The New York University’s Islamic Center is the result of the unconditional commitment of Imam Khalid Latif to our ummah (community), someone I see every week and at times every day. Khalid was born in New Jersey on October 18, 1982. He just turned 31 years old but his lightning speed leadership trajectory might well be of people in their fifties and beyond. Every time I think of Khalid, I have this picture in my mind of a 19 or 20 years old with a mischief look in his eyes, a welcoming smile, and a shy behavior. Fast-forward ten, eleven years and he is my Imam. Khalid is a happily married man and the father of an adorable little girl. The Executive Director of our own Islamic Center (this is such an accomplishment of our community and Khalid especially). Khalid is the Muslim Chaplain at NYU. The Department Muslim Chaplain and Inspector for the NYPD. Imam Latif is an award-winning writer, an eloquent, with two or more voices, speaker. He is a sensitive, down to earth man, whom most days holds his heart in his hand and cries often. Khalid is one of the few self-made Authentic Leaders and public figures representing Islam for what it is: a religion of peace, teaching the tenets of self-discipline, self-constrain and the betterment of each individual. The jihad (translated as inner-struggle) is within each individual to reach self-actualization, intellectual and spiritual growth, and development. Khalid instills in us the thirst for knowledge; he embodies perpetual learning and personal renewal. He is an example worth the time and effort it takes to follow and emulate. Khalid brings out the best on people, he trust us, he believe in us, he encourage us to do good deeds, to be generous not just with material possessions but also with our time and our attitude. Imam Latif is always giving; his time, his insights, his undivided attention, his love for our community and humanity at large. Khalid would not eat when we break our fast during Ramadan (the Holy month of fasting in Islam) until everyone else had eaten. He would give up his seat, his plate, anything without being asked and with a genuine welcoming smile. Khalid is a kind soul that brings us together to walk one more step towards self-reflection, to know ourselves, to find the good in each of us and share it with the world. Khalid has transformed our community from a group of a dozen of undergraduate students at NYU praying in the lowest basement of the former Catholic Church at Thompson street to a thriving Muslim community of more than 500 people confirming attendance to any of our annual holidays. Khalid has the power to gather hundreds of people for a conference, a weekend class, or a service project such as Sandy Relief efforts. He will be side by side with us, in the worst and the best situations. Khalid displays emotional intelligence, integrity, self-confidence, intelligence, and knowledge of life experiences, determination, and sociability. #ICNYU35Years
Posted on: Mon, 17 Feb 2014 00:39:46 +0000
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