MCC - Muslim Community Center for Human Services

Muslim Community Center Newsletter

A Publication for the Muslim Community Center for Human Services

Bissmillah–Ar-Rehmaan-Nir-Raheem

Ramadan Mubarak

MCC for Human Services

Asslam Aalaikum

I am a first generation American. Like most of my friends and community members I came to United States of America to fulfill a dream of better education, life and freedom. What perturbs me in this richest and the most modern country is the medical system; I am amazed at the number of Americans who have no health insurance coverage.

As a Texas resident of 27 years I have seen the medical system in the country going from bad to worse. Recent statistics point out that in this country, 42 million Americans do not have medical insurance and 25 percent of Texas residents do not have medical insurance. Here in Tarrant County, there are 97- thousand illegal immigrants who have no insurance coverage.

As a Muslim our faith dictates that we help the poor and needy in our community regardless of the residency status, after having believed in Allah, the angels, the Prophets, the Books and the Last Day we must translate our Iman (faith) our beliefs into actions of service to humankind. MCC-HS is doing its very best on the shoe-string budget, with our limited resources and with the help of the god-fearing generous Doctors, donors and volunteers to help the un-insured, under-insured and hard-on luck people at the Al-Shifa Clinic by providing Free Medical help.

MCC-HS had its Advisory Council meeting on July 7th 2007, many exceptional and forward looking community leaders participated in the meeting. Several great ideas surfaced in the meeting. Look forward to the introduction of an Advisory Council member in coming issues.

In this issue MCC-HS is introducing our full time Social Worker, without her it would be very hard to continue with a lot of helpful and wonderful social programs that MCC-HS is committed to offer to the community. In future issues look forward to the introduction of Board members and Volunteers of MCC-HS.

Thank you for your compassionate, considerate, financial, and kind support of Muslim Community Center for Human Services.

Together, we will all be strong, Inshallah.

N. Siddiqui

Al-Shifa – Medical Clinic
M.Basheer Ahmed M.D

In this country, 42 million Americans do not have medical insurance 3 and 25% of Texas residents do not have medical insurance. Ninety Seven thousand illegal immigrant reside in Tarrant County who have no insurance coverage4 .The immigrant community has the highest rate of uninsured individuals. The families who have good insurance may lose their insurance if the bread-winner loses his/her job. Individuals who are earning more than poverty level are not eligible to receive care of public hospitals and clinics. Illegal residents are not eligible for the care at the public hospitals or the clinics and similarly the visitors to the United States do not have such privileges.

In view of the health care issues discussed above the Al-Shifa Clinic was opened in October 1998 to provide medical care to the underserved community. Indigent patients and visitors from overseas without insurance coverage to come to the clinic. The weekly clinic provides services for general medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and minor infections. If these problems are not treated at an early stage this may lead to more serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure, which can result in more serious effects on the patients and their families. For more complicated medical problems, patients are referred to the public hospitals and clinics in the area. The Al-Shifa clinic opened initially in the Somalian Outreach Center in Euless Texas and was moved in 2000 to MCC’s own building located in Richland Hills Texas which is easily accessible to residents of Dallas Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
Eighteen area generous physicians come on rotation on Saturdays and donate their time and energy. In addition to free consultation, medications are provided, since many patients cannot afford to pay for the medicines. Most of the physicians donate medication samples from their offices. In 2002, discounted rates were negotiated for Lab work, and now laboratory services are also provided. Most of the physicians at the MCC clinic are internists, and primary care physicians. Some area specialists see patients for free consultation in their own offices when referred by MCC-HS clinic. Local medical school students also help at the clinic, getting credit for their work at our Center. Foreign medical graduates applying for residency program also attend the clinic as “observers” and work under supervision of the attending physicians. Many Muslim women prefer to see female physicians due to religious and cultural modesty, therefore in 2007 the clinic is also opened two Sundays in a month for women and children only. Two generous female physicians and a Pediatrician volunteer their time to see the patients at the clinic.
The Al-Shifa clinic has served 1,000 patients in year 2006 and in 2007 the number may increase to 1,500. The future plan includes opening an eye clinic and a dental clinic. So far we have not received any governmental grants or grants from the Corporations to provide these services. The clinic is supported by individual donations and volunteer time of Physicians.

Islamic Institute of Human Relations!
M.Basheer Ahmed M.D.

During the past thirty years, we have seen a steady increase in the divorce rate among Muslims form South East Asia and the Middle East. There is no statistics available, but some reports are published based on the data from government marriage registration office, which indicates that over 40% of the newly wed are ending in divorce within two years of marriage. Many researchers have tried to understand the institution of marriage and reasons why the divorce rate is increasing. They found that there are multiple factors for remaining unhappy in the marriage. People are expecting more from their partners in marriage now than before, the focus of the marriage is on happiness and this diminishes the importance of marriage as an institution, the emphasis of the marriage should be on trust, loyalty, commitment, friendship, generosity, kindness and forgiveness, and if one does not focus on these issues it will effect the health of the marriage.
All religions promote the concept of healthy marriages. Allah in Quran says “and among His signs is that He created for you mates from among your self and that you may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy in your hearts.” 30:20
Researchers studied the couples who have happy and satisfied marriages and how it influenced their health. A satisfied marriage has a positive effect on physical, emotion, and spiritual health, and on the other hand the unsatisfied or unhappy marriage will have a negative effect not only on the health, but on finances and children. And of course many happy marriages end in separation or divorce and that also has negative influence on individuals and the children. The most troublesome issue is the rapid increase in the number of divorces, which is having deleterious effect on children.  To deal with these issues effectively MCC for Human Services established an institute for human relations. The Institute offers the following services:
Premarital Counseling- The major goal is to prepare young people who are planning to get married, to face the realities of married life, giving them an opportunity to openly express their likes and dislikes, preferences and priorities. For example: Wife’s continuing Education and job after marriage. Preference as to when to have children, living with extended family. living closer to in-laws, understanding marriage as a contractual agreement, prenuptial agreement and brief orientation of Islamic family law.
Marriage Counseling- The major goal is to reduce the incidence of divorce and the breaking up of family unit.
Divorce Counseling- If divorce becomes inevitable; mediation to avoid costly legal and court expenses, referral to Islamic Arbitration; avoid child custody battles, counseling with children to reduce the trauma.
Educational Programs- MCC-HS offers variety of educational programs on “Marital conflicts and how to reduce them before they become a major problem and affecting family integrity”, “Role of culture in family life, positive and negative effects on being from a different culture” and “Importance of premarital counseling”. MCC also offers six hours of intensive seminars on Healthy Marriages and course the subject such as techniques of communication, expectations in marriage and having fun in marriage.
Weekly Radio Program - In 2006 a weekly radio program started on a South East Asian radio station. MCC-HS presents several educational programs related to healthy marriages, parent child relations, stress management and other issues.

MCC’s History with United Way
Aftab Siddiqui

United Way is one of the largest nonprofits in the country with a strong presence in Tarrant County and City of Arlington. Muslim Community Center for Human Services has a long history with United Way. A joint project between both organizations was started in 2000 where IBM donated four computers to MCC through United Way to impart basic computer literacy to immigrant women and seniors. Volunteers from United Way helped with the set up of the computers and provided software for the project named “Teaming for Technology.” Board members of MCC-HS have been representing the Muslim community in different committees of United Way. Dr. Basheer Ahmed had been a member of Family Impact Council from 2002 to 2005. Aftab Siddiqui has been a member of the council since 2005. Currently he is a co-chair of the council. He is also a member of Arlington Human Services Providers Steering Committee since 2005. Noorul Haq Siddiqui and Ismail Tahir have been members of Grant Review Committee under the auspices of AHSP. Talaun Thompson represents MCC-HS in Social Service Administrators Group in Arlington. United Way (Tarrant County) has identified four issues, and its four Family Impact Councils focus on each issue. The top issues that were identified after a survey include Child Abuse & Neglect, Obesity (especially among children), Emergency Relief & Illiteracy, and Senior Issues. Each Impact Council consists of volunteers with varying numbers who assist United Way in identifying major problems, help direct the funds towards agencies that are working on any of these problems, and keep on monitoring the progress. These Impact Councils distribute approximately $2 million annually to bring a positive change in the Tarrant County. Similarly, AHSP focuses on social problems in Arlington including Child Abuse & Neglect, Poverty, and Homelessness. Volunteering with United Way is a good step to increase the profile of the organization in the social work arena. It also provides opportunities to network with other agencies and organizations. In the coming years, United Way will be focusing its attention on different social issues. If MCC-HS is working on such an issue at that time, there will be opportunity for mutual benefit in future.

MCC Provides Vehicle for Helping the Needy
Ismail Tahir, CPA

The Muslim Community Center for Human Services is a pioneer organization for Social Services in the State of Texas. MCCHS programs include Al-Shifa; a free Medical Clinic, Roshni; a Domestic Violence program, Women and children clinic, Health Fair; screening, health education, and 24 hours help line. MCC-HS, through its programs, has been offering unique vehicles to our community and donors to invest in the cause of God Almighty, and to fulfill his order of helping the needy. Allah said in his holly Book (Qurran): "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers; to spend of your substance out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask; and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayers and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you made; and to be firm and patient in pain (or suffering) and adversity and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing"(Quran 2: 177).
Allah is advising us that our worship is incomplete without performing helping deeds. So after having believed in Allah, the angels, the Prophets, the Books and the Last Day we must translate our Iman (faith) our beliefs into actions of service to humankind.
One Hadith (say of the Prophet) states that Abu Hurairah related: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whosoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allah will remove from him one of the grieves on the Day of Judgment. Whosoever alleviates [the] lot of a destitute person, Allah will alleviate his lot in this world and the next. Whosoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the next. Allah will aid a servant (of His) so long as the servant aids his brother."
Some Muslims regard helping the needy and the poor as good and rewarding acts but they do not consider them necessarily "an obligation" like prayers and fasting.. In al Ma'oon 107:1-7, Allah says: "Have you ever seen a human being who contradicts the (essence of) faith? That is the person who pushes the orphan aside and does not promote feeding the needy." “Woe, then, unto those who pray, but their hearts and minds from (the essence and message of) their prayers are remote, those who (want but) to be seen and praised, whereas they refuse to help others (who need help)". It is incumbent on believers to fulfill this duty of service to those who need their help, and to contribute to the welfare of society. Therefore establishing social services within Muslim communities, provide vehicles for every Muslim to invest in the cause of Allah through their financial and moral support. MCC-HS provides such a vehicle for the DFW Metroplex Muslims.

MCC Helps Women on the Path to Success
Talaun Thompson, MSW , Saulet Kureshy

The Turning Point for Ms. Janib Ms. Janib is a healthy looking woman who is thirty three years of age. She has intense brown eyes and a beautiful brown fluffy hair. She has become a role model for many younger women facing domestic violence, but Ms. Janib was not always a leader. Like many women who love too much, she was once a silent submissive victim of domestic violence. She worked very hard to be a good wife and mother. During her 6 years of marriage, Ms. Janib remained quiet and submissive. She and her husband rarely spoke. Her husband was a salesman, and knew only his sales pitch. Ms. Janib had big ideas, but she never shared them. Still, when her husband began to physically abuse her and threaten divorce, she knew she would miss him and feared starting over. Often when marriage ends, women are left with no skills for acting in the world. When Ms. Janib’s husband divorced her, she called the Muslim Community Center for Human Services for counseling services for herself and her seven year old daughter. (*All names and story depictions have been changed, if any part of this story is similar to your experience it is strictly coincidental).

Ms. Anaik: Caught in Circumstances Beyond her Control. Before Ms. Anaik’s husband began to emotionally abuse her, she looked down on women who spoke badly against their husbands. Ms. Anaik’s husband began to withhold money from her and began talking badly about her and calling her names. She would usually not say anything to him; she would just quietly accept his emotional abuse. Before Ms. Anaik called MCC “Roshni” she had the same aversion to asking for financial assistance. The negative attitudes toward asking for help are driven in part by the fact that most women who turn to social service agencies are facing a combination of income problems and personal problems. If the problem were only money, the public would be far more sympathetic. But most women are asking for financial help because of a miscalculation in judgment or a mistaken emotion. Women are not always victims of unfair labor markets; instead the need of financial assistance is at times due to divorce an abusive or unhealthy relationship, or a history of neglect that could not be avoided. More than 70 percent of women on welfare ask for aid because of either the birth of a child or a separation or divorce from their husband (Texas Department of Human Services, 2006). Ms. Anaik contacted MCC and was extremely hesitant to leave her name. MCC worked with Ms. Anaik without her having to give her name or any information that she felt uncomfortable giving. Ms. Anaik however did leave the telephone number of her friend so MCC could contact her and give her information. Once Ms. Anaik realized MCC was available to help; and her identity was safe and undisclosed, she felt more confident in revealing her name and asking for help. (*All names and story depictions have been changed, if any part of this story is similar to your experience it is strictly coincidental).

Some people may look at a woman in need and may believe that if they were placed in the same circumstance, their choices would be better, smarter, and more carefully planned. But choices are often determined by circumstances that cannot be controlled. A more appropriate view would be to recognize the variations of life’s circumstances. MCC understands that at times women fleeing abusive relationships need help. MCC’s Domestic Violence Program “Roshni” hotline was established in June 2006 to assist women facing emotional and physical violence. MCC has a psychiatrist and a social worker available for individual or couple counseling, and social service referrals. If you are in need of services please call “Roshni” at 817-589-0200. All calls are confidential and your information will not be shared or released.

Talaun S. Thompson M.S.W.

MCC for Human Services is happy to inform that Ms. Thompson, who was hired as a first full-time social worker for the center in June 2006 has completed a very productive first year. Ms. Thompson’s performance at MCC is exemplary. She has adjusted very well and demonstrated and in depth understanding of religious and cultural uniqueness of the community she has been serving. She has made presentations at Mosques, Islamic Centers, and developed a liaison with 60 community agencies in Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Her primary responsibility includes helpline and domestic violence projects, however, she was involved in almost all programs and has made valuable contributions.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Sociology and Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. Prior to joining MCC for Human Services, she worked as clinical social worker (intern) at Charleton Methodist Clinic. Ms. Thompson received a fellowship and worked as research assistant on African studies and traveled to Ghana where she researched and analyzed data, interpreted results, and prepared reports for different projects. Ms. Thompson’s Thesis research pertained to marital preparation program and the extent to which the most popular program addressed issues likely to cause marital discard. The title of her Thesis was “Couple Conflict Leading to Marital Instability”.

Ms. Thompson is a member of the American Psychological Association and National Association of Social Workers. She was inducted into Phi, chi, and alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology honor Society.

We are very impressed with her commitment, compassion and work ethics and very happy to have her as a part of Muslim Community Center for Human Services.

What MCC needs

Physician Volunteers for the clinic. If you can give four hours every other month, please contact us.

Volunteers for clinic and office work. Please contact at 817-589-9165     mcchs2005@hotmail.com     

We need your financial support to continue and expand our services.

Donate Online -- http://www.mcc-hs.org