Islamic Center of Long Island Holds Grand Annual Gala 2026 in New York, Highlights Community Unity, Empowerment and Interfaith Harmony
Judge Asma A. Ali and Award-Winning BBC Journalist Nida Tufail Featured as Guest Speakers; Institution’s Decades-Long Legacy of Religious Education, Humanitarian Services and Community Development Highlighted Alongside the Contributions of Former President Habeeb Ahmed and Historic Leadership of Dr. Isma H. Chaudhry.
WOODBURY, NEW YORK
(By Manzoor Hussain)
The Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) successfully held its Annual Gala Dinner 2026 on Sunday, November 8, at the prestigious Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York. The theme of this year’s event was “Light Upon Light: Illuminating Hearts and Empowering Communities,” which highlighted the importance of unity, mutual cooperation, positive thinking, social harmony and community development.
The event brought together prominent personalities, religious and community leaders, and distinguished guests from various walks of life. Two notable personalities were invited as guest speakers: Judge Asma A. Ali of the Municipal Court in Benoit, Mississippi, and award-winning BBC journalist and correspondent Nida Tufail.
Judge Asma A. Ali shared her experiences and insights regarding her contributions to the judicial and social sectors, while renowned journalist Nida Tufail discussed journalism, public awareness, effective community representation and the role of the media in promoting positive social change.
The primary objective of the annual gala was to bring members of the Muslim community together on one platform, strengthen relationships and emphasize the importance of collective efforts toward community progress. The theme “Light Upon Light” reflected the vision of spreading hope, knowledge, guidance and service to humanity throughout society.
On the occasion of its annual gala, the Islamic Center of Long Island also highlighted its decades-long history, religious and educational services, humanitarian initiatives and efforts to promote interfaith harmony. Since its establishment, the institution has not only served the religious, educational and social needs of the Muslim community but has also remained actively engaged in making positive contributions to American society.
A Journey That Began with a Few Muslim Families in the 1970s
The foundation of the Islamic Center of Long Island was laid in the early 1970s when a small group of Muslim families, mostly immigrants who had settled in Nassau County on Long Island, recognized the need for a permanent Islamic institution to preserve their religious and cultural identity. This shared vision and commitment eventually paved the way for the establishment of ICLI.
In 1984, land and a building were purchased through private donations from members of the community. Initially, the property consisted of a small two-story house and adjoining land. The house was subsequently adapted to meet the Quranic educational and spiritual needs of children and adults.
During its early days, only three adults attended the center’s first Friday congregational prayer, while approximately 15 to 20 children attended its weekend Islamic school. Despite limited resources, the dedication, hard work and generous support of community members enabled the institution to grow steadily.
The center’s first major expansion project began in 1989 and was completed in 1991. The project added approximately 10,000 square feet of space, including separate prayer halls for men and women, educational classrooms, a library and administrative offices. The expansion cost approximately $2 million and was funded through community donations.
Expanding Religious and Educational Services
As the Muslim population and community needs continued to grow, ICLI expanded its religious, educational and social programs. The institution operated a vibrant Sunday School serving approximately 400 students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Other programs included IC Kids for children aged three to five, Sisters’ Halaka, adult Quranic education, Hifz classes, Girl Scouts, boys’ and girls’ basketball leagues, and the Salaam Group, which provided guidance and support to individuals who had recently embraced Islam.
The center also provided matrimonial counseling and services, the Capable Companion Saturday School for children with special educational needs, and funeral and burial arrangements in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Another major expansion project began in 2013 and was completed in 2016. This development added nearly 19,000 square feet of additional space, including modern educational classrooms, conference rooms, a library and an indoor basketball court. The expansion further strengthened the institution’s ability to meet the growing needs of the community.
Promoting Interfaith Harmony and Community Relations
Beyond its religious and educational activities, the Islamic Center of Long Island played an active role in civic and social affairs. The institution established strong relationships based on trust, mutual respect and cooperation with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, private institutions and diverse faith communities throughout Long Island.
Through its interfaith initiatives, ICLI consistently worked to challenge Islamophobia, address negative perceptions and eliminate misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. The center played an important role in promoting dialogue, tolerance, peace and mutual respect among people of different religious backgrounds.
One of the institution’s major annual initiatives was its Interfaith Iftar Dinner, which brought together approximately 300 guests from different religious, cultural and professional backgrounds. The gathering provided an opportunity for people of different faiths to come together during the holy month of Ramadan, strengthen relationships and develop a better understanding of one another’s traditions.
Humanitarian Services and Contributions Under the Leadership of Habeeb Ahmed
Humanitarian assistance to underprivileged families and individuals facing difficult circumstances remained an important part of ICLI’s mission. The institution continued its community service through food distribution, charitable donations, disaster relief and various social welfare initiatives.
Former ICLI President Mr. Habeeb Ahmed remained at the forefront of civic engagement and community welfare projects. Under his leadership, community members actively participated in various humanitarian initiatives to support families in need throughout Long Island and the Tri-State area.
During Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival commemorating Prophet Abraham’s devotion and obedience to God’s commandments, the community donated more than 7,000 pounds of meat annually to various charitable organizations to help provide food to families in need.
Other initiatives included winter blanket drives, soup kitchen services and disaster relief efforts for people affected by natural disasters.
The Islamic Center also strongly condemned human rights violations, antisemitism and Islamophobia around the world, while advocating justice, religious freedom, tolerance and respect for all faiths.
Historic Leadership of Dr. Isma Chaudhry and National Recognition
The religious and social contributions of the Islamic Center of Long Island also received national recognition. The institution was featured among the eight prominent spiritual places in the United States in publications by Next Avenue and The Huffington Post.
Another significant milestone in the center’s history came between 2015 and 2017, when Dr. Isma H. Chaudhry was elected as its first female president.
Dr. Chaudhry was named among the 50 Most Influential Long Islanders for three consecutive years. She also participated as a speaker and panelist at the United Nations and the United States Institute of Peace, where she presented ICLI’s grassroots model of community engagement and interfaith cooperation.
ICLI Leadership and Management for 2026
According to the institutional information released in connection with the Annual Gala 2026, the Islamic Center of Long Island’s leadership structure included a Board of Trustees, Patron Members, a Spiritual Director and an Executive Committee.
The Board of Trustees was chaired by Mr. Rizwan Qureshi, while Ms. Sherene Elzanaty served as Vice Chairperson.
Other members of the Board of Trustees included Mr. Habeeb Ahmed, Dr. Irfan Amin, Mr. Karl Ashmawy, Dr. Ennaji Benhammou, Ms. Zainab Bey, Dr. Safdar Chadda, Dr. Isma H. Chaudhry, Mr. Nasir Farooqi, Dr. Altaf Khan, Dr. Farouqe A. Khan, Mr. Amin Khwaja, Mr. Ishan Khwaja, Mr. Nazir Mir, Dr. Ali Mohyuddin, Mr. Mohammed MoizUddin, Mrs. Seema Rahman, Dr. Asif Rehman, Dr. Kaleem Rizvon, Mr. Sajid Shah, Mr. Ammad Sheikh, Mr. Waheed Siddiqui, Dr. Kausar Zaman and Dr. Qamar Zaman.
Mr. Michael Balboni served as Advisor and Counsel.
The Patron Members included Mr. Zaheer Bhatt, Dr. Naz Daniyal Khan, Mr. Ali Mohammad, Mr. Sohail Nabi, Mrs. Nadia Pervez and Mr. Shahid Satti.
Mufti Mohammad Farhan, PhD, served as the institution’s Spiritual Director.
The Executive Committee was headed by Dr. Tanveer Mir as President, while Mr. Mohammad Rashid served as President-Elect. Other officeholders included Mr. Imran Zaidi as First Vice President, Mrs. Farheen Yahiya as Second Vice President, Mr. Javed Munawar as Treasurer, Mr. Syed Wajahat as General Secretary and Mr. Asim Mahmood as Joint Secretary.
Commitment to a Brighter Future and Service to Humanity
Since its establishment, the Islamic Center of Long Island has worked toward its vision of becoming a center of excellence dedicated to developing and sustaining a vibrant Islamic community while providing a positive and nurturing environment for society as a whole.
Its mission has focused on serving Muslims, promoting the values and teachings of Islam, and advocating interfaith harmony in a multicultural environment in accordance with the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
What began as a small initiative by a few Muslim families gradually developed into a major religious, educational and social institution over several decades. Through collective efforts, generous donations, community unity and a commitment to serving humanity, ICLI established an important place in the social and spiritual life of Long Island.
The Annual Gala 2026 highlighted this remarkable journey, the institution’s contributions to the community and its continued efforts to promote interfaith harmony. The theme “Light Upon Light” reflected its enduring commitment to improving society through knowledge, hope, guidance and service to humanity.
Editorial note: The English version follows the Urdu report while retaining the names and designations supplied in the original material. Please verify the official spellings of names, particularly Nida Tufail and the Board of Trustees members, before newspaper publication.
