| Rising Star May 2010 - Umer Momen |
 Umer MomenA young boy took the stage, looked at the audience and began to speak on the topic of education. However, the words being spoken by this tifl, were as if it was from someone much older. The young man captivated his audience through his charm and sense of humor and inspired them to strive for more with his prose and delivery. Who was this young boy? How could such a young man captivate those well beyond his age? His name is Umer Momen and he is this month’s rising star of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmaddiya, USA. This recollection was of Umer speaking about the importance of education during a special session of the 2009 West Coast Jalsa Salana. It was at this opportunity that many saw this rising star in action and emulate qualities that are beneficial for all to adopt. Umer is a 12 year-old tifl who is in the 7th grade and is a rising star in every aspect. From his busy school life where he has won numerous awards including honor roll, student of the month and many others, Umer seems to do it all. Umer currently is in karate, enjoys soccer, skiing, snorkeling and is learning to play the piano. In his spare time he likes to build model airplanes and while he isn’t sure what he wants to do when he’s older, he has mentioned a dream of possibly becoming a fighter pilot. More importantly, Umer shines in his religious life as well. Umer actively participates in various ijtemaat and won many awards at last year’s National Ijtema. Umer won first in Tilawat competition, second in Nazm and third in the Spelling Bee competition. He always is the first to help at Jalsa Salana and will do whatever is asked of him. He is always on of the first tifls who, on his own, will volunteer himself for khidmate-khalq (service to humanity). He then proudly puts on his black and white MKA scarf and goes to work. When asked why he helps out with such passion, Umer said “I like the feel of community service, especially serving Jamaat.” Saad Karamat has seen Umer grow. Saad was at the education session where Umer spoke and mentions, “It is atfal like him - who are adhering to Hazoor's advice that the minimum target for education and beyond is the Nobel Prize - that will carry our jamaat forward.” Despite his young age, Umer is well beyond his years. When asked about what advice he’d give to his fellow Atfal, Umer said “set your goals to serve Allah and pursue those goals until the end.” Remember that these words come from a 12 year-old boy and not an older Khadim or Nasir. It just shows you where Umer’s heart and mindset are and at such a tender age. This goes hand in hand with his genuineness. When asked what about the masjid he likes the most, Umer was quick to explain with such conviction that “I like the atmosphere; it’s nice and spiritual where everyone is praying. It feels good to be there, with friends and also learning many things.” This young is rising in many ways and will continue to do so as he grows older in age. Umer truly is a rising star, his words show it and his actions prove it. There are no limits for tifl’s like Umer, who have been bestowed with such amazing potential. Whatever Umer ends up doing in life, he will succeed in every way possible, insha’Allah. May Allah grant Umer all the successes he endeavors to reach in his life. Ameen. Compiled by Rizwan Jattala |