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Opening of the Kelowna Masjid As-Salaam
8-08-2018
The opening ceremony on July 28th for Masjid As-Salaam was amazing with great Islamic spirit. I would like to congratulate the project manager and his team, Brother Mostafa Schoranick, Rehan Sadiq and Salem Bissat, the Secretary, Mr. Hamid Butt and the entire team for their diligence completing this very honorable undertaking.
Many individuals from the Lower Mainland attended including the President of BCMA, Br. Iltaf Sahib, past BCMA Presidents, some members of the Executive, including Br. Abdullah Nasib Ali, General Secretary and Trustees as well as the Chair of the Women's Council, Sr. Anjuman Asin and Secretary of the Women's Council, Sr. Tazul Ali.
The ceremony began with talawat from the Quran, followed by a speech from the Chair of the Kelowna branch of the BCMA, Br. Mostafa. He introduced his Board members as well as the construction committee. Br. Iltaf Sahib and I were joined by Members of Parliament and officials from Kelowna City Council as well as members of the community for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The volunteers worked hard making sure every guest was entertained and welcomed. Guests included people from the surrounding areas including Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed the delicious food as we gathered to exchange opinions and viewpoints. Also invited to the masjid's opening were neighbors and the local church pastor. The BC Muslim Association would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the support that the City of Kelowna and the Planning Department who assisted in the planning and facilitation of this project as well as the people of Kelowna who have been immensely supportive. A project such as this is not possible without substantial financial contribution which is evident in the building and completion of this masjid. It's very unusual that you get a report at every step of the project by the project manager which we have experienced on this project and for this we are thankful.
I request that every project considered by the BCMA should follow in the footsteps of the Kelowna Branch. Time frames of projects are crucial and should be adhered to and not go on indefinitely. Members of the BCMA have every right to know how their financial investment is being managed. Every dollar collected by the BCMA should be accounted for and justified.
When individuals donate funds, they wish to see evidence of the progress made by the BCMA. When the progress isn't made, or explanations are not forth coming, members become concerned and apprehensive about where their dollars are going. Masjid As-Salaam is a blessing and an excellent addition to the BCMA family. It is a beautiful place to worship, educate and serve the Muslim community of Kelowna as well as the surrounding areas.
This masjid is a place to gather for everyone as we build bridges amongst the different faiths and people of this area as we continue with compassion and kindness to one another.
Sincerely, Jazak Allah Khair un, Br. Mahmood Awan, BCMA Trustee
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