The CIOGC spotlights the Muslim community by honoring Top Muslim Achievers and their significant contributions to American society in Gala.
Sunday, November 5, 2023, was the 31st anniversary of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), which was held in Drury Lane Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois.
By honoring Top Muslim Achievers and their noteworthy accomplishments to society, the fantastic event raises awareness of the Muslim community. A non-profit organization, CIOGC unites more than 70 mosques and Islamic groups throughout Chicagoland, representing Muslims from different backgrounds. The theme of this program was "Together Toward Tomorrow".
Over 400,000 Muslim Americans in the greater Chicago area and, increasingly, the entire state of Illinois, have been united by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) for over thirty years. The CIOGC is made up of a very wide and diversified group of organizations, with over 70 member organizations ranging from mosques to Islamic schools and community organizations centered in the Chicagoland area. Numerous racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Nigerians, South Asians, Arabs, Bosnians, Albanians, Turks, Latinos, Caucasians, and many more, are represented among the Muslim population. In order to interact and cooperate with the government, media, interfaith community, and the general public, the Council brings these remarkable communities together.
Alia Ammar hosted the event. The event began with a stunning Quran recitation and translation. CIOGC Executive Director Abdullah Mitchell addressed the audience, emphasizing the CIOGC design framework, purpose, and measures. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among Muslim diverse communities in overcoming challenges and achieving CIOGC objectives.
In his address, CIOGC Chair Dr. Abdulgany Hamadeh outlined the objectives, activities, expansion plans, and funding requirements to continue to meet the community's growing needs.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, State Representative Nabeela Syed, State Representative Justin Slaughter, Past Chair CIOGC Irshad Khan and others spoke at the event.
CIOGC is honored to recognize two Top Muslim Achievers. The award was given to Dr. Hytham Almasri, CEO and Founder of Hematogenix, and Arshia Wajid, President of American Muslim Health Professionals, Achievers, because their outstanding contribution in their field and appreciated work is valued in the community.
Muslim achievers are recognized for their outstanding success and contributions in sports, sciences, medicine, engineering, academic, journalism, law & law enforcement, finance/business, and entrepreneurship, among other fields.
Sheikh Kifah Mustapha, Imam and Director of The Prayers Center Orland Park, led the fundraising efforts admirably. Fundraising targets were met in 15 minutes.
Mosque Foundation, Downtown Islamic Center, Islamic Center of Naperville, Muslim Community Center, Zakat Foundation of America, Islamic Foundation North, Benedictine University, Mecca Center, Iman Fund, Orland Park Prayer Center and many others sponsored the annual Dinner.
The Consul General of Pakistan, Tariq Kareem, several members of the Catholic Archdiocese, and representatives from the Catholic Theological Union and the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago were among the civic and interfaith leaders who graciously joined our celebratory dinner.
Many mainstream and ethnic media outlets, including many Chicago-area television networks, covered the event.