Updated 7 October 2008
Eleven years ago, the Ithna-asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest (IMAN) set out to establish a purpose to build an Islamic Center in the Greater Seattle area. By the Grace of Allah (SWT), the generosity of our world-wide community and the dedication of many individuals, the construction of the IMAN Center of Kirkland was completed in Ramadhân 1429. In celebration of this accomplishment and also to mark the end of the blessed month of Ramadhân, the IMAN community on Saturday 4 October 2008 invited members of the worldwide community for an Eid-ul-Fitr celebration and the formal opening of the IMAN Center.
The IMAN community gathering on Saturday was attended by visiting guests from different parts of Washington State as well those who had come from distant places such as Portland (Oregon), Vancouver (Canada), and New York. Sister Farwa Sheriff, a young upcoming youth who was the master of ceremonies for the evening, commenced the program by inviting by Br. Hassan Yaghi and Sr. Maryam Sabbaghi to recite Sura al-Insaan (76) in Arabic and English respectively. This was followed by the recitation of Hadith-e-Kisa by Br. Sauleh Eetemadi.
IMAN President and Founding Director, Br. Jawad Khaki then welcomed everyone, noting that 4th October 2008 was a special day of gratitude, celebration and inspiration. In his remarks, using a collage of pictures from IMAN’s archives of thousands of photographs, Br. Jawad highlighted the community’s achievements and reiterated the organization’s focus in developing a thoughtful, caring, sharing community seeking closeness to Allah (SWT) by following the teachings and footsteps of our beloved Prophet and Imams from his progeny (peace and blessings of Allah SWT be upon all of them).
Br. Jawad Khaki Addressing the Audience in the Main Prayer Hall
Sister Amina Al Sadi was invited to provided a female and youth perspective on IMAN’s history reflecting on her personal experiences and sharing what the IMAN community meant to her. Br. Arya Nikjoo and Br. Ali Al Sadi, upcoming youth at IMAN, shared their vision of the global and American Muslim scene in the year 2033 as we work towards an inclusive, peaceful and just society. Ali Al Sadi led all to pray for the speedy arrival of Imam Mehdi (peace be upon him).
Leaders from various local and visiting communities in the audience then shared their perspectives and offered congratulatory notes. Among the visiting dignitaries was the Vice President of The World Federation, Br. Gulam Dinani. Appreciating the diversity of the audience, he congratulated our worldwide community on this achievement and encouraged all in attendance to work even harder to continue building a successful progressive sustainable institution in the northwest corner of the USA. Representing those who could not attend, Br. Jawad used the occasion to also convey congratulatory messages received by IMAN. Among the many messages received was a note from Sayyid M.B. Kashmiri on behalf of I.M.A.M, the liaison office of his Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sistani (ra) in North America:
“The opening of this site, the IMAN Islamic Center, reflects the advancement and progress of Muslims in this country”, said Sayyid Kashmiri, “This Center therefore with its leadership and those who are directing it, carry the great responsibility of furthering its vision and establishing the mission expressed in the Qur’anic verse:
إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَلَمْ يَخْشَ إِلاَّ اللَّهَ فَعَسَى أُوْلَئِكَ أَن يَكُونُواْ مِنَ الْمُهْتَدِينَ
“He only shall tend Allah's sanctuaries who believes in Allah and the Last Day and observes proper worship and pays the poor-due and fears none save Allah. For such (only) is it possible that they can be of the rightly guided.” (Ch 9 – Verse 18)
We pray that the extended IMAN Community be blessed with even greater opportunity to serve Allah SWT, His Messenger, and the human family.
اللهم صلي على محمد وآل محمد