Trip 5: Albanian Islamic Center

            As we entered the Albanian Islamic Center, I nervously scanned my surroundings, unaware of what to expect of our venture today. Upon arriving through the entrance, we were greeted with the sounds of discussion, individuals respectfully welcoming each other, and the joyous reverberation of laughter throughout the room.  Instantly, our previous apprehension transformed into feelings of gratitude and pleasure as we were welcomed by various brothers from Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, and other Muslim countries, whom made us feel at home among them.

            Our group circulated through the Balkan styled mosque, established in 1963,and eventually we became immersed in various conversations as we became acquainted with several of our brothers. Throughout this time, I observed several members of the Albanian Islamic Center help set up the food, offer dates to feed the hunger of a full day of fasting, and share bottles of water to quench the thirst brought on by this sacrifice for God's pleasure.  These brothers were setting up a feast with a strong motivation in their sights.  Zaid ibn Khalid Juhni related that the Prophet (SAW) said, "He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was without observing Siyam diminishing in any way the reward of the latter" (Tirmidhi).  After praying together, we made our way once again into the main hall to immerse ourselves in discussion with our brothers and indulge in culturally rich Albanian dining.  It was after Salaat I realized that although we may all originate from varying backgrounds, the most important commonality among is that which serves to unite us - Islam.  Alhamdulillah.
       

     Once we had finished what had remained of the food that was graciously provided to us, and after Imam Shuajb Gerguri welcomed all the beautiful guests (Muslim and non), we listened to a brief speech by the leader of MBB, Babar Qadri, explaining the goals of Muslims Building Bridges, and emphasizing the strength and potential advantage that unity among Muslims can grant.  He also mentioned that although we may come from such diversity, be it  socioeconomic or cultural, our visible divisions and communal bias are becoming our own worst enemy; an enemy that the Shaytaan pleasures in and takes advantage of thus creating weakness within the Deen.  Finally, Babar highlighted the goal of MBB which is to create bridges through these barriers and a central "point of light" where we can have a platform to better appreciate, contribute and participate with various Masajids'  programs.  

            Throughout this experience, we learned to appreciate not only what we have, but more importantly what we don't have.  Once one steps out of his comfort zone and strives to meet new people and learns their struggles and becomes acquainted with their experiences, he truly realize how many blessings are overlooked with such ease.  Islam is truly a peaceful religion, shared by nearly a quarter of the world's population, emphasizing and answering moral and ethical aspects.  If one really ponders it, man is made up of both a body and soul. Consequently, there needs to be something that provides for both the body and soul without neglecting one or the other. Ultimately, it is Islam that provides humans with the psychological sanctuary they need throughout life, through the mercy and direction of Allah.  For many, if not all, Islam fills the void that many describe as an emptiness in their souls.

            These journeys to visit our brothers and sisters reveals the importance of stepping outside of the conventional and striving to meet new people and attain new knowledge.  How will we gain a true insight into other Muslims if we rarely leave our own front porch?  It is necessary to realize that Islam is a universal religion, so why don’t we aim at meeting more of our Muslims throughout the world?  Insha Allah, we encourage everyone the opportunity to gain something unique from such experiences, just as we have.

            If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Babar Qadri at bqadri@gmail.com or Mubeen Qureshi at mubeenq786@gmail.com Jazakallah Khair for your time and we kindly ask that you keep us as well as the communities that we visit in your duaas. Next stop, Muslim Center of Detroit.

Mubeen Qureshi and Babar Qadri

Masjid Web Site

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Albanian-Islamic-Center-Michigan/143500942353031