What is the Unity Movement?

Al-Salamu 'Alaykum (Peace Be upon You),

I just wanted to introduce the Unity Movement to all you readers out there.

DESCRIPTION
The mission statement of the '06 "Unity Experiment" (see HISTORY below) puts it best (with a small change): "Empowered by the Qur'an and Sunna, the Unity Movement seeks to transcend racial, ethnic, and class divisions through education, service, and social activities carried out by Muslim youth." All are welcome to join and participate, and this is not just for Muslim youth. This is not a Hanafi or Maliki movement, not a Shi'i or Sunni movement, not a Black or White movement, not a urban or suburban movement but rather a Muslim movement. It is an effort based primarily in Southeastern Michigan that seeks to bring Muslims together. This does not only benefit Muslims but rather non-Muslims as well because the harmony achieved by means of understanding, inclusion, and unity represents the goal for many. Perhaps we here can set an example for other Muslims and people with division throughout the world of what wonderful things can happen when individuals come together. To start, we have resolved to visit a new masjid (Muslim house of worship) every two Fridays to attend the sermon and meet new people from the community. After a short talk about the history of the community and masjid, we will proceed to discuss the efforts made to unite. If you, your organization, masjid, or MSA is interested in being involved (by joining the coalition to support this cause), please e-mail me at alwantam@msu.edu.

HISTORY
I've heard that this idea started in '04 and also heard that it started in '05 as well; regardless, it was originally proposed by the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Muslim Students' Association (MSA). This "Unity Experiment" didn't last too long but was revived in '06, two years later, by a group of diverse individuals that met at the Muslim Center of Detroit. Imam Abdullah El-Amin of that masjid was very supportive of these efforts and provided them with room to meet. Brother Dawud Walid, as the adviser, helped tremendously with the endeavor not only by offering some of his vast experience building and working with various organizations but also by sharing words of wisdom and encouragement from his wealth of knowledge. Friendships were made with the pairing based on the "brothering," which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) implemented to pair up one of the ansar ("Helpers," Muslims of Medina) to one of the muhajirin ("Migrants," Muslims of Mecca) to promote unity. I still keep in touch with my own, though our races are different, we come from different cities (suburban and urban), and we have different backgrounds. In addition, a "Unity Picnic" was held in that summer with a good turnout (less than 100, but still positive!) with food donated generously from Muslim-owned restaurants and markets primarily in the greater Detroit area. The name "Unity Project" was later thrown around, but it is now referred to as the "Unity Movement." This was taken under the wing of the Detroit Chapter of Seven Shades so that the legwork to get this started up again could be done. It is now more of a movement, a campaign for Muslim unity. If you, your organization, masjid, or MSA is interested in being involved (by joining the coalition to support this cause), please e-mail me at alwantam@msu.edu.

I intend on using this blog to publish pictures and reflections from meetings and events.

Your Brother in Islam,
Tammam Alwan