An Islamic Community in
Contemporary Times
On February 6, 2005, the
South Bay Islamic Association (SBIA) held a banquet to celebrate
its sustained strivings spanning a quarter of a century to
serve the community. The event entitled “An Islamic
Community in Contemporary Times: 25 Years Of SBIA” at
the Santa Clara Convention Center was a source of bliss and
a soul-lifting experience for one and all.
The event featured a video presentation chronicling reminisces
of longtime supporters about SBIA’s initial years, a
commendation to SBIA by San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, an address
by San Jose Police Chief Rob Davis, a talk by Imam Zaid Shakir,
performances by Muslim artists, and much more.
In addition to the Honorable Mayor and Chief of Police, the
distinguished guests included San Jose Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez,
Councilman David Cortese, city officials, and representatives
of local community and religious organizations. Numerous individuals
were recognized, including past SBIA presidents, longtime
teachers of the Sunday Islamic School, and volunteers who
have contributed over the years - and continue to contribute
- to SBIA activities.
“It is a blessed day for our community to stand here
today and remember where we started and how much we have accomplished
through God’s Grace and the efforts of numerous volunteers”,
said Muhammad Janjua, President of SBIA.
The event was attended by well over 700 guests. Besides talks,
anecdotes, and a video presentation, the attendees were treated
to a rap Nasheed performance and a sumptuous dinner. All guests
were given a copy of “Reflections”, a commemorative
journal produced specially for the historic occasion.
Feedback from the momentous occasion has been positive and
those who attended appeared optimistic about what SBIA has
achieved and what lies ahead. The organizers, too, were most
pleased with how well the event was received and believe the
evening will serve to impart momentum to SBIA strivings and
accomplish greater goals over the next 25 years.
“The fact that the program took place at the same time
as the Super Bowl yet attracted over 700 guests, was held
at such a grand venue as the Convention Center, featured the
Mayor of the 11th-largest city in the United States, and flowed
seamlessly and punctually, made this perhaps the most impressive
and successful event in SBIA’s history”, said
Imam Tahir Anwar, the religious leader of SBIA, who initiated
the proceedings with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an.
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