Bayan Benefit Iftar 2025: The Next Level of Support

This Ramadan, join us for a meaningful evening of community, reflection, and impact at the Bayan Benefit Iftar 2025. As we break our fast together, we will celebrate the growth of Bayan Islamic Graduate School and the vital role it plays in shaping the future of Muslim leadership, here locally and beyond. Your attendance and support will help expand scholarship opportunities and ensure that more students can access transformative Islamic leadership education. Let’s take Bayan to the next level—together!

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 · 6:00 PM

Location:

Centro Islámico at IslamInSpanish

12703 Brant Rock Dr.

Houston, TX 77082

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About President Jihad Turk

Dr. Jihad Turk is the founding and current President of Bayan Islamic Graduate School. He previously served as the Imam and Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California. He learned Arabic and Islamic studies at the Islamic University of Medina and Farsi at the University of Tehran. Jihad earned his B.A. in History and Arabic at UC-Berkeley, and his Master’s degree at UT Austin in Arabic and Islamic Law and Jurisprudence and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at USC.

Jihad dedicates himself to improving interfaith relations. He has been consulted by the White House and has traveled around the world for the US State Department to speak to Muslim communities abroad and represent the American Muslim Community. Jihad is a sought-after national speaker on issues related to Islam, Muslims in America, Muslim reform movements, ethical leadership, and spiritual and identity formation of youth.

Heather Elsayed

Anse Heather Elsayed serves as the spiritual advisor for Believe It App, a Muslim faith-based goal-setting app, and is an educator with over 15 years of experience developing wellness programs that focus on the mind, body, and soul. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration Marketing with a minor in Women's Studies, along with certifications in personal training and spiritual life coaching.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Islamic Studies through Bayan Islamic Graduate School, Anse Heather is a published writer focusing on the Muslim narrative in America, an advocate for interfaith dialogue, and a researcher in Islamic history. She continues her studies under Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and the Anisaat of Ribaat.

About Abdullah al Mamun

Abdullah al Mamun serves as the Vice President of Advancement at Bayan, where he dedicates himself to organizational development, fundraising, and student recruitment. His multifaceted expertise extends beyond his professional role, encompassing activism, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and advisory roles for boards. Nationally recognized for his directorial accomplishments, Abdullah boasts a wealth of experience in leadership and management across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors.

Having earned his Bachelor degree in Middle Eastern Studies and Business Administration from Fordham University, Abdullah furthered his education with graduate studies in Graphics Communication Management and Technology at New York University. Currently residing in Dallas, TX, he shares his life with his wife and their four sons.

About Basmah Salam

Basmah Salam is the Director of Advancement at Bayan. Since 2017, she has been serving the mission of Bayan by developing and operationalizing its strategic plans through financial sustainability and community support. Prior to Bayan, Basmah has actively worked in nonprofit advancement since 2011 in primary education and mental health and disability services. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Houston and a Master’s degree in Islamic Leadership from Bayan Islamic Graduate School. Basmah volunteers with local Houston Islamic schools, mentors Muslim adolescents, and supports Muslim leaders to grow into their roles for the Muslim or broader American community. She can otherwise be found spending her time with her four powerful unicorns, otherwise known as her nieces.

About Bayan

Bayan was established in 2011 as the first independent, not-for-profit Islamic educational institution that offered accredited graduate degrees in Islamic studies - with the vision of a world that understands Islam in a modern context. Bayan’s mission focuses on cultivating leaders and scholars for Muslim American communities, building capacity grounded in Islamic values and effective at impacting society at large. To date, Bayan has over 113 matriculated students and will have 95 graduates by April 2025. To learn more go to: www.bayanonline.org

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