First Muslim Astronaut Addresses Shura Council Convention
Shura Council sincerely appreciates the moral and material support from its member organizations and the community at large at its annual banquet this past Sunday, says a press release. It adds: "This definitely helps Shura Council move forward," said Dr. Siddiqi, the Chairman of the Shura Council. He also highlighted the establishment of North California Shura Council and urged everyone to work harder and make communities stronger through continued education and organization.
The Vice Chairman of the Shura Council, Dr. Maher Hathout, expressed the possibility of the Shura Council becoming a launching pad for "organized communities coming together to work for mutual benefit and societal good."
The event attracted a diverse group of over four hundred scholars, Imams, leaders, activists and students from as far as San Diego in South and Conejo Valley in North among many others from Inland Empire, Los Angeles and Orange counties. "We feel recharged for this show of support and ready for the work ahead," said Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Shura Council.
Receiving the 2008 Lifetime Service Award, Imam Saadiq Saafir of Masjid Ibaadillah recalled how proud he has been "for over fifteen years of continued efforts by Shura Council to keep the leadership dialoging on one table." He urged everyone to keep the culture of "working together" not only alive but stronger.
The special guest at the banquet was Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, the first Muslim astronaut from Malaysia, who received the Shura Council's 2008 Peace Award. After giving a video presentation and sharing experiences from his journey into space, Dr. Sheikh thanked the Shura Council for inviting him and sharing his new goal of life: "to revive the Islamic legacy and reclaim the rightful place for Muslims in the twenty-first century."
In addition to meeting the Muslim leadership in Southern California, Dr. Sheikh met with a former [American] astronaut at Jet Propulsion Laboratory and spoke at area universities and California Science Center. He also visited the North California Shura Council and met with the San Diego Muslim community as well.
Receiving the Peace Award, Dr. Sheikh urged everyone to "dream big and work hard to realize it." Speaking to students at several Islamic schools in Southern California, Dr. Sheikh did inspire many young Muslims to dream.
All good comes from God and shortcomings are all ours. We thank you once again and look forward for a journey together in the years ahead.
Indeed, it is only together, we can make a difference!
If you like to receive a DVD copy of Dr. Sheikh's talk for yourself or for your community & weekend or full time school, please email your request to info@shuracouncil.org. A modest donation of $25 will be requested. The banquet participants will receive a free copy.
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