Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA)

By Imam Abdullah El-Amin, MMNS

Group headed by Imam Siraj Wahaj kicks off SHARE Center concept in Detroit, Michigan

Imam Siraj Wahaj, imam of Masjid At Taqwa in Brooklyn New York, and amir of Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) recently sent Imam F.Qasim ibn Ali Khan to Detroit to lay the groundwork for a premier event on March 15, 2008 starting at 3:30 in the afternoon at the Muslim Center in Detroit. In addition to Imam Qasim speakers will be Imam Siraj Wahaj, Dr. Sherman Abdul Hakim Jackson, and Imam Dr. Ihsan Bagby.

Imam Qasim is Director of Events and Fundraising for MANA. Accompanied by his wife, Imam Qasim visited a great number of masajid and other Islamic organizations to pre-fundraise and market the upcoming event.

MANA is a coalition of Islamic leaders, scholars, and activists organized to fill a void left by major Islamic organizations in this country. It was noted that most Islamic organizations operated like the Red Cross, addressing major disasters like earthquakes and floods, while not responding to the needs of indigenous Muslims. There are special problems dominating our cities and towns in America. Poverty and illiteracy are major concerns even in this day and time in the richest country in the world and MANA plans to address these issues head-on.

MANA will also have an aggressive preventive agenda as well. Imam Qasim lists family counseling, marriage counseling, and the issue of single motherhood and formerly incarcerated people at the top the list. Also recognizing that youth are the future, Imam Siraj Wahaj has made leadership training for young imams a top priority.

Although MANA was formed by African-American Muslims and is geared toward them and their agenda, the organization is populated by and open to all Muslims of any ethnic or cultural group. “Imam Siraj is, and has been, a Muslim of universal mind who has done loads to enhance the entire community – and doesn’t plan to stop now,” says Imam Qasim.

Tickets for this event are only $15.00 per person to see Dr. Jackson and imam Siraj, two of this country’s most productive and exciting scholars on the same program. Tickets may be purchased and reserved by calling the Muslim Center, 313.883.3330.

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