5th Annual Muslim Day 2009 in Atlanta!

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Picture this: It's a beautiful sunny autumn day around noon. The children are smiling, energetic backseat drivers! Predicting the every turn, bump and curve of my vehicle‘s path. They know their designated time to arrive at the park is coming soon. It's Muslim Day, and they've been waiting all year for this wonderful family festivity! But wait, I suddenly look at the gas gauge and forgot that I was in dire need of gas. So, I pulled over at the big gas station a block away from the park. As I unscrew the top from my gas tank, I look around, surveying the other gas pumping folks, looking for a recognizable face. I see no one. Then I am momentarily drawn away from pumping gas to clean out my son's car seat for a minute. Suddenly, when I glance back at the gas pump, I see that the numbers in price and gallon are escalating far higher than I need or desire to pay. I know my tanks capacity is 12.5 gallons, but the gauge is showing 14.0 gallons pumping! What happened to the automatic pump that stops when the tank is full?
"Oh my goodness!" As I rush towards the pump exploding gasoline four feet into the air, I am interrupted (and saved) from performing the unwanted task of pulling the spewing pump out of my car.

It was a Muslim brother who quickly shouts out the greetings, and makes his way in between my car and the gas pump. Very carefully and meticulously, he pulls the pump out, and somehow manages to avoid stepping in the 1.5 gallons of vaporous gas surrounding the wheels on the right side of my car.

I am disoriented and in shock from the incident, and probably the toxic fumes! After calling the attendant, getting me a refund caused by the defective pump, he then backs my car up away from the gasoline, so as not to ignite any fumes and cause a potential gasoline fire while my children were innocently and eagerly sitting in the car. Visibly shaken, I looked up towards the sky and uttered an ironically relaxed, "Allahuakbar, thank you...so much!" The brother gives a humble greeting and replies, "No problem sister. I am glad that I was able to help you. My name is Zaid. As Salaamu Alaikum! I pray that you enjoy the activities at the park with your children." And he walks towards his car, opens the door, gets in, nods his head at me one last time, then drives off. I have not seen him since.

I will forever remember Muslim Day 2009. I was a firsthand witness of the miraculous beauty of Allah swt, that is everywhere surrounding us, at times when we least expect it, and when we need it the most. Incidents like this make me remember Imam WD Mohammed and his vision for the unification and charitable deeds towards humanity in our community. These words can only partially convey my gratitude and pride to be a Muslim living in America in such a beautiful community, and in an era that is the catalyst for global change.

The spirit for change was felt amongst the crowd at the historic Grant Park, although significantly smaller than previous years due to weather and other city events. Last year’s crowd was over 5,000 Muslims. Impromptu games of volleyball, football, soccer and even foot racing were starting everywhere I turned. Hundreds of children enjoyed the 5 large inflatable playhouses to their little hearts’ content. Mothers, such as myself, and older siblings looked on proudly at their childrens’ incredible feats of jumping 2-3 feet into the air! The delectable aromas of the finest and freshest halaal cuisine that Atlanta has to offer, permeated my nostrils with every blow of the wind.

Muslim Day featured a mini health fair, family picnics, a great bazaar area, and much more!

A live performances from an all muslim jazz band got everyone on their toes, including a refreshing performance from new teen crooner Saif-Allah Jackson, performing his local hit, “She Be Rocking Hijab.” There were many other performers, including Spoken word/HipHop artist Mustafa Abdul-Basit. The performances were concluded by presentations from Atlanta’s mayoral candidates Kasim Reed, Jesse Spikes, Lisa Borders, and Mary Norwood. This intimate discussion gave viewers an opportunity to listen to the candidates view points ranging from city budget proposals, crime reduction, and diversity. Quranic recitation and nasheed competitions were also held, featuring some of our finest young reciters! The spirit of camaraderie, unity, and peace was all too prevalent. Muslims from all communities in Atlanta were in attendance at Muslim Day 2009. (For more information or to assist with next years’ planning go to www.muslimday.org.)


by Na'Aisha Malika B.

YRAC AUX Staff Journalist/Photographer/Designer