Book Raises Funds for New Muslim Complex

Indigious Muslims, though relatively quiet and unassuming have had a presence here in this country dating back to before the arrival of the early Europeans. We are part and parcel of the American scene. This fact is well documented by the existence of a functioning and chartered Mosque here in the Hill district since the 1930s.

We are working on a project to raise funds for a new Muslim complex by selling copies of “Reflections and Recollections of the Fifth Pillar,” my self-published book that recalls my journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This sacred journey is required of all adult Muslims who are physically, emotionally and financially able to do so. I kept a journal while making the Hajj and the book emerged from those journal entries. It is intended for the causal reader. Each chapter spans a specific part of the Pilgrimage, and relates the experience that I had while completing that part of the journey. This book makes for easy insightful sensitive reading, while relating the actual rituals performed in an authentic genre.

The proceeds from this book will benefit the New Masjid Complex here in Pittsburgh. This is the second year of a larger seven-year plan to raise monies and establish the collaborations necessary to build a Mosque Complex here in the Larimer section of the city. This New Masjid Complex will serve as a place to worship, in addition to offering other vital human services to meet the social, emotional and financial needs of the community at large.

With God’s help and the cooperation of the Pittsburgh community, I feel that the Muslim community can continue to contribute to the wholesome fabric of the city with this project even beyond what the ancestors and elders envisioned when they sold their pies and dinners to raise monies to purchase a place of worship. We invite all people of good will to lend a hand in this project by purchasing a book, and spreading the word. This book sells for a $15.00 donation for a black and white copy or $30.00 for a color copy. Please call 412-338-8034 to place an order or for more information.

- Sarahjameela Martin