Philly Muslims Show World Class Hospitality during MANA Conference

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem

MANA’s first annual conference was held several weeks ago over the November 2-4 weekend in the elegant Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia.  In other posts I will attempt to elaborate on my take on the historical significance of the conference, however with this post I want to give kudos to MANA and workshop panelist for setting the bar in terms of relevant topics, engaging discussions and discussants who were able to impart their knowledge to workshop participants.  In a display of great forsight there were also conference resolutions generated on the last day, inshaAllah attendees will take these resolutions as action items for their local communities. 

Alhamdulillah, kudos are also in order for volunteers from the Muslim Community of Philadelphia, the particularly the Sisters at the registration and information desks who displayed exemplary adab with their hospitality, assistance and patience.  On a number of occasions these beautiful Sisters assisted attendees who were ill prepared without showing the slightest bit of aggravation or break in adab, may Allah ta’a la reward them well.   The Brothers of Masjid Mujahidin (yeah, “Tha Thunder” was in the house LOL, but I’ll still take’em — on the court Alam, on the court LOL) and others who were providing security were on point and they carried out their duties with aplomb yet they were never obtrusive nor disrespectful.

Great effort was made to accommodate those with insufficient funds to be granted access to the conference (as well as to the sold out formal banquet), so I applaud the Amir of MANA Imam Siraj Wahaj and the MANA Diwan (Shura), for recognizing the financial stratification the Blackamerican Muslim community and making allowances.

 Lastly, the dinner and desert were delicious however I do have two comments.

First Preacher Moss can never be allowed to MC again, his knock-knock joke about Imam Zaid nearly had me literally ROTFL – to have him back could cause projectiles to fly out of the mouths of people who are attempting to eat – LOL.

Secondly formal dinner settings for the banquet are great, but since we don’t drink wine can some please tell me what do we call the glass placed on the table next to the water glass?

Ma’a Salaam