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Where Do We Go From Here?
This is a turbulent and exciting time for Muslims in America. The landscape of Islam in our country is now more varied than it perhaps has ever been before. Among Muslims, we see a spectrum that extends from the conservative to the liberal, from the traditional to the post-modern. We see a whole range of approaches to issues of political participation, cultural integration and social morality. Both our external political and our internal intellectual climates press upon us to introspect, to articulate our beliefs, and to act to promote justice and goodness in the world.AMILA plays a vital role in this landscape of change, by serving as a type of model American Muslim community. Discussions on AMILAnet demonstrate that this is one of the few Muslim institutions where we can exchange ideas fairly, even when passionately. Organizationally, we are the rare organization that is financially and administratively transparent. Our remarkable constitution enables a structure that is not dependent upon personalities or private pocketbooks. Our vision serves as a stable platform for political and social activism, as demonstrated by AMILA's key role after 9/11 and many other activities. In the AMILA vision, women do not form a second-tier membership and families are not divided when they walk in the door. One of the most critical achievements of AMILA has been, with the grace of Allah (swt), to offer a working example of religious balance and moderation, veering neither to the right nor the left. We envision this path of balance as being that which adheres to the essential prescriptions of the Qur'an and the Sunnah as traditionally defined (on aqida, ibada and kaba'ir), and at the same time is open to discussion of alternative viewpoints on non-essential (ie "non-core") teachings of Islam. This is not a self-laudatory plug. It is a plea: Although it is easy to take AMILA for granted, and to assume that it will always be here, this is not the case. Just ask those who do not have an AMILA in their locality. AMILA is the fruit of years of single-minded dedication by several individuals, each of whom have made taken it upon themselves to forward the work and vision of this organization. And now we call upon you -- if you believe in our vision -- to come forward and continue our labors. We often complain about the difficulty of getting into the executive committees of Muslim orgs, either because they have lifetime boards or because they are not local. Here is an organization that is both accessible and that has a structure that individuals with initiative can harness in a variety of ways: social and political activism, cultural bridge-building, community upliftment, religious deepening. You don't have to know the "right" people, or be one of the founders, or break through the permanent board. Please, get involved, for movements mean nothing without movers. To begin with, become an active member: Come to events, participate in projects. Second, if you have ideas, or energy, or time, and share the vision of AMILA, then please run for the Steering Committee in the upcoming elections. All sorts of talents and abilities are needed: networking, meeting organizing, envelope stuffing, social planning, brainstorming, phone and email work. There are a variety of positions that are coming open, such as General Assembler (monthly gatherings) and Project Coordinator (social projects, eg soup kitchen and gift drive). And by all means, if you want to nominate another for the SC, then let us know. AMILA is blessed with a membership that does not seek self-promotion, but this is a time to extend ourselves and contribute. -By Hina Azam, AMILA Registrar Previous story: "Tastes & Sounds of Ramadan" Recap Next story: January 2004 Gathering Summary
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©1995-2012 American Muslims Intent on Learning and Activism. All rights reserved. Contact AMILA for more information. |
