Taha Ghayyur Appointed President of Sound Vision as Founder Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid Transitions to Board Chair

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Thirty years ago, a young teenager attended his first-ever sleepover. It was not a typical weekend hangout among peers, but rather an immersive Islamic youth camp held at a large local mosque. That pivotal evening introduced him to Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, a community leader whose live lecture left an indelible impression on the young participant. What captivated the teenager that day was not merely the speaker’s delivery, but the profound clarity of his vision and the unyielding passion driving his mission. Decades later, that lecture on the Quranic mandate of being "Shuhada alannas"—witnesses unto humanity—remains vividly etched in his memory, serving as the foundational spark for a lifelong commitment to community service, media advocacy, and Islamic education.

That teenager was Taha Ghayyur, who last week was officially appointed as the new President of Sound Vision, an iconic multimedia and educational organization with studios and offices spanning both the United States and Canada, and boasting a profound global reach. The historic leadership transition is part of a carefully structured succession plan formulated by Imam Mujahid and the Sound Vision Board of Directors. As Ghayyur steps into the presidency to guide the organization into its next strategic era, Imam Mujahid will transition to a new role as the Chair of the Board of Sound Vision, ensuring that the organization continues to benefit from his wealth of experience, visionary guidance, and strategic oversight.

Reflecting on the organization’s legacy, Ghayyur recalled witnessing firsthand how Sound Vision actively lived out the mission of Shahadah during the 1990s. True to its enduring motto of "helping tomorrow’s Muslims today," the organization established itself as an absolute pioneer in utilizing contemporary multimedia platforms to educate, equip, and empower successive generations of North American Muslims. During an era when Islamic media resources were scarce, Sound Vision broke new ground through beloved initiatives such as Adam’s World, the inspirational Islamic songs and hymns of Dawud Wharnsby, and cutting-edge educational content focused on practical Islamic living. These resources quickly became staples, widely utilized by imams, khateebs, educators, Muslim Student Association (MSA) leaders, and parents across the globe.

The profound impact of Sound Vision’s early work forged a deep, lasting connection between Ghayyur and Imam Mujahid’s overarching mission. Long before he pursued formal university studies and specialized Islamic education, Ghayyur knew he wanted to dedicate his professional life to Sound Vision and contribute to its compelling mission of creative outreach and education. That aspiration materialized into a professional journey spanning over two decades, during which Ghayyur had the unique privilege of working closely alongside Imam Mujahid, traveling with him, and shadowing his leadership. Over the years, Imam Mujahid entrusted Ghayyur with multiple high-level leadership roles within the organization and its affiliated initiatives, including serving as the Chairperson of MuslimFest, Development Manager of Sound Vision, Executive Director of Justice For Canada, and, most recently, Senior Vice President of Sound Vision.

Stepping into the presidency of such a venerable institution is a milestone that Ghayyur approaches with deep humility and a profound sense of gravity. To him, the title represents far more than a routine administrative transition; it is a lofty responsibility that he does not take lightly. Fortunately, he will not be charting this new course alone. Ghayyur emphasized his good fortune in having the steadfast leadership support of Brother Khaled Alsadi, who serves as the Vice President in the Chicago office and has dedicated more than 14 years of loyal service to the organization.

Furthermore, as Imam Mujahid assumes his new position as Chair of the Board, the executive leadership team will continue to count heavily on his expert advice. Ghayyur noted that the incoming leadership team is privileged to stand on the generous, broad shoulders of the founder as they construct the next chapter of Sound Vision’s institutional journey, Insha Allah.

As part of the strategic roadmap for the years ahead, the Sound Vision leadership team is actively envisioning and planning for 2027 and beyond. In the coming days and weeks, Ghayyur intends to reach out directly to stakeholders, community members, and supporters across North America to listen, collaborate, and gather vital perspectives.

This forward-looking approach comes at a critical juncture for the American and Canadian Muslim communities. While Sound Vision has achieved unique and historic milestones over the years through signature projects like Adam’s World and Muslim Network TV, the leadership acknowledges that the organization still has a long path ahead to meet the evolving needs of the community. Today’s challenges facing Muslims in the United States and Canada are vast and multifaceted, ranging from skyrocketing incidents of domestic Islamophobia and global conflicts to broader societal pressures such as trade wars, the uncertain and rapid impacts of artificial intelligence, the fragility of family integrity, and the aggressive onslaught of secularism and atheism targeting young Muslims.

Given the complexity and scale of these contemporary challenges, Ghayyur stressed that the organization cannot afford to operate under a "business as usual" framework. Instead, addressing these modern realities demands collective, bold, innovative, and long-term thinking, alongside tactical approaches designed to foster success and resilience in both this life and the hereafter.

Concluding his inaugural address as president, Ghayyur offered a prayer of gratitude and hope, asking the Almighty to continue blessing Imam Mujahid with his boundless energy to serve humanity, while granting the current team the ability to build upon his monumental legacy to reach unprecedented new heights. In the spirit of community collaboration that has defined Sound Vision since its inception, Ghayyur closed with an open request for ongoing prayers, community support, and wise counsel from supporters across the globe.

Why Board Books Are Powerful Teaching Tools for Early Childhood Development

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For twelve years, the Read-Aloud Revival community has explored nearly every facet of children’s literature, from epic middle-grade fantasy series to lyrical picture books that capture the magic of childhood. Yet, a fundamental pillar of early reading development has remained largely unexamined in the podcast’s extensive catalog: the humble board book. Familiar to anyone who has spent time around infants and toddlers, board books occupy a unique space in the literary landscape. They are the initial gateway through which countless children encounter stories, serving as the first books that babies and very young children can physically manipulate, explore with their senses, and truly make their own.

In a recent deep dive into this essential format, host Sarah Mackenzie sat down with bestselling author, illustrator, and speech-language pathologist Tabitha Paige to discuss the profound impact board books have on early childhood development. As a professional who understands both the artistic and developmental needs of young children, Paige brought a wealth of insight to the discussion, shedding light on why these sturdy volumes are much more than mere entertainment and how parents can select the best options for their youngest readers.

The physical nature of board books is often taken for granted, but it is precisely what makes them such effective pedagogical tools. Unlike traditional paper-page books that require a delicate touch—something infants and toddlers simply do not possess—board books are engineered to withstand the rigors of early childhood. They are designed to be dropped, chewed, thrown, and aggressively handled. This durability allows young children to interact with books on their own terms. Babies can get their hands and mouths on the pages, experiencing the physical sensation of touching pictures and learning the mechanics of turning pages long before they can comprehend the narrative text. This tactile interaction fosters an early sense of ownership and familiarity with books, laying the groundwork for a lifelong relationship with reading.

During the conversation, Paige emphasized that the benefits of board books extend far beyond physical durability. Because of her background as a speech-language pathologist, she approaches children’s literature through the lens of communication and cognitive development. Board books offer a multisensory learning experience that stimulates language acquisition. When a caregiver reads a board book to an infant, the interaction engages multiple senses simultaneously. The child hears the rhythm and cadence of language, sees high-contrast or beautifully detailed illustrations, and feels the texture of the page. This holistic engagement is critical during the first few years of life, a window of extraordinary neurological growth during which the brain builds the foundational neural pathways for language, comprehension, and emotional regulation.

RAR #288: Why Board Books Are Important Tools (and Toys!) with Tabitha Paige - Read-Aloud Revival ® with Sarah Mackenzie

Choosing the right board book, however, requires a thoughtful approach. Not all board books are created equal, and understanding what to look for can significantly enhance the reading experience for both the child and the adult. Paige shared valuable guidance on selecting books that resonate with infants and toddlers, noting that the best choices often combine visual clarity, engaging text, and developmental appropriateness. High-contrast images are particularly effective for newborns and young infants whose visual systems are still developing. As children grow into toddlers, books that incorporate interactive elements—such as varying textures, simple narratives, or relatable everyday concepts—help maintain their attention and encourage active participation.

The discussion also highlighted the broader cultural and educational shift toward recognizing early childhood literacy as an active, relational experience rather than a passive one. Reading aloud to babies is not just about preparing them for school; it is about building connection, fostering emotional security, and introducing the structures of language in a warm, low-pressure environment. Board books act as the catalyst for these early bonding moments. When a parent sits with a baby to look at a sturdy book, the shared focus creates a secure attachment environment that supports emotional development while simultaneously building vocabulary and listening skills.

As the Read-Aloud Revival continues its long-standing mission of helping families fall in love with books, this exploration of board books serves as a timely reminder that literacy begins at the very beginning of life. By understanding the unique value of these durable little volumes, parents and caregivers can better appreciate the monumental role they play in shaping young minds. Through the expert insights of Tabitha Paige, listeners are equipped with a renewed appreciation for the books that often mark a child’s very first steps into the vast, imaginative world of literature.