UMMAH NY Assembly Brings Muslim Leaders Together to Strengthen Mosque Capacity-Security-Community Collaboration
More than 50 imams, mosque board members, nonprofit leaders, and community representatives gathered at the Thikana Community Hub in Queens for the UMMAH NY Assembly Dinner, a leadership forum focused on strengthening New York’s mosques through education, strategic partnerships, and resource sharing.
The event opened with a presentation by Dr. Sayeed Islam, associate professor of industrial-organizational psychology at Farmingdale State College, who shared findings from UMMAH NY’s recently completed New York masjid survey. The research highlighted key trends affecting local mosques and prompted calls for broader data-driven planning and similar assessments across Muslim communities statewide.
Mubinur Rahman, a nonprofit human resources executive, led a session on grant opportunities available to faith-based organizations and offered practical guidance on developing competitive funding applications.
A delegation from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), based in Washington, D.C., delivered an in-depth presentation on mosque security, public policy engagement, and the national landscape of anti-Muslim hate incidents. The delegation included Haris Tarin, Vice President of Policy and Programming; Khuram Zaman, Founding Director of the Center for the Study and Transformation of Policy (CSTP); and Sameer Hossain, Managing Director of MPAC’s Washington office.
The speakers outlined security resources and partnership opportunities available to New York mosques, noting that New York continues to report one of the highest numbers of anti-Muslim incidents in the United States. They encouraged mosque leaders to strengthen preparedness through collaboration, advocacy, and the effective use of available resources. MPAC also pledged continued support for Muslim organizations through policy advocacy and praised UMMAH NY for bringing together a diverse group of community leaders.
UMMAH NY representatives Liajul Hassan and Wacef Chowdhury updated attendees on the organization’s expanding mission and highlighted several community initiatives developed with partner organizations. These include pilot “Protecting Children and Imams” workshops led by mental health professionals, pro bono financial audit assistance from certified public accountants, youth leadership initiatives, volunteer media support, and policy advocacy resources for New York mosques.
The forum featured interactive discussions and audience participation throughout the day, with attendees expressing interest in expanding collaboration beyond the event. Participants also observed Asr and Maghrib prayers together, took part in a networking activity known as Halal Bingo, and concluded the gathering with a community dinner.
UMMAH NY recognized the contributions of organizing team members Fawzia Rahman, Ishan Fairuz, and Mushreka Orin, along with the event’s speakers, and thanked Thikana Community Hub for hosting the program.
Representatives from numerous organizations attended, including MAS, BSP, Elhaam Academy, MPAC, An-Noor Center, Abu Huraira Masjid, Tawfeeq.org, Zakiganj Society of USA, Masjid Al Iman, As Siraatal Mustaqeem Islamic Center, Centre of Excellence, Elmhurst Islamic Center, Siraat Foundation, Halal Food Connections, the Muslim Center of New York, and several other mosques and community organizations from across the region.
Organizers said the forum is part of UMMAH NY’s ongoing effort to strengthen collaboration among Muslim institutions by connecting community leaders with practical expertise, research, and resources that support sustainable organizational development and community service.
