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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 & Udhiyah (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 the difference Udhiyah and Qurbani? Udhiyah is the classical Arabic term used in Islamic texts and across the Middle East. It translates to "blood sacrifice" and is derived from Duha (the mid-morning hours when the slaughter occurs). Qurbani is predominantly used in South Asian communities and in Urdu and Persian languages. It is derived from the Arabic word Qurban, which means "to draw near" or "closeness" to Allah. 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
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.
