Day 27 – Silver City, NM

Peace and blessings to All. This is Hamza Abdullah checking in for the Abdullah Brothers Ramadan Tour. I know there are three things that come to your mind when you read the title. First, where the heck is Silver City, New Mexico? Second, Why the heck did they go to Silver City? Third, Are there any Muslims in Silver City? The answers are: Silver City is in the southwestern region of New Mexico, our brothers go to school here, and yes there are Muslims. Three that I know of. Yep, my family, to my knowledge, are the only Muslims in Silver City. Where some see obstacles, I see opportunity.

Is it tough being the only known Muslim in a region? I’m sure it is. That’s what my brother Salih faced last year as a Freshman at Western New Mexico University. He was the only man standing. Want for your brother what you want for yourself? What if there is no brother to lean on? What if you find yourself in a situation like this? What was our advice? You better start recruiting. There are good people everywhere, and God willing you know them. You can usually find someone who has the same morals and values that you have. For me, it was Jason Wright. When I got to Arizona, I looked at him as an example. He was my brother. He was not Muslim, but he was a devout Christian. He was married, and he stayed in his Bible. It made me want to be better in my religion. To be a better husband, father and teammate. To read my Quran, just as he read his bible. We can’t go at it alone. We need someone to lean on.

Salih happens to be a great recruiter. Last year he was the only known Muslim in Silver City, now there are two more. My brothers Esa and Mustafa. They all want for their brother, what they want for themselves. They wouldn’t want each other to go at it alone, so they made a pact to be together. They each have sacrificed being close to home, to be together. It’s very admiral. They have decided to try and build something, more than a tighter bond among brothers. That takes strength, and I applaud them for their efforts. They would like to start the first ever MSA (Muslim Student Association) at Western New Mexico University. They would also like to build the first Masjid (Mosque) in Silver City. These are very lofty goals, and with hard work, dedication and teamwork, it can be attained. A year ago there was one. This year there are three. Who knows where it can be in 10 years. I would like to help be a part of something as unique and special as this. God willing, the bricks are being laid for a strong foundation.

What other Universities can you go to and start an MSA? Or build a Masjid? These are great opportunities. And with our help, it can be done. If you have any suggestions, advice or know of ways they can start the process, please let us know. I just imagine how many blessings it would be to build a Masjid. And how even after we’re gone, people are still visiting and praying in a place you help build. The need is there. There are numerous college kids looking for guidance and a safe haven here in Silver City. Masjid’s act as information centers, community centers, tutoring halls, cafeterias and even hotels. The intentions are strong, we will pray on it, and God willing, we need all the help we can get. So please let us know if you would like to help.

We’re headed back to my old stomping grounds, Phoenix, AZ. We have to have a better turn out then Minnesota. Minnesota was a great trip, so I can’t lose to Husain. He’s beaten us on the field twice, please don’t let him say his city was livelier than mine. So tweet, share, email, Like and join us in Phoenix. Please keep us in your prayers, and please say a special prayer for my brothers, who are in need of your support. Thank you for spending your time with me. It truly is an honor, and I wish you knew how much I appreciate your feedback. Thank you again. Peace and Be Blessed.

Hamza Abdullah

@AbdullahBros