Kansas City would not be Kansas City without Muhammad. We don’t need to mention our love of fountains or how important Arabic numberals are to H&R Block (would you like to do your income tax using Roman numerals, without a place-holder zero? — The word zero, like so many in English scientific words, comes from the Arabic.) As the cover to the American Automobile Association map of Kansas City suggests, one of the landmarks of our community is Giralda Tower on the Plaza, where we often bring our friends from out of town as we show them the sights. It is a miniature copy of the 1184-96 CE original in Seville, one of our Sister Cities. Within a single century after Mohammed’s death, Islam had spread west and east, from the Iberian peninsula to beyond the Indus River. In Andalusia, the Almohads built this minaret, from which the call to prayer was issued five times each day. The belfrey was added by Christians in 1565 after destroying the mosque. for a more current list with photos, visit http://culturallyspeaking.net/thriving-community/ Al Haqq Islamic Center 6941 Prospect, Kansas City, MO 64132   Al-Inshirah Islamic Center History/Mission: Al-Inshirah was formed in 1982 as a local affiliate of the American Society of Muslims and in association with W. Deen Mohammed Ministries. The ASM initially was organized in the United States in 1930 as the Nation of Islam, under the Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s leadership. Elijah Muhammad died in 1975 and was succeeded by his son, W. Deen Mohammed, who in 1975 led the organization toward Orthodox Islam. The ASM now is the largest indigenous Muslim organization in the country, with a membership in excess of 2.5 million. Al-Inshirah is committed to unifying people of faith, with the goal of eradicating prejudices, injustices, hatred, and other circumstances that divide humanity and weaken the social fabric of our society. The community asserts that as members of the human race, people have only one common enemy, which conceals itself in ignorance, greed, envy, jealousy, lies, and dishonesty. Leadership: Imam Bilal Muhammed (resident imam). Gatherings: Congregational Prayer Service (Jumah Prayer) to which the public is invited, Fri at 1p; Salaat Class (Prayer) Sat at 9:30a; Ta’alim (Religious Studies) to which the public is invited, Sun at 11a; Weekend School for Children Sun at 10:30a; and Arabic Class for Adults Mon 7p. Membership: Everyone is invited to join this community who: openly testifies and declares faith and belief in the oneness of God; is in agreement with the mission, principles, and values of Al-Islam; and accepts the guidance from the Holy Qu’ran and the life example of Prophet Mohammed. Contact Information: 3664 Troost Kansas City, MO 64109 816.960.0475—voice 816.960.7007—fax alinshirah@aol.com   American Muslim Council, Heartland Chapter History/Mission: The American Muslim Council is a national organization that was formed in 1990 to increase effective participation of American Muslims in US political and public spheres. The AMC seeks to promote ethical values that improve the quality of life for all Americans and to strengthen the presence of American Muslims in mainstream public life. This organization has held voter registration drives for American Muslims, campaigned against the genocide in Bosnia, worked to develop a more balanced Freedom from Religious Persecution Act, and sought to ensure that civil liberties are safeguarded in legislation and policies that aim to protect national security. The Kansas Chapter was established in 1995, and changed its name to the Heartland Chapter in 2002, when a new Board of Directors was elected. Last year, several members from the chapter met with Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes and received a special declaration of support from her. Also, on July 31, 2002, the chapter hosted a town hall meeting with US Congressman Dennis Moore (D-Kansas) that was attended by over 75 AMC-HC members. Most of the questions dealt with civil rights, human rights, and US foreign policies. Leadership: Zarrieff Osman, president; Mahnaz Shabbir, vice president; Zulfiqar Malik, secretary; A.S. Mohammed, treasurer; Art Chaudry, executive member. Gatherings: Periodic—the annual banquet will take place in Oct, 2003. Membership: Open to those agreeing with the organization’s mission. Yearly fees: individual $35, couple $50. Contact Information: PO Box 7872, Overland Park, KS 66207; amc_heartland@yahoo.com Center for Islamic Education in North America History/Mission: CIENA-USA helps to address the major issues in Islamic education in North America and internationally by supporting schools with administration, curriculum, teacher training, school accreditation, and teacher certification. This organization assists in the creation of the increasing number of Muslim schools; brings school administrators together to share resources and ideas needed to support the schools, and works with parents and communities to find support for the schools. Over 500 schools, including the Islamic School of Kansas City and the Islamic School of Greater Kansas City, are associated with CIENA-USA. Leadership: Dr Abdulla Idies Ali, director. Contact Information: 10500 Grandview Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 816.965.5555—voice 816.966.6220—fax www.ciena-usa.com Crescent Peace Society History/Mission: The Crescent Peace Society, a non-profit organization, was created in 1996 to enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures and values through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among people of diverse cultures. It aims to promote Islamic values while bonding with other faith communities. CPS has provided sensitivity training; engaged in educational and cultural exchanges with other faiths; maintained a liaison with other religious groups, educational institutions and the media; promoted community involvement and social services; and provided an inclusive platform to promote community and peace. Leadership: Javid Talib, president; Mahnaz Shabbir, vice president; Kokab Husain, secretary; Mohsin Zaidi, treasurer. Gatherings: Periodic, including one large gathering each year. Membership: Open to all US residents or citizens of any affiliation and culture. Yearly fees: family $15, individual $10, students free. Contact Information: PO Box 27023, Shawnee Mission, KS 66225-7023 913.345.1029 Islamic Center of Johnson County History/Mission:  Incorporated in Kansas in March 2000, is a permanent facility at 9001 W 151. The mosque includes classrooms and an ablution area with 10 tiled washing stations.  Mission objectives include establishing a fully functional operational Islamic center for daily, Friday, and, during Ramadhan, Taraweeh prayers; weekend and evening education for children; Islamic education for adults; social activities, including Iftaar, Aqiqa, sports, et cetera; a showcase for non-Muslim visitors; and a platform for Da'wah and outreach.  Members are exploring collaborations with clergy of Advent Lutheran Church and other nearby Christian and Jewish congregations. Leadership: Dr. Mohammed Azhar Mirza, Chairman; Dr. Wohaib Hasan, Secretary; Dr. Mohammed Saleem Mozaffar, Treasurer; and the Board of Trustees. Gatherings: Two Friday congregations Membership: Open to all Greater Kansas City Muslims. Contact Information: (913) 239-0770 9001 W 151 ST Overland Park, KS 66221 www.icjc.org. Islamic School of Kansas City History/Mission: The Universal Foundation/Islamic School of Kansas City was established on Sept 11, 1989, and is a non-profit, privately funded educational institution. In Nov 1999, it was fully accredited by the National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations-Missouri Chapter, thereby becoming the first accredited Islamic school in the state. The school seeks to guide children to fully realize their spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social potentials to serve Islam and humanity for the pleasure of Allah. ISKC attempts to create a comprehensive program of meaningful, value-based learning experiences in an Islamic environment so that children first can develop a firm relationship with the Creator (Allah), and then develop Islamic personalities capable of identifying, understanding, and working cooperatively with others to solve the problems that they will encounter as individuals, community members, and global participants. Leadership: Dr Abdul Munim Jitmoud, principal. Yearly Schedule: Two sessions are offered, one lasting from Aug to Jan, and the other lasting from Jan to May. Admittance: The school provides an Islamic-based education for Muslims and those who appreciate Islamic culture. Students from preschool to 12th grade are eligible for admittance. ISKC doesn’t discriminate in enrollment on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, handicap, or national origin. The school reserves the right to decline admission for certain reasons, including if a student requires special-education instruction beyond the capacity of the school, or if a student needs English as a Second Language instruction beyond the school’s capability to provide it. A $50 registration fee and a $100 tuition deposit are due upon submission of an application. The tuition per child, per year is $2,800, and can be paid in 10 monthly installments. Contact Information: 10515 Grandview Rd, Kansas City, MO 64137 816.767.0001—voice 816.767.0110—fax www.iskc.org Islamic School of Greater Kansas City History/Mission: The Islamic School of Greater Kansas City is a full-day school that holds classes five days per week for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The Crescent Daycare Center is located near the school. Leadership: Hamid Ghazali, principal. Contact Information: 10007 James A Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134 816.763.0322 www.isgkc.org Islamic Society of Kansas City History/Mission: The Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City was established in 1973-1974. It promotes joint action among Muslims; conducts social, cultural, religious, and other activities in the best tradition of Islam; arranges and holds congregational prayers and Islamic festivals; promotes friendly relations between Muslims and non-Muslims; and strives to make Islamic teachings known to interested non-Muslims. The ISGKC offers classes through the Islamic School of Greater Kansas City; medical help to the community through the Crescent Clinic (8787 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64138, 816.763.0969); and childcare through the Crescent Daycare Center (816.761.5503). The organization also offers counseling services, provides a multi-purpose room for families, and offers burial services for members. Leadership: Bassam Sanadiki, president; Syed Imadullah, vice president; Ahmed Safi, secretary; Khaled Hasem, treasurer; and Abdul Malik Khan, executive member. Gatherings: Congregational prayers (Salaat-ul-Jam’at) take place five times per day. The Friday Khutba begins at 1p sharp and Salaat-ul-Jumaa’ follows immediately afterward. A weekend school is operated on Sun from 10:45a to 1p. Tafsir of the Qur’an is offered every Sun from 11a until Salaat-ul-Zohar. Membership: Open to all Muslims at least 18 years old and residing in the Kansas City metro area or the surrounding contiguous community. Two types of membership are available—general and voting, the latter of which requires both payment of membership dues and at least 1 per cent of gross monthly earnings. Contact Information: PO Box 410891, Kansas City, MO 64141 (8501 E 99th St, Kansas City, MO 64134) 816.763.2267—voice 816.763.6468—fax www.isgkc.org Muslim American Society History/Mission: The Muslim American Society was founded in 1992 to complement the work that had been done by North American Muslim organizations in the preceding three decades and to lay the groundwork for the Islamic work needed to face the challenges of the new century. Its objectives are to present the message of Islam to Muslim and non-Muslims and promote understanding between them; to encourage the participation of Muslims in building a virtuous and moral society; to offer a viable Islamic alternative to many of our society’s prevailing problems; to encourage family values in accordance with Islamic teaching; to promote human values that Islam emphasizes, including brotherhood and sisterhood, equality, justice, mercy, compassion, and peace; to foster unity among Muslims and Muslim organizations, and to encourage their cooperation and coordination. Membership: The Society aspires to expand its membership to include every Muslim who is: seeking Allah’s pleasure; purifying himself or herself; committing to Islam as a faith; and determined to establish Islam as a comprehensive way of life. Five membership categories (adjunct, regular, active, associate, and youth) are offered, based on the level of Islamic commitment and knowledge. Contact Information: Amjad Dalaq, Chapter head, 9520 James A Reed Rd, Suite G Kansas City, MO 64134 816.765.4627 (temporarily out of service) www.masnet.org amjad@masnet.org Muslim Students’ Association at the University of Missouri—Kansas City History/Mission: The Muslim Students’ Association at UMKC is affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America and is the UMKC chapter of its Muslim Students’ Association. The chapter was created in 1984 to assist Muslim students at UMKC to practice the teachings of Islam. MSA-UMKC strengthens bonds among Muslims as well as students in general; helps Muslim students to carry out Islamic activities as they pursue Islam as a complete way of life; presents Islamic teachings to interested non-Muslims; and participates in social, cultural, and religious activities. Leadership: Sami Abedin, president (2003-04), Dr Syed Hasan, faculty advisor. Gatherings: prayer gatherings, including Jummah congregational prayers Fri at 1:15p. Membership: Open to all currently enrolled students, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, disability, or Vietnam-era veteran status. Any UMKC student in good academic standing interested in furthering the goals of the MSA-UMKC may be admitted as a member. Contact Information: University Center, UMKC 5100 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499 Dr Hasan—816.235.2976 hasans@umkc.edu www.umkc.edu/studo/msa [Northland Mosque]  900 NE Vivian Rd   Shifa International Inc. History/Mission: This not-for-profit organization was founded in 1995 to aid to needy people, irrespective of faith, in cooperation with foreign as well as domestic government organizations and relief agency. It operates solely and exclusively as a charitable, scientific, literary, and educational organization. Shifa International is named after a hospital in Palestine; “shifa” literally means “cure.” During the past five years, Shifa International has sent medical relief to Bosnia, Ukraine, Jordan, Central Asia, Sinai, and Iraq. Delegations have been sent to Somalia, the Sinai Peninsula, Iraq, and the West Bank and Gaza region. Leadership: Ahmed El Sherif, chairman; Reed Simpson, director; Lisa Cline, public relations. Membership: Monthly pledges are essential to support ongoing projects. Monetary gifts of $25, $50, $100, or $150 are greatly appreciated. Also, a contributor can make a one-time pledge for any amount. Contact Information: PO Box 6092, Leawood, KS 66206-0092 Ms Cline—913.530.6423 Lisa@shifacares.org Suffah Quran Academy History/Mission: This academy was created over a decade ago, and offers classes in Quranic Studies, Hadith Studies, Islamic Studies, Islamic History, Masnoon Duaa, Practical Salah, and other areas, and special Arabic and Urdu language studies. Leadership: Dr Hafiz Qari K H Khalid. Contact Information: 6400 West 110th St, Suite 250/A, Leawood, KS 66211 816.210.1983 Additional Websites www.americanmuslimwoman.com www.communitypeace.com Kansas City Interfaith Council: www.cres.org/ifc/ifc.htm