In contemplating the coming month’s events, I am deeply moved by their tremendous significance, locally, nationally, and internationally. September is an extremely busy month for TMWF, as you will see in this newsletter.  Please join us for the wonderful programs, events, and presentations, which you will find extremely informative and relevant to ensuring a society of compassion, care, and positive social change.

I.  September 5, 2016, Labor Day was a celebration of all the workers who contribute their expertise and knowledge to help society function smoothly.

II.  September 11, 2016, is the remembrance of the tragic events of 9-11-2001, which changed history for us here as well as the whole world.  We make sincere prayers for the families of the victims and all people in the world to live together in peace, harmony, and good will.

III.  This year September 11, 2016, coincides with The Day of Arafah on the Islamic lunar calendar.  The Day of Arafah is the final day of the annual Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj.  September 12, 2016 coincides with the celebration that culminates the ending of the Hajj, called Eid al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice (celebrated for four days).  These holy days will be observed by about three million pilgrims while they fulfill the fifth obligatory Tenant of Islam, the Hajj, as well as the rest of the 1.6 billion Muslims all over the world.  During this major observance, Muslims are paying tribute and enacting the story of Abraham-the patriarch of prophets and messengers for Jews, Christians, and Muslims-therefore emphasizing that the essence of these three major world religions is the same.

I cannot help noting that the Day of Arafah this year is falling on September 11. Three million pilgrims will gather on the small hilltop called Arafah (Arabic for “to recognize”) in Mecca, where tradition claims that this is where Adam reunited with Eve after they descended from Heaven!  It is such a sobering reminder that all of humanity are children of one couple, and all are brothers and sisters and cousins of one another, with common bonds uniting them together, irrespective of their different faiths, denominations, genders, ages, languages, customs, and economic statuses.  While the Muslim pilgrims are on Mount Arafah (September 11, 2016), dressed in the simplest of outfits, they are indistinguishable from one another in their observance of the ritual.  They all are actually rehearsing how all of humanity will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement, and will be standing before the ultimate and just Creator, with only their deeds and actions to speak for them!

As a Muslim, I feel that we are sending a message to our brothers and sisters in humanity, that should also be the most eloquent response to Islamophobes and hate-mongers, who are trying to separate God’s creation into ‘them’ and ‘us’, and turning races and faiths against one another:  On this September 11, 2016, all Muslims worldwide will stand together as one compassionate caring human community, exchanging good wishes of peace together, and donating generously to feed and help those less fortunate, while following the example of Abraham-the father of all the monotheistic messengers-unified in their humanity and humility.

“Eid Mubarak” to all our Muslim brothers and sisters here in North Texas and to the 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide for the great celebration of Eid-ul-Adha-the major Feast of Sacrifice.

IV.  September 17, 2016, is the official opening of the Islamic Art Revival Series 5^th Annual International Juried Exhibition at the Irving Arts Center.  This event also highlights our shared humanity as it uses the universal language of art to communicate to all world cultures.  Artists from different countries will present their talent and show the expansive influence of Islamic art on a large range of cultures resulting in a unique as well as inclusive whole.

V.  September 22, 2016, North Texas Giving Day is another great day witnessing the bond among ALL people in support of charities benefitting different causes and needs. In fact, it is a miniature replication of Muslim giving during Eid-ul-Adha!  Last year North Texas Giving Day raised $33 million through more than 118,000 gifts benefiting 2,020 nonprofits. Can you imagine what 1.6 billion Muslims giving on any Eid can amount to and how many people can benefit?

VI.  September 24, 2016, is Muslim Day of Dignity where all Muslim charities come together to feed the homeless in South Dallas, and when TMWF will be sponsoring a workshop on “Establishing Peaceful Families” at EPIC Mosque in Plano.

My dear TMWF friends, members, staff, donors, I am inviting you all to join us at the upcoming celebrations, remembrances, and charitable giving to spread good will and compassion among all our brothers and sisters in North Texas.

I’m also asking for your sincere and heartfelt prayers for our loved ones experiencing very serious challenges to their health and emotional, economic, and physical well-being.  May God bestow infinite blessings of healing and stability in their lives!

Why should you give on North Texas Giving Day?

Your support of TMWF’s various programs makes a difference in so many ways.  When you:

1. Champion our Social Services Program, you are helping the helpless out of a difficult situation and giving them strength so that victims can become survivors.
2. Support our Youth Leadership Program, you are making the youth feel heard and embraced and letting them know that they have a critical role in society.
3. Sponsor our Islamic Arts Revival Series program, you demonstrate the inclusiveness and diversity of our community here in North Texas, and emphasize the wealth of cultures and heritage that  connects us all.
4. Participate in our Interfaith Outreach Program, you are advocate for the shared concerns of humanity and work across differences in faith for the common good.

We encourage you to give generously to TMWF and other charities of your choice on North Texas Giving Day. Donations that range between $25 to $50,000 will be multiplied by $2.5 million in bonus funds and prizes, which increases the value of the donation!

By giving during North Texas Giving Day, you show the care and compassion of the Muslim community. 

Mark your calendars and be part of the excitement and incredible generosity!

Social Services

Hope everyone has had an amazing summer! Here are some of our upcoming events for this fall.

• September 24 – Day of Dignity
• October 8 – White Rock Lake Cleanup
• November 19 – Plano Community Garden

On September 24, we will be volunteering at Day of Dignity to help provide hygiene kits, clothes, household items, health screenings, and fruit to the underprivileged in Dallas. The address is Martin Luther King Center on MLK Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75215. We will announce the time soon. Also, TMWF will be collecting fruit to distribute on the Day of Dignity, so please email youth@tmwf.org to sign up to donate fruit. It will be greatly appreciated by the recipients!

On October 8, we will be volunteering at the White Rock Lake Cleanup. Location is White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX and the time will be announced soon. We will be picking up trash around White Rock Lake in Dallas. Volunteers will be provided with disposable raincoats (depending on the weather forecast), trash bags, tools to pick up trash, as well as hot coffee, water, and breakfast (fruit, granola bars, cookies, donuts, etc.). This is a great opportunity to easily gain volunteer hours while also enjoying fresh air and the beauty of the lake.

On November 19, we will volunteer at the Plano Community Garden from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Location is 4030 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093.

Tasks vary each month but they always need help with weeding, mulching, pruning and turning the compost piles. They  provide adult gardening gloves and tools but volunteers may bring their own.  Since no gardening experience is necessary, even non-gardeners can join in the fun. Please be aware that parking in the gardens is limited so carpooling is encouraged, whenever possible. Only 10 volunteer spots are available. Email us to RSVP your spot!

Note: Volunteers 13 and younger should be accompanied by a parent or guardian

All volunteers can earn volunteer hours for their service. To sign up for these events, please respond email youth@tmwf.org.

Stay up to date with future fall TMWF Youth volunteer activities by visiting our Facebook page!

Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation continues building bridges of understanding and goodwill among peoples of all faiths and races.

There are many upcoming opportunities for you to meet your neighbors and make new friends. Please join us for these events.

• September 11 – Together we Stand
• September 15 –  “How can we as Christian Americans support our Muslim American brothers and sisters in these divisive times?” 
• October 10 –  Interfaith Dialogue, & Social Justice with Imam Omar Suleiman, World-Renown Scholar, Advocate of Community Service

We continue our interfaith outreach, via our membership in the The 2nd Community – a multi-faith community program formed to share faith stories “freely and fearlessly” and hosted by Northaven United Methodist Church. The 2nd Community events serve to facilitate a respectful understanding of the beliefs and practices of others and, in so doing, enriching one’s own faith perspective.

“The theme of the ten monthly sessions of The 2nd Community in 2016 (February-November) focuses on “Owning Violence: Affirming Nonviolence”. During these sessions, participants will develop an informed understanding of violence and nonviolence from various perspectives.”

Click here to register.

Thank You