Houstonian Corner (V10-I34)

ICNA Houston Organizing Qur`an Classes Before Ramadan

“Every Saturday and Sunday till September 06-07, 2008, in the morning between 8am. and 11am., the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Houston Chapter will be arranging a Fast Track Learning Experience of the whole Qur`an, so that as we enter the month of Ramadan around September 01, we have very good understanding of the complete Qur`an. Invite other Muslims to come and experience this. Especially invite those Muslims, who may not have gone through the understanding of the whole Qur`an, like the New Revert Muslims and/or USA-Born Muslims”: These were the words of Haseeb Abdali, President of ICNA-Houston, as he welcomed the participants to the first class of Dora-e-Tafseer-e-Qur`an (Fast Track Learning of the Whole Qur`an) at the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH) Mission Bend Masjid Hamza located at 6233 Tres Lagunas; Houston; Texas 77083.

Renowned Dr. Mazhar Kazi and Sheikh Omar Suleiman of Louisiana are the main presenters for this program, which will be held between 8am. and 11am. on Saturdays-Sundays on August 02-03, August 09-10, August 16-17, August 23-24, August 30-31 and September 06-07, 2008.

Women and families are most welcome to attend these Mission Bend Masjid classes. Special classes for Women-Only are also being organized. For more information, one can call Haseeb Abdali at 713-261-4512.

Temple Foundation

Temple Foundation Creates Challenge Grant to Establish First U.S. Chair in Pakistan Studies at The University of Texas: Charlie Wilson Chair in Pakistan Studies will Expand Research & Relationships

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation of Lufkin, Texas, has created a challenge grant of $500,000 for the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin to expand Pakistan scholarship and relationships. “We are pleased not only to honor Congressman Wilson, but also to further the study of a country of Pakistan’s stature and geopolitical importance,” said Randy Diehl, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

To establish the only faculty Chair in America focused on the study of Pakistan, the Charlie Wilson Chair of Pakistan Studies, the College of Liberal Arts has committed to matching the Temple Foundation’s contribution with an additional $500,000.

Established in 1960, the University’s South Asian Studies program is a leading South Asia program in the United States. The addition of The Charlie Wilson Chair would allow the South Asia Institute to: Support research on the history, politics, culture, and literature of Pakistan and the Urdu language; Encourage graduate students to expand the boundaries of scholarship on Pakistan, furthering our understanding of the pivotal role the region plays in the United States’ policies and its international standing; Deepen scholars’ and students’ understanding by traveling to Pakistan and participating in academic conferences; and Bring distinguished scholars, policy-makers and other leaders to Texas.

In addition to expanding the academic work in Pakistan Studies, the faculty endowment recognizes the unparalleled contributions of Congressman Wilson to the history of the United States and South Asia.

A strong Texan, who supported Pakistan’s efforts to garner extensive aid for the Afghan fight against Russian Communism, Congressman Wilson serves as an example of true leadership and unfailing vision, the type of deeply human hero who is inspiring and challenging.

Buddy Temple, Chairman of the board of the T.L.L. Temple Foundation—and a fellow Lufkinite — believes that Congressman Wilson’s “leadership exemplifies the very best of Congress, the best of America. Charlie got it done”—for the United States and for Pakistan.

Everyone is being encouraged to generously contribute towards this $500,000 challenge: Stay tuned for events in your area.

For more information, please contact: Kathleen Aronson or LeAnn Gillette, Development UT Austin: 475-232-2431; Tom Slone, Volunteer (Forth Worth): 817-500-5000; Irtiza Hasan, Volunteer (Houston):  713-400-9049; Eric Stumberg, Volunteer (Austin): 512-413-8706.