On June 9, 2024, the Islamic Society of Greater Milford (ISGM) hosted an inspiring Interfaith Meet & Greet event at Masjid Al-Ikhlaas in Hopkinton. The event, organized by ISGM’s Tawheed Interfaith and Dawah Center (TIDC), brought together community members, faith leaders, and local dignitaries to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse faith communities. The gathering was a testament to the power of outreach in building trust and promoting unity.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome by ISGM Board Member Furquan Syed “We are here today to build bridges of understanding and trust,” Syed emphasized, setting the tone for the day’s events. The opening note was followed by the Quran recitation from ISGM Youth Members Haseeb Rahman & Ayah Kurdi.
A Community United
Nawaz Karim, President of ISGM, opened the event by highlighting the rapid growth and dedication of the Islamic community in Greater Milford. “Having this mosque established so quickly is a testament to the diversity and welcoming spirit of the people of this town,” Karim noted. He further elaborated on ISGM’s commitment to being an integral part of the local fabric, engaging in social services such as blood drives, food distribution, and free clinics. “We are not done yet,” Karim asserted. “We want to be part of this community and give back.”
The event transitioned into a socializing session where attendees enjoyed delicious food and explored informative posters about Islam. This was followed by an insightful presentation by Furquan Syed, introducing ISGM and detailing its mission and activities. “In the last 12 months, we have grown tremendously, covering 16 towns and bringing together a diverse community from various backgrounds,” Syed explained. He shared the history and vision of ISGM, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and community activities hosted at Masjid Al-Ikhlaas in Hopkinton.
The event was graced by a diverse group of attendees representing various faiths and community organizations. Among the attendees were leaders from the United Parish of Upton, Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough, Catholic Charities Worcester County in Milford, First UMC Milford, CAIR – Massachusetts, St. Mary’s of Assumption, St. Philopateer and St. Mina in Wayland, Temple Beth Torah, and several local government officials, including the Fire Chief and Police Chief of Hopkinton, the Hopkinton School Superintendent, the Mendon-Upton School Superintendent, representatives from the Hopkinton Library, and members of the Hopkinton Select Board. This broad representation underscored the event’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and community collaboration.
Syed recounted the story of how the Hopkinton community supported the establishment of Masjid Al-Ikhlaas. “When we started the Islamic Society of Greater Milford, we struggled to find a suitable place for our growing community. After months of searching, the 61 Wood Street Church generously allowed us to use their community center for our prayers,” he said. However, the space quickly became insufficient. “The same church informed us about a vacant building, and with the support of the Hopkinton community, we were able to purchase it and convert it into Masjid Al-Ikhlaas.”
The process wasn’t easy, but the community’s support was overwhelming. “We attended a town meeting with about 1,000 people at Hopkinton High School. The entire town voted in our favor, and it didn’t even require a formal vote because everyone loudly supported keeping it as a house of worship,” Syed shared. “This overwhelming support is a testament to the community spirit here in Hopkinton.”
Keynote Highlights
Dr. Mohammad Lazzouni, Imam at the Islamic Center of Boston, delivered a moving keynote address titled “Finding Strength: Faith, Wisdom, and Building Community.” Dr. Lazzouni shared a personal story of his journey to the United States and his commitment to serving the community. “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools,” he quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stressing the urgency of unity in today’s divided world. Dr. Lazzouni’s reflections on faith and community resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the transformative power of interfaith dialogue.
Dr. Lazzouni also drew on wisdom from Ali (رضي الله عنه), the fourth caliph of Islam, saying, “Raise your children in a manner that is different from the way you were raised because they will live at a time that is different from the time you lived in.” He expressed that embracing and understanding the differences in our times is crucial for fostering a progressive and inclusive community. “We must adapt and grow with our changing world, teaching our children the values of respect and understanding,” Lazzouni emphasized.
Congressman Jim McGovern’s visit and speech added a significant layer of support and recognition for the event. He praised the efforts of ISGM and the broader community in fostering inclusivity and understanding. “This is what a community should look like, and this is what a community is about—people who want to make things better, not just for themselves, but for the people in their towns, states, country, and the world.” McGovern stated. Reflecting on the event’s significance, he added, “It is so refreshing to be in a place with people of faith—different faiths—gathered here today, dedicated to good.” He also emphasized the shared values among different faiths: “Love, justice, dignity, respect, peace, and human rights are central to all our faiths.”
Shahidul Mannan, a Select Board Member from Hopkinton, spoke about the importance of outreach in fostering trust and understanding. “A big part of a strong, diverse community is understanding each other and being comfortable with our identity as a whole,” Mannan remarked. He shared his personal journey of balancing his cultural identity with his professional life in America, underscoring the need for open dialogue and mutual respect. “We must engage in honest and open dialogue, recognizing our shared humanity and working towards a common vision of peace and justice,” he urged.
Honoring Our Diverse Roots
The event also featured the Adhan demo by Haseeb Rahman and Ayah Kurdi, which captivated attendees and showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic faith. Following the demo, several attendees expressed their gratitude for the event and the invitation, appreciating the opportunity to learn and connect with members of the Muslim community.
In his closing remarks, Nawaz Karim reiterated the significance of the youth in ISGM’s vision. He highlighted the need for schools to accommodate Muslim students’ religious practices and called for more inclusive policies. “Our youth need to be part of these events,” Karim emphasized. “They need to be able to get off from school to attend Friday prayers and Eids.” Karim then stated his vision “I would like to see in schools, at least high schools, a space for kids to pray, similar to the chapel at Milford Regional Hospital where anyone can go and pray. This would accommodate our practice of praying five times a day.”
The event concluded with guided tours of Masjid Al-Ikhlaas in Hopkinton, led by ISGM Youth and volunteers. Attendees explored the mosque’s facilities, including the prayer hall, community center, and classrooms, gaining a deeper understanding of the Islamic faith and the vibrant community it nurtures.
Looking Ahead
The Interfaith Meet & Greet at Masjid Al-Ikhlaas in Hopkinton was a resounding success, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds and fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. As ISGM continues to grow and engage with the broader community, events like these play a crucial role in building bridges and promoting mutual understanding.
“We are part of this fabric,” Karim concluded. “Let’s continue to work together to build a better, more united community.”
