This past weekend, the Islamic Information Center held a NY/NJ Chapter Meeting at the Muslim Foundation, Inc Islamic Center in New Jersey. Several dozen individuals attended this meeting, which served as IIC’s introduction to the Northern NJ community, last year IIC introduced itself to the New York City community with an event titled “Beyond the Elections“, which was held at the famous New York University.  Click the link to see what it was all about!

The meeting featured Mohsin Naquvi, Hajar Hosseini, and Rahat Husain as speakers on the event, which was moderated by Sister Saman Naquvi. Between the speakers and moderators, quite a bit was discussed about what kind of organization IIC is, and the need for political involvement by the Shia community, in order to advance broad Muslim and humanitarian goals, particularly in the cases of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.

Attendees asked questions about how to best contact local congressman, and were advised on various pro-Muslim congressional representatives, such as Bill Pascrell, who co-signed the “Recognition of Eid” bill last year, and MFI’s own districted congressman, Rush Holt.

Afterwards, a private activists meeting was held, and additional volunteers were solicited to join the NY/NJ Chapter of IIC. Strategies for educating the community were discussed, as were topics relating to partnerships and relations with other Muslim organizations.

Meeting attendees also discussed the strategy of working with other Local New Jersey groups to enhance the functionality and mission of IIC.  IIC plans to return in the Islamic months of Muharram and in Rabi Awwal to the area, and attendees were excited for future programs. Watch your emails for announcements of future New York and New Jersey events, they will be coming soon!