By Bachir Seck and Ayesha K. Mustafaa
(Article originally published in Muslim Journal, Vol 48, No 17, August 12-18, 2023)
ATLANTA, Ga. – In collaboration with the Office of Special Envoy for Trade and Investment, The Republic of Sierra Leone and Muslim Journal, the National Muslim Business Council (NMBC) hosted its first annual Muslim Business Conference on the continent Africa, in Dakar, Senegal Dec. 16 – 25, 2022.
Most important of all, NMBC proceeded to the grand opening of NMBC Africa office in Yoff, which is accurately as the heart of the capital city and in the stronghold of the Muslim Layene community (Ahlou Lahi), founded by the Mahdi Sayyidina Limamou Lahi (pbuh), after making his Islamic call to mankind and Djinn in 1883.
The Mahdi was illiterate and got his message straight from Allah (SWT) for a pure and sincere worship of Allah The Creator. He eradicated social classes, put men and women on equal footing, and granted youth a prominent role in religious, social, and economic life.
Under the auspices of the Layene Community leadership, representatives of other Muslim communities, and the US Embassy, NMBC proceeded to the ribbon cutting of their new office in Senegal. After which, the delegation proceeded to Yoff Layene for Jummah where they were guests of Sheikh Mouhamadou Lamine (Spokesman).
In support of these initiatives, this Sept. 23, 2023, The Dahira Layene of Atlanta, a chapter of the Association of the Layene of America (ALA) will host the 14th edition of Cherif Ousseynou Lahi Memorial, to remember and celebrate a Muslim leader who devoted all his lifetime educating youth and women.
For young people in Senegal and worldwide, he is a role model. Cherif Ousseynou Lahi, aka “The Doctor of New Generation,” is the first Layene leader to tour the U.S. in lecturing, teaching, guiding the younger generation, and building bridges between Africans on the continent and people of African descent in the diaspora.
After memorizing the Holy Qur’an and graduating in Islamic Law (Shariya) at Kharaween University in Morocco, Cherif Ousseynou Lahi relentlessly toured the world to spread out the teachings of Sayyidina Limamou Lahi Al Madi (pbuh).
Through conferences and lectures in the USA, France, Italy, Spain, he preached unity among people, religious tolerance, and interfaith dialogue.
The ALA welcomes Africans of the Diaspora, brothers and sisters of the Islamic faith to join them in the Atlanta Memorial this September where an all day agenda is set, Sept. 23 – 8 a.m. through 1 a.m. Sept. 24. Host is the Dahira Layene of Atlanta, with the venue at Savannah Event Hall, 4849 Old National Hwy, College Park, Ga. 30337.
Guest Speaker is Serigne Cheikh Mbacke Lahi with an enlightening address on “Cherif Ousseynou Lahi and Imam Bachir Lahi, Role Models for Contemporary Muslim Youth.” The all day program welcomes all. While food is provided, donations are accepted. Hotel rooms for travelers can be reserved at the Atlanta Airport Marriott, 4711 Best Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 30337.
Reservation link:
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1688407498939&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Vendors are welcome with vendor booths available at $100 each signup fee; see advertisement on page 13 in this issue for contact information.
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