|
|
|
|
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/NEWS01/806090316/-1/comm Different countries are featuredWAPPINGERS FALLS - The Muslim world, from Guyana in South America to countries in the Middle East, was represented Sunday during the inaugural Islamic Culture Day at the Masjid Al-Noor About 300 people attended the event hosted by the mosque's Sunday school and the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. The festival featured presentations and displays about aspects of the Islamic world. About 60 flags representing countries with Muslim populations, including the United States, were displayed as Sunday school students explained basic tenets of their culture - such as the "Five Pillars of Islam." Food from regions such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the West Indies was served. Pizza was available for those who were feeling less adventurous. Ahmed Uro, a Poughkeepsie resident who attends Dutchess Community College, hosted a panel detailing different aspects of the Islamic world in Africa. Uro, a native of Sudan, said he relished the opportunity. "It's kind of fun to show people my culture and experiences," Uro said. "Most people are open-minded, but it's more interesting to speak to people who aren't so much, so you can help them understand." Syed Moin, president of the Sunday school, said the event was a way for the more than 200 active students to learn about different culture. Although they all share the same faith, many aren't aware of the situations from which other classmates come. "You see them in school, in the mall or in other places and they're wearing American clothing," explained Aziz Ahsan, a spokesman for the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. "But the local regions can shape how Islam is celebrated. Although there are many similarities, there are also subtle differences such as the variations in clothes that are worn." Janet Trupia, an East Fishkill resident, said she drives by Masjid Al-Noor all the time, but never stopped and went inside until Sunday. She was amazed by what she saw. "I think what's beautiful is the color and fashions of all the different countries that are represented," Trupia said. "It's like traveling the world right here in the mosque." Tayyaba Rehman, who manned an informational display on Pakistan, said she was proud to show off her heritage. But she said it only represents one aspect of who she is. "I'm an American first of Pakistani descent," Rehman said. "My identity was made in the United States." Reach Rasheed Oluwa at roluwa@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4823. =================================== US CONGRESS PASSES RAMADAN BILL This is HISTORIC for American- Muslims and Muslims around the world. This is the first time in history that the United States Congress will commemorate and recognize the month of Ramadan as the Islamic holy month. The language from the bill text is below for your viewing. 110th CONGRESS 1st Session - H. RES. 635 Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 5, 2007 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, Mr. MEEKS of New York , and Mr. KEITH ELLISON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith. Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith; Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks; Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide; Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That-- (1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and (2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion. The Congress passed the resolution unanimously 376-0 on October 2, 2007
=======================================================
=========================================================================
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050516/NEWS01/505160322/1006
Monday, May 16, 2005
Good deeds echo across the countyJews, Muslims join in effortBy Kathianne Boniello
Scrubbing vintage aircraft, cooking and delivering food for the hungry, giving blood on Sunday those and other good deeds played out throughout Dutchess County. The various projects, more than a dozen of them, were part of the first Mitzvah Ihsan Day, a collaboration between the Jewish and Muslim communities in Dutchess to serve nonprofit groups and sites throughout the area. Both mitzvah and ihsan mean "to do good deeds." Dutchess County Jewish Family Services, a division of the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County, has sponsored Mitzvah Day for several years. This year's effort was co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. Evelyn Barosin spent the day putting together a large mailing for the Highland Cultural Center. "I think I'm wearing off my fingerprints," the LaGrange resident said laughingly, before adding the work was worth it. "Without a doubt." Susan Goodman Goldstein helped organize the day. Her husband Glenn spent most of it cooking. "They were battleship-size meatloafs," Glenn Goldstein said of the 100 pounds of meat, 50 pounds of roasted garlic potatoes and other food he helped prepare for the Lunch Box soup kitchen in the City of Poughkeepsie. "It's a good feeling." Susan Goldstein said the whole day "just works out beautifully. It's really nice." Variety of projects Projects included cleaning up at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, blood drives, knitting blankets and small dolls for children, landscaping and yard work in several locations. The day was an example of diverse communities working together, said Aziz Ahsan of the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. "Everybody who was participating was smiling," said Ahsan, an organizer. "It is the Jewish people and the Muslim people working for the greater good." Taryn Dupree, a City of Poughkeepsie resident and member of the Audrey Morgenstern Knitting Group, knew why she was donating her time Sunday. "I feel good," she said, knitting a doll that would become a rabbit. "I'm glad to be a part of it. And hopefully if I need something one day, somebody will be generous to me." A good feeling was what Destinee Vittone, 10, of the Town of Poughkeepsie, and Spencer Cutler, 11, of Wappingers Falls, had too. "You just feel good knowing that you're helping out," Cutler said.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Volunteers sought to do community 'good deeds'Volunteers of all ages and religious backgrounds are invited to help with more than 30 public service projects throughout Dutchess County for Mitzvah-Ihsan Day on May 15. The event is being coordinated by Jewish Family Services of Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. Mitzvah and Ihsan mean ''good deed.'' The event is based on the Jewish tenet of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and the Muslim counterpart Islah-i-Alam. 'Getting together' ''The whole idea is the community getting together, the Jewish community, the Muslim community, everyone,'' said Aziz Ahsan of the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. Volunteers are invited to help with projects such as fixing the Appalachian Trail in East Fishkill, doing yard work at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum and cleaning the Kimlin Cider Mill in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Collections will also take place for boxes of cereal; unused toiletries and small personal items; and new and used children's books, videos and games. The event will start at 9 a.m. with a breakfast at the Jewish Community Center, 110 Grand Avenue, Poughkeepsie. The event will end at 4 p.m. with dinner at the Masjid Al-Noor, 125 All Angels Hill Road, Wappingers Falls. The event is free and registration is required. Call Jewish Family Services of Dutchess County at 845-471-9817. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/today/localnews/stories/lo102504s5.shtml
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
