Join us in commemorating the legacy of Shaykh Hassan Aliou Cisse, a world-renowned Islamic scholar and decorated humanitarian from Senegal, West Africa. Shaykh Hassan was the founder of the African American Islamic Institute (AAII), a UN-affiliated NGO which boasts an impressive track record of providing humanitarian aid, food and water, health care, development assistance, and education for communities all over the African continent. Planned annually in honor of his tremendous work for the causes of Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the world, the Shaykh Hassan Cisse Commemoration is an opportunity to inspire our community to action. This three-day conference brings together a wide community of scholars, activists, and humanitarians for lecture and reflections aimed at honoring his legacy and impact on the African diaspora within the United States and abroad.
The conference will begin on December 6th with an interfaith discussion. On December 7th, Jumah will be held for all those in attendance at the conference, as well as for members of the surrounding Columbia community, followed by a joint fundraiser with Columbia and NYU in the evening. The following day, on December 8th, there will be workshops facilitated by national scholars and esteemed Columbia alumni on topics including the spiritual connections between America and West Africa, the Islamic imperative of being anti-racist, and the role of women leaders in the struggle for racial equality.
In the evening on December 8th, there will be a keynote address from Shaykh Mouhamadou Mahy Cisse, the younger brother of Shaykh Hassan. Shaykh Mahy worked closely with Shaykh Hassan, assisting him in attending to the needs of a global community of over 100 million followers. Shaykh Mahy currently serves as the Director of Studies at the African American Islamic Institute (AAII) School. He is a graduate of al-Azhar University, the world’s most prestigious Islamic educational institution. He has served as an advisor to many governments, civil organizations, and communities, providing a scholarly perspective about the importance of peace, coexistence, and service in Islam.
