MCC Academy Featured in Education Week National News Selected from among a handful of other public and private schools in the country, MCC Academy was chosen to submit a commentary, op-ed article, to Education Week National News addressing an education topic that MCCA parents care about greatly. Students, teachers, and parents enjoyed seeing their school highlighted in the article titled “Building Community, One Student at a Time,” submitted by MCC Academy, and the video and photos Education Week came out to take to complement this op-ed. e article and video was published last month and is still available to view online at http://www.edweek.org/. Send address corrections to: Muslim Community Center 4380 North Elston Avenue Chicago, IL. 60641 Phone: (773) 725-9047 Fax: (773) 725-1616 Membership Questions: [email protected]Muslim Community Center 4380 North Elston Avenue Chicago, IL. 60641 www.mccchicago.org (Continued on second page) Phone: 847-503-9009 Web: www.glenbrookmontessori.com Email: [email protected]3217 Springdale Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025 The Message The Message A Publication of The Muslim Community Center, Chicago, IL Ayah of the Month “And those who were given the Book did not disagree but after the clear proof came to them. While they were not ordered but to worship Allah, making their submission exclusive for him with no deviation, and to establish Salah and pay Zakah. That is the way of the straight religion.” Surah Al-Bayyinah [98:4-5] Hadith of the Month Anas related that the Prophet (S) said, “If any Muslim plants something or sows seed from which a man, a bird or an animal eats, it counts as a charity for him.” Narrated by Bukhari, Muslim President’s Message Dear Brothers and Sisters, Assalam-o-Alaikum I pray and hope that Inshallah you and your families are in good health and Iman. During this month of December, you will also observe the month of Rabi-ul Awwal, a blessed month in which Prophet Mohammad (S) was born to become as a mercy to whole mankind. We are all blessed to be his Ummah. I am happy to announce that Mufti Hafiz Nazim Mangera has joined MCC as a full time Imam starting December 1. Please make an effort to meet him, greet him, and introduce yourself. Inshaallah he will be busy in serving MCC community. We all know the brutal shooting of Paris, France in which more than 100 innocent people lost their lives. We as Muslims condemn that kind of massacre. Since the murderers had Muslim names, a backlash against Muslims is being observed. I ask all of you to be extra careful in these days, and call the police if you observe any kind of backlash or harassment. MCC Administration has already approached the Administrations of Chicago, Morton Grove, and Skokie for having improved police patrol around our centers. I wrote to MCC area Alderman requesting extra police patrol around MCC. Police also increased patrol around MEC. We also have our own securities at the centers especially when we have children and extra attendance. Please be extra vigilant even when you go to your routine business. May Allah (SWT) guide and help us during difficult times. We all heard the sad news of the passing away of a very prominent Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmed Sakr. May Allah (SWT) bless him with high place in paradise. He was a source of light for Muslims in USA and abroad. You can read more about him in e Message. MCC continuously strives for new programs and we encourage you to participate. You can always check the TV monitors or inquire from the office about these programs. MEC Masjid office is open from Friday through Sunday. For any issues, contact the office. In order to better serve its community, MCC Vol. 46a • No. 12 Safar - Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1437 December 2015 -Immigration Law; Marriage/Family Based/Adjustment of Status Fiance(e)/Spouse Petition (K-1 and K-3 Visas). Citizenship. Professional Workers/H-1B & Perm -Divorce -Bankruptcy -Accidents/Personal Injury Community Shocked and Saddened by Paris Tragedy e Friday of December 13, 2015 witnessed one of the deadliest attacks in Paris. is coordinated attack – claimed to have been carried out by ISIS – caused 130 deaths; it shocked and saddened the Muslim community here and across the globe. Muslims and Islamic organizations were swift in condemning the attacks and were unanimous in expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. Thank You Kim! Sensing a backlash from the Paris attacks and a phobic attitude toward Muslim, a friend of our local community sent the following note of concern and support to a community member of ours - for which we are eternally thankful! (Continued on third page) Students at MCC Academy Place your ad(s) here. Call 773-725-9047 2015 MCC Elections on Sunday, December 13 MCC’s Elections are scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2015. A voting member may vote in person at the Elston Avenue location or at MEC Morton Grove between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Voters need to bring a government issued photo ID for voting. e membership will be choosing one president, one woman director, two youth directors, and three directors in general category. Short biographies of the candidates are given on page 2 this issue of e Message, inshaAllah! Membership form are enclosed with this issue of e Message for renewing your membership. (See page 2 for election details)
Transcript
MCC Academy Featured in Education Week
National NewsSelected from among a handful of other public and private schools in the country, MCC Academy was chosen to submit a commentary, op-ed article, to Education Week National News addressing an education topic that MCCA parents care about greatly. Students, teachers, and parents enjoyed seeing their school highlighted in the article titled “Building Community, One Student at a Time,” submitted by MCC Academy, and the video and photos Education Week came out to take to complement this op-ed. The article and video was published last month and is still available to view online at http://www.edweek.org/.
Send address corrections to:Muslim Community Center4380 North Elston AvenueChicago, IL. 60641Phone: (773) 725-9047Fax: (773) 725-1616
Glenbrook Montessori is an academic preschool and kindergarten (fully accredited by American Montessori Society for children ages 2½ to 6 years). We are committed to offer a quality education at an affordable price.
Registration Open Owned and operated by Muslim educators
Phone: 847-503-9009Web: www.glenbrookmontessori.comEmail: [email protected] Springdale Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025
The MessageThe MessageA Publication of The Muslim Community Center, Chicago, IL
Ayah of the Month“And those who were given the Book did not disagree but after the clear proof came to them. While they were not ordered but to worship Allah, making their submission exclusive for him with no deviation, and to establish Salah and pay Zakah. That is the way of the straight religion.” Surah Al-Bayyinah [98:4-5]
Hadith of the MonthAnas related that the Prophet (S) said, “If any Muslim plants something or sows seed from which a man, a bird or an animal eats, it counts as a charity for him.” Narrated by Bukhari, Muslim
President’s MessageDear Brothers and Sisters,
Assalam-o-Alaikum
I pray and hope that Inshallah you and your families are in good health and Iman. During this month of December, you will also observe the month of Rabi-ul Awwal, a blessed month in which Prophet Mohammad (S) was born to become as a mercy to whole mankind. We are all blessed to be his Ummah. I am happy to announce that Mufti Hafiz Nazim Mangera has joined MCC as a full time Imam starting December 1. Please make an effort to meet him, greet him, and introduce yourself. Inshaallah he will be busy in serving MCC community.
We all know the brutal shooting of Paris, France in which more than 100 innocent people lost their lives. We as Muslims condemn that kind of massacre. Since the murderers had Muslim names, a backlash against Muslims is being observed. I ask all of you to be extra careful in these days, and call the police if you observe any kind of backlash or harassment.
MCC Administration has already approached the Administrations of Chicago, Morton Grove, and Skokie for having improved police patrol around our centers. I wrote to MCC area Alderman requesting extra police patrol around MCC. Police also increased patrol around MEC. We also have our own securities at the centers especially when we have children and extra attendance. Please be extra vigilant even when you go to your routine business. May Allah (SWT) guide and help us during difficult times.
We all heard the sad news of the passing away of a very prominent Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmed Sakr. May Allah (SWT) bless him with high place in paradise. He was a source of light for Muslims in USA and abroad. You can read more about him in The Message.
MCC continuously strives for new programs and we encourage you to participate. You can always check the TV monitors or inquire from the office about these programs. MEC Masjid office is open from Friday through Sunday. For any issues, contact the office.
In order to better serve its community, MCC
Vol. 46a • No. 12 Safar - Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1437 December 2015
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi
Benjamin Eye Care Center5201 S. Willow Springs Rd., Suite 280
La Grange, Il 60525 Phone: 708-354-2008
Fax: 708-354-2092www.BENJAMINEYECARE.com
-Immigration Law; Marriage/Family Based/Adjustment of StatusFiance(e)/Spouse Petition (K-1 and K-3 Visas). Citizenship. Professional Workers/H-1B & Perm-Divorce-Bankruptcy-Accidents/Personal Injury
Community Shocked and Saddened by Paris
TragedyThe Friday of December 13, 2015 witnessed one of the deadliest attacks in Paris. This coordinated attack – claimed to have been carried out by ISIS – caused 130 deaths; it shocked and saddened the Muslim community here and across the globe. Muslims and Islamic organizations were swift in condemning the attacks and were unanimous in expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
Thank You Kim!Sensing a backlash from the Paris attacks and a phobic attitude toward Muslim, a friend of our local community sent the following note of concern and support to a community member of ours - for which we are eternally thankful! (Continued on third page)
Students at MCC Academy Place your ad(s) here.
Call 773-725-9047
2015 MCC Elections on Sunday, December 13
MCC’s Elections are scheduled for Sunday, December 13, 2015. A voting member may vote in person at the Elston Avenue location or at MEC Morton Grove between 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Voters need to bring a government issued photo ID for voting. The membership will be choosing one president, one woman director, two youth directors, and three directors in general category. Short biographies of the candidates are given on page 2 this issue of The Message, inshaAllah! Membership form are enclosed with this issue of The Message for renewing your membership. (See page 2 for election details)
2015 MCC Elections on Sunday, December 13Candidates’ ForumThere will be a candidates’ forum at MCC on December 6, 2015 starting at 2:00 PM. All the candidates contesting MCC elections for 2015 are requested to join the forum. Refreshment will be served, inshaAllah!
List of CandidatesAs per the MCC Bylaws and the MCC Nomination Procedure, the Nomination Committee compiled and issued the following list of candidates for the 2015 MCC Elections.
Position: President (Vacancy: One) 1) Afsar Ali, 2) Mohammad Sarwar Nasir Position: Director, Women Category (Vacancy: One) 1) Khadija Ahmed, 2) Najiba Miraki Position: Director, Youth Category (Vacancies: Two) 1) Alber Ahmed, 2) Mohammad Tauseef Akbar, 3) Anas Gandhi, 4) Shaizan Malik Position: Director, General Category (Vacancies: Three) 1) Afsar Ali, 2) Shahjehan Baig, 3) Usman Baki, 4) Masood Bijapuri, 5) Mazhar Khan, 6) Omer Khan
Bios of Candidates President Category
Afsar AliBy the Grace of Allah (SWT) I have been volunteering at MCC for more than 20 years in various capacities, including but not limited to chairing committees, serving on the MCC Board, and being a teacher in the MCC Sunday School. My formal training includes a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master’s & Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Professionally, I work in Research & Development for a multinational corporation. Currently I am the Chairman of Part-Time Schools’ Academic Council overseeing the several schools under MCC umbrella. Previously, alhamdulillah, as the Principal of MCC Sunday School for more than 10 years, it was a humbling experience for me managing & interacting with
2 3
MCC Publications CommitteeChairpersonAsea Qidwai
Co-ChairZeeshan Abbasi
The Message is a monthly publication of the Muslim Community Center that provides a forum for members to engage with the administration, organization, and activities of MCC/MEC and with each other. Submit your questions and comments to: [email protected]. The opinions expressed in The Message do not necessarily represent those of MCC. The editors reserve the right to edit all material.
(Continued from “President’s Message”)
(Continued from “Thank You Kim”)
collaborates and coordinates with other area organizations for various programs. MCC interfaith and outreach committee is heavily involved in interfaith programs. MCC participated in CIOGC annual dinner, CCN annual dimmer and Communities United annual dinner.
MCC elections for the year 2016 will be held on the Sunday of December 13, 2015 at both locations of MCC, Elston building and MEC in Morton Grove. Please do cast your vote if you are a paid member of MCC. Please vote and show your support for the candidate of your choice. This is the responsibility and a privilege that comes with the MCC membership.
Mohammad Sarwar Nasir, MCC President 847-927-0919, [email protected]
Layout EditorNajah Bhatty
Editorial AdvisorJaved Bhatty
MCCA Hosts Array of Courses for Community
MCC Academy Parent Academy hosts regular seminars, workshops and courses that are open to all adults in the community. Topics are geared toward learning and growing in deen and in life skills. We are wrapping up a Fall series for women on the Fiqh of Tahara and will be starting a new course on the Fiqh of Salah for women in January. Recently, in conjunction with PSG, Mrs. Dilnaz Waraich spoke to parents about “Raising Kids that are Grateful and Resilient” - Mrs. Waraich will continue her series of parenting discussions after winter break. MCCA Tae Kwon Do Instructor Officer Mariano conducted a free Self Defense Workshop for women in November and will offer another free workshop in January. Also, last month, MCCA invited ZMA Legal’s Mr. Zaki Anarwala to conduct a seminar on Setting Up Wills & Trusts, which was very well attended by many from throughout the community. Mrs. Fatima Iqbal of Azzad Financial will conduct a free seminar on Halal Financial Planning for College and Retirement in January. Stay tuned for details on dates and timing and additional information about upcoming Parent Academy offerings or call MCCA at 224-534-7638 for more information.
15th Annual Sisterhood Event
On Nov. 21, Muslimahs of Chicago and the MCC Da’wah Committee held their 15th Annual Sisterhood Event. Srs. Anjum Ali and Eeman Ouyoun spoke about Women’s Rights. The right to own property, gain education and tips on using rights to overcome struggles in the US were discussed. The event started with Qur’anic reciation.
MEC SS Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW) on Dec. 20, 2015
MEC Sunday School plans to hold its annual Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW) Celebrations on the Sunday of December 20, 2015. This year’s skits and display depict the eras from pre-prophet hood to the prophet hood. There will also be nasheeds, and skits during the programs, inshAllah! For additional information, please contact Seerah Department Head, Farzana Bhatty at (847) 644-7233.
MCC SS Event for Speech & Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW)
Insha’Allah, this year’s joint Speech Contest and Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW) Celebrations will be held on December 6, 2015 starting 10:00 AM. The theme this year is: Identity, and with each topic we would like you to reference the Quran and Sunnah. For any questions, please contact Br. Kazim Mohammed or Br. Omer Khan at (630)802-2221 or (312) 375-1649; [email protected] or [email protected]
Dr. Sakr Passes Away
Dr. Ahmad Sakr breathed his last on November 23, 2015 in Southern California. The news of his passing away brought an instant outpouring of sorrow and tributes form the community: A Symbol of Dynamic Leadership and Humility: This great Muslim from Lebanon was a rare combination of commitment to Islam, excellence in modern and Islamic scholarship, dynamic leadership, motivational oratory, humility and organizational ability. Raja-ullah Quraishi, Chicago Very Special and Very Generous: His selfless help to establish Islamic centers, schools and mosques always impressed me. People would even call him to assist in their personal problems. Senior members - at home and abroad - would often call him an “inspiration” for his work in community building. Such was the heart of dear Br. Ahmad Sakr, very special and very generous. Dr. Tasneema Ghazi, IQRA A Loss to Entire Community: When people say good things about someone after his passing away, according to our beloved Prophet (SAW), Jannat becomes ‘Wajib’ for him. May Allah (SWT) grant Dr. Sakr a special place in Jannah as he had a special place in our hearts and give Sabr to his family. It is a loss for the entire community. Quadir Khan, Rolling Meadows
Imam Mufti Nazim Mangera Joins MCC
Mufti Hafiz Nazim Mangera will join MCC as a full time Imam from December 1st, 2015. Mufti Mangera completed his Hifz-e-Quran with advanced study of the seven methods of recitation (Qiraat-us-Sab’a) and Islamic Scholar courses from England. He completed his Mufti Course (Masters in Islamic Jurisprudence) from Buffalo, NY. He also completed a six-month intensive course of Business Administration Applications in Toronto along with a Psychology 101 course. Imam Mangera had earlier completed an Islamic Judge/Qadhi course from India. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. degree in Islamic Studies. He has served as a full time Imam at Buffalo, NY and lately at Vancouver, Canada. Mufti Mangera’s wife is also a scholar.
From: Kim Moldofsky Date: November 24, 2015 at 2:50:15 PM CSTSubject: Supporting the local MCC community
Hi Samina,Given some of the horrible xenophobic and fear-mongering rhetoric that has been going around lately, I wanted to check in with you to get a sense of how things are in the local community and what my friends and I might do to support you.A (non-Muslim) friend of mine shared this on Facebook and I echo the sentiment and action.“I wanted to put this out there for any of my Muslim friends and neighbors in Chicago (and there are many of you) who wear hijab, or niqab, or chador. If, after the recent events or the inflammatory remarks of Illinois’ Governor, you EVER feel nervous to walk somewhere or nervous for your children to walk somewhere? I will walk with you. I can’t singlehandedly change the minds of people who stereotype and hate. But I can do that. I can walk with you. And I will.”Let me know how I can be of help.Kim
Founder: STEMchat, The Maker Mom
a dedicated team of over 80 staff members. Having been entrusted with the responsibility of instituting & administering the MCC Board Examination since 1997, I had the opportunity to successfully manage the program across all the schools within the system. I have also been a member of MCC’s Board for several years, and have multiple times served as a chairman of several MCC committees. Currently, at MCC Sunday School, I teach Seerah to the 9th graders.My dream for MCC is a rejuvenated Islamic center, which includes weekday activities for youth as well as seniors, with the model being the Masjid-e-Nabawi that we learn about when studying the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). InshaAllah, I also plan to develop a long term plan for our Elston Avenue facility with the help of input from the community.
Mohammad Sarwar NasirAsslam-o-Alaikum! Two years ago, you gave me the responsibility of the MCC President to serve Allah (SWT) and you to the best of my ability. I thank you for that. And if you give this responsibility for another term, I will serve you again with the same vigor, Inshaallah! Professionally, I hold a Ph.D. from Albany, NY, with fellowships from Johns Hopkins and Northwestern Universities. I also have been a joint staff with Northwestern University and Evanston Hospital, and a Principal Scientist at Diachemix Corporation, Wisconsin. I am currently a scientist with the Division of Laboratories in Illinois Dept. of Public Health. I am a long-term MCC activist having been associated with both MCC and MEC schools in varying capacities as a teacher, department head, and a principal for multiple years. I have frequently been elected a director and chairperson of MCC committees as well as a finance secretary and chairman of the Full Time School Council. While with the MCC schools I also authored a text book currently being taught at the MCC and MEC weekend schools. While being president, I brought about several changes with the MCC including but not limited to – free Wi-Fi services at MCC and MEC,
MCC book store renovated and converted into a multi-purpose room, creating share point computer program for better coordination of MCC programs, approval of safety crossing island at the Elston facility, hiring of MCC Imam, setting up a funeral fund, etc. I intend to continue serving the community with an added focus to bring about improvements deemed necessary for the organization.
I am fortunate to have been married to wife Nasreen Nasir and we have three children.
Director, Woman CategoryKhadija Ahmed: An IT professional, devout MCCA’s PTO worker, a passionate education activist and a much-involved outreach-interfaith advocateNajiba Miraki: An MBA supervising a Chicago firm, former MCC director & member CDE, and a long-term outspoken community worker
Director, Youth Category Alber Ahmed: A Business Analyst in downtown Chicago, an MCC community product, currently serving on both the Jumah Committee and Special Events committee. Mohammad Tauseef Akbar: A Chicago based activist and educator, pursuing Masters in Islamic Studies, a proponent on counter-Islamophobia; web content specialist at Burma Task Force Anas Gandhi: Perusing B.S. in Psychology, current Rehab/Welfare Committee chair, also member Project Rizq, devout youth proponentShaizan Malik: A sales engineer. A long-term youth worker of MCC, led YM Youth group at MEC, served as Head of Special Events Committee during last Ramadan.
Director, General Category Afsar Ali: A Ph.D and IT professional, an educationist, long-term MCC worker, former Principal at MCC, former director & chairman of numerous Committees, currently Chairman of the Part-Time school Academic CouncilShahjehan Baig: A devout community worker, currently Chairmen Zakat Committee, a long-term dedicated community worker Usman Baki: An MBA, one of the pioneers and long-term MCC worker, former President, director, and chairmen of numerous MCC Committees including in-charge of MCC CemeteryMasood Bijapuri: An MBA, a long-term MCC worker, formerly chairman of several MCC Committees, and currently director and Secretary of MCCMazhar Khan: A long-term MCC worker, chairman MCC Building maintenance and operations, and an honorary in-charge of Morton Grove Police and Fire DepartmentOmer Khan: A passionate educationist, currently Co-Principal of MCC Sunday school, and a long-time outspoken community worker
