The story of the Islamic Research and Humanitarian Services Center of America (IRHSCA) starts in 1999, with six families of seekers who wanted to seriously study Islam with a teacher. The original nine adults met in the basement of their homes learning from Shaikh Abdul-Rahman Mohammed Yaki, who had recently graduated from the school of Islamic and Social Sciences in Virginia.
As news of the classes spread and more students wanted to join in, they searched for a larger facility. Jamilah Ali was a part of the original few and says that she is really blessed to be a part of the beginning. She has witnessed the masjid grow progressively into the current facility that is leased to own in Capitol Heights, MD. It was previously a mental health clinic, “perfectly clean and with plenty of rooms.”
The center is located about two miles from the Capitol Heights metro station. Nearly 300 people attend the Jummah salah.
On August 17, 2014, Ali attended the 14th Annual fundraising dinner with 250 people, including several of the other founders. This year’s theme was “Planting Seeds for the Next Generation”; the event was held at the Prince George’s Ballroom, located in Landover, MD.
Shaikh Yaki welcomed the guests and spoke at length about the history and vision of the center. He ended the speech with dua for the community. The shaikh travels back and forth from Albany, NY where he is a chaplain.
Imam Talib Abdul-Samad, Executive Director of IRHSCA, presented a video about the activities at the center and spoke about the doctrine of respect, inclusiveness and forgiveness that are a part of the center.
Currently, the congregation is mostly young new Muslims. “50 to 60 percent of the congregation are young converts,” shared Sh Yaki. Many are struggling financially. There are a few Muslim families in the area. The masjid offers free Quran, tajweed, aqeedah, and fiqh classes.
“It is a hub of young people,” and “youth find home here,” said attendees. Lauren Schreiber was searching for a community and found the familiar ‘American’ feel here.
Muhammad Oda in the video said he felt love at the masjid. Sameer Ali, another member of the board observed that the center emphasizes Prophetic character and being like him more than just looking like him.
Brother Azzam Abdel Karim gave the keynote address and conducted the fundraising. He urged the community to give generously and compete with each other in the best of deeds.
The current shurah of IRHSCA consists of the following members: Saqiq Abdul Haqq, Board Chairman, Jamila Ali, Sameer Ali, Abdul Raqueeb, Mujahid Abdul Rahman, Aneesah Salim, Yusef Ali, Muhaafiz Khan, Nasir Raheem, Rashidah Abdul Haqq, Lauren Schreiber, and Mujahid Abdul Sallam. Several of them are young and new to the community bringing fresh ideas and talent.
Firdausa, a youth volunteer, was serving the food for the sit down style dinner. She told the Muslim Link that several not yet Muslim youth come with friends to IRHSCA to attend activities such as the cookouts and international bazaar. They are introduced to Islam in the friendly environment and often choose to accept the faith. Approximately, five shahadahs took place a week ago.
“Loving her is like food for my soul,” a young spoken word poet, Naeem ‘Nemo’ Owens, wooed the audience with his verses on maternal love. A student of optometry and graphic design, Owens performs across the DC Metro.
Comedian Said Durrah was scheduled to entertain at the fundraiser, but was not able to attend. Sweet Tooth Catering and the Islamic Relief sponsored the dinner.
The community lost their mother three years ago—Ummil Kheer, a sister who gave food and advice with equal fervor. She opened up her home to the imam and attendees and was a beacon of the masjid. In her honor, the 3rd Annual Ummil Kheer Humanitarian Service Award was presented.
This year’s recipient was the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Islamic Relief. Schrieber, a board member of IRHSCA and outreach manager for CAIR National, presented the award to Zainab Chaudry of the CAIR-Maryland chapter . Chaudry thanked the community on this “memorable evening” and promised to be back to conduct awareness events.
Approximately, $22,000 was raised through the fundraiser and other online donations.
The community needs to continue raising funds to keep the lights on. Please use the following link to donate www.irhsca.org