Muslim Scholar Honored as Motivational Heroes

By Broadside Staff Reporter Edwin Mora

Islam Awareness Week, which was sponsored by the Muslim Student Association concluded on Feb. 28 with an event called Heroes. It looked at the traits of a few well-known Islam scholars.

Shaykh Safi Khan was the guest speaker and referred to these scholars as “pious predecessors” of the Islam faith.

“The goal,” Khan said, “is to see what we can do to practice what they practice, and to feel the passion that they [have] felt for Islam.”

The traits of pious predecessors, according to Khan, include strong Imam faith, unselfishness, concern with the “hereafter,” humbleness, honesty, avoiding conflict, fear of Allah and placing Islam above all material things.

Umar Bin Khattab, Abdallah, Ali Bin Abu Talib and Abu Bakr were among those mentioned.

“The sacrifice that they made is why we can call ourselves Muslims,” Khan said. He mentioned that these scholars” kept away from “worldly” desires, including sexual relations, power, bragging and love of money.

Khan expressed that even though some scholars were wealthy, they used their wealth to promote the Islamic cause, putting others ahead of themselves.

“They took from the world whatever they needed, but their minds were in the hereafter,” Khan said, “The concentration of those days was working to make sure their heart was sound.”

A sound, pure heart, according to Khan, is one a believer has worked on all his or her life to purify. It’s a process that involves living life along Islam guidelines. Khan emphasized that pious predecessors are examples of this lifestyle.

Adil Minha, an information systems major, Khan said, is “a well known motivational speaker in Maryland who has a lot of knowledge of Islam.” Minha is the MSA officer who, with the help of other members, organized the event.

According to Minha, the event was geared towards addressing lessons, morals and lifestyles that Muslims can follow and eventually “emulate” in their lifestyles.

From the event, Muslim student Shereen Ghannam, a senior majoring in communications, gathered knowledge that she hopes to share with non-Muslim students.

“As a Muslim that grew up in this country, I’m always trying to expand my knowledge [and communicate it to non-Muslims.]”

The event took place in Enterprise room 80 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Approximately 60 people attended.

At the end, there was a question and answer session, followed by refreshments. Attendees asked questions about what it takes to be a good Muslim.

Senior student Muhanad Znbrakji, a computer science major, enjoys the Islam Awareness Week events. “I came here last year and I find the events useful and enjoyable.”