IQRA’ Foundation and High Quality Educational Consulting presents the first Islamic Studies standardized test. This Religious Knowledge Assessment Test is being initially piloted in the Chicagoland area during April 20-24, 2009 with selected full-time Islamic schools. This test is developed in collaboration with Riverside Publishing (IOWA Test Basic Skills/Cognitive Abilities Test).

Chicago, June 9, 2009: In a statement issued from the headquarters of IQRA’ International Educational Foundation, its executive director and president of World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations USA,  Dr. Abidullah Ghazi said that President Obama’s speech touched the hearts of millions of Muslims in the US and around the world.

The mention of Muslim communities in the US in the very first minute of his speech shows President Obama’s commitment of having good relationships with all the ethnic minorities in the US, said Dr. Ghazi. It also shows his commitment to his mission of change in the American social and political horizon. Dr. Abidullah Ghazi commended him for addressing crucial issues like violent extremism; the Israeli-Arab conflict; Iran and nuclear weapons; democracy in the Muslim world; religious freedom in the Muslim world; women’s rights and the economic development and opportunities of bridging the gap between America and the Muslim/Arab world.

Did you know that as of November 26, 2008, 700,993 people arrived in Madinah? That’s about one-third of the number of people who will perform Hajj this year.

Imagine being part of the largest diverse gathering of humanity in one place. You’re literally in another state of mind as you leave behind your family, friends and your usual daily routine to solely worship God and repeat the same acts of rites as our ancestors did.

The rites of Hajj include putting on the Ihram, performing Sunnah prayers, circling the Kaabah (Tawaf), reciting Talbiyah, doing Sa’ee between the hills of Safa and Marwah, trimming or cutting hair, praying and staying in Mina, in Arafah and Muzdalifah, throwing pebbles at three Jamrahs, sacrificing an animal, praying behind Maqam Ibrahim and drinking from the well of ZamZam.

Check out www.thechicagotraveler.com for events at the DuSable Museum, Chicago Park District, Museum of Science and Industry, Victory Garden’s Theater, National Postal Museum, Chicago Cultural Center, East Chicago Public Library and Navy Pier.

While, going to see these museums and other points of interest, you can pick up books or movies at IQRA’ or from your local bookstore about African Americans who are always
on our radar.