How long have you called Austin (or Central Texas) home, and what’s kept you here?
Austin has been our home for the past 42 years. Over those decades, we have watched Austin grow and evolve from a relatively small city into a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic community. Yet, what has kept us here is not simply the city’s growth or opportunities, but its people and the values that make Austin such a special place.
We have always loved Austin’s rich cultural diversity, welcoming spirit, and the way people from different backgrounds, faiths, and traditions come together. It has been a wonderful place to raise our children, build lifelong friendships, and become deeply involved in the community.
For Nahid and me, Austin is much more than the place where we live. It is where we have built our lives, found a sense of belonging, and had the privilege of giving back. We believe that a community’s true strength lies not just in its economic prosperity, but in how it embraces diversity, cares for its neighbors, and creates opportunities where ALL prosper! That is the Austin we fell in love with, and the Austin we hope future generations will continue to experience.
What inspired your connection with iACT?
Our connection with Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) comes from a deeply held belief that, regardless of our faith, ethnicity, or cultural background, we have far more in common than what separates us. Nahid used to be the President of iACT and served on the board for nearly a decade.
Having lived in Austin for over four decades, we have had the privilege of building friendships and working alongside people from many different faiths, cultures, and walks of life. These experiences have reinforced our belief that diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but it is through understanding, respect, and meaningful relationships that we turn that diversity into a truly connected community.
As a Muslim, we have always believed that faith should inspire us to serve others, show compassion, and treat every individual with dignity. These are not values unique to any one religion; they are universal principles that unite us as human beings.
At a time when our world seems increasingly divided, I believe organizations like iACT are more important than ever. They remind us that we don’t have to share the same beliefs to share the same values, and that our common humanity is far more powerful than our differences.
For us, being connected with iACT is an opportunity to help strengthen the spirit of compassion, inclusion, and unity that makes Austin such a special place to call home.
What is it about iACT’s mission of bringing people of different faiths together that resonates with you personally?
iACT’s mission resonates with us because, as a Muslim, we believe our shared humanity is far greater than the differences in our faiths or backgrounds. Having lived in Austin for more than four decades, I’ve seen how understanding, respect, and service can bring people together and strengthen our community.
Is there a program, story, or moment from iACT that has stayed with you?
One of the moments that has stayed with us most was the period following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It was an incredibly difficult time for the Muslim community, as fear, misunderstanding, and Islamophobia began to overshadow the values of compassion and acceptance that we cherish. iACT was instrumental in supporting and bringing the community together through multiple programs, especially the “Red Bench” program.
What do you most enjoy about being part of this community?
What we most enjoy about being part of this community is the sense of connection and solidarity it creates among people of different faiths and backgrounds. During difficult times, iACT brings people together through dialogue, compassion, and a shared commitment to understanding one another.
I am especially moved by the way community members stand alongside one another, challenge misconceptions, and remind us that we are not alone. Being part of iACT reinforces my belief that we do not have to share the same faith to stand together in our shared humanity.
What does “interfaith action” mean to you in your own life or faith tradition?
To us, interfaith action means putting our shared values into practice, not just talking about them. In my Islamic faith, we are taught the importance of compassion, generosity, justice, and service to others, regardless of their religion or background.
I believe that while we may worship differently, the fundamental values that guide us are remarkably similar. We all seek peace, dignity, love, and a better future for our children.
Interfaith action is about turning those common values into meaningful relationships and acts of kindness. It means being willing to listen, learn from one another, and stand together, especially when someone in our community faces hardship or discrimination.
I have always believed that faith should inspire us to build bridges, not walls. We don’t need to agree on everything to respect one another, and we don’t need to share the same beliefs to work together for the common good. After all, we all worship the “Creator,” just in different ways!
If a neighbor or friend asked you why iACT matters, what would you tell them?
We would tell them that iACT matters because it brings out the best in humanity. At a time when our world seems increasingly divided by religion, politics, and cultural differences, iACT reminds us that we have far more in common than what separates us.
What makes iACT special is that it doesn’t just encourage people of different faiths to understand one another; it inspires them to work together, serve those in need, and build a stronger, more compassionate community.
What do you hope for Central Texas, and how do you see iACT being part of getting there?
Our hope is that as Central Texas continues to grow and prosper, we never lose the sense of community, compassion, and openness that has made this region such a special place to call home.
I envision a Central Texas where people of every faith, culture, and background feel welcomed, respected, and valued. A community where our children grow up appreciating differences rather than fearing them, where opportunity is accessible to all, and where we measure our success by economic growth that brings prosperity to ALL.
I believe iACT has an important role in shaping that future. By bringing people together across religious and cultural boundaries, encouraging meaningful dialogue, and inspiring service to others, iACT helps build the trust and understanding that strong communities need.
Our greatest hope is that the next generation will see diversity not as something to overcome, but as something to celebrate. If we can continue to replace fear with understanding, indifference with compassion, and division with friendship, we will leave Central Texas an even better place than we found it.
What would you say to someone who’s curious about getting more involved with iACT?
We would simply say, take that first step. You don’t have to belong to a particular faith or have all the answers. All you need is an open mind, a compassionate heart, and a willingness to connect with others.
One of the beautiful things about iACT is that it creates opportunities to meet people whose backgrounds and beliefs may be different from our own, yet whose hopes and values are often remarkably similar.
Whether through volunteering, participating in interfaith conversations, or simply getting to know someone from another faith tradition, every small act of understanding makes a difference.
We have always believed that we grow as individuals when we step outside our comfort zones and learn from one another. You may join iACT hoping to make a difference in someone else’s life, only to discover how much the experience enriches your own.