By: Shirin Nouh and Sami Ghanem

On Saturday, January 21, the Islamic Center of Southern California held its 20th Anniversary American Muslim Achievement Awards. Indeed, it was a very successful event with tickets being sold out three days before the event, but sales continuing to the last minute. Approximately 350 people attended this awards ceremony meant to honor Muslim Americans whose contributions to their fields have benefitted society at large.

The program began with a silent auction in the Grand Ballroom Foyer.  Dinner was served in the Grand Ballroom.  Master of Ceremony, Soha Yassine, introduced the speakers. Dr. Maher Hathout, Spokesperson of ICSC, talked about the Center’s mission and ideology and its unique approach in establishing the American Islamic Identity based on the Holy Quran and the authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  Man-made rules, cultural and ethnic behaviors were not considered as sources of Islam. Chairperson of the Board of ICSC, Hassan Zeenni talked about ICSC’s various accomplishments and achievements i.e. the New Horizon Schools, Muslim Public Affairs Council, the Academy of Islamic Thought, and the newly established Bayan College.