Jamaat al-Muslimeen International Press Release
Islam and Women: USA, India, Uganda
ALBION, NEW YORK state:
News has been received from Br. Abdul Majid that on the
testimony of
four White corrections (prison system) officials, Ms. Amina Akbar has
been
removed from her position in the Department of Corrections. According
to the
accusers, Sis. Amina, speaking at a Black Solidarity Day event at
Albion
Women's prison said that "Usama bin Ladin was a warrior of God
(mujahideen)"
and that she did not consider herself an American. (She has denied the
second
part of the accusation.)
Readers are urged to write to the following to urge that Sis.
Amina be
reinstated. Br. Abdul Majid urges writers to say that "freedom of
expression"
is the right of every American. Address for letters of support:
Glen Goorde, Commissioner
Department of Correction Services
1220 Washington Ave.,
Albany, NY 12226
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WOMEN IN INDIA STANDING UP FOR ISLAMIC RIGHTS:
The INSTITUTE for STUDIES ON WOMEN is flourishing in the state of
Karnataka, India. Sis. Razeena Ayesha who runs the Institute has sent a
letter explaining the process which led to the formation of the
Institute.
She says:
"Dear Dr. Kaukab Siddique: Peace! Years back we had the opportunity to
read
your magazine New Trend. Inspired by your articles and books like
Islam -the
Wave of the future, Struggle of Muslim women, etc. we, a group of young
Muslim women formed into an organization in December '95."
Sis. Ayesha goes on to provide information about the work of the
Institute in year 2001, which includes a library, a research office,
newsletters, and sponsorship of girl children for schooling. Here is an
important extract from the Institute's brochure:
"The plight of women in India is pathetic. Atrocities like sati
(self-immolation in the funeral pyre of husband), female foeticide,
dowry
system and a long list of discrimination continue to undermine the
social
fabric. Around 45% of the female population of India are comprised by
the
Dalits (untouchables) and they happen to be the most oppressed lot.
They were
always given the lowest position among the Indian women and are victims
of
triple oppression (caste, class and gender). Around 90% of the Muslim
women
in India are illiterate and their lack of knowledge about Islam adds to
their
vulnerability. More importantly, Islam is used by most religious
institutions
to yoke women to the finer details of physical purdha , rather than to
construct her personality with a spiritual content."
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Readers interested in sending literature or help to the Institute
should
contact:
ash era22@aol.com
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UGANDA: Islam bases honor and respect on TAQWA, not on Gender
Br. Rajab Jafar Noor, a member of Jamaat al-Muslimeen Uganda, gave
a
sermon at Nkumba University, in Entebbe, Uganda. When he mentioned the
rights
of women according to Islamic teachings, he was showered with
questions. He
writes: "It was good that I had a book near me, THE STRUGGLE OF MUSLIM
WOMEN,
which I used as a guideline to answer some of the questions. I gave
them many
examples such as: the holy mosque of the prophet (pbuh) was not
partitioned.
Both men and women used to perform all prayers inside the mosque. The
mosque
was known as a place for SHOORA where both men and women used to meet
together with the holy Prophet and make mutual discussions in terms of
defending Islam and Muslims against any enemy."
"Umm Haram took part in the battle for Cyprus, going across the sea in
accordance with the Prophet's dream, and Umm Hakim fought and embraced
martyrdom in the battle of the bridge."
Br. Rajab Noor wants us to remember that we must follow the
Prophet's
example in treating women with equality, because the Qur'an says:
"Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example for one
whose
hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who remembers Allah much."
(33:21)
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To contact the Jamaat al-Muslimeen in Uganda, please write to:
ash era22@aol.com
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Prepare for the struggle to protect Imam Jamil al-Amin against the
injustice
system. Are you ready? The trial begins in January.
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Look up Jamaat al-Muslimeen on: www.NewTrendMag.org
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2001-12-09 Sun 14:22ct