In 1974, a few Muslim women at Masjid as-Saffat in Baltimore, Maryland, decided to start a group that would address the needs of Muslim women and children in this society. Thus the Sisterhood was born. Fast forward forty-three years – the Sisterhood is now the Women’s Committee of Masjid As-Saffat, an institution in the DMV area. Its goals are to foster growth of Islamic education for Muslim women and youth and to facilitate the public’s awareness of Islamic beliefs.
This year, the committee (WCMAS) will be hosting its 34th Annual Women’s Conference on the weekend of April 14-16, 2017, at the Hunt Valley Inn/Wyndham Grand in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The theme for this year’s conference is “The Hereafter: What Will Be Your Reality?”
“We want to give dawah to all women, young and old, Muslim and non-Muslim. We have special sessions for non-Muslims and new Muslims. Alhamdulillah, each year at least one woman takes her shahaadah by the end of the weekend,” says Jamila Garner, one of the committee members. The conference is open to all females ages twelve and older, and includes interactive sessions for youth and adults, meals, a bazaar, entertainment and private swimming. Each year, over 750 women attend from around the United States and the world. All proceeds go to local masajid, schools, emergency financial assistance, a janazah fund and our scholarship.
The Women’s Committee of Masjid As Saffat’s Halimah Mujahid Scholarship is awarded each year to graduates of full-time Islamic high schools in the state of Maryland. Since its inception in 1992, WCMAS has awarded over $80,000 to deserving students to continue their education in colleges and universities. “The Halimah Mujahid Scholarship enabled me to complete my college degree when I was not eligible for other financial aid,” stated Ruwaydah Amin, a four time recipient of the scholarship.
In addition to the conference, seminars, and scholarship, WCMAS also provides fun activities for children and families. The Junior Women’s Committee is open to all Muslim females ages twelve to eighteen. Each year at Eed Ul-Adha, WCMAS sponsors a Family Bowl and Skate, where the Muslims can feel free to skate to Islamic songs with their own gender. The Annual Girls Day Out offers a day of interactive fun workshops and a picnic for girls ages three to eleven.
To propagate Islam to non-Muslims, the committee donates to the Johns Hopkins Hospital Children’s Center and Mount Washington Pediatric Children’s Hospital. Committee members are also available to give talks about Islam to community and civic groups.
Fatimah Smith, a supporter of the committee says, “I try to attend every activity that is sponsored by the Women’s Committee of Masjid As-Saffat. They are always trying to provide the community with wholesome activities where anyone can learn about Islam. May Allah bless the committee to continue to serve the community as it has been for more than forty years.”
For more information about the Women’s Committee of Masjid As-Saffat, go to www.wcmas.org.
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