Reflections of a Most Special Weekend at Our 23rd Annual Muslim Convention

As members, followers, supporters, families and loved ones gathered over the Labor Day Weekend at The Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed 23rd  Annual Muslim Convention 2012 in Seacaucus, New Jersey, the theme of ONE NATION, ONE HUMAN FAMILY became not just words on a page, but a living, breathing. entity.  As we know from Imam Mohammed's (ra) Tafsir, "Religion Is Sincerity!!"

Evidenced by all in attendance...  There was life, richness and a beating heart, all using one of the greatest gifts, the intellect to follow the "logic to the right conclusion".  The Theme, ONE NATION, ONE HUMAN FAMILY inspired Unity, and the sacredness of  Oneness.

Beginning with Jummah Salat on Friday, Imam Elam Muhammad set the tone with words of inspiration and reminders of our History as the Lost Found Nation of Islam...to our more recent history ..Imam Mohammed's (ra) setting us on the Path to Al Islam and keeping us on solid ground through his guidance and teaching, in sync with what Allah has set for us as a people.

The Institutions and practices Imam W. Deen Mohammed set up and established: The Mosque Cares; Monthly First Sunday, Saviors Day, New World Patriotism Day Celebration, Ramadan Session, and Annual Muslim Convention provide us with a legacy that grounds us as a people and sustains us with right guidance from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Al'Quran.

Following Jummah, the Convention was officially opened by The President of The Mosque Cares, Warithudeen Mohammed II,  bringing a special message to Conventioneers that he saw nothing but success as he continues to be inspired by the love, care and support of the followers of his father.  As the Convention moved into its programs, Workshops including such topics as religion, business, health, wellness, education and More! brought insight and "take away" tools.

Culture Night featuring: Suad El-Amin, Abdullah Muhammad, Zaimah, Universal Dance & Drum Ensemble, Rahimah, Wali Ali and Grammy featured Jazz Soloist Tim Warfield was an extravaganza of first class entertainment!!  One believer called it "Edutainment"  as so much was learned and absorbed from the performers.

The sold out Annual Awards Banquet was abuzz with an overflowing crowd of believers, families, friends, and loved ones.  The Program opened with Quranic Recitation by Imam Abdul Wali Muhammad.  Distinguished guests, Maryam Coltone and Maureen Cranley of the Focolare delivered warm greetings and spoke of the closeness felt by them as our two communities continue to honor and respect one another.  They came with a written message from Marcos de Silvas who was unable to attend as he was  in Rome.  The Youth Keynote Speaker, Antar Mateen along with the Youth awardees gave informative and inspirational speeches.

Congratulations to the 2012 Muslim Man of the year, Fredrick Johnson of Chicago, IL (represented by Osman Almonzo); Muslim Woman of the year Shirley Dye of Corona-Queens, NY; Muslim Female Youth of The Year, Majidah Zaharah Saleem and Muslim Male Youth of the year Quinnell Pitt!  All were so inspiring and stand as a thread that helps us Recognize Ourselves, in their spirit, service and commitment to excellence.

Amongst the high points of the banquet were the live band trio and soloist, Rahimah. Keynote Speaker, Shirley Dye gave insightful and encouraging words of support to the audience.  The Mosque Cares wants to thank Imam Siraj Wahhaj for doing a tremendous job of hosting the fundraising portion of our Annual Awards Banquet.  We truly thank him and enjoyed and appreciate the fine job he did.  The evening's speeches were capped off by The Mosque Cares' President Warithudeen Mohammed II and Editor of Muslim Journal , Ayesha K Mustafaa.

Other programs included the Hajj Reunion hosted by Imam Elam Muhammad,  Pioneer Program hosted by Osman Almonzo, Clara Muhammad Schools Alumni Program hosted by Dr. Lynne Muhammad, Youth Program hosted by Zaimah Habeeb, Business Expo Presentation by Abdul Rasheed Akbar, AND MORE! We thank all Workshop Attendees and Vendors at New Africa Marketplace! 

The Annual Fashion Show exhibited all of the latest Islamic fashions and seasonal apparel as we were entertained by lively and beautiful models representing all different walks of life. 

By all measures; practically, inspirationally and spiritually - as Imam Abdul Kareem Muhammad of New Jersey, Chairperson of  The Mosque Cares 23rd Annual Muslim Convention, resounded at the Convention's Closing during The Public Address,"We experienced success on all levels, with the Help of Almighty Allah!!"