To Those To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected...

Someone once said, to those to whom much is given, much is expected. Sometime we hear this statement and over

Click Here: Channel 2 Covers Event July 4, 2011

time it becomes cliché and it’s essences is lost in the day to day shuffle. As we witness the 235th anniversary of the establishment of the United States of America, each of us must ponder over what that really means to each of us, as citizens of these United States. Today July 4th 2011, some from the Atlanta Muslim community came together to discuss and ponder over this very important subject.

Although this group of Muslims is comprised of members from different Madhabs (School of thought), this meeting is one that has received total support and respect from all present. We were also blessed to have a significant representation from the Non-Muslim community, as we all attempted to bridge the gap of mis-information that much of the time keep us apart.
The purpose of the program was to recognize our common values, and to acknowledge those from among us that have made significant contribution towards the unification of mankind regardless of belief or national origin. This initiative was spearheaded by our Sister Attorney Shamina Vora, who had an idea, and was willing to take the risk to see it become a reality. We thank Allah for her persistence and untiring effort to see this project to it’s logical end, which was the successful program of today.

The attendance was impressive, the program opened with a prayer by Imam Plemon Al-Amin of the Atlanta Masjid, and a short Dua from our Maulana Nawab from the Jaffari Center, Avandale Estates, Decatur Ga. .

The opening was followed by some words of wisdom from Rev. Gerald Durley of Atlanta Black Clergy. Reverend Durley reminded us of the importance of working together as a faith movement to make a difference in the community and the world at large. He reminded us of three important points in being successful in this effort: (1) Communication is very important in our success individually and collective. (2) Respect is the cornerstone of getting cooperation on any level of organizational work. (3) Trust, is the keeping of that which we are entrusted in the best possible manner and never betraying that trust no matter what.

Reverend Durley was follow by Imam William Abdur Rahim in his message of the 4th. The Imam reminded us that we all are immigrants here in America. From Columbus to the last man to set foot on these shores, we were reminded that on his way to America, Columbus passed ships leaving this hemisphere traveling east, that had occupants that resembled people of African descent and dressed in the attire of Muslim. What is implicit in this reminder is that there were people already here that were doing trade with Africans, which removed Columbus from be a discoverer to the status of immigrant. Therefore all that came after that period where either immigrant or children of an immigrant.
Following that reminder the presentations of "The Lifetime Achievement Award", was made to two very deserving individual of the Atlanta Muslim Community.

The first Award went to our sister Dr. Gulshan Harjee who had given back to our community through her volunteer work and personal accomplishments within the medical field. Our sister in her unending altruistic manner reminded us of those who made her achievements possible, one such person who was mentioned was Dr. Sullivan of Morehouse College of Medicine who made it possible for her to continue her studies when she arrived in American from India with none of her document in the English language. She later received her Doctorates from Emory University and has been a cornerstone of the Muslim community.

The second award went to our beloved brother Imam Plemon Al-Amin, who is a son of Atlanta graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. Upon graduation he attend Harvard University, when it was not fashionable for African American to attend such a prestigious institution. After graduation he returned home to repay his debt to the community, he quickly came to realize that the best way for him to be the most effective is to become Muslim in the American society and change the society through building institutions that would educate people one heart at a time. Imam Plemon was and is influence very much by Imam W.D. Muhammad (RAA)