JANSING: Meanwhile, the controversy prompted Time magazine to ask, Is America – if America is Islamophobic. A time poll found that 46% of Americans believe Islam is more likely than other faiths to encourage violence against nonbelievers. And a small college in Berkeley, California, may become the new battleground in America’s uneasy relationship with Islam. Zaytuna College in Berkeley is the first accredited Muslim college in the U.S.. The first classes were held this summer. I’m joined by Zatuna College founder Hamza Yusuf Hanson. Thanks very much for joining us, good morning.

HAMZA YUSUF HANSON [FOUNDER, ZAYTUNA COLLEGE]: Thank you, good morning.

JANSING: Yeah, classes began this summer, I think people are just starting to hear about this. Tell us a little bit about the mission of the college, why did you find it – found it?

HANSON: Well, first of all, just to clarify, it’s not actually accredited. It’s – we’re in the process of accreditation and that takes a considerable amount of time. But, I mean, basically the idea behind it is the Muslim religious community is quite extensive now in the United States and every religious community in America eventually develops institutions in order to train people and teach people and colleges, Harvard began as a seminary, Yale began as a seminary, so we tend to forget that actually many of our greatest colleges began as religious institutions.

JANSING: So, let me ask you why you think that there was a need for a Muslim university. As I understand it now, if you want to be an imam and you want to have a mosque in the United States, you have to leave the country to study, right?

HANSON: Well, that’s the problem. I mean, we have foreign imams that often come to the country and many of then are very fine, decent people but they don’t understand the nuances of the American society. They haven’t studied the traditions of our own country. And it’s important, I think, to have those two elements. You have to have people that are Muslim, but – here teaching. But also people that understand the culture that they’re living in, understand the community itself, the young people, the immigrant children that are born here, they’re Americans, they’re not from Cairo, they’re not from Rawal Pindi in Pakistan, so, it’s really important.

JANSING: And in fact, you, yourself, grew up Christian, as I understand it. Both in Walla Walla, Washington and Northern California. Do you understand the unease among many Americans, and we are seeing a lot of it come out with this mosque controversy?

HANSON: I – know you, I think there’s a lot of fear and some of it’s justifiable in that over the last ten years there has been a concerted effort by a certain segment. It’s a very small minority, but their powerful and vocal, to demonize the Muslim community. Abdul Rauf, who – Feisal Abdul Rauf, who’s the imam there, is an extremely gentle person and to frame him as an extremist means that the whole community is mad because, you know, if you take somebody like that or Daisy Kahn, I mean these are people that have spent their life in interfaith dialogue and really trying to attack the very ideology that I think people are afraid of.

JANSING: You know, you heard that poll, 46% Of Americans see Muslims as more likely than other religions to be violent against nonbelievers. I wonder what your reaction is to that poll and what can be done to turn it around?

HANSON: Right. I would look at, there’s a paper on Google called ‘Body Count,’ which shows that Islam, actually, out of the seven major religions, the only religion less violent, historically, is Hinduism. And I think people tend to forget Muslims historically have lived very well with people. You know, I think Muslims are not redefining America here. And there’s a lot of fear that they are. I think that we’re reasserting the original definition of this country, which is about religious freedom. So it’s really important.

My own great, great-grandfather, Michael O’Hanson, his greeting to America coming from Ireland was the nativist, anti-Irish, Catholic, anti-Catholic Irish riots in 1844 in Philadelphia. But those riots actually led to the consolidation of the city of Philadelphia and the Irish Catholics now are fully enfranchised. One out of every four Americans has Catholic roots in this country now, even though they were 1% of the population at the founding of the country. So, I think Muslims now are new kids on the block and every community that comes to this country, you know, they have to really find their place at the table and I think that’s what Muslims are negotiating now. America is a process of negotiations. And I think-

JANSING: And you, as you say, are part of that renegotiation process with this new university. We have to leave it at that. But Hamza Usef Hanson, thank you so much for being with us today.

HANSON: Okay, well, thank you very much.

Source: MediaPolitics

###

March 16th, 2009
Stamford, Connecticut

American Halal Company, Inc. (“American Halal”) announced that its acquisition of Al Safa Halal, Ltd.  of Cambridge, Ontario was amicably terminated on mutually acceptable conditions to both parties.   “Given the severity of this financial crisis, both in the US and overseas, our investors were not willing to fund the acquisition of Al Safa Halal, Ltd.  based on the terms originally agreed to in early 2008”, commented Adnan Durrani, Chief Halal Officer and C.E.O  of American Halal.  American Halal is a socially responsible business founded by Mr. Durrani to serve the premium halal category in the North American market, mainly through grass-fed or organic halal products which are also wholesome, sustainable, and which adhere to environmentally sound business practices as well as to ethically humane treatment of livestock.  American Halal owns the Tayeeb brand.
For additional information please contact:

Adnan Durrani
Email: adnand@bcvc.com
###

Additionally, they have been invited to be speakers at the Muslim Inauguration Celebration. This event is a joint sponsorship of the Washington Academic Leadership Institute and the Muslim Social Network. The Honorary Host Organization is the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association. More info can be found here: www.musliminauguralgala.com and the Facebook event page.

On socialmedian, newsmakers create news networks and add news stories that would interest those involved in the news networks. We have created an Islam news network: http://www.socialmedian.com/network/islam

This is a great opportunity to promote news stories/articles about a particular topic. If you would like to add your blog or website as a news source, please leave a comment or contact us.

Check out our news page here: http://www.socialmedian.com/islamcrunch

Apparently, we have caught the attention of the socialmedian CEO & crew. We have been listed as a notable newsmaker on their popular newsmaker list.

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

May Peace and Blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad and his kin

“ … [M]ake peace between them justly, and act equitably. Lo! Allah loveth the equitable. / The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that perhaps ye may obtain mercy.” (The Holy Qur’an, Al-Hujurat, 49:9-10)

OPEN LETTER CONCERNING DATUK SERI DR. ANWAR IBRAHIM

Al-Salaamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu,

We, the undersigned, believe the honorable brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim to be of the highest ethical and moral integrity, a devout Muslim and a devoted father and husband. He is universally recognized as an advocate for justice and fairness, and he has a long history of promoting Islam and championing Islamic ethical and charitable causes.

We are deeply concerned about the physical safety and freedom of our respected brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim. We are troubled by the unsubstantiated and clearly scurrilous claims made against him and his character. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.” (The Holy Qur’an, Al-Hujurat, 49:12)

Our beloved Malaysia is today one of the leading countries of the Muslim Ummah. It is an example of a successful modern Islamic country, and in many ways a model and example for other Muslim countries. This has been due to the Grace of Allah and then largely to the historical and invaluable efforts and contributions made by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammed and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi (among others). Every Muslim who knows anything about Malaysia is proud and appreciative of these efforts. Equally, every Muslim who knows Malaysian politics is appreciative of the formidable political courage in leadership exhibited by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammed during his time as Prime Minister of Malaysia and of the example of personal piety and forbearance that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi has given the Ummah today.

Indeed, perhaps precisely because of Malaysia’s prominence within the Ummah and the world, we would like to point out that the global Muslim community is paying close attention to the way our respected and honorable brother Dr. Anwar Ibrahim is treated. We have no wish to interfere in the internal politics of Malaysia, or in civil and criminal accusations within the country, which we reiterate are ultimately the business only of the Malaysian state and people. However, the spectacle, ten years ago, of our respected brother Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim sitting patiently in court after having been personally and illegally beaten up by then Police Chief of Malaysia is still fresh within our minds as a travesty of justice and impartiality under the law in a leading Muslim country. We are all still ashamed of that image, which will ever be indelibly engraved in our memories. So we remind our bothers in Malaysia that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that justice is the very goal of government in Islam. And Allah Himself says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Say: My Lord enjoineth justice …” (Al-A’raf, 7:29)

Thus we feel that we have a right — and indeed, an obligation under Islam — to strongly urge the Malaysian authorities to facilitate a swift, transparent and just resolution to this issue and resolutely ensure the safety, freedom and physical well-being of our honorable and respected brother Anwar Ibrahim. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“The Truth is from thy Lord (O Muhammad), so be not thou of those who waver.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:147)

Moreover, given the political implications of the timing of this latest incident; given the political undertones of the previous incidents of similar accusations made in 1998 — which led to the wrongful incarceration of Dr. Anwar Ibrahim for six years, and that have since been publicly refuted in the highest Malaysian court of law — and given the proven questionable nature of the authorities involved in the investigation, we feel morally obliged to also state our deep concern about the prospects of true justice for Anwar Ibrahim in the current authorities in the police and prosecution departments (whose leadership was personally involved in Dr. Anwar Ibrahim’s previous unjust accusations) without deliberate, careful, impartial and independent political oversight. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbiddeth lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorteth you in order that ye may take heed.” (Al-Nahl, 16:90)

Finally, we are morally obliged as Muslims to also point out that our religion and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) regard false accusations in these matters to be of extremely grave consequence. In fact, under Islamic Law, accusations of this magnitude that are not substantiated by four eye-witnesses of impeccable character (such as did not occur neither with these accusations nor with the previous ones) incur severe legal punishment only for the accusers themselves. Perhaps what is most insidious and disturbing, however, is the likely malevolent and slanderous intent behind these attacks on the moral character of our brother Dr. Anwar Ibrahim. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“When ye welcomed it with your tongues, and uttered with your mouths that whereof ye had no knowledge, ye counted it a trifle. In the sight of Allah it is very great. / Wherefor, when ye heard it, said ye not: It is not for us to speak of this. Glory be to Thee (O Allah)! This is awful calumny. / Allah admonisheth you that ye repeat not the like thereof ever, if ye are (in truth) believers.” (The Holy Qur’an, Surat Al-Nur, 24:15-17)

However, we have complete trust in Allah and so remain hopeful that the highest political authorities in Malaysia will, in sha Allah, secure an honest and just outcome to this deeply troubling situation. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

“Let there arise from you a band of people who invite to goodness, and enjoin right conduct and forbid wrong. Such are they who are successful.” (Aal-‘Imran, 3:104)

Wal-Salaamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuhu.

Click here to endorse the open letter and see the list of signatories

Source: Islamica Magazine

What is SeekersMedia?
SeekersMedia is an online media portal for Islamic and inspiration, through downloadable media. There will be educational media, quality Qur’anic media (with translation and commentary), and inspiring Islamic songs available, insha’Allah. We will also offer some courses, such as the current courses on Islamic law (Mukhtar Dars) and beliefs (Kharida Dars)
We also have plans to give high priority to an Islamic Answers Service (SeekersAnswers.com) which will be forthcoming, insha Allah.

Source: http://seekersmedia.com/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=26

More info can be found on their FAQ page. Their structure is very similar to the Zaytuna Distance Learning program (which the faqir manages, alhamdulillah): Register, login, access your weekly course file, additional files uploaded throughout the remainder of the course.

Shaykh Faraz informed us that this is just the beginning and that there are bigger things planned.

There are two current courses available:

• Understanding Islamic Law: Mawsuli’s Mukhtar Explained (Part I: Worship)
• Understanding the Way of Islamic Beliefs: Imam Dardir’s Kharida Explained with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz also teaches at The Razi Institute in Toronto.

We are not overlooking the importance of consuming zabihah products (we fully support the Zabihah movement and do not subscribe to any ‘convenient’ non-zabihah fatwas). We only hope that more concern and efforts would be directed to issues that are detrimental to the growth of Islam.

We would like to hear your comments on Al-Safa, the state of halal or zabihah food in North America and/or Europe. Please add them in the comments section.

Announcement Regarding the Sale of AL SAFA HALAL

Mr. Adnan Durrani and American Halal Company, which is wholly owned by him, has signed a binding agreement to purchase AL SAFA, North America’s leading HALAL brand. Mr. Durrani will be the new Owner, Chairman and Chief Halal Officer (CHO) upon the closing date, which is anticipated to be early next year. Directly reporting to Mr. Durrani will be Steve Hahn (S.VP & COO) who co-founded AL SAFA HALAL in 1999. Mr. Durrani is a prominent member of the Muslim community and a charter member of the American Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies, as well as being a highly successful food entrepreneur and venture capitalist.

Mr. Durrani will be managing AL SAFA HALAL on a full time basis, bringing together two decades of experience in building niche food brands into major household brand names. He was also a founding partner of Stonyfield Farms yogurt, now the largest organic yogurt brand in the world with over $350 million in sales. Mr. Durrani commented, “I am extremely excited about buying AL SAFA. I have always felt it is the only true halal brand, especially since it is hand slaughtered which I am dedicated to. Just as I did for organic foods, I intend to build AL SAFA and American Halal into the most recognized and trusted Shariah compliant halal food company in North America.”

Following this brief announcement will be an official press release from Mr. Durrani’s office as the closing nears.

Note: this announcement was received via email from Al-Safa.

“They attack holy sites, destroy mosques and minarets, and kill innocent men, women and children — including Muslims who do not share their radical views,” he said. “They believe that by spreading chaos and violence, they can frustrate the desire of Muslims to live in freedom and peace.
“We say to them: ‘You don’t represent Muslims. You do not represent Islam, and you will not succeed,’” Bush said.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Abuhena M. Saifulislam, a chaplain with the US Navy and present at the iftar dinner, informed Mr. Bush of the hadith that those who invite others to break the fast receive the same reward as those who are fasting. Imam Saifulislam told Bush that the Muslims have got him “covered”.

The menu was not your typical iftar fare: Squash soup with lavash, spiced rack of lamb; cucumber-tomato salad with minted yogurt dressing, and baklava with pomegranate for dessert. We were hoping for some briyani, mee rebus, spicy chicken wings, satay, tagine and some other popular iftar choices. We didn’t get a chance to try to the dessert, though*.

We would like to add 2 IslamCrunch side notes:

• The Muslims will guard and protect all those who are righteous and just.
• Where are all the kufis (Islamic headgear for males) in the White House?

Photo credit: Chris Greenberg

Official Press Release: Bush Calls Ramadan Time to Unite in Confronting Extremism

Decent Commentary: Bush dines with Muslims, ‘covered’ by blessing

* = Of course we didn’t get to try the dessert… we were not there!  

We were delighted to have been invited as an early partner for Muxlim’s Ramadan Marathon Charity. To read more about Muxlim.tv, click here: http://islamcrunch.com/archives/muxlimtv-has-launched/.

More recently, I have been asked to join as an admin on Imam Zaid Shakir’s blog team. Not only is this a prestigious opportunity to work (again) with a leading intellectual, I get to work with Expression Engine! EE is a content management system and blog platform that I have always wanted to dive into.

So if you have a video that needs to be approved on Muxlim.tv or a comment that needs to be edited or approved on Imam Zaid’s blog, drop me a line.

People in the DC area will be delighted to know that two warm-up sets will be conducted in mid-August 2007. Visit this link for the details: http://www.allahmademefunny.com/pr/dc/

The actual filming for the movie will take place in Anaheim, California in late August 2007. 

Time and Place Date: Saturday, August 25, 2007
Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Venue: Heritage Forum
Address: 201 E. Broadway, Anaheim, CA
Map: http://dwarfurl.com/c3407

The IslamCrunch team (at least half of us) intend to be there and we hope to meet our friends and readers. Here are some side notes behind the monumental press release:

• Seth Fuller = Word of Mouth PR firm for Allah Made Me Funny, other clients include Little Mosque on the Prairie TV show.
• Andrea Kalin = president of SparkMedia, currently working on “Prince Among Slaves“, a biography of Abdul Rahman Ibrahima. Here is a great interview with Andrea conducted by Unity Productions.
• Unity Productions = producer of “Prince Among Slaves”, details here: http://upf.tv/upf06/Projects/PrinceAmongSlaves/tabid/77/Default.aspx
• 3 days before the Anaheim show tune in on August 22 to watch Unity Productions’ “Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain” on PBS.