Houstonian Corner (V12-I51)

Astounding Illustrating Pakistan Happened at UNT DFW

An exclusive program called “Illustrating Pakistan” was organized at the Gateway Center and Coliseum of University of North Texas, by community youth in the famous Dallas Fort-Worth Texas Region (DFW Texas), this past Saturday. Program was pioneered by the hardworking community volunteer Uzma Khan and her husband Asim Khan, while they were ably supported by DFW Radio Personality Uruj Saeed, Ali, and Helping Hand for Relief & Development’s (HHRD’s) Faiez Usman & Maaz Adil.

Program included Gallery of Pakistan, containing portraits of beautiful places of Pakistan, the life in Pakistan, and pictures of historic significance. One of the artists featured is Mahvash Amer. Also “Jinnah” movie of Dr. Akbar Ahmed was played, through which the Non-Pakistanis and second-&-further generation of Pakistanis learned about the history and struggle to achieve Pakistan. At the end of the movie, Dr. Akbar Ahmed spoke to the audience through Skype.

Among those present were the Honorable City Councilperson of Richardson Amer Omer, Newly Elected President of Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT) Dr. Rabia Khan, and many others.

Also featured in the program were famous Fez Meghani and Aftab Ali presented two very nice Nasheeds, including “the prayer of the child” by Allama Iqbal.

“As you know in our close-knit global village, we hear about Pakistan on almost daily basis. Pakistan has a very rich history and cultural heritage. To bring these perspectives to light, this special program has featured the Hollywood movie “Jinnah” to show the constitutional and political struggle that resulted in the birth of Pakistan on August 14th, 1947. Program has also show-cased unique artwork of Pakistan. Various sumptuous dishes of Pakistan have been served at the dinner, which has been prepared by American Chef,” informed ILyas Hasan Choudry of HHRD.

“Since around 20-Million Pakistan are still reeling due to the floods of astronomical proportions – Such a catastrophe has never hit the humanity in the documented history of the world – As such all the proceeds from this program will go for the floods victims of Pakistan through HHRD. As we are counting, around $25,000 has been raised and more are coming. This will go towards the $2.5-Million fund of HHRD to adopt 10 Union Councils in Pakistan, where projects like Home Building, Micro-Financing, Water for Life Purification Systems, Medical Clinics, Orphan Support, Education Program, etc. will be implemented. One of the Union Councils will be adopted by the donors of the state of Texas, etc. Union Councils are: Khyber Pukhtoon-Khawa’s Aagra Charsadda, Madyan Bahrain Swat, Nowshera Kalan Nowshera; Punjab’s Basti Rindan Jampur Rajanpur, Utraa Kalan Mianwali, and UC 1 Hafizabad Kot Addu Muzaffargarh; Sindh’s Ghouspur Kandhkot Kashmore, Toj Thull Jacobabad, and Sultankot Shikarpur; and Dirgi Sohbatpur Jaffarabad Baluchistan,” added informed ILyas Hasan Choudry of HHRD.

For more details on HHRD projects, one can call in DFW Region Faiez Usman at 1-630-709-5480 or visit www.hhrd.org

WHY ISLAM CENTER Project Dinner Attended By Many

“Giving brings many rewards & blessings to a person: Giving with philanthropic spirit brings rewards & blessings to not only a person, but also brings positive change in the society around us.”

Based on this principle, the Islamic Circle of North America Houston (ICNA-Houston) invited all Houstonians last Saturday to Shahnai Restaurant to offer such a philanthropic opportunity with the announcement of their WHY ISLAM Center Building Project, most likely to be started in the Northwest or Northeast part of the Houston Region. Around $113,000 was raised.

Hafiz Tauqeer Shah was the Emcee of the evening. More than 300 persons were inspired by the renowned Imam Khalid Griggs, whose motivational presentation was on the topic of: “Rediscovering Commitment”, while encouraging message was conveyed by Imam Abdul Rauf Khawalda; his topic was: “Let’s Commit New Year 1432 Hijrah Resolution”.

What is “Why Islam Center”? As everyone is well aware, we live in most interesting times, where faith of the Muslims (Islam) is in discussion (both in positive & negative tone), on daily basis across the globe; in homes, marketplaces, offices, corporations, media, etc.

In order to bring the authentic message of Islam to the society around us, ICNA on behalf of the whole Muslim community of North America, launched the Why Islam program in the late 1990s and in our region, you must have seen Billboards of Why Islam over the past one decade (Check www.WhyIslam.Org): One is still existing along US 90 at SH 6 besides the railroad tracks in the New Territory Area.

For making this program more meaningful and effective in our region, ICNA-Houston is starting this Why Islam Center project most likely in the growing Northwest part of Houston.

Why Islam Center will include the Islamic Learning Foundation (ILF) for both Muslims & Non-Muslims; New Muslims Counseling; Family Counseling; Human Services & Relief Projects; Muslim Youth Activities; Senior Citizens Center; Muslim Women Center; Inter-Community & Intra-Community Interaction & Outreach Programs; A Prayer Area; and much more.

Some $113,000 was raised, which will all go towards the Why Islam Center Building projects – All the contributions are tax-deductible, so ICNA office bearers have appealed that anyone wanting to give end of the year giving, this is an opportunity.

ICNA Houston wants to make this Landmark of the Houston Community a reality in early 2011. For more information, one can reach Haseeb Abdali, President ICNA-Houston at 713-261-4512 or Dr. Rashid Siddiqui, Coordinator of Why Islam Center Building project at 713-624-0697, or visit www.ICNAHouston.Com

ICNA-Houston, 4021 Baden Street, Houston, Texas 77009, HoustonICNA@Yahoo.com.

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