Dec 05, 2021: UMA held its first of the halaqa series at the Natelli Center, in Urbana. Br. Saad Abbasi spoke eloquently on “The Importance of Building an Islamic Community”. He related the story of Hazrat Musab Bin Umair (RA) who was sent to Yathrib by the Prophet (pbuh) to bring people to Islam in that city. Musab bin Umair (RA) was a rich, well dressed, eloquent young man who was able to bring countless people to Islam with his personality and message.  After Isha prayers, Br. Saad led a community duaa for all the loved ones who have passed away in the last couple of years. May Allah swt grant them all maghfirah and increase their ranks in the akhira. Ameen. The center was full of families, old and new, and a potluck and chai rounded off the night with newcomers getting a chance to exchange notes with the older Urbana residents.