​For more then a decade, South Carolina's faith communities have been celebrating January as 'Interfaith Harmony Month' (IHM) with devotion, inspiration and zeal. Interfaith Partners of SC (IPSC), an organization comprising of over a dozen faith groups, has been successfully co-ordinating the celebratory events that are held throughout the state.

​PICNA has religiously followed this wonderful tradition, with a variety of themes over the years. This year, this popular event was held on 1st February, 2025 at Masjid Noor Ul Huda, with an intriguing topic : "Is Qur'an  the Word of God?"

​The Program that was attended by representatives of many faiths, commenced with Quranic recitation by Imam Bashir, who made introductory comments as well. "Qur'an is the word of God, a miracle, an infinite source of knowledge of topics unlimited", said Chaudhry Sadiq, PICNA President. Chaudhry went on to elaborate how God Almighty revealed the Qur'an and vowed to protect and preserve it from corruption till the Day of Judgment. Qur'an is the only divine book that can be memorized cover to cover, and we may have 9-10 Million 'Huffaz' (people having memorized the Qur'an) at any given time.

​Chief Holbrook of Columbia Police Department, then thanked PICNA for educating South Carolinians generally and the states' law enforcement agencies specifically, about Islam and Muslims. He highlighted PICNA's role in providing much needed diversity training to the Police Department and other agencies.

​The Presentation was followed by a Q&A session in which the attendees asked great questions relating to Qur'an. PICNA had also arranged a a display of Quranic samples as well as a wide selection of 'Hijabs' (scarfs) that are adorned by many Muslim women as a symbol of modesty. The program concluded with snacks and a guided tour of the Mosque for the participating guests.

​ For the past 13 years, Interfaith Partners of South Carolina (IPSC) has enjoyed a warm association with the Peace and Integration Council of North America (PICNA), supporting each other in our mutual mission of building a peaceful society through engagement with faith-based congregations and organizations. Our shared goals have made IPSC and PICNA natural allies and partners for programs, and during occasional difficult community issues.

​Two memorable events of early years were IPSC events held in Newberry, South Carolina. PICNA represented Islam in an outdoor festival called “Gathering of Faiths,” hosted on the grounds of Clayton Memorial Unitarian Church. The following year IPSC held a performance at the historic Newberry Opera House. Each religious group represented by IPSC, including Muslims belonging to PICNA, offered the Islamic call to prayer, music, readings, movement and song to display the richness of our traditions. By 2013 these initial events had expanded into a large event attended by about 2000 at the conference center in Columbia.

​Our interfaith partners with IPSC also stepped forward to support Muslims when a state legislator in 2015 proposed legislation which was Islamophobic, issuing a statement which included this message: "We affirm our solidarity with our Muslim friends here in South Carolina, whom we have come to know as peaceful, community-minded, law abiding citizens," the statement said. "We abhor the vilification they and their religion now suffer in the rhetoric of political candidates and others who spew misinformation, hate and fear." When the U.S. president in 2017 issued an executive order, the so-called “Muslim travel ban,” IPSC again took action with a press conference at the S.C. State House to make clear its position of support for Muslims in South Carolina.

​The community issue which drew international attention to South Carolina also provided an opportunity for IPSC and Muslim groups like PICNA to intervene in a highly positive way. The mayor of a local town had posted Islamophobic comments on his social media. After being contacted by interfaith and Muslim individuals, he proved to be open to conversation, and even attended a special program and Eid feast at Masjid Noor-Ul-Huda in Columbia. Through this partnership—interfaith individuals who the mayor already knew and trusted, plus the kind invitation of the mosque to get to know Muslims in the area—what started as hateful public speech was turned to a friendly encounter and new friendships.

​For these and many other reasons, IPSC regards PICNA as a vital element of our South Carolina society. We look forward to our continued collaborations. And we are grateful for PICNA’s support of interfaith, robust participation, and dedication to a stronger, more harmonious statewide community. – by Holli S. Emore, MDiv, Chair Interfaith Partners of South Carolina.

​From the days of enslaved Muslims and isolated white converts to the appearance of single mosques populated by Asian, African, and Latin American immigrants, Islam has produced perhaps the most ethnically diverse religious community in the United States. This lecture surveys the history of the changing dynamics of US Muslim ethnicity, and what American Islam’s great diversity has meant both for the religion itself and for the role of ethnic identity in the larger American cultural context.  

​Dr. Patrick Bowen completed his Ph.D. in Religion at the University of Denver, and he is the author of the three-volume series of books entitled A History of Conversion to Islam in the United States, a comprehensive study of Americans conversion to Islam.

​This lecture is supported by Unity Productions Foundation and its new project American Muslim Pathways, a nationwide lecture series and web platform that spotlights the history and impact of Islam and Muslims in America from the 16th century to the present. A major educational website featuring lectures, timelines and photo galleries on the history of Muslims in America will be launched in the fall of 2024 at https://muslimpathways.com.

​Attending on behalf of UPF, Daniel Tutt, the Director of American Muslim Pathways remarked that the event was "very well attended and the audience enthusiastic to learn about the history of Muslims in America." Tutt offered remarks on the history of Muslims that the project has spotlighted, remarking that "American Muslim Pathways is spotlighting some of the most cutting-edge humanities scholarship on Islam in America, from the role of Blues music, to one of the earliest mosques at the Ford Motor plant." Tutt added that, "we at UPF are honored to work with PICNA to host this event and we thank Chaudhry for his great service!" 

​The first of its kind in many years, this lecture was organized by PICNA and UPF, in partnership with South Carolina Christian Action Council and South Carolina Human Affairs Commission at Midlands Technical College on Friday, September 13, 2024. The College auditorium was almost full and the enthusiastic and diverse audience included faith representatives, educators, law enforcement officials and community leaders. 

​ Dr. Bowen's lecture was followed by a panel discussion featuring Imam Omar Shaheed, Prof. David Linnan, Dr. Sarah Waheed and Farrah Khan. The highly successful program concluded with a very engaged Q & A session. 

​Please Check out UPF's new project:

​PICNA's partnership and engagement with various civic entities and law enforcement agencies is indeed paying dividends. Such a relationship started during a PICNA Presentation earlier this year at South Carolina Law Enforcement Division where SC Human Affairs Commission's (SCHAC) delegation was invited to attend.

​The Human Affairs Commission reached out to PICNA, offering to partner with them in pursuance of their mission to create a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in society. Since then, SCHAC have been proactively engaged in furthering the joint mission through various initiatives. The Commission joined hands with PICNA and Unity Productions Foundation(UPF) to organize an event on Diversity in the American Muslim Community earlier in September 2024.

SCHAC then worked diligently with the City of Rockhill to co-host PICNA's Presentation on 'Understanding Islam and Muslims' in Rockhill, SC. The program was held at a local church and attended by a cross section of community and faith leaders, city officials and law enforcement agencies' personnel. Beside a mini-exhibition of posters depicting Muslims contribution to world civilization, the event included a slide show with commentary, a panel discussion and Q&A session.​

​'It is heartening to know that PICNA is building partnerships and alliances with like minded organizations and institutions and thus expanding its operations in furtherance of its mission and vision' said Chaudhry Sadiq, PICNA President.

​As part of its vision and mission, PICNA has been exploring prospects of cooperation with the school system in South Carolina for the last few years. Various school districts have dedicated departments for diversity, equity and inclusion and PICNA has been gradually developing relations with them. 

​While it is important to provide basic information and awareness to the management about Islam and Muslims, it is even more critical to seek accommodation for Muslim students in these schools enabling them to fulfill their religious obligations while at school. These accommodations include facilities for obligatory prayers during school hours, excuse from rigorous exercise while fasting, Friday's congregational prayers and leave of absence on Muslim holidays.

​In order to create awareness and train school management, PICNA has modified and expanded its signature Presentation titled 'Understanding Islam and Muslims' to include subjects like bullying, praying, fasting, modesty and clothing, dietary restrictions and Muslim holidays.

​PICNA's first presentation was held in the Richland School District Two on January 25, 2024 wherein a number of principals, vice principals as well as administrators attended the event mostly virtually. attendees showed keen interest in the presentation and provided very positive feedback afterwards. A follow up meeting was later held recently, to discuss ways to allow students to participate in Friday's congregational prayers in Mosques and to include PICNA Presentation in future Conferences.

​Another presentation was organized at the Lexington One School District on March 8, 2024 where all attendees were present in person. The program also included a display of posters and books relating to Muslim contribution to world civilization. The event concluded with an engaged Q & A session. Feedback received from various participants was very encouraging and worthy of the long struggle.

​All in all, years of sustained struggle by PICNA have been blessed with an impactful breakthrough and have opened the doors for a mutually beneficial  partnership with the School Districts of South Carolina.

​On Thursday, November 9, 2023, SCETV arranged a screening of the first episode of a documentary - 'A Town Called Victoria', followed by a Panel Discussion on the theme as related to our local Muslim Community.

​The documentary, a Reel South and Independent Lens co-production, deals with real life situation faced by the community of Victoria, Texas. When the local mosque is burned to the ground in an apparent hate crime, the Town of Victoria must overcome the age-old political, racial and economic divide, to find a collective way forward.

​The program arranged by SCETV, and held at a troubling time due to the tense situation in the Middle East, was indeed a courageous attempt to deal with the challenges faced by Muslim Communities in our diverse and beautiful country. The screening was watched by dozens of viewers, both individuals and families, who posed some probing questions to panelists during the discussion that followed.

​The panelists included Omar Shaheed, Imam of Masjid As-Salam, Dr. Reshma Khan from ICNA Relief and Shifa Free Clinic, Charleston, SC and Chaudhry Sadiq, PICNA President. Omme-Salma Rahmatullah was the Live Panel Moderator while Tayyaba Sadiq served as the Virtual Chat Moderator.

​In response to the opening question, Imam Omar Shaheed, described the continuing journey of the African American Muslim Community from the Nation of Islam to the mainstream Islam amid challenges faced the Community to this day. Dr. Reshma Khan, then recounted her positive experience as she established the Shifa Free Clinic in the past several years, as a service to humanity, thus demonstrating an amazing example of 'Faith in Action.'

​Finally, Chaudhry Sadiq, PICNA President, relayed the real life local story that made national headlines, when a local Town Mayor published an anti-Islam article. Under the auspices of PICNA, Chaudhry invited the Mayor to their Mosque where the Muslim Community treated him in the excellent manner commanded by Islam. Chaudhry then described the inner transformation of the Mayor who then co-hosted an educational program on Islam and Muslims at his fully packed Town Hall.

​SCETV's program was conceived and administered by Abby Stilwell, their Marketing Director, who deserves a huge applause and appreciation for a successful event at a critical time in our excessively polarized society. SCETV also deserves credit for recording and distributing PICNA's popular Presentation on 'Understanding Islam and Muslims' which will prove immensely beneficial to SCETV's viewers. 

​PICNA then decided to build relations with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), to offer similar training to the agency.  We went through detailed consultations with Chief Mark Keel and his team for over a year to organize Diversity Training for their management and employees. Both sides endeavored to  meticulously plan the training program to derive maximum benefit from the opportunity. Eventually, two sessions were scheduled - September 6 and 27 at SLED's brand new building that is equipped with state of the art facilities.

​Each of the two Diversity Training sessions were well attended and included their agents and other experts from various departments. The second session also included a delegation from South Carolina Human Affairs Commission comprising their senior officials. The participants of the training program took keen interest in the presentation and asked great questions based on their professional roles and practical experience.

​The panelists in the two events included former Mayor of Irmo Town and Director of South Carolina Victims Assistance Network. The programs also included a mini exhibition of posters depicting Islamic contributions to world civilization through the centuries.

​Speaking at the end of the second session, PICNA President Chaudhry Sadiq expressed great satisfaction at the success of the two events and thanked the SLED management for hosting the historic programs. It is pertinent to mention that Chief Mark Keel has served the Agency for nearly forty years that speaks volumes about his commitment and dedication. Chaudhry said that PICNA values these partnerships and alliances and will continue to foster these relationships.

​Masjid Noor Ul Huda, a prominent SC mosque has been partnering with PICNA on scores of faith based programs and initiatives over the years. One of the mosque's most popular programs is their Family Night held on the last Saturday of every month to address a variety of community issues and needs.

​A mini-seminar entitled 'Law Enforcement as a Career' was organized and co-hosted by PICNA and Masjid Noor Ul Huda on May 27, 2023. The Columbia Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff's Office participated in the Seminar and set up a mini exhibition at the mosque premises.

​Sheriff Leon Lott personally headed his delegation while Capt. Darring Hicks represented Chief Holbrook of the Columbia Police Department. The event was well attended and included youth as well as parents. Chaudhry Sadiq, who is President of both PICNA and Masjid Noor Ul Huda, welcomed the participating agencies' delegations and praised the services of these agencies for the community. Addressing the audience, Sheriff Lott said he was proud to have a number of Muslim deputies and that he would welcome more Muslim youth to join his team.

​Capt. Darring Hicks explained his Department's role in maintaining law and order and elaborated on the employment opportunities in the force. Both the Sheriff and the Captain fielded many questions from the audience and spoke highly of their partnership with PICNA and the Mosque.

​SCVAN - South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, presented a 'Faith Leaders Compassion Award' to Chaudhry Sadiq, PICNA President at a Luncheon Award Ceremony in Columbia on 24th April, 2023. The Award ceremony was the highlight of SCVAN's Victim Rights Week held at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, that was attended by high ranking officials of the State Government. 

SCVAN, an active partner of PICNA has been involved and engaged in many PICNA programs and activities. In the citation for the award, Roger Acton, Project Director, SCVAN, acknowledged and appreciated Chaudhry Sadiq's services for inspiration and understanding of the Muslim Community, through PICNA's initiative to provide Diversity Training to Law Enforcement Agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, in the Presentation entitled 'Understanding Islam and Muslims'.

​Thanking SCVAN for their kind gesture, Chaudhry stated, "Ever since migrating to the U.S. over 20 years ago, it has been my cherished goal and sacred mission to serve humanity and enlighten society at large about true Islamic values and principles". The Awards Ceremony was attended by Chaudhry's family as well as a selected number of Muslim Community Leaders.

​The interfaith community of South Carolina has been celebrating January as 'Interfaith Harmony Month' for many years and PICNA has always taken the opportunity to represent Islam and Muslims by organizing educational and informational programs during this month. 

​This year, too, PICNA came up with a unique subject 'Islam and the Environment Challenge' and held the program in collaboration with Masjid Noor Ul Huda on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Mouhamadou Niang, Founder and Executive Director of 'Muslims 4 the Environment' based in Raleigh, NC, was the Guest Speaker. 

​In his address Mr. Niang quoted extensively from the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam, and from Prophet Muhammad's sayings and traditions to illustrate how Islam laid emphasis on preserving the environment. The speaker reminded his audience that God Almighty created human beings on this Earth as His 'successive authority'. Our Creator also commanded us through the Quran 'to eat and drink from the provisions of Allah and not to act corruptly in the land making mischief'. Mr. Niang quoted a verse referring to a balance 'And the Heaven He raised, and imposed the balance so that you do not transgress beyond the balance.'

​Most appropriately, the Speaker asserted that at the root of global environment challenges are the forces of greed, mass production, consumerism, overconsumption, and the rapid and irresponsible exploitation of the Earth's gifts at unsustainable rates. 

​Echoing the guest speaker's passionate appeal for preservation of our environment, Chaudhry Sadiq, who is also President of Masjid Noor Ul Huda, shared with the audience, Masjid Noor Ul Huda's vision and initiatives regarding environment and cleanliness. Sadiq reminded the gathering that 'In Islam, cleanliness is considered half of faith' and prayed for the success of their recycling and beautification plans for the Mosque campus. Finally, it would be very pertinent to state here that the development project of Masjid Noor Ul Huda includes the creation of a 'Community Garden' within the mosque campus.