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President's Corner

ISD President's Year End 2012 Message

Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Community Members,

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatu,

Jazakumullahu Khairun for attending the ISD Strategic Planning Dinner this past weekend. As we approach the end of this year, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on some of our accomplishments thus far and share with you some of our future plans.

As you recall from my first communication in July, objectives of the new administration were to focus and improve on three key areas:
Transparency,
Open Communication, and
Teamwork.
We have been diligent in trying to improve in these areas and will continue to do so as we move forward. This requires a cultural shift from the past behaviors but we are optimistic you will see a difference soon, if you have not already done so.

Over the past six months we, as an organization, have made significant improvements in changing our approach to problem solving and becoming more inclusive. Level of participation from community members has increased significantly. This engagement with the community has resulted in higher quality and quantity of services provided. Although there are number of accomplishments to speak of, there are some that are most noteworthy:
Level of significant and sustained activity by the youth committee. Focusing on the needs of the next generation will ensure our success for generations to come, Insha’Allah.
Fixing our financial situation this summer and averting our own ‘financial cliff’. This is a true testament of this community’s generosity and commitment to positive engagement. My special thanks to all who donated money, time, energy, and gave us the moral support needed to move forward.
Increased engagement and cooperation with various Islamic institutions in Delaware. We are greater than the sum of our parts and it is my hope that we will continue to work together.
Inauguration of the Quranic Academy of Delaware (QAD) – a multilevel Quranic program leading up to a fulltime Hifz program
As we look to the next six months and beyond, our challenges continue to grow. Community continues to expand and need for services becomes even greater. ISD, as an institution, also needs to grow in sophistication and decision making. We must engage as many people as possible to draw upon their energy, creativity, and ideas to make ISD a focal point of this community. But you must also engage us and bring your talents to enrich your Muslim community. If there are hurdles, real or perceived, that are keeping you away, please bring them to the attention of any Executive Committee member so we may remove them.

Executive committee and the Board will begin working with many of you to develop a long-term vision for the community. Our theme is “Transforming Challenges to Opportunities”. I ask you to be proactive in assisting us. If we miss reaching out to any of you, please overlook our short comings and engage us in a positive way.

Finally, as end of the calendar year approaches, I’m sure many of you are thinking about your tax situation and how you can reduce your tax bill. Charitable giving, particularly to ISD, is a great way to earn reward with Allah (SWT) and reduce your tax burden.

So take this opportunity to give before end of the year. May Allah (SWT) bless you and your families with strong iman, good health, and success in your livelihood.

Ma Assalama,

Irfan Patel

Your brother in Islam & ISD President

Hurricane Sandy Prepareness @ ISD President Address

Hurricane Sandy Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatu,

Hurricane Sandy Prepareness

Dear brothers and sisters,

Hope you had a wonderful Eid with family and friends.

As Hurricane Sandy approaches our area, Governor Jack Markell has declared a limited state of emergency. “While the predicted track of Hurricane Sandy has shifted a number of times over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that the state will be affected by high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, especially along the coastline for a several day period. These factors, along with the potential for power outages, have convinced me that the prudent thing to do is have people leave most of our coastal communities,” Gov. Markell said.

For more information on the 'Limited Emergency Order', please visit the following link:

http://governor.delaware.gov/news/20121027-LimitedStateofEmergency.shtml

Residents who have evacuation questions may contact their respective local emergency operations centers:

Sussex EOC – 856-7366 starting Sunday at 8 a.m.
Kent EOC – 735-3465, starting Sunday at noon
New Castle EOC – 395-5555 starting Sunday at 9 a.m.
Wilmington EOC – 576-CITY starting Sunday at 9 a.m.

Level 2 Emergency Activated in Delaware

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatu,

Dear brothers and sisters,

As Hurricane Sandy gets closer to our area, a Level 2 Emergency has been activated in Delaware by Governor

Jack Markell . This restriction goes into effect beginning at 5 AM today (10/29/12). According to state law, a 'Level 2 Driving Restriction' provides that no person shall operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways other than essential personnel. 'Essential personnel' includes those employees necessary to maintain the core functions of government and maintain health and safety by providing utility services, healthcare services, and food and fuel deliveries. In addition, some private employers have received a waiver from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency for essential employees. The Restriction shall remain in effect until further notice.

http://www.dema.delaware.gov/_Sandy/News_Releases/2012.10.28 3rd Modified State of Emergency Order.pdf

In light of the state of emergency, the ISD campus will be closed for all activities.

Residents who have evacuation questions may contact their respective local emergency operations centers:

Sussex EOC @ 302-856-7366
Kent EOC @ 302-735-3465
New Castle County EOC @ 395-5555
Wilmington EOC @ 302- 576-CITY

ISD President‟s Ramadan Address

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Islamic Society of Delaware, I would like to wish you and your family a blessed Ramadan. Alhamdulillah we have completed the first week of Ramadan with the blessings of Allah SWT. Ramadan is the month in which Allah SWT showers down His forgiveness and reward for good deeds. How much we gather and benefit from it, depend on us.

So far the number of activities and Ramadan projects we have initiated has struck a chord with the community. A number of additional Ramadan services have been added this year – nightly German Club parking to ease the parking congestion at the masjid premises and on the streets, daily community Iftar programs at the masjid, additional daily Tajweed classes – to name a few. Also worth mentioning is the planning that is currently underway for Eid preparations.

Apart from the Ramadan activities, a number of strategic projects, community programs and outreach programs are on the anvil. Now, we all understand that there is a direct correlation with the resources available and the services provided. At this juncture, we, as a community-based organization, face significant financial challenges in continuing to make these services available to our community let alone the risk of not meeting the monthly operating expenses.

To alleviate our financial situation we have set a goal to raise $100,000 during the month of Ramadan which would cover at least six months of annual operating expenses. We highly encourage you to help us in this endeavor. In this blessed month of Ramadan, please take the opportunity to contribute to the masjid – the House of Allah SWT, the pivotal center of our community and the lifeline of our future.

Your active participation and continued support is critical in establishing a flourishing community.

May Allah SWT accept from us during this sacred month! Aameen!

Ramadan Kareem!

Ma Assalama,

Irfan Patel
Your brother in Islam

1.ISD's Presidential Address

Dear Brothers, Sisters & Community Members,
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu,

Recently the Board of Directors of Islamic Society of Delaware selected a new Executive Committee and although I am not the best among you, I have been entrusted to serve the community in the capacity of its President. We accept this responsibility and ask Allah SWT for His help, guidance and mercy. And we would like to thank the previous administration(s) and the founders of this esteemed institution for their selfless contribution in shaping the affairs of our community.