Shattering Misconceptions: How One U.S. Muslim Company Works to Remake the World

U.S. Muslim Company launches 1st Islamic greeting card designed for diverse American audience. Aims to promote proper image of Islam in America.

(PRWEB) October 16, 2004 -- In 2001, I was on Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. While at the Prophets Mosque in Madinah, I was asked by a group of Muslims from several countries what it was like to be Muslim in America. Specifically, they were curious about whether I was able to practice Islam freely. My response was perhaps as surprising to them as their question was to me. I said, 'yes I can live my religion freely; that there are perhaps as many as 8 million Muslims or more in the U.S. and that there are mosques and schools all over the country; that Muslims were basically in all sectors of American life; that Islam is the fastest growing faith in America and predicted to be the second largest religion early in this century. Because of these facts, Islam shall play a greater role in shaping the future of America.

My fellow hajjis were astounded. And it is one example of the misconceptions most Muslims probably have about America, just as many Americans have misconceptions about Islam and what its presence means here. On the one hand, here I was performing Hajj and dispelling false notions among fellow Muslims about what it means to be American, while a few months later, after 9-11, I was addressing fellow Americans about what it means to be Muslim. Such a position means that American Muslims may be in the best position to bridge divisions separating East and West. Building that bridge may be a greater burden upon the descendants of Americas ex-slaves who are now Muslims and who have seen two sides of America." --Al Hajj Mukhtar Muhammad (April 2004 address given at U.S. State Department Visit for Afghan leaders).

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. October 16, 2004 - On the morning of September 11, 2001, Mukhtar Muhammad was preparing shipments of Genesis of New American Leadership: A Muslim Commentary for nationwide distribution. The new book on Islamic leadership had just rolled off the press. He was about to depart his office when the phone rang; it was his wife calling. He recalls that day: I could tell just by the breaking of her voice as she hurriedly said, get to a TV, that something serious was occurring. Yet the words she said next blurred all reason. A plane just crashed into the World Trade Center."

That was three years ago. Since then, Muhammad has served at the highest levels of leadership for the largest identifiable body of Muslims in America, the American Society of Muslims. He has participated in interfaith discussions, conducted workshops, and published articles with a special emphasis on strategic leadership and management issues facing Islamic institutions. Today, as a national speaker and consultant, he travels to mosques, churches, and colleges to share the true message of Al-Islam. Of particular note, is an April 2004 address to visiting governors from Afghanistan. His topic: Respecting and Trusting the Group Intellect: Essential Foundations in Islamic and American Democracy" included the following proclamation: The Muslim American Dream is deeply rooted in the American Dream...a dream not just captured in the often referenced 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but more aptly defined by one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all."

What is it about Mukhtar Muhammad that places him at the table of dialogue on leadership and Islam in America? While its true hes not a cleric, he knows something about leadership and Islam. Hes earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in business. Hes a company vice president, a former Naval Officer and rare Mustang (a commissioned officer who crossed over from the enlisted ranks). He was also born a third generation Muslim of African-American descent. African Americans represent the largest ethnic body of Muslims in America. Yet perhaps it was Muhammads foresight prior to 9-11 that makes him an articulate and pragmatic voice for reform today. In Genesis, he wrote: ...In the last twenty years, the greatest source of damage to the image of Islam has not been the press or entertainment venues-it has been the failure of the global Muslim leadership to speak out unequivocally against wrong, even if it be against those who call themselves Muslim."

Speaking of foresight, Muhammad points to a man respected by millions both inside and outside the U.S. He speaks of Imam Wallace Deen Mohammed as his inspiration and source of insight. Im a good listener. I was 13 years old when W. Deen Mohammed became the leader for millions of American Muslims. The Imam gave us a mission that I never forgot; he said we are to remake the world." W. Deen Mohammed is the son of former Nation of Islam leader the late Elijah Muhammad. W. Deen Mohammed is credited with rebuilding the former nationalist organization into a thriving new Muslim community anchored in the Holy Quran.

While rejecting the racist and separatist philosophy of his father, W. Deen Mohammed protected the young Muslim community from foreign elements of radicalism and extremism. 'He taught us to learn Islam for ourselves and to be free thinkers. He said, 'you are not Sufi, or Shia, or Black Muslims, you are Muslims according to the Quran, standing for what is right and forbidding what is wrong; you have responsibilities as citizens to your neighbors, country and the entire family of man.

Muhammad asserts, Some 30 years later, we may be in the best position to correct the misbehavior of some of our family members (extremist Muslims). Thats what its like you know. Its almost like you have an errant family member. "Thats how I liken the circumstances that affect how Islam is misrepresented by some who call themselves Muslim. You know the saying you cant choose your family...well none of us can choose who takes on the title Muslim anymore than a Christian, Jew or Hindu may determine who will join their faith. We might have some control over who attends a church or mosque, but we cant control religious affiliation. If someone in your family does something bad, theyre still your family. You just have to disassociate yourself from the behavior and help the person reform themselves. Thats what our Prophet said we should do...be a mirror for one another.

Now the author and publishing executive is using his foresight and business experience that made Genesis of New American Leadership successful to create Islamic greeting cards aimed at correcting negative stereotypes and misconceptions about Al-Islam and Muslims. Using a branding strategy, the FAMACO Ramadan-Eid Dawah Card was launched Labor Day weekend in Chicago at two national Islamic conventions. Muhammad states, Our card is the first Ramadan greeting designed for the broader American public. Muslims now have a greeting card to give to their fellow Americans that celebrates Ramadan and simultaneously provides a true message on what Al-Islam means in America."

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is celebrated around the world with fasting, charity, prayers and reading of the entire Quran. This year Ramadan is expected to begin October 15. We hope believers of other faiths will give these cards to their Muslim acquaintances as well. Greeting cards are an opportunity to convey the compassion Muslims are taught to have for all humanity. Our goal is to publish a product that counteracts the negative images, messages, and stereotypes bombarding us everyday. These cards will convey the true spirit of Al-Islam; they include themes like the oneness of humanity, respect for diversity and importance of interfaith relations. The post card format offers increased opportunities to showcase the U.S. Postal Service commemorative Eid stamp honoring the Islamic holidays. The unveiling of the stamp in 2001, although overshadowed by the events of 9-11, nevertheless sent a clear message that American Muslim is not an oxymoron. Based on focus groups and convention response, Muslim consumers have been waiting for a greeting medium that communicates Islamic values in a format with broader appeal," relates Muhammad.

Besides the companys direct consumer and distributor sales, Muhammad is working with mosques and national organizations to plan a mass communications impact with the FAMACO card. Bearing the motto: Because the right message about Al-Islam can make a world of difference," the companys literature encourages all Muslims to give a greeting to family, friends, neighbors, media, other faith-based organizations, and elected officials.

We want to make a difference, not just as a successful business, but as a leader in remaking the world into a better place for humanity. Our Prophet said, 'the ink of the scholar is more valuable than the blood of the martyr. We believe words make people. Our mission is not on the battlefield with weapons, but in the realm of ideas. We are using words to affect hearts and minds," observes Muhammad.

FAMACO Publishers is a privately held printing, publishing, and consulting company founded in 1996. In addition to its Qalam Books imprint and greeting card line, the company provides services to individuals, public agencies, non-profit entities and businesses.

For more information or to request a Media/Press Kit, please contact:
FAMACO Publishers
P.O. Box 440665, Jacksonville, FL 32244-0665
Phone: (904) 434-5901 • Fax (904) 777-5901
http://members.aol.com/famapub/Greetings.htm

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