The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno holds various annual events, religious and cultural. The following is a list of the
annual event and brief description of each program.
1- Eid Carnival
Every year, local Muslims and guests gather at the Islamic Cultural Center in Fresno to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan on the first Saturday following the holiday. The Carnival includes delicious food, entertainment for the entire family, rides for the children and an opportunity for families to meet.
2- Norouz / Persian New Year
The Islamic Cultural Center celebrates Norouz by holding the traditional Norouz display, including traditional foods and clothing. The New Year of Norouz marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated in most Farsi speaking countries such as Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and among some ethnic groups in India and Kyrgyzstan.
3- Ashura / The Martyrdom of Imam Hussein
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar Calendar which marks the Islamic New Year. Muslims celebrate the new year with prayers, gifts and visits to family and friends.
The tenth day of Muharram or Ashura is a solemn day. Muslims, especially Shiites, commemorate the 680 CE death of the Imam Hussein in the Battle of Karbala, Iraq. The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno commemorates Ashura through programs shed light on the life and sacrifice of Imam Hussein.
4- Spirit of Abraham Award
Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno strives to promote and increase the understanding of Islam and Muslims and recognizes voices of courage that help the Center realize such goal.
Each year, the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno presents the Spirit of Abraham Award to groups and/or individuals who significantly contribute towards enhancing the understanding of Islam and Muslims. The awards gala will be part of the Night of Spirituality that commemorates the commencement of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The program begins with the sunset prayers and will include offering the traditional breaking the fast meal.
To nominate an individual or group, fill out the Nomination Form and return to:
Spirit of Abraham Committee
2111 East Nees Ave
Fresno, CA 93720
Past Recipients of the Award:
2005:
A Forum for A Better Understanding / KNXT TV
A TV program produced by KNXT and the Catholic Diocese of Fresno, A Forum for A Better Understanding and was
launched in 2002 based on a radio program holding the same title. Since its inception, it has featured faith leaders from distinct religious traditions who have raised, discussed and reflected upon topics as timely and wide-ranging as interfaith dialogue, ecology, death, religious calling, materialism, racism, war and non-violence, immigration, terrorism and spirituality.
2006
Fresno Police Chief, Jerry Dyer
Chief Dyer received the award for his contributions to enhancing the understanding of Islam and Muslims among police
officers. To achieve this goal, Chief Dyer has approved starting in January 2006 a weekly one-hour workshop, led by the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno that focused on positive interaction and partnership with the Muslim community.
The diversity program is a one-hour workshop titled, “Working with the American Muslim Community”.
This interactive workshop enabled officers to be ask questions about Islam and Muslims, address scenarios when dealing with Muslim immigrants or what to expect when visiting a Muslim home or an Islamic Center.
As a result of this program, several law enforcement agencies received the training. Among them are the local Fresno FBI office, members of Fresno US Attorney’s office and the team of McGregor Scott, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California based in Sacramento.
Faith & Values, a section of The Fresno Bee:
The Faith & Values section of The Fresno Bee was honored for its positive coverage of the diverse faiths and religions in Fresno and Central California.
Since its launching in the late 90’s, Faith & Values has covered the religious diversity of Fresno and the Central Valley. The Muslim community is proud of such coverage of Islam and urged The Fresno Bee to maintain its inclusiveness and its positive reporting about Islam & Muslims.
2007
Japanese American Citizen’s League / JACL
The award honored the efforts of Japanese American Citizen’s League for preserving civil liberties and its unwavering
support of the Muslim community since 9/11
The Japanese American Citizens League was among the first organizations to stand in solidarity with the Muslim and Arab communities. The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno joined community commemoration of executive order 9066 that led to the internment of Americans of Japanese ancestry. During the commemoration, the JACL continued its legacy of protecting the civil liberties of American Muslims. The Honorable Judge, Dale Ikeda included Muslims and Arab Americans in his keynote speech. His message of solidarity was a courageous stand during difficult times when Muslim are stigmatized and their civil liberties are diminished.
Dr. Alfred Evans / CSU Fresno professor
Dr. Alfred Evans was honored for his valuable contributions towards the understanding of Islam and Muslims. The Islamic Center has participated in several interfaith projects that Dr Evans helped in establishing. Among such projects are The Interfaith Scholar Weekend, The National Day of Prayer, The CROP Hunger Walk, Muslim-Christian Dialogue and the Interfaith Alliance of Central California.
2008
Dr Sudarshan Kapoor
Dr Kapoor was honored for promoting harmony among all faiths. The retired professor brings the community together to
eliminate hate, promote non-violence and strengthen bonds between communities. He organizes the annual Stop the Hate program,the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Unity Walk and several interfaith programs.
Dr. Khursheed Ali
Dr Ali was honored for tirelessly promoting the understanding of Islam. He is the founder of numerous Islamic organizations in Fresno such as Masjid Fresno, The Muslim Student Association at CSUFresno and the Muslim Society of Central California. Dr Ali is an active participant in interfaith dialogue and serves on the steering committee of the Multi-Faith Exchange.
2010
Dr Kathie Ried / Professor, CSUFresno
Dr Ried was honored for her efforts to promoting the understanding of Islam among her students through learning firsthand form Muslim students and scholars. Dr Ried encouraged her students to interact with Muslims which led to bringing better awareness of Islam.
The Marjoree Mason Center
Executive Director Pam Kallsen received the award for her efforts to promote harmony in the family by providing shelter to battered women, including Muslim women victims of domestic violence. The Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno is in partnership with the Marjoree Mason Center and assists in referrals, cultural diversity and interpretations.
2011
Dr Vida Samiian / Dean of the College of Humanities, CSUFresno
Dr Samiian received the award in celebration of her leadership in preserving the the Middle Eastern heritage and culture through the establishment of the Middle East Studies program, the Farsi Language Program, the annual Middle East Conference and the course on Islam, and various programs
that positively contributed to the understanding of Islam and Muslims. Under the leadership of Dr Samiian, the California State University, Fresno and the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno engaged in community partnership that enabled the Islamic Center to support the exchange of knowledge with the CSUFresno family.
Howard Watkins / Watkins’ Photography Archives
Mr. Howard Watkins’ Photography Archive featured the various community programs and events conducted at the Islamic Center and in the Fresno area. Mr. Watkins was awarded for his leadership in positively contributing to the understanding of Islam and Muslims.