ASA, This article was submitted to the Muslim Journal for publication. Other
photos of the UAE Imams Training Program can be viewed by going to the "public
gallery" after you link to the photos.
Peace, Brother Curtis
November 18, 2007
Program Trains American Imams in the United Arab Emirates
Participants Honored at UAE and US Embassy Receptions
Story and Photos by Yusuf Maisonet and Curtis Sharif
http://picasaweb.google.com/zayeditp/MjArticleOne
In this historic program, thirteen Muslims from the United States and one
from France are being trained as Imams. It features a comprehensive curriculum
that includes classes of Fiqh, Aqueedah, Quranic recitation and memorization,
Arabic language, Islamic Banking, Courts and Funeral services, among others.
It consists of six weeks of Imam Training in the UAE, followed by two weeks in
Saudi Arabia for the Hajj Pilgrimage.
Group members have completed three weeks of the program.
Participants are regularly treated to events and activities outside the class
room, to familiarize them with the history, culture, traditions and lifestyle
of the UAE Gulf Region.
Participants are now in the third week of the six week program.
To date they have traveled all over Al Ain, their host city, and have made
trips to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and a traditional desert tribal village.
Their experiences have included tours of the Fort Museum, the Presidential
Palace Museum, An oasis and date orchard, a livestock market, the traditional
open souq market, a picnic at a mountain hot springs park, and prayers at
Masajids all over the UAE, including the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Masjid in Abu
Dhabi, which is under construction.
On one memorable outing, the group was treated to a one hour Safari over
desert dunes in large four wheel drive vehicles. One guest described the
adventure as a one hour roller coaster ride.
They were guests at both the Zakat Fund and the Zayed foundation, where they
were given presentations detailing their operation and charitable works
throughout the world.
Their journey began with a reception at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.
And this week they were featured at reception that honored Ms. Michelle Siston,
United States Ambassador to the UAE. It was held in a richly appointed,
traditional Bedouin tent on the campus of the Zayed House of Islamic Culture.
The Ambassador and other dignitaries toured the new, beautifully furnished
villas that house the program participants.
The US Ambassador graciously invited the Imam group to her home to celebrate
the traditional US Thanksgiving Holiday in her home in Abu Dhabi
The group is scheduled to meet with United States Congressman Keith Ellison,
the first Muslim elected to U.S. Congress, followed by a weekend sea voyage.
Program Participants include:
· Imam Khalid Shaheed, Resident Imam of the Dallas Masjid of Al-Islam,
· Hannibal Shabazz, Masjidullah, Philadelphia
· Abdullah, Madyun, Chicago
· Adil Woods, Wilmington , Delaware
· Curtis Sharif, Houston , Texas
· Omar Huda, California
· Ali Carl Kenemer, Dallas , Texas
· Julio Colon, Austin , Texas
· Yusuf Maisonet, Mobile , Alabama
· Bilaal Mbee , France
· Dr. Khalifah Ramadan, Buffalo , New York
· Jeloni Musa Shabazz, New Haven , Connecticut
· Rafeel Aleandro Jara , Chile
· Jesus Villarreal, San Antonio, Texas
The group organized into an ummah, and elected Curtis Sharif to the position
of Amir, to facilitate efficient communication between the group and Zayed
House administrators. They hold weekly meetings and make all important
decisions using Shura and Consensus. Following each meeting, The Amir meets
with Zayed House Director Khalid Marzouqi, to review progress, goals and the
resolution of any outstanding issues.
This historic American Imams Training Program in the UAE was originated by
Khalid Ahmed, President of the Muslim Youth Association, of Washington D.C.
The Zayed House of Islamic Culture is directed by Khalid Marzouqi , key
administrators of the Imams Training Program include Hassan Raffas and Saeed
Alrawady.
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. As a step towards its goal of promoting a
moderate, tolerant form of Islam worldwide, the United Arab Emirates government
is carrying out the first Imams Training Program for Americans at the Zayed
House of Islamic Culture in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.
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