When history reflects on the rise of Muslim civic engagement in Maryland, one name consistently shines through — Anwer Hasan. An engineer by training, a businessman by success, and a bridgebuilder by passion, he transformed his technical mindset into a blueprint for social empowerment. As founder and president of the Maryland Muslim Council (MMC) and United Muslim Council (UMC), he redefined how a faith-based organization could effectively engage with public institutions and the political landscape.
Anwer Hasan believed that Muslim communities could not remain on the sidelines of governance. His vision for the Maryland Muslim Council was not limited to advocacy — it was about representation, partnership, and strategic influence.
He envisioned an organization that could:
- Represent Muslim voices across Maryland’s counties and cities.
- Collaborate with government agencies and elected officials.
- Educate and empower Muslims on civic duties, voter participation, and public policy.
- Foster dialogue across faiths, communities, and ethnic backgrounds.
He often said, “If we are not at the table, decisions will be made for us, not with us.”
Under Hasan’s leadership, the Maryland Muslim Council operated as a coalition of Masajid, community leaders, and professionals — each contributing in specific domains such as education, social justice, healthcare, youth engagement, and public policy.
Policy and Civic Engagement:
The Council developed working relationships with Maryland state departments, Baltimore City leadership, and county officials, serving as a consultative voice on issues affecting the Muslim community — from zoning for masjids and schools to public health and social welfare.
Community Integration and Leadership Development:
Hasan prioritized leadership cultivation. The MMC hosted forums, workshops, and networking sessions connecting young Muslims with government officials and policy mentors. These efforts nurtured a new generation of politically aware citizens who understood the mechanics of civic service.
Public-Private Partnership:
Drawing on his experience with state and city government contracts, Hasan demonstrated how Muslim-owned businesses could play an essential role in Maryland’s economy. The MMC became a platform where faith-based business ethics met economic development, showing that civic engagement could be both principled and pragmatic.
Building Credibility through Collaboration
Anwer Hasan’s credibility with Governor Martin O’Malley’s administration was a result of consistent dialogue and reliable partnership. Rather than approaching politics as confrontation, Hasan approached it as collaboration rooted in mutual respect.
He helped organize interfaith receptions, Ramadan iftars in government buildings, and community briefings, symbolizing the normalization of Muslim presence in Maryland’s civic identity.
His leadership built a trusted channel between Muslim organizations and the state government, ensuring that the Muslim community was seen as an asset to the social and political fabric of Maryland, not an outsider.
Through the Maryland Muslim Council model, Anwer Hasan institutionalized a culture of civic confidence among Maryland Muslims. He showed that engagement with power structures is not dilution of faith — it is a manifestation of faith in action. His work continues to serve as a template for other states seeking to unify faith-based leadership under strategic, community-driven frameworks.
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:2)
Anwer Hasan’s name now stands among the pioneers who taught Maryland’s Muslim community not only how to dream of belonging — but how to build belonging through leadership, structure, and service.
Additional comments provided by Anwer Hasan:
Allah SWT gave me the guidance to recognize the needs of the Muslim Community after 9/11 incident that we should bring awareness to the local and state governments. We work towards the empowerment of the Muslim communities in Maryland. The start of the Howard County Muslim Council with the assistance of the County Executive James Robey and expansion of the council to eight other counties and the formation of Maryland Muslim council are a few examples. Under O’Malley administration the achievements were exceptional a few of them includes, formation of Maryland Middle Eastern Commission, appointment of first Muslim Secretary at a State level and a Circuit Court Judge, 50+ Muslims appointed to various Boards and Commission and official travel of the Governor to Qatar. Now we see the Muslims are in Annapolis and local level serving as delegates and staff supporting County executives, Mayor and Governor. God willing this will continue and we all will work towards America first.