Muslim Shura Council of DCPGC Respond to Mosque Shooting

Revised:

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Muslim Shura Council of DCPGC Responds to Mosque Shooting

….

Date: October 21, 2021

Muslim Community Responds to Youth Violence in Washington, DC and Prince Georges County.

Abstract: There has been an escalation in gun violence in Washington, DC and neighboring Prince Georges County. Many of the perpetrators and victims have associated themselves with Islam or have declared themselves to be Muslim.  The violence is being fueled by messages imbedded in rap lyrics from local celebrity status rappers. The Muslim leadership of the District and nearby Prince Georges County are implementing a campaign designed to provide local artists (Rappers) with support to send messages of peace and prosperity and to artistically challenge lyrics of destruction and death. 

On Wednesday, Oct 20th there was a shooting after funeral prayers were conducted at the Diyanet Center in Prince Georges County. The senseless loss of the deceased was directly connected to the on going violence in this region. The Muslim Shura Council of DCPGC will host a press conference sending a clear and profound anti-violence message:

HUMAN LIFE IS SACRED

YOUR BROTHER’S AND SISTER’S PROPERTY IS SACRED

AS IS THEIR HONOR AND THEIR BLOOD

DO NOT HATE ONE ANOTHER

DO NOT UNDERCUT ONE ANOTHER,

DO NOT TURN AWAY FORM ONE ANOTHER

DO NOT ENVY ONE ANOTHER

The Muslim leadership of DC and adjacent communities in Prince Georges county, Maryland have been meeting to address this crisis.  The organization B.R.I.D.G.E.S will host a “Pop-Up” Prayer Service in one of the epicenters of the violence to send a clear message that Islam does not support senseless killing. 

The H.U.S.H. (Homies United in Service and Honor) campaign will support local rappers to produce positive messages regarding community upliftment and to connect the community with available resources.  Rahim Jenkins, The Director of The National Center for Juvenile Justice Reform, (NCJJR) said in a recent speech at the anniversary of the March on Washington, “If you are not calling people to something that is going to help Black families, Black children, Black woman, Black businesses then HUSH”. NCJJR will provide technical, artistic and business skills to support the change in lyrics.  In coordination with Dr.Warees Majeed, No Slide Zone (A Violence Interruption Movement) will make studio space available to local rappers to produce a new music. 

Press conference

Date: October 22, 2021

Time:  5:00pm Press Conference

Time:  6:30pm Pop-Up Salat (Prayer)

Place : 252-37th Pl SE, Washington, DC

For more information contact Rahim Jenkins, brorahim@hotmail.com or 202-297-0133 

To learn more, please visit us at www.NCJJR.org 

– End –

And The People Stayed Home

My wife arrived home from Capetown last night.

A student shared this poem in our last day of the course.
“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they greived their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.” -Kathleen O’Meara.

Muslim organizations and community members join hands with local developer to distribute Halal Turkeys and serve halal community meals in observance of Thanksgiving in SE Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

..: Muslim Advocacy Commission:…

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

Press Release

Muslim organizations and community members join hands with local developer to distribute Halal Turkeys and serve halal community meals in observance of Thanksgiving in SE Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019 Banneker Ventures, a local developer and major sponsor in partnership with America’s Islamic Heritage Museum, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque and Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries along with Muslim community members will distribute Halal Thanksgiving Turkeys to nearly 800 families and organize a community meal in SE Washington, D.C., a tradition started by Mayor Marion Barry.

“For nearly two decades, the Muslim Advocacy Commission (MAC) has been distributing Halal turkeys to needy families in SE. This year, with generous support of Banneker Ventures, we will be able to continue this important community service for our national day of family feasting. For too long developers have come from outside of our community to redevelop our real estate for the benefit of themselves and people who are not from this community. Banneker Ventures is a developer that is a part of the community and is giving back.” Said Rahim Jenkins, MAC Executive Director. Mr. Jenkins has served on every Mayor’s interfaith council from the days of Mayor Anthony Williams until today, working with the DC jail, DC Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services (DYRS), and the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC). MAC is coordinating with the Southeast Collaborative, DC social service organizations, and faith and community leaders to identify families in need.

“Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque is pleased to be one of the co-sponsors in distributing turkeys and hosting a community dinner. Serving and investing in Our Community is Our Responsibility! Giving back to the community is not only a principle of faith but an aspiration of our souls and is just one of the ways we show we care and give thanks to the Almighty for the countless blessings”. Imam Talib Shareef.

The Karim family and their company, Banneker Ventures, have been engaged members of the Muslim community. They recently donated backpacks and school supplies for children of all faiths in the Anacostia community, and last Thanksgiving, they partnered with churches to giveaway nearly 200 turkey dinners.

The location of the event has historical significance, and signals hope for this neglected part of Washington, D.C. The site houses America’s Islamic Heritage Museum but was once a viable Muslim school named after Clara Muhammad, an iconic brave woman who opened schools across America in every major city. Omar Karim and his siblings attended Clara Muhammad School in Detroit, MI.

The once historic site of The Clara Muhammad School of Washington is the future site of “The Clara,” a mixed-use development joint venture with Masjid Muhammad and Banneker Ventures.

Place: 2315 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave SE Washington, DC 20020

Day: Tuesday

Date: Nov 26, 2019

Time:10:00am-1:00pm: Halal Turkey Distribution (750 families)

2:00pm-4:00pm: Community Welcome & Dinner (80 families)

Other community partners

HEP Construction, and Soulful Muslims

For more information:

Contact, Rahim Jenkins, Executive Director

Muslim Advocacy Commission (Washington, DC)

(202) 297-0133

To schedule interviews contact Fitrah Muhammad (202) 425-5815

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End

Khutbah: Now That We’ve Found Love: What Are We Going To Do With It

Now That We’ve Found Love: What Are We Going To Do With It. The Quran and prophet Muhammad speaks to us in his last sermon regarding 1. Economic Exploitation, 2. Exploitation of women and 3. Racial Exploitation.

This song written by Kenny Gamble (Luqman Abdul-Haqq) and Leon Huff dramatizes the commission: Now That We Have The Love of God, Prophetic Guidance, Scripture and Righteousness (Islam) what are we going to do. Br Luqman just happened to call after this Khutbah. He said this was his intended message.

Now That We’ve Found Love, What Are We Going to Do With.

Bajan Gear!!!

If your looking for Bajan Merch!!!

https://www.cafepress.com/+bajan-flag+accessories

Post Your Memories of Dr. Sulayman Nyang

In Loving Memory of Dr. Sulayman Nyang

For those attending the Funeral: There will be cards to write a memory of Dr. Sulayman Nyang note. At the end of the service please place your card in the box and share your condolences by “creating a post” as a memorial to his life’s work. If you cannot attend please post a reflection at: https://www.facebook.com/imamjohari786/. We hope to compile your reflects for the family and Howard University.

Dr. Sulayman Nyang Returns to Allah 4 Rabi I, 1440 A.H. By Imam Khalid Fattah Griggs

Dr. Sulayman Nyang, an icon in the American Muslim community, transitioned to Allah on Monday, November 12, 2018. From Gambia, West Africa, Dr. Nyang faithfully served the Muslim community in the United States for over 50 years as an academic, prolific writer, lecturer, advisor, motivator, and friend. He was a transcendent figure whose influence reached far beyond the halls of academia touching the lives of countless human beings of all races, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic classes. His humble persona masked a brilliant analytical mind that equipped him with the prerequisite skills to enhance the understanding of Islam and Muslims by intellectuals or the common man and woman. Dr. Nyang served as the Chair of the African Studies Department at Howard University in Washington, DC where he taught numerous courses on African history and issues impacting the continent. A brilliant community organizer and networker, Aliyah Abdul-Karim, first told me about Dr. Nyang and in her signature way, ordered me to meet him as soon as possible. Hodari Ali, a San Diego, California transplant who was a Howard University graduate, entrepreneur, and well-known activist in Washington, DC, first introduced me to Dr. Nyang. Hodari insisted that I meet “one of the most knowledgeable persons about Africans throughout the time Diaspora” that he had ever encountered. Although my first encounter with Dr. Nyang was anything but spectacular, I came away from our introductory meeting feeling impressed by his information-laden conversation and humility. After moving back home to North Carolina, I felt compelled to visit Dr. Nyang’s office whenever I returned to Washington, DC. Dr. Nyang was a motivator of people, and as a result, I always felt inspired to maximize my service to others after each conversation with him. I rarely have, if at all, heard Dr. Nyang complain about any discomfort or issue affecting his well being. His smile was so infectious that he lifted your spirits just by looking at his countenance. In recent years, health issues slightly challenged Dr. Nyang’s traveling capacity. It was not uncommon though to learn of his hospitalization during the week only to see him speaking at a convention on that same weekend. Dr. Sulayman Nyang’s departure from this world leaves a void in the Muslim that can only be filled by the memory of his legacy of tireless work on behalf of the Muslim community and humanity. His janazah prayers will be held at The Islamic Society of Washington Area

Wednesday, November 14, 2018, at Dhur (011:55)

United To Love: Anniversary of Charlottesville

☮ Peace Salaam سلام : This weekend we gather to hold up in Love the memory of Heather Heyer and those injured. We stand up against the racist agenda of the Unite to Right coming to Washington, DC this weekend.

I encourage all people of good will to gather at many peacefully diverse gatherings this weekend to build a better America.

For more info: http://Unitedtolove.org

WE TOO STAND IN FAITH

A Statement of Solidarity with Social Justice forces in America

(on the 2nd anniversary of the Unite the Right rally

Washington, D.C. August 11, 2018)

from The Muslim Alliance in North America*

“And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practice regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us alone).” (Qur’ān 21:73)

We of the Muslim Alliance in North America stand in faith today, in solidarity with other Americans united for the cause of justice, and against the forces of injustice in our country.

We stand in faith because we believe in Almighty God, whom we Muslims call Allah. He is The God of Justice exalted and worshipped by His prophets of old (peace be upon them). He is The God Who commanded the believers to justice and against injustice in the Torah. He is The God Who commanded the believers to justice and against injustice in the Gospels. He is The God Who commanded the believers to justice and against injustice in the Qur’an.

“The Word of your Lord finds its fulfillment in truth and justice ” He says“Say, my Lord has commanded justice …that He (Almighty God, Allah) may reward those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, justly.” and “…upholding justice, there is no god but He.” We hear Him. We obey Him.

We of the Muslim community in America stand in faith and solidarity today, because we believe in all of the prophets and divinely sent messengers of old (peace be upon them) and they are our exemplars. They stood at the command of The Almighty, for justice and against injustice, and with the just against the unjust.

We who are Muslims in America, stand for justice and against injustice today because that’s what Noah did. We stand because that’s what the Prophet Sālih did. We stand because that’s what Abraham did. We stand because that’s what Moses did. We stand because that’s what Jesus, the son of Mary and the prophet of Nazareth did. We stand for justice and against injustice and with the just against the unjust because that’s what prophet Muhammad did (peace be upon them all).

That prophet and messenger said that The Almighty has said: “ O My servants, I have forbidden oppression and injustice for Myself, and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.”

So, we Muslims are here today standing for justice and against an injustice that has plagued America since before the birth of the nation in 1776 and that plagues us today in 2018. The injustice of which we speak, is the Satanically inspired belief, and teaching, and practice of White supremacy – which has never ceased to unite for wrong, calling it right. White supremacy, since before the birth of the nation, has never ceased to cloak itself in the raiment of righteous indignation, masking dis-obedience to Almighty God.

Almighty Allah commanded us on the tongues of Isaiah and Jesus both (peace be upon them) to love our neighbors as ourselves, and there is and never has been anything loving about White supremacy – especially when the neighbor is a person of color; when the neighbor is a man or woman of a different faith; when the neighbor was a Native American then or now, or a Black American who used to be an African, and is now a member of a formerly enslaved people in America, or a formerly incarcerated person, or a poor person. White supremacy has no love for them.

We who are Muslims today in America, and especially those of us who are Muslim Americans of African descent, stand in faith because we are clear who the enemy is. The enemy of every human being is Shaytaan (Satan) who incites us to enmity and hatred of one another. It is Satan who whispers into the vulnerable hearts of human beings giving them a false sense of pride and a false sense of superiority one to another – based upon race, or ethnicity, or gender, or economic class, when we all are made from dust and unto dust our remains shall be rendered. And all of us belong to The Almighty, Allah, and unto Him shall we return.

We stand in faith and solidarity today because we remember the true heroes and heroines of August 11,2017 in Charlottesville – those wounded and killed; martyrs in the cause of justice, love , and compassion. And no, there weren’t good people who stood for good on both sides of the conflict that fateful day. Don’t believe that fake news.

Lastly, we stand today as Muslims in America, with people of various faiths or beliefs, but who have in common a belief in the oneness of humanity and our God-given right of freedom, justice, and equality. We stand because we are Americans and we know the history of our nation. We know that White supremacy once divided the nation, divided the people, divided the church, and resulted in the spilling of blood unprecedented on these shores. And there are misguided people in the land here and now, who want to take America back to those days; who consider that ugly America as great and want to make that America great. But by the command of The Almighty it ain’t ‘gonna happen. Because The Creator of the heavens and the earth and all things in between don’t like ugly. And He doesn’t like injustice. We pray for the misguided, but we oppose them, and we oppose White supremacy. May The One True God of Justice bless the just today and grant us the ultimate victory over evil – amen, and ameen.

*P.O. BOX 910375 Lexington, Kentucky (859) 296-0206

Ramadan Support of Widows in The Gambia

https://drive.google.com/open?id=10IhCzLuzNGE-00YMtDbhZ2difFO88XNw

Orphan Kind: The Gambia

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9dmci6c-VTI0PYbVyWdk1NIOau0CfBr/view