Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago

The Council’s Chairman, Abdulghany Hamadeh, had the privilege of speaking at the 185th Session of the Northern Illinois Conference for the United Methodist Church, emphasizing shared values of faith, community, and service, and highlighting the importance of mutual respect and collaboration during challenging times. The session’s theme, “Yield,” was noted as resonant with the Islamic concept of submission to God’s will. He acknowledged the Methodist Church’s efforts in promoting social justice and supporting those in need, which align with Muslim principles.

We look forward to continued interfaith cooperation and partnership between CIOGC and the Northern Illinois Conference!

Our lineup for CIOGC’s Pathways to Excellence in NPO’s Workshop happening June 22nd! 🗓️ Seats are limited!

This workshop will delve into the dynamics between the Imam and the Mosque’s board to equip our organizations with best governance practices! Key discussion points include:

- Authority of the Imam
- Aligning board expectations with those of the Imam
- Impact of expectations on the Imam’s work/life balance
- Developing a fair compensation package for the Imam
- Q&A session with the panelists

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iVFDWlRILbBXPKLokD27ESdh_VNfLJK2idxXQylUPZw/edit =ACYDBNjkbAf8nyLqJeoE7GlL_5deJiJ8OtuXPrlvSHI1vQYO9IComUpe97LpyAUjuz8ohiQ

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This historic day is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and hope. Commemorate Juneteenth by educating yourself and others about its history, supporting Black-owned businesses, attending local events, and advocating for racial justice. Together, we honor the past and work towards a more equitable future.

Eid Mubarak to our wonderful community! May Allah’s blessings be with you today, tomorrow, and always! ☪️

While we enjoy the celebrations and blessings of this festive occasion with our loved ones, let’s also keep our brothers and sisters in Palestine, Sudan, and Congo in our thoughts and prayers. May God protect them and give them strength.

Coffee on us! Want to win a $25 gift card to Qamaria? Just follow these 3 simple steps below! Winners will be announced on Sunday, June 23rd!

RULES:
1.) Follow this account
2.) Share the flier to our upcoming Pathways to Excellence workshop in the next slide on your story! (If you have a private account, please direct message us a screenshot of your story!)
3.) Tag your local masjid in the comment section!

CIOGC will be picking 2 lucky followers!

Mark your calendars for CIOGC’s second workshop in our Nonprofit Governance series happening next Saturday, June 22nd! It’s an excellent opportunity for your local mosque or nonprofit organization to learn the best practices in leadership, all for the betterment of YOU!

Salaam and Jumu’ah Mubarak! With Eid al-Adha just around the corner, CIOGC has shared the Eid salah timings for Chicagoland masaajid on our website. Simply click this link: https://www.ciogc.org/chicago-area-eid-ul-adha-timings/ to view them or use the link in our bio. Eid Mubarak! 🌙

Our lineup for CIOGC’s Pathways to Excellence in NPO’s Workshop happening June 22nd! 🗓️ Seats are limited!

This workshop will delve into the dynamics between the Imam and the Mosque’s board to equip our organizations with best governance practices! Key discussion points include:

- Authority of the Imam
- Aligning board expectations with those of the Imam
- Impact of expectations on the Imam’s work/life balance
- Developing a fair compensation package for the Imam
- Q&A session with the panelists

Link to register in BIO! ✉️

Meet our pannel: Dr. Mohamed AbuTaleb from Yaqeen Institute

Dr. Mohamed AbuTaleb serves as Senior Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. Previously, he transitioned from a successful career in technology leadership at a Fortune 100 company to serve the community full-time at the helm of one of the largest Islamic centers in the South, serving as Imam, Religious Director, and Member of the Board for seven years. Dr. AbuTaleb has been featured in media coverage from outlets including National Geographic, NPR, ABC11, Religion News Service, and WRAL; and lectured at a number of universities including Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Duke, and Georgia Tech. He co-founded Oaktree Institute, Muslim Link Newspaper, and Capital-Area Islamic Library.

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHAIXXM0VJPAl9S9hyxEk9LTUOAcFvvUa0TrgMRZ2RC0AIEQ/viewform

Meet our governance pannel:

Sheikh Kifah Mustapha is the Imam and Director of The Prayer Center of Orland Park. He is the appointed representative for the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Lebanon (Darul Fatwa) on behalf of the Lebanese Community in the USA.Chairman of the Illinois Council of Imams and Scholars The Council for the Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation. The American Islamic College in Chicago. Sh. Kifah has served as Imam at the Mosque Foundation; Islamic Cultural Center; and Al-Ansar Mosque He was a founder of the Council of Lebanese American Imams. He taught Islamic Studies for High School students at Universal School for six years He also served as a member on the Advisory Boards of the Mission and Spiritual Care for Advocate Health Group in Illinois. He is a well known motivational speaker, youth mentor and active participant in interfaith relations CAIR-Chicago Mobilizer Award. Arab American Business & Professional Association’s Outstanding Leadership Award Lincoln Land Legends’ Scholars for Dollars Award

RSVP HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHAIXXM0VJPAl9S9hyxEk9LTUOAcFvvUa0TrgMRZ2RC0AIEQ/viewform

Meet our pannel:

Sheikh Kifah Mustapha is the Imam and Director of The Prayer Center of Orland Park. He is the appointed representative for the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Lebanon (Darul Fatwa) on behalf of the Lebanese Community in the USA.Chairman of the Illinois Council of Imams and Scholars The Council for the Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation. The American Islamic College in Chicago. Sh. Kifah has served as Imam at the Mosque Foundation; Islamic Cultural Center; and Al-Ansar Mosque He was a founder of the Council of Lebanese American Imams. He taught Islamic Studies for High School students at Universal School for six years He also served as a member on the Advisory Boards of the Mission and Spiritual Care for Advocate Health Group in Illinois. He is a well known motivational speaker, youth mentor and active participant in interfaith relations CAIR-Chicago Mobilizer Award. Arab American Business & Professional Association’s Outstanding Leadership Award Lincoln Land Legends’ Scholars for Dollars Award

Save the date! The Council is thrilled to announce our Annual Gala on October 12th, 2024 at Shalimar Banquets. We hope to commemorate 32 incredible years of being Chicagos largest federation of Muslim organizations with our community!✨

Stay tuned on our social media pages for more details!

Yesterday, May 30th, 2024, the Council urgently called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, following the massacre by Israeli forces on May 26 that killed at least 35 Palestinians. Muslim leaders from CAIR Chicago, Downtown Islamic Center, American Muslims for Palestine, and MedGlobal united to uphold justice and the sanctity of life🇵🇸

The Council wrapped up a wonderful weekend at the Turkish Festival, aH! Huge thanks to for bringing such an amazing event to life. Check out these highlights!👆🏼🇹🇷

Had an amazing time at the Turkish Festival this past weekend! Huge thanks to for organizing such a fantastic event. Our chairman, Dr. Abdulghany Hamadeh, and Executive Director, Abdullah Mitchell, were honored to speak and engage with the community!

Join CIOGC’s Pathways to Excellence for Non-Profits Workshop on June 22nd! 📅 In today’s rapidly evolving world, the roles and responsibilities of non-profit boards are becoming increasingly complex. Understanding effective governance principles is crucial for the success of our Islamic centers. Our second workshop, “Navigating the Imam’s Role,” will explore key aspects of the relationship between the Imam and the Mosque’s board. Don’t miss insights from our esteemed panel including legal expert Mazen Asbahi, Dr. Mohamad Abutaleb from Yaqeen Institute, Imam Sheikh Kifah Mustapha, CPA Thabraize Ahmad, Sarwar Naser, PhD, and COOGC Executive Director, Abdullah Mitchell!

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHAIXXM0VJPAl9S9hyxEk9LTUOAcFvvUa0TrgMRZ2RC0AIEQ/viewform

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz

Congratulations to our 2024 Courage Award recipient, Ahmed Rehab!

You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” - Malcolm X

Today, the CIOGC celebrated the life and legacy of Malcolm X, also known as El Hajj Malik el Shabazz, with an esteemed panel featuring Brothers Clyde El-Amin, Salim Muwakkil, and Ahmed Rehab, and Sister Kai El Zabar. This years theme being “Preservation of Human Rights and Human Dignity Through Truth and Justice for All, we delved into the power of unity and the importance of standing in solidarity against injustice and oppression, inspired by Malcolm X’s teachings.

76 years ago today, marks the Nakba, translating to the catastrophe. Over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly exiled from their homes and over 15,000 were killed.

The Nakba is ongoing. Since 1948, Palestinians have experienced relentless settler colonial violence perpetrated by Israel.

Witnessing the horrors currently taking place in Gaza, let’s use this day to educate others on the occupation, amplify Palestinian voices, demand an end to the siege on Gaza.

May we witness the liberation of Palestine in this lifetime🤲🏼

The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago invites you to join us on Sunday May 19th as we honor the legacy of Malcolm X at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center! The theme is Preservation of Human Rights and Human Dignity through Truth and Justice for All! We will also be joined by insightful speakers Clyde El-Amin, Salim Muwakkil, Ahmed Rehab, and Kai El Zabar. Don’t miss out - this event is open to all community members and students. See you there! RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2oxtKmirqvjBlt2kEWCKyr7hWEPYOZeYxohoR-XmV1mAb2A/viewform

With heavy hearts, we share the sad news that Appa (Irshad khan’s sister) passed away this morning in Michigan.

Inna lilla ahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Arabic: إِنَّا للهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ‎‎)

May Allah grant Apaama the highest place in Jannah and give the family sabr,courage, patience, strength to bear the loss. Ameen.

Congratulations to Rachael Mahmood, the 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year! 🏆🍎 Rachael’s dedication to inclusivity and celebrating cultural diversity shines through her teaching at Georgetown Elementary School in District 204. Her inspiring journey and commitment to fostering belonging make her a true leader in education!

Photo credit:

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2nd annual Naperville Halal Fest! Join us on August 3rd for a celebration of diverse cultures through food, art, and heritage. Enjoy global cuisines, a bustling marketplace, and fun activities for all ages.

This inclusive event welcomes everyone, regardless of age or background. Mark your calendars for August 3rd and snag your early bird tickets at $5 per person (ages 5 and up) starting May 27th.🗓️

Vendors, interested in participating? Complete the form here and our team will contact you: https://tinyurl.com/nhf2024-vendorinterestform

The 16th Annual Illinois Muslim Action Day was more than just an advocacy event—it was a testament to our community’s unity and commitment to justice. CIOGC stands side by side with all Palestinians in their struggle and will continue to urge for an immediate and permanent ceasefire🇵🇸 Thank you to all of our community members who joined us this year in our mission!