ICNL OPEN HOUSE 2003 Ø Greetings and Acknowledgements

ICNL OPEN HOUSE 2003 Ø Greetings and Acknowledgements Ø Islamic Center of New London- a Snap Shot Ø ICNL Vision and Mission Ø Evolution of the Muslim Community in NL Ø Opportunities and Challenges Ø Moving Forward

Greetings Ø Muslim Community Ø Neighbors Ø Faith Community and Clergy Ø City Officials Ø Press and Media Ø Friends and Well-Wishers

Acknowledgements Ø The ICNL “Founders”: Ø John Shamsideen, Hamidullah Muhammad, Naim Umrani, Munir Elahi Ø Professor Patrice Brodeur Ø The St. Francis House Ø The Byles Funeral Home Ø The New London Clergy Association Ø The Day

Islamic Center of New London- ICNL Ø Nature Ø Purpose Ø Membership Ø Organization

Vision and Mission Ø Vision ØTo be the best community raised up for mankind (Al-Qur’an 3: 110) Ø Mission ØEnjoin right conduct ØForbid indecency ØTo believe in Allah ØTo be a community of moderation

Evolution of the ICNL 1. The Early Years (1954 -1976) 1. Nation of Islam 2. The Transformation (1976 -1984) 1. Nation of Islam Orthodox Islam 3. The Move (1984 - 1989) 1. Hartford New London 2. Multiethnic Diversity 4. The Consolidation (1989 -Present) 1. -CT Avenue Howard St Bank St Fort St

16 Fort Street Facts Ø Ø Ø Charles Johnson Louis Webb (1919) Savings Bank of NL (1932) Joseph Mc. Clean (1939) Robert Mc. Clean (1954) Carl Burgess (1955) Missionary Society of the Dioces of CT (1956) Bishop Seabury Church (1967) The Reform Temple (1979) The Groton Church of the Nazarene (1989) Islamic Center of New London (November 9, 2001)

Opportunities and Challenges Ø Opportunity ØCreate a just, equitable and sustainable society ØBuild unity through diversity ØIslam as a way of life Ø Challenges ØMisinformation ØStereotyping ØIgnorance

Priorities Ø Infrastructure for a Sustainable Organization Ø People, facility, funds Ø Developing Future Leaders Ø Children and youth Ø Building Bridges Ø Neighborhood Ø Having a Voice Ø Just, equitable and sustainable society

Moving Forward “O Mankind, We have created you from a single male and female and made you into nations so that you may know another. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you, and Allah has full knowledge and is well-acquainted” (Al Qur’an 49: 13)