Amina Dawud
Why is service sacred to you?
Service is important to me because I think as a community, we have a duty to make sure we take care of each other. We have a duty to know what our people need and try to provide, so no one is left behind.This life is a test and every one of us live through so many experiences and tests that have been given to us by Allah (SWT).
It’s a beautiful thing to be able to help each other and understand that we are all human beings who don’t need to shy away from asking one another for help. Building that connection where we can serve each other is really what makes a community what it should be.
The Prophet (SAW) said, “He is not a believer if his stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.” We cannot let each other go hungry. We cannot let each other live without the necessities of living or even the support to live.
Why is this area of service sacred to you?
The area of service that is sacred to me is healing our community through the arts and social advocacy. It is a way to convey the message of what is going on and a way for us to heal. So many people in our community suffer from poor distribution of resources and systemic oppression.
As storyteller, we need people to know about these hardships so we can find solutions. So we can provide services to combat the problems.
What does Wasat mean to you?
Wasat to me means loving and serving one another for the sake of Allah (SWT), and to me that is the highest form of love. Wasat is where we feed each other’s souls and our spirituality. It honestly feels like whenever I am at Wasat, I am eating from the same plate as my loved ones. Through night classes, opportunity for creativity through poetry, intimate talks with those who are knowledgeable in the deen, social justice and equity being practiced with Islam to back it up... I could go on. Whenever that chai or atay is served and passed out, you feel like you are sitting with people whom you will grow and learn with.
I love that we collectively want to improve our community. Everyone helps one another. I’ve met so many wonderful people Alhamdulilah. I am so grateful for the feeling of belonging in a space that wants me and needs me.