THANK YOU
Dear Community Members of the Islamic Society of Boston,
As we reflect on 2024, our hearts are filled with immense gratitude and pride for the extraordinary impact we have made together.
Your unwavering support, trust, and dedication have empowered the Islamic Society of Boston to provide significant support and nurture a profound sense of unity and belonging within our community. In addition to strengthening our communities, our collective efforts have also extended a helping hand to all our stakeholders, showcasing the true spirit of compassion, harmony, and generosity that defines us.
Major Accomplishments in 2024:
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Engaging New and Diverse Communities: Hundreds of new and diverse community members from the greater Boston community connected at ISB, many for the first time, through new programs both inside and outside our masajids (Parenthood series, New Revert Faith series, teen and professional events, college MSAs, meet Your Neighbor Day in Cambridge, multicultural festivals, Open Mosque Day, BBQs, New England Muslim Festival, etc.)
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Focused Relationship Building and Collaboration at all Levels: All year, we emphasized and strengthened civic engagement, community partnerships, and interfaith activities at various levels, fostering robust relationships to create mutual understanding across diverse communities. We ensured Muslim voices are heard and represented broadly, from civil rights and social justice, to interfaith unity and encouraging peaceful solutions to conflicts. Organizations we collaborated with include GBIO, CAIR, JVC, MCSS, ICNA Relief, WIC, Cambridge Peace Commissioner, Boston City Council, the Governors office, the Attorney Generals office, and others. These included the easier conversations with those sympathetic to Muslims as well as those harder conversations with those who had less understanding of Muslims and Islam.
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Enhancing Deen Education and Dawa: Partnered with local and out of state organizations to provide educational workshops and lectures on various Islamic topics, attracting over 600 participants and covering diverse themes. Over 200 new Muslims took shahada at ISBCC where they found a new nest that prepared them for a transformative journey, providing spiritual fulfillment and a supportive community that embraces them with compassion and guidance. Over 1,500 non-Muslim visitors toured ISBCC, approximately 50% more than in 2023.
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Building Financial Sustainability: In 2023, the Cambridge Waqf project reached a major milestone through the development and new construction of five townhomes in Cambridge, MA, to support ISB's operations and long-term financial stability. In 2024, we began repaying the associated waqf construction loan, aiming for swift completion. This project will enhance ISBs financial self-sufficiency, boost community programs, and ensure long-term sustainability. In 2024 we also repaid $120,000 of original construction loans for ISBCC and aim to complete this repayment, which had been stalled until 2019, within the next two years inshAllah.
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Improving Community Experience: To enhance our community's worship experience, we completed several key projects: upgrading our security system through state and federal grants, implementing the Masjidal integrated solution for prayer times, programming communication, and signage, getting ready for carpet replacement in 2025, audio visual overhaul, and starting to address major HVAC systems maintenance for both Cambridge and Boston.
Looking Ahead - Ramadan 2025 and Beyond:
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue this journey of community service and growth. The blessed month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, duaa, and giving, and as always, we are committed to making it a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone.
Our vision includes expanding Quranic education through a new Quran school at ISB, adding a new full time Imam, new programs for teens, launching new clubs and expanding interfaith leadership.
Your generosity is crucial to our success and will enable us to continue providing vital services and support to our community. No contribution is too small, and every donation makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that our Ummah continues to benefit from more programs and services.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. May Allah bless you and your families with health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
Jazakum Allah Khairan
Board of Directors and Board of Trustees
Islamic Society of Boston