While in Washington, D.C., President Clinton’s administration, I addressed a crime conference at the White House. I found myself surrounded by individuals from around the nation, asking questions about my organization, Commission Against Senseless Killings, Incorporation (CASK). I realized that Memphis is uniquely positioned to present to the world ideas about how to address senseless acts of violence. Leaders should take Memphis’ position on the national crime charts, at the top, to educate the nation on productive means of crime reductions. Memphis should export methods and means of combating senseless acts of violence into the world, by doing so, create jobs and build upon a social ill that’s rapidly growing, crime.
Leadership is about discovery - finding ways and means to extract from other societies and governments values, needs, and necessities, growing the economy by drawing external monies and other values into the city.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Issue One for the 100 Imams of Kentucky
Having lived under the banner of Imam W.D. Mohammed’s leadership for nearly 35 years, talked with him personally on several occasions, and discussed very important issues with him and Shiekh Hassan Cisse approximately one year before their parting from among us; I have concluded, the single most important issue to be addressed by their followers is economic (Trade and Commerce).
In many ways, Imam Mohammed’s Islamic understanding and social skills are firmly established within the hearts and minds of his followers. I’m not interested in a new frontier of spirituality. Imam Mohammed did all of the work on that. Therefore, I cannot support our 100 Imams’ re-inventing or re-establishing anything given to us by Imam Mohammed.
Do we have the ability to come out of these tough economic times better off than when we went in should be our greatest concern today? The nation’s most powerful economic thinkers joined in position that our economy is turning for the better. Believing that economic times are getting better and that Allah (swt) is in charge of all things, I’m interested in a greater qualify of life for everyone.
The question is what can these national leaders (100 Imams) do to help us? Maybe, they should discuss among themselves ways and means to move our communities and followers of Imam Mohammed into ultimate economic success, Issue Number One.
In many ways, Imam Mohammed’s Islamic understanding and social skills are firmly established within the hearts and minds of his followers. I’m not interested in a new frontier of spirituality. Imam Mohammed did all of the work on that. Therefore, I cannot support our 100 Imams’ re-inventing or re-establishing anything given to us by Imam Mohammed.
Do we have the ability to come out of these tough economic times better off than when we went in should be our greatest concern today? The nation’s most powerful economic thinkers joined in position that our economy is turning for the better. Believing that economic times are getting better and that Allah (swt) is in charge of all things, I’m interested in a greater qualify of life for everyone.
The question is what can these national leaders (100 Imams) do to help us? Maybe, they should discuss among themselves ways and means to move our communities and followers of Imam Mohammed into ultimate economic success, Issue Number One.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Imam Rashad Sharif of Memphis, Tn, Leadership after Imam W. D. Mohammed
So far, Imam Sharif has provided the American Islamic communities, under the leadership of Imam W. D. Mohammed, with the best solutions to the leadership questions asked of the Louisville, Ky Imams gathering; continue the leadership of Imam W. D. Mohammed. Over 100 Imams attended this gathering, as printed in the report. This huge group of leaders had varying positions on matters but, what is really important about them is, this is the first time that we have had an opportunity to see them at work as a group. I would ask the reader to consider all factors and give to this body of Imams a grade. So far, my grade for them is a C minus for effort.
One Hundred Imams came together searching for solutions to their identity crisis, leadership confusion, and blurred vision. I personally would rather they had met to solve our economic problems. In that, all those other questions were answered and solutions were established by the leadership of W. D. Mohammed. Of course, there are those whom would always be, re-inventing wheels.
As Imam Sharif implied, sure there are opportunities for an association of Imams but, in no ways this association would establish itself as national representatives over our autonomous Masajid and Islamic Centers. Thanks to Imam W. D. Mohammed, we now know the importance of a sovereign Islamic Society.
__________________________________________________
Masjid Al-Mu'minun - Memphis, Tennessee
Results of Community Shura - Conducted May 17, 2009
WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE LOUISVILLE BODY ?
Our relationship with the Louisville body is one of constructive consultation in a spirit of goodwill, consistent with Imam W. Deen Mohammed's expressed vision regarding local autonomy.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE LOUISVILLE BODY:
1. How do we structure ourselves as a collective group [consideration]?
While maintaining autonomy and consultation with no organizational structure imposed over local communities, as directed by our leader, we shall link ourselves to the language, leadership, and legacy of Imam W. Deen Mohammed and mutually commit ourselves to manifest the fruit thereof in our respective areas.
2. How do we deal with our national, international issues and concerns ?
(a.) Convention (b.) Invitations (c) Other
(a.) Convention -
Due to the Mosque Cares' demonstrated organizing ability for Ramadan Session 2008, the Mosque Cares will be the organization to conduct Convention/Ramadan Session 2009. Let us postpone discussion of Convention organizing until the completion and evaluation of this year's Convention/Ramadan Session.
(b.) Invitations -
Given that we have various established Associations and additional Associations, Foundations, and Institutes to come, the person or entity contacted by an inviting entity - for now - will have to make a judgment call as to whom to refer the invitation. Judgment exercised will soon be seen.
(c.) Other- -(Not listed in the Official Summary of Items To Be Discussed)
"Leadership is in the resourceful people that represent the productive life of this society." - IWDM The leadership in our general association's resourceful people, who represent our productivity in various areas of concern, places an inherent call upon them to work with like-minded or supportive people to continue their service, which may lead to Foundations and Institutes supported by recognition of the service rendered and its faithfulness to our interests.
3. How to deal with (in a supportive manner) the family of Imam W.D. Mohammed?
We request clarification on the situation and what is meant by "support."
I.D. (Identification) or Name [consideration]
Our general community can be referred to as "associated communities under the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed" without capitalizing anything but IWDM's name.
In the event of formation of an Imams' Association, it can have its own name.
- Imam Rashad Sharif -
ATTACHMENT: [ PER SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 EMAIL ]
As-Sallamu-Alaikum,
Imam Faheem Shuaibe,
Ramadan Mubaarak,
I'm pleased to inform you that per Imam W. Deen Mohammed's Instructions to me in June of this year in Chicago, he said
" Yahya if anything should happen to me this community will remain as I have set it up. The Masjids will remain autonomous and no one will be over anyone. The leadership is local, we cooperate with each other on community concerns through consultation with each other, but no organizational structure".
So there is no need for a Framework for National Stability or any such Frameworks. The Followers of Imam W. Deen Mohammed is very stable. The Imam also added that this "structure" makes for better progress. Imam Yahya AbdullahAlhamdulillah! Imam Yahya.Thank you for this very important information. I conducted more that 100 interviews with people at the Janazah. And there was a felt need among many for some idea about moving forward. I had nothing to offer at the time and I was not personally comfortable with just leaving any of the sincere followers of Imam Mohammed (Rahim Allahu Alaihi) without at least something to consider.
Unfortunately, I didn't have this very significant information from you. I will share it with all those that I am in contact with. Insha'Allah when the Imam's meet after the Jum'uah at the Ramadan Session this can be made clear to everyone there.
Thank you.
Ramadan Mubarak.
Your Friend
Faheem Shuaibe
One Hundred Imams came together searching for solutions to their identity crisis, leadership confusion, and blurred vision. I personally would rather they had met to solve our economic problems. In that, all those other questions were answered and solutions were established by the leadership of W. D. Mohammed. Of course, there are those whom would always be, re-inventing wheels.
As Imam Sharif implied, sure there are opportunities for an association of Imams but, in no ways this association would establish itself as national representatives over our autonomous Masajid and Islamic Centers. Thanks to Imam W. D. Mohammed, we now know the importance of a sovereign Islamic Society.
__________________________________________________
Masjid Al-Mu'minun - Memphis, Tennessee
Results of Community Shura - Conducted May 17, 2009
WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE LOUISVILLE BODY ?
Our relationship with the Louisville body is one of constructive consultation in a spirit of goodwill, consistent with Imam W. Deen Mohammed's expressed vision regarding local autonomy.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS ASSIGNED BY THE LOUISVILLE BODY:
1. How do we structure ourselves as a collective group [consideration]?
While maintaining autonomy and consultation with no organizational structure imposed over local communities, as directed by our leader, we shall link ourselves to the language, leadership, and legacy of Imam W. Deen Mohammed and mutually commit ourselves to manifest the fruit thereof in our respective areas.
2. How do we deal with our national, international issues and concerns ?
(a.) Convention (b.) Invitations (c) Other
(a.) Convention -
Due to the Mosque Cares' demonstrated organizing ability for Ramadan Session 2008, the Mosque Cares will be the organization to conduct Convention/Ramadan Session 2009. Let us postpone discussion of Convention organizing until the completion and evaluation of this year's Convention/Ramadan Session.
(b.) Invitations -
Given that we have various established Associations and additional Associations, Foundations, and Institutes to come, the person or entity contacted by an inviting entity - for now - will have to make a judgment call as to whom to refer the invitation. Judgment exercised will soon be seen.
(c.) Other- -(Not listed in the Official Summary of Items To Be Discussed)
"Leadership is in the resourceful people that represent the productive life of this society." - IWDM The leadership in our general association's resourceful people, who represent our productivity in various areas of concern, places an inherent call upon them to work with like-minded or supportive people to continue their service, which may lead to Foundations and Institutes supported by recognition of the service rendered and its faithfulness to our interests.
3. How to deal with (in a supportive manner) the family of Imam W.D. Mohammed?
We request clarification on the situation and what is meant by "support."
I.D. (Identification) or Name [consideration]
Our general community can be referred to as "associated communities under the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed" without capitalizing anything but IWDM's name.
In the event of formation of an Imams' Association, it can have its own name.
- Imam Rashad Sharif -
ATTACHMENT: [ PER SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 EMAIL ]
As-Sallamu-Alaikum,
Imam Faheem Shuaibe,
Ramadan Mubaarak,
I'm pleased to inform you that per Imam W. Deen Mohammed's Instructions to me in June of this year in Chicago, he said
" Yahya if anything should happen to me this community will remain as I have set it up. The Masjids will remain autonomous and no one will be over anyone. The leadership is local, we cooperate with each other on community concerns through consultation with each other, but no organizational structure".
So there is no need for a Framework for National Stability or any such Frameworks. The Followers of Imam W. Deen Mohammed is very stable. The Imam also added that this "structure" makes for better progress. Imam Yahya AbdullahAlhamdulillah! Imam Yahya.Thank you for this very important information. I conducted more that 100 interviews with people at the Janazah. And there was a felt need among many for some idea about moving forward. I had nothing to offer at the time and I was not personally comfortable with just leaving any of the sincere followers of Imam Mohammed (Rahim Allahu Alaihi) without at least something to consider.
Unfortunately, I didn't have this very significant information from you. I will share it with all those that I am in contact with. Insha'Allah when the Imam's meet after the Jum'uah at the Ramadan Session this can be made clear to everyone there.
Thank you.
Ramadan Mubarak.
Your Friend
Faheem Shuaibe
Monday, May 11, 2009
Leadership After Imam W. D. Mohammed
May 11, 2009
With the Name Allah (swt) Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
It is Allah’s (swt) love that propels the believers, raise them to great highs, and He nourishes them with His inspiration. Allah (swt) gives direction to whomever He pleases and no one can refute this.
My Dearest Brother Imam Sharif;
I feel special and active having received a copy of your correspondence by email on May 11, 2009. As many of us have, I too have witness a great deal throughout the years, the ways and means as to how we operate as Muslims, in our businesses and efforts. Of course you know that everything that Imam Mohammed did and said were lessons for us to go by. He also was very careful about how he arraigned language and his leadership. Nothing was seemingly left out. While reading your correspondence, that of Imam Vernon, and others I’m compel to write to you about my position.
I have resolved that our national leadership effects are not in line with the WILL of Imam Mohammed. For those whom are unknowledgeable, Imam Mohammed’s WILL could be derived by what he did or did not do AND what he said or did not say, during his life with us. I understood Imam Mohammed’s rationale about disbanding our national organization thereby, establishing each masjid as a liberated operating entity.
Actually there is no need to have a national spokesman; Imam Mohammed hardly ever gave national positions on anything. He really wanted us to grow up and learn to be on our own, as part of our perspective communities. If you remember, we failed in our national committee structure, as we did in so many other national things. Imam Mohammed was a wise man, he broke down all those national things then, he established his own organizations, and afterward he asked us to support them.
The best example of how a decentralized organization works happened during the 9/11 crisis. Several Imams made public statements in many cases their statements were right and in line with the Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and in line with the teachings of Imam Mohammed. But, there were no national public statements made by Imam Mohammed until much later after 9/11. Considering the world impact of 9/11, our communities handle themselves very well. Imam Mohammed gave to us our position about world events long before 9/11. We should be very proud of the way that we withstood the impact of 9/11.
Imam Mohammed kept power away from many Imams and brothers, in that, he knew for a fact that these people were not capable of handling any amount of power or influence. Now, some of these people are working like slaves to bring about a national entity, in what they believe are, in the absence of Imam Mohammed. They should know that Imam Mohammed’s teachings are alive and well.
While they all know or should know that the correct way is the Sunna as taught to us by Imam Mohammed. The Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was established for this very reason, so that we will have his path to rely on during critical times like now. Trust me, there is no confusion among those who are established in the Sunna and who have followed the teaching of Imam Mohammed in any length of time. These Muslims will win through, as they did during 9/11 and other critical periods of times in our American Islamic life. This organizing and building reminds me of Musa’s (saw) people building the Golden Calf.
I would like to take time to clarify my support for you and your effort on this matter. As I said in my last letter, I support you forcefully. It is clear to me, that you possess the leadership in this matter. You possess the wisdom, courage, and vision needed to propel our communities and societies into the 21st century. Your foundation on this matter is solid based on Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the wisdom of Imam Mohammad. Every Imam that accepted the teaching and directions of Imam Mohammed must now stomach up and accept that you are correct and that your vision is superior to theirs'.
As long as you have the believers, our community, and the region of leaders behind you we are unified in our position to express the WILL of Imam Mohammed.
In that, you must assume the leadership for all of us.
With the Name Allah (swt) Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
It is Allah’s (swt) love that propels the believers, raise them to great highs, and He nourishes them with His inspiration. Allah (swt) gives direction to whomever He pleases and no one can refute this.
My Dearest Brother Imam Sharif;
I feel special and active having received a copy of your correspondence by email on May 11, 2009. As many of us have, I too have witness a great deal throughout the years, the ways and means as to how we operate as Muslims, in our businesses and efforts. Of course you know that everything that Imam Mohammed did and said were lessons for us to go by. He also was very careful about how he arraigned language and his leadership. Nothing was seemingly left out. While reading your correspondence, that of Imam Vernon, and others I’m compel to write to you about my position.
I have resolved that our national leadership effects are not in line with the WILL of Imam Mohammed. For those whom are unknowledgeable, Imam Mohammed’s WILL could be derived by what he did or did not do AND what he said or did not say, during his life with us. I understood Imam Mohammed’s rationale about disbanding our national organization thereby, establishing each masjid as a liberated operating entity.
Actually there is no need to have a national spokesman; Imam Mohammed hardly ever gave national positions on anything. He really wanted us to grow up and learn to be on our own, as part of our perspective communities. If you remember, we failed in our national committee structure, as we did in so many other national things. Imam Mohammed was a wise man, he broke down all those national things then, he established his own organizations, and afterward he asked us to support them.
The best example of how a decentralized organization works happened during the 9/11 crisis. Several Imams made public statements in many cases their statements were right and in line with the Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and in line with the teachings of Imam Mohammed. But, there were no national public statements made by Imam Mohammed until much later after 9/11. Considering the world impact of 9/11, our communities handle themselves very well. Imam Mohammed gave to us our position about world events long before 9/11. We should be very proud of the way that we withstood the impact of 9/11.
Imam Mohammed kept power away from many Imams and brothers, in that, he knew for a fact that these people were not capable of handling any amount of power or influence. Now, some of these people are working like slaves to bring about a national entity, in what they believe are, in the absence of Imam Mohammed. They should know that Imam Mohammed’s teachings are alive and well.
While they all know or should know that the correct way is the Sunna as taught to us by Imam Mohammed. The Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (saw) was established for this very reason, so that we will have his path to rely on during critical times like now. Trust me, there is no confusion among those who are established in the Sunna and who have followed the teaching of Imam Mohammed in any length of time. These Muslims will win through, as they did during 9/11 and other critical periods of times in our American Islamic life. This organizing and building reminds me of Musa’s (saw) people building the Golden Calf.
I would like to take time to clarify my support for you and your effort on this matter. As I said in my last letter, I support you forcefully. It is clear to me, that you possess the leadership in this matter. You possess the wisdom, courage, and vision needed to propel our communities and societies into the 21st century. Your foundation on this matter is solid based on Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the wisdom of Imam Mohammad. Every Imam that accepted the teaching and directions of Imam Mohammed must now stomach up and accept that you are correct and that your vision is superior to theirs'.
As long as you have the believers, our community, and the region of leaders behind you we are unified in our position to express the WILL of Imam Mohammed.
In that, you must assume the leadership for all of us.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Nature’s Connection, Al-Islam
Al-Islam is the oldest religion known to mankind; based on the fundamental meaning of life, it is the natural way of life. To know the plain truth about Al-Islam, one has to study for a life time about nature, compare man’s way of life with nature, and then determine what is natural for mankind using revelations from G’d as a guide. To arrive at a point about what is natural one must accept the truth. If any part of a natural finding is not accepted as the truth then Al-Islam is hidden from the mind of mankind, but to study Al-Islam is another matter.
Humanity has always known since man’s creation that Allah (G’d)(swt) is elusive and, that if, Allah (swt) is elusive then, the way of life for mankind, Al-Islam, must be by degrees elusive in its pure form. The books of Allah (swt), all of them, speak in some form or another about how mankind slipped or fell from a high practice of worship. That’s why mankind is ever trying to return to that honorable position in its life. Another way of expressing mankind’s failure by the truth and having difficulties finding Al-Islam is to put it mildly, trying to return to it (that high practice of worship).
Everything that mankind does in one way or other causes some form of worship to Allah (swt). Even if mankind does nothing at all that act in itself proves that mankind has no power, except the truth. If mankind is acting on anything in the universe; that action is towards the natural way and the truth. Mankind can never truly know Al-Islam; its true meaning is unattainable. Nevertheless, is it necessary to know all there is about something; no, emphatically no.
Al-Islam is a living entity into itself; its body is the people that search daily for its meaning, Muslims. They never give up; daily (24 hours a day) they pray, fast, give, help, travel for right, love, etc. More than one billion human cells (Muslims) are in the body of Al-Islam. Every one of them works to keep the body clean and pure, as they strive to learn the body’s meaning. As the cells die and the body regenerates with new ones, mankind gets nearer and nearer to Al-Islam and its meaning; near to it meaning is attainable.
Some people believe that life is but trial and error; far from the truth. If that is true, how does the mongoose keeps its life when it approaches the cobra? One bite from the cobra would kill the mongoose in a few minutes. The mongoose learned or was it taught that while face to face with the cobra, the cobra would strike, at the point of strike, the mongoose jumps straight up into the air then, while the cobra is extended into its strike, the mongoose bites behind the cobra’s head, kill, and eat it. In this confrontation, there is no room for trial or error. In either case, death is imminent.
Nature teaches mankind; Allah (swt) is naturally behind and before everything therefore, everything is the will of Allah (swt). Every recording of mankind (books) are based on something in nature. Still, mankind is searching, making new discoveries, and changing old rules and laws, in other words, searching for the natural way (Al-Islam).
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