Assalaamualaikum Warahmutallah,

May this letter reach you in the best of health and Emaan, Insha'Allah.

Ten years ago, I envisioned in my mind a publication of a Muslim magazine focused entirely on the Muslim male and his lifestyle. This vision had come in flashes throughout the span of those years and I was destined to make it a reality. Born and raised in one of America's largest cities, it was a challenging to live by Islamic ideals when surrounded by such a strong Western cultural presence.

As I completed junior high and stumbled through the awkward teen years, I was able to graduate high school and all the while keeping my composure, and most importantly, my Deen. It was then I dreamt of MQ and thus my quest began. For ten years thereafter, the idea swirled around in my head. As I waited in the check out lines of grocery stores and sat in doctor's offices waiting for my turn, I imagined what it would be ilke to have my magazine be in the company of the elite, the stars of the print media. Then about six months ago, I told myself, "No more excuses. If you want to get something done, you have to do it yourself". As Calvin Coolidge proclaimed, "The slogan, 'Press On', has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race", and that is just what I intended to do, press on.

In the preliminary stages of conceiving the magazine, I carefully surveyed the land first to find a deep black hole. There were a sizeable amount of Muslim magazines in print. However, they either were generic magazines concerned with news, current events and the Muslim nation worldwide, or they catered specifically to Muslim women. On the other hand, the magazines that were for men were written by and for primarily the non-Muslim audience. Having flipped through countless pages and scoped out the large selection of magazines to date, I realized what that black hole was and how to fill that void, through the creation of a Muslim men's magazine.

After many hours of hard work and the relentless pursuit of perfection by a dedicated and enthusiastic staff, the men's magazine that was once a mere thought, has now taken life with a title no other than Muslim Quarterly or MQ for short.

The purpose of this magazine is to educate Muslim men on how to deal with issues that arise in their everyday lives. This magazine is not only dedicated to the Muslim man, but a symbol of reviving the teachings and lessons of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). What better way to live our lives than to live it according to the Sunnah? You will be blessed both in this life and in the hereafter insha'allah.

This is a chance for all of my Muslim brothers to unite and learn together. It is not my magazine, it is OUR magazine. Here is our chance to learn and grow together for the sake of Allah Subhanawata'la. Remeber, this magazine isn't about anyone, but you! Whatever issues or concerns you may have, we will Insha'Allah address them in this magazine in an attempt to put those concerns to rest.

I hope this magazine will be beneficial to all of us. Our ultimate goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah Subhanawata'la, Insha'Allah. Muslim Quarterly would like to be a part of that in hopes to get all of us onto the same, straight path which will ultimately lead us to Paradise.

I ask Allah to bless and protect all of you. Ameen.

WasSalaamualaikum Warahmutallah

Omar Haq, Editor-in-Chief

Muslim Quarterly Magazine