Grand Opening of Masjid al-Nabi (p), Chantilly, Virginia

On Sunday, March 19,  Muslim community members in North Virginia celebrated the grand opening of the Masjid al-Nabi in Chantilly, Fairfax County.

After 12 years of hard work and dedication, Br. Reza Afshar and his team, the Islamic Crescent Center opened its doors to all Muslims, irrespective of their background, ethnicities, or school of thought, to practice their religious teaching under peace and co-existence.

The program was split into two parts: one segment for officials and one for the entire community. Sayyid Kashmiri addressed the crowd and made several significant points. He discussed the importance of diversity and the value of getting to know one another using the concepts of the Quranic verse (49:13). He referred to the summit between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatullah Sayyid al-Sistani that took place in Najaf two years ago and urged everyone to learn from these two religious leaders about how to work together and serve humanity.

Sayyid Kashmiri also spoke at the public event and underlined the value of collaboration, creating a strong and supportive community, and striving toward citizenry and integration while preserving the Islamic identity.

He expressed his gratitude to the dignitaries in attendance and gave a memorable photo of Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sistani to Congressman Gerry Connolly, Virginia State Delegate Irene Shin, and Fairfax County Supervisor Kathy Smith.

Furthermore, on behalf of SSAF (Shia-Sunni Alliance Forum), Imam Mohmed Hag Magid, the Imam of ADAMS Center, and Sayyid Kashmiri, offered an award of appreciation to Br. Reza Afshar for all of his efforts and for his collaboration with ADAMS Center and I.M.A.M.

Sayyid Kashmiri ended his remarks by requesting to revive the holy month of Ramadan with the community’s presence and involvement at this brand-new mosque.