​What started as a controversial face book post turned into a great learning opportunity and celebrating diversity in our communities.  Irmo town hall was packed to capacity last Thursday during the ‘Demystifying Islam’ program that drew people from various faiths and all walks of life.

​The program commenced with a mini exhibition on Islam that included books on Islam as well as posters depicting Muslims contributions to the world civilization, especially during the Islam’s Golden Age. Visitors showed keen interest in the exhibition and some picked up copies of the Quran and a mini-magazine on ‘Islam and Peace.’ While the event was hosted by Mayor Hardy King, it was jointly sponsored by PICNA and IPSC (Interfaith Partners of SC).

​God Almighty has His mysterious ways of bringing people together, changing hearts and minds and creating miracles. This is exactly what transpired in the cities of Columbia and Irmo in the state of South Carolina.

​Nearly fifty faith and community leaders thronged to Masjid Noor Ul Huda, a
prominent mosque in Columbia, SC, for an evening of learning, sharing and
positive engagement. PICNA and the mosque have traditionally held the Ramadan
Sharing event for many years now.

​Over 1.6 Billion Muslims observe the fasting month of Ramadan around the world
with spirituality, enthusiasm and dedication. Fasting is one of the five pillars of
Islam that instils the traits of sharing, caring and sacrifice in the believers.

​The interfaith community of Charleston had the special privilege of being treated to the premiere of the much awaited documentary movie 'The Sultan and the Saint' on Saturday, November 18, 2017. The show, attended by faith and community leaders, intellectuals and academicians, was held at the School of Sciences and Mathematics building at the College of Charleston.

​Building on Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin's initiative of December, 2016, entitled "Embracing Your Muslim Neighbor", The City of Columbia and PICNA jointly organized a much anticipated program "Knowing Our Muslim Neighbor" - 'Understanding Islam and Muslims' on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the City Council Chambers.

​Prominent educationists, community, faith and civic leaders as well as law enforcement officials of South Carolina, came together under one roof in a two day Summit Conference at Columbia Metropolitan Conference Center from June 12 to 13, 2017. Organized by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, this was the second annual summit conference after the inaugural event in 2016.

​Around 2000 people holding colorful and creative signs filled the grounds of the State Capitol in Columbia on Saturday, April 22, 2017, as part of a national 'March for Science' rally. Washington, D.C. That attracted 100,000 participants, was among 600 cities world wide that marked the day to emphasize the significance of Science and related research for the good of humanity.

​PICNA and University of South Carolina (USC) organized an event entitled ' Discover Islam' at Sonoco Pavilion of the Darla Moore School of Business on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. The highlight of the evening's program was a presentation entitled "Understanding Islam and Muslims" by Chaudhry Sadiq, President of PICNA.

​PICNA and Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) held the South Carolina premiere of the much-awaited  movie"The Sultan and the Saint", about Muslim Christian peacemaking, at the Midlands Technical College, NE campus in Columbia on Sunday, March 12, 2017. The film was enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience comprising of community leaders, faith leaders, intellectuals and professionals from Muslim and Non-Muslim community.