Dear Friends and Supporters:

As salaamu alaikum

It is with great hope and enthusiasm that we welcome the Risala Foundation to the discourse and the advancement of our community. At this critical time in the development of Islam in America, it is essential that we as American Muslims support efforts that educate our community through the classical methodology, coursework and the rich tradition of scholarship, while presenting the content in the most appropriate way for our time. The community in Houston has a very unique opportunity to support the Risala Foundation, as its mission aligns with these ideals.

With the unveiling of our latest project, Zaytuna College, American Muslims have achieved a historical milestone in helping preserve sacred knowledge in the West through the first accredited Muslim College in America, using the tools and the systems of the West, while maintaining the core and the integrity of our tradition. Zaytuna strongly encourages the creation and the support of like-minded institutions of learning such as the Risala Foundation and other similar organizations.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Imam Zaid Shakir have both played an integral role in helping secure the future of Islam in America by shaping the hearts and minds of young Muslims for the past 30+ years, and as Members of the Risala Foundation Advisory Board, both scholars strongly feel that Shaykh Naeem Abdulwali’s position as Scholar-in-Residence will further enhance the intellect and spiritual development of young American Muslims, particularly of those residing in Houston. We look forward to working with Risala Foundation to help bring Zaytuna’s scholars, students, research, classes, and programs to the Houston Muslim community in the future, Insha’Allah.

Without the consistent support and duas of the Muslim community, Zaytuna Institute could never have achieved the success it has today with the creation of Zaytuna College.

Now is Houston’s opportunity to help cultivate a similar institute with goals that will insha’Allah continue to serve the needs of our growing community. We encourage the Houston community to support us and the Risala Foundation in our efforts to preserve and renew the classical traditions of sacred knowledge and scholarship.

Sincerely,

Syed Mubeen Saifullah

Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Zaytuna College