Ms Hardrive

Mosques in America: CBC Convention Theme, May 25, 09, Holiday Inn, Skokie, 9am-11pm





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Ever since the dawn of Islam, mosques have played a dominant role in the lives of Muslims across the globe. Whether it was simply built with adobe bricks and native palm leaves, as was the first mosque in Medina or with marble, stone and Iznic tiles as was the magnificent Blue Mosque in Istanbul, mosques have touched the spiritual, cultural, social and political lives of Muslims throughout the ages. In the beginning when social structures within the newborn Muslim society were absent, it served as a mother institution providing for all the needs of the community. Accordingly it served not only as a place of worship, but also as a place for community dialogue, discussions and decisions. When tools of communications were limited, it provided means for sharing information and spreading messages. When schools were not established, it doubled as a place for learning and education. When courts were not established it served as a place for judicial deliberations and settling grievances. When offices of state did not exist it became the seat of local government, where diplomats were welcomed, delegations housed and the affairs of the community decided. For the homeless it provided shelter, for the hungry it offered food and for the weary traveler, a place to rest. As the community matured and the infrastructure for social and political institutions evolved, the Mosque could no longer remain the nerve center of the community that once it was, giving up many of its functions it once embraced to these other developing institutions. However, one significant function they retained exercising periodically great influence and power within the community. It was the power of the congregational prayer to unite, inspire and motivate people to acts of great heroism and deeds of awesome accomplishments. That power still remains within its hallowed surroundings.



Today, seventy five years after the first mosque was built in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the mosques in America are undergoing a historic evolution too as they are coming of age. We see that change in the sheer numbers of mosques, by most estimates to be over 2,000, dotting the landscape of America, from small towns to big cities. We see that in the appearances of the mosques as they have become more architecturally spectacular, with imposing domes, attractive arches and tall minarets. We witness that in the ever-increasing size of the crowds that come to pray on Juma and during Ramadan. We see that in the gradual growth of outreach and interfaith activities aimed at breaking down barriers and opening new pathways for friendship and understanding. We see that in the higher enrollment figures for the weekend schools within the mosques as the demand for Islamic education of the children increases. Within the fabric of all these changes is woven the fiber of the community’s financial capacity which over time is sure to come under greater challenge.



Historically the mosques within Muslim homelands were financially supported by endowments of the rich or from treasure chests of the state. Some had business enterprises located on their premises, providing a source of steady revenue. As the fortunes of Muslims suffered, these sources dried up. For a while it would be the individual contributions of the worshipers that would sustain them. Gradually as the mosques lost their role as centers of community life, retaining their position, as places of prayer alone, they became increasingly neglected social structures. Ultimately many of the smaller ones fell into disrepair, while some of the bigger and more beautiful ones became historic sites identified as places of tourist interest and became wards of the state.



Clearly this picture of the history of mosques is painted by a broad brush on the canvas of time. Perhaps the details from some regions may provide exceptions. This much however is obvious. For the mosque to survive without the generosity of the state, it has to offer more than the basic service to pray. That something beyond praying which assures the sustained financial commitment of the community it serves is indeed the quest.



A study of history is of little relevance if it does not cause us to pause and reflect. A study of the history of mosques elsewhere should give us important clues to follow here in America as we embrace ourselves to meet the challenges that lie ahead. Pouring all our financial resources into an institution that focuses on the narrow may work for the short term but not for the long. Bigger powers with greater financial capacity have tried that course before and left us with important relics to learn from.



This is the reason why we have chosen this year’s theme for the 4th Annual Community Builders Convention to be “The Evolving Role of Mosques in America.” We trust this effort of ours will prove beneficial for our community in its endeavors to build institutions in America that will survive and succeed not only today but tomorrow as well.



We have brought together four panels of distinguished community members who have strong connections with both our mosques and our community, to reflect upon four different but inter connected roles as well as challenges that our mosques face. We feel very fortunate to have such a rich pool of knowledge and experience within our community that we are able to draw upon. We are grateful to all of them for volunteering to join in this effort and share their collective wisdom. May Allah bless them and reward them.



Azher Quader

Executive Director, CBC

Community Builders - Home



4th Annual Convention

Community Builders Chicago (CBC)



Memorial Day

Mon, May 25, 2009

9am-11pm,

Bazaar, Banquet, Cultural Program

BanquetTickets $50 each



Workshops: 9am-5pm

Free



Holiday Inn North Shore

5300 W. Touhy Ave, Skokie, IL 60077



For Bazaar: 847 409-8024

For Souvenir: 847 309-9835

For Banquet: 773 770-6166

For Workshops: 773 770-6166

email: info@mycommunitybuilders.com





Theme: The Evolving Role of Mosques in America




Workshop A: Promoting Ideology or not: Salafi, Sufi, Hanafi, Shafi?

Should mosques insist on promoting a single ideological strand or remain welcoming of all.

Panelists: Prof.Inamul Haq, Sheikh Amin, Imam Mukhtar Faizi to be confirmed

Facilitator: Azam Nizamuddin, Esq.



Workshop B: Public Policy & Governance:

Should mosques be involved in the advocacy of such issues of public policy as civil rights, immigration, health care, gun control, family values & homeland security? Should governance of mosques suitably change to allow this to happen?

Panelists: Malik Mujahid, Reema Ahmad, Kareem Irfan,

Facilitator: Kamran Memon, Esq.



Workshop C: Today's mosques: Men's clubs or a place for the entire family?

Do our mosques provide a spiritual safe haven or facilities for younger professionals and the youth? What are some of the concerns and issues faced by women when attending the mosque?

Panelists: Prof.Marcia Hermansen, Habeeb Quadri, Amina Saeed,

Facilitator: Parvez Ahmed Esq.



Workshop D: Reaching Out:

Putting Community Service in High Gear. What are the programs that mosques can adopt to reach out to their neighbors and improve their lives?

Panelists: Itedal Shalabi, (Arab American Family Services, Arab American Family Services ), Ashfaq Mohiuddin (Urban Muslim Minority Alliance, The UMMA Center - Home ), Rami Nashashibi, to be confirmed (Inner-city Muslim Action Network, ..:: INNER CITY MUSLIM ACTION NETWORK ::.. ), Ayesha Sultana (Compassionate Care Network, ccnchicago - Home )

Facilitator: Junaid Afeef Esq.

dhobi_bhai

Is the workshop different than what will be in the banquet?