GRATITUDE - Fundraising Dinner & Family Night

* Scroll to the bottom of the entry for Gratitude videos of Baba Ali

Saturday, December 18, 2010

GRATITUDE (Shukr) "Reaching Higher Altitude" was a fundraising dinner and family night arranged by the Dar us Salam (DUS) community at the Marriot UMUC Inn & Conference Center.

It featured the knowledgeable fundraiser Siraj Wahhaj, Imam Safi Khan of Dar Us Salaam mosque and Al-Huda school and the striking, Muslim comedian Baba Ali of Ummah Films.

The evening started off with the Maghrib Salaah performed, alhamdulillah, in congregation by brothers and sisters from all over DC. Haroon Baqai of Al Huda school presented an opening speech followed by a presentation on the journey of Darussalam through the years. The purpose of the fundraiser was established for the generous audience and the blessed mission and vision of Al Huda and DUS as a whole were outlined. Aqabah Karate; a martial arts program of DUS, was also introduced and reviewed to the audience via a video documentary. Cheers of SubhaanAllah and Takbeer went up as the audience watched the martial arts antics performed by the young Muslim youth; both girls and boys. 

Imam Safi Khan took the stage to speak comprehensively in light of the Quran and Sunnah about Gratitude (Shukr). He emphasized on how we live lives better than the rest of the world and yet the spirit of "Shukr" is missing from our hearts. In his speech he mentioned how he and some of his friends placed the stepping stones of DUS in their youth and how over the ages the institution has transformed into one of the most prestigious Islamic centers of North America. He reviewed some very heart-moving stories of sacrifice and determination of his staff members in establishing a school for Muslim children. 

Generous donations were given by people from the audience as Imam Siraj Wahhaj declared the fundraiser open. There were donations of cash, checks, as well pledges made. Imam Siraj Wahhaj emphasized the value of charity and giving in a society bulging with greed and massive consumptions. 

The UMUC's banquet management facilitated a delicious three course dinner for the guests. For starters was a wholesome plate of salad and greens served with bread rolls and dressings to top. The main course was a scrumptious chicken with saucy topping served with sprouts and cajun rice. A hearty apple pastry was the finale of the delicious 3 course dinner.

The second half of the show was the highlight of the evening. After an adorable Nasheed recital by young kids from Al Huda school, the stage came to life with the coming of Baba Ali of Ummah Films. The witty, young comedian was welcomed with thundering applause. His presentation "Kool Kids ... Kool Conversation" was an interview with a bunch of adorable kids from Al Huda school. Their innocent answers sent the audiences rolling down the aisles with peels of laughter! And of course, Baba Ali had his own share of funny stories to narrate.

Enjoy the video clips here.