Support MPAC with Your Zakat This Ramadan

July 13, 2012

As-salaam alaykum (Peace be upon you)!

Ramadan is a month rich with blessings. As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Faith is what is found in the heart and confirmed by a deed.” Indeed, actions speak louder than words, and MPAC’s work shows every day what is possible with a combination of dedication and targeted action for the cause of Islam in America.

This blessed month is a time we self-reflect and re-connect with God, a time we strengthen our family and community ties, a time we renew our commitment to worthy causes that please God, and a time we support those causes with our zakat and sadaqa. The truth is, we cannot succeed in one of these areas without also working on the others.

It’s this framework that has shaped MPAC’s mission and daily work for almost 25 years. Combining our commitment to making Muslims a mainstream American community, and our dedication to engaging the critical nerve centers that shape policies and public opinion, MPAC is fulfilling the Quran’s message and the Prophet’s teachings.

As you know, the Quran outlines seven categories of activities that zakat should be dedicated to:

"The alms are meant only for the poor and the needy and those who are in charge thereof, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free those in bondage, and to help those burdened with debt, and for expenditure for the cause of God and for the wayfarer. This is an obligation from God. God is All-Knowing, All-Wise." (9:60)

In the face of myriad challenges facing American Muslims today, MPAC’s team of staff, board and volunteers are demonstrating every day that, working with you, we can effectively serve God along these very channels:

RECONCILING HEARTS

MPAC works with decision-makers in government, news media and Hollywood to build bridges of understanding and support accurate and effective portrayals and policies involving Islam and Muslims. Our annual Media Awards Gala is converting hearts and minds in Hollywood to see and promote a realistic picture of Muslims around the world.

FREE THOSE IN BONDAGE

MPAC works to support freedom and human rights for all. We have not only spoken out to support these struggles for freedom and against dictatorships, but organized Capitol Hill forumsto bridge Syrian community leaders and government officials, press conferences and community forums on Tunisia and Egypt, events to support the plight of the Libyan, Bahraini and Yemeni people, and published op-eds in The Los Angeles Times among others calling for freedom and democracy as basic Islamic and human rights.

FOR THE CAUSE OF GOD

A cornerstone of our work is developing young American Muslims as leaders in the feilds of government, news media and the arts. Our Young Leaders Summits are transforming young Muslims’ belief that they can be part of the change they wish to see.

One of our young leaders, Iesha Kincaid from Lawrence, KS, said of her Summit experience:

“Because of MPAC, I gained the courage and the confidence to make a difference in my community. Not only did my community nominate me to become a board member of the Islamic center, they elected me to office. The change in me that allowed my community to view me as a leader would not have been possible without the help of MPAC.”

During this Ramadan, we ask you to give generously of your zakat to MPAC Foundation. Your contribution will enable MPAC to make high-impact in critical areas for the cause of God while fulfilling your zakat obligations.

Please click here to donate or call us at (323) 258-6722.

We pray to God to accept our good deeds, make our fasting easy and fulfill our prayers during this blessed month. And we look forward to working with you to fulfill our shared vision of making American Muslims a vibrant, valued and contributing part of the American fabric inshaa’ Allah.

Peace & blessings,

Dr. Maher Hathout Hedab Tarifi
MPAC Senior Adviser MPAC Foundation Chair