Pearls of Wisdom

Isolation breeds fear, depression and stagnation. Seek support and be accountable to someone so you won’t quit at the first sign of discouragement. Never underestimate the power of the people around you to either drag you down or lift you up. Poisonous people can destroy your goal by systematically draining you of your passion and desire and replacing it with total pessimism! Passionate and positive people can invigorate you with renewed energy and ideas. Make an effort to associate with people on-the-grow. Your mentors, role models, co-workers, circle of family and friends have an influence on you. Are they helpful or hurtful?

One major cause that keeps people paralyzed from living their dream is the need for perfection. Many people have emotional arthritis and suffer from paralysis of analysis. They are the “all or nothing at all” type. They usually get stuck in the quicksand of researching and never get started. Many people suffer from a need for perfection to avoid; failing, being embarrassed or to avoid criticism and rejection from others. Research, reflection and planning are certainly important before starting any minor or major project. Just don’t get stuck in thinking so much that you never get started.

Be willing to enjoy the process and the learning curve. Striving for perfection is unrealistic. You are creating your future right now with your attitude and decisions. Look at your watch and say, “the time is NOW!” - by Jewel Diamond Taylor

Assalamu Alakum

I pray everyone is in the best of health and iman. Ramadan is fast approaching and it is such a blessed time to give, receive, and remember those less fortunate than yourselves.

It has been a while since I have had to post like this, allhumdulillah. I am the owner of The Community Closet. Allhumdulillah, this project has been blessed to go on for several years now. Unfortunately, we are having some problems getting donations for some of the families. I pray you can help inshaallah. I have listed a few of the items we are seeking. Please let me know if you are able to assist by sending things or giving a donation in order for us to purchase the items on behalf of the families.

It has been such a struggle for me to keep this project going at some times. I have the help and support of a few wonderful sisters allhumdulillah but it is never enough mashaallah there is always more that needs to be done and more people who go without. Inshaallah we can work together to help to make it easy for some this year.

Personal care items - soaps, shampoos, etc.

Islamic books and Tapes

There are several families behind on their utilities and rent as well.

Please let me know what you are able to do. If you prefer to send your contribution to a family directly, I will be more than happy to give you their contact information.

Donations can be delivered, mailed to me directly, or sent via PayPal to ummezahid@aol.com

assalamu alakum jamiliah

(1) Undergraduate and Graduate Students in the Greater Washington Area:

The Fairfax Institute, instructional division of International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), has instituted a modest scholarship program that may be of some help to undergraduate and graduate students at colleges and universities in the Greater Washington Area. The program is detailed at www.fairfaxi.net (click on Rising Scholars). The program is non-discriminatory and is open to all qualified students regardless of race, religion, gender or national origin. For more information please feel free to write to me at iunus@fairfaxi.net or iqbalunus@iiit.org .

(2) Muslim Youth Leadership Award (MYLA):

Application Form for 2007-2008 MYLA Journalism Scholarship (MJS) is now available. Click here for MJS Application Form and here for Recommendation Form.

http://www.mylawards.org/MJSApplication.pdf

http://www.mylawards.org/recommendation.pdf

4th Annual Speech Competition
Have something to say to your fellow students, parents, and community? Then TAKE A STAND AND SPEAK OUT at this year’s 4th Annual MSA National Speech Contest. Each participant will be given 3 minutes to speak about a different topic, and a panel of selected judges will be scoring based on content, clarity, organization, timing, and delivery.

To register please send the following:

Full name:
E-mail address:
School:

RULES:
1. Must be registered for the Continental Conference
2. Must be an undergraduate student
3. Attending/registered school for the FALL semester 2007.
This year’s competition is sponsored by Muslim Study Abroad . Promising Muslim student(s) from the US and Canada selected through this competition will be given prizes to learn Arabic/Islam on any of the trips hosted by Muslim Study Abroad in the coming year (through Summer 2008), including opportunities to study at Al ‘Ayn University in UAE and the International Islamic University in Malaysia. Winners will be awarded credit towards the cost of a trip of their choice with Muslim Study Abroad for the following amounts:

1st place: $1,500
2nd place: $700
3rd place: $300
By popular demand, the Speech Competition registration deadline has been extended to August 27th

To register send an e-mail to speech@msanational.org

http://www.muslimstudyabroad.com/

Assalaamulaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

AMHP (Association of Muslim Health Professionals) is currently looking for committee members for its Mentoring & Career Development (MCD) team!!

If YOU are interested, email us at hchughtai@amhp.us

What is AMHP about?

* To be a leader in improving public health, through efforts inspired by Islamic tradition.

What does MCD DO?

* Provides resources for Muslim health pre-health students and health professionals.

* Nurtures creativity and novelty through communication, encouragement, teamwork, and leadership.

Why Join?

* Be a part of a team of students and professionals from diverse
backgrounds and careers as to form and develop the MCD committee.

* To be guided or to guide other individuals about amazing career
opportunities.

* Help build a unique support network for students and professionals
amongst Muslims in the health professional field!

What is MCD looking for?

We want dedicated individuals with the vision of improving academic resources for students and career building for professionals.

Any type of training in education, psychology, couseling, advising or familiarity with mentoring are a plus BUT anyone CAN join!!

Goals and Tasks:

Mentoring Program:

* To define mentors and mentees tasks, roles, and criteria

* To formalize a mentor/mentee program

* To facilitate mentor/mentee contact via region and state

* To develop online mentoring resources through the AMHP website

* To maintain a consistent means of finding mentors through the list serv

* To cooperate with other mentoring programs for mentorships

Career Development:

* To compose and collect resources such as manuals and websites for

mentoring and career development.
* To develop an interactive forum via web & email for Muslim
professionals and students.

* To initiate relationships with other career development organizations.

* To utilize communication technology to inform and educate.

Email us at hchughtai@amhp.us

For more information about AMHP, click on: http://www.amhp.us