The Internet Islamic University (IIU), a two year old institution of higher learning held its second successful epoch-making event at Madison Square Garden (MSG), Sunday, April 18. Program organizers say that the university is “… the world’s first and only live and interactive Islamic university on Internet.” To date, 26 students have completed certificate course from the university. Saffat Catovic, IIU Board member moderated the event and welcome the audience in place of the ailing Dr. Sulayman Nyang, IIU Rector.

The program began with the Qur’anic recitation by Qari Yusuf Mulla, a teacher of Muslim Center and Masjid Al-Aabedeen. A translation followed by 5^th grade student, Sameer Uddin, 11, who said, “… Those who follow the Messenger bring for them the good things. Those who believe in him, follow him… those will be successful.”

Featured speakers were Dr. Shaikh Ibrahim Negm, Dr. Ahmed Sakr, author and former U.S. congressman, Paul Findley (R-IL), Ama Shabazz, Imam Abdul Malik, Dr. Jamal Badawi, and Imam Siraj Wahhaj.

Findley suggested that Muslim should be proud to be Muslims and they should share their heritage and values with non-Muslims by visiting churches, synagogues, and town hall meetings in an effort to dispel false impressions about Muslims.

Ama Shabazz, English teacher and Islamic writer from Cincinnati, Ohio, countered inaccuracies that she says, non-Muslims have about women and Islam. Notions such as women are oppressed and have no rights are simply not true, she said. She added that in Islam, “Women shall have equitable rights…. And regarding education, Prophet Muhammad (s) established special classes for women.”

Imam Abdul Malik, a Muslim activist, criticized the Muslim leadership all over the world and behavior of some Muslims here in North America. He warned “Some of you scared … You can dye your hair blond and pretend you are Hispanic but people still know who you are. We do not have to apologize for who we are. It is not a crime to defend your Mosque or community.”

Imam Siraj was given an Award of Excellence for his remarkable Da’wah activities. Accepting the award, he said, “Prophet Muhammad (s) is the best role model for us even this 21^st century. We have follow his example in all walk of life and share his example and teaching with our neighbors and co-workers.” IIU also granted Omer Bin Abdullah, editor of Islamic Horizons, an Award of Excellence for his contribution to the cause of Islamic journalism.

IIU President Zaheer Uddin made a multimedia presentation highlighting the achievements and the future vision of IIU. He said, there are 330 students and more than 1,200 are registered so far. IIU is working on a special course for non-Muslims, Islam101, covering the basics of Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammad (s). This course will be good for non-Muslim laypersons, policymakers, law enforcement officers, and professionals. He emphasized that there is an urge and huge demand to know more about real Islam. The IIU President told the audience that the institution needed $500,000 to implement other programs and “… to fulfill its vision.”  A DVD on Prophet Muhammad (s) and the role of Muslims was presented as part of his presentation which was very impressive. He informed that 26 students, 19 from the United States and 7 from other countries including Canada, have successfully earned certificates in Islamic Studies from IIU so far.

Dr. Ahmad Sakr, an Islamic scholar and author of many books on Islam, stressed that Muslims take care of their institutions. He praised the efforts by IIU in spreading the Islamic education and appealed the audience for generous contributions. According to official count, is about 200,000 including pledges were raised.

Dr. Jamal Badawi, an Islamic scholar from Canada spoke on “Prophet Muhammad: The natural successor to Moses and Jesus.” He gave the evidence from the new and old Testaments and explained how Muhammad (name) was mentioned in these scriptures.

The program was concluded with Hamd and Anaasheed by a Muslim school children and famous singer Abu Ratib. Initially, attendance was light; however, very fast it reached to 4,000. Outside the hall, a mini-Islamic bazaar did brisk sales. Many attendees declared that they would attend the program next year as well.

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