Below are UPDATES from the month of APRIL 2010:

I.  ICN IMAM HIRING – WELCOME SHEIKH MOHAMED AHMED AL-SHERIF!

Assalaamu ‘alaikum Dear Respected Community Members,

The Islamic Center of Nashville (ICN) has officially hired Imam Mohamed Ahmed Al-Sherif to serve as the full time Imam for the Islamic Center of Nashville.  Imam Mohamed will begin his first day on May 14^th, 2010 (Friday, Jumu’a) insha Allah.  The Board of Trustees (BOT) met Wednesday, April 21^st, to vote based on the Imam Search Committee’s recommendation to hire Imam Mohamed. This recommendation included feedback from the community as well as the interview.

Imam Search (Evaluation) Process

The Imam Search Committee, consisting of brothers Abdelghani Barre, Mubeen Khan, and Rashed Fakhruddin, went through the process of screening this applicant.  After receiving his resume, a phone interview was conducted following a process of checking references.  Per a successful phone interview and reference check, the search committee proceeded to invite Imam Mohamed to Nashville for a weekend full of events (last weekend).  He began with a Thursday night talk after Isha.  Friday he delivered the khutbah.  Friday evening he conducted the Friday Night Halaqa and answered questions.  Saturday, he was the keynote speaker at the NIA community appreciation dinner.  He followed that up with a halaqa between Maghrib and Isha.  Surveys were passed out to the attendees following the khutbah, Friday night halaqa and NIA program.  In addition, an online survey was emailed to the community.  On Saturday, an interview was conducted by an interview panel that consisted of the search committee members along with several other members including youth and sisters.  Also, on Sunday morning, members of the Board of Trustees met with the Imam for breakfast and further discussions regarding his Imam candidacy.

Accordingly, per all the surveys from the community (338 responses), 321 recommended to hire the Imam while 17 did not, which amounts to 95% who were in favor of hiring Imam Mohamed Ahmed.  Among the interview panelists’ responses, 10 out of 10 were all in favor of hiring Imam Mohamed.  Now, the overall grading for the search committee is based on a mix of community feedback and interview panel recommendation.  This equated to an overall rating of 99 points out of 100.

The Imam search committee  checked three references, which all checked out very positively:

Br. Zaid Shakir (reference letter; he is a renowned American Muslim scholar with Zaytuna Institute)

Br. Sufian Nabhaan (Islamic Center of Detroit, President)

Dr. Abdul Hady (or Dr. Honercamp) (University of Georgia Islamic Studies Professor and board member of Al-Huda Islamic Center, Athens).

Also, a copy of documentation of his degree was provided along with letters from other institutions.

Observations

Imam Mohamed exhibited a very positive and mature character  to the community, and  a wealth of knowledge due to his training from Al-Azhar University.  He also displayed a broad perspective in interacting with the community at large, as his background with his certificate from Georgetown in Imam  Education and Muslim Christian Relations exhibited.  His theme on unity is very crucial for our community and Muslim communities all over the world.  His interactions with the people were very pleasant and inclusive.  We ask Allah to give us the guidance and the wisdom to serve our deen (religion), and we kindly ask you to embrace and welcome Brother Mohamed Ahmed and his family to our community and our masjid.

Thank you,

Dr. Mohamed Maleque,

Islamic Center of Nashville, BOT-Chairman

II.  DONATIONS/ DIRECT DEPOSIT

Please consider providing a donation, pledge, or just signing up for direct deposit to the ICN to help cover the costs of our monthly expenses, which includes the hiring of a full time Imam.  If everyone chips in $10 to $20 a month, or increases their existing direct deposit by the same, we will be ready to run many more programs for the community.  Please contact Br. Sajid for more info (615-400-4956).

III.  RETIREMENT DINNER

On April 9^th, members of the community and leadership honored and recognized Dr. AKM Fakhruddin, who recently retired from the ICN board after over 30 years of service to ICN, and as a founding member.  Sheikh Osama was the keynote speaker while children from NIA gave a nice presentation and invitation to their upcoming event.  We thank everyone for their participation, and thank Dr. Fakhruddin for all of his contributions to our community.   Check our website for the picture gallery.

IV.  ICN SPORTSPLEX/ YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

The latest update on the sportsplex project for the soccer, basketball and volleyball courts is that a contractor is on the process of providing a cost saving bid, yet professional.  Also, a basketball league has begun at the masjid’s new full court.  The little league is played on Saturdays while adults/ older teens on Sundays.  The little league received their uniforms last weekend.

V. DA’WAH & OUTREACH NEWS

As usual, we have had visitors from many organizations visit ICN in April: Overton High School, David Lipscomb  University (Leadership), Cumberland University, Western Kentucky and  Belmont.  Also, Br. Amir was a panelist on Vanderbilt’s Religion & Spirituality event.

SONS & DAUGHTERS OF ABRAHAM PROJECT – The Muslim youth met with the Christian youth on Sunday, April 11^th, at Sewanee.  It was a very nice outing which included hiking through scenic mountains.  The kids had a chance to share their deen of Islam and have a nice interfaith dialogue.  Check the ICN website for a picture gallery.

AIRPORT MEDITATION ROOMS - Sheikh Osama, Br. Abdulkadir Gure and Br. Rashed met with the Airport CEO Raul Regalado regarding prayer places at the airport. There are now two meditation rooms, one in the vicinity of Concourse C coming through the American Airlines and Southwest counters, and the other one just past security in the same area.  Also, the downstairs area is still used for prayers and it

accepted by the airport, but improvements may be looked into.  There are discussions on improvements to the meditation rooms in terms of a qibla direction and prayer mats.  We provided several Qur’ans and will supply them with several boxes.

V.  SUMMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS WITH THE IMAM/ SURVEY

Please check your email regarding the online survey for the summer education programs.  We would like to obtain community feedback as the summer programs are being developed.  We are looking into the summer hifz program (to include one day of field trips), camping, youth programs, and adult classes. We will also look into a sporting event for the kids.

SUMMER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – The summer internship program is being developed and should be ready for sign-up by next week.  Please note, our emphasis is on leadership development for the high school and college students covering the following components: Leadership development, Islamic Education, Community and Volunteer Services, and Job Shadowing.  This is now a joint program for the second year in a row of the masaajid in Nashville – ICN, Salahadeen Center, Masjid Al-Farooq and Masjid Al-Islam.  Please contact internship@muslimeen.org if you are interested in signing up.

VI.  NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY  NEWS

NIA held a community appreciation dinner to thank the community for all of its support throughout the year.  Children from the school displayed nice nasheeds and presentations for the community to hear.  Links to this program along with this semesters Science Fair can be found on our email list.  Enrollment for the 2010-2011 is now taking place and the lower grades are being filled up quickly.  Contact nia-board@niatn.org for any questions.

VII.  UPCOMING EVENTS

Hajj Panel with Sheikh Mohamed – Friday, Apr. 30, 7:45PM at ICN

Women’s Janaza Class – Friday, Apr. 30, 7:45PM at MAS

Weekend School Graduation – Sunday, May 16, 11AM, at NIA

Community Picnic – Sunday May 16^th, 3PM at Sevier Park

ICN BOT/ EC/ Community Leaders Retreat for Strategic Planning – Sunday May 16th

VIII.  ICN POLICIES

ICN policies will be posted on our website in the near future.

IX.  WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

Check out the following website for Qur’an recitation and memorization: http://tanzil.info/

X.  GETTING INVOLVED

Your suggestions, feedback, and involvement are important to us!  If you are interested in becoming more involved or have any suggestions, please talk to one of us or email us (icn @muslimeen.org).

Please email icn@muslimeen.org to be added to the ICN emailing list (include your full name and phone #).

WEBSITE - Please visit  www.icntn.org Features: Online Pledge Form, Volunteer Form, Online Secure Donation,  PodCasts, etc.

DUPLEX FOR RENT – The house next to the ICN has been completely remodeled and ready for occupancy. Rent is very reasonable for each unit. ONE Unit left! If you are interested, please fill out an application form in the office.

Hajj Panel (with Sheikh Mohamed) – Friday, Apr. 30, 7:45PM at ICN

Women’s Janaza Class – Friday, Apr. 30, 7:45PM at MAS

Weekend School Graduation – Sunday, May 16, 11AM, at NIA

Community Picnic – Sunday May 16^th, 3PM at Sevier Park

ICN BOT/ EC/ Community Leaders Retreat for Strategic Planning – Sunday May 16^th

FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHT HALAQA (between Maghrib and ‘Isha)

· TAFSEER - 1st Friday of each month Tafseer Class with Br. Fadi Ezzeir (Abu Layth).

· FIQH - Friday night lectures will be based on questions submitted by email to Shaikh Osama throughout the week and he will choose questions to answer.

· SPECIAL TOPIC – A guest speaker  (local or outside) will present a halaqa once a month.

SUNDAY NIGHT HALAQA w/Dr. Amin (b/w Maghrib and ‘Isha)

BELLEVUE (NIA/ MUSALLA) CLASSES – Sunday Weekend Schools, Qur’an evening classes for Children Mon & Fri.

As salaamu ‘alaikum Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We pray that you and your family are in the best of spirit of Islam and good health. Over the past couple of months, the Islamic Center of Nashville Board of Trustees & Shura have taken great strides in order to address some of the concerns in the community. We would like to keep you informed of these changes on a regular basis, and invite you to become involved in the process.

As a result, we have started a “What’s Happening in the Community” newsletter that will be sent out to the community on a monthly basis with updates on steps we are taking at the ICN.  We feel that the newsletter will also help to increase transparency, improve communications, and provide more accountability to all of you. In addition, we will be posting a hard copy of all minutes for the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee (Shura) meetings.  The postings will be placed on the board next to the ICN office as well as on the sisters’ side.

Below are UPDATES for the month of March 2010:

I. SEARCH FOR IMAM POSITION VACANCY

The ICN Board of Trustee understands the importance and urgency of hiring an IMAM for our community.  We are looking to find a qualified IMAM who will fulfill the spiritual needs of our diverse community.  Through careful review of our hiring guidelines, we have restructured the hiring process in our Imam Search Committee. The Imam Search Committee is currently in the process of reviewing other applicants, and are accepting any additional referrals or applications for position of IMAM.  For more information, please contact imam_search@muslimeen.org.

II.  RETIREMENT OF BOT MEMBER

We would like to announce the RETIREMENT of Dr. AKM Fakhruddin from the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Center of Nashville last month (February).  Dr. Fakhruddin, a founding member of ICN, has dedicated over 30+ years to the service, dedication, and vision of the ICN. May Allah (SWT) reward him for his life-long commitment to our community.

III.  RESIGNATION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBERS

Several members resigned from their position as Board of Trustee in January 2010:

Br. Yasser Arafat

Br. Kamel Daouk

Br. Ahmad Shakil

Br. Jamshedur Rahman

Br. Hossam Bahour

May Allah reward these brothers for their service, commitment, and contributions to ICN.

IV. NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBERS

Over the last couple of months, nominations were made to fill the vacancies on the Board of Trustees.  Many members (20 or more) were asked to serve the BOT from a diverse list of members (i.e. from different backgrounds and ethnicities) who met the requirements. After careful consideration, the following brothers and sisters have accepted the offer and responsibility to join the Board of Trustees to complete the terms of the members who recently resigned.  The Board of Trustee members are [*  - indicates newly appointed members]:

Br. Sayed Kamal*                                                       Br. Michael Sawyer*

Br. Muhammad Ajmal*                                              Br. Ayman Sader*

Br. Khalid Chaudhary*                                              Sr. Amal Adam*

Br. Mohamed Maleque – Chairman Sr. Tamara Shehadeh – Secretary

Br. Khalid Shaikh                                                       Br. Saeed Fakhruddin

Br. Rashid Ahmad                                                      Sr. Rokeya Farooque

Br. Shuaib Mohyuddin                                                           Sr. Berthena Nabaa-McKinney

May Allah (SWT) guide us with the purest of heart, the greatest of deeds, and best of intentions for our Ummah in accordance with Qur’an and the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

V.  GENERAL BODY MEETING & ELECTIONS

The Board of Trustees will have the General Body Meeting and Board of Trustees  Elections in OCTOBER 2010. All Members for two year terms (six members) will be open for election this year. Information on nominations, submission date, and eligibility for these positions will be announced soon.

We also have two interim Board of Trustee positions currently OPEN.  If you are interested in, have a recommendation, or require more information, please contact Br. Mohamed Maleque, BOT chairman, at (615) 403-4858 or mmaleque@mmc.edu.

VI.   EXECUTIVE BOARD (SHURA) MEMBERS

Br. Abdelghani Barre – President                                           Br. Hisham Elqadi - Officer

Br. Amir Arain – V.P./ P.R.                                                    Br. Zohair Elmaliki - Officer

Br. Ghani Hashimi – V.P./ Operations

Br. Baseer Kabir – Secretary

Br. Sajid Usmani - Treasurer

VII.  RENOVATIONS

Renovations for the ICN Masjid and the Imam’s House next door to the masjid have been completed.  A special thanks to all of the community members who worked tirelessly to make this possible. As for the Masjid – The entire building was painted, new flooring was placed in the office, repairs to the roof, sisters’ restroom renovated, painting of the dome, new chandelier, main entrance tile replaced, and parking lot resurfaced. As for the Imam’s” House – The House next to the masjid was completely renovated.  It has now been transformed into two fully functioning apartments:

1)      One-bedroom w/ closet, living room, full bath, and dine-in kitchen. (600 sq ft.)

2)      Two-bedroom w/ closets, living room, two full baths, dine-in kitchen, washer/dryer hookup.  (1350 sq ft.)

The following is the total cost of the renovation (Masjid & House) project:

Donations Collected:    $ 48,625.00

Insurance Collected:    $   9,029.15

Total Collections:          $ 57,654.15

Renovation Expenses: - $ 62,282.78 (Expenses include Renovations for the Masjid and House)

- $    4,628.63

VIII.  ICN SPORTSPLEX

Per completion of the school building in 2008 and the masjid & house renovations in 2009-10, we are now on the process of completing another project associated to the overall vision of the Land Development Project on our 11 acre land – Outdoor sportsplex: Soccer field, track, basketball courts, volleyball court and picnic shelter.  A committee headed by Dr. Essam Hamido, met in March and bids are currently being taken.  After completion, we plan to have soccer leagues and all sorts of leagues for children, youth and adults, and bring the community together through social recreations.  Presently, a basketball league will begin at the masjid’s new full court on April 10^th.

IX.  DA’WAH NEWS

Over the last 30 days, we have had visitors from the following schools: Currey Ingram Academy, Belmont University, and Ensworth.  Overton High School and David Lipscomb  University (Leadership) are scheduled to visit next week. Otter Creek Church members visited last Saturday. An exchange visit with Congregation Micah and West End Synagogue took place on March 7^th with our Muslim youth. We have also had hospital requests as well: Meharry, Vanderbilt (100 Oaks), Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital (which a musalla was incorporated into their present chapel).  Communications with Mr. Regalado of the Airport Authority regarding prayer places at the airport is being held.  In February we held an Open House, along with formation of Media Relations group in Mid. TN. Br. Amir was a panelist on the East-West Center Senior Journalists Seminar in March.

X.  GETTING INVOLVED

Your suggestions, feedback, and involvement are important to us!  If you are interested in becoming more involved or have any suggestions, please talk to one of us or email us (icn @muslimeen.org).

Please email icn@muslimeen.org to be added to the ICN emailing list (include your full name and phone #).

WEBSITE - Please visit  www.icntn.org Features: Online Pledge Form, Volunteer Form, Online Secure Donation,  PodCasts, etc.

DUPLEX FOR RENT – The house next to the ICN has been completely remodeled and ready for occupancy. Rent is very reasonable for each unit. ONE Unit left! If you are interested, please fill out an application form in the office.

EDUCATION CLASSES: Please note that Tues – Friday classes will be held between Maghrib & Isha.

QUR’AN CLASSES FOR KIDS ON TUESDAYS @ICN – Level 1 through 4, Children ages 5 through 18

QUR’AN CLASSES FOR WOMEN ON WEDNESDAYS @ICN – Beginner’s Adult Qur’an classes for sisters taught by Imaam.

QUR’AN CLASSES FOR MEN ON THURSDAYS @ICN – Qur’an reading classes for brothers.

FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHT HALAQA (between Maghrib and ‘Isha)

· TAFSEER - 1st Friday of each month Tafseer Class with Br. Fadi Ezzeir (Abu Layth).

· FIQH - Friday night lectures will be based on questions submitted by email to Shaikh Osama throughout the week and he will choose questions to answer.

· SPECIAL TOPIC – A guest speaker  (local or outside) will present a halaqa once a month.

SUNDAY NIGHT HALAQA w/Dr. Amin (b/w Maghrib and ‘Isha)

BELLEVUE (NIA/ MUSALLA) CLASSES – Sunday Weekend Schools, Qur’an Children evening classes Mon & Fri.

DINNER PROGRAMS – FRI APR 9  (Maghrib – Isha w/ Shiekh Osama)  & SAT APR 17  (NIA COMMUNITY PROGRAM)

This presentation covers the following: Terms and Definitions, Statistics, Beliefs, 5 Pillars, Misconceptions - Jihad, Tolerance, Women, Knowledge & Muslims in America.

Presentation of Islam - 2010

Alhamdulillah, there is now a musalla for the men and one for the women on the 11 acre land on Charlotte Pk, alongside the new Islamic school building.  This project is just upon completion and the place is being utilized for tarawih prayers along with Fajr, Maghrib and Isha jamats, as well as Dhuhr jamaat by the children of the Islamic School.  Around 75 people have been reported to have attended the tarawih prayers, which are held at the same time as at the ICN.  This project was part of the Islamic Center of Nashville overall Land Development Project, which recently completed the new school building.

An activity room/ youth type center is also being redisigned as the last portable renovation.  The playground is scheduled to be set during the weekend of Eid insha Allah. The soccer field is being assessed for further development to make it operational for leagues for the kids and adults.  Other recreational activities will include a volleyball court, basketball court and picnic shelters.  Anyone interested in donating for this project should contact Br. Sajid - 400-4956.

For further information, please contact the Principal, Dr. Amiri Yasin Al-Hadid.  His e-mail address is principal@niatn.org or by telephone at (615) 352-5903.

Mayor Karl Dean cutting the ribbon

Imam Search

Click here to view the Imam job description.

ICN partnered up in a Habitat for Humanity Interfaith build

The Islamic Center of Nashville participated with a few other faith organizations in a Habitat for Humanity build during September of 2007 again. The build began on Saturday, September 8th. The kickoff day (Saturday, Sept. 8) went really well as 16 volunteers showed up from the Islamic Center: Hassan, Anas, Luqman, Afiq, Nasir, Abdulghani, Mohamed, Maxamed, Zouhair, Rashed & (not pictured - Yasmin, Mohsina, Najla, Azreena, Nadia & Shazia). In addition, Sr. Rehana, Brs. Karraz, Faran & Zaid came on Sunday. The last time the ICN participated in an Interfaith Habitat Build was in 2003.

Click here for pictures

ICN Youth & West End Synagogue

Over the last 2 years, there have been 4 exchange visits among the youth from the Islamic Center of Nashville, West End Synagogue and Congregation Micah.  The ICN youth gave the guests a tour of the mosque as they entertained questions and got to know about each other.  The guests were given a nice powerpoint presentation of Islam.  The youth had lots of fun as they got to learn of each other's similarities and interests.  A follow up visit will be made by the ICN youth to the West End Synagogue next Spring. The Youth from the jewish community also provided educational and very hospital hosting to the youth from the Islamic Center. To view pictures of this event click here.