By: Asad Syed
WRMA expansion project’s second fundraising dinner was held on February 24, 2024, in Riverside Banquet Hall, Surrey.
The event was well organized and well attended over 500 guests were present, and Imam Siraj Wahaj was the keynote speaker.
The program started with Tilawat Quran Shaheer Lakhani a young volunteer of WRMA recited and translated the Surah into English after Tilawat MC Shaheer Muhammad invited WRMA chair Asad Syed to welcome the guests, Asad Syed addressed and appreciated the guests, Keynote speaker Imam Siraj Wahaj, and volunteers who made this event possible, he explained the purpose of this fundraiser, the new building of
Musallah and the community center purchased a loan from Qarz Hasna of about $ 300, 000 from the community to pay off debt this fundraiser was organized further
explained how WRMA serves the Muslim
community of South Surrey and White Rock, it is not just a Musallah but also serves as a community center and school, with the five-time prayers, there are Quran classes every day Monday to Thursday, and there is a school running with collaboration of QLM institute serving students from grade 4 to 12
doing homeschooling and don’t want to go to public schools due to the SOGI curriculum, Omer Abdulfattah a licensed and certified teacher is in charge of the school.
Weekly Halaqa and Islamic teachings for teenage boys and girls and sisters regularly held every Friday evening, under the supervision of Dr. Hala Ahmed, Amani Elchehimi and Muhammad El Hannach, Youthspeaker’s forum with the collaboration of Brother Shakil Gaya Toastmaster style is also running weekly to improve the communication and public speaking skills.
WRMA invests in youth and tries to empower sisters and new generations’ participation and connection to the Masjid and awareness of Islam and culture.
WRMA chair also introduced the Directors of the Board, DR. Hala Ahmed, DR. Faiza Jabbar, Shaheer Muhammad, Youssef Khattab, Roshan Jamal, Dr.Ijaz Hussain, and Dr. Farhan Haque as Director of Communication and membership.
After the chair’s speech brief videos and testimonials of members, parents, and youth were presented. Finally, MC Shaheer Muhammad introduced keynote speaker Imam Siraj and requested him to speak, Imam Siraj’s speech was brief but very touching and emotional he emphasized the importance of charity and sacrifice for Deen and Building the house of Allah on earth to guarantee your house in Jannah. After his brief beyan he conducted fundraising and raised about $90, 000 than Shaheer Muhammad continued the fundraising and auction of various items including, Gold, paintings, and antique items donated by community members, and the final number of donations and pledges rose to $150,000, which was the target of this fundraising. Imam Siraj and Shaheer Muhammad did a great job and with the mercy of Allah target was achieved.
In the end, a delicious dinner served before that starter was continuously served to guests. The respected community members of various organizations also attended the event including, Islamic Relief with brother Tahir Sattar and a group of volunteers, HCI Istiaq Saleem and sister Tanveer, Muslim Food Bank, Hina Gehlan, Furqan Gehlan unity Muslims and NCCM, Br, Naseer Pirzada of Miracle Newspaper, Br, Jaffar of Al Ameen Newspaper, Br, Rahat Rao of Islamic Advocacy group, Br, Tariq Keyani
of SDP TV, Br, Nadeem Zia, brothers from Abbotsford Masjid and Muslim community, and respected Maulana Zafar Abid Sahib.
The important aspects were the young volunteer’s hard work, dedication, and discipline made this event successful, The childminding group led by Yousra Syeda and Sehrish Syed did a great job of keeping the children busy in various activities which helped parents to enjoy the event.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
