My mind is always drawn to the human experience of Prophets and great men and women of history, and in particular, those connected to the Islamic tradition, humanitarian work, or innovation.

As we enter the noble month of Dhul Hijjah, I try to walk with Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, Hajar (may Allah be pleased with them all). What were the thoughts of this man… a son, a husband, and a father? I can’t relate to his Prophecy, but I try to empathize with all the other parts of him.

How was he moved to make such a move? What did he communicate to his family, and how was he so clear that they joined him? It couldn’t have been his words alone; it was the relationship, the reputation, and the respect that he had established with them to earn so much trust, I imagine.

How do I compare in my own context?

Then, as he turned to Mecca, what force pushed him forward, and what feeling pulled him nearer? What were the words he and his family shared as they walked, as they rested, as they sat still? What was said through an unspoken glance or an observed moment of reflection in one another? Did they sleep close to one another due to the uncertainty, or were they distant due to it? Was there always agreement in their direction? Or discussion?

This is where I stand in these first blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.

I’m looking at the work of Sanad and the sulook (spiritual path/journey) of family and trying to support both… drawn by something greater than me and with hope for something better always after my next step.

For Sanad, let me share what I see, how close we are, and an invitation (and plea) for you to walk with us. Perhaps there was a moment when something like the Ka’ba was imagined or envisioned as Ibrahim (alayhi salam) walked. When you reach a certain point on a journey of faith, what might have once seemed like a distant mirage can become a clear, tangible vision.

Sanad is there. Stand with us and look…

There is a property in sight for the future home of our South Florida Campus – the home of Sanad Education, Wellness, and Community, and all our related programs and services. It will be a living campus for all children, adults, families, and elders to benefit from, with communal spaces that include recreation facilities (courts, archery, trails), co-working spaces (a coffee shop and bookstore), and places of remembrance (a prayer space).

This is not my castle-in-the-sky vision; this is real and on the ground. Sanad Trust board members, advisors, supporters, and the executive team have been quietly praying and doing due diligence on a specific property that will allow the Foundation to live beyond its founders and early collective, and beyond South Florida, enabling us to continue to expand nationally and build on our Sanad Prep location in Macungie, PA, Al-Maqasid Academy.

If you are in a position to be in our first circle of major seed investors, provide professional guidance in the field of architecture/engineering, law, zoning, and/or spiritual support, we are making a direct and open appeal for you to respond and join us now. It has been a long journey, and we are close to seeing what we have long been walking towards.

If you have thought, as I have at times, “Why am I walking?” or “What am I walking towards?”, I invite you to join Sanad’s efforts today. We need individuals and families like Ibrahim (alayhi salam) to stand up and stand with us.

We should all be walking towards a divine qibla/direction in our work, life, and with our families and friends. Stop, reflect, and see where you are today. Be brave enough to be honest. Trust that a change towards something closer to Allah, even if in degrees and measured in footsteps, is an extraordinary achievement. I am with you; we are with you.

If you are reading this, you see us, but I also ask you to see what we see and join us. If you are in a position to lend a major or even minor hand towards our Sanad home purchase, please reach out to me personally, and I would be honored to help you connect with our team.

But also, if there is something I or Sanad can offer you in support of your journey, reach out and let us know how we can support you.

We are all Ibrahim and Hajar at times. Let us be there for each other: listen, see, and, most importantly, join in support of each other.

May Allah grant us clarity in our paths, sincerity in our intentions, and the strength to walk towards what is good and pleasing to Him. May He bless all our endeavors that seek to build and uplift our communities.

Until the next step,

Rehan