The Center – Islamic Center In Stillwater

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Samir Ahmad

hatim — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:03:00 +0000

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Samir Ahmad:
Scholar, Leader, and Community Pillar

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Dr. Samir Ahmad, a distinguished professor of transportation at Oklahoma State University, a devoted community leader, and a cherished mentor. Dr. Ahmad left us on January 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, selfless service, and unwavering dedication to his faith and community.

Dr. Ahmad’s professional career was marked by many achievements in the field of transportation engineering. As a respected professor at Oklahoma State University, he inspired countless students with his knowledge, passion, and innovative approach to research. Throughout his career, he published numerous papers that have significantly contributed to advancements in transportation systems and infrastructure, earning him the admiration of peers and students alike.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ahmad was a pillar of the Stillwater community. He played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Islamic Center of Stillwater, dedicating his time and energy to ensuring it became a place of worship, education, and unity for Muslims in the area. His vision and commitment helped the center flourish into a hub of spiritual and cultural enrichment, fostering a sense of belonging for all who walked through its doors.

Dr. Ahmad’s contributions extended far beyond the walls of the Islamic Center. He was actively involved in numerous community initiatives, always ready to lend his expertise, guidance, and support. Whether organizing educational programs or mentoring young professionals, Dr. Ahmad’s efforts were driven by a deep sense of responsibility to serve humanity and promote understanding.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Dr. Ahmad will remember him for his kindness, humility, and unwavering integrity. He embodied the values of compassion and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met. His wisdom and generosity will continue to inspire generations to come.

Dr. Samir Ahmad is survived by his beloved family, as well as the countless students, colleagues, and community members whose lives he touched. While his absence leaves a void, his memory will live on through the enduring impact of his work and the lives he touched.

I invite all who knew and loved Dr. Ahmad to join us in honoring his remarkable life. You can write here (in the comments) about the legacy of Dr. Samir Ahmad so it will stay in shaa Allah for as long as Allah decides.

May Allah grant Dr. Samir Ahmad the highest place in Jannah and provide solace to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy will remain a beacon of inspiration and a testament to a life well lived.

Assiddiq Online School

hatim — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 04:42:03 +0000

Assiddiq Online School: A New Milestone in Islamic Education

“And say, ‘Do [good] deeds, and Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.'”
(Quran 9:105)

The School

Assalamu Alaykum,

I am filled with immense joy and gratitude as I announce the official launch of Assiddiq Online School, a project that has been the result of months of dedicated research, hard work, and coding. This is not just an educational platform—it’s a manifestation of a vision I have long held: to provide a convenient, accessible, and comprehensive way for Muslims, young and old alike, to deepen their understanding of Islam.

A Journey of Passion and Dedication

The journey to create Assiddiq Online School has been both challenging and rewarding. After months of research and coding, I am thrilled to see this project come to life. Every step was taken with the intention to serve the Muslim community, especially in helping our children understand the foundational aspects of our faith, such as the Quran, Hadith, Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Islamic etiquette and morals.

One of the key goals of this project is to make Islamic knowledge accessible to children, teaching them the basics of their faith in a structured and easy-to-understand format. From learning the beautiful teachings of the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to understanding the principles of Islamic law, Assiddiq Online School aims to empower the next generation with a solid foundation in Islam.

A Resource for Children and New Muslims

This online school is not only for children but also for newcomers to Islam. We understand how important it is for those new to the faith to learn the essential teachings of Islam at their own pace. Whether you are a parent seeking to educate your children or someone embracing Islam, this platform is designed to cater to a wide range of learners. By offering lessons on topics like Aqeedah (faith), Fiqh, Seerah (Prophetic biography), Tafsir, and more, the school seeks to equip Muslims of all ages with the knowledge they need to live by the principles of Islam in their daily lives.

As we know, the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous journey. As new subjects are added to the curriculum insha’Allah, the platform will grow to meet the needs of its users, offering even more comprehensive lessons and educational resources for all stages of life.

A Project with a Noble Purpose

In launching this online school, I am reminded of the words of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) in the verse mentioned above. Allah invites us to act righteously, and it is through deeds like this—projects aimed at spreading beneficial knowledge—that we hope to fulfill our duty to Him. My sincere hope is that Assiddiq Online School will be a source of guidance and growth for Muslims around the world, especially children, and that it will support the efforts of new Muslims to understand their faith.

I truly believe this project will make a positive impact on the community, and I am excited to see how it evolves with your support and feedback.

Thank You for Your Support

I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout this journey. Dr. Ahmad Abo Basha’s encouragement has never failed me. Now, as I (and Dr. Abo Basha) launch Assiddiq Online School, I invite you to explore the platform, share your thoughts, and offer any suggestions to help us improve the learning experience.

I look forward to seeing how this project benefits everyone—young and old, new and seasoned in their faith—as we continue to work together to build a brighter future for the Muslim community.

Wassalamu Alaykum.

Hatim Hegab, PhD.

Picture

hatim — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 20:47:34 +0000

Nothing could be more beautiful, more descriptive, and more telling…

ICS in Stillwater. A long history

hatim — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 21:29:49 +0000

From The History Of The Islamic Center In Stillwater

The Islamic Center in Stillwater (ICS) boasts a rich history spanning several decades. Its origins can be traced back to 1957 (though this date may need verification), when a group of Kuwaiti students at Oklahoma State University purchased a small house to serve as a gathering place for Muslims.
As the Muslim community grew, the center relocated to its current site, where a house was acquired and converted into a mosque. This transition and subsequent development were largely driven by the tireless efforts of Dr. Ahmed Abo Basha. His dedication and fundraising prowess were instrumental in rebuilding and renovating the mosque, ultimately transforming it into a comprehensive Islamic Center.
The ICS has consistently played an active role in the Stillwater community, particularly through its commitment to volunteer work. A notable example of this engagement is documented in the Stillwater Newspress, which highlighted Dr. Abo Basha’s involvement with volunteer initiatives at the Stillwater Medical Center. This dedication to community service reflects the broader influence of Dr. Abo Basha on the ICS’s mission and activities.
The center’s focus on volunteerism and community support aligns with core Islamic teachings, which emphasize the importance of helping others and contributing to the general welfare of society. This principle of active community engagement serves as a powerful reminder of our religious and social responsibilities, though it is a practice that, regrettably, is not as widely embraced today as it could be.

ICS Picture

hatim — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 00:36:30 +0000

Aerial Image of The ICS

Here is an aerial image of the ICS. The image was sent to me by Dr. Ahmed Abo Basha. I have no idea what this app is
Click the image for a larger version.