A Success Story Founded in New York A seedling that sprouted and branched out to spread care worldwide BY NAZRADEEN LALLMOHAMED
Participants of AH run sewing class in Cambodia show their work
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uyana’s premiere Muslim broadcast entity, the weekly “Islam for Guyana” interviewed Zeleena Hack, who spoke passionately about the work of Amaana Hands, Inc. (AH; https:// amaanahands.org/). This charitable and volunteer-staffed organization, which she and her husband Mohamed Nasar Hack co-founded in 1997, has its headquarters in South Ozone Park. The family has also been involved in establishing other Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Association of Newark, N.J., the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana and the Guyana Islamic Trust. Zeleena, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology and serves as AH’s executive director, has conducted an Islamic study circle for youth and adult women at her home. She began this undertaking in 1983, a time when the mosque offered no Islamic lessons. The parents also entrusted her with their zakat for distribution, which prompted her
to launch this initiative. AH’s motto, “Our Foundation is Trust,” is guided by its principle of “Empowering the Poor and Needy with Dignity and Respect.” Now in its 23rd year, it is so proficient and professionally organized that anyone who comes in contact with it can testify to its success.
Nasar, who served as imam at Masjid al-Abidin in Richmond Hill, Queens, N.Y. (https://www.masjidalabidin.org/), is an adjunct professor in social sciences at the Metropolitan College of New York and also works as a senior analyst for the New York City Department of Social Services.
ALL AH PROJECTS ARE GEARED TOWARD FOSTERING SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND IMPROVING THE RECIPIENTS’ STANDARD OF LIVING. ITS VOLUNTEER STAFF USES WELL-DEFINED GUIDELINES TO CAREFULLY DETERMINE IF THE POTENTIAL RECIPIENTS QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE TO ENFORCE ITS MOTTO OF TRUST, EQUITY AND FAIRNESS, AND ALSO TO ENSURE THAT PEOPLE’S ZAKAT FUNDS REACH THE INTENDED PARTIES. MAY/JUNE 2021 ISLAMIC HORIZONS 33
