Good LA Times article on Bilal Islamic Center (An except, go to URLs for complete story)
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-013002muslims.story
Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, such differences have taken on new significance. Ironically, the increasing attention on Muslims in America has left many African American Muslims feeling marginalized. "We share the faith with immigrant Muslims, but not much else," says Abdul Karim Hasan, (Hasan seems to be Black American) Bilal's director. "For African American Muslims, the priorities are economic justice, education and service to humanity at the street level in our country. We don't make decisions based on what is good for Pakistan, Afghanistan or the Middle East."
Indeed, after the service, there was a call for volunteers to help at a Skid Row shelter and for recruits to teach Islam to women in prison. There was also an update on legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who has not yet announced whether he will accept an invitation to represent American Muslims in a public service video to be distributed in the Middle East as part of Hollywood's response to terrorism.
Founded in the early '50s, the Bilal Center offers a clear example of ways that African American Muslims blend their religious convictions with their mission to the community around them. Hasan, who was honored by the Los Angeles City Council last fall for his years of service to the community, says African Americans proved themselves long ago to be good Muslims and good Americans. They are accepted around the world as members of the faith, he says, but since the terrorist attacks on the U.S., Islam in America has become synonymous with Arab Muslims, and he believes people curious about the faith are getting the wrong impression.
Photos
(CLARENCE WILLIAMS / Los Angeles Times)
(CLARENCE WILLIAMS / Los Angeles Times)
