Islam is the second largest religion, with an estimated following of 1.2 billion people across the world, with notable concentration in the Middle east and Southeast Asia. Muslims are found in Jackson Heights as well. Many of them come from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and more.
Islamic centers of worship are called masjids, or mosques. Some fundamentals of the Muslim faith include praying 5 time a days, fasting during the month of Ramadan, making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once, and giving to charity.
Muslim presence in Jackson Height can be found in the Muhammadi Community Center, located at 37-46 72nd Street, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
Background:
The Muhammadi Community Center was founded by Imam Qazi Qayyoom, a Bangladeshi immigrant, in 1995. The center has approximately 150 members, with numbers reaching as high as 200+ on Fridays, a day reserved for group prayer. The center has garnered buzz from various new stations, and aside from spreading the message of Islam to those interested, Imam Qayyoom also speaks the message of interfaith peace and anti-terrorism.
Staff:
Head and Founder: Imam Qazi Qayyoom
What makes Muhammadi Community Center Special:
Imam Qayyoom and the growing members of his center have tried spread awareness about their desire to make the birthday of the Prophet of the Islamic Faith, Muhammad, a national holiday. In this way, the community of Muslims and Muslim immigrants in Jackson Heights are making their voice heard about the issues they feel passionate about, a gathering of a minority to push the changes they want to see and garner acceptance for their religious beliefs.
Celebrating Eid in a Jewish Center
Services:
Community Services:
- Family counseling
- Formalizes Marriages
- Third Party Counseling (Solution before Court)
- Social Disputes
Education:
- After-School Program for Homework and Islamic Education (Al-Azhar Academy)
- Weekend Islamic Education
- Quran Classes
- Benajli, Urdu and Arabic language classes
Worship:
- Celebrations of all Islamic holidays
- Prayer (salaat five times a day)
After the September 11th attacks, life for Muslim immigrants in America, or just Muslims in general, became more difficult. Imam Qayyoom strongly preaches solidarity with America and teaches to his center’s members that terrorism and violence is never the way to make oneself heard. He spoke of his appreciation for all that America provides for its many immigrants, and how many of these opportunities are not available back home.
- Friday Group Prayer
Imam Qayyoom and the growing members of his center have tried spread awareness about their desire to make the birthday of the Prophet of the Islamic Faith, Muhammad, a national holiday. In this way, the community of Muslims and Muslim immigrants in Jackson Heights are making their voice heard about the issues they feel passionate about, a gathering of a minority to push the changes they want to see and garner acceptance for their religious beliefs.
References:
All photos courtesy of the Muhammadi Community Center’s Facebook Page.
NY1 Article Jackson Heights Imam Uses Holiday to Spread Message of Peace.
Learn about the basics of Islam here.
