As-Salaamu Alaikum.
2016 is coming to an end and with only a few days remaining it is a time to reflect. While there is much to celebrate, there are many unfinished businesses that need our attention. Alhumdu lillah, after almost 5 years we finally received the special permit for our cemetery. Our Muharram/Safar programs went well and we were able to bring in many new speakers to our center. The attendance on most occasions was larger and the content of the programs was appreciated by the community. We had a great turnout on the Eid picnic. Finally, Az-Zahra Center is 10 years old today. Alhumdulillah, what a great blessing for all of us. So, there are many things to be thankful for.
But there are also few challenges that we continue to face; the center has been jam packed during many of the Muharram and Ramadan programs making it difficult to accommodate everyone. We realize that there is a shortage of space in the building which limits us from inviting folks from other communities. A need to seriously consider how to accommodate the increasing number of people has been felt in more than one way. A need to establish youth-friendly activities would not only encourage them to visit the center more frequently but make them feel that they belong to this center is very critical. The need to open the center’s premises to non-community and our neighbors cannot be over emphasized.
Therefore, we need to put together a committee that would be tasked with exploring all possibilities including, whether to renovate the current center, build an addition, or construct a totally new facility to address our growing needs. The board realizes that drawing up plans, estimating timelines, and figuring out other details requires the use of professionals. But these would come only after we understand our needs. There is no doubt that AZ has a good group of committed people who would be willing to pour their hearts out to make a difference. We need to come up with a plan. We will send out an invitation beginning early next year for all interested to suggest ideas and how to effectively achieve our goals.
Another equally important objective of this center is to provide weekly educational programs. Unfortunately, the Sunday school as it was organized, has run out of steam. With only a handful of students and a lack of a formal curriculum, our education program has taken a huge hit. Despite good intentions and commitments by few volunteers, the program had to be shut down. The board would like to invite parents and others interested in restarting the educational program again. We need to brainstorm effective ways to resuscitate this very important program so that we may all benefit from an increased understanding of Islam. All suggestions and ideas will be entertained. A separate email will be sent out for a meeting to be held at the center soon, insha’Allah.
The above are only suggestions that the board has come up with. These are not necessarily what the community may want. Perhaps, some or none of these are important to our community. Maybe, the community has a totally different list of priorities they would like us to address. The board is willing to hear your ideas and explore these as a team. No board can run a successful organization without input from its members. We encourage each and every one to participate in these efforts. And we promise to work with you to achieve these in the future. With Allah’s help and a commitment from our members, we hope to make 2017 a successful year for all of us.
The BOT takes this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and those who participated in various activities throughout the year. May Allah (swt) reward you and increase your imaan many fold.
Aameen.