OTHER MUSLIM MINORITIES
Islamic Organizations in U.S.A.
A Partial Listing
The Muslim World League, US Office, New York based in Makkah al Mukarramah maintains an active e program in the United States, enjoys NGO status with the United Nations, provides copies of the Quran and Islamic material, assists with the religious needs of those who accept Islam while in prisons, contributes financially to other Islamic groups, and secures Imams for Masjids E1655 N. Fort Meyer Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22209; Tel: (703) 351-5296; Fax (703)351-5241.
The International Institute of Islamic Thought, an American social sciences organization founded in 1981 C sponsors research and scholarship, organizes seminars and conferences, and publishes classical and contemporary works including the American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences. The Institute works closely with universities and organizations in North America. P.O. Box 669, Herndon, VA 22070.
The Muslim Students' Association of USA and Canada (MSA)... the largest and most active Islamic organization. Since its inception in 1963, seeks to provide Muslims - men and women new to Islam or new to this continent with the environment and human and material resources necessary to foster growth in Islamic sense.
Since the establishment of the Islamic Society of North America, however, MSA concentrates its activities on campuses, establishes Friday and regular prayers on campuses, sets up Muslim reading rooms and libraries of Islamic books, sponsors Islamic events. P.O. Box 38, Plainfield, IN 46168.
The Islamic Medical Association (IMA) formed in 1967 provides a forum for Muslim health professionals to meet and share relevant information and services... IMA publishes biannually, The Journal and holds a National Convention annually. 4121 S. Fairview Avenue, #203, Downers Grove, IL 60515.
The Association of Muslim Scientists and Engineers (AMSE) founded in 1969 to help promote scientific research and application of science based upon Islamic principles. Publishes a Newsletter and organizes an annual conference. P.O. Box 38, Plainfield, IN 46168.
The Association of Muslim Social Scientists (AMSS) formed in 1972 as a professional, academic, educational, and cultural body dedicated to the initiation, revitalization, and promotion of Islamic thought. It holds an annual conference and several discipline seminars. Publishes News bulletin. P.O. Box 669, Herndon, VA 22070.
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) formed in 1982 as an umbrella organization seeking to meet the needs of both the transient students and resident Muslims. Headquartered in Plainfield, Indiana holds an conferences, and publishes a news and views journal. The annual conference, regional conferences, specialized Islamic Horizons. P.O. Box 38, Plainfield, IN 46168.
The Muslim Political Action Committee (MPAC) [3010 Wilshire Boulevard # 217, Los Angeles, CA 90010].
American Muslim Council. 1212 New York Avenue, N.W. #525, Washington D.C. 20005; Tel: (202) 789-2262; Fax: (202) 789-2550
USA: Iftar on Capitol Hill
This year in the United States, the completion of the Ramadan fast on February 20, was marked by a very special event.
First Lady Hillary Clinton hosted a celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr at the White House, marking the first time an Islamic holiday was ever celebrated there. Approximately one hundred Muslims from around the country and their families were invited.
Khaled Saffuri, Assistant Executive Director of the American Muslim Council (AMC) which had sponsored the Reception presented Mrs. Clinton with a Qur'an and acknowledged. President's message to Muslims around the world "as an example of the Clinton administration's efforts to reach out to the American Muslim community".
Also present was Imam Abdul Rasheed Muhammad, the first Muslim chaplain of the U.S. Army commissioned as Captain in 1993.
The Council which also hosted the first-ever Iftar- Dinner on Capitol Hill for members of the U.S. Congress, representatives from government agencies, the Clinton administration and Jewish leaders from the local community and from across the nation.
In a taped Eid 'greeting to Muslims around the world, President Clinton extended "my personal greetings to the entire Muslim community, here in the United States and around the world. It is a time for rejoicing and celebration, but it is also a time for reflection and rededication. On this occasion, let us rekindle our commitment to the cause of peace among all of the peoples of the earth".
In the United States today there are more than 1,000 mosques, of which more than three-fourths opened since 1980, and an estimated 5 million Muslims. Through immigration, births and conversion, Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States.
