Presidential Envoy Rashad Hussain Speaks at Small ISPU Event in Canton

Rashad Hussain, a presidential appointment as an US Ambassador to Organization of 57 Islamic Countries (OIC), addressed about 25 people at a private gathering organized by the Institute for Social Policy and understanding (ISPU) at Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi’s residence in Canton-Michigan.

In his introductory remarks, Haaris Ahmed, an attorney and former executive director of CAIR-Michigan, said that Rashad Hussain had been deputy council at the White House before his present appointment. His job is a difficult one, but he handles it efficiently. He is a great role model for all of us as he is also a hafiz-Qur`an.

Mr. Hussain addressing the gathering, saying that President Obama’s Cairo speech was to reach out Muslim community as he has reached out to all the communities.  After his presidential inauguration, the first interview president granted was to Al Arabia. Hussain claimed that this is the only president that is dealing directly with community issues.

As an envoy to the OIC he briefly enumerated the progress achieved on all the fronts, especially entrepreneurships, scientific and technological fields.

Speaking on the interaction within the president’s other departments, Hussain said we have had tremendous progress and have been able to resolve many issues within the administration, but he admitted; sometimes it has been difficult but at least other the departments listen to us.

“We are working on issues that affect and impacts local communities,” said Hussain. The projects we have undertaken, he said, are not glamorous–but he assured the community that these projects will affect the community in a very positive way, maybe not now, but 10 years from now.

He said that Muslim’s should talk about what Islam is about rather than what Islam is not about. We have to do more than being a Muslim with a positive approach.

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