[Lymnempomma]

There is a need for Muslim Missionaries to get out and hit to Latin America.

Ken Godoy, a 32-year-old Muslim of Mexican descent who was born in East Los Angeles and is a volunteer at the Masjid Omar AlFarouk of Anaheim mosque in Orange County, said new immigrants often convert because they feel protected among Islamic communities and are dissatisfied with the dogma and hierarchy of other religions.

“In California, much like the rest of the country, Muslim Latinos have become ambassadors of our religion,” Godoy added. “Our goal is not to convert people, but to share the message of Islam — the Dawah.”

Others say they are attracted to the religion because of the core principles of Islam. Martha Kadiha, who was born in Mexico, said she first became interested in the Muslim world after studying in England. She now worships at the Omar Ibn al-Khattab mosque on Exposition Boulevard in Los Angeles.

“What attracted me to Islam was how the women are treated,” said Kadiha, a member of the Association of Latino Muslims in Los Angeles. “It’s a very clean treatment, where the emphasis of Islam focuses on family, piety and the clearly defined roles and values women have.”

“Before embracing Islam, I lived in a very Catholic home,” she added. “I have a sister who is a Discalced Carmelite nun.”

Munira Syeda, a spokeswoman for the Council of American Islamic Relations in Los Angeles, agreed that many Latinos convert to Islam because of the religion’s values.

“Latino Muslims emphasize family values, respect for elders and community life,” Seyda said. “Furthermore, religion plays a dominant role for us.”

“Among Latinos, that characteristic has contributed to a better understanding of the faith and the Islamic followers,” she added. “That has resulted in greater cooperation and bridge-building on issues such as homelessness and petitioning for immigration reform.” http://tabsir.net/?p=1566