Sept 1997 Forging a Partnership

by Sohail Khan, chairman, Sunrise Academy School Board

Founding an institution is exciting and challenging.  It is a responsibility given to few, as generally people inherit the institutions that were formed before them and are asked to assume them, and, with whatever modifications they may be able to make, pass them down to those who came after.  For those of us in our community who came from abroad, Islamic institutions, mosques and schools, were there before our birth, and because of our diverse backgrounds, each of us has a little different idea of what they should be and how they should function.  For those of us from this country, there have never been Islamic institutions, and many don’t really comprehend what they look like or how they should function.  So when we all come to the table to create our own community institutions, our first task is to create a common vision of our mission, not to recreate something someone has known somewhere else.  We need to create a structure that satisfies the needs of all of us, the Muslim community, which lives here under these conditions now, and needs to practice our faith and educate our children now.

The school, Sunrise Academy, is such a new institution.  As the people of our community struggled to raise their children in their faith, and realized the very difficult struggle, it became a common consensus that our community needed a full time Islamic school to set the standard for the education of our children.  The very nature of the school creates a partnership between the school and the community.  The school strives to guide our young in the moral atmosphere of our faith, to seek knowledge and understanding of the world with the constant remembrance that it was created by Allah (SWT) and is a trusteeship for us in our life of service to Allah (SWT).  The community supports the school, to fulfill its obligation to pass down this understanding of life to our children, both by sending the children and by their financial support.  On a larger scale this partnership is between us and Allah (SWT).  We would have no need for the school were it not for the need to please Allah (SWT) to submit to His Will and live our lives as He has guided us.  We could continue to send our children to the public and private schools already available that teach the secular world view, and which are presently causing about 85 % of Muslim youth to become non-Muslim adults.

Sunrise Academy started with a formal commitment by the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus, in October 1995, to open a full time school by September 1996.  This commitment was fulfilled, in spite of all obstacles.  The building was not ready until December 1996 and temporary quarters were used across the street.  Only 2 teachers were on staff and only 7 families committed a total of 9 students opening day September 3, 1996.  In the excitement generated by the ISNA convention, many people didn’t realize that the school even opened.  Look how much it has grown since then.

The first stage of our building program was completed, and since December ’96, the school has been in its newly renovated modern building, fully owned by the community, and equipped with the computer technology for children of the 21^st century. Our library, which now has over 1000 books, and computer program were a priority over the needs for a gym and cafeteria, as we sought to provide a solid academic opportunity for the children above and beyond all else.  The teaching staff has expanded, and their dedication to the special needs of our children lead to their devoting many afterschool hours to workshops and study of the most advanced methods of bilingual and English-as-a-second language education in addition to the extra load of meetings and work to set up all of the programs of a normal elementary school.

In addition to providing a full time program, with Arabic and Islamic Studies and all of the usual elementary classes for children, Sunrise also opened a preschool program in January, fully licensed for early childhood education while offering Arabic and Islamic moral environment to children as young as three years old.  Two buses started operating for the school in February, providing transportation aid to parents, and improving the school’s ability to provide educational field trips.  Two soccer teams now wear school colors and have been practicing from about the same time.  Another development, in the effort to utilize the facilities to the fullest and serve community needs, was the creation of a pilot Quranic program in January ’97, a full Saturday of classes in Islamic Studies and Arabic that was full to capacity from its start for students unable to participate in the full time program.  A pilot program was implemented to provide for the summer needs of children whose parents work, as well as other children, to provide a wholesome and fun educational environment.

Now the new school year is starting and the past months have been full of hard work and planning.  Search for the principal continues.  With the dedication of our staff and our strong parent and community support, we will, inshallah, get the right candidate for our community.  Another 2 or 3 months may be necessary before filling this post.  The principal is the leader and momentum for the standards, both moral and academic, at the school and requires a strong knowledge of American educational procedures and standards along with a strong grounding in Islamic principles of education and the ability to communicate and cooperate well with our diverse community.  In the interim, Dr. Souzan El Kest, the Arabic and Islamic Studies teacher of last year who is fully acquainted with all of the school, will be Lead Teacher, handling curriculum and instruction administration with the assistance from Dr. Kevin Freer, our education consultant. More fully qualified teachers are being added to the staff so that Dr. Souzan has strong support from all sides.

We have many plans for this academic year.  We will continue to strengthen our academic program and add to our bilingual teaching expertise.  We need to fence in our property so we can install a playground, instead of continually using the municipal park next door.  We need to plan for the gym/cafeteria and more classrooms.  We need to improve our financial situation through endowment programs. 

We have a bright future ahead of us through there is still a lot of work.  Dreams move institutions to the highest level of performance and we need to share in this common dream and work together as partners.  All of us have a responsibility to the school regardless of whether we have school-age children or not.  No matter where we are from or what we have seen elsewhere, we are here now and have needs here now and have this institution now that we are building.  We need to advocate the values of Sunrise Academy, support the Academy, and make it stronger.

People come and go; institutions stay.  Sunrise is ours.  Get involved and you will understand the importance.  Let us align ourselves through shared vision and purpose.

July 1997 Scouting at Sunrise Academy!

Sunrise Academy is sponsoring and chartering the first Islamic Scouting organization in Central Ohio.

While the scouting program is not an official part of the Sunrise Summer or regular academic programs, we should recognize the importance of Sunrise as the official sponsor of our scout groups and the relationship between the academic, spiritual, and social growth offered by Sunrise and the personal growth and skills development offered by scouting.

For example, activities and learning modules offered by Sunrise during its summer program will qualify scouts for various achievement awards.  On the other hand, scout leaders will be organizing activities and learning modules which will complement all academic, spiritual and social programs whether from Sunrise or any other institution.

In this beginning stage, 10 boys and 10 girls have signed up and had their first meetings.  We have boys in Tiger Cubs through Weblos.  We have girls in Brownies through Juniors.  Children as young as 5 can participate.

Ahmed Al-Akhras represents the organization Islamic Scouting Society of America, which is developing learning and activity modules which are exclusively Muslim.  Kim Yasin will represent the girl’s equivalent.

Please be assured that all activities and learning will be halal!

All children are welcome to this program and interested parents are asked to call Rafiq (David) at …. For more information about the meetings and introduction to the Boy Scouts, and Kim Yasin at …. For the same information about the Girl Scout program.

July 1997 Sunrise Needs Volunteers

At present, the computer lab needs someone to organize the set up and utilization of our computers for the coming year.  We have many programs with conflicting requirements to be coordinated to the best usage of our equipment.  Our teachers need help managing the hardware.  Call 527-0465 and ask for Sr. Carolyn.

The secretary could use some help with office work to prepare for fall.  If someone can volunteer a few hours a week, please call Sr. Carolyn.

The library computer needs someone with database background.  Our catalogue is a dos program.  English-Arabic, in DB# which we would like to update.  If you have ability in this area and have some time to donate, please call Sr. Norma at ….

August 1997 How is Sunrise?

By Dr. Kevin Freer, education advisor

Sunrise Academy offers the opportunity to provide an education for our children in an Islamic environment.  The academy is truly a diverse, multi-cultural setting.  Some students are from families who will return to their home countries.  Others are exclusively living their own culture as first generation Americans.  Many are striving to formulate a new Muslim identity here in the U.S.  Sunrise Academy, as a crucial center of activity for the Islamic community in Central Ohio, has worked hard to meet the educational needs of all the students during the past year.

The aim of Islam is to create a better human being.  In order to obtain this goal, we must be well educated.  Through Sunrise Academy, we have the opportunity to have an impact on future generations of Muslims.  We can shape our children’s ways of thinking and prepare them in Islamic Studies and their general education.

The essentials are now available.  We must not only reach for minimum standards – we must also excel in all that we do.  Sunrise Academy has the potential to become a model school for the entire community.

These are exciting times for Sunrise Academy.  Like any new group or organization, however, the parents, staff, and board members have experienced stages of development often referred to as “forming” and “storming”.  A tremendous amount of time and effort has been made by many dedicated (and patient) individuals during these initial stages.  We expect to be “norming” next year when additional policies, procedures, and staff are in place.

People often ask me, “But how did we do?”  I am happy to be able to say, “Very well, thank you! And we have much to do in the coming year.”  I also manage to ask, “Would you like to know how you can get involved?”

Much has been accomplished.  Let me focus on academics.  During the last quarter, we completed end of the year Competency Based Education inventories for grades k-3.  Standardized tests were administered to 3^rd graders. 

Overall, our students did fine – we are on track with the basics.  Cumulative folders have been completed for each student to track progress, record health and attendance, etc.  Reports have been sent to parents.  Quarterly evaluations of each student will be conducted next year.

There are several on-going issues that are both expected of any new organization as well as particular to Sunrise Academy.  Examples of the former include the continuous cooperation and relationship between the Board of Trustees and the school Board, funding, strategic planning, and a budget process based o a stable source of income and long-range goals.  An example of the latter is the unique language needs of our students.  Discussions of how much Arabic is to be taught will continue.  Several students require English-as-a-Second Language as well.   

The fact that we are experiencing rapid growth explains issues and opportunities we are facing: staffing, curriculum development, assessment strategies, possible expansion of the Pre-K program (through a Head Start grant) and library, computer room expansions.

How You can help

There are numerous volunteer opportunities at Sunrise, like the library, computer room, office, classrooms, special events and school projects.  The PTA needs your active support.  Whether you have a child at Sunrise or not, you are welcome to attend special events at the school. 

Looking to the future

The chartering process will continue.  The state’s requirements provide us with benchmarks to track our progress.  We are hopeful that grant submissions and other outside resources recently obtained will continue to bring new services and supplement our own resource development.  We have emphasized quality in all that we do – with that will come increased enrollment and organizational growth.  Sunrise Academy will continue to focus on the individual child throughout this process.

Register your children as early as possible so that we can make adequate plans for the coming school year.

June 1997 General Assembly Meeting

By Fauzi Labidi

The general assembly meeting was held on Friday, May 16, 1997.  The purpose of the meeting was to report back to the community of the accomplishments of the board of trustees (BOT) those of the executive committee (EC), and to elect new members to the general body of representatives (GBR) and to the BOT.

The meeting started with a presentation from Br. Mouhamed N. Tarazi (Abu Omar), board chairman.  Abu Omar started his speech by thanking the brothers and sisters who played an active role in the different projects and activities of the community.  

At the forefront of those projects is the Islamic School. With the help of Allah, the ISG was successful in establishing a full time Islamic school, the first in Central Ohio.  This project stemmed from the fact that the Muslim community in Central Ohio has grown considerably over the years and its make-up has shifted from a predominantly student population to that of settlers.  Providing the Muslim children with an Islamic education is essential to the preservation of their identity and to their protection from the pitfalls and problems that public school are currently facing.

To shed some light on the various activities of Sunrise Academy, Br. Mahmood Moosa, Chairman of the school board, was invited to speak.  In his speech, Br. Mahmood highlighted many school activities, accomplishments, and future plans.  Among there were:

•  Currently, Sunrise Academy is offering education from pre-k to 3^rd grade to be extended to 4^th grade next year (inshallah).  The student enrollment currently stands at 30 students.
• As far as school chartering is concerned, a letter of approval was received from the Ohio Department of Education on January 13, 1997.  The school is now in the final stages of the chartering process.
• The school acquired 2 buses to be used for transporting the students back and forth from school. 
• The school board hired three consultants, two of them, Dr. Shaker Al-Sayed and Dr. Kevin Freer, serve on the board in a non-voting capacity.  The third, Ms. Suzanne Jones from the Hilliard school District, is reviewing and conduction the testing and record keeping activities for the school
• There is a weekend program for Arabic and Islamic Studies
• A Chat Room has been formed where parents, teachers, and the school board meet to discuss school issues.

Once Br. Mahmood finished his presentation, Br. Abu Omar took over to shed some more light into other accomplishments and project that the ISGC is currently undertaking.  Among these projects/accomplishments are:

• Two public hearings were held to discuss the proposed Muslim Community center in Hilliard.  As a result of these discussions, a technical committee, headed by Br. Ayman Ismail, was formed to look into the viability of these recommendations.
• A media recognition of the ISGC both in the newspapers and on TV
• Revision of the ISGC constitution to reflect the dynamic nature of the organization and to correct whatever loopholes might exist.  A three member committee was formed to help out in formulating a new constitution.  This committee is made of Br. Hussein Al-Kazzaz, Br. Hazem Gheith and Br. Fauzi Labidi
• A face uplift of the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque.  This project is headed by Br. Nassir Hassan.  A great improvement has already been achieved in this endeavor.
• A newsletter that reaches a wider readership to keep the Muslim community abreast with what’s going on.  

To this fact, editorial board member Br. Fauzi Labidi discussed the following points.

• This is IQRA!’s 5^th year of publication with no interruption.  All brothers and sisters on the IQRA! Staff are volunteers.
• IQRA!’s circulation is close to 500.  About 430 copies are mailed regularly and the rest are distributed in the masjid and Muslim grocery stores.
• The current cost of printing and mailing IQRA! Is about $250/month; $200 for printing and about $50 for mailing.
• IQRA!’s budget consists of SGC funding and proceeds from advertisements and subscriptions.  About 4 months ago, IQRA! Started receiving $100/month from ISGC.  Prior to that, it had been self-supporting.  The proceeds from advertisements and subscriptions vary and tend to be very low.  This is due in part to the fact that IQRA! Is a free newsletter and subscribing is voluntary.  Therefore, financial support from the community is essential to the continuation and growth of the newsletter.

Following IQRA!’s presentation, MSA president Br. Sultan Salim was invited to report on the MSA activities on the OSU campus.  In his speech, Br. Sultan articulated the following points:

• Promote the unity and joint action among Muslims on the OSU campus.  This includes responding to unfair critical articles of Muslims and taking a proactive role to acquaint people about Islam.
• Provide a dawaa table to introduce non-Muslims to Islam
• Hold Jummah prayer on campus
• Invite Muslim speakers from out-of-state to talk on major issues that affect Muslims in North America
• Hold regular meetings and dinners to foster a stronger brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims on the OSU campus and to bring in the different cultural groups to the MSA>
• Conduct athletic activities such as basketball and camping trips.

Following Br. Sultan’s speech, ISGC president Siraj Akhtar spoke on the accomplishments and shortcomings of the ISGC.  His recommendations and personal views were summarized in a report he passed out to the GA.  Among the points accented in his report were:

• Defining a clear objective and mission of the ISGC.  The main objective of the ISGC is to bring people closer to the true path of Allah (SWT).  Our success would depend on how closely we achieve this mission.
• Restructuring the ISGC to reflect the dynamic nature of the organization.  This includes:
• Enhancing the participation by all members of the organization. Abolishing the concept of permanent members in the BOT and explicitly defining the responsibilities of the BOT members in the ISGC constitution.
• Reducing the criteria for individuals to be on the GBR and the size of the GBR.
• Defining specific tasks and duties for GBR members.
• Holding monthly shura meetings in the masjid.
• Expanding the IC to include deputies from the different committees.  The deputies would attend the EC meetings but have no voting power.
• Requiring by the constitution that final decisions on any major matters be made by the BOT, GBR, and EC meeting in a joint session.
• Focusing on continuity and growth of the community.  There should be a mechanism through which experience from the past is used to formulate better products for the future.
• Expanding EC to include a full time administrator.
• Having a better outreach to the different Muslim communities in central Ohio
• Providing the community with a correct and pristine Islamic knowledge.  This educational process must be organized and targeted to all age groups.  Providing our youth with a correct and authentic Islamic knowledge in all spheres of life, ranging from the basic aspects of personal life to the global aspects of the Muslim Ummah.
• Renovating the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque.
• Finding a permanent place of our own for Jummah prayer.

Following the completion of his speech, Br. Siraj turned the meeting into the hands of the election committee to conduct the elections for GBR and BOT seats. 

April 1997 School Board Interview

By Bonnie Awan

September 3, 1996, marked an important milestone in the development of our local Muslim community.  On that date, Sunrise Academy, the first full-time approved Islamic school in Columbus, became a reality.  Thanks to Allah’s blessings, the academy’s first school year has been one of growth and accomplishment.  The enrollment has grown from 9 to 26, and encompasses grades kindergarten through third.  A licensed preschool for 4 year olds opened at the beginning of 1997.  Two mini school buses have been purchased and a driver trained.  The initial plans for the school have been instituted, and the next step has been initiated to further the growth and success of Sunrise Academy.  The Board of Trustees of the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus has recently formed an Interim School Board for Sunrise Academy.  The interim board will be in place until the end of the 1997-98 school year.  The purpose of the board will be to establish directives and objectives that will help to guide the academy through the coming school year and beyond.

The board consists of four members: Dr. Mahmood Moosa (chairperson), Dr. Ali Alghothani, Br. Sohai Khan, and Br. Arif Khan.  Two nonvoting educational advisers (one versed in Islamic teachings and one in academic studies) will be added to the board.

Dr. Mahmood Moosa is a physician at Ohio State University Hospitals.  He is originally from Cairo, Egypt, and now resides in Columbus with his wife and three children.  He was a member of the steering committee which initiated the school project and also served on the school task force.

Dr. Ali Alghothani is a professor and the chairperson of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Franklin University, and is a licensed professional engineer.  He has been a resident of Columbus for 17 years. He is married and has 8 children.  He served as a member of the interim board of ISGC when it was first established.

Br. Sohail Khan is Section Manager of the Material Science Section of Chemical Abstracts.  He has been a resident of Columbus for 28 years.  He is married and has two sons.  Since 1991 he is the Director of IFCO’s Islamic weekend school.  He served as a member of ISGC’s school steering committee and task force.

Br. Arif Khan is the administrator at Sunrise Academy and has been devoting many hours to the operation and planning of the school and the well-being of the students and staff.  He has a Masters in City and Regional Planning from Ohio State University.  His skills in the areas of analysis, computers, design and graphics, and management have been invaluable in the establishment and operation of the school.

All four members of the Interim School Board are active in the Muslim community, and are dedicated to the continued growth and success of Sunrise Academy.  The board has been meeting diligently two to three times a week to assess the needs of the school and community and to establish objectives for the coming school year.  Some items on the board’s agenda are: the hiring of a principal and more teachers, the extension of classes for next year, establishing school transportation for the out-of-district students through two recently acquired school buses, and working with the State of Ohio Board of Education to acquire bus service for the academy through the public school system.

The board, in its endeavor to promote open communication between parents and staff and increased community involvement, is in the process of establishing a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the publication of a monthly school newsletter.  The board feels that the formation of a PTA will get parents involved, establish a resource base, and enhance the quality of the school.  The school board is also concerned about our older youth and is very excited to see the weekend Islamic and Arabic classes being established.  This is just one more way that our entire community is enriched.  The board members are enthusiastic and are looking forward to working with the community.  

Dr. Moosa stressed that the success of such a school will be through Allah’s help and then the support of the community..  The first and most paramount objective is the successful growth of the school.  Its success, Inshallah, will accomplish a second objective which is to further the unity of our community.

Dr. Alghothani feels that the school is growing in the right direction.  He is hopeful that Sunrise Academy will someday be academically ranked among the best schools in the Columbus area.  Strong Islamic values and academic excellence are the goals to strive for.

Br. Arif Khan has witnessed the school’s growth in this first year of its existence, and feels the board will be instrumental in guiding the school during the coming school year.  He hopes to see more community involvement in and commitment to this praiseworthy project.

Br. Sohail Khan summed up the board’s feelings when he stated, “Sunrise Academy is a dream come true.  There is no cause bigger than this.  We are witnessing the shaping of the future Muslim Ummah – education our children with Islamic values and academic excellence.”

The school board invites the community’s constructive suggestions and support.  The board will be working ardently and strenuously for the continued growth and success of Columbus’s first Islamic school May Allah’s blessings be with them in tall their endeavors.

Since this interview, the two non-voting educational advisers have been added to the board.  Dr. Shaker El-Sayed, a former Director of Education at the Islamic Society of North America, is the Islamic/Arabic studies advisory.  Dr. Kevin Freer, a professor in the Education Department at Ohio State University, is the academic curriculum adviser.

March 1997 Ramadan and Eid Celebrations at Sunrise

What does Ramadan mean to you? Does it mean abstaining from food and drink only until sunset?  The second and third graders at Sunrise Academy will tell you that it is much more than that.  They used the time also for gaining knowledge which is every Muslim’s duty.  Souzan El-Kest coordinated the program for the month of Ramadan.

On the first day of Ramadan, each child was given his/her own copy of the dua for breaking the fast.  Each day they were asked to repeat the dua from memory.  When they were successful in doing so, a star was drawn next to their names on the card.  Daily, children signed their names to a card which was then placed in the pocket of a 30 pocket hanging poster.  They would then tour the hallway to hanging poster.  They would then tour the hallway to discover the posters of the week.  Each poster was related to Ramadan and fasting.  Each child submitted a report on the week’s posters at the end of the week. Children also submitted a wish list for Eid presents.  Sr. Souzan reminded them that the value of the present would depend on the effort they put forth in the following ways:

• 1.       Number of days fasted successfully
• 2.       Number and quality of weekly reports
• 3.       Ability to memorize the dua

They were also reminded that the pleasure of Allah (SWT) was of the utmost importance for future success.

There was one portion of the program which the entire school took part in.  After Duhr prayer, the students listened to and recited ayat from Surah Baqarah which were related to fasting.  The meaning was explained for clarification.  After the first week, prizes were given to the children who were able to give the meaning of the ayat.  During the last 10 days of Ramadan, the focus was on Surah Qadr and its significance.

The Eid celebration at Sunrise Academy is a day that will be remembered by all who attended.  On Friday before the Eid, the school was decorated by the teachers from the full-time and weekend programs.  The party was held at the school on the Tuesday following Eid.  The parents were invited to take part in this special day.  The children participated in activities which were both educational and fun.  After the first part of the program, everyone sat down to eat.  The children never forgot to say the dua.  Each child was given a gift at the end of the party.

Dec. 1996 Sunrise Academy’s First Annual Dinner

By Ghada Al Tarazi

Fundraising at dinners is common, but Br. Walid Latif set an example of generosity toward the end of the fundraising part of the Sunrise Academy’s First Dinner Party.  He took the stand to address the whole group, and the business men and women in particular.  He told the audience very interesting stories from his own experience, how every time he had donated for the sake of Allah, Allah had compensated him many folds over, sometimes immediately and other times within days or weeks.

As a businessman, he had found that if he donated money to a good cause, Allah would make his business flourish with new orders and contracts from places he had never expected.  He concluded by a very exciting challenge.  He announced that he would match the sum of any more donations that would take place that night.  The challenge stirred the guests into donating far more than the organizers thought possible. May Allah reward Br. Walid and all those who joined him in supporting the school.  Before him a brother had donated a car and several sisters donated jewelry to be sold for the school’s benefit.  From the approximately 250 people in attendance, around $453,000 was raised.

But the school dinner was not just about raising money.  It was a delightful evening reviewing all of the progress of the school.  The appetizers were so good in the lobby that some people thought that was the diner!  The display in the lobby was informative and well designed.  There were a number of photos of students working on different activities at the school and on field trips.  Samples of the students’ activities were very well produced.  It was viewed both in the lobby and in the hall during dinner.  What made us happier was knowing that the producer was a local Muslim teenager.

The evening events began with recitation of the Holy Quran by Sama Musa, one of the third grade class at Sunrise.  She was followed by Dr. M. Nabih Tarazi who welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude to all who had given their time, money and prayers to make the sunrise Academy dream come true.  Students from the third and second grade performed a skit for the audience, followed by two songs sung by the whole school, one in Arabic and one in English.  Dr. Aziz Haque followed, setting the tone for the general fundraising activates after dinner, reminding people of their need for Islamic education.

Br. Souhail Khan gave a brief overview of the timeline of events leading to the creation of the school.  It brought home just how short the time has actually been for so much work to have been accomplished.  From signing the contract on the building in February to opening in September, and then to see the young children perform so well for their first all school production was really impressive.

After the dinner, the guest speaker from ISNA, Br. Dawud Zwink talked about the importance of Islamic schools.  The fundraising started somewhat slowly; however, within minutes cash and pledges started to pour in.  Br. Zwink reminded the people of how the early companions had sacrificed their wealth, and had never been impoverished for it.  One of the touching stories I heard afterwards was narrated to me by a mother.  She said that when she came back home after the dinner she found $1000 set out on her husband’s desk.  Her 17 year old son, who had left the party earlier, had left that money out on arriving home to pay up his pledge that night, immediately.  Her son said that when the speaker asked the people who had donated at the last fundraiser in April to question themselves whether they were richer now, he had found that yes, he was.  At the April fund raiser he had donated all that he had, $500.  He realized that he had had all his needs filled since then, even without that donated money, and that he now had $1000 plus a pay check coming on the way, so again he had donated all the money he had on hand.  Doesn’t that remind us of the generation of the companions?  May Allah reward him.

Many thanks to the dinner organization team, headed by Br. Hazem Gheith.  The event was concluded by a recitation from the Holy Quran by Sunrise student Layla Al-Rubaian.