"The desire to correct her perspective

stems from her respect for Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah, a white American Muslim scholar, who advocates the creation of an American Muslim culture that reflects both the Islamic tradition and an American cultural outlook. He works towards this ideal as a scholar in residence at the Nawawi Foundation (founded in 2001), an organization founded to support Dr. Umar's "vision of building a successful American Muslim cultural identity." [14] Many in the DIP [Deen Intensive Program] community admire Dr. Umar for his credentials as both an American-trained academic (a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago) and a scholar of traditional Islamic sciences.

"Dr. Umar is always saying it is your responsibility to do it for the people here," stated Rashidah. "You should help first the people you are surrounded by, that you see on a daily basis in your own community." While Rashidad continues to send most of her money to Muslims abroad through Islamic Relief, a reputable international relief and development charity, Dr. Umar's advice has influenced her to give to the local poor more than before, particularly through IMAN. Rashidah's decision to shift part of her sadaqah (almsgiving beyond the obligatory zakat) from international to local projects characterizes the dilemma of many second-generation South Asian youth whose religious leaders are increasingly urging them to align more of their sadaqah and sentiments with domestic issues.

-Jamillah Karim, American Muslim Women: Negotiating Race, Class, and Gender Within the Ummah, p. 137