Celebrating Scholarship: Launch of Echoes of the Prophet; A Commentary of Nawawi’s 40 Hadith
On December 13, 2024, the United Islamic Center of Arizona (UICA) was abuzz with energy as over 300 attendees gathered for the launch of Echoes of the Prophet; A Commentary of Nawawi’s 40 Hadith, authored by Mufti Didmar Faja. This remarkable event was more than just a book launch; it was a celebration of community, scholarship, and service.
A Spiritual Opening
The evening commenced after the Isha prayer with an introduction by Nazim Khwaja, representing the UICA board. He welcomed the diverse audience, emphasizing the importance of events that uplift Islamic scholarship and strengthen community bonds.
Setting a spiritual tone, Dr. Ahmed Alzaree, a distinguished Quran reciter originally from Egypt, captivated the gathering with a heartfelt recitation from Surah Al-Isra. His recitation filled the room with reflection and tranquility, preparing attendees for the discussions to follow.
Book Panel Discussion
The centerpiece of the event was a dynamic panel featuring prominent scholars and leaders who shared their reflections on the book:
- Dr. Chad Haines, Professor at Arizona State University, spoke about the significance of Echoes of the Prophet as a bridge between classical Islamic teachings and contemporary issues.
- Dr. Watheq Alobaidi, Chair and Imam of Abu Hanifa Islamic Center in Tucson, highlighted the practical applications of the commentary for community leadership.
- Imam Hassan Ali, Imam of the Muslim Community Center of Tucson, praised the book’s accessibility and relevance for a wide audience.
- Mufti Kashif Mansoor, Imam at Masjid Noor, Arizona, commended the scholarly depth and clarity of the text.
- Mufti Didmar Faja, the author, shared insights into his writing journey, discussing the inspiration behind the book and the enduring relevance of Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith in today’s world.
The discussion underscored the book’s value as a resource for students, educators, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Honoring Two Decades of Service
A special moment during the event was the recognition of Mufti Didmar Faja’s 20 years of dedicated service as an imam in Arizona. The UICA board and community presented him with a plaque, honoring his leadership, contributions to Islamic education, and tireless efforts in fostering unity and spiritual growth.
Community Leaders Speak
The evening also featured remarks from esteemed community figures:
- Ahmad Fayyad, Chair of the Arizona Muslim Alliance, highlighted the collective strength of the Muslim organizations in Arizona.
- Rev. Katie Sexton, Director of the Arizona Faith Network, spoke about interfaith harmony and the shared values reflected in the book.
- Zeba Ahmed, Principal of Greenway Academy, emphasized the book’s potential to inspire young Muslims.
- Pastor Joshua Prather shared his thoughts on the importance of building bridges between faith communities through shared learning and understanding.
Youth leaders Sarmad Khan and Simra Maheen played a pivotal role in organizing the event, symbolizing the bright future of leadership in the community.
A Night to Remember
The gathering brought together families, scholars, imams, and community leaders in a spirit of unity. Dinner was served at the conclusion, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and engage in meaningful conversations.
About the Book
Echoes of the Prophet; A Commentary of Nawawi’s 40 Hadith offers a fresh and accessible exploration of one of Islam’s most revered collections of Prophetic traditions. Through a blend of classical insights and modern reflections, the book serves as a guide for understanding and applying the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in contemporary life.
The book is now available for purchase online at Amazon.
The launch of Echoes of the Prophet was not only a celebration of knowledge but also a testament to the enduring strength of Arizona’s Muslim community. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Islamic scholarship in the region, leaving attendees inspired and eager to delve into the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
