Special Guest Baba Ali at the Al Huda School Fundraiser

We attended the Dar Us Salaam and Al Huda School on Saturday, December 18 as we try our best to every year, and it was lovely as always. I love the location, as the UMUC Inn and Conference Center gives the event a polished and more formal feel.

The kids were amazed to see special guest Baba Ali on stage, in person telling jokes and making the kids laugh. He did a great rendition of 'Kids Say the Darndest Things' and interviewed a panel of Al Huda Students, varying in age, and it was great to hear those little minds speak, totally unfiltered, Maasha'Allah.

My oldest told me it was nice but strange to see him in person because "I didn't know he was real." I guess she thought he only existed on the computer as part of a show, like Dora or Hello Kitty. If you've never seen any of his videos, check out the sampling below.

Why he accepted Islam

Avoiding the Office Holiday Party

He even has something for the kids!

Baba Ali talked about many things, but one of the things that stuck with me the most is how fortunate he feels that Islamic schools exist, and that we have this community here in College Park. Where he's living, there are no islamic schools and almost NO Muslims, so his wife homeschools their kids. He made light of some of the challenges of being the only Muslims in town, and encouraged us to make good use of what we have because Islamic communities are not always as accessible or successful as one might think.This is just a reminder to Thank Allah for what we have because truly, even in hardships and trials, we have been blessed.