Eleventh

“Eleven is the number of family members I have: seven sisters, two brothers, and my beautiful/amazing/incredibly hardworking mother. My father passed away when I was 19, may Allah have mercy on his soul. Although I have 11 immediate family members, my extended family is much larger. I have over 1.6 billion people in my extended family. Everyone who declares that there is nothing and no one worthy of worship but Allah, and that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is his Servant and Messenger, is part of my family. Family comes before everything but God. There is a special love that grows with time between family members, a love that words can’t do justice to, but that our hearts are blessed to know. I love that regardless of our various cultural, educational, or financial backgrounds, once we step into the mosque, a common language is spoken: “Peace be unto you.” Instantly, I feel a surge of connection – of family – and a desire to be reunited with them in the highest of heavens, in the blessed company of our Creator, the Most Magnificent, the Most Majestic, the Most High.” –Ahmad El-Gendi

Bio: I was born near Queens, New York. I am a third year student at Emory Law focusing on Litigation and Intellectual Property. In college I majored in Neuroscience with a minor in Business Management. I love to be creative, especially in fields involving poetry such as spoken word. I love good food and good people in that order (just kidding, but not really). I hope to specialize in Daawa one day insha’Allah.