A Charter was written and approved, subjects and programs adopted, a Coordinator was elected, and the day and times were set to be 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, between 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. or 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. depending on seasonal times.

Purpose

Continue to maintain the spiritual friendship and brotherly Bond which was experienced during the Holy month of Ramadan, 1419.

Objectives

To create and maintain, through regular meetings, a pleasant and warm atmosphere of understanding and strong sense of belonging between the members of the group and for all newcomers; to nourish their spirits and social bonds based on humane values and teachings. These were to be achieved by means of the following:

Review of the History of Iran, its customs, traditions and various cultural aspects.Review of the life of Iranian scientists, writers, poets, Scholars and philosophers.Invitation of scholars and knowledgeable speakers to present information and analysis on Islam, its history, traditions, the meaning and message of the Quran.Discussion and clarification of modern concerns and issues in the light of religious beliefs with a correct interpretation of the Quran.Review and understanding of other cultures, religions and schools of thought.Discussion and clarification of issues facing Iranian Immigrants in the United States of America.Reading the poems and writings of famous poets and writers of Iran.Providing a forum for participants to share their knowledge by researching, writing, and making verbal and audio-visual presentations to the Group.Research, study and analysis of everyday events, new discoveries, and scientific achievements in order to increase the Group’s knowledge and awareness.Rhythmic recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, declamation of literary texts by modern and classical poets and writers, peppered with light jokes, pleasantries, proverbs and short stories in order to lighten and elate the spirit of participants.Un-coercive and free exchange of ideas on various issues and subjects of interest with respect for the views of all participants and speakers.Encourage all Iranians and Persian-speaking peoples to participate in the group’s meetings, to learn from each other and to expand their social base by acquiring new friends and acquaintances.In summary to establish and maintain an easy, pleasant and relaxed atmosphere of bonhomie in order to strengthen the mutual bonds and bring joy to all participants.Programs

Yaran - E - Safa meetings begin with the recitation Of the Quran and its Farsi translation for 5-7 minutes.A Monajaat or Hymn to the Lord is recited. Or a piece of Persian poetry is read by one of the participants. Either of them for 5-7 minutes.These are followed by one short, i.e. 10-15 minutes and one long presentation/talk for 25-30 minutes. Or a speaker of repute/a professional person is invited to give a talk on a subject of interest, be it: religious, literary, cultural, financial, scientific, medical, professional, or new discoveries, for 45-60 minutes.A period for questions and answers follows each talk or presentation with lively discussions.Finally, those who wish, join together for a group prayer which is performed in the adjoining Reza Mosque.

Language

All talks, presentations and discussions are in Farsi. When required videos are screened in English.

Attendance

Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of sex.

Original Sponsors of Yaran - E - Safa:

Mr. Haj Ali Bayati

Mr. Kiumars Pahlavani

Mr. Ali Akbar Shakeri

Mr. Ali Tabatabaie

Mr. Hamid Zavosh

Coordinators:

Mr. Kiumars Pahlavani 1998

Mr. Majid Yazdi 1999

Mr. Mahmood Najand 2000

Mr. Kiumars Pahlavani 2001

Mr. Mehdi Nasrollah-Nia Present

For more information contact Mr. Mehdi Nasrollah-nia at (310)-202-8181 or yaran-e-safa@iman.org .