News & Updates

Perseverance to Purpose: Honoring Imam Dr. Rushdan Mustafa Mujahid-Deen His quiet unshakable connection to faith, sacrifice, commitment to service, and personal development. A respected voice in chaplaincy and community service, Imam Rushdan has reached a major milestone earning his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Islamic Leadership from Bayan Islamic Graduate School . This achievement is a story of resilience, discipline, and deep spiritual conviction. A Journey Forged Through Struggle and Fait h Balancing two jobs, enduring personal and external challenges, and pushing through moments of doubt, Imam Rushdan remained steadfast. He describes long nights, relentless effort, and a test of patience that would have caused many to step away. At one critical moment , he faced a major setback, not passing his oral defense. For many, this could have marked the end. But not for him, with humility, he returned to his work. He revisited his thesis, leaned on the support of trusted friends, and anchored himself in faith. When he came back to defend his work again, he excelled. "That man can have nothing but what he strives for; That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight.." Quran Chapter 53:39-40

Eid al-Adha & Qurbani Guidebook of a Sacred Tradition of Sacrifice, Service, and Compassion Each year, Muslims around the world come together in a powerful expression of faith, generosity, and remembrance for Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. As ILM Foundation prepares for another impactful Qurbani season, this e-guidebook answers the most important questions while inviting you to be part of something deeply meaningful. What is Eid al-Adha? Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic holidays, commemorating the unwavering devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). He was tested by God to sacrifice his son, and in his complete submission, he prepared to do so only for God to replace his son with a ram at the last moment. "And when he reached the age of striving alongside him, he said: 'O my dear son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you so look, what do you think?' He said: 'O my father, do what you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast……' Quran 37:102 - 107 How is Eid al-Adha celebrated? Eid begins with a special congregational prayer, followed by a sermon. Families gather, meals are shared, and communities come alive with gratitude and generosity. But at the heart of Eid al-Adha is Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal, symbolizing devotion to God and compassion for others. The importance of the Eid prayer and the sacrifice that follows it is established in the Quran, "Indeed, We have granted you al-Kawthar. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice." Quran 103:1-2 What date is Eid al-Adha 2026? In 2026, Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. How many days is Eid al-Adha? Eid al-Adha spans 3 to 4 days, beginning on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic calendar) and continuing through the Days of Tashreeq. When does Eid al-Adha end? Eid al-Adha concludes on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, marking the end of the Days of Tashreeq.  Donate Here for your Qurbani

The Profound Outcome of the Total Submission Qurbani is an act of worship of sacrificing an animal most commonly like a cow, sheep or goat; re-enacting the Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his Son Prophet Ishmail (as). Eid Al Adha is referred to as Eid Al Akbar (The Big Celebration). ILM Foundation’s aim in this blog is to share some principles associated with this rich tradition and the deep blessings attached to it. Qurbani (قُرْبَانِ) means to draw near. Prophet Ibrahim and his son demonstrate a Divine Master’s Class chronicled in the Quran of Qurbani in practice. Qurbani in the Quran فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ And when he reached the age of striving alongside him, he said: 'My son I see in a dream that I am slaughtering you. So, tell me, what do you see?' He said: 'My father do what you have been commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast."

Honoring Imam Abu Ishaq Abdul Hafiz Life of Service “The mission is Greater than the Discomfort.” There are leaders who speak. There are leaders who act. And then there are those rare individuals who quietly dedicate their entire lives to serving humanity often in places the world forgets. Today, we honor one such servant of God, Imam Abu Ishaq Abdul Hafiz, recipient of the 2026 Community Service Award from the Southern California Shura Council. This is a recognition of a lifetime spent walking into the hardest spaces with faith, dignity, and unwavering compassion, answering the call in spaces few want to go. But to call this simply an “award” would be an understatement. He is fulling daily the purpose of which the Quran says, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. (51.56) Born Albert Eugene Simms Jr. in Gary, Ind., Abdul-Hafiz discovered Islam during his junior year at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. “One of my African history professors was a Christian, . . . teaching us the basics of Islam in Africa,” Abdul-Hafiz said. “He said they believed in Jesus as a prophet of God, not God incarnate, and I thought, ‘Wow. All my life I’ve been thinking that. . . . This makes sense to me.’ ” After studying several religions, Abdul-Hafiz took his Islamic oath of faith July 7, 1971, and adopted his Arabic name.

What We Learned from Humanitarian Day 2026: From Service to Lasting Impact For over two decades, Humanitarian Day has been a commitment to service meeting people where they are with dignity and compassion. In 2026, that mission took on deeper meaning as we continued our work at Gladys Park in the heart of Los Angeles’ Skid Row. This year we experienced a moment of clarity. Skid Row remains one of the most concentrated areas of homelessness in the United States. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, more than 75,000 people experience homelessness across Los Angeles County, with thousands living unsheltered in neighborhoods like Skid Row. Many face overlapping challenges, including long-term unemployment, lack of identification, and limited access to healthcare.  Research also shows that a significant portion of the unhoused population lives with chronic physical or mental health conditions barriers that make pathways out of homelessness even more complex. And yet, within this reality, there are pockets of transformation.

Humanitarian Day Returns to Fresno Serving with Purpose and Brotherhood In the spirit of compassion, unity, and service, ILM Foundation proudly marked the return of Humanitarian Day to Fresno during the blessed month of Ramadan 2026. This year’s effort was a powerful reminder that service not only uplifts communities, but also reconnects hearts and histories. What began decades ago as a brotherhood on the football field at California State University, Fresno has evolved into a partnership rooted in service. Former teammates and roommates, Earl Yusuf Oliver and Naim Shah Jr., were reunited once again beyond sports in sincere service to humanity.

Honoring a Legacy of Service ILM Chaplain Advisor Invited to National Muslim Mental Health Conference At ILM Foundation, we are proud to celebrate a moment of profound recognition for one of our own. Our Chaplain Advisor, Sabah Tahir-Muhammad , has been officially invited to serve as a panelist at the prestigious Muslim Mental Health Conference , hosted by the Department of Psychiatry at Michigan State University . This year marks the 18th annual gathering of global experts, clinicians, chaplains, and community leaders committed to advancing mental health within Muslim communities. With participants from over 30 countries, the conference stands as one of the most influential platforms shaping the future of Muslim mental health care. A Historic Voice in Chaplaincy This invitationis a significant acknowledgment of the critical role spiritual care providers play in holistic mental health systems. Sabah’s selection reflects not only her nearly three decades of service as a Muslim female prison chaplain in California, but also her pioneering role in interfaith leadership, counseling, and community healing. Her journey began under the mentorship of California’s first African American female Muslim chaplain, whose legacy she later carried forward with distinction. Today, Sabah continues to uplift individuals and institutions through her work with ILM Foundationin mentoring chaplains, supporting faith-based initiatives, and advocating for dignity and transformation in underserved populations. From Silos to Systems The 2026 conference theme, “Silos to Systems: Weaving Together the Strands of Muslim Mental Health,” calls for collaboration across disciplines uniting faith, psychology, and community leadership. Sabah’s lived experience uniquely embodies this vision. Her voice on the Legacy Panel will contribute to bridging longstanding gaps between spiritual care and clinical practice. Representing ILM on a Global Stage As Sabah takes the stage in Detroit this April, she does so as a representative of ILM Foundation and the broader community we serve. Her participation underscores ILM’s commitment to supporting chaplaincy as a vital pillar of community well-being—not only in California, but across the nation and beyond. We recognize this invitation as more than an individual achievement—it is a collective milestone. It affirms the importance of investing in chaplain development, honoring lived experience, and ensuring that Muslim voices are present in shaping the future of mental health systems. A Moment of Gratitude and Vision We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sabah Tahir-Muhammad for this well-deserved honor. May her presence inspire meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and pave the way for future generations of chaplains. At ILM Foundation, we remain committed to supporting leaders like Sabah—those who carry wisdom, resilience, and faith into spaces where healing is most needed. May this be the beginning of even greater impact, InshaAllah.

At Humanitarian Day 2026 located in Glady’s Park, SkidRow, we spoke with the ILM Foundation team and staff, community partners, and volunteers alike to ask one common question - “what does service mean to you?” Amongst the individuals that we interviewed were: - ILM Foundation Director of Programs Hanif Madyun - ILM Foundation Board Member & Committee Chair & Resident Imam of Masjid Al-Shareef Imam Abdul Hafiz - ILM Foundation Economic Empowerment Consultant & Outreach Coordinator Ibn Donald - Islamic Center of Hawthorne Dawah Committee & Community Outreach Chairperson Abdullah Ali - Hearts of Mercy Karim Boukai - Head of Security Dadisi Abdul Qudus In this article, we will explore how each of these individuals have internalized service in their own lives, and the personal experiences that have increased their understanding of service when doing so.

On Saturday, March 1st, 2026, the 26th Humanitarian Day (HDAY) took place in Glady’s Park - a central location in Skid Row, a 50-block neighborhood historically known as a “containment zone,” where those suffering from homelessness and poverty have communally resided for over 50+ years. To aid those in need, hundreds of men, women, and youth from over 20 community partners, organizations, and Mosques gather to give back to those who are less fortunate. Amongst the hundreds of volunteers are two women seen from a distance, yet known for their ongoing dedication to serving others and commitment to initiating change within their communities. Amongst these women is Sharyn Muhammad, a Humanitarian Day volunteer for over 20 years, a woman present at the first HDAY in Skid Row, and a woman whose commitment to service was instilled in her, taught to her by her grandmother, mother, and now passed down to her children

26 years ago, pioneer Imam Sadiq Saafir - founder of ILM Foundation and co-founder of Masjid Ibadullah, Common Ground Muslim, and the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California - birthed the idea of Humanitarian Day (HDAY), a day of faith-turned-action during the month of Ramadan dedicated to serving the greater Los Angeles community, while prioritizing the needy and those who are often overlooked. Since the first HDAY in 2001 - a monumental event spearheaded by the Muslim communities of Los Angeles, where thousands of unhoused residents on Skid Row were provided meals - HDAY has since annually continued this day of service, expanding its services to essential resources and care packages, health support, and community care, embodying their mission of ‘Converting One Day into A Life Mission.’ “Humanitarian Day was founded after the bombing of the World Trade Center, when Muslims were being accused of doing the bombing on 9/11. At this time, many Muslims were scared, and so we had a meeting asking, “What could we do to counter this?” Imam Sadiq Saafir says. “As I was thinking, we realized we could feed the people, and at the time, many people thought we were crazy, but we started doing so that the people could understand we are part of them, not enemies.” “When we come down here to Skid Row, we give to the people who are in need, knowing that we are the ones who are blessed for being able to give to them,” Imam Saafir finishes. In Los Angeles County alone, there are over 75,000 unhoused individuals, including over 45,000 in the city of Los Angeles. Since ILM Foundation’s founding in 1991, HDAY has expanded to include over 20 community faith partners to expand their services to continuously assist the growing needs of the unhoused population in Skid Row. “The original mission always centered around uniting the faith community during Ramadan to provide basic necessities and health screening to those less fortunate,” says visionary Naim Shah Jr., ILM Foundation Co-Founder, Director & Board Member. “The vision was to provide a platform on the streets of Los Angeles where the faith community can engage with each other while serving humanity. After 26 years, the vision remains the same.” “Even before Humanitarian Day,” Naim Shah Jr continues, “ILM Foundation and Dawah 2000, founded by Naim Shah Sr., were deeply embedded in grassroots services visible on the streets of Downtown Los Angeles, where they regularly provided food and care to unhoused residents.”

Compassion to Action

Discover four impactful lessons learned from a day of service during Ramadan, highlighting the power of compassion, community, and giving back with ILM Foundation.

Join ILM Foundation's Humanitarian Day as we honor humanity on Skid Row, providing vital support through food, housing, education, and compassion since 1998.

Join us for Humanitarian Day 2026! Empower communities in Los Angeles through food, housing, education, and compassion. Together, we can make a difference!

Join ILM Foundation's Humanitarian Day to uplift Los Angeles communities through vital support in food, housing, education, and compassion since 1998.

Join us in honoring Umar Hakim, a dedicated humanitarian whose work with ILM Foundation has transformed lives in Los Angeles through food, housing, and education.

Explore the ILM Apprenticeship and Mentorship Program's impact on Los Angeles communities, fostering growth through education, support, and compassionate outreach.

Discover how AI impacts the African American Muslim community, enhancing opportunities and addressing unique challenges to empower and uplift through innovation.

Join us for ILM Foundation’s Humanitarian Day to honor Sister Amelah’s legacy of empowering Los Angeles with food, housing, education, and compassion since 1998.

Economic dignity in Islam centers around the preservation of a person’s izzah (honor), karāmah (dignity), and ḥurriyyah (freedom) in their financial and social life.

Join us in promoting compassion and community service through the ILM Masjid Al Shareef Seeds 4 Youth Apprenticeship presentation. Empower the next generation!

Discover how ILM Foundation's Qurbani works, from purchasing shares in sacrificial animals to making a meaningful impact. Learn more about your donation today!

Join us on January 18, 2025, as we celebrate 25 years of Ilm Foundation and 50 years of Masjid Al Shareef, honoring their impactful legacy and inspiring service.

Join us for the 25th Ramadan Humanitarian Day on March 16, 2025, at Gladys Park. Celebrate service and faith while making a positive impact in the community.

Join us for the 2024 ILM Annual Muslim Chaplain Retreat, a unique opportunity for Imams and colleagues to connect, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.

Join us in honoring Al Hajj Naim Shah Sr. at the heartfelt community tribute, celebrating his legacy of faith, family, and unity that resonates deeply with all.

Explore the significance of Qurbani, the ultimate act of sacrifice celebrated during Dhul Hijjah, and its deep roots in friendship and community during Eid al-Adha.

Discover the inspiring life journey of Naim Shah Sr., from his early beginnings in Los Angeles to his impactful contributions in humanitarian efforts and beyond.

Join us on June 29, 2024, to honor Al Hajj Naim Shah Sr. at a special tribute celebrating his contributions to the community at the Southwest Community Center.

Join us for Humanitarian Day in Oakland, a celebration of compassion and community, coordinated by MU’EED and the Coalition to Preserve Human Dignity since 2009.