“Did you think that We created you without any purpose, and that you would not be brought back to Us? High and far removed is Allah (swt), the True King, from what they attribute to Him. None has the right to be worshipped except Him.” [al-Mu’minoon:115-116]

President's Message

Assalamaualikum,

CAIR-Houston is pleased to announce the new newsletter. We strives to provide a valuable service to better the community in Houston as well as American society. While carrying out CAIR's mission a constant goal in mind is to keep the community aware of the activities and projects in progress. With this newsletter we hope to better communicate to and inform the community.

When you read something that you want more information about or would like to be a part of, I encourage you to give us a call at 713 838-CAIR. We hope that you enjoy reading this newsletter.

Dr. Tarek Hussein
President CAIR-Houston
thussein@cairhouston.org

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Meet the New Director
by Adeeba Yusuf

We all felt it was important for the community to meet the new Director of CAIR-Houston, Shariq Abdul Ghani, and learn about what he plans on doing and what he has done so far. What better way than an interview? The interview below is between myself and Br. Shariq and serves as a means to get to know him a little better. Throughout the course of our future newsletters, we will include interviews of this sort, so you as the community can be better informed of who is serving you needs and bridging the gap between the Muslim and non-Muslim community.

Adeeba: How long have you been working for CAIR-Houston?
Shariq: I started off as a volunteer in August of 2003 serving on the IT Committee and mostly working on graphics and website design. I also took on the responsibility of doing the photography at various events. I started as the Director of CAIR-Houston in February.

Adeeba: You started in February. Where have you been for the past few months?
Shariq: Overseeing all operations of CAIR-Houston is a very big responsibility. I wanted to make sure I learned all the ropes before I jumped in, thus I confined myself to studying past material, making shura with other CAIR chapters throughout the country, and most importantly making shura with community leaders and people from various masajid. It was important for me to find a vision and clear goals for our community and have them well defined on paper. Alhamdolillah, after much consultation and a beneficial trip to the National office in Washington D.C. we will be rolling out more events and added services starting in the middle of May insha'Allah.

Though much of my work was planning and creating a roadmap, our office was VERY active. The interns were writing articles and working on several projects. I was able to successfully build several relationships with other organizations and politicians which will serve to greatly benefit our community.

Adeeba: You mentioned you met with several community leaders. What did they say?
Shariq: One item which was stressed over and over again was transparency. They want to be kept in the loop of what CAIR-Houston is doing and be updated on the progress of projects. I took it one step further. Every newsletter, from now on, will contain updates on projects being worked on in the office. On top of that, we will send out project progress reports at the end of every month to keep the community well informed of all that we do. This will ensure more participation on the community's part and a check and balance system for the staff of CAIR-Houston.

One other thing which was mentioned, is the importance of working together. Working together as organizations, but mostly as Muslims who are in pursuit of the same goal. The essence of each organization's goal is to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, to help one another stay on the Haq (Truth), and benefit the greater community at the sime time. I recognize those goals and we will insha'Allah strive to work together with everyone.

Adeeba: What did you do before CAIR?
Shariq: Prior to CAIR, I worked intensively with Crescent Youth and Islamic Relief and I continue to do so on an advisory basis. In addition to being the Director of CAIR-Houston, I manage Gotya.net, which is a graphic and web design business I started in 2001.

Adeeba: What is your background in Islamic studies?
Shariq: Allah (swt) has given me several opportunities to learn Islam. I've attended classes on the Names and Attributes of Allah for the past 2 years and I’ve sporadically attended Shaykh Waleed Basyouni's classes on the Book of Fitan. I've also been through several Al-Maghrib Institute seminars. At the moment, I teach a course called "Fundamentals of Faith" after Fajr, deliver khutbah's, and speak at youth halaqa's throughout the city.

Adeeba: What's your favorite Masjid?
Shariq: I grew up in the mussallah of Masjid Hamza so it's a very sentimental place for me. Many of my friends and students attend Masjid at-Taqwa so it has the most entertaining atmosphere and the elder brothers of Masjid As-Sabireen are definitely a riot (in a good way). I love all three equally but frequent Masjid Hamza the most.

Adeeba: Have you always lived in Houston?
Shariq: I was born and raised in Houston and lived in Irving, Texas for 2 years. The humidity and mosquitos can't compare.

Adeeba: Can you tell me something about your family?
Shariq: My parents hail from Hill Park in Karachi, Pakistan. As most people from Karachi would know, Hill Park is a predominantly Memon area (yes I’m Memon alhamdolillah). My mother is a teacher and my father is an engineer. I have two younger sisters who are both in school. Allah (swt) has blessed me with a family who has always encouraged me to work for the community and serve its needs.

Adeeba: What's your favorite food?
Shariq: My mom's fajitas are the best. After that, Qeema Paratha from Bismillah Restaurant and Chicken Makhani from Royal Restaurant.

Adeeba: What's your favorite drink?
Shariq: If it's a cold drink, you can't beat PaKola (Pakistani ice cream soda). If it's a hot drink, chai from Royal Restaurant, hand's down.

Adeeba: What would you like to see from the Muslim community?
Shariq: I'd greatly appreciate active support of all our services and events. Please read all our emails, reply with comments and suggestions, participate in our events year-round, SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER, respond to our action alerts, and of course, spread the word. Let everyone, your family, your friends, your entire social network know about CAIR-Houston and the services we offer. We serve no purpose if the community isn't informed about what we do.

But most of all make dua that the efforts of Muslims in Houston, in America, and all over the world are not in vain. Make dua we succeed and that Allah keeps us all on the Truth insha'Allah.

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Hate Crimes On The Rise
By Summer Muhtaseb

Anti-Muslim harassment, violence and discriminatory treatment has increased 30 percent from the previous year, according to the latest civil rights report released by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest American Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. 

In 2005, CAIR received a total of 1,972 civil rights complaints, a great increase from the 1,522 cases reported in the previous year.

Additionally, CAIR received reports of 153 anti-Muslim hate crimes, more than a 10 percent increase since 2004.

The report indicates a number of public opinion surveys that found a rise in anti-Muslim predisposition post 9/11. Two of the polls revealed that almost half of the public population have a negative perception of Islam and that on in four of those surveyed have “extreme” anti-Muslim views.

A survey independently conducted by CAIR shows that nearly 30 percent of surveyors consistently believe stereotypes such as: “Muslims value life less than other people” and “The Muslim religion teaches violence and hatred.” Those holding the most negative views toward Muslims tend to be older, and less educated, according to the report.

A similar poll by the Washington Post and ABC News also discovered that one in four Americans “admitted to harboring prejudice toward Muslims.” The survey also indicated that almost 50 percent of Americans have a negative view of Islam, which is a seven percent jump since 9/11. The poll also showed that the number of Americans who believe Islam promotes violence has more than double since 2002.

A hate crime is defined by the FBI as a criminal offense committed against a person, property, or society which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity/national origin.

However, according to the FBI, because motivation is subjective, it is difficult to know with certainty whether a crime resulted from the offender’s bias. Moreover, the presence of bias alone does not necessarily mean that a crime can be considered a hate crime.

In the case of the beatings of three Palestinian boys by a group of 15 football players, which occurred earlier this year, is not considered to be a hate crime because the anti-racial slurs were shouted after the beatings, according to witnesses.

What actions are being taken to reduce such crimes?

In early January 2007 Sheila Jackson-Lee [D-Tex] introduced H.R. 254, otherwise known as the “David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007.” The definition of hate crimes remains the same as passed in 1994, but this bill goes much further than the enhanced sentencing provided by the 1994 legislation. H.R. 254 establishes a new federal offense for hate crimes and mandates a separate federal criminal prosecution for state offenses with the possibility of life imprisonment for crimes motivated by “the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability for any person.”

 “If an offender injures a victim of any national origin with a bad motivation and in a certain way, the offender is subject to prosecution and a mandatory sentence up to life imprisonment” said Gregory Berry, a representative of Sheila Jackson-Lee, in regards to the legislation.

Currently, this bill is in the first stage of the legislative process where the bill is being considered by a committee and may undergo changes in later markup sessions.

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Become a CAIR-Houston volunteer. Here is your chance to make a difference and to experience the pleasures that come with helping others. As Muslims, we have a duty to improve our communities and to help those in need. Volunteering with CAIR-Houston is an excellent way to exercise our faith, work towards a better America, build your resume and gain a wide range of experience.

If you are interested in the following volunteer opportunities please visit the Volunteer Center on our website and complete the volunteer sign up form at at http://www.cairhouston.org/volunteer.htm.

We are currently searching for volunteers for the following projects:

Media Watch Committee
The committee's primary duties will entail watching and/or listening to the media and co-ordinate responses to deconstruct sensational and biased coverage of issues pertinent to Muslims and Islam. The purpose is to flag such pieces, to highlight their inaccuracies, and to offer thoughtful analyses that diffuse misconceptions. We are currently recruiting volunteers for this task and will be offering a media watch and response seminar for those who join the committee at the end of this month insha'Allah.

Estimated weekly committment: 5 to 7 hours

Hate Site Response Team
The purpose of this project is to search out websites on the internet who are calling for violence, racism, and/or prejudice against Muslims outside the bounds of First Amendment protection. CAIR-Houston staff will then work closely with hosting companies and domain registrars to take these websites offline. We are currently recruiting volunteers for this massive undertaking.

Estimated weekly committment: 3 to 5 hours

CAIR-Houston Masjid Representative
We are currently looking for brother's and sister's to represent CAIR-Houston at your masjid. Duties would include making necessary announcements during salat times, conducting voter registration drives, updating the members of your masjid about CAIR-Houston events and projects, serving as a resource for masjid safety and civil rights, and much more. This is an opportunity to become a part of the CAIR-Houston team and help empower Muslims in your community.

Estimate weekly committment: 2 to 3 hours

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CAIR-Houston, the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is currently offering 8 new internship opportunities. CAIR is the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization. The organization's mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. Internships at CAIR-Houston offer students and activists a great opportunity to learn, interact, and grow in a friendly and diverse environment.

Summer 2007 Internship Opportunities at CAIR-Houston

All internships are unpaid, last one semester, and include a 15-hour/week commitment. Applicants should email a resume and cover letter to internships@cairhouston.org.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Clearly indicate which department you are applying for in your cover letter. If you are applying for more than one position, please list in order of preference. Typically, each intern is trained in two departments and given projects from both to provide a well-rounded experience. All summer applications are due by May 23rd. (please note: summer internships will run from June 4th through August 10th). If you have any questions, please email all inquiries to internships@cairhouston.org. Students interested in receiving class credit, should indicate so in their cover letters. Credit will be arranged during the first week of the academic semester.

Internships are available in the following departments: Civil Rights, Communications, Governmental Relations, and Outreach.

For more information on internships at CAIR-Houston please visit the Internship Center on our website at http://www.cairhouston.org/internship.htm.

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The following cases are just a sampling of the incident reports we've recieved in the recent past. CAIR-Houston continues to recieves several complaints a week which are investigated and resolved by our Civil Rights Department.

Education
A student who attends a local college was discriminated against by her professor for writing a paper on why she chose to leave Christianity and follow Islam. The teacher was reprimanded and the student was refunded her entire cost for the class including all miscellaneous fees.

Prison
A few prisoners reported that the warden was not allowing Muslims to pray salat-ul-Juma. When we spoke to the Director of Chaplains, this issue was resolved and we have not had any complaints since.

Immigration
Citizenship of a brother is being unnecessarily delayed. His application has been granted, but he has beeing waiting for over two years for the background check to be completed. CAIR-Houston is filing inquiries on behalf of the brother to investigate the lengthy delay.

Employment
A sister was given the choice to either wear hijab or remain employed at her place of work. Her supervisor had approved of her wearing the hijab whereas his supervisor asked her not to wear it again or face losing her job. CAIR-Houston filed a complaint with the company to protect her religious rights and the issue was resolved.

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3 Firms Pull Ads On KOA Program
May 8th, 2007

Taekwando championship to allow hijab
May 14th, 2007

Muslms fear backlash from Fort Dix attack plot
May 8th, 2007

Rewriting the Ad Rules for Muslim-Americans
April 28th, 2007

Editorial: Muslims deserve a welcoming campus
April 25th, 2007

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Meet Your Director
May 18th. Maghrib (8:00) at Masjid Hamza for Family Night
May 19th, Maghrib (8:00) at Masjid Maryam
May 19th, Dhuhr (2:00) at Masjid As-Sabireen for Sunday School Graduation
May 25th, Maghrib (8:00) at Masjid As-Salam for Entertainment Night

Meet the new Director of CAIR-Houston and learn the inside scoop on all of our projects. Learn about where we draw the line on protective our civil rights, travel regulations, what to do about a hate crime, and much more. Be there and bring your entire family!

Know Your Law Series: Immigration Law Workshop
Dates and Locations to be announced soon

This workshop is designed to empower all Muslims, regardless of their immigration designation, with the knowledge on how the immigration system works. Topics covered will be how to become a citizen, bring relatives from foreign lands, visa issues, and an extensive question and answer session. The workshop itself will last an hour and thirty minutes.

We will also be covering what you as individuals can do to productively assist Shaykh Zoubir Bouchiki and his immigration issue. For more information please email events@cairhouston.org or call our office at (713) 838-CAIR.

Media Watch Training:
Sunday June 3rd from 11am – 1pm
CAIR-Houston Office
Lunch Provided

Become a part of the Media Watch Committee! We are actively recruiting volunteers for this task. For more information on how to become a member of MWC or more information about the committee itself please visit the Volunteer Center on our website at www.cairhouston.org/volunteer.htm.

Hate Site Response Training
Sunday June 3rd from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
CAIR-Houston Office
Lunch Provided

Become a part of the Hate Site Response Team! We are actively recruiting volunteers for this task. For more information on how to become a member of HSRT or more information about the committee itself please visit the Volunteer Center on our website at www.cairhouston.org/volunteer.htm.

CAIR-Houston Representative Training
Saturday June 9th from 11 am – 1pm
CAIR-Houston Office
Lunch Provided

Want to make an IMPACT on your community? Become a representative of CAIR-Houston in your area. For more information please visit the Volunteer Center on our website at www.cairhouston.org/volunteer.htm.

“Green Light To Healthy Living”
Saturday May 19th, 2007 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm
HCC West Loop Campus

Congressman Al Green, in conjunction with Community Health Choice, the Harris County Hospital District, Houston Community College, invites the general public to his annual Green Light to Healthy Living Health Fair. This EVENT is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The health fair will provide FREE Screenings, SCHIP Application, Valuable Health Education and Much More.

CAIR-Houston Annual Banquet
Saturday August 25th at the Westin Oaks Galleria

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At CAIR, we are always looking for bright individuals who are driven to help the community to assist with our projects. Below are just a few of the projects currently being worked on by staff members and volunteers of CAIR-Houston.

Islam 101 Drive managed by Adeeba Yusuf
This project consists of researching and contacting all organizations in the Greater Houston Area which would be candidates to recieve an Islam 101 presentation. The project is complete and was lauched two weeks ago alhamdolillah. Currently, appointments are being set for presentations in the Greater Houston community. This project was started by Adeeba Yusuf.

Lawyer Database managed by Tabinda Ghani
This project consists of creating a database of lawyers who are willing to work for free or reduced cost rates. At the current moment, the project is nearing completion. Several lawyers have, alhamdolillah agreed to work with CAIR-Houston and provide their services to the community. The project is set to launch by next Wednesday insha'Allah.

Zabihah Food in Public Schools managed by Sara el-Hadik
Sister Sara has created proposals for placement of ready-made zabihah food in public schools and is currently negotiating with several zabihah food vendors to supply their products to Houston ISD's. The Director, Shariq Abdul Ghani, has met with the Superintendents of Fort Bend ISD, Alief ISD, as well as the Food Procurement officer of HISD in regards to this issue. We will insha'Allah have a descision by ISD's by mid-summer.

Hate Site Response Team
The purpose of this project is to search out websites on the internet who are calling for violence, racism, and/or prejudice against Muslims outside of the bounds of First Amendment protection. CAIR-Houston staff will then work closely with hosting companies and domain registrars to take these websites offline. This project is complete and is underway. CAIR-Houston is currently recruiting volunteers for this massive undertaking. Please visit the volunteer center on our website to sign-up at http://www.cairhouston.org/volunteer.htm.

Library Project managed by Sara el-Hadik
The ultimate aim of this project is to provide Public Libraries books which present a clear and balanced view of Islam (i.e. inception, history, and culture). It entails researching which books on the subject of Islam are carried by Fort Bend, Alief, and Harris County Public Libraries, creating proposals for suggested books, and raising funds. Sr. Sara has completed the research and compiled a database of books currently available, and is in the process of drawing up proposals and researching sources for government funding.

Media Watch Committee
The committee's primary duties will entail watching and/or listening to the media and co-ordinate responses to deconstruct sensational and biased coverage of issues pertinent to Muslims and Islam. The purpose is to flag such pieces, to highlight their inaccuracies, and to offer thoughtful analyses that diffuse misconceptions. We are currently recruiting volunteers for this task and will be offering a media watch and response seminar for those who join the committee on June 3rd insha'Allah. Please visit the volunteer center on our website to sign-up at http://www.cairhouston.org/volunteer.htm.

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