MNMN Business Beat: Dunn Brothers Coffee Shop(Uptown)

By Adam Majewski

Minneapolis, MN- One of the oldest coffee shops here in the Twin Cities. First opened in St. Paul, MN by two brothers Ed and Dan. First beginning their careers in retail coffee, moving to green bean whole sale and roasting, eventually opening their store front on the corner of Grand and Snelling. Ed has dedicated his life to Good coffee and bringing wonderful coffee from around the world to the Twin Cities area. They have expanded now to have many franchise partners across the country from here to Arizona, with highly trained local roasters employed on site.

The Flag ship Dunn Bros. Owned and operated by Sanjeev in Uptown is one of three with in a mile of each other. Each location seems to have their own feel to them, how ever at all the locations in the uptown area all seem to be the same. For a good cup of coffee and some time to one's self these shops are perfect the Hennepin location how ever can become loud at times so watch out if you may only need a good cup of joe and some down time

MNMN: Out Reach to Our readers

Here at Muslim News Minnesota we know that no one likes seeing these or hearing from them at all on the radio, but all our readers must keep in mind that we don't charge you to read anything or to just generally view our site. It does however take funds run or site. We are actively asking for all our readers and supporters to please help us raise funds in order to keep this blog going next quarter. With out your help and support it make's it very difficult for us to bring you articles and writings which you may enjoy.

Your funding helps us pay for this site. We are Starting our first Donation Driver here at Muslim News MN. Everyone who reads this if you would please make a small contribution by fallowing the Donation link on the side or contacting us at muslimnewsmn@gmail.com. If you would prefer to make a check out to us please do so by sending all checks or money orders out to Muslim News MN and sending them to P.O Box 3625 Minneapolis, MN 55403. If you need a receipt please add you adrress and name as to whom to send the receipt to. We will send it to you as soon as possible, In Shaa Allah.

Jazek'Allh to all whom help. May Allah grant you peace and happieness in the here after.

Where One Leader Ends New One's Begin!

By Adam Majewski

Minneapolis, MN- "I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity."-Martin Luther King JR's "I Have A Dream".

The opening lines of one of the greatest speeches given in American history of rhetoric. Spouting one of every men women and children's dreams across the globe. A speech which influenced and continues to influence activist's, leaders, and public figures around the Globe.

It was a sad day yesterday December 15, 2013, in South Africa. One of the globes greatest leaders for freedom and social justice was laid to rest. A man who fought for equality in his home country and rouse above his past to become the first black president of his home country.

Nelson Mandela, through his life after spending 20 years in prison achieved a lot for losing so much time to government persecution. A man who didn't let his past dictate his future or allow what others had done to him control how he felt about them.

He will be greatly by many who worked with him, lived with him and watched as he achieved such wonderful feat's in his life. As Martin Luther King Jr. will never be forgotten Nelson Mandela will never be forgotten. His achievements and memory will live on for ever.

Here at Muslim News Minnesota we honor him in this time of morning in his honor. He will continue to inspire future leaders to fallow in his foot steps until the end of time.

Muslim Deaf

By Adam Majewski

Minneapolis, MN- Good location, Great friends and an idea which has been a few years in the making. Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community(MDMC). Their first deaf social which is hoped to be the first of many to come. An organization which is made up of a group who is marginalized just because they are different from what is not considered the norm with in a community which is marginalized just because they are already different.

MDMC is a newly formed organization which hopes to be a resource for the deaf and hearing with in and out side the Muslim community. Started at the end of the summer of 2013, they are currently working to making their dream of being a leader with in the community to support deaf individuals and their families as well to help them become fully functioning members of the Muslim community with out limitations or need to be dependent on others. With limited funds at the moment they are only able to supply a limited amount of resources. In Shaa allah with the success of their first deaf social the word of what they are working towards is slowly but surely getting out.

In attendants it was quite surprising the scope of the cultural differences, yet we as a group of humans' under one religious group believe the same. Its range was great from Ethiopia to eastern Europe, African American, new citizens old citizens, going on to many other groups with in the small meeting point. No more then 25 people at their first event. They hope to have more attending at the next event, In Shaa Allah.

Sign Language Interpreter Fake

By Adam Majewski

Minneapolis, MN- As of this past 2 week Nelson Mandela has been announced dead December 5, 2013. His funeral was held recently this week. Nelson Mandela, one of the most notable activists of freedom if not the most notable in the world. A man who fought his way from prison to become the first black president of a nation which should have had a black president since it's inception. The achievements of President Mandela are that of greatness, a man who earned is titles, sacrificed for that which is right, and unified a nation which was divided by their colors.

As this great leader was being memorialized for his work as one of the greatest international leaders who worked for change, a Mr. Thamsanqa Jantjie was there. A claimed interpret for the four hour ceremony, has been deemed the fake interpreter. According to the Deaf Federation of South Africa is not a certified interpreter and has only one employment reference which no one has been able to contact.

Since the ceremony many have been scrambling to find how this could be allowed to happen. The company which was employed to provide the interpreters has never been used for events like this in the past. The African National Congress(ACF) does on a regular base's use sign language interpreters on a regular bases but have never used the company which Mr. Thamsanqa Jantjie stated he worked for. The ACF told CNN that it was the responsibility of the government it's self.

Many in the deaf community around the world are outraged, do to the lack of screening to find a competent Interpreter at such an important event. The main reason for the outrage is because of what Nelson Mandela's achievements mean and the human rights violations to the deaf community.

Mr. Jantjie has recently came forward and has given an apology to the deaf community for any wrong doing they feel he has signed anything wrong. He went on to say that he was not sorry for being there on stage to interpret the event. It was found that during an interview Mr. Jantjie does suffer from schizophrenia, which he stated is controlable with medication. Showing the need for more screening at future events.

Da'wah: Literally.

By Adam Majewski

Da'wah in Islam Literally translates to "Issuing a Summons" or "Making An Invitation". Those who practice Da'wah as a religious worker or volunteer are called Da'i and the plural being Du'ah.

To Preach in the English Language has four definitions: 1. to proclaim or put fourth in a sermon. 2. To advocate, to especially urge Acceptance or compliance with: Preached Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence. 3. To deliver a sermon. Last of these definitions is that of. 4. To give religious or moral instruction, especially in a tedious manner.

Performing Da'wah in a Muslims Iman(faith) is required. No one who is a Muslim and has knowledge about Da'wah will argue that it is obligatory upon us as believers to fallow this command from Allah(Subhana Wa'Tala). How ever the disagreement and arguing comes when Muslims discuss how Da'wah is approached and done. According to the linguistics of the word's it is presented and translated Da'wah is not a form of preaching or forcing of Islam on to others, but in fact when translated to English it is a literal invitation to Islam. No one is allowed to preach about Islam, only present it to others. evangelism is not acceptable.

Many individuals seem to confuse preaching with Da'wah, which is wrong. Da'wah is not to preach but to invite there is a major difference between them. Many would argue no, that Da'wah is preaching. As stated by the translation above with language and translation when you translate this in to english Da'wah has nothing to do with preaching.

What Da'wah is, is the act of inviting others to learn about Islam then letting Allah (Subhana Wa'Tala) guide them. All we as Muslims are called to and allowed to do if give others information then let them make the choice. That's all, no more, they need to make the final choice them selves with out interference from us as Muslims.

Now think about this as Muslims, and non-Muslims what this means to us as humans don't then form your opinions on the subject. Don't just jump to conclusions.

When Tea For Two Is Not Enough-Part Two B.

By Adam Majewski

Minneapolis, MN-The history of Tea in Islam goes some what hand in hand with the virtue of hospitality in Islam. The command to be hospitable to one's guest's whether invited or not is great.

Abu Shuraih Al-Adawi reported: I heard with my ears and I saw with my eyes when the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was speaking and he said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest and recompense him.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is his recompense?” He said, “It is for a day and a night. Hospitality extends for three days and whatever is beyond that is charity.” He also said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak goodness or remain silent.”

When tea was first introduced to Islam through trade, like spices was worth a lot, due to importation rates. In most Islamic states at the time tea was not able to be grown in these areas yet with the spread, Islam is now able to be grow tea in many countries. Because of Islam's stress on Hospitality to guests over time tea became the drink one serves for many different reasons.

Reason being like chocolate when it was first being spread around the world is a sign of statues. in house holds which have smaller incomes or poorer tea was and still is served as a special occasion due to it's high cost in some regions of the world. Practices grew over time to a wide amount different ways of consuming tea. Tea though for a period of time, like coffee was and still is one of the major drinks be addictive. In Muslim communities today the act of consuming tea some times becomes very harmful because people today lose sight of whats important in life, and choose the social side of this duniah over what their obligations are to Allah(Sabhana Wa'Tala).

The Art and beauty of tea with in Islam still stand's and need's to be passed from generation to generation. The importance of it when kept in context of its pure importance, teaches lesson's of the Holy Quran and Hadiths. It show's virtue's and morality of the Muslim Ummahs. The act of tea drinking and ceremonies also puts our faith in perspective with outside observers and gives a relation to other groups who can related with tea.

Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community: Deaf Social

ALL DEAF ARE WELCOME

ENJOY FREE FOOD, SOCIALIZATION AND GAMES

DEAF SOCIAL

COME JOIN

MINNESOTA DEAF MUSLIM COMMUNITY

AT MASJID AN NUR

DECEMBER 15, 2013

1:00-3:00 PM

MASJID AN NUR

1729 N LYNDALE AVE,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55411

Zakat/Charity in Islam

By Adam Majewski

"(those) who spend in prosperity and hardship, and the suppressors of rage, and 'al-aafeen aan al-naas' (the ones whopardon the people). God loves the good-doers." 3:134

According to our faith as far back as Abraham Zakat(charity) has been the corner stone of of the Abrahamic faiths. Even during times of hardship and war it is considered a major cornerstone of our faith's. How ever many Muslims seem to forget that even though all of us are seeing hard times we are still commanded to pay Zakat. Zakat is obligatory as is the rest of the 5 pillers of our faith, and many of our brothers and sisters seem to be able to talk them selves out of having to pay Zakat just as they do with going to hajj, Salat fasting during Ramadan and the rest of the five pillers. How ever on the day of Judgment they will still be accounted for in their choices through life.

"They ask you what to spend, say: ‘al-affwoo’. God thus clarifies the revelations for you that you may reflect." 2:219

Allah clarified that Zakat is obligatory to all, he also sent down through Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him(PBUH) the one condition it is not an obligation: It is only not obligatory when it would cause true hardship of those paying Zakat. How ever many Muslims today muslims don't reliaze that when a Muslim is asked to make a contribution from anyone for any reason they are obligated by Allah Sabhana Wa'Tala to pay a small Zakat they are actually required to pay if it does not cause them hardship.

For further Rules over Zakat a good place to check is http://www.zakatguide.org/english/Genaral_Rules_Calculating_Zakah.html and for non-Muslims looking to see how our system of charity, what is Halal, you should sheck it out not just those of us who are commanded by Allah(Subhana Wa'Tala) to pay Zakat.

To rap up on the act of Charity I would like to offer a few good groups as fallows:

1. Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community-MDMC
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnesota-Deaf-Muslim-Community-MDMC/386531481450598

2. Masjid Da'wah.
http://www.mndawah.net/

3. Masjid An Nur.
http://www.masjidannur.org/

4. Masjid Abuu Bakar
http://www.abuubakar.org/new/

5. Cair-MN.
http://www.cairmn.com/

6. Islamic Relief.
http://www.islamic-relief.com/

7. Halal Media
http://www.halalmedia.net/

8. Muslim News Minnesota.
http://www.muslimnewsmn.blogspot.com/
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/muslim-news-mn/x/5367257

MNMN Business Beat: Marhaba Mediterranean Grill

By Adam Majewski

Address: 2801 Nicollet Ave, S
Minneapolis, MN 55408.
Phone: 612-870-7871

Tucked away in the old Java Restaurant location on the corner of 28th and Nicollet, Opened under new ownership in early 2012. A very well rounded restaurant service many different foods from the many Islamic countries around the Mediterranean region. A family oriented restaurant offering a spectacular lunch and dinner Buffet and menu service. All their food is Halal, so no need to worry about alcohol consumption or the possibility of being served foods which are Haram. With a prayer area down stares and extended service there for larger groups they can handle large numbers of friends and families if need be.

Their service's include traditional mediterranean food table service or buffet style, as well as catering for many types of event's. This lovely family owned restaurant great for almost any type of person.

Ethiopian Woman Beaten In Saudi Arabia

By Adam Majewski

With in the news recently Saudi Arabia has tried to change the views of their country on having very strict laws and many international human rights violations. Many such things ranging from the protest's against woman being allowed to drive with out a male escort to the most recent act of an Ethiopian woman being beaten to a bloody pulp seem to continually brought forth the truth of the matter of these views on Saudi Arabia.

The most recent, is that of a young Ethiopian woman working in Saudi Arabia, for a family there was hung and beaten by her employers. Beaten so badly she was drenched in her own blood when they were finished.

This act of violence done by a family which claims to be Muslim by all accounts.

Acts like this are not Islam in fact they are far from it. We as Muslims can not condone such violence as this just as we don't as a community didn't condone the Boston Marathon bombing, we didn't condone the 9/11 terrorist attacks and we continue to not condone the acts of some Islamic governments not performing their religious duties to their citizens.

Not much is currently going on with the situation as to if this family has been apprehended for their actions or if the government has chosen to do nothing. How ever for the time being Amnesty international has recently slammed Saudi Arabia for their lack of basic human rights for migrants to the nation. They have reported that many migrant workers and minorities each year face many harsh abuses/cruelties at the hands of authorities and their employers.

From an Islamic stance many should know and understand, that this act of violence is UN-Islamic. This one act of wrong doing does not speak for all Muslim. It is in fact Haram(unlawful) and the individuals should be brought to justice even under sharia law.

When Tea For Two Is Not Enough-Part Two A.

By Adam Majewski

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim

Minneapolis, MN-As tea has expanded through the ages, it has Brought together many cultures together for peaceful dialog. In times of war it was one of the major drinks use'd to support the discussion of peace treaties and offered by hosts when any guest came to visit whether invited and or uninvited.

In our Islamic history it is the social drink of choice. Many raised in countries where being muslim is not the majority, or the community for the most part is at war or conflict, don't have the chance to learn or pass down the rich history of tea drinking ceremonies to their youth or younger generations. It is an important part of our culture, because it helps keep us and our youth connected in a way many may not think.

Tea didn't begin in Muslim communities or Islamic culture, yet from commerce over time it became a symbol of hospitality and was served out of a mark of respect. It also symbolizes sociability and in some cases statues in countries which are now considered the third world or war torn.

In some cases the serving of tea is a mark of respect to one's guest's, also according to the fallowing hadith on hospitality, though there is no reference to tea it's self it does help fill this obligation in Islamic culture:

Abu Shuraih Al-Adawi reported: I heard with my ears and I saw with my eyes when the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was speaking and he said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest and recompense him.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is his recompense?” He said, “It is for a day and a night. Hospitality extends for three days and whatever is beyond that is charity.” He also said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak goodness or remain silent.”

As more and more research on cultural anthropology is brought forth on Islamic tea culture, we as Muslims need to more and more continue to consider the continual need for tea. As a prospect for filling our Iman the service of tea has historically been widely accepted. It also does not bring in to cross cultural context the acts which are considered Haram(unlawful) while supporting peace amongst our Non-Muslim counterparts.