April 1, 2015 - We get so used to our life that we forget the underserved. When we consider giving charity, the devil scares us with the thought of having less for ourselves. But our faith teaches us that we need to be the first to attend to the needs of the vulnerable, said keynote speaker, Mufti Kamani, at ICNA Relief Chicago’s Annual Banquet on April 19, 2015, inspiring the 500 plus strong audience to give locally. The dua (supplications) of the person in need are always accepted, said keynote speaker, Mufti Kamani, at ICNA Relief Chicago’s Annual Banquet, inspiring the 500 plus strong audience to give locally.
Sheikh Ibrahim Dardasawi, the official imam at Islamic Center of Wheaton (ICW), inaugurated the evening with a beautiful recitation from the Holy Quran. The fundraiser also featured stand-up comedian and speaker, Azhar Usman. “This is an organization that is there for our sisters who are victims of abuse. Be the community that recognizes its dirty secrets,” said Azhar Usman in opening remarks, urging guests to acknowledge and address violence and abuse of women in the community. Ms. Ahlam Mahmood, Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Mohammad Hassan, Director Outreach & Resource Development, USA, and Dr. Saima Azfar, Director, Midwest and Chicago, were the other speakers and represented ICNA Relief.
The most touching moment of the evening was when Dr. Azfar narrated meeting a family that was so poor they hadn't eaten in three days. “All they had at home was onions. And this is right here in Chicago,” said Dr. Azfar. Each speaker elicited enthusiasm and applause, and audience members loosened purse strings, committing to serving the community. “Many of the cases we see, seem like the plot of a tragic novel or movie, but if only they were. There is a saying, to always be kind because we have no idea what the other person is going through and when you work with ICNA Relief Chicago and its Muslim Family Services, you realize just how true that is,” said Dr. Azfar.
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