Muslim Task Force (MTF) of Indiana
When I was an undergraduate student, I returned back home to Indianapolis and moved in with my mother. On April 16th, 2020, as I was scrolling through my email, I saw a call for volunteers.
I had some free time in my schedule, as I was no longer able to participate in my undergraduate activities, since I was home. It had always been my dream, growing up, to get involved with Al-Fajr. I immediately added myself to the WhatsApp group, “MTF Friends and Volunteers – WhatsApp” and reached out, noting that I have some experience in making flyers. This blog post is a synopsis of my community service with them during the earlier stages of Covid.
The Muslim Task Force of Indianapolis was founded in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Imam Ahmed Alamine observed other cities that were starting programs to focus on the gaps evident from the pandemic and believed that programs cultivated from Masjid Al-Fajr’s own community members could address the gaps that were unfolding. The board of Masjid Al-Fajr decided to start the Muslim Task Force (MTF) in order to creatively address the gaps. The programs included underemployed women who sewed masks, which part of the profits were donated back to them in order to support them, as many were unemployed and had to support their families. The Al-Fajr also shared resources that were offered in the local city as well, such as providing rental assistance. During the month of Ramadan, programs were moved online in order to accommodate the health of the community. This is what mobilized unprecedented online programs such as a significant push for fundraising on social media.
Masjid Al-Fajr’s unique programming and openness to new projects are what enabled me to develop skills that I have never had the opportunity to do so. I was able to hone my project management, leadership, and time management skills, through philanthropic work, documentary, podcast, project management, mentorship, and friendship opportunities primarily on a virtual platform, but a few in-person events as well.
Philanthropic Work Virtually
I started volunteering in the Communications Team. We were primarily responsible for curating flyers, since many of the events had shifted to online. Subsequent to starting my volunteer role, Ramadan began. One of our team members had the brilliant idea to showcase videos, which would include Muslims in Masjid Al-Fajr speaking about the founding of Masjid Al-Fajr, community, and the youth. Then, I was asked to leverage my video editing skills in order to thread together a final video for the masjid fundraiser. Watching the videos that members of the Muslim community sent in was inspiring, as it reminded me that there were blessings even through hardship. The video provided testimony of the community’s intense love and devotion to the masjid. People discussed and reminisced on their fond memories of being at the masjid, and how much they missed the masjid, particularly during the month of Ramadan. The final product consisted of a compilation of short clips.
It reminded me how the masjid serves as an integral part of the Muslim community. Muslims send their children, pray in congregation, and hold educational events and lectures. Ramadan is a sacred month, where Muslims pray during the night, focus intently on their worship, and hold community iftars, eating together to break their fasts. The feeling during Ramadan is inexplicable, because it is this light and otherworldly spiritual connection that you bond with others and Allah (SWT). My nostalgia of going to the masjid during Ramadan increased, as I too missed the sacred house of Allah (SWT), after watching those clips.
Lessons Learned
Volunteering with the Indianapolis Muslim Communication Association (IMCA), Masjid Al-Fajr, and MTF made an indelible mark in my life. Not only did I rapidly grow as a graduate student, but I really gained lifelong mentors and friends. I also fulfilled my childhood dream to give back to my own Muslim community. I also grew in my deen and understood the importance of philanthropic work in religion.
My supervisor said that he asked his mentor once, “How are you able to do so much, as a busy person, with restrictions in time?” His mentor said, “Allah (SWT) gives barakah (blessings) in time.” I truly reflect and believe that this may have been the case for me as well, as I am always surprised how I was able to balance volunteering, family responsibilities, part-time jobs, and graduate school, but Allah (SWT) knows best.
I sincerely thank all of my team members, IMCA, and Masjid Al-Fajr for providing me with an invaluable opportunity and investing in my growth during my volunteer experience. If you have the time and energy, please volunteer for the organizations that are compelling to you and that you can commit to. Non-profit organizations are in need of motivated and bright individuals who have the potential to change their local and broader communities.
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Mayesha Awal received her B.A. in both Psychology and Government from Georgetown University, and her M.S. in Healthcare Management from Indiana University-Bloomington. Prior to working as an Analyst, Mayesha has contributed extensively to international and domestic experiential-learning trips related to public health. She has also worked in a large hospital system, in its continuous improvement department. Overall, Mayesha has developed skills in research, data analysis, project management, and field experience, in her experiences as an intern.
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