2003, 2004, & 2005 ARCHIVED WEBLOG OF PROJECTS, NEWS, & ARTICLES

Christians Find Muslim Allies to Defend Christmas 12/24/05 Source: Ottawa Citizen Christian groups battling the "war on Christmas" have found surprising allies in Jewish and Muslim groups, especially in the United States, who say any religion is more hospitable than aggressive secularism. read more>>>

The Muslim Forum of Utah Screens and Reviews "Munich", The New Movie By Steven Spielberg, by Abdul Malik Muhammad 12/22/05 A thought-provoking, action packed look at the political, moral and historical ramifications of an aspect of terrorism from a side that is rarely seen or discussed, this is new territory for everyone" Abdul Malik-Muslim Forum of Utah

The story begins with the slaughter in Munich and how, immediately afterward, Avner (Eric Bana), a Mossad officer and devoted family man, is recruited by Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir (Lynn Cohen) to lead a covert team of "Mission Impossible"-like operatives to wreak revenge. The vigilantes include a South African getaway driver (Daniel Craig, a.k.a. the new James Bond), a Belgian toymaker-turned-bombmaker (Mathieu Jassovitz), a German forger (Hanns Zischler), a "clean up" man (Ciaran Hinds) and their liaison officer (Geoffrey Rush).

"Munich" By Steven Spielberg 12/13/05 The Muslim Forum of Utah was invited on December 13th to screen the pre-released version of the new movie by Steven Spielberg called "Munich" A historical thriller set in the aftermath of the 1972 massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics.  The film recounts the dramatic story of the secret Israeli squad assigned to track down and assassinate 11 Palestinians believed to have planned the 1972 Munich massacre -- and the personal toll this mission of revenge takes on the team and the man who led it. Eric Bana ("Troy") stars as the Mossad agent charged with leading the band of specialists brought together for this operation.  Inspired by actual events, the narrative is based on a number of sources, including the recollections of some who participated in the events themselves.

Eid Festival At The University of Utah Union Building 10/31/05 Sponsored by the ISGSL Al Furssan Boy Scout Troop, Muslim Girl Scouts of Utah Troop 496 and the University of Utah's MSA.  Please come by and enjoy everything that they have to offer on the premises like: Halal Food (Zabiha from our friends at Desi Market, owned and operated by Br. Afridi and family ZZZZZ Top Rated by the MFU Biz Reviews), Pool Tables, Clothes, Moonwalk, Clowns, Magic Tricks, Bowling, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Islamic CD's, Books, Toys, Games, Booths, Prizes, and even an Obstacle Slide!  Time & Date: Sunday, Nov. 6th, 2005 from Noon to 5:30pm.  Free parking in the Visitor's Parking Lot.  You can visit the U of U MSA website at www.msauu.com for more information inshallah.

ZAWAJ.COM Muslim Matrimonials and More!  10/29/05  The Partner Manager of Zawaj.com was very impressed with our homepage and asked us to place a link to Zawaj.com.  They are an Online Islamic marriage and family magazine, with articles, advice, wedding photos, regional Muslim wedding customs, recipes and Islamic knowledge resources. Plus thousands of Muslim matrimonial ads from all over the world with photos and confidential mailboxes.  We are proud to have Zawaj.com recognize our efforts and reward us by becoming our affiliate.  Hopefully this will be of help to those young brothers and sisters,  who are susceptible to the dangers of zina, to reach their goal of nika inshallah.

The Alrasool Islamic Center (470 E. Stanley Ave. / 3180 S.) Hosting Formal Ramadan Program 9/30/05 starting Wed. Oct. 5th, 2005 when the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin. The program will include fast breaking (iftar), prayer (salat), a potluck dinner, the reading of the Holy Quran, and a lecture by Shaykh Haydar Shirazi, who will be visiting from London and will be here through the entire month of Ramadan. Shaykh Shirazi, will also help perform the acts of The Night of Power as well as for the nights of the 19th and the 21st, which is the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra). Please join and earn blessings during this auspicious month and make this a successful Ramadan God willing.

Presentation on Islam At The Downtown Salt Lake City Library 9/24/05 You are cordially invited to attend A Multimedia Interactive Presentation Followed By Q/A Session on: ISLAM 101  Beliefs/Practices/Misconceptions… “Invite your neighbors, friends or co-workers” Saturday, September 24th, 2005 @ 2:00 PM At The City Downtown Library Room A/B 210 EAST 400 SOUTH Salt Lake City, UT download and distribute flyer>>>

University of Utah Muslim Student's Association Picnic!! 9/12/05
MSA Picnic, the  first event of the year kicks it all off. Come meet new friends, have fun and enjoy a nice summer afternoon with all your Muslim friends. Everyone's invited, so come hungry because they got a lot of food. They are also going to discuss plans for the upcoming year, including Islam Awareness Week and the West Zone Conference, which will insha'Allah be held here at the U!!! TAKBEER!!!!! read more>>>

"Help Hurricane Victims" Says The Newly Formed Utah Muslim Association 9/3/05 - In addition to the donation drive by The Muslim Forum of Utah, the newly formed Utah Muslim Association (U.M.A.) who are former MFU members, have put together a donation drive to help those in need, that were hit by the hurricane.  We are collecting non-perishable food, clothing, hygienic kits, as well as money.  We plan to donate it to the Red Cross and organizations here in Utah that will help out the 1000 people coming to Utah Inshallah.  If you would like to donate please drop your donations at one of the locations listed below or call 918-4488 or 641-6200 to reach the UMA, for The Muslim Forum of Utah please call 859-3769 to arrange a pick up or drop off. Drop off locations>>>

Shabab For Sawaab Muslim Youth Organization Inaugral Meeting 9/3/05 - "Shabab For Sawaab" (Youth For Reward), finally a youth organization that brings Islamic learning and fun all in one...will be having their first meeting on Saturday, September 3, 2005 from 5pm to 7pm (sharp) @ The Khadeeja Mosque (1019 W. Parkway Ave / 2455 S., West Valley, Utah 84119.  Ages 15 to 25 are invited.  The Shabab for Sawaab Group will Inshallah be doing some of the following activities: Islamic Learning, Taleem and Tafseer, Sports: Basketball, Football, Soccer, Outdoor Activities: Hiking, Camping, Picnics, Fun Events: Dinners, Lagoon, Barbeques, and Skiiing, Learning Arabic, and much more.  They need our support, so please go to the first meeting where they will be planning future events for Shabab for Sawaab.  There will also be Pizza and Refreshments. 

Ali Hasnain, University of Utah's Student Body President 9/2/05 - On behalf of the Muslim Forum of Utah, the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake and Masjid Al Rasool, we would like to congratulate Ali Hasnain (right) on his new position as the University of Utah's Student Body President. Ali was sworn in during the month of May by April Heiselt, the Cheif Justice of the ASUU Supreme Court with John Poelman (middle), the Vice President for ASUU.

The Muslim Forum of Utah Raising Money To Donate To The Hurricane Katrina Victims! 9/01/05 - Please donate money in order to help the victims in New Orleans and the rest of the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  All you have to do is click here to donate: DONATE TODAY TO SAVE LIVES.  If the proper support and help does not reach the people of New Orleans the number of deaths will most likely increase.  The Health department said that people could be in danger of dying from Cholera, Typhoid and other diseases as well as the present anarchy, looting, and shootings that are happening.  Your contribution could save the lives of the survivors of this devastating cataclysmic event.  We are open to working with other organizations on joint fund raising events for this tragedy, inquiries are welcome.  CAIR's Message>>>

The Muslim Forum of Utah Recieves Threatening E-Mail 7/24/05 - The MFU recieved an E-Mail today from a Nazi Terrorist, threatening to kill all Muslims: "Please all white man join under one force and kill the muslim...".  Thanks to good Internet security and cooperation with local Utah law enforcement officials, The MFU was able to obtain the IP address of the genocidal maniac and submit it to the Police and FBI.  read full e-mail>>>

The Muslim Forum of Utah Condemns Attacks in London 7/7/05 - The Muslim Forum of Utah is shocked and horrified about several attacks committed on the people of London during their rush hour mass transit.  We join everyone in condemning such acts of terror and senseless violence.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic moment.  We trust that the authorities will determine those responsible for these barbaric acts and bring them to justice quickly. Download Official Press Release>>>

The Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake Condemns Attacks In London 7/7/05 - The Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake was appalled to hear of the terror attacks in London yesterday, July 7, 2005, resulting in the deaths and injury of innocent men, women, and children.  On behalf of all Muslims in the Greater Salt Lake City area, the Society condemns such reprehensible acts and strongly asserts that the killing and harming of innocent victims is contrary to the teachings of Islam. Download Official Press Release>>>You need real player or real one available at www.realplayer.com

ISGSL Working With MFU On Joint Projects 7/13/05 - Nadeem Ahmed (ISGSL Pres.) and Bobby Darvish (MFU Pres.) will be meeting for the second time tonight on 7/13/05 to discuss joint projects and future plans to improve things in the community and to create a strong and contributing Muslim Community through the use of technology and other resources. Some of the important topics include the online presence of the Muslim Community, Intra-faith, Women's Society, and Youth Programs.  If you want to see the results from the first meeting, click here to read the report: Previous Meeting Results.  Currently the ISGSL website has not been maintained, however with the new results from the last meeting, this may change! Also, The MFU will be trying to schedule a meeting with AIC (Alrasool Islamic Center) in order to achieve the same goals.  The meeting should be between Bobby Darvish (MFU Pres.) and The President of AIC.

Peace Trees Salt Lake City 2005  7/12/05 - Peace Trees & The MFU are  working on a joint project to help foster friendship between Muslim and Non-Muslim Youth in Utah.  Sara Eubank (Peace Trees Coordinator) and Karen Johnson (Peace Trees Volunteer) met with Bobby Darvish (MFU President) and Abdul Malik Muhammad (MFU Dir. PR) regarding having Muslim Youth volunteer for the Peace Trees program.  Youth from 14-20 will be working together on trail and reclamation work projects along the Jordan River Corridor.  Basecamp is The Utah National Guard's Camp Williams.  Dorms, mess hall and leadership building and communication workships will be held there.  It will be going on from July 19th to July 28th, 2005.  The participant fee is $250.  Scholarship is available, so please don't let fees stop you! apply today>>>

Delegates From Bangladesh 6/2/05 - Bobby Darvish (MFU Pres.) met with Abdul Awwal Khan Chowdhury (Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Bangladesh Central Missionary), Dr. Aka Firowz Ahmad (University of Dhaka, Dept. of Public Administration, Professor), and Arkanullah Harooni (ATN Bangla/Multi Media Production Co. Ltd., Islamic Programme, Vice Pres.) the three delegates that were guests of the US Department of State from Bangladesh about the "Role of Religion in America" in regards to The Muslim Community in Utah.  It was a successful meeting that even featured Brian Vikander taking pictures for the Saudi Aramco World Magazine Article. 

A Joint Statement from the Muslim Council of Britain and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland 7/7/05 - Deepest sympathy is expressed at the death and suffering which the series of co-ordinated attacks in London has caused to the families and loved ones who have been the victims of this terrible atrocity.  read more>>>

The Role of Religion in America 6/2/05 - The MFU will be meeting with U.S. Department of State guest delegates from Bangladesh, who are here to study "The Role of Religion in America".  The meeting will take place on Monday, July 11th, 2005 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. 

Independence Day 6/2/05 - On July 4, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain and Democracy was born. Every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave" so they can begin their American Dream.  The United States is truly a diverse nation made up of dynamic people. Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate that freedom and independence with barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Through the Internet we are learning about and communicating with people of different nations, with different languages and different races throughout the world. Bringing the world closer with understanding and knowledge can only benefit all nations.  We invite all nations to celebrate with Americans online this Fourth of July.  Happy Birthday, America! July 4, 2005. Advice to Muslims from Imam Hamza Yusuf Hansen. Imam Hamza Yusuf Hansen

The Vatican Meets With The Muslim Forum of Utah 6/24/05 - Bobby Darvish, MFU Pres. and Abdul Malik Muhammad, MFU Dir. of PR met Monsignor Coppola on Monday, June 27, 2005.  Monsignor Coppola is an expert on foreign relations and The Middle East and is interested in talking to Muslims in America, and also would benefit by learning about the interfaith relations between Muslims and other faiths in Utah. pictures>>>

To Flow From The Inner Side Of The Human Equation 6/22/05 - Bobby Darvish, MFU Pres. and Abdul Malik Muhammad, MFU Dir. of PR met with award winning photographer / photo-journalist Brian Vikander.  The Muslim Forum of Utah will embark on a 6 month journey to capture the sites, sounds and feelings of Utah's Muslim population. For the Saudi Aramco World Magazine.  Vikanders imagery artfully examines the natural beauty, cultural history and human fiber of more than 80 countries on six continents. The design of the coverage is to create a faithful, visually realistic and arresting impression of each locale, offering a glimpse into the substance of that area from that region's perspective.  With predominantly Utah Mormon culture and Brian's coverage of a unique Muslim community that has the  fastest growing religion in the world.   The project should turn out to be a classic illustration of Muslims inner side of the Human Equation. Additionally, Brian has been a guest lecturer at the prestigious YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) Universities (India and Hong Kong), the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Plexus (international organization studying complexity) and many other professional business groups, globally. His photographs are part of over 200 museum, government, corporate and private collections around the world including: The Government of India (New Delhi); The GETTY Museum (Los Angeles); and The People's Republic of China (Beijing)and MGM Inc. He has participated in over 40 exhibitions and solo shows.

The President of The Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake Meets With The President of The Muslim Forum of Utah 6/22/05 - The Wednesday meeting between Bobby Darvish (MFU Pres.) and Nadeem Ahmed (ISGSL Pres.),  the two leaders of the Salt Lake Muslim Community, was an important one because it is a recognition of the MFU as a viable and respected addition to The Muslim Community in Utah.  Also, it is a recognition of cooperation between the two independent organizations.  Things that were discussed by the two leaders included: 1) The MFU assisting in the development of the ISGSL's Internet presence, 2) Proper representation of the MFU within the community, 3) Cooperation between the MFU and ISGSL, 4) Shared Office Space, 5) The SLAM Festival,   6) Funding a documentary to be shot by Bridges TV (First American Muslim Satellite TV Network).  Both leaders agreed that these things are necessary for the community and plan to implement these things as soon as it is possible. 

The 2005 Salt Lake American Muslim Festival (SLAM Festival) 6/15/05 - A festival that is held once a year in Salt Lake City, Utah by local Muslims who wish to express the heritage, faith, food, and culture of Islam. There are Muslims of various ethnic and sectarian heritages that bring with them their unique culture. You will probably hear the Sunni and Shia Azan (Call to prayer)! You might get to see people from the Hispanic, African American, and European Muslim ethnic groups as well as many others from Asia, South America, The Middle East and other places. Non-Muslims and Muslims are invited to come and enjoy the festivities...look for The Muslim Forum of Utah booth at the festival and buy a book or any other souvenir that you can find! Aug. 28, 2005, 12 Noon, @ The Salt Lake City Library.  read more>>>

Muslims Feeling Welcome In Utah - Tammy Walquist, Deseret Morning News, 6/11/05 Nadeem Ahmed used to be more in the minority.  As an immigrant from Pakistan and follower of the Islamic faith, he was outside what most would consider mainstream in Utah.  However, the Islamic population in Utah has been steadily growing over the past few years, increasing by about 40 percent. This is partially because of the migration of Somalians and Bosnians, but the demographic also includes Arabs and Pakistanis, said Ahmed, the newly elected president of the Greater Islamic Society of Salt Lake City.  The following boasts 25,000 members statewide, as well as three mosques. The Khadeeja Mosque, located in West Valley City, is not only the largest in Utah but also in the Western states.  Ahmed has felt that the religion has been well-received thus far.  "Overall, we don't have any complaints about anybody," he said. "We feel very blessed. We also feel a special thanks to the LDS Church. We have a very good relationship with them." Ahmed also said Muslims haven't felt tension with other Christian churches in the community. Last summer, when Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun from West Jordan, a practicing Muslim, was thought to be captured in Iraq, an outpouring of care and concern was poured out upon his family - and light was placed upon the Muslim community.  The increased awareness of the community may help Ahmed fulfill his vision of integrating the faith more into Utah. read more>>>

Video: Click here to view the report

ABC National News Segment on CAIR Quran Campaign - 6/9/05
It turns out there is one organization trying to influence public opinion on Islam by giving away the Muslim holy book. This group is not targeting believers, instead they're trying to get the Koran into the hands of Americans who've never seen one before. ABC 's Bill Blakemore has that story. Read more >>>

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. Visited The West Valley Mosque (Khadeeja Islamic Center) for the first time - 6/6/05 While his wife, Mary Kaye, and their oldest daughter Mary Anne covered their heads and sat in the balcony with the women, the governor sat cross-legged among the men on the main floor until it was his time to address the young people. "As governor, it's an honor to be with all of you," Huntsman said. "I consider you friends and important contributors to the state of Utah. We share a common destiny - peace, happiness and tranquility." It is so important for Utah's more than 25,000 Muslims to train their children in the faith so they can share it with others who know nothing about Islam, he said. After the program, Huntsman told The Salt Lake Tribune he was "impressed by the young faces. They represent a cross section of different countries, many of them war-torn." Someday, the governor said, "one of them may be governor." Read more of the Salt Lake Tribune article >>>

CAIR Launches Muslim Volunteerism Campaign - Washington, D.C., - 6/1/05 CAIR today launched an initiative, called "Muslims Care," designed to promote volunteerism in the American Muslim community.  The summer-long campaign offers Muslims the resources and information they need to help improve the communities in which they live by volunteering for worthwhile activities and causes. "Muslims Care" is designed as an annual effort, with a focus this year on health awareness, helping the needy and activities for the youth. CAIR launched its campaign through a new website, www.muslims-care.org, at which potential volunteers may download a toolkit containing information about how to become a volunteer and suggesting volunteer activities such as blood drives, health awareness fairs and student tutoring.

Iranian-American Muslims Open Free Health Clinic In Salt Lake City, Utah, USA - 5/13/05 (Salt Lake Tribune Excerpt - www.sltrib.com) The Maliheh Clinic - pronounced Muh-LEE-ah - is one of four charity clinics in Salt Lake County. While others cater to the homeless or poorest of the poor, this clinic is designed to serve the working poor - those who earn slightly more than $20,000 for a family of four. Built from foundation and corporate donations, the Maliheh Free Clinic, 415 E. and 3900 South, celebrated its grand opening on Thursday. On hand for the ceremony were Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., legislators, philanthropists, business leaders and volunteers who conducted tours of the outpatient medical facility. "No one will be turned away. But we're really here for the   people who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to buy private insurance," said Mansoor Emam, the clinic's medical director. Emam spent his formative years in Dezful, an impoverished city in southern Iran virtually without medical services. He came to Utah as a teenager to attend school, become a doctor and realize his "lifelong dream" of aiding the sick and poor. To get the clinic online took the good will of many, primarily the Semnani Foundation, which is keeping the operation afloat its first year and covering an estimated half-million dollars in supplies, drugs and utilities. The clinic is named after the grandmother of the foundation's benefactor, Khosrow Semnani. Maliheh is Persian and means "comfort and beauty," said Semnani, founder of the radioactive-waste disposal company Envirocare of Utah. The new clinic is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon for scheduled preventive care visits, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for walk-ins who need urgent care.  read more>>>

New Movie Out May 6th, Depicting The Crusades "Kingdom of Heaven" - 5/04/05 Bobby Darvish, The President of The Muslim Forum of Utah along with other American Muslim representatives recently took part in a screening of “Kingdom of Heaven” They said the film is a “positive” depiction of Islamic culture during the Crusades. They also said that one of the film's most striking messages, that Muslims and Christians can live together in peace, will provide an opportunity for increased interfaith dialogue. In the film, the bad guys are not all Muslims and the Christians are not all angels. Perhaps “Kingdom of Heaven” will do for Muslims what Kevin Costner's "Dances with Wolves" did for Native Americans, humanize a perceived "other." Unfortunately, Internet chat rooms and talk radio shows are already abuzz with the concerns of those who cannot fathom how Muslims can be portrayed as dignified, proud and humane people for whom the ends did not justify the means. Media reports indicated that some conservative Christians are “marshalling their forces” against the film, claiming it is “insulting and unfair.” Perhaps all of us could take a lesson or two from Salahuddin Ayubi (Saladin) the great Muslim general depicted in the film who, even when attacked, upheld Islamic traditions of hospitality, prohibiting the killing of non-combatants and advocating kindness to people of other faiths. read more>>>

New! Kingdom of Heaven: Saladin Costume Replicas!

World Refugee Day - 4/14/05 As most of you know, June 20^th   is World Refugee Day.   This year local refugee service providers, such as CCS and IRC, have decided to organize a celebration on Sunday, June 19^th downtown at the Gallivan Center.  The event will be a great opportunity to educate Salt Lake City on different refugee communities, their cultures and traditions.  We are looking for different ethnic associations who would like to participate in the World Refugee Day celebration – this can be cultural dancing, singing, displaying art/crafts for sale, or having a booth.  Please contact me immediately if you or your association is interested in participating.  I hope to see everyone there! - Marta Woolridge; (801) 328-1091, ext 109; Martaw@theirc.org.

MFU President Visits The Cathedral of The Madeline - 04/06/05 Bobby Darvish, The President of the Muslim Forum of Utah visited The Cathedral of The Madeline in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA today in order to pay respects to the late Pope of The Catholic Church.  The Pope was well known in the Muslim community for being the first Pope to apologize for the Crusades on behalf of the Catholic Church.  In addition he kissed The Holy Qur'an during a visit to the Middle East while visiting with Islamic Scholars.  Hopefully the future Popes and other Christian leaders follow his lead in interfaith dialogue and work for the benefit of all humanity. 

The US Patriot Act Discussion at The University of Utah - Did you know that your phone can be tapped, your emails can be read, and your voice messages on your cell phone can be heard without your knowledge? Join us in a discussion about what the patriot act is, why the act came into effect, and the vast impact it has had on many in the United States.  Featuring professor Howard Lehman from the political science department and U of U students. Date: April 12, 2005  Time: 2:30-3:30pm Place: Union Theatre (free popcorn!)

Muslims join LDS to send tsunami aid

"S.L. society donates $4,000 this month to Mormon relief effort "Salt Lake City's Islamic population is teaming up with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to keep aid flowing to Indonesian countries still recovering from December's tsunami and recent earthquakes.  The Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake donated about $4,000 to the LDS relief effort for tsunami victims this month, an amount collected in individual donations from the group's members.  "It has nothing to do with religion; it's a humanitarian thing," society member Nadeem Ahmed said. "We were not doing it just for Muslims. It's for human beings."

-By Erin Stewart Deseret Morning News

Hayya Ala Al-Falah: “A Call to All Youth, To The Light of The Truth,” is a conference, for the Muslim youth, by the Muslim youth and of the Muslim youth. Set to take place in our beautiful state of Utah , it will be the first of its kind ever to happen here. Nationally renowned speakers will flock in, along with local attendees and those from neighboring states, to increase their faith, strengthen their spirits and join the Muslims in an environment that is nothing less than uplifting. This is a call to all youth, to come to success, to come to prosperity and in due course, come to the light of the Truth. This is our ultimate goal, to achieve success in this life and the next. As Muslim youth, we will stop at nothing in achieving our goal, insha’Allah. Taking it one step at a time, this conference is our first step. For more info visit www.msauu.com or e-mail the MSA at msauu@yahoo.com

Friday March 4, 2005 Abdul Malik Muhammad (R) met with a Delegation from Morocco to discuss and implement a program to conduct business in Morocco.  The U.S. has entered into free trade agreements with Jordan, Singapore, Chile, Australia and Morocco.  Dr. Mokhtar Benabdallaoui (L) is the professor of Islamic Contemporary Thought at Benmsik Faculty of Arts, Hassan II University.  They are also working on an exchange program for African American Muslim students who are interested in studying abroad.  The program will be implemented and dispersed to the Imams and Businesses across America.  The information to create Business proposals for services needed in Morocco will also be passed on to Conveners of the NYAA Business Summit that will be taking place in Charlotte North Carolina on May the thirteenth thru fifteenth of this year.  For more information on the Business Summit log onto www.calltohumanity.org  To check on the Congressional Budget and for FY2005 go to www.usaid.gov (Please go into click on the Business Section to get any details on conducting business in Morocco)

Symposium on Contemporary Islam At Brigham Young University Thursday March 17 through Saturday March 19, 2005 (day and evening sessions) Bobby Darvish, the President of The Muslim Forum of Utah and Sara Fayyaz, the Director of the Council on Women's Affairs visit symposium at BYU.  Guest speakers: Mumtaz Ahmad, Aminah Assilmi, Ibrahim Hooper, Aminah Beverly McCloud, and Tahera Qutbuddin. See flyer for details of lectures, times, locations, and speaker bios. Organize carpools and lets go!

International and Ethnic World Arts Night at U of U On Thursday March 24 at 8:00 PM in the University of Utah Union Ballroom, Noon Concerts presents the best in International and Ethnic performances at the annual World Arts Night.  In 1976 the Noon Concerts leadership started this event which has continued each year since at the U of U and is free to the public. This year the international and ethnic groups participating include: the U of U Character Dance Ensemble, Folkdancers from BYU, Dionysius Greek Dancers, Samba Gringa, Folklor Latino, the Oom Papas, Eastern Arts, Idylwild, SwingnJive & Swing Kids dancers, the Salt City Saints and more. The concert will feature dance & music from: Afghanistan, America, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chinese Turkistan, France, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Yugoslavia. The international and ethnic arts evening is funded in part by: ASUU, Salt Lake City Arts Council, Salt Lake County Zoo Arts & Parks Program, Utah Arts Council & National Endowment for the Arts. For more information call 548-7404.  Please send out this notice to everyone you can think of since it is a very diverse event, educational, entertaining and FREE.

Anti-Mormon and Anti-Muslim sentiments revealed on a comprehensive website called "faith-based.com".  It is interesting to note that the animosity shown specifically to Mormonism, Islam, and other religions on this site is rather disturbing.  Those who have a conscience may want to check it out to see if it is promoting hate or not. 

Faith & Ethnic Job Discrimination In Utah has been a subject of constant debate among Muslims and Non-Muslims.  It is necessary to point out that the official stance of the LDS Church is that there should not be discrimination between Mormons and Non-Mormons.  However, there have been individual cases of non-Muslims at various levels of corporations, colleges,  schools and state government organizations doing un-ethical practices that do not adhere to either The Constitution of the United States or the LDS Church.  This is why we are providing a copy of "An Employers Guide To Muslim Religious Practices" for those corporate, college, school, state, and church institutions who wish to have knowledge and be sensitive not only to the hiring and firing practices in regards to Muslims, in addition to help them understand thier Muslim worker/student when they do possibly hire them.  For those Muslims who have had experiences of biggotry or racism involved with thier faith or ethnicity, they may contact CAIR for legal action and/or counseling.

TRAGEDY OF EPIC PROPORTIONS - THE MUSLIM FORUM OF UTAH CALLS UPON MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS TO ASSIST TSUNAMI VICTIMS The biggest earthquake to hit the planet in four decades struck at 6:58 a.m. (local time) the day after Christmas, December 26, off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The earthquake and ensuing tsunamis it created have killed, at last count, approximately 135,000 people in eleven countries.  Donate to the Tsunami victims today! Donate>>> Also, contact your local Mosques and businesses to see if they are accepting donations for the Tsunami victims.

Soup Kitchen feeding the homeless and needy of Salt Lake City during Christmas. Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering this year to prepare christmas dinner at the homeless shelter. I am looking for volunteers X-mas Eve from 1-5 PM to cook in the kitchen, sort clothing, and prepare for the children's party. On Christmas day, volunteers may work in the kitchen 7:30 AM, serve food Noon-2 PM, clean kitchen, 2-5 PM, prepare and deliver takeouts 8 AM-11 AM, help with the children party Noon -3 PM. Thank you! -Abtihal, 573-1504 C, 277-0966 H, 595-5434 W.

Join us..."We are looking for volunteers and members to join The Muslim Forum of Utah and contribute to the enrichment of the community! If you are a professional and would like to volunteer your professional services in the legal, civil rights, social work, and/or Interfaith related fields, that would be appreciated.  The Muslim Forum of Utah is engaged in education, civil rights, social work and interfaith related projects and events.  The event that launched the MFU was The Festival of Abraham, however since then we have had other projects and events and hope to have many more in the future. If you have an idea for an event or project, feel free to contact us. Also, the MFU supports the annual Salt Lake American Muslim Cultural Festival (SLAM).  Our first event was "The Festival of Abraham" which was a discussion panel of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scholars about the common heritage of Abraham.  All three are considered Abrahamic Faiths."

—Bobby Darvish, President of The Muslim Forum of Utah

Thursday, 04 January 2007

Please send us your information if you have any announcements to make or would like us to list or review your business or organization! Please email us at info@muslim-forum.org .

Eid Ul-Fitr Mubarak! To the 20,000 Muslims and 580,000 non-Muslims who reside in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sunday, November 14, 2004 The moon should be easily visible on the evening of Sat. Nov. 13th throughout North America.  We would encourage everyone to go out to sight the new moon with their friends and families.  It will be visible shortly after sunset, slightly to the left, and above where the sun set. Send out your greetings with the EID stamp!
 

Eid Ul-Fitr Movie Release: Muhammad - The Last Prophet Animated Epic  Order tickets for the new animated film "Muhammad: The Last Prophet" before October 25 and receive 25-40% discounts. The film will be released on Eid ul-Fitr in theaters nationwide. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold in theaters. To purchase tickets and to view the movie's trailer, go to: http://www.finemediagroup.com Perfect for school trips and eid parties. 
SEE: "Film About Prophet Muhammad to Open in Theatres"  http://www.cair-net.org/asp/article.asp?id=1250&page=NR Local Utah Viewing:

Happy Ramadan! Based on reported crescent sighting in Austin, Texas by two witnesses, the Islamic Shura Council of North America and the Fiqh Council of North America declare ::Friday, October 15th:: the first day of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak!  Download the Ramadan Q&A For Employers, Co-Workers, & Friends.  download PDF>>> MFU's Ramadan page click here>>> You are welcome to join the COMMUNITY RAMADAN IFTAR (Fast Breaking) @ Lone Peak Park, Sunday October 31st! download PDF flyer>>>  Also, check out the University of Utah's Muslim Student Association homepage for Ramadan programs, updates and events. click here>>>

Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the United States today. According to one recent survey, there are 1,209 mosques in America, well over half founded in the last 20 years. Between 17 and 30 percent of American Muslims are converts to the faith.  read more>>>

An Introduction to Islam by Diana Beatty - Islam was not born in the 7th century A.D. Rather, it is the same religion that God revealed through His messengers (peace be upon them) to every people. Islam sometimes seems strange to non-Muslims because it is a religion which impacts every part of life, from eating and sleeping to working and playing. It is not only a personal religion, but also a social one. read more>>> Biblical verses that agree with the Quran read more>>> Also, read The Holy Quran.