SALAM Annual Banquet Focuses on the Future
By Ras H. Siddiqui

The Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims (SALAM) held its Annual Banquet at its own Community Center on Saturday, December 3, 2022, with a futuristic community theme this year. A packed venue testified to the success of this annual event as it was a cold and rainy evening outside, countered by the warmth of friendship and cooperation generated inside the venue.

The evening started with a social hour during which appetizers were served along with a break for Isha prayers which were held at the beautiful SALAM Mosque next door. 

The formalities started when evening emcee Asif Haq called everyone’s attention. Brother Asif informed us that the event Keynote Speaker Sister Edina Lekovic could not be here this evening because of illness (we hope that she feels better soon) but Motivational Speak Dr Altaf Hussain was here and would be wearing two hats. He also acknowledged some key people who helped to make the banquet possible (Thank You) and gave details of the evening schedule. Asif next invited young Mohamad Taha Rezai to deliver the recitation from the Holy Qur’an. This was followed by a detailed and inspiring translation of the Arabic verses into English by SALAM teacher Ayad Al Sadawi. 

SALAM Board Chairperson Omar MoheyEldin next presented his official words of welcome on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Omar said that this year we are celebrating 35 years of SALAM. He added that he wanted to share what the SALAM community is currently working on as it focuses on growth, and the future, including Board selection of new community leaders. He shared the organization’s strategic plan which encompasses 1) Current Needs, 2) Plan for Growth, and 3) Preparation for the far future. MoheyEldin also highlighted the partnership that SALAM has developed with Highlands Community Charter School (HCCS) which uses the organization’s facilities. The vision of HCCS is “To Eradicate Educational Inequality.” The Board Chair also introduced the next speaker SALAM’s new Executive Director Abdul-Qawiy Abdul Karim.

Brother Abdul-Qawiy Abdul Karim thanked the current and previous leadership of SALAM for the success of this banquet and the organization. He shared his personal story, of coming to the west and to the Sacramento area along with his family, looking for a spiritual congregation to become a part of. He said that they were happy to find SALAM and revealed the attributes that made the place special not only for them but many others as well. He added that the one main task now was to pass this blessing to the next generation. Welcome to SALAM in your official capacity Brother Abdul-Qawiy.

Next, we had the presentation of scholarships spearheaded by Dr Ayad Al-Qazzaz who we need to note has still not completely retired from his teaching job at Sacramento State! After 53 years plus and still going Masha Allah! Dr Ayad informed us that this year there were 7 scholarships of $1,000 each awarded backed by 4 donors. Each of the students or their representatives came up to the podium to receive their scholarships.

The presentation of the SALAM Distinguished Award was next. It was presented by Dr Metwalli Amer and Omar MoheyEldin. This year’s worthy recipient was Dr Firdos Sheikh-Pasha who was recognized for her many years of contributions and exceptional involvement in the Muslim community in general and the SALAM organization in particular. We can vouch for the fact that Dr Firdos has faced many adversities in her life but has shown that her untiring efforts just cannot be subdued. On her acceptance she said that she was humbled by this award and that she believed that it is in Allah’s hands when he decides when to honor anybody. SALAM is like a family to me, she added. She shared some words of wisdom which her father had shared with her and also thanked a number of people at SALAM for their assistance and efforts. Congratulations to you and your family, Dr Firdos!

Next up, Dr Altaf Husain easily filled in the roles of Keynote, Motivational Speaker, and Fundraising Coordinator. A PhD in social work from Howard University, Washington, DC, Dr Husain has focused on the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families in the United States. He is also Vice President, Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research based in Irving, Texas. And besides that, he is an energetic individual motivated by faith. 

At this event he utilized a unique concept of thesis and synthesis as he delved into what the 1) Spiritual Migration, 2) Physical Migration, and eventually, 3) Combining both the Spiritual and Physical Migrations of Muslims to, and in America. Since Muslim-Americans now are firmly in the third (Combination) stage they are serving all of the communities that they live in across our country.

One more thing that we need to mention here is that Dr. Altaf Husain also possesses a wonderful sense of humor which he utilizes to its fullest during every fundraising that he leads. This event was no exception as people parted with their money in a jovial mood.

To conclude as the “A Year in Review” video shown at this event during the  fundraiser indicated, SALAM has continued to expand its community base in the Sacramento area over the past year as it has done over the past 35. It is an education-based spiritual organization of thinking people who will take this work into the future which  our grandchildren will benefit from Insha’Allah (God Willing).