Virginia Islamic-food law takes effect

Muslims will be able to make sure that the food they buy conforms with the dietary laws of their religion under a state law that takes effect next Saturday.

The General Assembly adopted legislation this year that was known as the “halal food bill,” sponsored by Del. Kenneth C. Alexander, D-Norfolk. The bill requires businesses to verify that foods advertised as halal have been prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary requirements.

Businesses that advertise halal foods must include notice of a Web site and telephone number to verify their legitimacy, according to Musa Abdus Salaam, a local representative of the Islamic Political Party of America. The law will incorporate existing state law for foods prepared in the Jewish kosher manner.

Click Here for the Richmond Times-Dispatch article from June 24, 2006

Click Here for the RTD article entitled “Muslims recieve dietary help” from June 29, 2006

ISGR to seek permanent site

The Islamic Society of Greater Richmond plans to seek a new permanent facility. A message on their website reads, “Since opening its door to area Muslims, ISGR continues to add new services and activities to benefit the Muslim community and other Americans.  After achieving the immediate goals, the long-term plan is to establish a permanent site for ISGR in the West End.”

For more information visit: http://www.isgr.org/isgrinfo.htm

VCU MSA to collect goods for relief efforts

The VCU MSA will be collecting goods for relief efforts going on in the Middle East. They will be collecting certain items until Friday, August 25th. These items include: diapers, water purification tablets (can be obtained at most camping stores), flour, rice, sugar, cooking oil, powdered milk, lentils. Please donate only these items. The drop off location will be the MSA office located at 907 Flloyd Ave in the Student Commons.

MSA will be giving these items to Life for Relief and Development (LIFE), a 501(c)(3) organization that is registered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has agreed to receive the humanitarian supplies and deliver them those in need. SEE: Life for Relief and Development, http://www.lifeusa.org

After early morning fire, Petersburg Islamic Center is a total loss

Note: The fire occured July 28th. The following is an article from the Progress-Index

PETERSBURG — Fire officials have confirmed that an electrical short caused the fire that destroyed the Petersburg Islamic Center on West Washington Street early yesterday morning.