Background info from Imam Tahir Anwar: A meeting was called to gather the leaders in the Bay Area Muslim community. The meeting was held in the downtown San Jose masjid location of the South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA). It is well-known that there are many ‘communities’ within our larger San Francisco Bay Area Muslim community. We are so busy with our own groups and activities, we tend to forget to reach out to other communities and groups. After sending and receiving many email messages from community leaders and activists, Imam Tahir was inspired and blessed by Allah to host a face to face meeting.
Here are my notes of what transpired.
Muslim Unity & Leadership Meeting – May 24, 2008
MC: Brother Dawan Muhammad
Hosts: Imam Tahir Anwar & Imam Bilal Muhammad
After Brother Dawan welcomed the participants, Imam Tahir spoke briefly and outlined today’s goals and objectives. The main goal was about getting to know each other personally. Also, he hopes we can break barriers within organizations. He stressed that this is not a onetime event; he hopes to see regular meetings. Imam Tahir also mentioned that he does not want to form another organization.
Next, Imam Bilal greeted everyone and he did it with his well-known flair and style.
Thereafter, Brother Dawan informed us of today’s mission: To provide an opportunity and a forum for Muslim leaders to break bread and have a fellowship gatherin. Furthermore, to have free and open discussions with each other. To look at the cross-cultural perspective within our communities.
He also mentioned the agenda for today’s meeting. We would break into small groups to discuss the following: Discrimination between the different demographics within the Muslim community. The main topics for the discussion would be:
- Americanization of Islam
- Racism
- Islamic Scholarship
We were grouped with our dear friends: Sayyid Fouzi Husaini and Zakariyya Twist. In our group, we were blessed with Benjamin Ahmad from the Palo Alto community, Iftekhar Hai from United Muslims of America and Javed Ellahie (lawyer). Due to the short time, we were not able to cover the third topic. We each shared our thoughts on the first topics. As we ended our discussion, I suggested that everyone should read the Autobiography of Malcolm X, the American Muslim martyr. This is a must-read in order to consider yourself an American Muslim. Sayyid Fouzi half-jokingly said that it should be Fardu-’ain for every Muslim living in the US.
These are some points that each group shared with everyone:
Group 1: We need to be more educated so we can represent an Americanization of Islam. Wealth is the basis of racism. The wealthier are able to oppress the less fortunate. We should be willing to give what we are asking. If we are asking for justice, we should able to dispense justice.
Group 2: (Presented by Dr. Rajabally). The main issue of Americanization of Islam is the madhhab issue. There is tremendous pressure from our cultural baggage trying to correct what we think is right. Youth issue (trying to give our youth an Islamic identity while our youth were trying to be American), education issue (school system for Muslims). Living in America is like a Hajj everyday (seeing people of different nations everyday). Racism: we have to acknowledge racism if we want to eradicate it. Indigenous imams do not get the respect even though they have as much knowledge if not more than immigrant Muslims. We need to learn our history – Timbuktu, what were the contributions of African Muslims, do we know Mansa Musa? Culture is dominated by media.
Group 3: (Presented by Ahsen Syed) 1. Islam takes a little culture, takes a little color wherever it landed. 2. Aqeedah is our strength which unites us. 3. American ideals that we should strive for: punctuality, honesty, trust. 4. Be aware of the evils of society. We should detest the evils. Where are the Muslims when talking about homosexuality, alcoholism, family breakups? Racism: fact of life and exists in our communities and culture. We need to deal with it via education. Within the culture there is a form of racism. We should remember the diverse cultures that the early Muslims brought. The first companions: ar-Rumi, Bilal al-Habashi. They brought the strength to Islam. Request: have a dialogue between organizations like Muslim Community Association of the Bay Area and the African American Muslim communities. Islamic Scholarship: we see the different forms of Islam (for example: how we pray), we need to educate each other so we recognize the different variations.
Group 4: Americanization of Islam – local fusion. Global phenomena – it has always happened and will always happen. We need to socialize with different communities. We should not stick to our own communities. Usually the second generation does not have the baggage like the first generation. Racism: Evolves from convenience. Mostly, it is unintentional. Solutions: cross- promotion of events. Mutual learning and understanding. Create opportunities of interaction, not necessarily have to be religious event. Intentionally work towards improving the situation.
Group 5 (our group): Iftekhar Hai: America stands for equality and justice, we should endeavor for this. Faith has been corrupted, we need to revive it. We need to refine Islam. Racism: We need to remove racism from our hearts. [Author's note: we discussed more issues that were not presented: Muslim hip-hop, understanding Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah's brilliant article: "Islam and the Cultural Imperative", excelling in our work and our interaction with society and so much more]
Group 6: Discrimination – on ethnic lines, nationality, race. Islamic Scholarship: too many rivalries. Leaders need to fix this problem. Set the expectation that we know discrimination exists, how do we address these issues?
Conclusion: Bring the message back to your own communities!
Challenge: Unity Eid Celebration
Organizations represented:
San Francisco Muslim Community Center, Yaseen Foundation, South Valley Islamic Community*, South Bay Islamic Association, All Muslims’ Islamic Communications Center, Masjid Waritheen, Muslim American Society, Muslim Community Association of San Francisco Bay Area, MeccaOne Radio, Islamic Networks Group, American Muslim Voice, San Ramon Valley Islamic Center, United Muslims of America, Rahima Foundation, World Business & Technology Television, ICNA Bay Area, Northern California Islamic Council, SEMAH, Zaytuna Institute*.
The Shia Muslim community were invited as well, however, they were unable to attend.
Notes taken by: Mikael Pittam
Photo credits: Susanah Pittam
* Represented by the Dynamic Duo.
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