Community News (V15-I49)

Muslim students urge prayer space at Eastern Michigan University

The Eastern Michigan University doesn’t have a dedicated prayer/reflection room where students can perform their prayers. The Muslim students have to resort to praying in a tight space underneath a library staircase. They have now requested the authorities to open a multi-faith prayer room.

Fatma Jaber, a student senator in the Student Government, has written an op-ed in the Eastern Echo urging the authorities to be accomadating of student needs. “A designated space for prayer, meditation and reflection is an essential aspect of any well recognized and highly regarded university. This room is intended not only for Muslim students, but for all members of EMU, and its purpose is to give everyone a safe place to pray, reflect inwardly and meditate,” she writes.

Atlanta conference on Islamophobia attracts hundreds

ATLANTA,GA- The Islamic World International Conference held over the weekend in Atlanta attracted hundreds of participants. It was dedicated to sessions on how to deal with Islamophobia and other misunderstandings.

Participant Maryam Abdul-Karim told the 90.1 FM Radio Station: “We all have a responsibility and our responsibility is just to convey a message to people that yes we’re Muslim and we’re not going to stop being Muslim, but here’s how we effect society; not negatively but positively. Look at our doctors, look at our students, look at our political aspirations as a people. There is something we can bring to the table even in an Islamophobic society”.

Afghan woman Dr. Sakina Yaqoobi wins $1 million Opus prize

FINALISTS FOR ONE OF the most prestigious faith-based humanitarian honors, the Opus Prize, received their awards at Georgetown after participating in a series of campus events and classes Nov. 12-13.

Sakena Yacoobi, founder and president of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL), won the 2013 Opus Prize for operating the largest Afghan nongovernmental organization.  AIL runs 52 centers in Afghanistan that provide literacy programs, higher education, arts and culture, healthcare and income generating activities.

“Dr. Sakena Yacoobi has demonstrated an inspiring commitment to the promotion of education and health services for women and children in Afghanistan,” Georgetown President John J. DeGioia said during the Nov. 13 award presentation. “She is an eminently deserving recipient of this faith-based humanitarian award – for her disproportionate contributions to the betterment of our global family.”

Yacoobi received $1 million with the honor, and the remaining two finalists each received a $75,000 prize.

Sister Carol Keehan, president of the Catholic Health Association (CHA) in Washington, D.C., and theFahmina Institute, a nonprofit based in Cirebon, Indonesia, were among this year’s finalists.

15-49