Reviews
"I think this study addresses the most important problem in our communities and it is the most significant contribution to the development of Islam in this country. May Allah reward you and continue your effort"
Imam Khalil Abdul Khabir
Retired NYS Doccs Ministerial Program
Coordinator (MPC)
Imam Khalil Abdul Khabir
Retired NYS Doccs Ministerial Program
Coordinator (MPC)
"I am so very impressed with your book, Bridging the Divide. From the preface I was impressed with it as a scholarly work that is poised to make a significant contribution not only to the enhancement of our Ummah, but also as a means of educating the larger community and nation about effective strategies for managing diverse cultures in a shared community. By focusing on the common principle of Tauheed, you and your wife (Sis. Fonda) were able to facilitate a transformational experience for a select group of youth in your Masjid. The lives of the 12 youth who completed the course will forever be impacted by the coordinated experience of examining their values and how they were formed, celebrating the “dignity of diversity”, and working with purpose to shift their thinking and ultimately their actions to be in alignment with what Allah wants for our ummah. Each of the youth who participated now have a firm commitment to engaging their Tawheed as a guide for their actions rather than cultural traditions.
Your work is significant not only because of the impact of the project itself, but the historical and organizational structuring information you shared can serve as a blueprint for others seeking to restructure or develop new communities. For example, your choice to include a copy of the by-laws is especially beneficial fr those who may not be familiar with the formal documentation needed to provide the internal structures and organizational stability necessary for longevity. Applying for and securing nonprofit (501C3) status is a significant achievement, and establishes the validity/identity needed for our institutions to effectively engage the broader community.
It is my sincere prayer that Allah continue to bless you and Sis. Fonda in your efforts to bring our community closer to the ideal that Allah has outlined for us in the Qur’an, and that you be blessed for your intentions and even more for good deeds carried out." Mabruk and Ramadan Mubarak!
Nadiyah Sa’id MSW, LSW
Founder/Executive Director,
Restoration Human Services, Inc.
www.wix.com/rhsorg/home
Your work is significant not only because of the impact of the project itself, but the historical and organizational structuring information you shared can serve as a blueprint for others seeking to restructure or develop new communities. For example, your choice to include a copy of the by-laws is especially beneficial fr those who may not be familiar with the formal documentation needed to provide the internal structures and organizational stability necessary for longevity. Applying for and securing nonprofit (501C3) status is a significant achievement, and establishes the validity/identity needed for our institutions to effectively engage the broader community.
It is my sincere prayer that Allah continue to bless you and Sis. Fonda in your efforts to bring our community closer to the ideal that Allah has outlined for us in the Qur’an, and that you be blessed for your intentions and even more for good deeds carried out." Mabruk and Ramadan Mubarak!
Nadiyah Sa’id MSW, LSW
Founder/Executive Director,
Restoration Human Services, Inc.
www.wix.com/rhsorg/home
First, I must say that the book “Bridging the Divide…” has
been experiential reading. I have learned much of what I thought I already
knew, but islamically it has changed my spirit of applying that knowledge.
Writing a book is a long, hard and intense journey and I am proud of the Imam
for the results.
“Bridging the Divide…” explores and details the human frailties that come with different cultures working, living and worshipping together as a community. Imam Dr. Salahuddin M. Muhammad chose the very core of his religion, Tawheed (the Oneness of G-d), to assist in bringing these cultures together. It is the hope, and my belief that this “doctrine” as he put it, would indeed bridge this wide gap that we must first acknowledge exists.
Imam Salahuddin shared his travels in knowledge and the many people he encountered by showing how Tawheed should be the catalyst and how the Muslims differ regardless or in spite of their belief.
As I read through the very interesting chapters of his own community (Chapter 1-2), I learned the history of the Masjid, the people and how things came to be where they are currently. It gave a detailed account of the leadership, the evolving community and its metamorphosis; the trials and the tribulations of maintaining Islam within the vast endeavor the Muslims had embarked upon. It talks about the many challenges the Imam faces in the light of the “disunity, authority issues, and cultural insensitivities” etc. and how he chose to combat those things in order to bring unity to the community. He decided to use a different approach; working with the youth to make changes in the mindsets of some of the elders. Moving forward through the following chapters, Imam Dr. Salahuddin’s approach to this necessary sharing of information is monumental for the community in Newburgh ( and the communities at large) as they want to ease tensions and worship together in the manner that is pleasing to G-d. Teaching the youth the utilization of the concept of Tawheed is an influence that can change the thought process of many.
Through this reading I have gained so much in the expansion of “my” religious experience, through the historical timelines that caused the divide and the wonderful approach to bridging this gap. I am thankful for the Appendix and the learning tools within, that anyone reading this can greatly benefit from. Overall, I am of the mindset that this book should be one for the universities, the mosques and the families worldwide in order to achieve the unity and world peace that true Islam represents.
Sis. Sana Shabazz
Author of “Why Women Cry”
“Bridging the Divide…” explores and details the human frailties that come with different cultures working, living and worshipping together as a community. Imam Dr. Salahuddin M. Muhammad chose the very core of his religion, Tawheed (the Oneness of G-d), to assist in bringing these cultures together. It is the hope, and my belief that this “doctrine” as he put it, would indeed bridge this wide gap that we must first acknowledge exists.
Imam Salahuddin shared his travels in knowledge and the many people he encountered by showing how Tawheed should be the catalyst and how the Muslims differ regardless or in spite of their belief.
As I read through the very interesting chapters of his own community (Chapter 1-2), I learned the history of the Masjid, the people and how things came to be where they are currently. It gave a detailed account of the leadership, the evolving community and its metamorphosis; the trials and the tribulations of maintaining Islam within the vast endeavor the Muslims had embarked upon. It talks about the many challenges the Imam faces in the light of the “disunity, authority issues, and cultural insensitivities” etc. and how he chose to combat those things in order to bring unity to the community. He decided to use a different approach; working with the youth to make changes in the mindsets of some of the elders. Moving forward through the following chapters, Imam Dr. Salahuddin’s approach to this necessary sharing of information is monumental for the community in Newburgh ( and the communities at large) as they want to ease tensions and worship together in the manner that is pleasing to G-d. Teaching the youth the utilization of the concept of Tawheed is an influence that can change the thought process of many.
Through this reading I have gained so much in the expansion of “my” religious experience, through the historical timelines that caused the divide and the wonderful approach to bridging this gap. I am thankful for the Appendix and the learning tools within, that anyone reading this can greatly benefit from. Overall, I am of the mindset that this book should be one for the universities, the mosques and the families worldwide in order to achieve the unity and world peace that true Islam represents.
Sis. Sana Shabazz
Author of “Why Women Cry”
I’d like to begin by saying; what the book contains cannot be purchased; trying to put a price on what’s being said, can’t be done!
There are Muslims who for whatever reason want to take issue with the painful reality that there’s a “Cultural Divide” but the reality is there. For generations Muslim scholars have attempted to “bridge the gap”, but to no avail! This book will serve to give us a “modern day look” at some of what we should take into consideration if we truly want to do something about what is and has been haunting us as Muslims. I’d be in denial were I to say this problem didn’t exist during the life of Prophet Muhammad; all one has to do is look at the farewell address of the Prophet (pbuh); he spoke candidly about it! Perhaps you have to have lived through the madness of the divide to appreciate what Imam Salahuddin is attempting to present to us, in his book. On the other hand, to reject what he’s said so openly, in my opinion only serves to say something about those who reject what’s been said! The problem is there, and will never be eradicated if not faced head on. But in order to face the problem as a problem; it has to first be recognized as one. How can something as ugly as this be dealt with if you don’t know what you’re trying to deal with? Imam Salahuddin Muhammad’s book will help ready you for the challenge of getting rid of this divide present in the culture of not only the Muslim; but humanity! But we have to take things one step at a time. As Muslims following the best example; we “should have no problem” recognizing where we’ve gone wrong; we’ve allowed misguidance to seep into what we say we believe! Tauhid (Tawhid) The recognition and worship of Allah/God alone is without doubt, the catalyst for what ever is dividing us! Again, denial will do nothing to change the reality that there is divisiveness; and it’s doing a serious harm!
I am a student of knowledge, and avid reader; know that I’d have a no problem telling the Imam I felt he’d fallen short in what he was trying to present! I’ll say again; the book is a “must read” if you’re to understand this divide and why it might exist!
Imam Hamin H. Rashada
Retired Muslim Chaplain
There are Muslims who for whatever reason want to take issue with the painful reality that there’s a “Cultural Divide” but the reality is there. For generations Muslim scholars have attempted to “bridge the gap”, but to no avail! This book will serve to give us a “modern day look” at some of what we should take into consideration if we truly want to do something about what is and has been haunting us as Muslims. I’d be in denial were I to say this problem didn’t exist during the life of Prophet Muhammad; all one has to do is look at the farewell address of the Prophet (pbuh); he spoke candidly about it! Perhaps you have to have lived through the madness of the divide to appreciate what Imam Salahuddin is attempting to present to us, in his book. On the other hand, to reject what he’s said so openly, in my opinion only serves to say something about those who reject what’s been said! The problem is there, and will never be eradicated if not faced head on. But in order to face the problem as a problem; it has to first be recognized as one. How can something as ugly as this be dealt with if you don’t know what you’re trying to deal with? Imam Salahuddin Muhammad’s book will help ready you for the challenge of getting rid of this divide present in the culture of not only the Muslim; but humanity! But we have to take things one step at a time. As Muslims following the best example; we “should have no problem” recognizing where we’ve gone wrong; we’ve allowed misguidance to seep into what we say we believe! Tauhid (Tawhid) The recognition and worship of Allah/God alone is without doubt, the catalyst for what ever is dividing us! Again, denial will do nothing to change the reality that there is divisiveness; and it’s doing a serious harm!
I am a student of knowledge, and avid reader; know that I’d have a no problem telling the Imam I felt he’d fallen short in what he was trying to present! I’ll say again; the book is a “must read” if you’re to understand this divide and why it might exist!
Imam Hamin H. Rashada
Retired Muslim Chaplain