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    IANA Hosts 23rd Annual General Assembly, Launches Endowment Fund to Empower Muslim Communities

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    Somali Magazine - People's Magazine

    The Islamic Association of North America (IANA) convened its 23rd Annual General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, from November 22-23, 2024. Representatives from 39 Islamic centers across the United States gathered under the theme “Unity in Times of Trials” to address challenges facing Muslim communities and chart a unified path forward.

     

    Strengthening Unity Amid Challenges

    The event brought together imams, scholars, community leaders, and humanitarian organizations to foster collaboration and solidarity. In his opening remarks, Sheikh Mohamed Mursal, the outgoing Board Chair, stressed the importance of unity. “Unity is not just a theme; it is essential for our survival and growth as a community,” he said.

     

    Speakers highlighted divisions within the community as a major threat, urging collective action to address social, political, and economic issues. A key focus was on the importance of youth engagement, family support programs, and civic participation to empower the next generation.

     

    Launch of Endowment Fund for Financial Stability

    One of the assembly’s major outcomes was the approval of an Endowment Fund (WAQF) to secure IANA’s long-term financial stability. Leaders acknowledged that financial constraints have hindered many of their initiatives in recent years. The fund aims to support key programs, including youth development and humanitarian aid projects.

     

    IANA also presented a six-year performance report, highlighting accomplishments in areas such as civic engagement, legal rights advocacy, and family services.

     

    New Leadership and Strategic Goals

    The assembly marked a leadership transition as Sheikh Abdirizak Hashi was elected as the new Board Chair. He succeeds Sheikh Mursal, who guided IANA through significant growth. “I am honored to lead this organization at such a crucial time,” Sheikh Hashi said. “Together, we will build on the strong foundation laid by our predecessors and address the evolving needs of our community.”

     

    Key resolutions passed by the delegates included:

    1. Establishing the Endowment Fund to ensure financial sustainability.

     

    2. Expanding youth development programs to nurture future leaders.

     

    3. Promoting civic engagement to enhance Muslim representation in public life.

     

    Civil Rights and Advocacy Training

    In collaboration with the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), IANA hosted civil rights training sessions for imams and Islamic center directors. These workshops equipped participants with tools to combat Islamophobia, xenophobia, and ensure lawful interactions with law enforcement agencies.

     

    Somali Diaspora and Geopolitical Advocacy

    Adding a geopolitical dimension to the gathering, the Somali Ambassador to the United States delivered a keynote address. The ambassador commended IANA for its 23 years of service and called for establishing a Somali consulate in Minneapolis to better serve the diaspora. “A consulate would strengthen ties within our community and enhance our ability to meet its needs,” the ambassador said.

     

    Looking Ahead

    IANA’s Executive Director, Yusuf Abdulle, emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing challenges while empowering youth and expanding advocacy efforts. “IANA is committed to building a resilient community that stands together during times of trials,” he said.

     

    As the organization transitions to new leadership, its focus remains on uniting the Muslim community, fostering collaboration, and addressing pressing issues.

     

     

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