Third Annual Quran and Science Symposium

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful
Report of the 3rd Annual Quran and Science Symposium
Held in November 2015, at Bait-uz-Zafar Mosque, Queens, NY
Alhamdolillah, the 3rd Annual Quran and Science Symposium was held on Saturday November 14th,
2015. It was organized jointly by the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) USA and the
Ahmadi Women Scientist Association (AWSA) USA and was supported by Lajna Imaillah, Atfalul
Ahmadiyya, and Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, as well as regional and local Jamaats and Majalis.
By the grace of Allah, there were an estimated 500 attendees. There were 200 males and over 300
females. A large number of attendees were Atfal and Nasiraat, as well as young Khuddam and Lajna.
Among this group, there were 27 science fair participants. In addition, there were at least 30 outside
guests. We received news coverage from the South Asian community through a popular international
Bangla talk show interview and through advertisements in Bangla and Urdu newspapers.
The theme for the keynote session this year was entitled, “Hot Topics in Science and Religion.” The
theme was derived from the book Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge, and Truth by Hazrat Khalifatul
Masih IV (ra). The keynote session talks were on Evolution and Genetic Engineering.
A more detailed report is enclosed, with the following table of contents:
Cover letter ............................................................................................................... 1
Symposium outreach flier ......................................................................................... 2
Personal invitation card ............................................................................................ 3
Program outline ........................................................................................................ 5
Speaker biographies .................................................................................................. 7
Narrative summary of the conference ..................................................................... 10
Jamaat strategic outreach map ............................................................................... 12
Tabligh outreach report .......................................................................................... 13
Attendee comments, feedback, and Red Book notes ............................................... 19
Organizing team members ...................................................................................... 24
The powerpoint slides of the talks from the Quran and Science Symposium and an image gallery are
on our official website at www.muslimscientists.org. Short video clips are also being edited for
posting, inshaAllah.
Please pray for all of the members of the Organizing Team, their assistants who may not have been
named in this summary, and the participants. May we be enabled to benefit from such meetings and
continue our Association’s mission of exceling in the sciences, with the help of Allah’s Book and by
following His Messenger (saw) and His appointed Messiah (as) and Khulafaa, inshaAllah.
Wassalam,
Sohail Zakiuddin Husain, MD
serving as President of the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) USA
AHMADIYYA
MUSLIM COMMUNITY
United States of America
The 3 Annual
rd
QURAN
&
SCIENCE
SYMPOSIUM
A scientific conference to seek guidance from the Holy Quran.
Network with scientists & Quranic scholars.
Attend a special session on Hot Topics in science and religion.
.
SAT, NOV 14 , 2015
th
Registration link & program:
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
www.muslimscientists.org
Bait-uz-Zafar Mosque (Queens, NY)
188-15 McLaughlin Avenue
Hollis, NY 11423
For more info, please contact:
Sohail Husain, MD
[email protected]
@sciencemuslim;
@
Ph: (412) 543-8952
Hosted by the USA Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists
(AAMS) & the Ahmadi Women Scientist Association (AWSA)
Full Day’s Program
9:00 AM
Breakfast
10:00 AM
Session 1: The Quran on Science and Religion:
Partners, not rivals
11:15 AM
Tea break
11:30 AM
Session 2 (simultaneous sessions):
Ahmadi Muslim scientists in action
Ahmadi Women Scientist Association program
Youth Science Jeopardy
1:00 PM
Lunch (after the Afternoon prayers)
2:15 PM
Session 3: Science fair poster tour
A tour of poster presentations from scientists and
students
3:15 PM
Mid-afternoon prayers
3:30 PM
Session 4 (Main program):
Hot topics in science and religion
5:00 PM
Dinner and informal discussion
(after the Sunset prayers)
In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
an invitation
ASSOCIATION OF AHMADI MUSLIM SCIENTISTS &
AHMADI WOMEN SCIENTIST ASSOCIATION
United States of America
The Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists &
Saturday, Nov. 14th, 2015
The Ahmadi Women Scientist Association, USA
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
requests the honor of
your presence at a special
Bait‐uz‐Zafar Mosque
188‐15 McLaughlin Ave.
Hollis, NY 11423
3rd Annual QURAN & SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM
A scientific conference to:
Learn about the Quran’s view on Science
Network with scientists & Quranic scholars
Hear about Hot Topics in science and religion
Registration link and program: www.muslimscientists.org
@sciencemuslim
Main Program
3:30 PM
The Quran on Evolution and the Origin of Species
Genetic Engineering: GMO, Cloning, DNA editing
Panel discussion
5:00 PM
Dinner and informal discussion
(after the Sunset prayers)
RSVP: Sohail Husain, MD
[email protected]
(412) 543-8952
We welcome you to also attend the full day’s program, provided on the back.
Muslims who believe in the Messiah,
AS
Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian
Association of Ahmadiyya
Muslim Scientists
United States of
America
3rd Annual Holy Quran & Science Symposium
Program details
Bait-uz-Zafar Mosque
118-15 McLaughlin Avenue, Queens, NY
Saturday November 14th, 2015 10AM-5PM
9:00 AM
Breakfast
10:00 AM
Session 1: The Quran on science & religion: Partners, not rivals
Moderators: Moulana Daud Hanif; Professor Sultan Akbar; Karim Sharif, PhD;
Ibshar Khandakar Sahib
11:45 AM
Tilawat: Taimur Ahmad Sahib
Welcoming
Honey: A cure for mankind
Tauseef Khan, PhD
Honeybee democracy & decision making
Mohamed Alburaki, PhD
Making leaps & bounds in science through the lens of the Quran
Moulana Naseem Mahdi and Abdul Naseer Malmi Kakkada, PhD
Scientific development is tightly bound to Divine revelation
Sohail Z Husain, MD
Panel discussion
Session 2a (Men’s Hall): Ahmadi Muslim scientists in action
Moderators: Karimullah Zirvi, PhD; Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD; Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
Using organic chemistry to recycle rare earth metals
Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
Tackling the problem of cancer
Manzurul Sikder, MD
Reconciling the nature of chemical sidedness from the Quran
Hameed Mirza, PhD
Preventing a disease of our own doing: Post-ERCP pancreatitis
Abrahim I Orabi, BS
The Quran on the molecules that turn on organ regeneration
Sohail Z Husain, MD
Thriving as a physician-scientist
Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD
Panel discussion
11:45 AM
Session 2b (Women’s Hall): Ahmadi Women Scientist Association (AWSA)
program
11:45 AM
Session 2c: Atfalul Ahmadiyya-sponsored team science jeopardy
Moderators: Moulana Hamid N. Malik; Moulana Adnan Ahmed; Zaid Saifullah, BS;
Syed Musawar Ahmad, MD
1:00 PM
Zuhr prayer & lunch
2:15 PM
Session 3: Science Fair tour
Judges: Karim Sharif, PhD; Moulana Hamid N. Malik; Sardar Anees Ahmad
3:15 PM
Asr prayer
3:30 PM
Session 4: Hot Topics in science & religion
Moderators: Masoud Malik Sahib; Zia Shah, MD; Moulana Naseem Mahdi;
Sohail Z Husain, MD
Tilawat
Adeel Malik Sahib
5:00 PM
The Quran on Evolution & the origin of species
Karim Sharif, PhD
The Quran on genetic engineering: GMO, cloning, & DNA editing
Zia Shah, MD
Panel discussion, followed by concluding remarks
Maghrib prayer & dinner
2015 Holy Quran and Science Symposium
Twitter: @ScienceMuslim
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.muslimscientists.org
Speaker Biographies
2015 Holy Quran and Science Symposium
Moulana Naseem Mahdi
Moulana Naseem Mahdi serves as the National Vice
President and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community USA. In 1977, he completed a seven-year
missionary training program with emphasis on comparative
study of religions from the Missionary Training College of the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Rabwah, Pakistan. He was
immediately appointed to lead the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community of Switzerland. Eight years later, he was assigned
to Canada, where he led the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
there for 25 years. In 2010, Mr. Mahdi was appointed to his
current position in the US and has been speaking regularly to
both media and community leaders on major issues relating
to Islam and Muslims living in the US. He is fluent in several
languages, including Arabic, Urdu, English, and German.
Tauseef Khan, PhD
Dr. Tauseef Ahmad Khan is a post-doctoral researcher at the
University of Toronto in Canada. He completed his degree in
medicine from Aga Khan University in Pakistan, followed by a
Masters and a PhD in Epidemiology from the London School of
Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Afterwards, he worked at
University College London as a Senior Research Associate for
three years investigating the effects of young-adult obesity on
risk of heart disease. Following his passion for honey research
and with prayers from Huzoor Aqdas (aba), Dr Khan joined a
leading research group on sugar research at the University of
Toronto and is currently investigating the association between
the intake of various sugars including honey and cardiovascular
disease risk. Dr. Khan is serving as the deputy editor of the
science section of the Review of Religions magazine. Dr. Khan
also coordinates an international Ahmadiyya Muslim Research
Association (AMRA) discussion group, a large unofficial Ahmadi
scientist’s discussion group for using Holy Quran as a guide for
scientific research. Previously, Dr. Khan served as the
Mohtamim Amoor-e-Tulba (Student Affairs) in Majlis Khuddamul
Ahmadiyya UK.
Mohamed Alburaki, PhD
Dr. Mohamed Alburaki is a post-doctoral research associate at
the University of Tennessee, Department of Entomology and
Plant Pathology. He received his PhD in Genetic and
Biodiversity from the University of Pierre et Marie Curie in Paris,
France. Prior to that, he received his BSc in Agriculture and MSc
in Biotechnology from the University of Damascus, Syria. His
current research focuses on the impact of agricultural pesticides
on honeybee health. Notable publications include a review on
Syrian honeybee classification, articles on the identification of
new honeybee haplotypes, and a recent article on the impact of
pesticides on honeybee behavior. On a Jamaat level, Dr.
Alburaki has served as the General Secretary of the Québec
Abdul Naseer Malmi Kakkada, PhD
Dr. Abdul Naseer Kakkada is currently a post-doctoral
research scientist at the University of Maryland. He
obtained his PhD in Physics from the University of
Minnesota and a BSc in Physics from the University of St.
Thomas in Minnesota. He is well skilled in various
computing and supercomputing methods. His research
expertise lies in mathematical and data analysis, numerical
modeling, and creative problem solving. He has published
a number of times in highly acclaimed journals and has
been the recipient of numerous awards including the
Aneesur Rahman Award from the Department of Physics at
the University of Minnesota and the Majlis Khuddamul
Ahmadiyya USA Science and Technology Merit
Recognition Award. Prior to his recent move to Maryland,
he served as Qaid (Youth leader) and Secretary Talim
(Education) of the Minnesota Chapter of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community USA. Nationally, he held the office of
Naib Muhtamim Amoor-e-Tulba (Student Affairs) for Majlis
Khuddamul Ahmadiyya USA.
Sohail Z. Husain, MD
Dr. Sohail Husain is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at
the University of Pittsburgh. He received an MD degree
from Tufts University in 1998. In 2001, he completed his
residency in Pediatrics from New York University, after
which he joined Yale as a fellow and then faculty in
Pediatric Gastroenterology. Dr. Husain’s research focuses
on novel treatments for pancreatitis, which is a painful, lifethreatening inflammatory disorder of the pancreas. To date,
Dr. Husain has published over 40 scientific papers,
including several book chapters on pancreatic development
and pancreatic disorders. He currently holds two
independent research grants from the NIH (called R01s).
On a Jamaat level, Dr. Husain serves as the President of
the Association of Ahmadiyya Muslim Scientists, USA
(AAMS-USA). Locally in Pittsburgh, he serves as General
Secretary, Waqfe-Nau secretary, and Murabbi Atfal. By the
grace of Allah, one of Dr. Husain’s greatest achievements
was to receive the USA Ahmadiyya Gold Medal from
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) during the 2008 Khilafat
Centenary Jalsa Salana.
Ijaz Ahmed, PhD
Dr. Ijaz Ahmed is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at
Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He received his PhD in Organic
Chemistry at Syracuse University, a MS degree in Organic
Chemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology, and a BS
degree in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Buffalo. He
also worked briefly at GlaxoSmithKline as a PhD-Intern in the
area of cancer epigenetics. Dr. Ahmed’s current research
focuses on the efficient separation of rare earth metals and
aerobic C-H oxidations. His interest is in synthetic organic
chemistry as well as the application of organometallic
complexes. He received the MKA Talent Award in 2014 for his
publication on the rapid synthesis of BINOL derivatives. On a
Jamaat level, Dr. Ahmed currently serves as the General
Secretary for the Association of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists, USA
(AAMS-USA) and the Regional Nazim Atfal of the Northeast
region. Locally, he serves as Secretary Tarbiyyat (moral training)
for the Fitchburg chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
USA.
Abrahim Orabi, BS
Mr. Abrahim Orabi is a Research Assistant in the lab of Dr.
Sohail Husain at the University of Pittsburgh. He received
his Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from the University
of New Haven. Abrahim's current research focuses on the
biochemical mechanisms that drive acute pancreatitis with
the goal to develop therapeutic strategies to help patients
who suffer from this painful disease. To date, Mr. Orabi
has co-authored 20 scientific papers in his field, six of
which he is the first author. Mr. Orabi was the recipient of
the 2015 North American Society for Pediatric
Gastroenterology prize for Best Abstract in Pancreatic
Research. Abrahim is a long-time friend of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community.
Manzurul Sikder, MD
Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD
Dr. Manzurul Sikder is a hematologist/oncologist at SlocumDickson Medical Group in New Hartford, NY. He completed his
fellowship from the University of Rochester, School of Medicine.
He has participated in clinical research and is a member of
various advisory boards. He has published several times in
peer-reviewed journals, presented at national conferences, and
published a book chapter on lung cancer. On a Jamaat level, Dr.
Sikder has presided previously as the Qaid of the Rochester
chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
Furthermore, he is an active physician volunteer with Humanity
First, International.
Dr. Fizan Abdullah is the Division Head of Pediatric
Surgery at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of
Chicago and Professor of Pediatric Surgery at
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Previously, he was an Associate Professor of Surgery and
International Health, Program Director of Fellowships in
Pediatric Surgery, and the Assistant Program Director of
Residency in General Surgery at John Hopkins University
School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public
Health. He received an MD-PhD degree from Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1998. In 2003, he
completed his residency in General Surgery at Yale, after
which he completed a fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at
the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2005. Dr.
Abdullah’s research focuses on lung development, tissue
engineering, outcomes research, extracorporeal life
support, and global surgical education. He also works as a
consultant for the World Health Organization (WHO). On a
Jamaat level, Dr. Abdullah served previously as the Vice
President of the Association of Ahmadiyya Muslim
Scientists, USA (AAMS-USA). He is an active medical
volunteer for Humanity First USA.
Hameed Mirza, PhD
Dr. Hameed Mirza is a Professor at York University, Canada and
the President & Chief Scientific Officer at the A.S. Chemical
Laboratories, Inc. He received an MSc degree in Chemistry from
Lakehead University in 1988. In 1993, he completed his PhD in
Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario, after which he
joined McGill University as a post-doctoral research fellow. Dr.
Mirza’s research focuses on the synthesis of light harvesting
devices and the development of novel pharmaceutical products.
To date, Dr. Mirza has published over 40 scientific papers. He
serves as the National Secretary Ta’lim (Education) for the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada and the Chairman of
Association of Ahmadiyya Muslim Scientists Canada. In the past
he has served as President of Peace Village East chapter and
Vice-president of Majlis Ansarullah Canada.
Karim Sharif, PhD
Karimullah Zirvi, PhD
Dr. Karim Sharif is an Associate Professor of Biology at
Massosoit Community College. Prior to obtaining his PhD from
the Graduate Center of the City University of New York
(CUNY), he attended Talimul Islam College in Rabwah, Forman
Christian College in Lahore, and Hunter College, CUNY. His
current research focuses on the comparative genomic analysis
among Drosophila (Fruit Fly) species. He has published a
broad range of articles in esteemed journals and has a keen
interest in promoting scientific education, something he
attributes to the vision and directive of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih
III (may Allah be pleased with him). Dr. Sharif has served the
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in various capacities. Currently,
he serves as the Vice President of the Association of Ahmadi
Muslim Scientists (AAMS-USA). Locally, he serves as the
secretary Waqfe-Nau for the Boston Chapter of the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community USA.
Dr. Karimullah Zirvi received his MSc in Chemistry from
Karachi University in Pakistan and his BSc from T.I.
College in Rabwah, Pakistan. After that, he moved to the
United States and received his PhD in Pharmacology from
the University of Louisville in 1968. He has had a
wonderfully successful career, with numerous publications,
patents, and awards. Aside from his professional career,
Dr. Zirvi has shared his vast knowledge of Islam through
publications such as “Words of Wisdom,” “Welcome to
Ahmadiyyat, the True Islam,” and “Invocations of the Holy
SAW
Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa
.” He is well known
throughout the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for his
selfless service and dedication.
Zia Shah, MD
Dr. Zia Shah is a physician practicing Sleep Disorders and
Pulmonary Medicine in Upstate New York. He is the Chief
Editor of Muslim Times, which has more than 36,000 followers
in Twitter. He is also Chair of Religion and Science for the
Muslim Sunrise, the oldest Muslim publication in North America.
He has authored more than 400 articles on Islam, Christianity,
Secularism, and Religion & Science. He manages one of the
most active Twitter account with 36,000 followers Twitter:
@The_MuslimTimes.
Masoud A. Malik, PhD
Dr. Masoud Malik received his PhD in Nutrition from the
University of Nebraska, MS degree in Poultry Science from
Colorado State University, and a Degree in Veterinary
Medicine from Punjab University in Pakistan. He has
published and presented around 40 papers in esteemed
journals and/or scientific conferences. His academic career
spans from Peshawar, Pakistan to the University of
Nebraska, where he both taught and conducted research.
He has worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a
Research Psychologist, Epidemiologist, and Senior
Veterinary Medical Officer. Dr. Malik currently resides as
the Naib Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.
He has served the Jamaat in various capacities over the
years including Qaid (Youth Leader), Sadr Majlis
Ansarullah USA, and Sadr of the Washington Metro
Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA. Dr.
Malik was blessed with the opportunity to assist Hadhrat
rh
Khalifatul Masih IV in the preparation of the book titled
“Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth.”
2015 Holy Quran and Science Symposium
Bait-uz-Zafar Queens, NY
Twitter: @ScienceMuslim
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.muslimscientists.org
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful
A Narrative of the 3rd Annual Quran and Science Symposium
Saturday, November 14th, 2015
Bait-uz-Zafar Mosque, Queens, NY
Overview
The 3rd Annual Quran and Science Symposium was organized jointly by the Associate
of Ahmadi Muslim Scientists (AAMS) USA and the Ahmadi Women Scientist
Association (AWSA) USA. There was major support provided by the local New York
Jamaat and the national offices of Lajna Imaillah, Atfalul Ahmadiyya, and Khuddamul
Ahmadiyya, as well as regional and local Jamaats and Majalis. By the grace of Allah,
there were an estimated 500 attendees. This consisted of 200 males and over 300
females. A large number of attendees were Atfal and Nasiraat, as well as young
Khuddam and Lajna.
Session 1
Atfer tilawat and welcoming, the first session began with a discourse from Dr. Tauseef
Khan, PhD (from the University of Toronto) on interesting facets that are mentioned
about honey in the Holy Quran. He explained that there are many unanswered
questions about the nature and profile of honey that begs greater attention from young
Ahmadi scientists. Thereafter, Moulana Naseem Mahdi Sahib and physicist Dr.
Abdul Naseer Malmi Kakkada, PhD spoke in tandem on making leaps & bounds in
science through the lens of the Quran. At the very end of the first session, Dr.
Sohail Z Husain, MD spoke on how scientific development is tightly bound to Divine
revelation. The brief talk was a book review of Khalifatul Masih IV (ra)’s Revelation,
Rationality, Knowledge, and Truth.
Session 2
Session 2 was divided into concurrent sessions by the Ahmadi men and women
scientists association. The men held a session on Ahmadi Muslim scientists in
action. Moderators Drs. Karimullah Zirvi, PhD, Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD, and Ijaz
Ahmed, PhD coordinated short presentations on “Using organic chemistry to recycle
rare earth metals,” by Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, PhD, “Tackling the problem of cancer,” by Dr.
Manzurul Sikder, MD, “Reconciling the nature of chemical sidedness from the Quran,”
by Dr. Hameed Mirza, PhD, “Preventing a disease of our own doing: Post-ERCP
pancreatitis,” by Mr. Abrahim I Orabi, BS, “The Quran on the molecules that turn on
organ regeneration,” by Dr. Sohail Z Husain, MD, and “Thriving as a physicianscientist,” by Dr. Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD.
Concurrently, Atfalul Ahmadiyya conducted a fun team-oriented jeopardy game on
various exciting topics in science and the Quran.
Session 3
After a delightful lunch prepared by the New York Ziafat team, there was a robust
presentation from the youth about their science fair projects. There were a total of 27
science fair participants. The science fairs winners are:
Girls Science Fair Winners
Age group: 7-10 years
1st
Innaya Virk, Silver Spring, MD
2nd
Areesha/Sameen/Anaya Humna
3rd
Adeen/Sofia/Ayza
Boys Science Fair Winners
Educational Primary/Secondary school
category:
1st
Aman Ahmad, Brooklyn, NY (What
factors affect respirator rate)
2nd
3rd
11-15 years
Eesha Alladin, Long Island, NY
Afia Alladin/Desha Khan, , Long
Island, NY
Dania Mahmud
College/University
Abrahim Orabi, Pittsburgh, PA
(The mechanism by which HDACs
regulate pancreatic regeneration)
Hisham Virk, Silver Spring, MD (The Ijaz Ahmed, PhD, Worchester, MA
opposing effect of friction on
(Separating out rare earth
motion)
elements)
Yusuf Ahmed, Brooklyn, NY (The
Haris Qureshi, Hartford, CT (A
heart at work)
mechanism for radiocontrastinduced injury through pathological
calcium signals)
Session 4
The final keynote session was entitled, “Hot Topics in science & religion.” The two
hot topics discussed were “The Quran on Evolution & the origin of species,” by Dr.
Karim Sharif, PhD and “The Quran on genetic engineering: GMO, cloning, & DNA
editing,” by Dr. Zia Shah, MD. The session ended with a robust questions and
answers session, followed by namas and dinner.
Regional Jamaat Outreach: Strategic Map and Ambassadors Program
17
22
20
18
19
7
5
13
6
21
14
9
15
11
12
10
8
4 1 2
3
16
Jamaat (Ambassador)
1. Queens (Zulfikar Sahib)
2. Long Island (Taimur Sahib)
3. Brooklyn (Taimur Sahib)
4. Bronx (Zulfikar Sahib)
5. North Jersey (Sazzad Sahib)
6. Central Jersey (Sazzad Sahib)
7. Connecticut (Mubasil Sahib)
8. Willingboro (Sazzad Sahib)
9. Philadelphia (Adeel Sahib)
10. Baltimore (Adeel Sahib)
11. Bait‐ur‐Rehman (Adeel Sahib)
12. Washington, DC (Zaid Sahib)
13. LeHigh Valley (Zaid Sahib)
14. Harrisburg (Zaid Sahib)
15. York (Zaid Sahib)
16. Boston (Karim Sahib)
17. Fitchburg (Ijaz Sahib)
18. Albany (Ijaz Sahib)
19. Binghamton (Zia Sahib)
20. Syracuse (Zia Sahib)
21. Pittsburgh (Khalid Sahib)
22. Rochester (Noveera Sahiba)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful
Tabligh outreach for the 3rd Annual Quran and Science Symposium
By Mirza Ghulam Rabbi Ahmed Sahib
By the grace of Allah, we:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Reached out to approximately 500 guests, who have attended our
programs in the past.
Reached out to 200 professors from 6 universities (Columbia, Hofstra, St.
Johns, Adelphi,Baruch, and NYU). Several of the professors regretted that
they were unable to attend but wanted to attend future events.
Tweeted the program to Muslim Student Associations (MSA) in 7
universities and 3 high schools.
Reached out to 100 local neighbors, out of which 4 Jewish neighbors
attended
Distributed 250 pamphlets to local businesses.
Published the event program in 2 Bengali and 2 Urdu newspapers.
Sent out a Media Advisory in English and a similar one in Bangla (our central
Bangla desk London)
Were interviewed by the popular Bangla talk show Time Talk the next day
at their studios in Queens.
The result was that
alhamdolillah 30-40
guests attended, including
a reporter from the
largest Bengali newspaper
in the USA, called
“Tikana.” An article was
subsequently published. A
couple of guests were
given complimentary
subscriptions to the
Review of Religions.
United States of America
Media Advisory
For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2015
Contact:
Mirza Ghulam Rabbi
[email protected]
917-363-3673
What are Quran’s views on Science?
Third Annual Quran and Science Symposium
Event: The Third Annual Quran & Science Symposium organized by Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community USA’s professional scientific organizations (AAMSUSA). The theme of this year’s Symposium is “Hot Topics” in science and
religion. There is also an all day conference starting at 9 am but the
symposium starts at 3:30 pm. An outline of the program is:
3:30 PM
The Quran on Evolution & the origin of species
Karim Sharif, PhD
The Quran on genetic engineering: GMO, cloning, & DNA editing
Zia Shah, MD
5:00 PM
Dinner and informal discussion
(After the Sunset prayers)
When: Saturday, November 14, 2015, 3 PM to 5 PM
Where: Bait-uz-Zafar Mosque
188-15 McLaughlin Ave, Hollis, NY 11423
Media Opportunity: Interviews of Muslim leaders
About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, MD 20905
phone: 301-879-0110 fax: 301-879-0115 www.ahmadiyya.us 1-800-Why-Islam
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international
movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans more than 200 countries
with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA,
established in 1920, is among the first American-Muslim organizations.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the longawaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of
Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of
Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam,
Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious
wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has
brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested
Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and
essential teachings.
###
Feedback from non-Ahmadi guest attendees
Mirza Ghulam Rabbi Sahib writes that a couple days after the Quran and Science
Symposium, a non-Ahmadi guest attendee told him that, "while the world is in
turmoil and savages are committing heinous crimes in the name of Islam, it is
refreshing to witness true Muslims peacefully gathered to engage in fruitful
conversation regarding rich and informative topics in the name of Islam." He
said he was honored to attend.
Guest attendee Ms. Lisa Orabi wrote the following in a thank you card:
My husband and I felt very welcomed by this most friendly Muslim community.
It was definitely a pleasure, and we are most appreciative of the kindness,
warmth, and sincerity we experienced during our visit.
Overview of the feedback forms
Sample feedback form
Anonymous Feedback Form
Instruction: Please answer according to your opinion. PLEASE RETURN ONCE YOU FINISH.
Please Circle:
How did you hear about this event (circle)?
Age Range:
Atfal
Khuddam
<10
10-18
Flier
Phone
Ansar
Guest
18-25
25-30
Email
Announcement
Lajna
Nasirat
30-40
40+
Other: _______________
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Unsatisfactory / 5 = Excellent), please rate the
following:
Food
1
2
3
4
5
Science Topics
1
2
3
4
5
Registration
1
2
3
4
5
Event Organization
1
2
3
4
5
Event Schedule
1
2
3
4
5
Facilities
1
2
3
4
5
Hospitality/Accommodations 1
2
3
4
5
Social Media
Additional Comments?
Data from 69 respondents:
Program Parameters
40
35
35
35
33
30
30
29
28
27
Number of People
26
24
25
23
20
18
17
15
17
13
12
13
10
11
10
5
7
6
5
2
2 2
7
6 6
3
3
3
4
1
3 3
2
0
food
science topics
registration
1
event
organization
2
3
4
event schedule
facilities
hospi/accomo
5
Overall trends in the feedback
• Alhamdolillah, there were very few “unsatisfactory” responses (denoted by
a #1) and most respondents cited “excellent” for each of the categories
(denoted by a #5).
• However, there was an increasing number of mediocre citations (denoted
by a #3) for “facilities” and the “event schedule,” which suggests that there
may have been some concerns about the meeting venue and the flow of
the meeting.
How did most people hear about the program?
35
30
30
28
Number of people
25
20
15
10
9
9
7
5
2
0
Flier
Announcement
Social media
Phone
Other
email
• It appears that most people heard about the program (1) from email
announcements sent by the local Jamaat administration or an AAMS eBlast
or (2) from regular Jamaat annuncements at Jumma or special gatherings.
Summary of Red Book discussions
Alhamdolillah, the team dynamics (among about 15 core members) was
excellent, and hosting regular focused meetings were effective.
Communications between the men and women’s sides could be improved. The
Telegram group helped, but for the next meeting it will be helpful to additionally
have designated communications liaisons from each side.
The Science Fair was well-received, and there was great enthusiasm. However,
one concern from local principals and parents were that the Judging criteria
should be provided ahead of time. For example, the Judging sheets scored
participants on whether they had hypothesis-driven work, even though this
aspect was never mentioned in the instructions to principals and parents. Further,
the ladies felt that there was a need to help youth improve the quality of their
posters. Overall, a very good job.
Timing, program, networking, and participation. Due to multiple logistical issues,
the timing for the program was compromised. As a buffer, there needs to be
more time for lunch, a more relaxed program, proper space to sit together and
chat during meals or breaks, and in general more time for networking. There also
needs to be more time for questions and answers and discussion. Consider
combining Sessions 1 and 2 and limiting the meeting to only 3 Sessions. Many of
the ladies wanted to hear the men’s Ahmadi scientists in action talks. Further, it
would be worthwhile knowing whether active lady scientists can present to the
general group in such venues.
The food was excellent and widely acclaimed alhamdolillah. The tea
arrangements were confusing though, and it was cold outside in the tent. There
was insufficient space for the men in the tent in general.
New York Jamaat did a great job in hosting the Symposium. Some space and
related logistics issues for 500+ attendees were identified.
The website and online registration are still work in progress. There were several
glitches to the system. It was a bit clunky and constrained, sometime confusing.
The output information on registrants was not straightforward, and we were
unable to move fast on making changes to the website. The home page still needs
much more optimization. Work in progress, inshaAllah. Good start. We might
consider going back to a Google forms format, for it ease of use. The onsite
registration had several challenges, including the fact that it was right next to the
program area. The team was excellent and worked well. Security was also
effective; security is now something we need to consider for every Symposium.
Although the feedback forms were helpful, it was felt that there could have been
a greater effort to increase response rates. There was only about a 15% feedback
response rate. Also it would be better to allow respondents the chance to cite
their name and information if they so choose. They might want to have us contact
them in order to involve them in future planning.
Themes and talks for next year. There seems to be an interest in hosting the
science of economics from the Quran as a theme topic for 2016. There was also
interest in talks about the threat of nuclear war as a hot topic. Also about the
science behind a virgin birth. And a vetted out a potential talk about whether
homosexuality is a genetic or acquired problem.
The USA Jamaat calendar for 2016 has already come out, and dates for the Quran
and Science were not solicited. Nonetheless, we will inshaAllah need to finalize a
date for 2016 for the 4th Annual Quran and Science Symposium. Earlier in
November might be better, to avoid the colder weather.
Next steps. In view of the above Red Book items, we will need to finalize at an
onsite Planning Meeting in February or March 2016 whether we would like to
return to Bait-ur-Rehman Mosque and to vet out the next program, along with
timing. All members are invited to participate in person or by videoconference.
The date needs to be announced at least three weeks in advance.
Title
Member
Specific Roles
Dr.
Sohail Husain Sahib
Afsar; AAMS President
Karim Sharif Sahib
Naib Afsar and In-charge of Men's arrangements;
AAMS Vice-President; In-charge, Boys' Science
Fair at the QSS
Dr.
Ahmadi Women Scientists Association (AWSA)
Dr.
Noveera Ahmad Sahiba
In-charge of Women's arrangements; AWSA
President
Dr.
Nusrat Sharif Sahiba
In-charge, Girls' Science Fair at the QSS
Mrs.
Ms.
Homaira Khandakar
Sahiba
Nashita Khandakar
Sahiba
Ms. Ishana Khandakar Sahiba
Nazim Logistics, Women's Arrangements
Naib Nazim Logistics, Women's Arrangements
Naib Nazim Logistics, Women's Arrangements
Ms.
Alfiya Akhmed Sahiba
AWSA General Secretary
Ms.
Asfa Mahmood Sahiba
Queens Sadr Lajna
Dr.
Fiona Ahmed Sahiba
AWSA Coordinator
Program and Speakers/Moderators Preparation
Dr.
Dr.
Zia Shah Sahib
Nazim Program
Ijaz Ahmed Sahib
Moderator and Speaker Outreach and Hospitality
Coordinator; AAMS General Secretary &
Publications Secretary
Atfal Jeopardy
Mr.
Imam Hamid Nasir Malik
Jeopardy Game Coordinator; Naib Mohtamim
Atfalul Ahmadiyya USA
Mr.
Imam Adnan Ahmed
Atfal Jeopardy Moderator; Review of Religions
Science Representative
Title
Member
Specific Roles
Dr.
Syed Musawar Ahmed
Sahib
Mr.
Zaid Saifullah Sahib
Mr.
Haris Qureshi Sahib
Aftal Jeopardy Moderator and in-charge of
Questions updates
Atfal Jeopardy Moderator; Naib Nazim Meeting
Flow and Logistics
Outreach
Nazim Outreach; AAMS Naib Publications
Secretary
Mubasil Chaudhry Ahmer
Sahib
Khalid Ahmed Husain
Mr.
Sahib
Ghulam Rabbi Ahmed
Mr.
Sahib
Mr.
Ms.
Saima Sheikh Sahiba
Mr.
Adeel Malik Sahib
Dr.
Tauseef Khan Sahib
Naib Nazim Outreach
Naib Nazim Outreach
Special Outreach to Non-Ahmadi Guests
National Media Team Contact, Press Advisory
Coordinator
Meeting Logistics
Nazim Meeting Flow and Logistics; AAMS Finance
Secretary
Canadian Laiason
Web/IT-related
Mr. Sazzad Khandakar Sahib
IT Support Oversight
Nazim Online Registration and Social
Media/Webmaster
Local Jamaat Support
Mr.
Ibshar Khandakar Sahib
Mr.
Nazir Ayaz Sahib
President, Queens Jamaat
Taimur Ahmed Sahib
Nazim Registration and Welcoming/Ushers; Also Incharge Internal Team Communications during
Meeting; AAMS Naib General Secretary
Zulfikar Sikder Sahib
Nazim Local Jamaat Host Laiason; will coordinate
with local appointees for Ziafat, Transportation,
Accommodations, Special Guest Visitors, A/V/MTA
Mr.
Mr.
Title
Member
Specific Roles
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Naeem Sharif Sahib
Iqbal Ahmed Sahib
Mansoor Ahmad Sahib
Nazim Ziafat
Nazim Audio/Video/MTA
Official photographer
Advisors
Mr.
Masoud Malik Sahib
Naib Ameer and Advisor to AAMS
Mr.
Naseem Mahdi Sahib
Naib Ameer and Advisor to AAMS
Dr.
Waseem Sayed Sahib
Advisor to AAMS
Mrs.
Saliha Malik Sahiba
Sadr Lajna Sahiba
Dr.
Bilal Rana Sahib
Mirza Harris Ahmed
Sahib
Sadr MKA USA
Mr.
Dr.
Fizan Abdullah Sahib
Mr. Sharjeel Chaudhry Sahib
Dr.
Hameed Mirza Sahib
Mohtamim Atfal Sahib
Advisor to AAMS
Advisor to AAMS
Canadian Advisor to AAMS-USA