Announcements

Light of Islam Bookstore, insha Allah

Published

October 5, 2007

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As many MuslimMatters readers know, I am in the midst of planning Light of Islam, a nonprofit bookstore set to open in April 2008 in Houston. It will serve both Muslim and non-Muslim customers in the greater Houston area. More than a bookstore, it will be an educational center offering classes, lectures, panel discussions, workshops and more. It will have a comfortable, dynamic atmosphere where customers will feel free to browse, ask questions, and attend a range of classes and events.

Why is it needed?

* Many non-Muslims in Houston are curious about Islam but can’t find a source of accurate information. They realize that there is more to this religion with a billion adherents than the negative images often associated with it. Light of Islam will teach them about the true tenets of the religion.

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* There are many new converts to Islam who are unsure how to learn more about their new religion. Some are nervous about going to a mosque, and mosque-based classes are sometimes publicized primarily within the Muslim community. Light of Islam will provide new Muslims with a comfortable atmosphere in which they can increase their knowledge.

* Many Muslims in this city seek well-organized, well-publicized and regularly scheduled classes and the opportunity to participate in workshops and other activities that increase their social and civic engagement. Light of Islam will provide classes and multimedia materials addressing Islamic issues as well as events conducted by interfaith leaders and activists.

As the Muslim population in the US continues to grow and world events bring Islam under ever closer scrutiny, education will be the key to achieving interfaith understanding in the years ahead. Both the Qur’an and ahadith are filled with exhortations to gain knowledge and to share the message of Islam with others. Light of Islam Bookstore offers the opportunity for both.

As I mentioned, Light of Islam is a nonprofit effort. It’s not about personal financial gain; it’s about serving the community. As with most nonprofits, raising money to start up and sustain the store is challenging, and I’m asking my Muslim brothers and sisters to help by making a tax-deductible donation to Light of Islam. You can donate in two ways:

• Go to the web site and make a donation via PayPal.

• Mail a check payable to Light of Islam to PO Box 590123, Houston, TX 77259-0123.

I also ask readers to say dua for the success of the bookstore, and I pray that Allah rewards those who have already donated and those who will.

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9 Comments

SH

October 5, 2007 at 1:33 PM

mashalla!!! I love this idea Sister Ruth!!! I love bookstores myself but everytime I try to go and get some real islamic books you know not the ones written by biased non-muslims but stuff that’s actually true…I have a hard time. ESPECIALLY books about dawah etc….I end up always having to order online because most “mainstream” bookstores don’t carry good books about islam. Anyway this is exciting and may Allah SWT reward your effort for doing this for the community. Jazakallahu Kahyairan!!!

Reply
ruth nasrullah

October 5, 2007 at 1:49 PM

Thanks, SH – I’m really excited about it too and you’re right it will serve a real need.

My only hurdle right now is raising enough money to enable the store to open. I’m looking for major donors but smaller amounts are also greatly needed.

One of the reasons it’s a nonprofit is that I really want the community to feel invested in the effort and feel that it serves your needs and not mine, and that it’s a step toward better understanding of Islam and Muslims.

Reply
talib

October 5, 2007 at 3:20 PM

salam aleykum…

subhan allah..i had this idea about 2 months ago..to set up an islamic lounge/book store.. and have people donate books..and setup seminars and lectures and discussions …masha allah the brothers n sisters in houston raced me to it….may allah bless this project and make it be of great advantage to the houstan muslims…however what held me back beside the money issue…is what type books to bring..which manhaj to stick…sister ruth did some concerns or problems come up so far…please inform me…

jazakum allah khair

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Mr. Robot

October 6, 2007 at 12:26 AM

Why do Muslims hate Dogs?

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Pingback: Connecting News, Commentaries and Blogs at NineReports.com -
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October 6, 2007 at 6:33 AM

What makes you think Muslims hate dogs..?

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Moiez

October 8, 2007 at 2:18 PM

Awesome I just wish we had that here, Hope to see you succeed and start a chain on this.
Are you going to sell Halo in it?haha just kidding

Reply
AnonyMouse

October 8, 2007 at 3:59 PM

May Allah grant you success, ameen! :)

At our old Islamic centre, and even at the Madrasah here, we’ve always sold Islamic books, cassettes, CDs, videos/DVDs, etc. although it was always aimed more at providing material for Muslims than non-Muslims…

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ruth nasrullah

October 8, 2007 at 5:34 PM

LOL, Moiez – whatever it takes to get the youth into the store, right? ;)

Reply