comments on NJMSA Princeton Training

wasSalam everyone,

I just returned from an all day MSA National Training at Princeton Un. It started early and finished around 6:30 pm with 'Asr. It was good to see my good brothers and sisters who are on working together for the sake of Allah. I just wanted to thank the organizers and all those MSAs who participated today.

I know I had the audience roaring with that banner "Khalid Latif is My Hero!". Well! I would not say it unless it's true :) MashAllah, Khalid is a great brother to work with. He is always concerned about others. His life is all about working for Allah. May Allah protect him.

This was my first time sitting on a panel with Mohamed Shiliwala, Mostafa Khalifa, and Zaied Abbassi. They are all good people trying to find a way to revive the Ummah. I was surprised by the simple fact that none of us (panelists) disagreed about the discussion and question/answer sessions. I think people left with a positive message.

Everybody worked so hard to put the event together. I really appreciated the generous offer of our brother Amro Gharib. While I was standing to lead people in prayer on bear ground, Amro spread his spotless, shinny new off-white jacket on the floor for me as sijada (jai-namaz), which brought tears to my eyes. MashAllah! not only that, he also brought a full plate of food for me without even asking ... because I was busy discussing MSA stuff with Br. Dawud and Khalid. May Allah honor him.

Sister Lubna and Rajeh, were a tremendous help in organizing everything. I asked Lubna to add a copy of certain section from my textbook on conflict resolution. She actually retyped the entire two pages to make it presentable.

At the end of the event, I think we were all really exhausted. I plan on holding a post MNT session with Mufti and others who were involved with this effort.


PROGRAM AGENDA...

On behalf of MSA National, COMPASS and the MSAs of New Jersey, we would like to cordially extend an invitation to you for the 2nd Annual MSA National Training (MNT) Day 2007 (see attachment). This exciting interactive event will be taking place on Saturday, March 31 from 9:30a to 5:30p at Princeton University in the Carl A. Field's Center. This event will be a series of interactive modules in the form of discussions, workshops and open-forums that will focus on topics such as communication, conflict resolution, gender relations and more. Alhamdolillah we have a wonderful and exciting line-up of speakers including:

Princeton University Muslim Chaplain, Khalid Latif
Rutgers University Muslim Chaplain, Faraz Khan
MSA National/COMPASS Trainer, Mohamed Shiliwala
Mostafa Khalifa
Zaied Abbassi

Alhamdolillah we will be having more than 12 universities from all over New Jersey participating in this fun and blessed day. High school upperclassmen (and women) are also cordially invited to attend. The event is free of charge and breakfast and lunch (Pakistani & Turkish food) will be provided.