Tune In: CBS National News: Sat Nov 21st: Imam Johari

Tune In: Tonight to CBS Nightly News Saturday and see Imam Johari, Director of Officer for The Dar Al-Hijrah.Discussing Ft. Hood Shootings, Maj. Nidal Hassan and Al-Awlaki.

Tune-In: Islam, Christianity and Judaism and Climate Change

Join Dar Al-Hijrah’s Director of Outreach, Imam Johari Abdul-Malik this Sunday, November 22nd at 3pm on WAMU 88.5 FM Interfaith Voices discussing Islam, Christianity and Judaism and Climate Change.

Interfaith Voices is an independent public radio show providing engaging and informative discussion on the key public issues of our day through the lenses of many different faith perspectives.

We foster religious tolerance and educate our listeners on the broad diversity of religious traditions and viewpoints in the United States, Canada, and around the world. Our purpose is to promote interfaith understanding through dialogue.

Visit the Interfaith Voices web site.

WAMU 88.5 Program Director Mark McDonald interviews Interfaith Voices Host Maureen Fiedler.

Tune-in Today to hear Imam Johari

Tune in today to Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center’s Outreach Director,

Imam Johari Abdul-Malik on………………..

Thursday, November 12th 2009

He will be a guests on the programs below discussing the issues faces America today in the aftermath of the Ft. Hood Shootings.

Radio:

NPR-Tell Me More-Michelle Martin

DC Metro Area

Station:  WAMU 88.5FM

Time: 2pm

TV:

The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

Program/Time and Station

Station: WETA TV

Time: 7pm

Dar Al-Hijrah Press Conference Nov 9th 2009

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=16556734&ch=4226713&src=news

Imam Johari on Larry King Live!

I had a good interview with LARRY KING LIVE regarding the Ft. Hood Shootings, Maj. Nidal Hassan and the statement of Anwar Al-Awlaki praising the shooting.  Although the previews to the interviews were inflammatory, the questions sensational, and the interviewers balanced and Larry King a thoughtful host.

Thanks Larry.  Next time I’m on I’ll wear suspenders

Anwar Al-Awlaki Denounces American Muslims

Due to the recent tragic events in Fort Hood, Texas a hate-filled statement was made by a former imam of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center, Anwar Al-Awlaki.  As I understand the teaching of the scriptures our mission and method as Americans of faith is to enrich our society with faith, service, wisdom and beautiful preaching of God’s love and mercy to all of mankind.

I openly denounce the statement of Mr. Al-Awlaki as posted on his website and those who may follow him.  During Mr. Al-Awlaki’s employment his public speech was consistent with the values of tolerance and cooperation.

Mr. Al-Awlaki, after his return to Yemen and his imprisonment, now claims that the American Muslims who have condemned the violent acts of Major Hassan have “Committed treason against the Muslm Umaah (community) and have fallen into hypocrisy”.  With this reversal Mr Al-Awlaki has clearly set himself apart from the Muslim community in the United States.  Al-Awlaki served a brief term of employment at Dar Al-Hijrah from January 2001 until his depart of April 2002.

An American Imam’s Reflections On The Tragic Shooting at Fort Hood

I join with millions of people of faith in this great nation and around the world in extending condolences to the families of the victims of the recent tragic shootings at the US military base in Fort Hood, Texas.  I offer prayers for the wounded for a full recovery both physically and spiritually.  Any sane or faithful individual of any faith would condemn this tragic act of violence against unsuspecting men and women in uniform*.

While accepting the fact that Major Nidal Malik Hassan practiced the Islamic faith I am offering no justification for this ungodly, heinous and cowardly act of violence.  While we grieve as a nation, let us not forget that the estimated 20,0000 Muslims men and women who are honorably serving their country in the US military**.  The military courts will ultimately determine the fate of Major Hassan.  If the events of November 5th 2009 are as they seem, Major Hassan will no doubt be found guilty in a military not federal court.

We must take a moment realize that this is the second shooting in the last twelve months at Fort Hood and that no matter the verdict or the punishment the lives that have been taken will never be replaced, the damage done to the wounded, physically and emotionally, may never be fully repaired, and that in the aftermath of this incident of fratricide will result in the loss of trust and an increase in the sense of fear and vulnerability among our nations armed forces into the future.

In many countries if this crime had been committed by ONE member of a tribe, ethnic or religious group against another it would result in escalating social tension, rioting or even genocide, but not in the United States of America.  As Americans, we must continue to hold fast to our many faiths and values, continuing to strive toward healing as a nation and as a beacon hope to an increasingly polarized and violent world.

THE FBI RAID AND SHOOTING DEATH OF IMAM LUQMAN ABDULLAH

It is with deep concern that we announce the shooting death of Imam Luqman A. Abdullah, of Masjid Al-Haqq (Detroit, MI)..  Mr. Abdullah was a representative of the Detroit Muslim community to the “National Ummah” and the general assembly (Shura) of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA).

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced today that their agents shot and killed Imam Luqman during a raid related to a criminal complaint alleging that members of the mosque were engaged in criminal and “not terrorist” activity.  This tragic shouting raises deep concerns regarding the use of lethal force by law enforcement agents.  Since the investigation was “solely criminal” based upon “smuggling and fraud”, we urge law enforcement and the media not to take undo advantage of this tragedy in order demonize American Muslims.

The National Community  or “Ummah” was established by Imam Jamil Al-Amin (formerly known as H. Rap Brown).  It is an association of mosques in several cities in the US that coordinate religious and social services primarily in the Black community and to refer to the “Ummah” as a “nation-wide radical fundamentalist Sunni group consisting primarily of African-Americans” is a offensive mis-characterization.

To those who have worked with Luqman Abdullah these allegations of illegal activity, resisting arrest and “offensive jihad against the American government” are shocking and inconsistent.  In his ministry he consistently advocated for the downtrodden and has always spoken about the importance of connecting with the needs of the poor.  We encourage the community to participate actively in the investigation and the trial.

What’s Up for Eid in DC

As-Salaamu alaikum,

A few years ago there was an article in the Muslim Link newspaper (Washington, DC Metro Area) entitled “The Loneliest Day of the Year”.  It was the story of this Muslim convert that prompted me to be sensitive every year about making sure that people who don’t have Muslim families or those who are away from them during the holidays can gather on this day of festivity with those who will express to them love and mercy.

I am updating the list of events as I get additional information.

Celebrate Eid

If you know where the happenings are for Eid celebrations drop me an email.

The Mosques Need To Get Ready For Swine Flu

NPR reported on Tuesday, Sept 16th 2009 Swine Flu and houses of worship.