In any progressive community, members of that community must acknowledge and recognize the heroes who are in the frontline to make that progress happen. Early 1993, the Somali community started to come to Minnesota to flee the civil war in their homeland. Minnesota now boasts the largest Somali Diaspora in the United States. Many families came from various parts of the world to have better opportunities for their children. These opportunities include education, employment, business, and non-profit institutions. Our state is known for its progressive social justice and innovative ... [Read More]

Abdikadir Ibraim Dictionary.com defines “self” as a person’s nature and character or the ego; that, which knows, remembers, desires, and suffers.  It refers to the essential qualities that constitute a person's uniqueness. Also, the same dictionary describes the word “social” as living in companionship with others or in a community, rather than in isolation. That is a characteristic of living organisms, especially the interaction of humans with other humans in a collective co-existence. Furthermore, the dictionary definition of “development” is the act of developing; growing or progressing. It is a continuation of steps that lead to improvement. Development is a broad term ... [Read More]

Abdisalam Adam, Islamic Civic Society of America (ICSA) Legally registered hawala companies have served as lifeline for the Somali community following the fall of central government in 1991. Minnesota boasts the largest Somali community in the nation – about fifty thousand strong. The U.S. Treasury Department estimates that the Somali-American diaspora sends over one hundred million dollars a year. Since, Somalia does not have a functioning banking system, hawalas have filled the void. News of the remittance companies shutting down came as a shock to the community and rumors began to float around that there was no way of sending money ... [Read More]

Abdikadir Ibrahim A human being consists of two important elements – body and soul – and each of these elements has special needs.  For example, in order for the body to grow, it needs food, medicine, exercises, etc. – and this is what many people put emphasis on these days.  It is important to put stress on this part. However, the soul also needs the same care, if not more. The care of the soul is not by means of food, nor medications, or exercises, but through education, that connects one to the Creator ... [Read More]

Thor Eisentrager, Metropolitan State University I wrote this article for an assignment in my First College Capstone class. Imam Sharif Mohamed is my classmate. The assignment was to do something out of one's 'comfort zone' and notice how it felt and what it made one think about. I was very curious to make a connection with Imam Sharif and his community in Minneapolis.  I live in south Minneapolis and am aware of the burgeoning Somali community - the retail area on Lake Street and a mosque on 13th Avenue that I drive by each day, but I have not really connected with ... [Read More]

Events & Programs from September 2010 –October 2011 A glimpse of Islamic Civic Society of America Activities from September 2010-October 2011, in addition to daily scheduled programs such as full & part time schools, weekly Halaqas, regular leadership trainings and committee meetings.

• September 6, 2010: the 27th of Ramadan, Night of Reflection: The attendees of the event enjoyed both the structure and numerous exchanges of ideas especially in the debate, which questioned the youth on the progress, and success of the East African Immigrant

Lead Yourself & the World will Follow: Meets every Friday @ Masjid Dar Al-Hijah (6-8pm): Lead Yourself & the World will Follow, a youth initiative. In today’s world where everything is being flipped from it is original aspect, where the role and responsibilities of an individual, family, community, and nations are intermingled; the right and wrong are blended and tough to classify; the religion and purpose of life are misunderstood; where science became a tool to kill people for all physical and mental, to destroy the environment, where ethics and moral guidance are no longer the norms of many people’s ... [Read More]

Abdisalam Adam, Islamic League of Somali Scholars in America The Somali Community in Minnesota organized an appreciation event with the visiting Consul General of Turkey, Mr. Fatih Yildiz and accompanying delegation - including his Spouse, Mrs. Nesrin Yildiz. The Turkish Consulate is based in Chicago and oversees the Mid-West region. The meeting was attended by a cross section of the Somali community including imams, professionals, organization leaders, media representatives, business people, and students. The atmosphere of the meeting was very cordial and optimistic. It was held at Al-Amal Islamic Private School in Fridley. Highlights of the Meeting The meeting started with welcoming ... [Read More]

Asma Adam If asked whether Muslim-Americans should be treated fairly, most Americans would answer “yes.” However, America has had its struggles with racism, bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination in its history and it seems that Muslim-Americans are now on the receiving end of these hateful reactions. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001 by Al-Qaeda terrorists, Muslim-Americans have had to deal with mistrust, fear, discrimination, and greater scrutiny. For instance, Muslim-Americans experience traveling restrictions, extra airport searches, denial of immigration cases, and deportations. Just because some Muslims commit horrific atrocities in the name of Islam does not mean that all Muslims are ... [Read More]

Eid Al-Fitr – Tuesday August 3oth, 2011/AH 1432 Islamic Civic Society of America wishes a pleasant Eid Mubarak to all of you wherever you may be, Kulu ?Amin wantum bikheyr. We pray that Allah accepts our good deeds of this Ramadan. Eid Al-Fitr is one of the major Islamic Holiday remarking the end of long fasting month, Ramadan. Eid prayer will be held at the following locations & Times Dar Al-Hijrah Mosque: 1st Prayer starts at 7:45am & 2nd Prayer Starts at 8:45am Address: 504 Cedar Avenue, Mpls, MN 55454 Brian Coyle Community Center: 1st Prayer starts at 8:00am & ... [Read More]