PHILADELPHIA—On January 1st, Muhammad Mosque No. 12 welcomed the new year with a heartwarming and purposeful event, hosting a community dinner that brought together believers and neighbors alike.
The evening, organized by the Muslim Girls Training and General Civilization Class (M.G.T. and G.C.C.), was a celebration of unity, service, and preparedness, setting the tone for a year of action and self-reliance.
The event, aptly named the “Community Family Dinner,” was a testament to the mosque’s commitment to fostering fellowship and addressing the community’s needs. Student Captain Kamisha X, one of the event organizers, shared the inspiration behind the gathering:
“We wanted to start the year with a new vibe—bringing everyone together to share a wholesome meal and prepare for the national fast. This dinner is part of our broader initiative to give back to the community and ensure no one is left behind.”
The idea for the dinner was sparked by information highlighting the challenges many families face due to cuts to SNAP benefits. The M.G.T. turned their vision into reality, providing not only a meal but also a message of hope and resilience.
“We wanted to show the community how to use low-cost, nutritious ingredients to feed their families,” explained Sister Dr. Safiyya Shabazz, who played a pivotal role in the initiative. “This is about more than just food—it’s about empowerment and preparedness.”
The dinner featured a variety of dishes prepared with care by the M.G.T., including navy bean soup, wheat bread rolls, and browned rice. These meals were not only delicious but also served as a demonstration of how simple, affordable ingredients can be transformed into nourishing meals.
Attendees were also introduced to information on how to ensure households are stocked with essentials like navy beans, tomato paste, and rice—key components for disaster preparedness.
Sister Dr. Shabazz emphasized the importance of self-reliance in her remarks, highlighting the need for families to be prepared for emergencies. “We live in uncertain times,” she said.
“At any moment, we might face situations where we can’t leave our homes for weeks. By teaching these skills and providing resources, we’re ensuring that no one in our community is left vulnerable.”
The evening also included a presentation on disaster preparedness by Brother Jihad Muhammad, who shared insights from a recent workshop. He stressed the urgency of taking action, encouraging attendees to store essential items and adopt a mindset of self-sufficiency.
“This is the time to move with purpose,” he urged. “We must be like the ant—always preparing, always working.”
The event was more than just a dinner; it was a call to action. The M.G.T. announced plans to distribute kits containing staple goods, recipes, and links to instructional videos, ensuring that families have the tools they need to thrive. They also unveiled plans for seasonal seminars on disaster preparedness, further solidifying their commitment to community resilience.