Islamic Center Serves at NYU

IC Serves at NYU is getting one step closer to NYC overcoming food insecurity through their weekly "IC Serves Program."

When people initially think of New York City, what often comes to their mind are the bright lights, excitement, yummy food and friendly people. Alhamdullilah, we are all blessed to be able to get a world-class education here at NYU  and simultaneously indulge in the endless experiences the “city that never sleeps” has to offer. 

However, we do have to remember that unfortunately, not everybody gets to experience the wonders of the city in the same way; there are people out there who are facing more hardships than others. It really pulls at our heartstrings, as we often walk by and contemplate on what we can sincerely do to help these individuals. 

The importance of charity and IC NYU's initiative

In Islam, there are 5 pillars, or fundamental core beliefs, that Muslims are to follow in regards to obligatory worship. These pillars include: Shahadah, the profession of faith, Salah, the daily five prayers, Sawm, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, and Zakat, where one gives charity (such as food, money, clothes, etc) to those in need. Zakat allows us to really picture life from another person’s perspective. One kind action could instantly make someone’s day, and what more good can come out of something when it means making someone smile? 

Thankfully, the Islamic Center at NYU is here to help. They do a fabulous job with helping out the needy through the “IC Serves Program” while also uniting the Muslim ummah together in order to make a difference. ICNYU has further partnered with the Zakat Fund of New York City, an organization that collects donations for those in need. 

Every Wednesday from 12:00-1:30, I, alongside a group of community members, come together to distribute chicken or falafel over rice, which we retrieve from the restaurant Taheni Mediterranean Grill, as well as soft drinks and water. 

Our first stop is Washington Square Park. We divide ourselves up into small groups and hand out the prepared containers of food to the homeless from all ends of the park. If we have time at the end, we sometimes go near the subway station on West 4th Street or within some areas of the Village. We tend to regularly see our familiar faces at the chess tables or near the Arch in Washington Square park, who are smiling from ear to ear, and also meet new people, who are just as thankful and excited to receive a warm meal. 

The members involved in IC Serves are extremely dedicated in making sure that no person goes hungry and always serves the food with a sense of warmth and positivity. I am very grateful to be a part of this beautiful community, and I highly recommend joining the IC Serves Team. Everybody is so friendly and welcoming and we always have a nice time together! 

Interview with Amira Shouman

I was also able to interview Amira Shouman, the moderator of IC Serves regarding the intentions of the program: 

Maryam: How did the Islamic Center Serves Program come about?

Shouman: Service is a big part of our Islam, and we wanted to find a way to serve our local community. There are many people in the area impacted by hunger, so we decided to do a meal service that would focus in and around Washington Square Park.

Maryam: How long has this program been going on? 

Shouman: The program started back in 2017. Prior to COVID we distributed meals twice per week. Since then, we've served thousands of meals and have volunteers from all backgrounds as volunteers.

Maryam: What is the main message behind the program? 

Shouman: The main message behind the program is that it's our responsibility as Muslims to help care for others. Each one of us has the capacity to serve in one way or another, and this is a small way others can do so.

Maryam: How would you like to promote the program to NYU Students? 

Shouman: Moving forward, we'd love all NYU students to know that this program is open to everyone. You don't have to be Muslim or come to the IC to participate. It's a great way to connect with the local community, take time outside of our hectic schedules and give back.