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Field Trip to the
Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center
3159 Row Street, Falls Church
(703 536-1030)
Note earlier starting time:
6:45 p.m. gathering; 7:15 dinner; 8:10 program
What
We are pleased to be able to offer this exciting field trip to nearby Falls Church at the Islamic Center as the perfect follow-up to our popular January 2005 program on the “Myths and Reality” about being Muslim. As we learned then, the best way to develop a good relationship with a person is to express your understanding of their practices. Please note we will begin a little earlier because our program will include observing their prayer service for a short time at sunset (maghrib) – 8:13 p.m. We are honored that members of Dar Al-Hijrah will join us for dinner and dialogue, and we are guests of Imam Shakir Elsayed and Imam Johari Abdul-Malik. We want to be sensitive to the etiquette of the masjid, or place of prayer, with a social and dining hall within its walls. Above all, it is a special and sacred space for Muslims.
We all need to be aware of some aspects of Islamic etiquette and cultural practice for this evening. Muslim men and women wear loose clothing covering the body except hands, face and feet. As a result, “Women should cover their crowning beauty, the hair, with a scarf or hat when they enter the place of prayer, or Musallah.” We will provide some scarves for those who do not bring them, and Imam Johari indicated he will have some as well. For your own comfort, you might want to wear nylons or socks because each person will be asked to remove his/her shoes at the entrance of the place of prayer (Musallah), the carpeted area.
Muslim men and women worship separately – the women’s area is on the 2nd floor, overlooking the prayer place for the men. As guests, we will observe this. The stairs may be difficult for some of us, and the Imam said it would be fine for women to observe in the back of the prayer area of the men on the first floor. There will be people to guide us. Following the visiting of the place of prayer, we will return to our meeting room for the remainder of our program, questions and discussion, with adjournment at 9:30 p.m.
Speakers
Spiritual leaders Imam Shakir Elsayed and Imam Johari Abdul-Malik will coordinate this enlightening program for us.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Gathering 6:45 p.m. (NO alcoholic beverages)
Dinner 7:15 p.m.
Program 8:10 p.m.
Adjourn 9:30 p.m.
Where
The Center or Mosque is located just off Route 7, Seven Corners and Bailey’s Crossroads. Exit Arlington Boulevard at Route 7 East towards Alexandria, go just past the First Christian Church (on the right) and turn left into Row Street where there is a large parking lot adjacent to the mosque. Or you can take Route 50 (Arlington Blvd.) and turn left onto Patrick Henry Drive just before the Home Depot at 7 Corners. Then turn left again onto Route 7. You will see Row Street ahead on your left.
Our check-in area will be just inside the front door. Islamic information and art will be exhibited nearby.
If you need a ride or assistance with directions, please call Karen Darner at 703 271-5284 or email her at lkdarner@comcast.net.
Reservations
Reservations
may by made by email or telephone. To make a reservation for
this month's meeting, email your name, the name(s) of your
guest(s), and the total number of reservations to Committeeof100@aol.com
or call 703-921-1124. Reservations (and cancellations)
must be made by 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 11.
Our buffet dinner will include salads, meat choices, rice, vegetables, dessert, and liquid refreshments. There can be NO alcoholic beverages.
The price of dinner for this meeting will be $20 for everyone. Dinner cards will be accepted. (The Center is hosting us for dinner, but we will be giving them these funds to offset their costs.)
Late
Cancellations
On
the morning after the cancellation deadline, the Committee of
100 will guarantee our dinner reservations. If you
are unable to honor your reservation, send your $20 check,
payable to Committee of 100, to Treasurer Anne Biedscheid, 5640 7th Street, North, Arlington, VA 22205.
Inclement Weather
In case of severe weather conditions, call the phone reservation number, 703-921-1124, or visit this web site, to learn if the Arlington Committee of 100 meeting has been cancelled.
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