August 28th, 2020
IAR Challenges the Triangle Muslim Community
re: Reenvisioning Community Leadership in the Corona Years
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
All Praises be to God, Lord of all the worlds
The Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Master of the day of judgment
You alone we worship and from you alone, we seek help
Guide us to the straight path
The path of those who have earned your favor, not those who have earned your wrath, nor those who have gone astray.
Surah Al-Fatihah
The opening chapter of the Quran was recited by #JacobBlake’s father at a press conference watched around the world. While some may not have understood the beautiful words of Allah (SWT) in arabic, they could feel it.
He recited 7 verses matching the 7 shots that wounded his child. These recent tragedies that have wounded and killed black men and women around the country are reminders that as Muslims, we have a responsibility to contribute individually and collectively for the betterment of society.
What we’re currently seeing is a transformational moment around the world. A moment where individuals and local communities are stepping up to reimagine what a compassionate world could look like.
This is not a moment to sit on the sidelines. We’ve seen NBA, WNBA, MLS, MLB players decide to stop playing and sit on the sidelines to push for change. We all can make change, but unless we’re a sports player, it’s not by sitting on the sidelines. Some of us have been in the game for a long time, but some of us have been inactive. There is no better time than today to get in the court. Community leadership comes from utilizing the skills you have and are passionate about in a way that not only benefits yourself but the community at large.
What does leadership look like?
It could look like an artist selling beautiful words or pictures that sends proceeds back to the over 24 million people that need Humanitarian assistance in Yemen. It could look like a group of doctors, dentists, therapists, educators, engineers, and other professionals creating a community wellness center to give access to resources to decrease the 43% poverty rate of children in North Carolina (the 11th highest state in the nation for child poverty).
It could look like a group of mothers organizing a Zoom call to talk about addressing racial justice issues and identity with their children and themselves. It could, also, look like getting involved with your local Masjid and figure out how to scale their infrastructure.
IAR is working on itself internally and wants to join to help transform the community within the value propositions of our uniquely diverse and large community of over 75 nationalities as the largest Masjid in the United States’ Southeast. IAR is continuing its important commitment to exploring ways to eliminate racism in our masjid, our community and in our hearts through discussion, action and knowledge-seeking. While we focus on ways to lead these noble causes as an organization, we want to encourage our congregants to seek out ways to lead as well. We can’t do this alone.
Want to join a community of people who also want to lead? The following is a list of resources to get you started…
SERVE
- Are you interested in working to build cultural humility and compassion between companions of IAR through research, education, and action? We have a committee for that (est. 2018): Apply to be on the EDI Committee.
- Have the skills, resilience, and compassion to innovate the largest Muslim non-profit organization in the Southeast? Apply to be IAR’s next CEO
- Are you a youth tired of virtual Zoom classes and want to find enriching ways of connection or need volunteer hours for school? Join YASEER Youth Volunteers
- Do you want to be on a Commission that promotes programs and activities that advance human dignity, equal opportunity, and mutual respect among Raleigh residents? Apply to be on City of Raleigh’s Human Relations Commission *Deadline Tuesday September 1st, 2020 by 5pm*
- Vote. Request an Absentee Ballot.
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Represent your community. Fill out the 2020 Census.
LEARN
- Are you interested in making your voice heard? Attend the Master the art of Public Communication
- Do you want to learn more about IAR’s past accomplishments? Read the General Body Report
- Want to learn about the teachings of Islam to thrive in America and lead lives according to Islamic principles? Register for Al-Furqan Sunday School
- Looking to enhance your family’s relationship with the Qur’an from the comfort of your own home? Register for An-Noor Academy
- Have a child with special needs? Attend Parental Management Training
- Want to know what’s going on in Raleigh? Attend the City Council meeting on September 1st
- Learn about racial injustice from a spiritual lense.
- Curious about IAR’s partnership with several organizations on committing against systemic racism? ONE Wake
SUPPORT
- Do you shop on Amazon? Support your Masjid in just five minutes without any cost to you. Add IAR on AmazonSmile
- Donate to fund community efforts. IAR Donation Page
- Are you in a tough situation and need financial assistance? Reach out to Social & Welfare
- Need support navigating the tough situations we’re dealing with? We offer Pastoral Care and Counseling Services
- Follow us on social media and spread the word. @RaleighMasjid (list icons)
- Stay up to date. Subscribe to our Newsletter
Most importantly….Make dua, seek guidance through istikharah, and then GO! TAKE ACTION!
Allah states that He ‘will not change the condition of people unless they change what is in themselves’. Our dear brothers and sisters, ask yourself how might we begin the process of transformational community change?
