Aishah Bomani
Why is service sacred to you?
Growing up, I watched my father teach different communities martial arts. I remember after a car accident, he could only teach from a chair and used his cane to help facilitate the lessons. His determination to continue teaching and serving his community taught me that it doesn’t matter how we serve, but to show up and be ready to serve for anyone who seeks it. After his passing in 2009, I find serving others a beautiful way to honor his legacy.
Why is this area of service sacred to you?
Service is my favorite form of expressing gratitude. Whether thats helping families navigate our sometimes complex educational system, or sitting with students and seeing the world through their perspective, or just listening to their story. Its an honor to be in the capacity to facilitate a safe space where community can be fostered with trust, understanding and visibility. There is no service too small, and I find the ones most overlooked are the ones most needed.
What does Wasat mean to you and how do you feel Wasat embodies sacred service?
Wasat is what I needed growing up, and is my hope for the future. Wasat became a second home where I first learned what non-transactional support looked like and how to serve with love and compassion, rather than duty and protocol. I first started attending Wasat in 2013 for community potlucks. Its been an honor to watch it grow over the years and expand its service and use its platform to spotlight issues of social justice and community empowerment.
