents is to track everything on a calendar. Try to minimize in-person conversations as judges need proof of everything,” said Siddiqui. “Also, please don’t vent about your ex on social media. It can come back to bite you.”

This Too Shall Pass

The initial years post death or divorce are usually the hardest. Single parents find it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But Allah does not burden any soul more than he or she can bear. Yes, it takes time, court appearances, boat loads of money, and many sleepless nights. But it does get better eventually. Some single parents find peace on their own. Others are happily remarried. Kids get older and parenting time squabbles fizzle out.

Syed’s four-month-old daughter is now a teenager and the center of his happiness. Ahmad feels all that stress and money was worth it for the peace and dignity with which she can raise her children today.

Kiran Ansari is the Assistant Editor of Islamic Horizons. She has been living in the suburbs of Chicago for the last 24 years.

*Few names have been changed for confidentiality

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The post Single Parents Need Support Not Stigma appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Kiran Ansari

July/August 2023

“My life took a horrific turn when one day in winter, my children and I came home to find our belongings in bags outside our home,” said Hala*.  With two children in tow, I spent the day at the nearest mall to stay warm, but when the mall was about to close, I knew I needed to find a place to stay for the night. I went from shelter to shelter, only to be turned away because they just didn’t have space. Finally, I found Nisa Homes online and called them straight away.  Alhumdulillah, they sent an Uber to pick us up and bring us to their Transitional Home. A caseworker was waiting to get us settled despite it being after hours. The women at Nisa Homes helped me secure a job in a local school. With this job, I was able to save enough to move my children into an apartment of our own and provide for them.”

Hala’s is just one story on the Nisa Homes blog. In a society where many sweep domestic violence under the rug, there are some that become agents of change. 

Muslims are not immune to domestic violence and abuse. If critical services are not offered, battered women could have to continue living in dangerous circumstances. Abusers can become more enabled when they feel they can get away with anything. Research has shown that if women are able to connect with their community, they have a better chance of recovering from trauma. 

Nisa Homes is the leading Muslim organization in Canada with 9 transitional homes in 5 provinces. A transitional home is not a domestic violence shelter. It is a safe place for women to get back on their feet again. 63% of the clients that come to Nisa Homes face domestic violence, 21% are homeless, 11% are refugees, and 5% face poverty. 

Nisa Homes envisions a flourishing Muslim community in which help is available, shelter is attainable, and healing is possible. They provide confidential counseling, financial assistance, help with immigration status, a children’s program, spiritual support, and much more. They provide assistance in Arabic, Urdu, Somali, and Gujrati. Find out more at www.nisahomes.com

ICNA Relief is also making strides with 24 transitional homes across the U.S. In 2022 alone, they had helped 166 women and 101 children with housing needs. Since 2009, they have helped provide more than 27,000 nights of safety to women and children. 
Their caseworkers vet clients who meet their eligibility criteria and are willing to follow the program. Transitional housing means that the women are motivated to look for work and become independent – ideally within six months. ICNA Relief helps by providing them with mentors who help direct them towards government assistance, job search, English classes, driving lessons, and so on.  ICNA Relief maintains the dignity of their clients while affording them the opportunity to heal and develop themselves within a nurturing environment. Find out more at www.icnarelief.org/transitional-housing

Kiran Ansari is the Assistant Editor of Islamic Horizons. She has been living in the suburbs of Chicago for the last 24 years.

*Few names have been changed for confidentiality

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The post Organizations Making a Real Difference appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Kiran Ansari

July/August 2023

It’s not just a case of semantics when there are feelings involved. Feelings and self-esteem of children who are not responsible for the fact that their parents are no longer together. Over the years, we have improved our vocabulary by using terms like mental health instead of mental illness, special needs instead of disabled, child custody is now parenting time, stepmom is now bonus mom. Similarly, we need to eradicate “broken homes” from our speech. Forever.

“This term is based on the dangerous assumption that “unbroken” homes are always better. Just the phrase broken home brings a judgment with it, not a fact,” said Dr. Khan. “Yes, divorce has implications and families with both parents present and having a healthy marital life is ideal; however, parental conflict with married parents may traumatize children far more than an amicable divorce. I have seen it a lot in my practice where parents who did not get along stayed together “for the kids” and it ended up being worse on the children’s mental health and personality development, something that has further implications on their adult lives.”

“The broken home sting isn’t limited to childhood,” said Ahmad. “My former sister-in-law, an educated woman, said no one will marry my daughter because she comes from a broken home.  It is just appalling.”

A broken home could be one in which two parents are living under one roof, but the environment is toxic. There is yelling, name calling and abuse, but just because mom and dad share an address, the kids are not considered to be from a broken home.

According to research from Harvard University, healthy brain development in children requires consistency and stability from at least one parent. This does not mean children do not fare well in two-parent households. Children thrive when the marriage is healthy. But when it isn’t, the marital status does not determine how well the child will do. What matters most is children have at least one parent who is emotionally safe and who prioritizes happiness over living in fear.

“Children deserve happy parents more than they need married ones,” said Ahmad. “I remember reading this one day and it has stuck with me since.

If someone needs an alternate term to slap a label, then consider saying single parent home.

Kiran Ansari is the Assistant Editor of Islamic Horizons. She has been living in the suburbs of Chicago for the last 24 years.

*Few names have been changed for confidentiality

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The post Words Matter appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

July/August 2023

Six decades of bringing the community together is no small feat. From humble beginnings in 1963, today ISNA is a household name in North America. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims and neighbors from other faiths have attended the popular annual convention over the years. 

But this year from September 1-4, brace yourself for a jam-packed weekend of spirituality, civic engagement, entertainment – and of course food and shopping. From matrimonial services and basketball tournaments to an art and film festival, ISNA aims to provide activities for all ages and interests.  

“60 Years of Service: Navigating the Way Forward” is the theme of the convention this year. The focus is two-fold: celebrating the accomplishments of the last six decades and planning for the future. ISNA recognizes that it would not have grown today without the sacrifices and hard work of its founders and successors. However, at the same time, we need to look at our current landscape and figure out how to continue serving the growing Muslim community in the future. 

“With the grace of God and support from our community, ISNA has ably served the community for 60 years, and we are ready to embark on our journey for the next 60.” said Basharat Saleem, Executive Director of ISNA. “In this time, our needs have evolved, but ISNA’s mission has been and will be to serve our beloved community. We are undergoing a strategic planning process and nationwide surveys to better understand these needs.”

Saleem is spearheading the convention planning with regular meetings, steering committee coordination, and other preparations. “Every year, we try to take it up a notch, so we are hoping more people join us this Labor Day weekend in Chicago. In 2022, due to COVID-19, we weren’t sure if we would be able to have an in-person convention, so we couldn’t plan in advance. But this year, we got the ball rolling much sooner, and we cannot wait to share the programming with you,” he added. 

ISNA has invited Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim. The highlight of the convention is always the star-studded panel of speakers that inspire, enlighten, and rejuvenate our minds and soul. Some of the confirmed speakers for the 60th Convention include family favorites Dr .Yasir Qadhi, Imam Zaid Shakir, and Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda. Among the amazing female speakers, ISNA has confirmed Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Ustadha Ieasha Prime, Dalia Mogahed, and Dr. Rania Awaad.

Something for Everyone

“We are coordinating with Chi-Care in Chicago to hopefully have a huge service project during the Convention,” said Tabasum Ahmad, Convention Project Manager. “We are finalizing the details to try to be able to feed 60,000 homeless people with a food packaging or distribution drive. Keeping with the 60th-anniversary theme, we will also have 60 raffles so there will be lots of opportunities to go home with prizes.”

Another new exhibit planned for the 60th convention is an Afghan art gallery. With the recent influx of refugees, ISNA is coordinating with a local artist to showcase their resettlement journey through art. He might even be able to have a hands-on kite-making workshop!

While the ISNA Board and staff always tries to bring new ideas to the convention, they are also happy to repeat events that were a big hit in the past. For instance, they received great feedback about the robotics program last year. So they have invited the Texas company again. Ditto for the fashion show. Women enjoyed seeing the diverse styles and fabrics from different parts of the Muslim world. 

ISNA recognizes that its convention is attended by Muslims from all walks of life. Some are looking to increase their religious knowledge. Some are looking for spouses and others wish to network with like-minded individuals. If viable, ISNA is also planning a career and entrepreneurship event so people can network and find better job opportunities and leads for their business. During the virtual conventions due to the pandemic, they had speakers who are Muslim founders or CEOs of large companies like Edible Arrangements and Ethan Allen. 

If you are interested in adding value to ISNA’s 60th Convention with a live cooking demonstration, calligraphy workshop, men’s fashion show, or any other ideas, send your proposals to [email protected]. Let the ISNA team know as soon as possible what you can bring to the table. At press time, there are several other plans in the pipeline. The shape and form of some of the events may change by September depending on various factors. However, rest assured this is going to be a convention you will remember for years, in sha Allah.

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The post ISNA Prepares to Celebrate 60 Years! appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Rasheed Rabbi

July/August 2023

Do you care to commemorate a defining moment of Muslim Americans and honor their unwavering commitment spanning over 60 years? Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with us, delving into the humble origin of a modest Muslim graduate student-led organization that has blossomed into an influential force to shape the very fabric of North American Muslim communities?

Brace yourselves to be amazed as ISNA unravels its inspiring story of championing unity, tolerance, and understanding, bridging the divide between Muslims and non-Muslims alike. For 60 years, ISNA had stood tall as an unparalleled beacon of hope, inspiring Muslim communities not only within North America but across the continents. As the Labor Day weekend approaches, we are graced with an unprecedented occasion to bear witness to Muslim communities’ profound dedication for six decades and celebrate with them.

ISNA invites all of you, our esteemed guests, to attend this historic celebration to partake in an event that will etch itself into the annals of history. Join us as we gather to commemorate, pay tribute to the tireless efforts and profound dedication of Muslim Americans. Be moved, inspired, and forever changed with ISNA’s commendable vision.

Founded in 1963, ISNA has emerged as a cornerstone in shaping the Muslim American identity. Although initially named MSA (Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada) for tactical reasons, its foresight and vision were the same — all-encompassing — aiming for the “betterment of the Muslim community and society at large” within North America, as noted in its constitution. With tireless efforts and tremendous growth in the following 20 years, in July 1983, ISNA emerged from MSA as an umbrella organization in North America to foster religious and civic engagement, construct bridges of understanding, and reach out to individuals of diverse faiths and backgrounds. As new generations of activists and leaders assume their roles, ISNA remains steadfast in honoring the visionary founders and early pioneers who have guided its path since its inception, admiring and respecting their foresight and dedication.

So, this diamond jubilee is a deserving and defining moment for ISNA. It extends a cordial invitation to all to engage in reflecting the struggles and sacrifices of the past, embracing the victories and triumphs of the present, and forging ahead into the future with unyielding hope and profound gratitude. This occasion seeks to inspire and uplift, reaffirming our collective commitment to the all-encompassing and enduring mission of ISNA, and instilling optimism in the boundless potential that lies ahead. Don’t miss such an experience of transformation through commemoration, as we honor our shared history and lay the foundation for an even brighter future.

While the Rosemont Convention Center in Chicago may be a common venue for regular convention attendees, the CPC (Convention Program Committee), comprising several past presidents and founding members, is committed to offer an uncommon and captivating experience for audiences of all walks of life. Whether you are a young Muslim seeking a wellspring of inspiration, a seasoned activist eager to forge new connections, or simply yearning to immerse yourself in the comforting embrace of faith, this convention promises to leave an indelible mark.

Drawing inspiration from the central theme of “Sixty Years of Service: Navigating the Way Forward,” the CPC has meticulously crafted the design of the 60th convention with a dual purpose in mind. Firstly, it aims to facilitate a collective expression of heartfelt gratitude towards the predecessors who have consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment and made significant contributions. This endeavor seeks to engender a shared sense of excitement among all participants for ISNA’s successes and triumphs, while highlighting the organization’s maturity, longstanding presence, and noteworthy achievements. 

Secondly, this convention aims to provide participants with diverse educational opportunities to envision a future, building upon past triumphs and then forging an inherently self-paced path towards it. By weaving together these two strategies, ISNA strives to deliver a dynamic event that equips each attendee with the necessary tools, knowledge, and inspiration to become catalysts of positive change both within their respective communities and beyond.

The second part of the convention’s theme, “Navigating the Way Forward,” carries significant relevance in the context of prevailing global circumstances. The far-reaching effects of the pandemic, coupled with the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and other global tensions amid economic recession, have had a profound impact on our lives. As a result, this year’s convention seeks to specifically address the challenges confronted by our community, while simultaneously inspiring and encouraging active participation from attendees. The intention is to equip individuals with the necessary motivation and tools to effectively navigate these obstacles and make meaningful contributions towards overcoming them.

It is crucial to emphasize that, for the past 60 years, ISNA has organized this convention not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire and mobilize action. From the outset, the ISNA board has made a clear distinction in its approach. Instead of referring to it as a conference, typically attended by academics, scholars, and activists exchanging information and ideologies, ISNA designs it as a convention to foster a comfortable niche, grounded in shared values to foster a higher level of awareness, motivation, and commitment to taking immediate action.

For six decades, this gathering has enabled participants not only to feel motivated but also to become dedicated in putting forth necessary actions with sincerity. Attendees will not only be reminded of their voting rights but will also be taught the procedures for selecting ideal candidates, without endorsing any particular individuals or parties. This action-oriented gathering seeks to bring about tangible changes in pressing areas of concern, such as ensuring the election of independent representatives, combating Islamophobia, and empowering our youth to forge ahead.

These challenges represent just a fraction of the issues that Muslims face in America, and ISNA, driven by its grand vision, aims to address them comprehensively. Its systematic approach to identifying prominent problem domains within America and around the world is a testament to its unswayed commitment. To ensure a current and focused approach to addressing social and political issues, ISNA has established a formal Strategic Planning Committee (SPC).

The CPC has incorporated the analysis of the SPC, which, in collaboration with other like-minded organizations, has conducted an extensive examination to determine ISNA’s current position, future goals, and the path to achieving them. The May/June 2023 issue of the Islamic Horizons provided a glimpse into the SPC’s comprehensive and methodical approach to the sole quest of serving Muslim Americans. Based on its thorough analysis, the following key areas have emerged as focal points for the main sessions of this convention:

1.     Spiritual: Exploring faith, devotion, and its practical application in daily life to shape an individual as an agent of God (Quran 2:31) for promoting positive change around us.

2.     Political: Familiarizing political activism and civic engagement to thrive as an accountable being of God.

3.     Social Issues: Discussing family matters, marriage, domestic violence, and fostering a healthy family environment to nurture a growth continuum.

4.     Social Justice: Addressing poverty, racial and economic justice, and civil rights by imparting wisdom to navigate through the contemporary challenges.

5.     Community: Emphasizing the role of the mosque, grassroots activism, and environmental concerns to facilitate efficient interaction within and beyond the community.

6.     Youth: Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by the youth to foster inclusivity.

7.     Health: Preparing for future pandemics, and prioritizing mental health to seek professional help in accordance with faith guidelines.

8.     Education: Discussing Muslim institutions, seminaries, professional and career development in the digital age to remain relevant for all audiences, while motivating each person to work towards a cause.

9.     Interfaith Collaboration and Harmony: Promoting cooperation and understanding among different religious communities to establish common good and truths of all religions for a nation that is founded on the principle of “united we stand.”

In order to create a comprehensive and transformative convention, these critical areas of our time will be delved in such a way that all audiences – academic, political, and lay Muslims – can benefit and go home more committed.

The convention plans to commence with a special introductory session, setting the stage for a comprehensive program hosting a total of 10 main sessions and 20 parallel sessions. These sessions encompass a diverse range of formats, including workshops, seminars, and interactive formats aptly arranged to facilitate knowledge sharing and the exchange of experiences. The lineup of speakers and presenters is set to be exceptional, with distinguished scholars, renowned speakers, and accomplished artists hailing from various corners of the globe converging to share their profound wisdom and insights. From engaging lectures and enlightening workshops to captivating art exhibits and culturally rich performances, the convention promises to cater something interesting for everyone in attendance.

For history enthusiasts and the curious, the History Gallery is an unmissable attraction. Making its debut at the 50th ISNA convention, the Gallery will return with a collection of historical materials, including posters, photos, documents, and artifacts. Showcasing the growth of ISNA from its early years as MSA in the 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s, the Gallery provides an opportunity for older visitors to reminisce about earlier times and for younger visitors to gain insight into the Islamic environment nurtured by their elders. All visitors will deepen their understanding of the sources of strength from which ISNA draws.

To celebrate its 60th year, ISNA describes hosting a main session where past presidents and leaders who have played pivotal roles in the organization’s growth. They will share their hopes and aspirations for ISNA’s future, intertwining an assessment of ISNA’s past accomplishments with its firm commitment to future growth.

Overall, this year’s convention presents an invaluable opportunity for our community to unite and commemorate our shared values, beliefs, and traditions. Attendees can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood to carry out mutual learning and growth. By connecting with our collective past, we can chart a course for the future, empowering and inspiring each individual on their personal journey of transformation.

Everyone should seize this opportunity. The time has come to witness greatness, to celebrate triumph, and to be a part of a legacy that will resonate for generations to come. Don’t let this moment slip away. It’s an invitation to immerse in a community of passionate individuals who are committed to making a lasting impact; a community powered by a shared vision of unity, progress, and compassion. None should overlook such an invitation to be a part of something truly extraordinary.

Mark your calendars and secure your place at this grand affair, where we come together to honor the remarkable legacy of ISNA and the countless lives it has touched. Together, let us create a symphony of celebration — a testament to the enduring spirit of ISNA and the remarkable individuals who have paved the way for our shared future. Let us stand united, breaking barriers and forging new paths toward a brighter future. Join us as we make history, united under the banner of ISNA’s 60th anniversary.

Rasheed Rabbi is an IT professional who earned an MA in religious studies from Hartford Seminary and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University. He is also the founder of e-Dawah (www.edawah.net) and secretary of the Association of Muslim Scientists, Engineers & Technology Professionals. He serves as a khateeb and Friday prayer leader at the ADAMS Center and a certified Muslim chaplain at iNova Fairfax, iNovaLoudoun and Virginia’s Alexandria and Loudoun Adult Detention Centers.

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The post Experience ISNA’s Transformative Convention for 2023 appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

July/August 2023

The feeling of excitement as you embark on the journey to Makkah. The awestruck gaze as you see the Ka’bah for the very first time. The feeling of serenity and peace wash over you as you pray inside the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah. 

Performing umrah is a life-changing experience for many Muslims around the world. However, there are some who are unable to make this spiritual journey due to their special needs. Most umrah groups do not welcome those with disabilities or the elderly. This is somewhat understandable as umrah is physically exerting, and there are many other factors that can make it difficult. Nevertheless, even though it can be hard, there are still countless Muslims with disabilities who aspire to complete umrah. With no umrah groups being able to properly accommodate them, there was not much they could do. 

Until MUHSEN came along. 

Founded in 2017 by Imam Omar Suleiman, MUHSEN (which stands for Muslims Understanding and Helping Special Education Needs) has achieved much in a short period of time. Their Umrah program is dedicated to help those with disabilities complete the journey of a lifetime. They provide many special accommodations to ensure that everyone has an easy and beneficial experience. 

“There’s an individual volunteer assigned to every person with special needs,” said Feryaal Tahir, travel and events coordinator at MUHSEN. “The devotion of these amazing volunteers is truly inspiring.” Leading up to the umrah, the volunteer and family video call and get to know each other. During the umrah, the volunteer accompanies the family for around eight hours a day, helping them with anything they need. And even after the umrah is complete, they remain in touch. Finding the right volunteers for this specialized umrah trip is no easy task. “Out of the 500+ volunteers we have across the country, only twenty to thirty are selected,” Tahir said. The volunteers go through interviews and have many chats with the family beforehand to see if they’re the right fit for one other. 

“Umrah with MUHSEN is unlike any other because you never know what you have until you’ve been without,” said Dia Suleiman, a volunteer on the 2022 trip. He was inspired to become a part of the umrah group after seeing how much time, love, and care MUHSEN puts in all their efforts. While he was assigned to help Yousuf on the trip, it was way more than just a 1-on-1 interaction. Suleiman would even play around with Yousuf’s younger siblings and talk to his parents and grandparents as well. 

One of his most memorable moments was when he helped bring Yousuf to visit Prophet Muhammad’s (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) rawdah (resting site) in Masjid an Nabawi. The dense crowds were making it hard to get close, but Suleiman kept asking guard after guard if they could make an exception. Thankfully the guards let them get so close that Suleiman said it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Apart from a dedicated volunteer assigned to every special needs pilgrim, MUHSEN makes many other arrangements to make sure that the families have a profound experience. They travel with scholars who can answer questions and keep everyone together with motivational talks. They provide them with wheelchair assistance, ushering services, sign language interpretation, and more. For many parents, it’s not their own disabilities preventing them from making umrah, but it’s due to not being able to leave their special needs child without proper care. Thanks to the Special Needs Child Care program, parents have the amazing opportunity to perform umrah knowing their kids are being cared for by the right people. They can immerse themselves in worship with peace of mind.

The first MUHSEN umrah comprised around sixty people. Since then they have grown consistently with 145 people on their most recent trip. They have already completed four umrah trips and plan on completing two more before the end of 2023. Now many families of those with disabilities gravitate towards MUHSEN umrah because of their great reputation. The level of care and proper accommodation is unmatched anywhere else and it shows just how devoted everyone is in order to help make hundreds of dua‘ come true.

MUHSEN is continuing to improve its structure so that more families can avail of this opportunity. There are currently more than 500 people on their waitlist, and still millions of Muslims with special needs around the world who haven’t been able to perform umrah yet. With their unwavering dedication, MUHSEN has proven that if you receive a Divine Invitation, no one can stop you from fulfilling your dream. 

Yusuf Rasul, who is studying marketing at DePaul University in Chicago, has a passion for entrepreneurship, basketball, and getting the perfect sear on a rib-eye steak. 

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The post MUHSEN Umrah: No One Left Behind appeared first on Islamic Horizons.

By Sanaa Asif

July/August 2023

Uzmaa Iftekhar’s first interaction with the police was in 2010, when she was pulled over in Los Angeles. She was amazed by the officer’s professional demeanor throughout the entire situation and in the way he treated her. “He was kind, disciplined, and cared for my safety,” Iftekhar recalls. Little did he know that this interaction would inspire Iftekhar to pursue a career in law enforcement.

The Journey 

Iftekhar decided to learn more about this profession and understand its values and goals. She started volunteering at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and would go on ride-alongs with officers. This provided her with an opportunity to ask questions about the department and the community while observing patrol duties. 

“The more exposure I got on patrol, the more I wanted to be a police officer. Being an immigrant, I loved the fact that there are laws in place to protect us.” Iftekhar said. “However, at the same time, I used to get questions about my faith and I realized that some people have no idea! This is why I decided to pursue the  profession – not only to be a good community officer, but also to educate others about my faith.”

After volunteering at the Sheriff’s Department, Iftekhar decided to complete an associate’s degree in criminal justice. She then took a 7-year hiatus to have her two children. In 2019, she returned to school to complete her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and completed her education by 2021.

Throughout her journey towards becoming a police officer, Iftekhar’s family was incredibly supportive. Her husband had always known about her passion for law enforcement and encouraged her to keep going. Her parents, knowing how committed she was, moved with her to Chicago when she was accepted into the academy. “Without family support in the crucial academy days, I would not be where I am today!” she added. 

Visibly Muslim Police Officer

Iftekhar feels that Islam has given her more strength and power. “There have been times when people are stressed, but as soon as I walk in, my hijab becomes a distraction. They begin asking me questions – and I don’t mind at all. I’m asked if I feel hot in the head scarf, if it’s a cultural or religious thing, and if I have it in different colors,” she said. She uses this opportunity to spread awareness about her faith. She is happy to share what she knows about women empowerment in Islam, and the many rights Islam gives to women.

“Hijab has always been my identity. For all the times I’ve been harassed, I always came back stronger,” Iftekhar says. “Hijab led me to this journey because if people did not ask me about Islam, I wouldn’t have gathered the courage to be in this profession and inform people about my faith.”

The biggest challenge for Iftekhar was adjusting to her department which was mostly male-dominated. A lot of her co-workers were hesitant to talk to her because she was Muslim, female, and hijabi. However she insisted they reach out to her with any questions. She made herself approachable and opened doors to friendly communication. By breaking the ice, she feels her colleagues respect her faith and are often curious about different topics about Islam.

Iftekhar also feels that it’s important for people to remember not to judge the entire law enforcement community by the bad acts of some. This is a sentiment Muslims can relate to as well.  “The majority of the work we do revolves around community-based policing which requires ethics and moral values,” she said. “If one person strays, it hurts the rest of the community as well. It does put a lot of stress on us when there is an incident involving a police officer versus a citizen and it’s all over the news.”

A Seat at the Table

Iftekhar hopes to influence many young Muslims to consider a career in law enforcement. Yes, it requires passion. It also requires mental, physical, and emotional strength because of the incidents encountered on a daily basis. However, Iftekhar chooses to look at it differently. She feels being a police officer can also bring a sense of peace. With every drunk driver taken off the road, and with every order of protection for a victim of abuse, the community can become a better place.

“That one thank you note from a child reunited with his parents or a hug from a domestic violence survivor gives you the strength to be back on the street and keep the community safe – every single day.”

Sanaa Asif, a sophomore at Hinsdale Central High School, is an avid reader and loves to write and learn about other people’s stories. 

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