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VA Muslims Gather in Support of Deaf Community

Community News - Community News

Written by Muslim Link Staff

Friday, 26 February 2010 10:32

On Sunday, February 21, 2010, a free dinner was held at the ADAMS center in Virginia to raise awareness of and educate attendees about a little noticed segment of the community – deaf Muslims.

Organized by the Global Deaf Muslims, the event was also a fundraiser for the not-for-profit group registered in the state of New York, run by and serving deaf Muslims around the world.

The mission of Global Deaf Muslims includes promoting and raising awareness of deaf Muslims in through sign language, captioning broadcasts, educational workshops, conferences and networking activities.

“We are constantly aspiring to create opportunities for inclusion and integration for deaf Muslim children and adults in community life,” says part of the mission statement.

Members of ADAMS and Qabeelat Nurayn of Al-Maghrib Insitute volunteered to help organize the local event. A halal chinese dinner was donated and attendees had free entry.

An interactive documentary provided titled “Silent Islam” and inspirational speeches made by Imam Magid of ADAMS Center on including deaf Muslims and Muslims with disabilities in the community preceded the fundraising.

Global Deaf Muslims President Nashiru Abdulai gave a PowerPoint presentation using sign language with the help of interpreter voicing, while ADAMS Youth member, 11th grader Hamza Khan, gave a speech using both ASL (American Sign Language) and his voice on how he became deaf and what the hearing community needs to know about people like him.

Funds raised will go towards more education and outreach activities, and also long term projects like procuring office space in the DC region for the Global Deaf Muslims. About 250 attended the event, including about 25 deaf Muslims.

Mobin Tawakkul contributed to this news report. – TML