Asalaam Alaikum and Greetings,

Eid Mubarak! I hope that everyone has a very nice Eid and a Happy New Year.

Forward/share as you see fit.

Thank you,
Atif www.atifslist.com groups.yahoo.com

Personal Update: Move to Fremont went well. We are settling in nicely.


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Upcoming Events of Interest
San Francisco Bay Area, CA


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2006 Eid Stamp Release www.usps.com

2006 Commemorative Stamp Program Press Release www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/2005/sr05_054.htm?from=bannercommunications& page=comstamps

CAIR is asking members of the American Muslim community to contact local postmasters and request that they stock the stamp commemorating Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha when it is re-issued as part of the "Holiday Series." In past years, there have been reports that the Eid stamp was unavailable in some post offices. ACTION REQUESTED: 1. CONTACT your local postmaster TODAY to request that he or she stock the "Eid stamp." 2. BUY AND USE Eid stamps for all your mailing needs. Post offices may be located and stamps may be ordered after through the United States Postal Service website. Eid stamps may also be ordered by calling 1-800-STAMP-24.

Why Go?: Go buy your stamps!


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The Muslim Public Service Network (MPSN) is Looking for 2007 Interns www.muslimpublicservice.org

Please pass this information along to others who might be interested. Summer Internship Program - The Washington DC based *Muslim Student Network (MSN) Summer Internship Program*, a project of the *Muslim Public Service Network (MPSN) *, is designed to give Muslim students insight into the American legislative, policy-making, and political structure and reveals opportunities for making positive contributions in the public service arena.

Through its unique and intensive summer internship program, MPSN has endeavored to bridge the divide between the Muslim community and public policy engagement. MPSN provides housing, education, and networking opportunities for Muslims from diverse backgrounds to live, work and study together in Washington, DC , so that they might learn from on another and, at the same time, develop the skills needed for successful public service and policymaking careers.


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Islam - What you Always Wanted to Know But were Afraid To Ask !
New Class at Berkeley Adult School
Six Week Course, Mondays- 7-9 PM Starting January 29, 2007

Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions on Islam, it's practices , beliefs and it's relationship to other faith traditions in a friendly, open forum. Taught by Yassir Chadly, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at The Graduate Theological Union and Imam of the Masjid Al-Iman, a welcoming multi-ethnic Sufi mosque. There is Limited Enrollment for this very popular class. Enroll Early ! Online Registration: www.bas.berkeley.net . Berkeley Adult School - Room 201. Fee: $65.00 Call Berkeley Adult School for more information: 510-644-6130 .


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An Informal Evening with Ralph Nader
Friday, December 29, 2006, 6 PM
CODY'S on Fourth Street, 1730 Fourth Street near Virginia, Berkeley, 510-559-9500 www.codysbooks.com | [email protected]

We are delighted to welcome back to Berkeley the activists' activist for an evening's discussion about The Good Fight, his 2004 campaign legacy, and the relevancy of the issues then to the headlines today. Nader's newest book won't be published until May 2007; it is a moving look back at a small-town family and the traditions that shaped his childhood, but we think we can talk him into talking just a bit about it, too, this evening! There won't be tickets for this event, nor are reservations necessary; seating will be first-come, first-served, beginning at 6 PM.


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Eid-ul-Adha
~Approximately, Around, Possibly on Saturday/Sunday, December 30/31, 2006
Visit links at the end of this e-mail or www.atifslist.com to find Bay Area websites that will have local Eid Information.

Moonsighting Advocates
www.moonsighting.com www.hilal-sighting.com www.crescentwatch.org www.zaytuna.org www.isna.net backPID=1& tt_news=344 (ISNA 2005 Information) aa.usno.navy.mil (U.S. Naval Observatory)

OR

Position of the Fiqh Council of North America www.isna.net backPID=1& tt_news=793

The Fiqh Council of North America after careful research, deliberations and discussion has adopted a new position regarding the determination of the beginning of the Islamic lunar months. This position is based primarily on the following Fiqhi premises (continued on Website): www.isna.net backPID=1& tt_news=764

Five Year Islamic Lunar Calendar -1427-1432 www.isna.net

Article on Astronomical Calculations by Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah www.isna.net

Article on Moon Issues by Salah Soltan www.isna.net

Article on The Unity of Horizons or Variety of Horizons - by Dr. Shah www.isna.net

Why Go?: It's Eid! Which one to choose?? Whether anyone admits it or not, the community was already divided. Eid was taking place all over the world on multiple days based on difference of opinions on moonsightings for many, many years prior to ISNA's 2006 announcement. Perhaps the concept of having respect for our leaders, scholars and fellow Muslims on both sides of this issue will triumph this time around.


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"Moral and Ethical Universe of the Qur'an"
Saturday January 6th at 5:30 PM
Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, 1433 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94612 www.iccnc.org | (510) 832-7600

Lecture by: Dr Hamid Mavani, M.A., Ph.D., McGill University, Institute of Islamic Studies. Assistant Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University. Professor Mavani has been active at the academic and community level in promoting interfaith dialogue, inter- and intra-Muslim dialogue, religious pluralism, civil society, democratic governance, reform in the Islamic legal tradition, gender and religion, and environmental ethics. Program includes prayer, dinner, Quranic Recitation, entertainment, and lecture in English by Dr. Hamid Mavani, Assistant Professor of Religion at Claremont Graduate University.


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Annual Eid Milan Dinner
Saturday January 6th 2007, 6:30pm - 10:30pm
San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, San Ramon, CA 94583

San Ramon Valley Islamic Center invites you and your family to its Annual Eid Milan Dinner. There will be a children's program featuring Qirat,Naat Recitals and children's fashion show. If your child would like to participate in this program please contact Sr. Shahla Khan at (925)736-4566 before December 30th, 2006. Food will be catered by Chutney's of San Francisco. Seating is limited so please obtain your tickets for this dinner before January 1st, 2007. Tickets: Adults, $20 per person, Kids age 6 to 12 years, $10 per person, Kids under 5, Free. For more info and ticket purchase call the following: Sr. Kishwar Farrukh (925) 736-8506, Sr. Atika Randhawa (925) 933-9679, Sr. Humera Mahmood (925) 479-0911, Sr. Munazza Qureshi (925) 462-1972.


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"The Paris Mosque" a Film by Derri Berkani
Saturday January 6 at 7pm
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists Hall, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita, Berkeley, CA 94709
510-528-5403

Followed by Discussion led by Annette Herskovits, Holocaust survivor. By donation. Conscientious Projector Series produced by BFUU's Social Justice Committee. The story of a little known resistance in Nazi occupied France that saved 1700 lives-mostly children. Annette was a child survivor of the European Holocaust but did not learn of the Parisian Muslim community's courage in saving their Jewish sisters and brothers until the 1990's. Join us in this testimony to the human spirit of solidarity and compassion in a dark time.


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Zehra Islamic Center Blood Drive
Sunday, January 7th. 2007, 10am-2pm at Azakhane-Zehra
Zehra Islamic Center, 475 Los Coches Street, Milpitas CA 95035
(408) 946-4464 | (408) 888-4380 | [email protected] bloodcenter.stanford.edu

The Zehra center is proud to sponsor this blood drive in conjunction with the Stanford Blood center. There is a great shortage of blood in the Bay Area, especially at this time of the year. This is a great way to pay our gratitude to our beloved Imams. Please help us, and help yourself, by participating in this worthy cause.

To Donate (Setup an appointment online):
- bloodcenter.stanford.edu
- Select "Blood Drive Calendar", then "Search Blood Drive" on above website. Use Sponsor Code "zeh8052"

To Volunteer: Email: [email protected] with your name, phone #, and how much time you want to donate

Your blood is needed if you: Are in good health, Are at least 17 years old, Weigh at least 110 lbs, Pass the physical and health history assessment.

The process of blood donation (On the day of donation):

1. Registration: You will be asked to fill a brief form about your demographics and health information.
2. Health history/Mini-physical: A trained staff person will ask you related health questions and check your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and your hemoglobin level.
3. Donation: A needle will be inserted and blood will be collected in a sterile bag (about a pint). Then the needle will be removed. The entire process from your arrival to the time you leave will take one hour. The actual blood donation will take about 10 minutes.

FAQ's: www.redcross.org
Dr. Ejaz Naqvi will be on site to answer medically related concerns

Why Go?: Donating blood SAVES lives.


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MARK YOUR CALENDARS


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The 9th Annual MSA West Conference
January 12-13, 2007 (Early Registration Ends FRIDAY: 12/15 !!!)
Cal Poly Pomona University, Pomona, CA
`Ibad ur-Rahman: Servants of the Most Gracious
[email protected] | www.msawest.net


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"The Door of Humility or J.J.'s Journeys in Baghdad"
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, 12:00pm
Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar Street at Bonita, Berkeley, CA
RSVP: Sr. Chloe [email protected] or 510/665-9726

Muslim Puppet Theater Production. Please bring potluck lunch/finger foods. Suggested donation: $20/family; no one turned away for lack of funds. Benefit for Islamic Relief's Iraqi relief efforts. I'm wondering whether anyone would be interested in videotaping for us. It'd be especially wonderful if someone had lapel mikes because otherwise the videotape picks up so much background sound, but we'd be happy for anything.

Why Go?: This is a nice, kid friendly, family friendly event that has been produced for multiple years. For those that may be able to assist, please contact Sr. Chloe directly.


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AMILA Gathering - Tentative
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, 5:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area www.amila.org | [email protected]

AMILA is in the process of coordinating a January Gathering. Stay tuned to website for updates/details.


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Olivier Roy, "Islam in Europe"
January 23, 7:30pm, Cubberley Auditorium
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA www.stanford.edu


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Olivier Roy, " The Phenomenon of Conversion: from Christianity to Islam, and from Islam to Christianity. A comparison between Salafism and Evangelism".

January 24, noon seminar, location tba.
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA www.stanford.edu


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"Is There a Clash of Civilizations? Muslims in the West"
Wednesday, January 24; Check-in: 5:30pm; Program: 6:00pm
World Affairs Council, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 312 Sutter St., San Francisco
415-293-4600 | [email protected] | www.itsyourworld.org

Olivier Roy, Senior Research Director, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris - Olivier Roy is one of Europe?s most noted experts on Islam, with particular expertise on the globalization on Islam and its expression in the West. He has recently made the point that Islamism, or radical political Islam, is growing worldwide, as is the radicalization of Muslims in the West. He will discuss these trends and their underlying causes. Admission Costs: Council members: FREE; Students: $5; Non-members: $15


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Is there Value in Faith?
January 25, 2007, 7:00 and 9.30pm
Host: Peninsula Temple (Synagogue) Beth-El
1700 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA
Please RSVP to [email protected] | www.ing.org | 408-296-7312

Speakers: Rabbi Alan Berg (Jewish), Rev. Shirley Macemon (Christian), Imam Zaid Shakir (Muslim), Ven. Jian Hu (invited/Buddhist), Jayarami Reddy (invited/Hindu). A Series of Interfaith Dialogue Circles in San Mateo County. A welcome respite from news of ongoing conflict, ING is proud to present a series of interfaith dialogue circles in San Mateo County to develop and reinforce where they exist inter-religious dialogue based on our common humanity and shared heritage. It is also an opportunity to build bridges based on mutual respect and civic responsibility. Format: Panel of speakers from at least three faith groups, followed by a roundtable discussion among the audience, and between the panelists and the audience. Beverages and finger foods will be provided for the guests.


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Rumi: An 800th Birthday Celebration With Robert Bly
Saturday Jan 27 2007 at 01:00-9:00 PM
Stanford University, Serra Mall and Galvez St., Stanford, CA events.stanford.edu
Price: $95 Registration | 650-725-2650 | [email protected]

Rumi: An 800th Birthday Celebration with Robert Bly Join us for a multimedia celebration of the 800th anniversary of the birth of Rumi, the great Persian poet of exuberant love and ecumenical wisdom (and the bestselling poet in the United States today). Internationally acclaimed scholars and musicians will join poet Robert Bly in a joyful exploration of Rumi's life and a performance of his work. A catered Persian dinner is included. Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi (1207& #151;73) was a poet and a scholar, a Sufi mystic, a learned theologian, and a foe of false certitudes ...


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Gerhard Wolf, "The Mediterranean as a Sea of Artistic Exchange".
January 30, location tba.
co-sponsored by the Art and Art History Department, and the Mediterranean Studies Forum.
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA www.stanford.edu


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"The Shia Revival: How Conflicts Within Islam Will Shape the World"
Wednesday, January 31; Check-in: 5:30pm; Program: 6:00pm
World Affairs Council, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 312 Sutter St., San Francisco
415-293-4600 | [email protected] | www.itsyourworld.org

Vali Nasr, Professor of Middle East and South Asia Politics, Naval Postgraduate School; Senior Adjunct Fellow on the Middle East, Council on Foreign Relations. In The Shia Revival, Vali Nasr offers an analysis of the ancient struggle between Shias and Sunnis for the soul of Islam. The book sheds light on historic moments of Shia/Sunni competition over power, as well as times of collaboration between the two sects against outside oppressors. Nasr holds that the sectarian divisions between Shia and Sunni and the historic marginalization of Shias throughout the Islamic world will come to play a large part in determining our collective future. Nasr believes that Westerners have too often perceived the Middle East through a Sunni perspective, and that in these changing times the Western world must now learn to understand the history, motivations, and philosophy of the Shia as well. Co-sponsored by Cody?s Bookstore and the Council on Foreign Relations. Admission Costs: Council members: FREE; Students: $5; Non-members: $15.


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Vali Nasr, "The Shia Revival and Politics of Change in the Middle East".
February 1, 7:30pm, Kresge Auditorium.
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA www.stanford.edu


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Rajko Grlic, filmmaker, "Karaula" (Border Post)
February 6, 7pm, Cubberley Auditorium.
co-sponsored by the Mediterranean Studies Forum, the Film and Media Studies Program, and Creees (Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies).
Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA www.stanford.edu


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PAST EVENTS SUMMARY


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Jumma Prayer and Rally for Ali Abdallah
Friday, December 22 2006 at 12:00 PM
Mosswood Park, W. MacArthur Blvd and Broadway, Oakland, CA www.justiceforali.com | [email protected] www.siliconvalleydebug.com

asalmu alikum ! Me name is Emad Abdallah from Oakland i came to the first Muslim Unity Day at Great America and was pleased to see so many muslims coming together for a day of fun,but now i am trying to get muslims together for a very serious matter. My oldest son Ali was murdered in Oakland the first day of Ramadan this year in a case of mistaken identity. Ali was only 20yrs old ,he was a very good kid and a good son . I am having a difficult time trying to get the police to work hard on his case because there are so many killings in oakland and the cops seem not to care. there is a reward offer of $25,000 . our community here in oakland is planning a muslim prayer and rally in the park on Dec. 22 2006. at 12:00 P.M. it will be held at mosswood park in oakland at the corners of macarthur and broadway streets. i am requesting that you put the word out through your orginization and pass the word around hopefully we could have a big croud to show support for this good cause. JAZAKUMALLAH KHAIR HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE, EMAD ABDALLAH.


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Bringing Eid Back to Life
Friday, December 22, 2006 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Men's Prayer Hall, Muslim Community Association - MCA, 3003 Scott Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95054 www.mcabayarea.org | [email protected]

Speaker: Yusuf Shahabi


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"Building families together "

The Event will be held the 23rd and 24th of December 2006 (Saturday and Sunday).
4th Annual Islamic Convention in San Francisco.
Location: 1231 Market street. (Corner of 8th street.) San Francisco CA 94103
www.sfislamicconvention.org

Accommodation available for 2 days (low prices), to reserve a room with (Alsabeel group) visit: www.ramadaplazasf.com or Call:- Tel: (415) 626-8000. Registration: $20 / Person, kids under 12 Free. Illuminate Islamic scholars from US, and International speakers (Harun Yahya representatives) are going to be there Inshallah. English and Arabic Lectures with instant interpretations. (Great topics & Dialogues).- Workshops and interactive sessions- Youth program - Islamic Entertainment - Free Babysitting - Parking Available - Accommodation available - Islamic Expo are provided. Islamic atmosphere for 2 days is a great opportunity for you and your family. Bring your Non-Muslims friends, relatives and colleagues to attend this Event, All are welcome.

Our Guest Speakers: - Dr. Mukhtar Curtis (Detroit), - Dr. Ibrahim Abdelmalik (New York), - Dr. Um Tasneem (Alameda), - Dr. Ahmed Azzam (Los Angeles), - Sh. Mohamed Moussa (New York), - Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Sheikh (New York), - Sh. Safwat Morsy (San Francisco), - Harun Yahya Representatives


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Muslim Christmas!
Monday, December 25, 2006, 2 PM Movie, 5:30 PM Dinner www.muslimchristmas.com | [email protected]
Movie @ AMC Loews Metreon 15 & IMAX, 101 Fourth Str, San Francisco, CA 94103, 415-369-6201
Dinner @ Sultan Restaurant, 339 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102, (415) 775-1709

In various locations across the country, Muslims will gather for our holiday tradition: Movies and Halal food. There will be MUSLIM CHRISTMAS this year! We will be moving the party to the City this year for movies at the Metreon and supper in the Tandoorloin! Yes, movies and Halal food. This is at least a tradition borrowed from our bretheren from cold parts of North America - those of you blessed with warmer climates may choose other activities. Muslim Christmas was formed for Muslims to have a terrific activity to enjoy on Christmas. Our only mission is to have share some good food and good times with friends. We're trying to keep the costs low and the fun quotient high! We hope you can join us! Join us for the movie or dinner or both. Everyone is responsible for purchasing their own movie tix. Dinner is a flat rate of $20/person. The consensus seems to be leaning toward seeing The Pursuit of Happyness. Feel free to see any film you like, but if you want to sit with the larger group, make sure you purchase your tix in advance and join us by 2:15 pm for the 2:35 showing.

Why Go?: Adding Muslim in front of something should not automatically imply any type of holy or even Islamic connotation. Muslim Basketball is not necessarily Islamic or Un-Islamic, but where Muslims gather to play basketball. Same with Muslim Ski Trips, Muslim Fishing Trip, Muslim Film Festival, Muslim Picnics, etc. All of these activities provide an alternative venue where Muslims can gather together to instill community amongst each other with other Muslims. Muslims are not attempting to celebrate or make into religious events Basketball, Ski Trips, Fishing Trips, Film Festivals or Christmas. They are merely gathering together to spend time with other Muslims for that particular activity/occasion. It is meant entirely to be in that perspective and nothing more religious is implied.

Event Summary: Close to 30 people came out to attend the 4th Annual Muslim Christmas. Some attendees chose to attend the San Francisco based movie starring Will Smith called "The Pursuit of Happyness." Based on actual events, it was a nice uplifting movie that showed how a father with a determination to succeed was able to overcome many obstacles in this country to be able to provide for himself and his son. Afterwards many attendees had a wonderful buffet style dinner at Sultan Restaurant located in the Tenderloin. The Sultan restaurant sign was visible in one of the scenes of Happyness since it is on the same block as Glide Memorial Church (look for the sign in one of the scenes where the people are lining up to get a bed for the night at the church). For those that are interested, Glide Memorial Church has openings for volunteers to help prepare and feed the less fortunate people in San Francisco.


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3rd Annual Celebration
December 25th, 2006
Chandni Restaurant, Ballantine Plaza, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Newark, California.
Pakistan Founders Celebration Committee (PFCC) | www.pfcc.us | [email protected]

The theme for this year?s event is ?Women Founders of Pakistan?. The event provides for an enjoyable evening for the Pakistani American community where the attendees participate in the program and enjoy entertainment by renowned Pakistani International Artists. Omar Khan, Jaiza host, will be the Master of Ceremonies. Shamim Khan, renowned Pakistani artiste residing in Canada will be the featured singer. Tickets are: Students: $20; Advance: $35; and, if available, Door $50. Purchase tickets on line or Call (408) 395-8420, Ruby Ahmed 408 356-5169, Firdous Kamran 510-438-9665 for tickets.


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BAY AREA HEADLINES


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Islamic Convention Focuses on Family, Religion
KCBS - CA,USA kcbs.com contentId=263125
Sunday, 24 December 2006 1:16PM
MP3 Summary: podcast.medianext.com


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BAY AREA RESOURCES & COMMUNITY CALENDARS www.atifslist.com/?page_id=31
(I do not control content for these websites. Please contact webmasters directly for any questions, comments, issues)

MuslimCalendar.com muslim-calendar.com

Northern California Shura Council (NCSC) norcalcouncil.org

BayMuslim.com www.baymuslim.com

Illume Media www.illumemedia.org

Halal/Zabiha Restaurant Guide www.zabihah.com

Masjid Finder, Ratings & Reviews www.salatomatic.com

Many of the organizations have regularly scheduled events, classes, seminars, workshops, presentations, speakers, etc. For additional event listings, please visit the community calendars listed below and/or search the web for: AACO , Abbasi , ADCSF , AMILA , AMV , ARAM , BAAML , BVMCC , CAIR , CalMSA , Generation M , Hidaya , ICCNC , ICL , ICPD , ING , IRW , ISEB , ISNAWest , ISSF , ISSU , Narika , MAS , MCA , MFFUSA , MMACF , MSAN , MUD , MYC , OPEN , Rahima , SABA , SBIA , SRVIC , UMA , Waritheen or Zaytuna


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WHY I STARTED THIS & IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE www.atifslist.com/?page_id=4


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NOTES & DISCLAIMERS www.atifslist.com/?page_id=5


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THANK YOU FOR READING THIS E-MAIL,
Atif