During the past three decades large numbers of Muslims have immigrated to the United States. They have come from the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Even though they are  Muslim, they are all not homogenous. The diversity in their ethnicity expresses itself in customs and religious practices of their land of origin. They would like to continue these traditions, yet this can be quite difficult in the United States where they are far from their homeland and immersed in a culture very different from their own. Coping with this dilemma can be daunting and frightening. In many cases Muslim families are overwhelmed by the challenge, and begin to slowly lose contact with what they hold most dear. Without a support network of family and friends... without a place to meet with like-minded people... with no anchor that helps them remain stalwart in their beliefs and customs... the fabric of their traditions may fray, or even fracture. The children and grand-children of such immigrants are especially vulnerable to being completely absorbed by Western values and culture. Especially in our adopted nation where so much misunderstanding and mistrust exists toward our previous homelands and our religion, our children may feel it necessary to turn away from the traditions of their ancestors. Without a framework of communal support to counterbalance these societal pressures, young people may never learn what is great about their own heritage and spirituality. Whether it is an elderly Muslim facing the prospect of years of loneliness, a serious student of Islam seeking intellectual and spiritual stimulation, or a Muslim family trying to balance preservation of their cultural traditions with the often radically opposing forces of contemporary American life, a place to come together and call their own would work wonders. Just such a place is coming to the Pacific Northwest. In 1988 a philanthropist physician in Tacoma, Dr. Mahmood Sarram, founded the American Moslem Foundation. Other Muslims have since joined the effort. This foundation established as its aims and objectives to develop a greater understanding of Islam among citizens of the United States and to help educate children of American Muslim families regarding their cultural and religious heritage. Shortly after its founding the AMF registered its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws with the state of Washington, and became established as a charitable organization. In 1993 the AMF determined that the most pressing need for Muslims was establishment of an all-Muslim cemetery. Land was acquired for that purpose and all permits were obtained. The dream of having a final resting place exclusively dedicated to Muslims in the Pacific Northwest became a reality. The American Moslem Foundation is designed as a model project to fill the void in America which exists for most Muslims. Through its House of Mercy (Dar-o-Rahma) Cemetery and the  Specialized Instruction School, the AMF is building a new future for American Muslims while paying great homage to our shared past. With the establishment of  Dar-o-Rahma cemetery and the Specialized Instruction School in its advanced development stages, the AMF is positioned to make a very positive impact... locally and nationally... upon Muslim life in America. Muslims are very conscious of their moral and family values. The AMF will be making every effort to support and preserve these values for Muslim families within the context of American society. The immediate goal of current Muslim immigrants is to preserve the Islamic religious identity of their children within modern American culture. Considering the current economic, social and cultural handicaps of American Muslims, this is a difficult proposition which will require a great deal of financial input and dedicated work. Securing either of these commodities has not been easy within the Islamic communities in the U.S.A. However, the AMF is committed to supporting this great objective with all of its resources. The AMF also sincerely hopes to assist in the introduction of Islam to American society, and participate in the creation of a knowledge base and better understanding within this country of the true meaning of Islam. This is another huge undertaking, but one which could reap tremendous rewards for future generations of Muslims living in America. The American Moslem Foundation is taking on these tough challenges in our own part of the country. And once it is successful, this will encourage other groups across the U.S. (and perhaps beyond) to embark upon similar projects in their communities. If significant support can be realized, then our mission shall be completed and the Islamic family in America will be closer to being whole once again. Please join us in this most worthy cause.