From Islamica Magazine
Introduction
There is no shortage of discussion about what is wrong with Muslims and the Islamic world these days. From our perspective, it is also important to take time to acknowledge the good that comes from Muslims inspired by their faith. For this reason Islamica decided to profile a series of individuals who, we believe, represent the best that the Muslim community in North America has to offer. The group assembled varies widely in terms of occupation and background, but share in common three key characteristics: visionary leadership, innovative approaches, and a level of success that bodes well for America. The list is by no means comprehensive there are many others who may be equally deserving of wider recognition. What captured our attention in the following group was how their efforts stem organically from both their Muslim-ness and their American-ness without compromising or overstating either. In a time where religion is often the pawn of political ambition, the civic engagement practiced by these individuals is a refreshing example of how faith can motivate all kinds of wonderful things.
It should be clear that this is not a top ten list. It is an attempt to bring attention to the extraordinary efforts of individuals who deserve widespread attention from the community, the media and anyone interested in where Islam in America is headed. Our hope is that by drawing attention to these individuals, and the compelling stories they represent, we will provide another platform for them to inspire others to not only participate in their efforts, but also build upon them.
Saafir Rabb – The Community Re-builder
By Aasil Ahmad
The 4400 block of Park Heights Avenue sits in a dreary corner of northwest Baltimore characterized by boarded up buildings, dollar stores and liquor shops. In a city known for its long stretches of neglected housing and dilapidated storefronts, this neighborhood offers nothing out of the ordinary. But all of that is about to change. Saafir Rabb is working diligently to revitalize the area. Driven by a desire to serve humanity, he makes due with limited resources by leveraging the creative energy of people around him to turn dreams into tangible realities.
One such reality is “I Can’t We Can,”(ICWC) a nonprofit addiction rehabilitation program created by Saafir’s uncle, Israel Cason, in 1997. Cason, who overcame 30 years of drug addiction, applied lessons he learned at a rehab program in Philadelphia to help people in his home community who faced similar challenges. With ICWC, he offers addicts a year-long, 24-hour-a-day regimen that remedies not only the physical impact of substance abuse, but also its psychological and social effects. A spiritual message that moves effortlessly between the language of the Qur’an and the Bible underlies the program’s philosophy, recognizing that a connection to God is essential to giving meaning to a life coming out of addiction. On this Saafir cites the story of the Prophet Adam, who after taking from which he had no business taking, was provided with a spiritual path that would lead him back to Paradise.
Round-the-clock treatment does not come cheap. This is why Cason relies on Saafir to raise funds and design the administrative apparatus that has made ICWC a sustainable institution. One unlikely source of funding has come through ICWC’s role as an incubator for local businesses that employ, and in some cases are owned by, graduates of the program. Saafir also has tapped the public sector, convincing stewards of the five-plus billion dollars allocated each year for development in Baltimore that Park Heights is worthy of a second look. Treading where few Muslim community developers have gone before, Saafir has concrete plans to acquire the hundreds of millions of dollars necessary to rebuild the entire neighborhood one block at a time.
ICWC’s annual budget has grown from hundreds of thousand of dollars to several million. Its programs now include facilities for youth mentoring, workforce training, assisting recently released inmates, and there are now more than 70 housing units reserved for recovering addicts. Park Heights has a new adult health and education center, $8 million in funding to renovate 48 low income housing units is secured and a new office park is also in the works.
For Saafir, ICWC’s motto of saving lives and winning souls reflects the essence of what it means to be Muslim. Drawing from the teachings of Imam W.D. Muhammad, for whom he serves as an adviser, Saafir believes that working to restore a people’s humanity through spirituality and good works is precisely the mission of the Prophet Muhammad.“Doing good for the world and for yourself is a delicate balance,” he admits. Given his efforts thus far, it looks like Saafir has found that balance.
