Kashif Rahman Siddiqui: In March 2014 I was introduced to Imam Feisal as TCI was looking for someone to bring a formal approach to its financial reporting structure in order to help TCI build a more robust fundraising platform. With my experience in the financial arena, I believe I can contribute. I also knew of Imam Feisal when he was the Imam of the mosque in downtown New York as I used to work in the World Trade Center.
Q: What do you feel the difference is working with a non-profit as opposed to working in the for-profit world?
KRS: I have never worked for a non-profit organization before but I believe if you work for a non-profit or a for-profit your goal is the same -- to run an efficient compliant organization. The difference lies in the product -- here our product is a cause, where under the leadership of Imam Feisal TCI is building an American Islamic Identity. Be it profit or non-profit, the presence of discipline is essential for success.
Q: What are your goals that you wish to accomplish for TCI?
KRS: I will be happy if I can help TCI to be a world class, efficient and financially independent non-profit organization. My goal is to ensure that funds are being used in the best possible way with utmost transparency. We need to keep in mind that we are in the business of dealing with sensitive issues like religion, faith, and world politics and when money gets involved it becomes more complicated, so to have transparency and maintain compliance is a must.
Q: What are some of your other goals for TCI in the short, medium and long term, if you want to share?
KRS: I'm part of an organization that's working for a very noble cause -- Improving the Muslim-West Relations. Being an immigrant Muslim, the cause is very close to my heart. While this cause is drawing a lot of positive attention, unfortunately the deeds of a few have overshadowed the positive attention. Imam Feisal's vision and dedication is helping to erase the negative perception. If I can contribute towards the negatives being changed into positives and people understanding TCI's work better, I will feel that I have done something good.
Q: What makes you most excited about working with TCI?
KRS: Just to be part of TCI and work with Imam Feisal in implementing his vision is one of the most exciting things I have ever done. Moreover, I get to use my knowledge and expertise for a cause that I believe in. I came into this country in 1982/83 as a young teenager where I felt lost with many issues that Imam Feisal has dedicated his life addressing. Issues like, how do I fit in as a Muslim in America? I feel very confident in Imam's vision to create an American-Muslim identity. This will not only answer a lot of questions I had and I am sure a lot people like me have, but it will also pave a smoother way for the next generation of American Muslims and help them to make a positive contribution to the society they are part of. As Oscar Wilde truly said, "Society exists only as a mental concept; in the real world there are only individuals."
At a prestigious gathering held by the Malaysian Sovereign Wealth Fund in Kuala Lumpur this September, Imam Feisal presented a special session on Islamic ethics. He explained that an ethical society promotes the common good 
