October 14, 2024

Dear Beloved Mecca Center Community – 

Assalamu-Aleikum.  We pray that you and your family are in the best of health and spirits. 

The Mecca Center is pleased to welcome Shaykh Mohamed Abbas to the Mecca Center to serve in the role of Imam.  Sh. Mohamed is an award-winning reciter (qari’) of the Qur’an and holds certifications in a number of recitation forms.  Sh. Mohamed is widely known for his beautiful recitation and nasheed.   He previously served as Imam of the Illiana Islamic Association and founded the Noon Quranic Academy in Northwest Indiana.  

At the Mecca Center, Sh. Mohamed will be primarily focused on leading the daily prayers  and fulfilling other duties of an Imam, such as performing nikah, leading janaza and offering counseling and spiritual guidance and support to our members. 

“I’m thrilled that Shaykh Abbas will be joining the Mecca Center’s religious leadership.  Our community members will enjoy his Quran recitation and interpersonal skills,” notes Mecca Center president, Hani Atassi. 

Executive Committee member Dr. Akram Kholoki adds, “we are honored to welcome Shaykh Abbas as an Imam at the Mecca Center. His Quranic recitation, humility, and dedication to the path of Allah will undoubtedly enrich our prayers and inspire hearts.  May Allah grant him success in leading this blessed community, and may his voice in worship elevate our spirits and deepen our connection to our Creator.”

On accepting his appointment Imam Mohamed stated: “Alhamdulillah, I am deeply honored and excited to join the esteemed team of Imams at The Mecca Center. It is a great blessing to be part of such a vibrant and devoted community, dedicated to worship, learning, and personal growth. I look forward to serving, guiding, and growing alongside each of you as we continue our journey toward pleasing Allah (SWT) and seeking His Jannah.”

We invite you to a special “Meet and Greet” event this coming Saturday October 19th at 7:00PM to get to know our shuyukh on a more personal level.  

Finally, we warmly invite you and your families to join us for the upcoming Mecca Center Annual Fundraising Dinner, ‘Connecting Hearts and Inspiring Minds,’ on Sunday October 27th at the Westin Lombard. Our Annual Fundraising Dinner committee is working hard to make this evening an inspiring and memorable event. You can reserve your seats by visiting meccacenter.org/events.

We thank Allah (swt) for all the blessings He has bestowed on our community and we thank each and every one of you and your families for your support in making the Mecca Center the welcoming and spiritual home for so many.

Yours, 

The Mecca Center Board of Trustees