A Message from AIW Board of Directors By Adil Katabay, Chairman June 1, 2010.

Dear NOOR Community Members:

Assalamu Alikum warahmatu Allah wabarakatu

"And hold fast to the rope of Allah, all of you together, and do not be divided" [Al-Imran, 3:103]
May Allah’s peace and blessing be upon the prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and his family

This is the first of many correspondences that will be submitted by the newly structured Board of Directors (“BOD”) of the American Islamic Waqf (“AIW”) to our dear respected brothers and sisters of the Noor community. We thank you in advance for reading this correspondence.
First, we’d like to provide you with an update on the newly structured BOD. The newly structured BOD consists, at present, of twelve members. Two of the members are pre-existing BOD members, and ten new members have been added to the BOD in accordance with the processes and requirements of the bylaws of AIW. The ten new members who have been added are quite diverse and bring their own experiences to the BOD, inshaallah to the betterment of AIW and NICC. Our newest members of the BOD come from all corners of the Muslim world. Some have been active in the community for decades, while others are beginning to make their mark. We have added doctors, a lawyer, engineers, and other professionals to the BOD – all with their own intelligence and brilliance to support our NICC and this community.

The BOD is fully aware of the lack of sisters on the newly structured BOD. The BOD has the intention, and has always had the intention, of adding at least two sisters to the BOD. The BOD will be requesting their appointment very soon. Eventually, the BOD will be expanded to include fifteen members in total. The BOD will also establish an executive committee to be selected from amongst active members of our community in order to oversee the daily operations of NICC.

The BOD had its first meeting this past Friday, and what became abundantly clear is that these individuals are, in essence, individuals. Many important issues were discussed regarding NICC, and many differing opinions were expressed. Each BOD member brings his own set of skills, experiences, and intelligence to the BOD, and productive diversity of opinion was undoubtedly the “norm” at our first meeting.

Now, while the BOD consists of individuals with varying opinions, what also became abundantly clear at the first meeting was that each of these individuals expressed opinions that pertain only to the betterment of NICC. These individuals, the new BOD, are committed and will work tirelessly for this community to ensure the stability, now and in the future, of NICC. This is not an easy task to take on, and the responsibility is great. In speaking from a purely business perspective, this is a multi-million dollar nonprofit trust that must be managed with intelligence and precision. Much more important than this though is the fact that NICC serves as a beacon of light to all Muslims in the Central Ohio community, and is of primary importance to our children, our children’s children, and generations to come. The responsibility could not be greater, the task at hand could not be more important.

Many newly appointed members to the BOD reluctantly accepted their new responsibilities as Board members for very obvious reasons. These recent times have been challenging for the community, and the notion of succeeding the previous Board is not a concept that many of our newly appointed BOD members were terribly fond of.

We ask that you truly analyze the situation my dear brothers and sisters. Each newly appointed BOD member knew that he would be under extreme scrutiny upon accepting his nomination to the BOD. It is important to ask “why” these brothers would sacrifice time with their families and from their professions, knowing that they would be highly scrutinized immediately upon acceptance of their nominations. The answer is simple, and it is of fundamental important to recognize - each of these newly appointed BOD members accepted their nominations because of how important the task at hand is. They could not turn away. It is not politics that has brought this group together, rather, a sense of responsibility and a call to duty. The newly appointed brothers were not part of the primary conflict that this community has endured over the past year. Rather, they were chosen to heal this community and stabilize an institution that this community loves and cherishes. It is with this mindset that the new BOD will proceed: a call to duty that cannot be ignored.

The new BOD will proceed being constantly mindful of the past, and of the circumstances that have splintered this great community. The newly structured BOD would be remiss if it did not recognize that the very existence of NICC is due to the efforts of the original four Board of Directors of AIW, and this, of course, includes Br. Khaled Farag. Br. Farag was one of the driving forces behind the construction of NICC, and without his vision and leadership, NICC that we have all come to love and endear would not exist. Br. Farag, we thank you. And not only do we thank you, but we posit to you that NICC and this community needs you. You are respected, loved, and your presence at NICC and in this community is vital.

To Br. Hassan Ayyoub, Ashraf Mandourah, and Br. Mufakkarul Islam, and to all who have contributed to the success of the NICC center in any capacity, we thank you very much. You are respected, loved, and your presence at NICC and in this community is also extremely vital.

Now, a fair question to ask is “where do we go from here?” The answer is actually quite simple. We get to work. We work to keep the institution's doors open, and we work to keep the institution financially stable and finally pay off NICC's debts so that our children, and our children's children, will always have their beacon of light and hope. We work to bring stability back to an institution that is important to all of us. We work to continue the tremendous outreach and programming efforts. We work…tirelessly.

We humbly ask for the community's blessings as we proceed down this path. Please give us strength.

Responsibilities / Logistical Matters
The responsibilities of the BOD are to carry the mission of the organization as envisioned by the founders of this organization:
1. To develop and operate and/or promote the development/operation of Islamic cultural institutions such as schools, relief organizations, universities, hospitals, broadcast stations, community centers, cultural centers, museums, mosques, cemeteries, and other institutions that serve the Muslim community in the United States and world wide.
2. To educate the general population in the United States and in central Ohio in particular about the Islamic culture and Islamic values.
3. To serve the needs of all the sectors of the Muslim community (adults, youth, children, men and women).
4. To assure that the understanding and practice of Islam and Islamic values are according to the teachings of the Qur'an and the way (Sunnah) of the seal of all Prophets Mohammed (pbuh) and understanding of the main stream Muslims.
5. To facilitate humanitarian and relief efforts for people of all faiths.
6. To provide social and counseling services and assistance to needy and disadvantaged Americans.

We would also like to make very clear to our dear community that AIW and the Noor Islamic Cultural Center are an Islamic Waqf (Trust) and belong to no "private" individuals or foundations. All your donations go to the operating expenses, debt obligations and staff salaries. No board member will receive monetary compensation for his voluntary service on the board.

Moving Forward:

With the help of Allah, dedicated board, committees, volunteers, and community members, Noor will be a vibrant community, energetic, passionate, and forward thinking. Ours will be a place where we find connection, meaning, and a sense of purpose that carries over into all aspects of our lives. Our Masjid will nurture and inspire us to live rich lives of dedication, compassion, and commitment to one another and to the larger world – where we will all feel we belong to. We will treat one another with respect, love, and compassion. We will be committed to building an enduring community, supporting one another and those who will come after us.

NOOR Children:
We are a family-friendly congregation, welcoming families of all kinds.
We will create enriching spaces and programs in which our children can grow and thrive, and we will learn the lessons that they teach us.
In the process of raising spiritually healthy children, we will continue to support parents and ensure that they can actively participate in our community.

Our Youth:
Our youth are an integral and vital part of our community, where they can express themselves in an open, non-judgmental environment.
We will support them in pursuing their unique dreams and aspirations.
We will provide them with leadership opportunities and, in return, receive the unique gifts they have to offer.
We will help them bridge the gap and foster their continuation into young adult and adulthood.

Our Elders:
We will draw on the wisdom of our elders, learning from them individually and as a community.
We will care for our elders, in health and in illness, and help them prepare for life transitions that come with aging.
We will address the limitations of age and make our programs and services accessible.

Outreach:
Our outreach efforts are very important to spread the knowledge of Islamic Faith (dawa) and Culture to our non-Muslim neighbors, colleagues, and community at large.
We have to clarify what Islam truly is.
Our interfaith dialogue and connections are important for building bridges of understanding, respect, and trust amongst various faiths.
Let us create a climate of security and abundance through effective use of our resources (leadership, volunteers, staff, finances, communications, and property). Without your support and the hard work forward, none of these can be achieved.

Governance:
Our BOD is empowered to conduct our affairs through policy development, community consultation, and long-range planning. The BOD's policy actions will be reflecting the concerns of the community and BOD decisions will be implemented by staff and volunteers involved in all aspects of community life

Our organizational structure will effectively support the work of the center.

Volunteers:
Volunteering will be a spiritual practice that will help our members feel useful, connected, and enjoy a sense of achievement.
We will look to our adult members to take responsibility for the governance, program design and delivery, and resource management of our community. Youth and elders will have the opportunity to participate and contribute as fully as possible.
We will encourage members of the community to take on leadership roles as they are able.
As a volunteer organization, we will expect members to serve as well as being served.

Staff
We will treat our staff with respect, offer competitive wages and benefits, and provide opportunities for personal and professional development.
Our staff will be expanded as our needs demand.

Finances
We will expect members to contribute financially to the best of their ability to build an enduring community and to make a difference in the world.
We will operate in a fiscally sound manner.

Communications
We will communicate information, ideas, and initiatives to our community quickly and effectively.
Our external communications will enhance our image, support our vision and attract an increasing number of visitors.

As you can see, your positive support and dedication to this organization are not only required but a solemn duty. What you put into it is what you get. All have to do their share. Your board of directors will be happy to receive your suggestions, comments, and ideas in an objective and courteous way. May Allah help us to carry this responsibility and guide us to the straight path. Amen.

On behalf of the AIW board of directors,
Adil Katabay, Chairman


Members of the Board of Directors of AIW
Br. Adil Katabay, Chairman: Katabay’s father is from Ethiopia and his mother's father is from Yemen. Born in Saudi Arabia. Moved to the U.S. in 1985. Attended medical school at University of Wisconsin, Residency in Anesthesiology at University of Minnesota, Pain Fellowship at Harvard. Practicing interventional pain management in private practice in Westerville, Hilliard and Marion. Married and have five children. Lives near NICC.
Br. Mohammad Arif, Treasurer: Arif has a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Afghanistan and he came to Illinois in 1985. He received his Master degree in Accounting from University of Illinois at Springfield, Illinois in 1990. Since his graduation he has been working as a financial auditor and then IT auditor. He moved to Ohio in June 2004. He has served one term as President of Islamic Society of Greater Springfield, two terms as treasurer and many years Sunday School Principle in Springfield, Illinois. Since he moved to Ohio he started teaching at Noor Academy Sunday School and serve as a vice principle.
Br. Jamal Sadoun, Secretary: Sadoun moved to the USA from Jordan in 1985. Graduated from University of Toledo in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Worked in manufacturing engineering with General Motors, General Electric and other companies for over 12 years. Sadoun owns and operates satellite TV systems and solar energy products business with contract manufacturing in Asia. Sadoun has been involved with NICC in his capacity as a past chairman of NOOR Outreach committee.
Br. Abdulrahman Ahmed: Born in Somalia Graduated from Somali University, Veterinary Medicine with post graduate in Immunology and Biochemistry. Lived in Kuwait from 1980 to 2003. Married with three children. Self-Employed.
Br. Abukar Arman: From Somalia. Married with four children. Been living in the US since 1980. Moved to Columbus in 1994. Have been active in the community. Served on various boards and other essential committees for Muslim and non-Muslim organizations in Central Ohio.
Br. Saad Barghout, P.E.: Barghout has earned a P.E., LEED AP, and a Masters Degree in Construction Management and Engineering Technology. He moved from Egypt to the United States in 1995 and has been living in Columbus since 1998. Saad has 3 kids, 2 girls and a son, who was born in Columbus. He served the Muslim Community for many years throughout different roles and various organizations.
Br. Rehan Chawdry: Chawdry currently works for a Dublin, OH based software firm as the company's Integrated Justice Practice Leader. He was born in Pakistan and arrived with his family in Columbus, OH in 1980. His primary education has come through the local school system in Hilliard, OH and ultimately at the Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in 1994. His Islamic education also began in Columbus as a student of the Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio school. He currently serves on the NOOR Academy Sunday School Board and functions as the current PTA President.
Br. Asim Haque, Esq: Haque was born here in Columbus and is the proud son of the Columbus Muslim Community, the weekend school at the Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, and two very loving parents who have been active in the Columbus Muslim community for decades. Asim has excelled at every level of his educational background, most recently as a graduate of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. Asim has been involved with NICC in his capacity as a Board Member of the Noor Academy Sunday School since the School's inception.
Br. Inam Khokhar: Khokhar was born in Pakistan and earned his PhD. in Applied Electrochemistry from The Royal Institute of Stockholm, Sweden. He lived in Columbus between 1970-80, worked in Saudi Arabia for 13 years followed by 4 years stay in Lahore, Pakistan. In 1997 he returned back to join the Columbus community and since then is living here. He has 2 sons, both born in Columbus, graduated from Ohio State University and currently living in Columbus. Since 1998 he has served AIW in different roles and Port Columbus Interfaith Services as a Board member. He is listed in “Marquis Who Is Who In America.
Br. Jamal Naiyer: Born in India, came to Columbus Ohio in September 1985, married and have two children, work at Ohio EPA Lab.
Br. Amgad Saleh: An AIW Founding member. Born in Cairo, Egypt. Moved to the U.S. March 1990... received M.Sc. and Ph.D from the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. Married and have 3 sons all born in Columbus, OH. Work at Alcatel-Lucent/Bell Labs in Naperville as a Software Analyst. Member of the Alcatel-Lucent Technical Academy.
Br. Hany Saqr: Saqr had his MD degree from Egypt. He came to Columbus in 1983. He had his MS and Ph.D from OSU. He co-founded ISGC, Sunrise Academy, AIW and NICC. He worked as Imam of IFCO for 19 years. He is now serving as a board member of several organizations.