All praise and gratitude belong to Allah, the Most Merciful, whose guidance and blessings made this work possible. Shining Threads is the result of many voices, memories, photographs, records, and acts of generosity. Although one name may appear on its cover, this book belongs to the community whose history it seeks to preserve.
Special thanks are due to every interview participant who shared firsthand recollections, personal reflections, and experiences. Their voices brought warmth and humanity to the historical record. Their willingness to revisit distant memories—some joyful, others difficult—allowed this book to present history not merely as a sequence of dates and events, but as a living account of faith, struggle, belonging, and community.
Gratitude is also offered to Maryland’s masajid, Islamic centers, schools, civic associations, charitable institutions, and community organizations. Their records, newsletters, reports, publications, and institutional memories provided essential context for this work. Their continuing service reflects the same spirit of faith, sacrifice, and cooperation honored throughout these pages.
May Allah accept the contributions of everyone who participated in this project, reward those who served before us, forgive our unintentional errors and omissions, and allow Shining Threads to preserve their legacy for generations to come.
Ameen.