University of Delaware Interviewed Friends of COH on the Occasion of its 1st Anniversary.
Interviewers:
Matt, Molly, Casey, Jake and Jacqueline (UD Islamic Studies Students)
Interviewees:
Dr. Ehsan-ur-Rahman, Dr. Ikram-ul-Haq, Mrs. Hina Haq,
Miss. Nadia Siddiqui, Mr. Sid Sharma, Mrs. Reeta Sharma
Mr. Azeem George Siddiqui, Miss. Jennifer Iqbal, Mr. Muqtedar Khan,
Mr. Ehsan Khan, Mrs. Saadia Khan, Mrs. Romana Assad,
Dr. Hummayun Ismail, Dr. Sheerin Javed.
Upcoming Projects of COH
1. COH Center
Suite 220 at the Metro Professional Offices has been chosen to serve as the COH center. We plan to display Muslim Culture, Literature, Music, Art and more... for Adults and children.
2. Medical Clinic
The above location will serve as a Medical Clinic for low income patients. Dr. Rahman offered his assistance and shared information about possible ancillary lab services at a steep discount for patients.
COH has approached other physicians who are also willing to donate their time and effort for this cause.
3. COH 2010 Show Case Event
Prestigious venue showcases the cultures and traditions of the East.
(In a joint venture with a local Endowment Organization.)
4. Speaker's Bureau
COH will provide interested individuals the platform to get involved in presenting topics related to Islam at Civic Societies, Universities, and Community Centers.
Speakers will be given an honorarium for their efforts.
5. COH Documentary
We are planning an educational documentary under Azeem Siddiqui's tutelage, on COH, its goals and good works.
Active Ongoing Projects of COH
1. COH goes to school
Romana enjoys interacting with eager students and teaching them about Muslims and Bangladesh. Dr. Javed and Dr. Ismail who present Pakistan and Indonesia, feel the 'Journey to Asia' project is a great way to open communication with young people and introduce them to the Muslim World.
2. COH opens Interfaith dialogue
Dr. Ismail and Dr. Javed recently participated and enjoyed a discussion regarding 'Islam and Peace' at the Quakers Friends Meeting House in Hockessin. This was a brain storming session, a prelude to more organized and planned events to come!
3. COH's Charitable Involvement at the local level
We have been involved with 3 local charities in the last year in Delaware; The Lifeline Project for Foster Kids, Ministry of Caring through the Emmanuel Dining Hall and the Greater Wilmington Adventist Corporation's grocery store program.
4. Monthly Educational Seminars
The program year ended with the topic,'On the Look out for Cancer' presented at ISD by Dr. Jamil Khatri.
5. Pennies for Peace- Tower Hill School
The 1st grade and sixth grade at THS are learning about Greg Mortenson's 'Pennies for Peace' project that assists elementary school girls with books, pencils and other school supplies.
Discussion and Interview:
I'd like to thank the friends of Circle of Hands who made it to the interview at a relatively short notice. The gathering was semi-formal and everyone had an opportunity to partake in the Q and A.
Dr. Rahman and Dr. Ismail agreed that had it not been for 9/11 we probably would not have had an organization like COH. They felt that post 9/11 it is not enough that we work, raise children and save for retirement! American Muslims should engage in helping get the true word of Islam out there.
Dr. Khan felt that our Muslim community could benefit from learning about the Constitution of America, Homeland Security policies, and the role of the FBI in investigations of security matters.
Mr. Sharma who has been an invaluable asset to COH offered to continue his help as a liaison between COH, local politicians and the government.
As to the concerns regarding the lopsided representation in the media of Islam at times, I agreed with Jacqueline, that encouraging the 2nd generation Muslims to enter professions related to journalism and communication will go a long way in reversing these prejudices.
Every one agreed that our involvement in improving understanding between the East and West sets a good precedence for our children to follow suit.
Jennifer Iqbal, Saadia Khan and I discussed some ideas to incorporate in the next show case event in 2010. A program showcasing music and dances of different Muslim countries was suggested. I thought live mannequins with outfits from different Muslim nations depicting important events like weddings would be unique and colorful! Dr. Khan thought live literary scholars from the Muslim worlds in the 18th and 19th centuries interacting with the public will be educational and fun.
At the end of discussion the UD students took group pictures for their photo journal project on COH to be presented on May 19th, at UD.
You will also have the opportunity to view the project on our website later in the month.
