Dearborn, MI : May 15th, 2009, Greenfield Manor witnessed the joy of the American Muslim Society's[AMS] members, friends, government officials, religious leaders celebrating a saga of 70 years of AMS' service to the community. In this anniversary celebration, many people gathered at Greenfield Manor in Dearborn to witness 70 years of accomplishments since 1938. The event was started by Sheikh Hamood Afif, the Imam of the Dearborn Masjid who welcomed the crowed and recited some verses from the Generous Qur'an. Afterwards, Mr. Mahdi Ali, the current President of AMS welcomed the audience and highlighted the history of AMS. "[AMS' Masjid Dearborn] is the seed of America Mosques" said the AMS President. He continued "I want thank Allah the almighty, our founding fathers of the United States, and America's freedoom for the religious freedom that we All Americans have." Mr. Ali mentioned that this is not the finish line for AMS, but AMS has more work to do in the community. Many government and state officials were present in the event including the honored guest, Congressman John D. Dingell. Officials also included the Mayor of the City of Dearborn Mr. Jack O'Reilly, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Mayor of Coldwater Eugene F. Wallace , State elected official Rashida Talib, Wayne County Commissioner, Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, and the City of Dearborn Council President, Nancy Hubbard. The sister's committee chairwoman, Iman Jasem then described the roles of AMS committees. A video clip showing the history and saga of Masjid Dearborn and AMS was projected to the audience on the full screen of the manor. The keynote speaker of the event was Dr. Jamal Badawi, an Egyptian born Muslim Canadian professor in Saint Mary's University. Dr. Badawi who is a member of the Islamic Juridical Council of North America is also an Imam of a local Mosque in Halifax, Canada. During his speech, Dr. Badawi emphasized the importance of integration of Muslims in the American society and engaging themselves in a respectful dialouge.
The last segment of the ceremony was the awards. The AMS 70th Anniversary Awards went distinguished leaders in our community. The first award went to Congressman John D. Dingell who was awarded for supporting and empowering the American Moslem Society for the past five decades. "The AMS is pleased and proud to honor Congressman Dingell for dedicating his life to the noble cause of serving our nation" said the President of AMS, Mr. Mahdi Ali.
The second award went to Mr. Abdo Alasry, a long-term active member and a leader of AMS. Mr. Alasry served as President of AMS from 1979 to 1984 and currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees. The third award went to one of the founders of AMS. According to AMS, Mr. Hussein El Haje helped physically building and constructing the Masjid of Dearborn. The last award went to Mrs. Mariam Maktari, a long-term teacher and educator in the community. Mrs. Maktari was recognized by AMS for her outstanding work as a leader, counselor, and a supporter of the Moslem youth. The crowed then congratulated the members and leaders of AMS. AMS as an institution has played a major role in the advancement and success of the community and with its members' hard work, it will continue to do so.
Pictures: Gamal Almorisi
