The following remarks were made by Br. Ashraf Latif at the opening session of the GIT Diaspora Reunion held in Newark, New Jersey from August 30 – September 1, 2024.
The Reunion was an occasion for workers and leaders of the Guyana Islamic Trust who now live in North America to reconnect and reflect on the many decades of commitment, sacrifice, brotherhood and resilience that were the hallmarks of the Islamic Da’wah in Guyana.
Gathering at the NIA Masjid in Newark, founders, teachers, students and families came together in a wonderful occasion, meeting each other for the first time in some cases after 40 or more years.
The Reunion was an occasion to reminisce on both serious and lighter moments of the Islamic Work, and to draw lessons from the indomitable spirit and strategic insights of the founder Ustadh Ahmad Ehwass. It provided a forum to look back at the youthful days of many who were present and share the memories with a younger generation of leaders and workers.
Muslim Perspectives Magazine staff who were an integral part of the Islamic Work were there in person to share their stories as well. We will take the next few weeks to reflect on the Reunion and share some of what transpired.
Opening Remarks by Br. Ashraf Latif
In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
It is with profound joy and heartfelt gratitude that I extend a warm welcome to all our beloved brothers and sisters gathered here today at the NIA Masjid & Community Center for this momentous reunion. We begin by praising Allah (SWT), who has blessed us with safe travels and the grace to come together on this special occasion. Alhamdulillah, it is by His mercy that we are able to reunite in good health and high spirits.
My name is Ashraf Latif, and it is both a privilege and an honor to stand before you today. This gathering is far more than just a reunion; it is a living testament to the richness of our shared history, the strength of our enduring bonds, and the unshakable faith that has always united us. It is a celebration of the journey we have undertaken together and an affirmation of the values and principles that continue to guide us.
As we come together in this sacred space here at the NIA Masjid, surrounded by those who have been so instrumental in our lives and in the revival of Islam in Guyana, I am filled with overwhelming gratitude and emotion.
Looking around this room, I see the faces of those who, decades ago, answered the call to revive Islam in Guyana. You were the young pioneers, the brave souls who, with unwavering faith and determination, laid the foundations of the Guyana Islamic Trust. You were the torchbearers, igniting a flame of Islamic consciousness that continues to burn brightly to this day.
To our sisters, who were among the first to don the hijab in Guyana, your courage and conviction remain an inspiration to us all. In a time when embracing our Islamic identity was not without its challenges, you stood firm, embodying the essence of modesty and faith. Your strength has empowered generations of women who followed in your footsteps, and for that, you will truly be rewarded by Allah SWT.
To the brothers who were my teachers, my mentors, my guides, my Trust brothers—you shaped not only my understanding of Islam but also my character. The knowledge you imparted and the example you set were more than just lessons; they were the building blocks of my faith. I owe much of who I am today to the wisdom you so generously shared.
Many of you, who are now part of the Diaspora, have not only carried the torch of our shared values but have also continued to blossom in remarkable ways since leaving our homeland. You have grown into extraordinary individuals, becoming invaluable assets to the communities in which you now reside. Your accomplishments, both in personal growth and in service to others, stand as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering faith that define our collective journey. We are deeply grateful to Allah (SWT) for guiding your paths, allowing you to achieve such great feats, and for the light you continue to bring to the world around you.
Now, as we gather here, many of us in our sixties or older, it is impossible not to feel a deep sense of nostalgia and affection. We have weathered the years, experienced life’s joys and challenges, and yet, the bond we share remains unbroken. Seeing each of you today fills my heart with happiness and gratitude. We may have been separated by time and distance, but the love and respect we have for one another have only grown stronger.
As I stand before you, I am overwhelmed with so many beautiful memories that I know run through all our veins, rooted in those transformative early days of our lives. These memories are more than just recollections; they are the threads that weave together our shared history.
I can still vividly recall sitting in St. Roses High School, which I attended at our Youmun Nabi Program, listening to Br. Ahmad—may Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous—speak at length while he was just beginning to find his English voice. Little did we know that his words and those moments were the beginning of a transformative era that would shape our futures in ways we could never imagine.
And yes, the memories of my teachers and mentors, and brothers & sisters from the GIT, are just as vivid. Many of you are here today, and it fills my heart with warmth to see you again. I remember, as if it were yesterday, the pride in Br. Azam’s eyes—may Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous—when presented me with a copy of Haykal’s Life of Muhammad, for being first in a Seerah class.. He was indeed an amazing Islamic Worker all along the Coast of Guyana. We pray Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous and reward all our teachers for their amazing dedication and sacrifice
Such memories are not just nostalgic; they are a testament to the bonds we forged and the principles we were taught.
There were countless classes, study circles, Liqaat, Basic Courses and other moments of reflection that enriched our minds and souls.
From Zone E, who could forget our beloved and studious Br. Arif—may Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous—and the radiant smile of Br. Haseeb Khan, whose dream was always winning the Quranic Competition? We were all part of an extraordinary study circle, guided by brothers like Br. Faisal, Br. Naseeb, Br. Habul, Br. Shaheed Uthman, and Shaikh Raouf, each taking their turn to impart knowledge and wisdom that would stay with us for a lifetime.
These memories are a treasure, and I still recall the pivotal moment when I received the letter encouraging me to resign from my job at the National Library to take on the role of heading the Admin Office of the GIT. It was a turning point in my life, and I can never forget the support of Br. MT Ally—may Allah grant him Jannatul Firdous—who was the Manager of GIT at that time—one of the most remarkable human beings I have had the honor to know. He gifted me a Quran, personally signed by him, a gesture that many of you experienced as well. These Qurans, signed by his hand, are more than books; they are symbols of the commitment and love that bound us all to the GIT.
So many of you, after migrating, have not merely become part of the GIT Diaspora; you have emerged as catalysts for revival and growth within the communities you now call home. Your contributions have left an indelible mark. After leaving Guyana, I was fortunate to step into the richness of the activities here, guided by the leadership of Br. Yaseen, surrounded by remarkable brothers and sisters whose dedication continues to inspire.
Who can forget the incredible Br. Aftabbeen Nasrudden, with his radiant smile, gracious demeanor, and unwavering devotion to Islamic work and Da’wah? And Sister Hafeeza Nasir, whose heart has always been a wellspring of service and dedication to the community. Brothers & Sisters, your efforts have not gone unnoticed. You are not a quiet Diaspora; you are beacons of inspiration and catalysts for positive change wherever you reside.
I could go on, as these memories are countless and deeply inspiring, but I will pause here. These recollections are not just stories of the past; they are the foundation of who we are today, and they continue to inspire me as I hope they do for all of you.
Reflecting on the journey of my great-grandfather, Budhoo Amir, who, at the young age of 22, left the shores of India aboard the SS Chenab in 1912 to work as an indentured laborer in British Guiana, I am reminded of the profound sacrifices made by our forebears.
Despite the harrowing conditions of the plantations, where promises of religious freedom and fair wages quickly proved false, our families remained steadfast in their faith. My grandfather, Abdul Latif, born in those very logies, would go on to become an Imam, studying tirelessly after long days of labor. Their resilience and dedication laid the foundation for the revival of Islam in our community—a revival that we, their descendants, have continued, inspired by their enduring legacy.
This reunion is a testament to the enduring legacy of your sacrifices, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to our faith and our community. It is a reminder that the seeds you planted so many years ago have borne fruit—fruit that continues to nourish the souls of Muslims in Guyana and beyond.
As we reconnect, reminisce, and reflect on our shared journey, let us also renew our commitment to the values that brought us together. Let us continue to support one another, to inspire the next generation, and to keep the spirit of our beloved GIT Diaspora alive.
May Allah (SWT) bless each and every one of you, reward you abundantly for your sacrifices, and grant us all the strength to continue our work in His service.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan for being here today and for the countless ways you have enriched my life and the lives of so many others.
