The MANA History of Islam in America Project (MANA HIP)
Purpose
The purpose of the MANA History of Islam Project in America Project (MANA HIP) is to encourage individual Muslims and Muslim communities to begin narrating and documenting their history as it relates to Islam by sharing photographs, histories and personal stories. Importance
It is important that as Muslims we begin to document and tell our own “stories” from our own point of view. In an environment that has become increasing hostile to Islam, and where the image of Islam and Muslims is becoming increasing distorted, the importance of telling our own stories has become critical. Our children and future generations will judge the significance of our contribution to the development and establishment of Islam in America, based on what we are able to record of that history. Much of the history of Islam in America has been lost because the lack of desire and/or the ability to record it. Let this generation of elders and youth be the generation that creates the sunnah of recording the history of the development of Islam in this land. Goals
The goal of the MANA History of Islam in America Project is to encourage Masjids, organizations and groups to find, collect and document their histories and the histories of significant members of their groups—particularly founding members, both male and female. Each of these “group histories” should be viewed as part of the “collective history” of Islam in America, and as such, shared with the larger Muslim American Community. The MANA HIP will be housed in a permanent archives located on the new MANA website (now under construction). This archive will serve as a repository for copies of these histories, and will be easily accessed. NOTE: Groups masjids and organizations are encouraged to maintain their own permanent archives and to preserve original documents, photographs, as well as original audio and video files. MANA archives should be seen as a secondary source preserving copies of your stored original files. A Work in Progress
The MANA History of Islam in America Project is a work in progress. Insha’Allah, as information is added, the archives will grow and become a valuable resource for understanding and researching the development of Islam in America. Your help and commitment are needed to make this project successful. Preserving Individual Histories
Individual Muslims are also encouraged to write their Islamic histories. These histories can be as short and simple or as detailed as you like. A record of your family history of Islam helps upcoming and future generations enjoy a sense of an intergenerational continuum of Islam; and a sense of Islam as their legacy. When writing your Islamic history, you will want to include the story of your conversion or, if you are not a first generation convert, your family history in Islam. Some questions you might consider when writing your history are: Who was the first Muslim in your family? How was he/she introduced to Islam? What traditions related to Islam has your family developed? What was the first Muslim community/Masjid that you or family members attended? Who was/were the founder(s) of that Masjid? What was the organizational structure of that Masjid? Was Jumah salah held regularly in that masjid…other salah? How did you and/or your Islamic forbearers learn Islam…learn to pray? Who were the major figures (leaders/teachers, etc.) in your or your family’s conversion or early learning of Islam? What literature was available to you/your community? What were the distinguishing characteristics/ programs/ accomplishments of your first or earliest community? Who was the first family member to make Hajj…when? If you have made Hajj, describe the highlights of your journey and pilgrimage. Consider adding relevant photographs, pamphlets, flyers and other graphic materials that will add information and enhance your story. Please consider sharing your story/stories via the MANA History of Islam in America Project. Shared stories will be archived and eventually published in a collective document. Recording the History of Elders
Is there an older member of your family or community that you can assist in writing/telling “their story?” You may want to consider video or audio taping interviews of older family or community members. It is vital to collect the history that remains with the elders while they are still with us. This is an important way to honor their contributions and to preserve our collective history.
