From Shrinking to Standing with you at IIC 💚
It's simple. We need each other.
Aslam Alikum Beloved Ibrahim Center Family,
As the 27th night of Ramadan is upon us tonight, I write to you with a heart full of awe and gratitudefirst and foremost, for Allah and then for the beautiful souls He has gathered in this community.
My name is Amna Mulla, and I have the deep honor of serving as the Executive Director of the Ibrahim Islamic Center. Whether youve been here from the beginning or are just starting to get to know us, please know you are part of something sacred.
Before replanting my roots in Houstonwhere I was raisedI spent years away, searching for sacred spaces that felt like home. When I returned, I visited many masjids but often felt turned away. As a woman, I sometimes felt I had to make myself smaller to belong.
Then I found IICa space that welcomed my full presence. A space striving for sincerity, sacred companionship, and excellence. Thats not a reflection of me, but of whats possible when hearts come together for Allahs sake.
Over this past year, Ive had the privilege of witnessing your generosity, your adab, your duas, and your quiet acts of service. Whether you show up every week, or this email finds you after some time away, thank you. Your presenceseen or unseenis deeply felt.
If you are new to our community, I pray IIC becomes a source of light and upliftment for you. We are here to walk togetherin joy, in hardship, and in growthwith sacred companionship.
One of the most beautiful lessons Ive learned from our teachers is this:
Enter the space with intention. Pick up the shoe. Serve the teacher with excellence and adab. Offer your best. Speak kindly. Have adab toward the space and the souls that enter it. And always rememberAllah is the witness to every moment.
Sacred companionship is not always easyit is not just love and smiles. Its a mirror that reflects whats inside us. It calls us to show up with humility, to forgive when its not asked, and to ask forgiveness when it is. It has refined my heart more than I can say.
So on this blessed night, I humbly ask for your forgiveness for any shortcomings in my first year as your Executive Director. I am here to serve you, our teachers, and the sacred vision were buildingtogether, inshaAllah.
My door is always open. If you have feedback, ideas, or simply want to share whats on your heartI would be honored to listen.
As we enter these final nights of Ramadan, we are striving to raise the funds that will allow us to sustain our programs, care for our teachers, and continue cultivating this sacred space. This is our only major fundraiser of the yearand we are currently 50% shy of our goal.
If any part of this letter resonates with you, please consider supporting our collective work. Every contributionbig or smallhelps us continue this journey together. You can give here.
May Allah bless you and your families. May He accept our efforts and grant us success in all we do.
With dua and deep gratitude,
Amna Mulla
Executive Director
Ibrahim Islamic Center
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