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The Pittsburgh Muslim seeks to fill a unique niche in the communication needs of local Muslims. There are ample publications that talk about national or international trends. There are numerous sources for essential theological knowledge and places to bring specifically religious questions. The Pittsburgh Muslim focuses on practical organizational, political, and social concerns of interest to local Muslims with an aim to promote Muslim awareness and activism in the city. As such we are interested in issues only as they may be of direct relevance to Muslims living in the Pittsburgh area. Hence, we do not publish things such as general fatwas (unless directly relevant to a practical issue facing Pittsburgh Muslims) or general explanations of belief as this may duplicate the efforts of other available publications.

The Pittsburgh Muslim is published under the auspices of Pittsburgh's Islamic Center, but its editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Islamic Center. Editorial decisions are made by the Newsletter Committee, who may engage in shura with the Executive Committee on certain editorial issues.

Articles with a strong local focus are desired. This includes, but is not limited to, announcements for and reports upon local activities, reflections on the state of the ummah in Pittsburgh, interviews with Pittsburgh Muslims, skills and tips on living in Pittsburgh, things to do in Pittsburgh, etc.

Published deadlines for each issue are not the day articles are due, but the last day they shall be accepted (though exceptions will sometimes be made at the discretion of the Newsletter Committee). Writers are strongly encouraged to hand in submissions as early as possible.

Electronic, Windows-compatible submissions are preferred, but not required. Please print or type your name as you want it to appear and include your phone number. You may e-mail submissions to alimhaq@city-net.com. They may be addressed to "Newsletter" and dropped off or mailed to the Islamic Center.

The Newsletter Committee shall not edit submissions without first talking to the writer, except for "letters to the editor" and articles submitted on or after the deadline. If an article is received on the deadline date and editing is needed the Committee will attempt to contact the writer once. If unable to contact the writer the Committee shall go ahead with the editing and layout of the article. If an article is received after the deadline date the Newsletter Committee will not necessarily notify the writer of any editing.

Sexist language is to be avoided. Do not use "man" or "mankind". Use gender-inclusive terms such as "humanity".

The Coordinator is appointed by the Executive Committee. He or she is an administrator with no special editorial powers other than that of any other Committee member.

According to the Bylaws, the Coordinator shall "call, preside over, and adjourn the Committee Meetings. He/she shall also plan and conduct the Committee's work. ...the Coordinator shall submit to the President a detailed report of the work performed up to the day the committee is deactivated."

The Coordinator shall also attend meetings of the Executive Committee as a non-voting member as per the Bylaws.

Committee members are appointed by the Executive Committee. They shall have Production Team meetings once a week at an agreed-upon time, day and place. The Committee as a whole is responsible for the duties outlined in the Memo of Assignment that formed the Committee.

Committee members are free to submit articles, but are expected to vigorously solicit material from others in the community as well as assist in all aspects of production and distribution of the newsletter.

The Production Team is comprised of the Committee and anyone who attends the Production Team meetings. Non-Committee members attend at the discretion of the Committee.

Non-Committee members receive assignments from the Committee. They do not have a vote in editorial or other issues that may face the Committee, though their shura shall be solicited.

Non-Committee members may place items on meeting agendas. To do so they must contact the Coordinator no less than two days before the meeting.

Non-Committee members may be asked to temporarily leave meeting during discussion or voting upon editorial decisions.

Editorial and publication decisions shall be made by the Committee with each member having one vote. In case of a tie that cannot be broken, or in the case of a member who feels very strongly about a particular decision, the Committee will engage in shura with the President of the Executive Committee and then discuss the issue again.

The Committee will strive for a balanced, objective and significant content that may, at times be critical of events in the community. As such, it will resist (with sensitivity) inordinate outside attempts to kill planned or approved articles that may be deemed objectionable to some in the community.

Specific editorials shall represent the judgment of the Newsletter Committee. Official communications or positions of the Islamic Center, or any other community group, shall be clearly marked as such.