Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

On November 28th, 2023, I was appointed to the Executive Committee of NYS's Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services. I have been working extremely hard to bring together Islamic leadership in the state of New York for this vital mission.

As such, I am honored to extend an invitation to your esteemed masjid or Muslim organization to participate in the Muslim Governance Council of NYS, and the 1st Annual Unity & Leadership Summit for New York State.

The MGCNYS is focused on inclusive leadership, and collective bargain. We value mashu'ra and strive to overlook our differences for the unity and greater good of the whole.

In my role as advisor to Governor Kathy Hochul, my goal is to provide insight on the needs of Muslims across the 62 counties of the state and to amplify our voices through a systematic process of innovative governance, and our unity board. This conference will serve as a key platform for these efforts. Additionally, we will be livestreaming all of the speeches and talks for the constituents within our communities. Each guest will be given an access password to the livestream.

Allah SWT says in the Qur'an: "Hold firmly to the rope of Allah, and do not become divided" (103:6).

I hope to see all of my fellow contemporaries present insha'allah. May the blessings of Allah SWT be with this effort of ours. Ameen.

May Allah SWT Bless this endeavor,

Imam Mansoor Rafiq Umar

Executive Committee Member | Office of Faith & Nonprofit Development Services

Imam at the Muslim Community of Bethlehem/University at Albany