Al-Makarim Islamic Foundation
                                                                                                PO Box: 11094, Erie, PA 16514
                                                                                                Tel: (814) 824 9165
                                                                                                                                Email: almakarim72@maktoob.com

All Community Leaders
Erie County, Pennsylvania                                                                      May 30, 2003

Greetings!

            Realizing the community’s need for reliable, concise and unbiased information about Islam and the Arab world, Almakarim Islamic Foundation, in collaboration with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is pleased to offer a free course on Islam and Arabic language. This course, being offered at the Porreco Center of Edinboro University on Thursday evenings, is open to the public and free of charge.

            Each Thursday, beginning June 5^th, the session will begin at 6 PM. For about an hour, I will conduct a short course on Arabic. Then, at 7 PM we will begin a dialog on Islam. My short introductory remarks will be followed by a question and answer session aimed at answering queries and clarifying any doubts, concerns or issues.

            As someone in a leadership role within our community, I am sure that you are already aware of the need for such a forum, where information on Islam may be obtained by those who come into contact with Muslims in an informal yet reliable manner. More often than not, area schools and businesses have looked toward Muslims within the community for information on Islam. Though I do not claim to be an expert, I have had the opportunity to read and research about Islam extensively and am therefore in a better position to answer questions about the subject. Moreover, having grown up in Iraq, Arabic language and culture are my domain.

            I strongly urge you to consider joining us on Thursday evenings. If your busy schedule does not allow you to spare the time, may I suggest that you encourage members of your team to take advantage of this opportunity. This forum may develop into a major resource for your organization if such a need is determined. Presentations and short courses may also be developed specifically geared for focused audience (teachers, healthcare providers, law enforcement personnel, social workers etc.), at your request.

              Finally, this being a pilot course offering, no registration is required and those who can, may simply join us at Classroom #4 Porreco Center (2951 West 38^th Street, Erie) on Thursday June 5^th or June 12^th at 6 PM for Arabic course or 7 PM for a Dialog on Islam.

Please Join Us!!!