Press Release from American Muslim Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs Council
11 September 2008
http://www.amafandvac.org/

Our beloved, Imam Warith Deen Mohammed affectionately known as “Brother Imam” passed away Tuesday morning, on the 9th day of Ramadhan in the year of 1429 Hijra. He was at the forefront of many efforts including the establishment of the Islamic Chaplaincy within the Department of Defense and religious accommodations for Muslims in the US Armed Forces.

The Muslim Military Members (MMM) arranged a visit on February 5, 1992 for him to tour the Pentagon and address Defense officials, Chaplains, and other Military personnel. This was but one of countless events that Brother Imam participated in respect to Muslims in the US Armed Forces.

Whether a Muslim Military Member or the leadership of the American Muslim Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs Council, his office door was always open. Brother Imam leaves behind a quiet legacy of gigantic proportions in the footsteps of greats like Thomas Jefferson, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Pope John Paul II.

Forgotten by both Muslim and non-Muslim Americans this Memorial Day are the many Muslim who have served in the US armed forces.

By Shahed Amanullah, May 30, 2005

If you ever visit Arlington National Cemetery, as many are doing on this Memorial Day, you may notice that every now and then, a crescent pops up among the field of crosses. Few Americans are aware that many American Muslims have fought and died in the US Armed Forces, including in Iraq. When you wander the cemetery grounds that overlook Washington, DC, you'll notice the grave of Army Captain Humayun Khan, who lured a suicide car bomb away from the men in his charge, saving their lives but giving up his own.

As-Salaamu Alaiukum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

With the impending election season upon us, we thought it might be a good idea to remind each other of some important matters.

DoD regulations state that uniformed or civilian Defense Department
employees cannot, among other things, "knowingly solicit or discourage the
political activity of any person who has business with DoD; engage in
political activity while on duty; and engage in political activity while in
any Federal workplace."

As-Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahamtullahi Wa Barakatuh,

The Islamic Crescent Observation Project (http://www.icoproject.org) is reporting that the vast majority of countries around the world are recognizing Monday, 1 September 2008 as the first day of Fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

The Islamic Day actually begins at Maghrib, following the moon as its time keeper.

Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

"They ask you about the new moons. Say: These are signs to mark fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage." [Holy Quran 2:189]

'If anything, being Arab and being Muslim in the military right now benefits a unit so much,' Ahmed Shama says.

By Gil Kaufman
MTV News

Ahmed Shama was born in Cairo, Egypt, and grew up in New York in a Muslim household. He began studying the Quran at a young age with his father, who, like Shama's mother, is a devout Muslim.

In our Masalla, we recently had a discussion regarding the partition. Some like myself, conveyed the opinion the partition,..ie curtain or wall in the prayer area is maybe an innovation, some suggested that it was either an optional or mandatory item of inclusion.

By Jonathan D. Rubin
Religion News Service

ARLINGTON, Va. -- There seems to be a striking symmetry on the rolling green hills of Arlington National Cemetery -- rows upon rows of identical white limestone markers, perfectly spaced in every direction.

But underground, Muslims are laid to rest on their right side, facing Mecca, according to custom.

Aug. 27-28, 2008
Hyatt Regency Hotel in Columbus, Ohio

The 4th Annual Conference of Muslim Chaplains offers an opportunity to share insights, and resources, discuss concerns and challenges and plan for the future. This conference is ideal for professional training requirements for state and federal institutions and certificates of completion will be awarded to successful participants.

In this live, interactive webcast session Imam Zaid discusses the important questions of the upcoming US presidential election:

1. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for the American War Machine?
2. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for American Society and Politics?
3. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for the Global South?
4. What Would an Obama Presidency Mean for Obama?
5. What Would it Take for Obama to be a Great President?

Note: Mac computers are not able to support Webex. All viewers will require access to a PC.