News Brief - Spring 2001

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December 31
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January 10
January 23
January 24
January 26
January 27
January 28
January 30
February 1
February 6
February 9
February 13
February 26
February 27
March 5
March 17
March 18 - 22
April 6
April 8
April 13 - 15
April 20
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May 11

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Date: Fri, 11 May 2001 01:44:23 -0400
From: Dr. White
To: Tarek Osama El-messidi 
Subject: RE: My Paper/Grade

Hi Tarek!
     I'm writing to you for a couple of reasons: to inform you of your grade and to praise the students in the Muslim Student Association who were in my class this semester.  I hope you share this message (well, at least the second part) with everyone in the MSA.
     First, you received an A/A- for the paper and an A for the entire semester.  In general, your paper was very good: you followed precisely the guidelines i set forth in class; the paper was informative, well-reasoned and extensively researched (though you could have written a bit more on the foreign policy implications of American avarice and arrogance).  If you don't turn that paper into an academic article at some point, please let me know so that I can!
     Second (this part is for everybody), i want to thank all of the MSA students for making this one of my most enjoyable classes since I arrived at UT in 1995.  Your prayers, positive reinforcement, and generosity (Man, I
loved the food at the International Day booth!) during and after our family tribulation were a true blessing!  Just as importantly, I felt as if I witnessed the same group-solidarity and support which El Hajj Malik El Shabazz (Malcolm X) wrote about following his Hajj in 1964. I hope that you maintain and enhance that spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood for generations to come. I was especially pleased (and surprised) to see the MSA represented at the numerous rallies for the UCW and the Living Wage Campaign.  What I saw of the MSA can serve, in many ways, as a model for human interaction across this campus.  Surely, the power and grace of the Almighty (Allah) runs through each of you!
     Third, your sparkling academic success is a powerful testimony to the capacity and potential of all oppressed peoples.  Your dedication to the course material and to classroom discussion was impeccable!  As a group, your papers were of the highest quality!  I am certain that a number of White students in the class would be jealous if they knew your overall grades, but that's just too bad!  Those grades were not "gifts"; you earned each one. From your performance in my class, I suppose that the MSA has the highest grade point average of any student-run group on campus.  You set a high threshold for other students to reach and most of them failed.  I truly hope that other members of the MSA will enroll in my courses in the future and I hope that they can live up to the legacy you have established.  If anyone of the Muslim students in this semester's course EVER needs a letter of recommendation, please remind them that I will be honored to write one for them.  If anyone from the MSA is EVER interested in discussing either a career in law or academia, please remind them to contact me. 
     Again, thank you for everything and know that our prayers will always be with you.  In Solidarity...
-george white, jr.

April 26 (Thursday) - Today we showed a touching video on Iraq and the sanctions.  A crowd full of tears exited the auditorium ready for future action.  The video opened the eyes of many Muslims and non-Muslims to many secrets untold.

April 21 (Saturday) - Today was a fun filled day of Paintball.  Everyone congregated at the masjid and left to Splat One adventures.

April 20 (Friday) - Today the International House held the annual International Food Festival on the UC-Plaza.  Many organizations took part.  By far the most active booth was the MSA booth, organized by Aunty Mona - JazzakAllahu khair.  It was a blast.  We served cuisine from all over the Muslim world.  From Biryani to Baba Ganush people filled their plates with delicious items.  Also today was the MSA Halaqa.  Pictures to come InshaAllah.

April 13 - 15 (Good Friday Holiday Weekend) - Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar (God is Greater, God is Greater).  On this day, April 13, our dear friend Casey became Muslim.  Alhamdulillah (All praise belongs to God).  From April 13 to the 15th Shaykh Mohsen An-Najjar blessed our community with his visit.  He gave our community a much needed iman boost.  Everywhere he went he left people smiling - Alhamdulillah.  He gave an awesome khutba.  A spectacular lecture at Farragut High School.  The Mawlid took our love for the Prophet to new heights.  The night of reciting the Burda Shareef in Imad's back yard in the cool night air was mind-blowing.  Then the darse on tahara in the campus mosque the next day and the nasiha at the Alcoa mosque put people in tears.

Pictures
Shaykh Mohsen at Farragut High School	The cafeteria is packed, alhamdulillah.	Shaykh Mohsen at Alcoa Mosque
Shaykh Mohsen's beautiful nur-emmitting face lights up the gathering	Students fill the room to hear Shaykh Mohsen's nasiha	Raihan Farooq deep in contemplation
Sisters at the Alcoa mosque	Sidi Abdul Hakim smiles for the camera	Shaykh Mohsen's son, Muhammad's beautiful face
Ashraf and Muhammad	All the kids pose while waiting for Shaykh Mohsen's departure	Shaykh Mohsen shows his love for the brothers in this community
Shaykh Mohsen giving lasting, last minute nasiha to the sisters	As Shaykh Mohsen leaves our hearts tremble with love	Shaykh Mohsen giving lasting, last second nasiha to all of us =)
Muhammad giving last minute nasiha ... or something like that	Over twelve brothers and sister watching as Shaykh Mohsen and his family make there final departure from Knoxville soil (err asphalt)	If you have more pictures please email them to the webmaster

April 8 (Sunday) - A protest was held outside of the Y-12 plant today in Oak Ridge.  Many who participated covered themselves with blood-like paint and laid in the middle of the entrance to Y-12.  Many were arrested as the cops came out to the protest.

Pictures
People act dead on the main entrance to Y-12	Many were arrested	A circle is formed to show our unity
A large balloon missile gives a strong message to Y-12	The cops stand guard	Taking a break for some dhikr
Shadab at the protest	Wage Peace	Theft of the future is the ultimate violence

April 6 (Thursday) - The United Campus Workers held a march in conjunction with the Living Wage Campaign.  The MSA joined in with many groups to make the march possible.  Our very own Tarek El-Messidi gave a speech to the crowd gathered around the torchbearer.  He related the nature of Sayeedina Abu Bakr, the first Calipha in the Islamic Empire.  He beckoned Wade Gilley to take the example of Sayeedina Abu Bakr.  Tarek enlightened everyone that we as Muslims are in a 'jihad' because we are struggling against oppression for our Lord.  His powerful speech got much praise and applause, alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah).

Pictures
As Muslims we supported the UCW	Tarek gives his powerful speech	Tarek gathers a cheering crowd

After the march there was a diversity forum hosted by the Honors Program.  Maha Ayesh was on the panel of speakers answering questions along side two UT professors.  Maha was unbelievable in her knowledge and eloquence - undoubtedly the best on the panel.  One brother commented, "...at times she was like Shaykh Hamza up there." 

And to top it all off the results of the SGA elections were released today.  Our very own Mostafa Alsharif finished in the top five seats for SGA Senator in the Commuter Division.  Check out the full results at the sga website.

March 18 - 22 (Spring Break) - In the plateau of Tennessee was held the Shifa Retreat.  Sidi Hakim enlightened us and grounded us back to nature.  Sidi Khalil related his conversion story with such power it brought  many to tears.  Best of all, just the mere presence of Shaykh Ya'qoubi shook the hearts of all who were there.  It was an outstanding experience.  Soon there will be pictures and accounts of the camp from the attendees, InshaAllah.

March 17 (Saturday) - Tonight at West High School MSA and Natural Inclinations of FHS held a community dinner.  Though Shaykh Mohsen was absent, Raihan Farooq gave a powerful speech.  He never fails to capture the audience in awe.  If you never have seen Raihan give a speech, make dua' (supplication) that you will someday, for it is a moving experience.  

March 5 (Monday) - Our community celebrated Eid ul-Adha in remembrance of prophet Ibrahim.  The prayer was held at Rothchild Catering at 8am.  Throughout the day there were many open houses and great food everywhere.  Surely everyone went home with a full stomach.  A fun day of celebration for everyone. 

February 27 (Tuesday) - Today was the first playoff game for the brothers' basketball team.  Though we have great players we got creamed.  During the second half we managed to close the huge 14pt deficiency but it wasn't fast enough.  Insha'Allah next year. 

February 26 (Monday) - Our second information booth this semester was awesome.  Again we had delicious falafels for sale and tons of materials for people to look at.  The sisters as usual out did the brothers at staffing the information booth.  Everyone looks forward to our next information booth.  Pictures to come. 

February 13 (Tuesday) - The MSA Brothers showed up prepared for battle.  As the brothers entered the H.Y.P.R. with there Nike shirts and Adidas sweat pants with intent of battle, no one step up to the line.  The team we were suppose to play raised the white flag by not showing up.  This officially puts the MSA Brothers in the playoffs.  If you want to join the ranks of the MSA Brothers email msa@utk.edu. 

As for the sister's bowling endeavor, it seem that not many decided to participate.  Therefore, the sisters have laid down there bowling balls with hopes of taken them back up next semester.  Jazzak'Allah khair for all your determination and hard work for those who did participate.

February 9 (Friday) - Today marked the first MSA Study Circle.  Alhamdulillah, it was a great success.

February 6 (Tuesday) - The MSA Brothers team is on a role. We are undefeated Alhamdulillah. [Today]...we were losing by 3 points with one minute left when Brother Naeem swooshed a 3-pointer from almost half-court. It was quite dramatic. The game before that was a hard-fought game till the end until we finally pulled ahead and they could not make a last minute three-pointer to tie the game. It was full of flagrant fouls and mutual insults, astaghfirullah. But it was still fun (Tarek EL-Messidi).

Me and Maha decided that paying $13 for the two of us to bowl is not worth it.  No one ever contacted me about making up the bowling sessions. Sadly, we have dropped out of the bowling league (Reem Abdelrazek).

February 1 (Thursday) - Today was the MSA's first General Body Meeting.  Many showed up to learn about MSA's planned activities for this semester and to enjoy some Indian Cuisine.  Alhamdulillah the meeting was a great success.  If you missed the meeting take a look at our calendar of events.  There should be MSA calendars around campus to keep you updated on our events.  If you would like to download a copy of the MSA calendar then go to Spring 2001 and download the MS Word document. Pictures to come.

January 30 (Tuesday) - Another match for the brothers' basketball team today went well.  It was a close heated game but at the end the MSA Brothers came out victorious.  Insha'Allah (God Willing) they will keep it up though the playoffs and through the championships.

Me and Maha raced to catch any sisters that were at the Down Under, alas we were unsuccessful.  We arrived to find Sanjana had left mere moments before we came.  The group rate was way too much for just two bowlers, so we left.  We will make up those three rounds and turn it in before Wednesday.  Anyone interested email reem@utk.edu (Reem Abdelrazek). 

January 28 (Super Bowl Sunday) - Picture this... bowling, pool, foosball, table tennis all free for five hours, plus the added bonus of the Super Bowl on the big screen.  If you didn't come, you missed out.  Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to God), the UC-Down Under was swamped with brothers engaged in pure fun.  It was a great experience and one to look forward to next year.  

January 27 (Saturday) - The sisters congregated at Donna Karnes house today.

January 26 (Friday) - The semester's first MSA information booth was held today.  Dedicated MSA brothers and sisters manned the booth all day even though it was insanely cold.  Jazzak'Allahu khairun to all the sisters who manned the information booth the majority of the time and cooked those great falafels.  Many combated the bitter cold by huddling around the falafel deep fryer for heat.  All in all it was a great information booth and a great way to kick off the semester.

Pictures
The sisters at the information booth.	Albeit it was awfully cold people still stopped by.		. Dr. Gwynne stops by for a falafel.
The sisters try to conserve heat.		Falafels sold like hotcakes.

January 24 (Wednesday) - The MSA received a letter from our star player of last semester congratulating us on our victory.  We all hope he is doing well in Georgia.  Brother Hakim Ziyad wrote:

Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 21:47:43 -0500
From: *******
To: Muslim Students Association at UTK <msa@utk.edu>
Subject: RE: Victory is Ours! MSA Basketball

Assalamu Alaikum, brothers!!!
This is Hakim congratulating the team on the victory! I just hate I could not be there to witness it. InshaAllah i'll be there for the championship game.  For those brothers who know me, but don't know where I am, I am student at Georgia State University now. I miss yall, but Insha Allah i'll see you soon.  Keep up the good work and keep pushing the Deen.

Assalamu Alaikum.

January 23 (Tuesday) - Yesterday, for the first time in MSA History, the brothers won a basketball game. At the very onset we realized that they had 12 players and we had only 6. Thus they had the opportunity to substitute players and we only had one sub. I reassured the team "How few are the Romans, how great are the Muslims." The whole game, we were leading in points; not once throughout the whole game was their score above ours. It was an easy victory and a very fun experience. InshaAllah, our streak will continue for the next 4 weeks. They tried catching up at the end but the final score was 29 to 23. (Tarek EL-Messidi)

Only three sisters showed up to show their bowling skills in our first bowling match.  Nonetheless, it was fun.  We had to wait the longest to play because they gave us the broken lane.  Coincidence?  I started out perfectly, my first roll and I got a strike.  Unfortunately, it was down hill for the next 2 games.  I think I made the all-time record of getting 7 zeroes in a row.  Maha's form was exquisite, bowling several spares.  Sadaf Shaukat did well, staying consistent.  Maha the Great got over a 100 in two games.  I was averaging 50, go figure.  We had a cute, furry little friend in the lane next to us who took up a lot of our attention, maybe he can be our mascot.  Until next week. . . (Reem Abdelrazek)

January 10 (Wednesday) - With the arrival of the first day of school, comes a new MSA.  This semester's goals have been slightly re-prioritized.  This semester plan to see more emphasis on entertainment and smaller activities rather than big blown out lectures and the like.  It seems like half the Brain Storming members have signed up for History 483 with Dr. White.  If you have an opening in your schedule for a MWF class from 10:10 - 11:00.  The section number is 49529

December 31 to Jan. 6 - From December 31st to January 6th, many MSA sisters attended this Ramadan's Deen Intensive held in Florida.  Go down the road and learn of their magnificent experience.  And for those who attended the Florida Deen Intensive, take a time warp back to that blessed camp where you sat at the feet of great Shayukh absorbing their transmission.