Sanad Trust Foundation Archives - Sanad Trust Foundation

Remember those days, brimming with youthful energy, when our hearts overflowed with ambition, fueled by the purest intentions? We dreamt of changing the world, of uplifting our communities, of leaving a mark that resonated with the divine. These aspirations, like cascading waterfalls, tumbled from a place of innocence.

But somewhere along the path, for many of us, the waters of hope seem to have receded. Did the responsibilities of marriage, work, and family dam the flow of those dreams? Did the whispers of worldly desires drown out the call to something greater?

Perhaps it’s not a matter of blame, but a gentle nudge we need. A reminder that we must strive to stay connected to those aspirations, especially those connected to the heavens…they are the flow we need when life begins to run dry.

In many ways, Sanad has been an attempt to preserve that riverbed in me – a place where the current of my hopes and dreams can remain in motion pulled by the gravity of faith, my children, my mortality, and the responsibilities I have towards each.

Imam Haddad advises us to “…reflect on the wonders of Allah’s dazzling creation, the inward and outward signs of His Ability, and the signs He has scattered abroad in the Realm of the earth and the heavens.”

Just like a river, our journey may encounter rocks and rapids, obstacles that threaten to capsize our resolve. But the river, if kept alive, finds a way around and ultimately continues its course. We too can be like these rivers.

I have been blessed to witness hidden lakes, nestled atop mountains, their waters cascading down in a symphony that has played for millennia. Their enduring flow is a beacon of hope for me, a testament to Allah’s unwavering protection of our aspirations and that He can safeguard our dreams until the day all earthly rivers run dry.

Each of us possesses a riverbed of ideas and hopes. We can’t allow them to stagnate. I pray we can all be forever inspired by the current of our dreams. May our spouses, families, and work be the tributaries that carry us towards ever-more beautiful destinations downstream.

I pray these words are received as a conversation, not a conclusion. Where have your dreams taken you? How can we rekindle the flow of our aspirations and use them to nourish the world around us? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and together, let us keep our rivers flowing.

Until the next step,

Rehan

Rehan.Climbs is a newsletter series about life as a father and founder. Join the ascent by subscribing below, let’s climb together!

I’m an organizational psychologist, father & founder. After completing graduate school at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York I spent formative time with students & scholars at Dar al Mustafa in Tarim. I’ve worked with the UNHCR in Geneva & taught social sciences as an adjunct professor in Miami. I write, speak, & consult on parenting, education, & institution-building. I’m honored to serve as the executive director of Sanad Trust Foundation, a nonprofit that provides education, wellness, & community programs for children, families, & elders.

It was my last day in Tarim, and I didn’t want to leave. With a mix of sadness and anticipation, I walked into the classroom on another hot summer day in 2004. Though hesitant, I was drawn in by the magnetic pull of Sh. Ibrahim’s voice and spirit. I found my place on the floor amongst the other students, everything still surreal. How did a kid from Miami end up here without any connection to the people, the place, and their piety?

As much as I didn’t want this experience to close on that day, I honestly didn’t even understand how it ever opened. It was only when Allah placed it upon Sh. Ibrahim’s heart to teach us about Allah’s attributes that I began to have a clue.

He taught us that Allah is the Creator of everything, including moments and each of the infinitesimal fractions of time that make up a moment. Allah brings them into existence and then into a state of non-existence, just as they once were. And He does this for every moment, at all times.

Our lives and experiences are constantly moving through their present to their past, their own beginning and end. We are the sum of these moments.

So on that day, in that moment, I was reminded that I am always a creation experiencing a Creator bringing my life and its experiences into and out of existence. Just as this time in Tarim was once behind a closed door that Allah opened, I understood another would open as this one closed.

Sh. Ibrahim’s lesson was one of humility and hope.

As the waning moon of Ramadan 1445AH now foretells its coming end, we should have the humility to know there was no guarantee it would have been opened for us this year, but Allah allowed it to be. And we should also have hope in the new doors that Allah will open for us.

What are they? Where will they lead? Be open-eyed and ready.

In my life as a father and founder of Sanad, I have seen that the smallest of decisions can have the biggest outcomes, the most unexpected of opportunities can lead to the greatest destinations, and that a sincere heart is often the best key.

Until the next step,

Rehan

Consider supporting Sanad during these blessed last days of Ramadan. Learn about our Doors to Blessings campaign today.

Open the Door

Rehan.Climbs is a newsletter series about life as a father and founder. Join the ascent by subscribing below, let’s climb together!

People. At home and in the masjid, I like to pray next to my son. When he was younger I would hold his hand as we found a place for two. Now that he’s older, I don’t need to hold his hand, we remain close by habit. Our taraweeh prayer is a chess game of finding a spot for two and then moving up rows via carefully mapped routes as men slowly retreat after each pair of raka’at. When there is only room for one we play the humble game for a second, nudging the other forward; I usually nudge a little harder to have him go ahead.

Whether it’s in prayer or another act of sulook, keep the people most dear to you – especially spouse and children – close on your path to Allah and in your love of His Messenger (peace be upon him).

Process. Sanad is built on sound faith-inspired processes. We are also built on a financial model that relies on tuition/service-based income, donations, grants, and an endowment. When you build an organization from intention to implementation on a faith-inspired design, then your processes can never be compromised. In a recent conversation with our team about a potentially large grant and increased enrollment, this is what we reminded each other about. We have a process, and we are dedicated to be true and authentic to it in every way — no matter the consequence. We must never be driven by external needs, but by sound and sincere, faith-inspired processes. For Muslim-led organizations, they are critical in diffusing any sense of desperation or external demands often found in hopes of expedited growth.

Principles. There is a left turn lane to an on ramp to the highway my family and I have to take on our daily commute to Sanad. It’s a poorly designed setup, with the single lane splitting into two just before the left turn to the ramp up. Cars from the thru lanes to the right always jump into the second left lane after the split, backing up traffic and invariably clogging the flow of cars in the intersection. They seem to think those of us who have been patiently waiting in the appropriate turning lane are not intelligent enough to figure out this remarkable traffic hack.

I have learned that being a teacher, father, and founder means I have to live by the principles I expect of others in public and private. This is often easier said than done, but in that car every morning my kids see principles cross into all aspects of life. For this reason, I never regret the minute lost staying in the right lane.

My life’s path is shaped by the people I love, the processes I follow, and the principles I hold dear. Which one shapes yours the most?

Until the next climb!

– Rehan

Rehan.Climbs is a newsletter series about life as a father and founder. Join the ascent by subscribing below, let’s climb together!

I’m an organizational psychologist, educator, father & founder. After completing graduate school at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York I spent formative time with students & scholars at Dar al Mustafa in Tarim. I’ve worked with the UNHCR in Geneva & taught social sciences as an adjunct professor in Miami. I write, speak, & consult on parenting, education, & institution-building. I’m honored to serve as the founding executive director of Sanad Trust Foundation, a nonprofit that provides education, wellness, & community programs for children, families, & elders.

Given its context, one of the most resonating lessons on empathy can be found in To Kill a Mockingbird, when Atticus says to his daughter, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

After I turned 40, every Ramadan I try to “sit” with the Prophet and consider things from his point of view – peace and blessings be upon him and his family. During all those days and nights, when he walked alone and retreated to the Cave of Hira to sit above the valley looking upon his family home below, what were his thoughts for them, their future and his. What were his hopes, aspirations, dreams, and plans?

For me, in this phase of my life, as I try to navigate my work with Sanad Trust Foundation and my life with my family — it is the Prophet Muhammad’s introspection, his retreat to nature, and his planning that I find most meaningful.

It is what allows me to see in my children and my students at Sanad Prep, a universe of potential. They are each a star in the cosmic sense, capable of doing more than we imagine even for our own selves. This is what we must plan for.

And there is no better time to plan than Ramadan — it is a window into a universe of possibilities. A secret unveiled to the Prophet on a blessed Ramadan night 1400 years ago. A secret that showed there was no time like now. And that beyond this world of effort there is a Creator that responds beyond a capacity we can understand.

This is the month to contemplate the hopes and dreams we have for our family, our work, and our outcomes. Let’s look up at Ramadan’s night skies and then at our lives.

Then, let’s plan on the canvas of this month’s limitless possibilities, knowing that Allah is able to have our lives — as well as the people and work connected to them — shine as bright as He permits and form the magnificent constellations He designs for them. Let us walk, retreat, reflect, and plan like the Prophet (peace be upon him) did — deeply and meaningfully.

May Allah make this a month of praying and planning…of divine guidance and limitless response from Allah…of correcting course and aiming for the stars. Be a man (or woman) with a plan.

– Rehan

It was a big week. We had our Annual Benefit Gala and our Annual “Big” Field Trip for the Sanad Prep students in the same week.

There is so much planning and thought that goes into these events. However much you might imagine it to be, multiply that by two. With Muslim-led organizations, there are spiritual dimensions to vital considerations connected to intentions, objectives, finances, outcomes, promotion, content, time, and more. It’s exhaustive.

And when you are a founder, perceptions and responsibilities are magnified and multiplied.

For the longest time, many people thought my work with Sanad Trust was just a hobby, a really noble hobby. Something that I care about deeply but nothing that I would sacrifice too, too much for. After more than 13 years of effort day after day, year after year, I can’t imagine they still think it’s a hobby, but they are still probably confused about the sacrifice part.

Why would someone do this full-time, for so long? Especially when they have several other “good” professional options.

If I’m honest, sometimes I hear their thoughts. They’re loud and reverberate in my own mind. I used to dwell there, with them and their projections. But, not so much anymore. I simply don’t have the time to stay in that noise for too long. I am pulled now by a concern, a hope, and an aspirational wind that is oftentimes not in my control and out of my hands.

It is a wind that I have seen shared by others doing similar work, or with similar hopes, or similar dreams that are connected to responsibility, to family, to mortality, to Allah. Perhaps even you have felt it in moments of your life.

Often there is an urgency to the wind yet a calmness. And even where there are gale force gusts that yank you forward or pull you back, you find that you have still moved in the right direction somehow. (Sometimes it takes a while to get our bearings straight before coming to that realization.)

You see, a parachute is required when you embark on this work. You never really feel like you have your feet touching the ground. As much as I want that at times and as close as I might feel… a wind always lifts me away. And on the rare occasions where I do touch the Foundation’s efforts, it’s never too long. You are never really there in that moment of progress or achievement for too long. (That goes for the moments of regression and failure too, alhamdulillah.)

I imagine myself attached to this parachute grazing plateaus atop mountains…skipping along barely touching the surface before I’m lifted off as the next cliff approaches.

Hanging over valleys you study the terrain, you try to navigate, you learn to trust, and you look for the next place you might touch in your next moment. This is the life.

So whether you are a professional, a student, a parent, or a founder connect your parachute to sincere intentions and good actions, then allow the heavenly winds of Allah to push (and sometimes pull) you toward the direction of progress.

The work of Sanad Trust has left me no choice but to keep it moving.

– Rehan

PS: It’s humbling to hear that my words are resonating with other men and women, and helping others cope and better appreciate their own life’s journey. Please continue to share, it means a lot to me. May Allah bless everyone who has shared a kind word with me about Rehan.Climbs, ameen.

Rehan Mirza is an organizational psychologist, educator, and father. He completed his graduate studies at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York City, then spent formative time in the company of the students and scholars of Dar al Mustafa in Tarim. He has worked with the UNHCR in Geneva and taught social sciences as an adjunct professor in Miami. He writes, speaks, and consults on parenting, education, and institution-building. Rehan is the Founding Executive Director of Sanad Trust Foundation, a nonprofit that provides education, wellness, and community programs for children, families, and elders.

Today I am taking the first step toward the next phase of my life’s journey. I am afraid. I have had this foot raised for a long while. It lands today, finally, with heart racing and eyes closed.

Most often we speak and write and share from a presumed or privileged position of authority. That others should care about what we have to say.

This is not that. My voice is speaking from a place of vulnerability, probably even a place of worry. Do I have the audacity to believe my words matter?

It’s just that I have been wanting to share words in my mind and heart for some time. My wife, my children, my brother, and even my parents still catch what they can when my heart overflows. But, that’s not always fair to them or to my heart.

What if I expanded the walls I have placed on my heart and mind? What if I removed the fears I have placed as guards at the edges looking down upon me? What if I disarmed the doubts I have allowed others to point at me?

What if I added doors to my thoughts and windows to my dreams? And, then, what if I added a path where they start…and slowly began the climb onward and upward?

I don’t know where this will end, but I know I must begin.

I place this effort in God’s hands. He knows my intention and hope. I ask Him to protect me.

I hope you will join me on the journey ahead. Good companions are welcome. And even if you can only support me from a distance, I am sure I will feel it.

All posts going forward will be made on the rehan.climbs page, I hope you will meet me there.

I will share more in the coming days. For now, today, this foot needed to land. The first step needed to be taken.

I hope my father would be proud.

Let’s climb together.

– Rehan

Inspired by the way of the Prophetic community, the intention of the Neighborhood Halaqa is to come together for the purpose of remembering Allah and reflecting on Prophetic character. Every member of a family and community is invited to travel together in spiritual development and to improve our relationship with Allah, His messenger, and our faith.

The Neighborhood Halaqa is our humble effort to provide a sanctuary for children, young adults, parents, and professionals to come together to travel on this path together.

For this special in- person Winter Neighborhood Halaqa, we wanted to have a sense of a rihla or travel in search of knowledge (in this case, also travel to seek good company or suhba :). This, so that we can get away from the day-to-day grind we have all experienced. We are big on nature and Allah’s natural world at Sanad Trust, so the other main objective was to be in a setting which embraces us with His beautiful natural world. Finally, we wanted all this to be safe. Sixteen distinct natural communities create the mosaic that is Jonathan Dickinson, the largest state park in Southeast Florida. So we have plenty of space and the largest pavilion in the park reserved.

More details about the program can be found on the website.

https://sanadtrust.networkforgood.com/events/39230-the-neighborhood-halaqa-winter-edition-2022

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“A person is upon the religion of his best friend, so each person should consider whom he befriends.”

Recently while teaching a class at Sanad Prep and writing an essay, I came across a hadith and story from the seerah that are profoundly insightful in what they offer regarding companionship, communication, allocation of our time and attention, and more. I had read these both before, but what was significant this time was the sequence and timing in which I read them. They spoke to me in a new way.

The hadith we have mentioned above in the preface of this blog. The story from seerah is related to an interaction and conversation between the companion Thawban (Allah be pleased with him) and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came upon Thawban and found him distressed and saddened. He asked about his well-being and what was disturbing him.

Care Enough to Stop

For me, this is one of the most important lessons of this story — that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) didn’t just walk past him. Not only was the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) self-aware, but he was ever vigilant and mindful about the state of others. This he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) expressed with his genuine concern when observed their emotional state. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was compassionate and caring and empathetic enough to actually stop and inquire.

Simply and sincerely asking, “How are you?” How profound an impact it is on the heart when you know someone truly cares about you. It is like an unstoppable feeling of rahma surrounds your heart.

But, let’s look further into the interaction. Thawban replies to him openly, completely, honestly. Before we get to what he says, let us ponder the relationships that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) cultivated around him. It was an environment in which the people around him…his family, his children, his grandchildren, his companions, and their families felt at ease, recognized, and listened to. Of note too is that the companions were not all men and the companions were not all old, so the women and youth among the companions were enveloped in this equitable and accessible sincere concern of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

There is a lesson here for our own families and relationships. How comfortable is a child speaking to their parents? How comfortable is a spouse speaking to their partner? How comfortable is a student in sharing with a teacher? What is the quality of our own communication in our various relationships?

To continue with the anecdote, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stops to speak with Thawban and inquires about his sadness. Thawban does not say, “Oh no I’m fine. It’s okay. I know you’re busy.”

God Witnesses

Rather, he shares that his sadness is due to his worry that even if he made it to Paradise, he would not be able to be with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would be at a high maqam or station than him. And, as such, he would not be able to reach him and be in his company (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as he is able to be in this life.

How beautiful is this the whole episode is so far? There are so many layers: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) observed him, asked about his well-being, and then that Thawban felt comfortable to share his very personal concern. A concern mind you that is directly related to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). At times we avoid these types of conversations because they include the person who’s speaking to us.

What happens next is beyond what words can adequately do justice to, but requires our reflection nonetheless. Upon hearing this exchange, Allah sends revelation from the heavens to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who then shares it with Thawban.

Allah reveals:

And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, then they will be in the company of those whom Allah has bestowed His Grace — of the Prophets, the truthful, the righteous, the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are! (Qur’an, 4:69)

What an uplifting revelation? Among the many important lessons here is that when people sincerely and genuinely care for one another and come together for the sake of Allah to uplift one another, it is witnessed and responded to by Allah.

The realization of this is awe-inspiring. It tells us how important those moments are, and not to walk past them.

Whom Will, You Befriend?

Let us now conclude by circling back to the aforementioned hadith and consider it in light of our returning companion, the month of Ramadan.

“A person is upon the religion of his best friend, so each person should consider whom he befriends.”

One of my teachers said this guidance (with balance) can be extended to the context of books, forms of entertainment, organizations, causes, technology, and more. Meaning, we should be mindful and informed of the people and things we are most connected to in terms of our attention and time. And, when possible, consider what is/was the personal state of the people behind the things we interact with. Among the most valuable blessings that we are given are our allotted time, our intellectual capacity, our resources, and our emotional spirit.

So, whom and what will you be with this Ramdan? Let us choose wisely where we spend our time, whom we spend it with. Ramadan comes like a friend, once a year, willing to spend 30 days with us. Are we too busy? Are we going to walk by it without any concern? We have a great example in which the Prophet peace be upon him never did that. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never walked by a special moment or a special opportunity. So, as Ramadan approaches let’s not walk past it.

At Sanad Trust Foundation we hope that we are worthy of your companionship and support. We hope that we can continue to offer something of benefit to you and your family, to our youth and our elders, and to our community and Ummah. We ask for your dua for our sincerity, for our tawfiq, and for our success not just in the month of Ramadan, but beyond, as we try to build a new way forward for Islamic education in North America and insha’Allah benefit humanity for many years to come. We thank you for your time and we thank you for your dua. Allah bless you.

Development Elevation

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In this third post, you will learn about Shazad Mahmood. Described by his older sister as a bundle of trouble in his childhood years, he is a father of three beautiful children now and is passionate about doing his part for preserving the cycle of good character that can live on in future generations. His motivation includes first and foremost his own children. Shahzad is a friend, a professional and a generous/respected individual in the South Florida community. His sincerity is palpable as his words take a life of their own. We hope you are inspired by Shahzad, because we certainly were!

How has the work of Sanad Trust impacted you and what meaning does it have for you?

Sanad Trust is the only faith-based organization of its kind in South Florida. It provides youth with a strong foundation in character-based education, focuses on the needs of elders in our community, and serves as a safe haven and gathering space for the entire family unit. Sanad’s mission and vision directly align with my family’s own goals for personal and spiritual growth. It serves as our home away from home, and reminds us how blessed we are to be connected to an organization that is impacting an entire community for generations to come.

What importance, if any, do you see of building an endowment for Sanad Trust?

Sanad Trust’s transformative work and impact on the lives of so many in our community is reason enough to ensure that the organization can continue to drive its mission forward. This is only possible if there is a permanent source of income continually supporting the programming that is at the heart of the organization.

Why do you support Sanad Trust?

Simply put, I support Sanad Trust because Sanad Trust supports me in so many ways. Every member of my family has benefited from what Sanad Trust offers. Currently a member of the sandwich generation, I highly value the fact that my parents, myself and my wife, and my children can all benefit from the variety of community programs provided.

Lend your generous hand. Let’s build tomorrow, today!

Donate

About Sanad Trust’s Endowment:
Your support can help sustain and grow Sanad Trust’s vision for posterity. The fruits of your generosity like a giving tree will not only benefit one generation in one season but have the potential to blossom in every season, year after year. Make permanent the roots of the Foundation. By contributing to the Sanad Trust Endowment Fund, you are watering a tree that can continue to grow exponentially and produce new flowers in every season.

Thank you Br. Shahzad Mahmood

Management Executive in telecommunications infrastructure, Board member of Sanad Trust Foundation

Development Elevation

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Let’s meet Ameena. As a professional, she is skilled and highly capable colleague. As a Sanad Prep parent, she is committed and immersed in her responsibilities that makes you wonder in awe. As a friend, she is sweet, helpful, understanding and always ready to lend an ear to listen, or offer a good word of advice, only when solicited. You won’t even know if she is around but her aura precedes her as exchanges with her only leave you smiling and feeling good about yourself. We hope you see in Ameena’s words the beauty, modesty, and depth of the contributions to her family to the Sanad Trust Foundation and to her community. Our communities become stronger by women who quietly serve while following the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) and his noble Prophetic Character. Enjoy Ameena’s Sanad Story.

1. How has the work of Sanad Trust impacted you and what meaning does it have for you?

When I think of Sanad I think of “connection” which is not unlike the meaning of the Arabic word. Sanad is a place where connection is real. At Sanad Prep, the Learning Coaches are connected to the students. We have a vested interest in their overall well-being and strive to help them holistically – academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. The Learning Coaches are also connected to one another- we share and support so that no one feels overburdened. The students are connected to one another, they enjoy being in one another’s company and there is genuine love and concern that is unique and rare. In addition, at other Sanad Trust events, like the family halaqa, body and soul meetups and other community events, it is the people we are connected to who make all the difference. The secret in this connection, I believe, is that it is always linked to our connection with Allah and His Rasul (peace and blessings be upon him). Under the guidance of the organizational leadership and the administrative team, we are constantly reminded about our ultimate purpose and to consistently strive for goodness and excellence. Sanad Trust is a magnet for good people with good hearts and that is why I chose it for myself and my family. Alhamdulillah!

2. What importance if any do you see of building an endowment for Sanad Trust?

An endowment is ongoing and sustainable and is used to develop and support communities. As the endowment grows, we can focus our time and resources on building and strengthening the Sanad Trust community rather than focusing our energy on sourcing funding to pay the bills! This fund is very important to Sanad’s future, to ensure that we continue to grow, expand and further benefit the children, families and those community members who need us the most.

3. Why do you support Sanad Trust?

I support Sanad Trust because not only do I believe in its mission and vision (To have adab, share knowledge and show love), but I also have seen these principles in action. At Sanad Trust, we don’t just “talk the talk”, we “walk the walk” of course by the permission of Allah and our love of His Rasul (peace and blessings be upon him).

There are countless stories I can relate that speak to this point. One in particular that stands out was a recent incident where a high school student broke a glass beaker, his Learning Coach did not scold him or get angry, rather she approached it with curiosity asking him simply what happened. This reminded me of the stories we would hear of the Prophet (upon whom be peace) and the way he (upon whom be peace) dealt with children. She then asked his classmates to help him clean it up, which they did, and then went on to explain to them the proper way of handling the equipment. Though this may seem very minor, there were many key lessons that I learned while watching this unfold. I saw Prophetic teachings, I saw a gentle, mindful correction and I saw love and sincere concern. Masha Allah! This is why I support Sanad Trust!

About Sanad Trust’s Endowment:
A community that seeks self-sustainability must invest in vehicles that can support its mission long into the future. An endowment is a donation of money or property to a non-profit organization, which uses the resulting investment income for a specific purpose. In fact, endowments are a part of our Islamic tradition from the days of Prophecy. They have provided vital support to the mission and vision of so many public institutions like schools, universities, mosques, churches, and synagogues. Sanad Trust is honored to establish this Islamic tradition in our time and we invite you to join us.

Lend your generous hand. Let’s build tomorrow, today!

Donate

Thank you Sr. Ameena Nasir.

Sanad Trust Communications Coordinator, Learning Coach and a Mom of Sanad Prep students

Development Elevation

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We wanted to give you a sneak peek into the minds and hearts of those behind the work and why we keep moving forward. We sat down with Sohail Kothari, a tenured bank executive with two decades of experience in the industry and a well-respected community member whose generosity has touched many projects and contributed to their growth and success in South Florida, including Sanad Trust. His testimony is one that continues to drive the difference we aspire for!

How has the work of Sanad Trust impacted you and what meaning does it have for you?

The work of Sanad Trust has provided me a sense of positive contribution to the community. Sanad Trust has filled a gap that I always felt we had in our community, i.e. lack of full-time school where children will flourish both in Islamic and standard disciplines in a safe and secure environment. I was inspired by the moment I heard about this concept from Sister Attiqa and Ustad Rehan. I also admire Sanad’s vision, leveraging the local accredited school curriculum, allowing students to study and maintain the same level of standard with the rest of the students in Dade and Broward.

What importance if any do you see of building an endowment for Sanad Trust?

It’s extremely important to fund and grow an endowment to ensure Sanad Trust will carry its vision and mission. Sanad Trust is benefiting our generation and Insha’Allah it will benefit many generations to come. Given the social environment of our local schools, Sanad Trust is the best option for families in our community. There are a number of programs Sanad Trust is embracing to fulfill the need of our youth and families. To build and maintain an educational institution requires a financial backbone and that will be Sanad’s endowment fund.

Why do you support Sanad Trust?

The question should be why not support Sanad Trust? I am very passionate because the work of Sanad Trust is very noble and the founders are very sincere. I have not seen an institute that can teach and develop our children with such adab, instilling the love of Allah, and His Messenger peace be upon him). Sanad Trust is an institute that is working hard in developing our children into beautiful human beings and true followers of our Prophet peace be upon him) and making all of us so proud.

About Sanad Trust’s Endowment:
The Sanad Trust Foundation endowment will help sustain the long term operational needs of the Foundation. It can be like the sun that gives its light without expecting anything in return from the trees. We can do so much more with your continued generosity. Become a part of the Giving Cycle now.