WNY Muslims The Latest Information About the WNY Muslim Community http://www.wnymuslims.org Wed, 22 May 2013 13:48:11 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 WNY Muslims http://www.wnymuslims.org The thoughts and prayers of WNYMuslims’ Editorial Board go out to the victims, families, and ... http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1529
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



The thoughts and prayers of WNYMuslims’ Editorial Board go out to the victims, families, and friends of those stricken by the recent Oklahoma disaster.



(Buffalo, NY 5/21/2013)- WNYMuslims’ hearts and prayers go out to those affected by the devastating tornadoes that have demolished entire neighborhoods and suburbs throughout Oklahoma City, living fifty-one dead and over 236 injured. 



May Allah (God Almighty) ease the pain and suffering of all those affected, and be with them in this time of need. When situations such as these occur, we as a community should come together to show our support. May we all take a moment to remember our fellow brothers and sisters while praying for their security and well-being.




The Prophet Muhammad said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity."

- Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 589


 

To learn more about how you can help via monetary funds for rebuilding homes/businesses and schools-visit www.Imana.org/donations, .



#  #  #

 

 

Contact:

 

Hafsah Afzal

Director of Outreach, WNYMuslims

(716)923.4386 (Office)

(716)931.5855 (Fax)

hafsaha@wnymuslims.org]]> Press Releases http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1529 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:44:29 +0100 Convening of the Elders, State of the Black Family http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1528 The PeaceJam Buffalo teens will contribute to this excellent gathering of groups and individuals who are Coming Together as One (CTAO) for the good of the community. Free - All are welcome!!



The PeaceJam youth will facilitate a discussion about issues concerning the youth, particularly Breaking the Cycle of Violence through ending racism and hate, healing the Earth’s environment and working against child abuse and neglect. The Elder speakers, food, and music provided will also be great!!

Call Vicki Ross 884-0582, Carlanda Wilson 444-1991, or Jan Burns 491-4223 for more info.

 

We hope to see you there!!



Peace and - as the youth in PeaceJam Afghanistan say, Why Not Love?            Vicki]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1528 Wed, 22 May 2013 17:40:42 +0100 Honor Killing in America http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1527


Every Year 1,200 women in America are murdered by their intimate partner and countless others suffer through an endless cycle of physical and emotional abuse.   While ‘honor’ Killing is not as common a practice in America as other parts of the world, it does occur.  On Sunday community members gathered at the Millennium Hotel in Cheektowaga for a panel discussion on ‘honor’ killing in America and its relationship to domestic violence.  The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of this issue within our local community and have a discussion about what can be done to help better prevent these horrific crimes.



The panel included several scholars and leaders of local organizations that deal with domestic violence in Western New York.  Speakers included Deborah Schnitzer, Domestic Violence Coordinator and Counselor at the YWCA, Afshan Qureshi, President of Saathi of Rochester, Nadia Shahran, Attorney at Law and Matrimonial Mediator, Dr. Shanaz Butt, Professor and Associate Dean at the University of The Sciences in Philadelphia.  Each spoke of ‘honor’ killing and domestic violence from the perspectives of their respective disciplines.



Nadia Shaham spoke about the law, both as it is in the present and as it was in the past, and how the law itself sometimes contributes to the problem rather than preventing it or providing justice for victims.  She shared some of the disturbing laws that have existed in the past and in the present which oppress women and give men leniency when it comes to violence and adultery in marriage.  While domestic Violence and ‘honor’ killing are closely related, Shaham pointed out that the difference is while domestic violence does often end with the victim being killed; ‘honor’ killing always results in a death.  Women are often killed for “inappropriate behavior” which can be defined as something as trivial as speaking to a male who is not a family member. 



Dr. Butt discussed the misconceptions about domestic violence and ‘honor’ killings having to do with the religion of Islam.  Contrary to what many believe, no part of Islam or the Koran sanctions or justifies these awful crimes against women.  They are in fact in contrast to the basis and teachings of Islam.  Yet, as Dr. Butt shared, the percentage of individuals who consider the religion of Islam to be “violent” continues to increase.  Dr. Butt noted that is not Islam itself that leads to the oppression of women, but the “current working interpretation” of Islam.



After the panel discussion attendees were given the opportunity to go around the room and share their thoughts and ideas on what can be done to better protect victims of domestic violence and potential victims of ‘honor’ killing.  Many suggested more in depth training for law enforcement and a focus on educating the youth.    

 

This event was organized by Tahmina Rehman and the group plans on meeting again in about a month to discuss more concrete solutions for combatting this issue locally. 

 

















]]> Event Coverage http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1527 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:31:22 +0100 Bird Words. Words and Image Collage Workshop http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1526
BIRD WORDS.  WORD AND IMAGE COLLAGE WORKSHOP

 



Using only recycled magazines, glue, paper and our own infinite imaginations, we will create found poems and found images.  Working in a collage style, young students will be allowed to get messy!  They will create a piece which we will frame and they can bring home with them.



WHEN: JUNE 28                                 

TIME: 9-11 AM

7-12 years old

$25 for the class.

 



<a href="http://sunspinmedia.com/workshops/">SunSpinMedia.com</a>



<a href="http://facebook.com/sunspinmedia.com>Facebook</a>



<a href="https://twitter.com/sunspinmedia">Twitter</a>



 


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1526 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:26:35 +0100 Intermediate Illustrator http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1525
INTERMEDIATE ILLUSTRATOR



Learning an extension of how to edit, create typography, manipulate and create designs using the industry standard graphic design program, Adobe Illustrator. Quickly become familiarized with interface and keyboard shortcuts. This class is useful for anyone wanting to create graphics for print, web and video.

 



WHEN: JUNE 19                                

TIME: 6 – 7 PM

16 years to adult.

$40 for the class.



 


<a href="http://sunspinmedia.com/workshops/">SunSpinMedia.com</a>



<a href="http://facebook.com/sunspinmedia.com>Facebook</a>



<a href="https://twitter.com/sunspinmedia">Twitter</a>


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1525 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:23:24 +0100 Draw Your Dreams: Intro To Illustrator http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1524
DRAW YOUR DREAMS: INTRO TO ILLUSTRATOR

 



Learn how to edit, trace, manipulate and create designs using the industry standard graphic design program, Adobe Illustrator. Quickly become familiarized with interface and workflow. This class is useful for anyone wanting to create graphics for print, web and video.



WHEN: JUNE 18                                              

TIME: 6 – 7 PM

16 years to adult.

$40 for the class.

 



<a href="http://sunspinmedia.com/workshops/">SunSpinMedia.com</a>



<a href="http://facebook.com/sunspinmedia.com>Facebook</a>



<a href="https://twitter.com/sunspinmedia">Twitter</a>



 


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1524 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:19:58 +0100 Using Your High Tech Digital Camera: Intro To DSLR http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1523
USING YOUR HIGH TECH DIGITAL CAMERA: INTRO TO DSLR

 



Learn the workings of a DSLR camera. Class will explore the basic concepts of photography and will learn to mix and manipulate learned skills to achieve better results in their photography.



WHEN: JUNE  5, 6                                                          

TIME: 6 – 7:30 PM

12 years to adult.

$20 for each class or $35 for both

 



<a href="http://sunspinmedia.com/workshops/">SunSpinMedia.com</a>



<a href="http://facebook.com/sunspinmedia.com>Facebook</a>



<a href="https://twitter.com/sunspinmedia">Twitter</a>


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1523 Wed, 22 May 2013 14:16:17 +0100 Mitzvah Day - A House for All People http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1522




Mitzvah Day



Written By: Amber Shaikh


Mitzvah Day is a commandment to do good deeds. Jews and Christians here in Buffalo have been doing this for over a decade and then after the 9/11 tragedy, they decided to include Muslims to take part on this event.



It's a day where all three congregations from Temple Beth Zion, Westminster Presbyterian, and ISNF get together and do some charity work for 2 hours and then break bread afterwards. Othman Shibly was one of the co-chairs involved and then 3 years ago, he asked me to take his place as co-chair of Mitzvah Day. At the same time, the new junior Rabbi, Lori Green also joined in as co-chair. We chaired projects for about 30 sites that needed our help with gardening, cleaning, cooking, food sorting, painting, making blankets, entertaining the elderly, etc. Children were also involved in most of the projects.



This year we decided to cut down our projects to only 13 sites on one day but do Mitzvah day throughout the year instead of just one day. We had a pulpit swap from all three congregations in 3 days in February. Imam Nazim made a beautiful speech at Westminster Presbyterian, the new Senior Rabbi Pokras made a speech after Jumah at our Masjid An-Noor, and Pastor Yorty made his speech at Temple Beth Zion. In March, we had dialogues at all three congregations and in April  we volunteered to help with Walk/Run for Hunger downtown for Friends of the Night. We recruited captains who recruited volunteers to help out with Mitzvah Day on May 19th. We are also planning to do more projects in the fall and are always looking for more volunteers to help out.

]]> Event Coverage http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1522 Tue, 21 May 2013 18:22:58 +0100 MPAC-WNY Banquet Reminder & Early Bird Ticket Information http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1521 The 9th Annual Banquet of MPAC-WNY is almost here! The Annual Banquet is the premier meeting ground of our WNY Family. In a short period of time, we have been able to establish a dynamic organization that is constantly working for the improvement of the community we live in. The banquet has undoubtedly become the premier annual Muslim event of WNY.



You should have received invitation cards by now. Please RSVP before May 24, 2013 to take advantage of Early Bird Registration.



Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013



Time: Reception: 6:00 PM; Dinner 7:00 PM



Tickets: $70/Person or $700/Table of 10. After May 24th : $80 /Person or $800/Table of 10



For Business or Corporate Information/Personal Announcements:

Full page Ad in program copy: $600   &   Half page Ad in program copy:  $400]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1521 Thu, 16 May 2013 23:32:51 +0100 Coming Together as One (CTAO) http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1520


Coming Together as One(CTAO)

JUNE 1, 2013

11 am – 2 pm

St. Columba-Brigid Church,

75 Hickory (off Clinton)



The PeaceJam Buffalo teens are hosting a gathering of groups and individuals called Coming Together as One (CTAO). All are welcome!!



Jamming, dance, fun activities and discussion groups about issues concerning the youth (particularly in the areas of ending racism and hate, healing the environment and working against child abuse and neglect) are on the agenda--and of course food!!



We then would like to work with all the participants in doing a litter clean-up project in the area of the event.

Need more information? Call Vicki Ross at 884-0582 or Jan Burns at 491-4223.


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1520 Tue, 14 May 2013 19:49:40 +0100 Interfaith Conference: Reconciling Human Suffering & Existence of God http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1518 ]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1518 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:04:30 +0100 An evening with Lauren Booth & MLFA http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1517






An Evening with Lauren Booth & MLFA



 



A remarkable woman with an extraordinary story, Lauren Booth left me entranced and wanting more. On a collaborative mission to support the cause of justice in America, Ms. Booth joined Mr. Khalil Meek, co-founder of the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), as they travel the nation in hopes of impacting, and changing lives through fundraising one city at a time.



On their stop in our humble city of Buffalo at the Islamic Society of Niagara Frontier, Khalil Meek and Lauren Booth captivated our hearts by sharing their stories, and stories of others who have also struggled for something greater than themselves. Khalil Meek brought to our attention the MLFA, a charity that supports legal cases impacting civil rights and liberties in America. MLFA was established to promote justice by informing the public of the important issues and cases it supports. In light of the negative stereotypes of Muslims, civil rights have been abused within the criminal justice system. This charity’s purpose is to offer all who fall victim to this injustice, a chance at legal council they could not otherwise afford. It is admirable to know that Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists and people of other faiths are also involved in protecting all freedoms and to promote justice by giving their time and money in support of MLFA's mission.



Lauren Booth, a revered journalist and sister-in-law of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, shares in this sentiment, as she shared her passion behind her becoming a peace activist and, later, a Muslim revert. To think her window of enlightenment came from an image she had seen, as a journalist, of a little Palestinian boy, head held high and his arm held behind his head with a stone in his hand. She described him as fearless and proud. It was the sentimental notion that he was protecting his family, believing the power within that stone, once released, would destroy an entire tank. That was her stepping-stone toward her journey to renewed faith, her faith in Islam.



The world today may seem like a scary place, however with knowledge comes power. Khalil Meek and Lauren Booth’s aspirations to enlighten Americans and, perhaps, the world are commendable. Their concerted efforts to spread knowledge will inevitably generate peace through understanding.



Article by Nathar EL

 





 


]]> Event Coverage http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1517 Mon, 13 May 2013 20:20:06 +0100 Muslim Sister's Spa Day http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1515


Learn what the Islamic Da’wah Center of Buffalo has to offer the

community.  Islamic information will be available.



It’s spring time and almost Ramadan, this is a great time to feel

renewed and refreshed.  Come spend a relaxing day enjoying delightful

spa services…



~HAIRSTYLING & MANICURES by Samar of Salon Divine

~HENNA DESIGN-Natural Red Henna & “Black” Henna

~FACIALS & MASSAGE by Sumayyah of Beautifully Healthy



Raffle of beautifully decorated cakes by Jennahcakes



*No children allowed, girls 14 and over welcome

 ]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1515 Sun, 12 May 2013 14:16:57 +0100 First Day of Ramadhan http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1514


First Day of Ramadhan

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

*Subject To Moon Sighting


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1514 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:52:48 +0100 Jaffarya Center: Wiladat Imam-e-Zamaana a.t.f “Grand Jashn” http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1513


Jaffarya Center

Wiladat Imam-e-Zamaana a.t.f

“Grand Jashn”

*Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 7:30PM

*Subject To Moon Sighting






 


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1513 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:49:46 +0100 Jaffarya Center: Wiladat http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1512
 



 



Jaffarya Center



Wiladat Imam Hussein AS

Wiladat Imam Zaynul Abedin AS

Wiladat Bibi Zaynab SA

Wiladat Hazrat-e-Abbas AS

Wiladat Hazrat-e-Qasim AS

Wiladat Hazrat-e-Ali Akbar AS



Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 7:30PM



 


]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1512 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:46:14 +0100 Jaffarya Center: Shahadat Imam Musa-e-Kazim AS http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1511







 












Jaffarya Center



Shahadat Imam Musa-e-Kazim AS



Wafaat Hazrat Abu Talib AS



Safar-e-Carawaan-e-Imam Hussein AS



Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 7:30PM





 






 








]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1511 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:42:23 +0100 Jaffarya Center: Lecture on Eid-e-Besath Meeraaj-un-Nabi http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1510

















 



Jaffarya Center



Lecture on Eid-e-Besath



Meeraaj-un-Nabi



 



 



 



 



Friday, June 7, 2013 Before Friday Prayers at 1:30PM




 













 






]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1510 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:39:25 +0100 Jaffarya Center: “Grand Jashn” http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1509
















 


Jaffarya Center



Wiladat Imam Ali Ibn Abu-Talib AS



 “Grand Jashn”



Birth Of Imam Taqi AS & Hazrat Ali Asghar



Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 7:00PM

 


 








]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1509 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:36:40 +0100 Jaffarya Center: Shahadat Imam Ali Naqi AS http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1508
















 


Jaffarya Center

Shahadat Imam Ali Naqi AS

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 7:30PM





 




 








]]> Events & Community Affairs http://www.wnymuslims.org/index.php?entryid=1508 Fri, 10 May 2013 13:34:14 +0100