The excutive committee locked half of the community

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The excutive committee locked half of the community
Anonymous
05/23/01 at 23:50:54
Assalaamu alaikum everyone.  
This is Mary.  For some reason I couldn't post unless I did it anonymous.  
Maybe after I write this I will wish I had kept my idenity anonymous

I can't believe what is happening in our community. (I wish it were a
community!)  We are so divided both ethnically and financially.  One group is primarily
dictating the entire community.  They make decisions and carry them out with or
without  community approval.  This is what has happened.
Our Executive committee is made up predominately of one ethnic group, a group
that is mostly doctors or engineers and financially well off.  The rest of the
community is very diverse.  Alhamduallah we were able to build a new Masjid.  
This Masjid is located out of the downtown area where our old Masjid has been for
many years.  Many members of our community walked to the old Masjid and are
unable to get to the new one for daily prayers.  These and other members want the
old Masjid to remain open for daily prayers.  Jumaah would be at the new one
and also the Eids.  Some of the brothers have offered to take over all operating
cost in order to keep it open. They even offered to have it remain under
supervision  of the exsisting executive committee.  The committee refuses to let it
remain open as a Masjid.  Instead they want turn it into rooms to rent to
college students.  In this area low income rooms bring drug dealers prostitutes and
many other undesireable people.  We dont want this, but we offered to put up
with it if we could keep one room open for a small Masjid.   They refused to even
meet and discuss it with us.  Some of the brothers went to the masjid today and
changed the locks. They were trying to establish prayers for themselves there.  
This was perhaps not the best way to handle it but the brothers felt they had
no choice.  The other group had someone break back in, changed the locks again
and called the police.  They erroneously told the police that the building was
not a masjid and it belonged to them.  Now the brothers cant even go near it or
they will be arrested.  The other group has contacted the DA and has threatened
to press charges.  One person even threatened to "split any Muslim brother in
half if they try to reopen the masjid."  What a terrible sight ...Masjid doors
locked, the parking lot chained closed and 4 police cars infront of the masjid
preventing any brothers from going in to pray Asr.

Why should how much money a brother has determine his position in a Muslim
community?  How do these brothers put their ethnic group in charge,and dismiss the
opinions of the rest of the community?  And how can any Muslim stop another
Muslim from praying in Allah's house?
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
chachi
05/24/01 at 07:56:56

hmm i don't think this is a problem unique to muslims

or even a question of ethnic communities

in my town there have been several cases of indian sikhs killing each other over stuff like this

in the end it comes down to power politics and institutions

institutions inevitably bring out the worst in people
thats what happens when people tell EVERYONE how much THEY contributed to the masjid
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
BrKhalid
05/24/01 at 09:32:07
Asalaamu Alaikum ;-)

[quote]Our Executive committee is made up predominately of one ethnic group, a group
that is mostly doctors or engineers and financially well off.  The rest of the
community is very diverse.[/quote]


Sr Mary I would say the above set up is quite common in many Masajid which have been built and maintained by the first generation of Muslims in the West.

I'll write more later inshaAllah but I was wondering what everyone's local experiences are?

Are they similar to the above, or are there cases where things can be done with unity and within the true spirit of Islam?
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Kashif
05/24/01 at 09:49:28
sheesh - i thought this post was aimed at the moderators on this board!

But this is a common problem actually. And i dont think it will go away until you have a person(s) of influence in the 'rich' group who actually want to help and support the Muslims who are less well off. Wallahu A'lam.

Kashif
Wa Salaam
NS
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
jannah
05/24/01 at 10:39:27
[slm] Mary,

you're making our community problems look not so bad subhanallah it is so sad and pathetic i think when these things happen and then it just seems hopelessly mired, you can't go back and fix things. looking back at so many examples of messed up communities the only thing i can think of is that we seriously need to develop a model of a community that takes into account these types of differences and problems so that we can prevent the problems at the beginning before they start. if your constituion sux and doesn't take into account certain eventualities these kinds of problems will occur.  also we NEED MORE MEDIATORS... there is only one Abdullah Idrees... Allah help us when he is not there to do the work.

we need like a specialized team of trained mediators that can descend on a messed up community and fix things up just like a swat team. binding arbritration is the only way to begin to heal communities and bring them back together.
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
chachi
05/24/01 at 18:30:25

Mary the community who wants to close the old masjid are they related
or do they belong to a certain islamic school?

why do they feel different?
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Kathy
05/24/01 at 19:31:06
slm

They are related by nationality- Pakistinian.

They follow the same school of thought that the Buffalo School does- what ever that is.

The meetings are nothing short of shouting matches. As Jannah said- they need a mediator.
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
bhaloo
05/24/01 at 20:05:23
slm

[quote]They follow the same school of thought that the Buffalo School does- what ever that is.[/quote]

I don't understand, Buffalo School? ??? Buffalo is a male cow.

ooohhhh, you mean Buffalo as in a city in NY, they follow what the school system there does?  (boy I have been thinking about cows a little too much).
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Kathy
05/25/01 at 08:04:12
[slm]

Arshad,

- tee hee


there are female buffalos too...
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
chachi
05/25/01 at 10:41:11

Kathy a female buffalo is called a cow...clamp!
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
BrKhalid
05/29/01 at 15:36:17
Asalaamu Alaikum ;-)

[quote]Why should how much money a brother has determine his position in a Muslim community?

How do these brothers put their ethnic group in charge, and dismiss the opinions of the rest of the community? [/quote]


I think the following Hadith is appropriate here:

[color=Blue]While the Prophet was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him,

"When would the Hour (Doomsday) take place?"

Allah's Apostle continued his talk, so some people said that Allah's Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Alllah's Apostle had not heard it.

When the Prophet finished his speech, he said,

"Where is the questioner, who enquired about the Hour (Doomsday)?"

The Bedouin said, "I am here, O Allah's Apostle ."

Then the Prophet said,

"When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday)."

The Bedouin said, "How will that be lost?"

The Prophet said, "When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour (Doomsday.)" [Bukhari][/color]


From my own personal experience I would say that there are two problems with some of these Masjid committees.


[u]Capability[/u]

Sometimes they are made up of those Brothers & Sisters who are not deserving of the post in respect of their practical expertise or intellectual capability.


[u]Unity[/u]

The inability to work together for the common cause. This may because of differences due to ethnic origin, differences of opinion in terms of fiqh, strategy etc etc.

Either way it leads to divisiveness and more often than not one party takes control of the Masjid leaving all others out in the cold.


As ever it’s easy to criticize but what can we practically do to make things better?


Obviously one solution is to solve the two problems highlighted above but at a more practical level I think the younger generation have to start making their presence felt more. Show the elders within our communities that we are “capable” of running the Masjid.

I sometimes sense a stigma when Mosque politics is mentioned to our youth (and frankly who can blame them sometimes) but what we need to recognise is that some of our youth are infinitely more qualified to run the Mosque (both in terms of religious *and* secular education) than their existing counterparts.

Having said the above, however, I’m not suggesting some “gung-ho-we’ll-take-them-out-in-a-military-procedure-type-way”!!

Rather I think we, as the younger generation, should go about winning the respect of our elders such that they feel comfortable in allowing us to take a more active role. After all, achieving unity is one of the objectives we wish to meet.

Just a few thoughts of mine. It certainly isn’t an easy area and one that raises a lot of emotions and passions amongst some.

Wasalaam
Br Khalid
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
jehad
05/31/01 at 11:30:59
Asalm walakum
I think the problem lies with people forgetting why their ancestors became Muslim.
Often people are Muslim due to an accident of birth. So their Islam is seen in the same way as their culture and language.
That's why Urdo is often thought in these musjids even though it has no link with Islam. What people need to decide is, was  the Musjid built as a cultural centre for a specific race or a house where Allah's pleasure is earned?
The decision that is made should be the decision that leads to the most pleasure of Allah.
I know a couple of musjids I pray in who have that rule, where only a person with a particular race can be a member. They do bend it some time, cause even though the constitution states who is allowed to be a member, I know for a fact some of the members don't belong to that race.
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Anonymous
07/07/01 at 00:50:42
As-salaamu alaikum all
 Well I guess if you have been following this you know the latest turn
in the depressing condition of our community.
I'm not sure which emotion I feel.  
Sadness or anger.  Mostly loss. Loss of a teacher, mentor, special
friend.
I'm not sure what to do about the Woman of Islam group.  I know sisters
will ask what happened.  I do know that my hopes for a strong
sisterhood with these woman is gone.  I don't know who can be trusted  The whole
thing makes we depressed
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Kathy
07/08/01 at 19:25:09
slm

With every difficulty there is relief. Allah swt has decreed this to happen. Perhaps because people were building ties with those who did not deserve their trust.

It may seem that all is lost. I understand how you feel. But most assuredly no one can break a bond that Allah swt deems strong.

Not every community can easily accept strong and knowledgeable women. In my latest conversations with those involved in our communities tanglements, the women are not dealing with the proper issues- they are not on the same page- much less the same book.

For example: I wrote a letter to the Imam's wife regarding difficulties in our community. Someone was saying horrible things about a family friend. I asked the Muslim and he admitted it was true and he was so sorry he had done this.

The letter to the Imam's wife was a confidential one and for her eyes- as it seemed the executive committee and the Imam were unaware of what each other was doing. She said the problems did not exist. In my own way I was telling her to "wake up and smell the coffee."

Some how the brother got a copy of my letter. When I asked the wife - how did it happen? She sent me a letter saying it was all my fault because I displeased my husband and should try to please him!!

See what I mean- we were not even in the same book! I even felt a little sorry for her- instead of addressing the lack of confidentiality, or addressing- who is trying to cause fitna, she adressed my marital problems. HUH? Funny- she doesn't even know me well- much less how I treat my husband. (Which is pretty darn good)

Perhaps in other countries women are not allowed- or it is frowned upon- to talk about events.

You have not lost your teacher, friend or mentor. She is still there- working behind the scenes. Or perhaps she is not good enough for you and Allah swt has someone better.

If she is so good she realizes she can not go more than three days without salaams- perhaps you will see her at a softball game this week. Allahwho Allum.... If you know her well enough you will know that she obeys Allah swt commands ever before she obeys a meer man's.

Be patient and ask Allah swt for help.

Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Ayla_A
07/09/01 at 14:36:05
[slm]

I know this situation very well.  The community that I live in only has maybe 1500 muslims, including the children.  The community is very racially divided, while I don't see a financial division so much, this is I think because the racial division is so strong.

Currently our executive committee is all one nationality, which is causing a problem because they practice islam to a certain style or book....this is something as a revert I am not sure about, and my husband suggests to look and learn from as many reliable sources as possible before doing something a certain way, which I feel is something I am very comfortable.

The masjid used to have potlucks suppers once a month, a good chance for the ladies of all nationalities to get together, but the current administration of the masjid, does not like women in the masjid much, so this has been stopped for the most part except for eids:( When they do have a potluck supper (during the eid) they want the people to sit on the floor to eat, since this is the book that they follow...this is a very difficult situation, and it is making many people not come to the masjid for the potlucks...

I feel very disheartened there, we moved to this community, because the previous community that we lived in had absolutely no muslim population, but instead of finding a wonderful community to strenghten our deen, we have found one in severe need of direction itself....

I don't know what the solution is, but I know this situation is happening in many many islamic communitys in N.America...

[wlm]

Ayla
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Mary
07/10/01 at 11:38:08
Ayla
 & all
As-salaamu alaikum.

  Your community sounds so much like ours.  Closed in mind and heart.  I was also looking for the sense of community and found nothing. It is very disheartening. It is amazing the extent that some will go to to remain in control.  We recently recieved a letter in the mail with a picture of our community's new Masjid on the top.  I tried to feel good about it, but in my minds eye I could almost see a sign next to the door that would read "Private Club.  Addmission by appointment only. Passports will be checked."
  My husband warned me about the way things were in this community.  He too has been made to feel that he dosen't belong.  He let me find out for myself.  When Kathy speaks of being not only on a different page but in a whole other book, she is so right.  I get frustrated that anyone not only the women would put up with being being made feel so uncomfortable they stay away instead of tring to change the way things are.  Well I guess I'm learning,  It just isn't learning about Islam like I wanted.  I thank Allah, that I know that what is done in this community is not the whole and complete image of Islam.  If I didn't know, I'm not sure of the decisions I would have made. alhamduAllah I have the husband I do,  and met Kathy and a few other sisters over the last few years.  They have shown me what Islam truly is.

To my friend, As-salaamu alaikum.  I miss ya kid.  How is your young one.  AlhamduAllah well and happy. Has any thing new been happening?  Are you implying that we know where the letter leak is?  On Friday I only gave salaams, listened ,Prayed and left.  I could do no more.  I'm torn about Monday's womens group.  I feel such a strong need to say something.  But what?  We know there is no changing things.  At least now I have nothing to lose.  I have been thinking about stating what I had hoped for, why I feel it isn't working, what has been done, why it is wrong, and leaving.
 
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Kathy
07/11/01 at 10:39:42
slm

Private Club- so true, so sad. I wanted to tee hee- but could not even manage a chuckle.

Yesterday a non-muslim mom of Muslim children stopped me in the grocery store. Apparently she took her boys to Jummah prayer at our new mosque for the first time. Because she has been alienated by so many of us- she choose to wait in her car during prayers, even tho there is a nice social hall for her to sit in.

One of the brothers yelled at her and told her to leave the parking lot. She tried to explain that her children were inside praying and she was waiting. He did not even care to hear her and told her it was not a public parking spot and to get out! He was going to call the police.

She did- she was so embarrased.

I feel so bad that I am not in a position to help her, now. Some of the reasons for the Women in Islam group was to build bridges between all of these different groups. Even in our "preamble" I made sure we included Mothers of Muslim children.  How can we call them to Islam- when we won't let them park in the mosque's parking lot?

Leaving what?

I do not know the answers to these problems. In my case it is an unrationable reason of egos. The husbands chests became so puffy with irrational thoughts- they can not look at the big picture and are only focusing on themselves.

I see a beautiful mosque being built. It is enough to hold hundreds of Muslims. I walk thru the dining hall and see space enough for much fellowship.

It is empty- except for the few rich.

I pass by and see the new paved parking lot- enough to hold hundreds of cars. Each day a spot becomes empty...
NS
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
jannah
07/11/01 at 11:28:37
So true Kathy.. It is frightening that this is the movement of communities today. We keep building mosques, but we're doing nothing to build the Muslims.
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Ayla_A
07/11/01 at 17:57:25
Perfectly said Jannah!!!
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
BrKhalid
07/13/01 at 06:25:27
Asalaamu Alaikum


Running a Masjid is a trust given to each and every person who promises to undertake it.


If you run a Masjid to please a few peopla but at the same time oppress others, can you be said to be fulfilling that trust?


Power is a drug sometimes and when its taken away (or more commonly) threatened to be taken away, you can really decipher whether a person does something purely for the sake of Allah or for some other wordly benefit.


Seeing someone go cold turkey is not a pleasant sight!!!

Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
Kathy
07/13/01 at 09:37:14
slm

Wow- a post by Br Khalid with no smilies.....

Is our community the only one like this? Or is this problem elsewhere?
NS
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
BrKhalid
07/13/01 at 09:57:20
Asalaamu Alaikum


[quote]We are so divided both ethnically and financially. One group is primarily
dictating the entire community. They make decisions and carry them out with or without community approval[/quote]


[quote] Is our community the only one like this? Or is this problem elsewhere?[/quote]



Allah knows best but I would have thought that you are not alone Sr Kathy
Re: The excutive committee locked half of the community
JustMe
07/30/01 at 04:42:55
My community.  What community?  I haven't seen them in years even though they are minutes away.  All I hear is my dad and others complaining about how confused everybody is over here.  I have personal reasons why I don't go along with the same complaints others have.  Mainly there are people who have been in the same position for years always getting re-elected and creating subgroups based on not only nationality but which part of the nation e.g. hyderabad, gujarat, punjab etc.  Financially some groups are more cheap than others in their donations.  There's a lot of able-bodied fresh minds but they can't even get positions because the community-controlled elites won't give it up.  They have zero Islamic spirit.  Most are in the hypocrite category I would say and that's just my opinion.  That sounds harsh but that's really the way it is at least from my perspective.  but then again I do tend to have an Idealistic version of Perspectives.  
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