The Muslim population in the United States is growing steadily, with various estimates of Muslims living in the United States to be around 2.6 million in 2010 expected to rise to about 6.2 million by the year 2030 (Pew Research Center). The steady rise in the Muslim population in the United States is attributed to immigration and conversions with an increasing number of people converting to Islam over the past 25 years or more. With this steady increase in the overall Muslim population, services are needed in different areas (health, education, social services, law, food service and hotel industry, information technology and businesses) to accommodate the needs of Muslims. Alhamdullilah, there are more Muslim owned restaurants, hotels, and halal stores throughout the United States, particularly in urban areas and some suburban areas where many Muslims reside. In the area of education there are more Islamic schools being established in the United States, particularly over the past 10 years or so in some urban and suburban areas. In the area of social services in many areas the Muslim community overall still remains an underserved population with many families struggling to pay bills, to keep food in the home, and with family and martial concerns.
In our work with Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services, LLC, which is a Muslim Social Service organization designed to meet the needs of Muslim families through support and education services, we have seen the dire need for these types of services which include food, clothing and household items distribution, bill assistance, health and nutrition education and consultation, parenting and marriage and family classes, matrimonial services and additional outreach programs. Alhamdullilah, we have also recently included a janaza fund for families who cannot afford to pay for the janaza expenses of their loved ones as we have seen in the past few months with families call us asking for assistance. As Muslims our diets are restricted to certain types of foods, so we usually cannot benefit from local food banks in our areas because of the foods that they distribute. Likewise, with clothing our style of clothing is modest so we cannot normally receive clothing from other agencies because they are not suited to our way of dress. With counseling for family and parenting issues we follow Islamic guidelines, the Holy Quran and Sunnah of our Holy Prophet (Sallalahu Alahie wa Sallam) the best example for all mankind; so we cannot go to outside agencies as well for advice or counseling services. Therefore, it is imperative for committed and qualified Muslims to initiate their own programs and for the Muslim community to fully support those programs and agencies in their locale which are designed to meet the needs of Muslim families if possible with time, efforts, and funds. Once these agencies start consistency, professionalism, and a cooperative effort are imperative with those who volunteer as well as with other agencies and communities to join hands to work together for the common good of the overall Muslim community. All too often Muslims do not support Muslim owned or operated businesses and services, which continues to be a weak link in the chain to hopefully work towards the improvement and betterment of Muslim families.
Alhamdullilah, through our work with Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services, Allah Subhana wa Ta’Ala has allowed us to work with different Muslim communities throughout metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia, and we have seen the impact it has had on Muslims who are in need of services. Alhamdullilah, there is more food, clothes and household items to give to families who request it, and funds are available for different types of crisis situations to help families. Non- Muslims have also benefitted from this collaborative effort between various Muslim communities in that food, clothes and household items has also been available to them as well in time of need. It is vital for Muslims to support each other and work together as much as possible and to combine skills, talents, and abilities in where each and every person is most effective.
Alhamdullilah, through our Caring and Sharing Program for the past year we have worked with members of the Muslim community in Gainesville, Georgia at the Gainesville Islamic Culture Center to feed homeless people. This past Saturday on March 30th Madinah Food Pantry & Family Services sponsored an event at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Gainesville. All the residents and staff there were very appreciative of the food served and requested we come back again they liked the food so much. Alhamdullilah, so many sisters helped to cook the food from both metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia that we left several trays of food for Sunday as well for their dinner. We greatly appreciated the efforts of everyone who cooked, donated food and came out to help serve the food.
Our two most recent food drives in the metro Atlanta area were also very successful. Alhamdullilah, our most recent food drive at East Cobb Islamic Center in Marietta, Georgia helped to restock the pantry to almost full capacity with food for families who call in need of food assistance. We greatly appreciated the generosity and efforts of everyone who donated food, and helped to load the truck—truly an outstanding effort by everyone.
East Cobb Islamic Center Food Drive, Marietta, Georgia on April, 12, 2013
Volunteers helping to load the truck with donations from East Cobb Islamic Center food drive
Alhamdullilah!! 50 bags of basmati rice for donations
Anyone locally in Georgia can volunteer by contacting us
