A Tool to Help You Decide Who to Vote For

If torture is important to you and you want to know how your congressional representatives have voted regarding torture in the past, you can view the CONGRESSIONAL VOTE SCORECARD. http://www.nrcatactionfund.org/election-resources/congressional-vote-scorecards.

 Here is a message from the National Religious Campaign Against Torture Action Fund.

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Dear Friends,

There are less than 20 days left until America picks a new Congress. I don't have to tell you how important this election is, but I do need your help in making torture important to candidates in this election. The NRCAT Action Fund has created three resources that you can use to tell your congressional candidates that you oppose torture.


1) Print off one of our signs and post it in your house or car window. The bigger the better!


2) Check out our Congressional Vote Scorecards - then write a letter to the editor praising or criticizing your incumbents for their records on torture.


3) Attend a town hall, rally, or other campaign event and use our bird-dogging tips to question a candidate about their views on torture.


Please act today to tell candidates that you want them to oppose torture!.


Sincerely,

Rev. Ron Stief
Executive Director
National Religious Campaign Against Torture Action Fund











The National Religious Campaign Against Torture Action Fund engages in public policy advocacy and electoral campaign work. It is a partner organization of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.


The NRCAT Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization, and any donations you make to this organization are not tax deductible. However, your financial support will make a big difference as we work together to end torture.

If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, please click here to unsubscribe from this mailing list.

Questions? Please email campaign@nrcatactionfund.org

UPDATE: Clothes Collected Reach Bangladesh

As many of you hopefully remember, in January this year, the Birmingham Interfaith Human Rights Committee, arranged a clothing drive organized by Helping Hands for Relief and Development (HHRD).

We received word from HHRD that the clothes have reached Bangladesh. However, we are still waiting for photographs of the delivery event as it took place in Bangladesh.

We want to thank all the donors and volunteers who took part in donating, collecting, sorting, packing and even purchasing some of the clothes from local thrift stores. We want also to thank profusely, the members of Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist church who also participated wholeheartedly in this very noble effort.

To see pictures and read the article regarding the collection of the clothes you can read the BISmillah Vision Article here: http://bismillahvision.blogspot.com/2018/01/interfaith-clothing-and-essential-item.html

Refugee Crisis Event at UAB by Farook Chandiwala

I attended an event arranged by UAB Institute of Human Rights at Hill Center on Monday, October 1. The audience was approximately 75 to 100 attendees, and the program consisted of a fantastic film, Non Assistance, on the refugee crisis engulfing Europe.

The film showed how a few individuals put up some of their own personal money and bought a yacht to save refugees fleeing from Africa and the Middle East in dingy boats. The film claws at one's emotions and conscience; I was in tears. There were people of French, German and even Greek nationalities who were shown involved in this very noble project. Doctors without Borders were also shown in the film.

Unfortunately Dr. Tina Reuter-Kemper told the audience at the end of the film that the European Union had seized the boat, and it cannot continue its work any more. I have a copy of the film and I will look into possibility of showing it at BIS and maybe at IAA, hopefully in the near future, in sha Allah.

There were many good questions from the audience, which consisted of students and general community members, including some Muslim sisters, and answers from the director of the institute, Dr. Tina Reuter-Kemper, originally from Switzerland, who is now teaching courses on human rights at UAB. BIS Human Rights Committee is partnering with her committee and Unitarian Universalist Church Social Justice Committee to do programs on human rights issues.

To read UAB’s article on the event: https://cas.uab.edu/humanrights/2018/10/08/assisting-the-non-assisted/

Saving Yourselves and Your Families from Hellfire by Youth Director Rashid Almuntharee

“O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a fire (Hell), whose fuel is men and stones, over which are appointed angels who are stern and severe, and do not disobey, they only do that which they are commanded.” [Tahreem:6]

The meaning of “O you who believe”: Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood used to say, “Whenever you read or hear in the Quran “O you who believe” listen closely, because Allah is ordering you with that which is good for you or He is ordering you to stay away from a prohibition.”

As it relates to “Save yourselves and your families from a fire (Hell). This can only be fulfilled through the correct understanding and implementation of the Shahaadah. Knowing the Tawheed and that which negates it. Knowing the Sunnah of our Messenger and that which opposes it.

It is well known that children are the most important part of the family, so it’s upon the parents to protect them. This protection comes from the Divine Guidance sent down by Allah (swt) so they come to their Creator and fulfill His rights and the rights of their parents. We “Save them from the Fire by teaching, guiding, directing and also by keeping them away from any type of harm that will hinder their growth.

Story Time at HCIC is Back by Kirin Nabi

After taking a brief break after Ramadan, Story Time is back. Held on a week night and aimed at children aged two to six, Story Time is a great way to gather at the masjid to listen to stories with Islamic messages, meet with friends, and enjoy praying together in jammat.

September’s theme was Love and stories about our love of Allah, Allah’s love of us, familial love and silly object love were included. We read: Zaydo Potato: Allah Loves Me, Mikaeel and Malaika The Quest for Love, There is Greatness in Me, I Promise, Little Brother for Sale, and Allana’s Bananas. We also did a felt board story and a craft about things we love.

Story Time themes are announced before-hand, and include an activity. Usually the duration is about 45 minutes either starting or ending with Salat-ul Maghrib. Parents need to accompany their children, but registration is not required. 

So, please keep an eye out for the flyers, Facebook event notifications, and BIS emails to know when the next one is, and please come. Feel free to bring a friend too, everyone is welcome.

A Message from Brother Ashfaq Taufique

By the time you get this, we will be in the month of Muharram and the new Hijri year of 1440. I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon our community in the coming New Year. This holy month of Muharram is one of the four months declared by Allah as sacred. In it is the day of Aashoora, fasting on the day of Aashoora expiates the sins of the preceding year. Let us take advantage of the gift from Allah.

As we count our blessings in the coming new year and beyond, let us remember the trials and tribulations the Ummah is facing all over the world. These trials reflect our deficiency in developing a global brotherhood. A brotherhood that is based on our total commitment to our faith. Each one of us is fifty one percent responsible for our conditions and it can only be mended with our firm resolve to implement a righteous way of living that is not only manifested in our fulfillment of the obligatory rituals, but also our interaction with Allah’s creations. Prophet Muhammad, PBUH taught that our deen is “Deen of Muamalat” (our interaction with the humans and all other creations).

Our civil rights are at stake and we must all revisit our erroneous past strategy of staying in our cocoons. Political activism for Muslims is no longer an option, but an obligation. Let us make the Muslim Community a political commodity, by turning out in droves to vote. Here are some of the dates to remember for the upcoming election:

Anyone who turns 18 on or before October 22 is eligible to vote.

Last day to register: Monday, October 22, 2018

Last day to submit absentee vote application: Thursday, November 01, 2018

Election date: Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Register Online Here

Download PDF Registration Form Here

Welcome Back Haji Dinner

Keeping up with our tradition, BIS held a Welcome Back Haji Dinner on September 7, 2018. Brother Ashfaq welcomed the Hajis and prayed for their hajj to be Hajj Mabroor. Hajj Mabroor is a a hajj that is accepted, and according to the explanation by scholars, is accompanied with the righteous changes one makes in his or her life.

Imam Sameh moderated the panel discussion and asked questions regarding the feelings one gets when seeing the Kaaba for the first time, and the feelings one gets as they say salaam to Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hajis reflected on their innermost feelings and some were in tears as they talked.

One of the most unanimously resounding advices hajis gave to the audience and the community at large, was that one should not delay the performance of hajj. If one can financially and physically afford to do so, it is better to perform hajj when one is young, inshaAllah.

BIS Graduation Party at HCIC by Khaled Sakalla

On August 11th, 2018, the Birmingham Islamic Society held its annual graduation party at Hoover Crescent Islamic Center. The event was yet another successful event in which our high school and college graduates were honored for their academic achievements. The graduates included several high school candidates who represented their schools as valedictorians , which is something that we all can be proud of. The talents that our graduates exhibited suggests a great future awaits our young and future Muslim leaders.

The event included guest speakers from BIS and IAA, as well as the Imam. Each of the graduates had the opportunity to speak about their future aspirations and their strategy that made them successful. The last part of the event included a question and answer session from the moderator of the event to the audience, in which small prizes were given for members of the audience who provided correct answers to the questions asked.

At the end, gifts were awarded to the graduates in recognition of their achievements.  The Imam of BIS concluded the event with a dua’ for all graduates asking Allah SWT to bless them and make success come their way.

Education, Children, and Parents by Rashid Almuntharee

Alhamdulillah another school year is upon us and Fall is quickly approaching. Allah (SWT) says in His Book “Indeed We alternate the days (some days are good and some are bad) between mankind. “ This alternation is a reminder that change is a constant occurrence in life, and it’s never the same.

As our children grow, develop and change we too must grow as parents. This is a major problem in the relationship we have with our children; as parents we have stopped growing. We have discontinued education as parents, and instead have chosen to rely on what we learned from our parents and our life experiences. This will not allow us to be victorious in our relationships with our children and our lifelong battle with Iblees (May Allah’s Curse be upon him).

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have the best example to follow” [33:21].

In all matters concerning that which is best for mankind, Prophet Muhammad (saws) is the standard. We must take from his example regarding raising our children and continue to grow as parents- so as to leave behind righteous offspring. InshaAllah, we will bring forth a series of articles solely dedicated to the relationship between parent and child.

May Allah grant us tawfeeq in our affairs. Ameen.

Eid ul Adha Community Festival by Sakeena Ahmed

This year's annual Eid ul Adha Community Festival was held on Saturday, August 25 from 2-6 PM at the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center. It was a very hot summer day, but families still came out to enjoy the day with their brothers and sisters.

A delicious biryani lunch was served. BIS arranged for free rides for the children, including a mind-winder carnival spinning ride, bounce house, a choo-choo train, and a mechanical bucking bull. It was a fun day for everyone as we celebrated our holiday. 

May Allah reward the volunteers who organized the event and helped on the day of it. We are always looking for new ideas and volunteers for our events. If you are interested in helping out or have suggestions for future activities, please contact the BIS Office.

Eid Prayers

Eid ul Adha prayers were held on Tuesday, August 21 at 9 AM at the brand new Hoover Met Complex Finley Center. This was the first time BIS held prayers at this location, which opened in 2017. The community loved the new facility, especially the free and easily accessible parking. Everyone recited the takbeerat in chorus as the crowd gathered. Over 3,000 Muslims attended the ritual prayer and sermon given by Imam Sameh.

It is always a blessing to see the diversity of the community in their traditional clothes and attire as they greet one another wishing "Eid Mubarak". BIS is looking to reserve this facility for our future Eid prayers, pending availability, insha'Allah.

You can click here:

https://www.facebook.com/ziyad.awad.14/videos/1844565055596763/ to see the community gathered before Eid Salat and listen to the Eid Takbeerat. Video courtesy of Br. Ziyad Awad.

A Message from Brother Ashfaq Taufique

Allah (swt) blessed us to witness Ramadan. We pray that our fasting, Taraweeh and all the good deeds that we did are accepted, and we are among the ones who will attain Jannah, inshaAllah.

At all three Masajid, I saw volunteerism at its best as people selflessly served the community at iftaar and the last ten days of Ramadan with suhoor. I sincerely pray that Allah (swt) reward all volunteers immensely and reserve the highest place in Jannah for them, ameen.

One of the highlights at Hoover Crescent was a 10 to 15 minute lecture delivered by Imam Sameh on the explanation of the Quran that would be recited in the Taraweeh. The Musalees at the Hoover Crescent also saw an additional pavilion, and another shed for vending. The additional pavilion helped us serve the expected participants at the Iftaar.

Musalees at the Westside Masjid witnessed the renovation of the entire Masjid with new carpet, paint and totally renovated bathrooms with a wudu station.

In a month or so, the HCIC outdoor storage room and pantry will be completed and the two storage sheds will be removed to make room for additional parking. Depending on the collection of the last fundraising we will continue with the building of the additional parking and the plans for the building addition that will accommodate the weekend school and a clinic for Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama.

Eid Party at Oak Mountain by Sakeena Ahmed

BIS held its annual Eid ul Fitr Party at Oak Mountain State Park Fishing Pavilion on Sunday, June 17 from 1-5 PM. This is always fun celebration for the community and families to celebrate our holiday together after spending a whole month of fasting and extra worshipping.

BIS sold halal KFC boxes, a community favorite, for the picnic lunch. Free rides were set up for the children, including a giant slide, bounce house, mind-winder carnival spinning ride, and airbrush tattoos.

About half way through the picnic, the sunny skies quickly turned gray and rain fell, sending most attendees to take shelter under the pavilion. Some adventurous children continued enjoying the rides in the rain. Many families socialized with each other before heading home soon after.

Unfortunately, there were many picnic lunches left unsold. May Allah reward Br. Tariq Hamid who made home deliveries of the unsold lunch boxes to community members later that evening.

May Allah reward the volunteers who organized and managed the event. Despite the weather, many families enjoyed the chance to see their friends and families.

Boys Youth Basketball Program by Rashid Almuntharee

SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Laa ilaaha ilallah, AllahuAkbar!!

It is with great pleasure that I announce the successful start of our boys youth basketball program. This is the first of its kind, Masha’Allah.

Right now we are in the preliminary stages of establishing a basketball league. We deemed it best to begin with a Pilot Project with practice games prior to launching a full time basketball program. Alhamdulillah, it has proven to be beneficial in all aspects.

The first practice game was very successful with a good turnout from both sides, Birmingham Islamic Society and Shades Mountain Baptist Church. This is something our children are really enjoying and benefitting from. From discipline, sharing, consistency, teamwork, and so much more, the children are learning and growing.

It will be great for the kids if the community members come out and show their support at 6 pm on July 10 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church and at 6 pm on July 31st at HCIC, InshaAllah.

HCIC Ramadan Guests by Lucas Gambino & Ashfaq Taufique

A tradition has been established by the Birmingham Islamic Society over the past several years, as part of our outreach initiative, to open our doors during the blessed month of Ramadan to the non-Muslim community at large.

Most every evening during Ramadan, BIS hosted up to 30 or more non-Muslim guests in our multi-purpose room where such guests hear a short summary of our organization and community, as well as a presentation from our Imam and our youth on the 5 pillars of Islam and 6 articles of faith, before breaking fast with us, observing Salaatul Magrhib in the musullah, and then joining us for a private dinner, during which time our conversation continues with questions and answers.

During Ramadan 1439, our more than 300 guests ranged from groups and individuals representing local churches and girl scout troops, to members of the municipal cabinets of the Cities of Hoover and Birmingham, including Mayor Woodfin (Birmingham) and Mayor Brocato (Hoover). Based on feedback from our guests, we have found that this experience affords them an opportunity to learn the basics of Islam in an authentic environment and, perhaps more significantly, inspires them to become “ambassadors” of our faith when they leave our facility, since they typically depart with an much more accurate understanding of Islam.

In addition to our iftar visitation program, BIS has also catered actively and responded to the request from requests of various political candidates seeking to address our community, regardless of party affiliations, by providing them a forum to address our community, introduce themselves, and share their manifesto platforms. The community has proved very receptive by listening to these candidates and asking questions.

Our community is clearly evolving, as we are witnessing that an increasing desire among our community wants members to be more engaged in our society, in order to influence policy and become a stronger voice for the rights of us, not only as Muslims, but as American citizens...who happen to be Muslim.
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Inmates’ Letter Writing Campaign by Akhlaque Haque

Every year in Ramadan, the Birmingham Human Rights Committee participates in the Letter Writing Campaign to remember the Muslim prisoners who are incarcerated in Federal Prisons throughout the United States. The campaign was initiated 5 years ago by Sister Sharmin Sadequee from New York. As part of the project Muslim brothers and sisters write a short note on a greeting card to share the thought that prisoners are not forgotten and we Muslims in the US care for them.

Through the letters, prisoners know that they are always part of our community and that they are in our prayers. Sometimes it’s just a letter from the community that can make a lot of difference inside the four walls of prison cells. The letter from someone who cares can be a charity or sadaqa for our Muslim prisoners, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, requiring only a few minutes. Even just one message and du’aa (prayers) can make all the difference for a brother or a sister isolated from his or her beloved family and community. Birmingham Human Rights Committee is proud to support this initiative for the last 5 years.

Eid Toy Drive by Sakeena Ahmed

Ramadan is the month of giving. Some local Muslim mothers wanted to provide a learning opportunity for their children by donating toys to local needy families for Eid. Hence, a last minute Eid Toy Drive was organized by BIS during Ramadan. With a two weeks notice, we organized a one-day toy drive drop off on Saturday, June 9 at the HCIC.

We collected items to donate to local Muslim needy families and Children's Hospital patients. Alhamdulillah, our generous community donated over 80 large and small items. We dropped these items off on Eid day to the hospital and the staff were delighted and thankful to BIS for the donations. JazaakAllah khair to everyone who donated toys and helped with this project.