Sajid A. Khan, a Plainsboro resident for nine years, presents “Islam 101, featuring overview of the major tenets of Islam, the ritual practices, and the diversity of the religion at Plainsboro Library on Sunday, November 22, at 2:30 p.m. “The purpose of this session is to provide an educational opportunity for our fellow residents about the true Islam,” he says. “I intend to give an overview of the major tenets of Islam, discuss the ritual practices of Islam, and explain the rich diversity of this great religion to remove misconceptions.”
Born and raised in Pakistan, Khan has lived in the United States for more than 22 years. “I came to the United States in the mid-1980s with the hope of a better future with education being a top priority,” he says. “After I arrived, my passion for learning increased and continues to this very day.” A graduate of City University of New York with a degree in management of information systems, he received an MBA in finance and information systems from the Stern School of Business. He is also a Wharton fellow at Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.
“Islam is the fastest growing yet most misunderstood religion in the U.S. and around the world,” says Khan. “Because of the acts of few ignorant and misguided Muslims who have used religion to commit violence, coupled with media coverage of it, the beautiful image of Islam which promotes tolerance and peace, categorically rejecting any form of violence against innocent people has been tarnished.”
Kahn, who has held senior consulting positions with Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte & Touche Consulting group, is president of MicroAgility, a family-owned IT and management consulting firm. He is responsible for the company’s strategy and vision, major client relationships, and leading key engagements. He chairs the entrepreneurship committee at Stern School of Business Alumni, and is the director of education and principal of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Saturday School.
His wife, Aisha Khan, who was born in Punjab, India, has been in the United States since she was seven. “She accepted Islam in 1990 and has been a true partner and a friend,” he says. She is also the CEO of their family-owned business.
“My wife and I chose to live in Plainsboro because of its peaceful neighborhood, the diversity of its residents, and the excellent school district,” he says. Their children include Dabir, 14, a student at High School North; Shanzay, 13, and Yasmine, 11, both students at Community Middle School; and Danial, 10, a student at Millstone River School.
“It is my hope that the session will lead to a thought provoking discussion that not only informs but dispels some of the myths associated with Islam,” says Khan. “I am also hoping that the Islam 101 session will provide a platform for many healthy discussions in the future.”
Islam 101, Plainsboro Public Library, 641 Plainsboro Road. Sunday, November 22, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro. Register by E-mail at skhan212@gmail.com. Free.
