Bismillah

Alhamdullilah, within the last few years the Muslim Community in Indiana continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Halal markets, restaurants and other Muslim businesses are popping up all over town. We are seeing an increase of Muslims moving to Indiana from other States, students arriving to attend Universities and a fast-growing number of reverts. Masajid are packed to capacity, many offering two Jummah services to accommodate the amount of people attending. Huge numbers of Muslims gather in the tens of thousands for Unified Eid services. Masjid and Muslim organizations are so eventful that many are forced to have to choose which to attend, which is a wonderful problem.

While we see rapid growth in ways of business openings and masjid programs in the Carmel, Fishers and north, northwest downtown areas, many don’t realize the number of Muslims who live south, southwest and southeast in and of Indianapolis areas.

MCC Muslim Community Center and Masjid Al Taqwa has served the southside Indianapolis area for many years. It has been affected by the growth of Muslim population by not being able to keep up with the amount of people who’d like to attend Jummah and the number of Muslims on the southside who would like to attend educational and social events and programs.

Many southside Muslims must travel a long distance to attend such programs and for many it’s too much of a hardship. For example, in order for our Muslim families who live as far as Whiteland, Franklin, Center Grove area and Bargersville, the travel time to attend a program in Fishers, Carmel, Geist of Westfield is around an hour or more one way.

The southside Muslim community seems to be a “quiet” and underserved community, many choosing not to attend a masjid at all. What’s unfortunate about this issue is not only do many feel like they have little options for a masjid or community center, but they also miss out opportunities to connect with other Muslims in the area.

Dr. Sonia Khan of Greenwood shares with me, “

“"In the growing and vibrant Muslim community on the Southside of our city, the need for another masjid is both necessary and urgent. Currently, the south area, especially neighborhoods like Bargersville, Southport, North Greenwood, Franklin, and Whiteland, lacks a centrally located masjid. The existing masjid, Masjid Al-Taqwa, is doing wonderful work, but its location on the far north side of the city limits its accessibility for many Muslims in the southern part of the metro area. When we look at the geographic spread of our community, there is a clear gap between the mosque and the communities that would benefit from a more central location. A new masjid strategically placed between the I-69 and I-65 corridors would serve as a bridge for Muslims in areas like Bargersville, Southport, and North Greenwood, making religious services, educational programs, and community support more accessible to all. For example, Muslims in places like Franklin or Whiteland face long drives to attend prayers, participate in activities, and maintain their connection to the ummah. With the establishment of a new masjid in a central location, these challenges would be alleviated, encouraging stronger community cohesion, greater participation in religious and social activities, and more opportunities for our children to grow up surrounded by a vibrant Islamic environment. While it’s true that even a central location might not be equally accessible for everyone across the city, a balance between the north and south areas of the city would allow for easier access for many in the southern neighborhoods, who now face long commutes. This would help create a stronger, more connected community with a greater sense of belonging”

A steering committee was formed in the earlier part of this year to establish a new masjid, Masjid Al Ikhlas and Salaam Community Center to serve the areas south of Indianapolis.

The plan for the location for Masjid Al Ikhlas is to establish a space south of the Greenwood Park Mall in Greenwood, Whiteland or Franklin.

While team members of the steering committee are searching, scouting locations and meeting with real estate and commercial landlords, what is most needed is fundraising participation from the community. Creating a new masjid from scratch requires quite a lot of funds to cover the costs of leasing, contract work, building and furnishing supplies, insurance and administrative costs along with monthly utility, rent and so much more.

Please consider donating. No amount is too small.

Help us create an opportunity for the people south of Indianapolis to connect with each other and have a place to pray, learn and socialize together close to their own zip code.

This recipe for Basil Pesto comes to us from sister Zainab Van Horn Ali. Knowing sister Ali, it is a good guess that she uses fresh basil straight from her garden when she can. Thank you, sister Zainab, for the recipe and all that you do for our community.

2 cups packed basil

½ cup walnuts or pinenuts or pepitas

1-2 garlic cloves (depending on size and preference)

1-2 Tablespoons lemon juice ( will keep pesto bright green and bright tasting)

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup olive oil or more if you want it a looser pesto

Place nuts, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a food processor and pulse until well chopped

Add basil leaves and pulse until well combined.

With food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until well combined (for a smoother pesto, add little more olive oil)

Notes:

The taste of the olive oil is important.  Use a fresh, good tasting bottle of virgin olive oil. 

Better to divide pesto into single serving size containers.  You can freeze and take out as needed. If you keep a portion unfrozen, keep it covered with a fine layer of olive oil.   

Do not add parmesan cheese until ready to use and definitely do not freeze with cheese added.

Over time, I have found this ratio of ingredients to be most suitable and tasty.  Pesto can be made with any green.   I have tried with arugula and kale, both were ok.  The advantage of kale pesto is in its high antioxidant content.  Be adventurous and try something new.

Did you know that the Himalayan pink salt is good NOT ONLY because it’s pink but that it contains many other minerals in it like magnesium, calcium and potassium.  The taste of Himalayan salt or Sea salt may give a stronger salty taste using equal amount to table salt.  Many table salts have sugar in the them. 

Our word puzzle is submitted by an anonymous Muslim youth.

The owners say for 15 months they’ve been trying to make this transition happen and the day has finally come! Hopefully you have already enjoyed their Chicken, Hot Dogs and Cheesesteak which have always been halal but now you can enjoy our Burgers too! See you on the Wayback!

13588 Bent Grass Lane Fishers, IN Suite 101

Dear Hafs

I'm a brother that can't cook. I want to learn but I'm far away from family and I don't know who can teach me. How can I start learning?

From The Burnt Cook

Our columnist prefers to stay anonymous so we will call her Hafsa. Send your questions to [email protected]

Subject line: Dear Hafsa

Your name and email will be kept confidential, and your question will always read from an anonymous title.

Dear Burnt Cook,

Start small, anything is better than nothing. I think starting by making one thing really good and growing on that. 

Example:

Eggs 

For breakfast: You could work on making scrambled eggs and move on to an omelet.

For lunch: 

Boil egg and move up to egg salad for sandwiches 

For dinner:

Take your scrambled egg and turn it into fried rice by added left over rice, veggies and a little soy sauce.

Also, check out Google for simple recipes or Pinterest.

If you prefer books, you can check them out at the library or buy them at a thrift.

Best of luck and salam alaikom,

Hafsa

IMCA/Masjid Al Fajr

2846 Cold Spring Rd

Indianapolis, IN 46222

Alhuda Foundation

12201 Lantern Rd.

Fishers, IN 46038

Masjid Al Mumineen

4088 Millersville Rd

Indianapolis, IN 46205