Professor Omer Mozaffer, Muslim Chaplain and Adjunct Professor at Loyola University of Chicago, met with nearly 50 young Muslims at Islamic Foundation School on Sunday November 13, amidst the results of the general election. Capturing the communal anxieties that have arisen as the nation awaits a transition of power, Professor Mozaffer spoke to these Muslim youth about the upcoming challenges that will be facing them and how we they can address them in a positive, constructive and meaningful way that both aligns with their Islamic values and responsibilities as American Muslims.
Specific attention was paid to the parents of Muslim children and addressing the fears of young people surrounding the contemporary political climate. Shanawaz Khan, CIOGC Board Member and one of the organizers of this meeting, said that the families “appreciate the efforts of CIOGC reaching out to the community. People are afraid and are looking for solutions to help face the challenges they may have with their children.”
Professor Mozaffer focused on the Islamic response to social tensions by looking upon the Seera of the Prophet (s), and highlighted that the greater the challenges faced by Muslims the more they would turn to prayer to focus on developing their relationship with Allah (swt). Now more than ever, he encouraged Muslims to offer prayers and look inward for spiritual guidance.