Islamic Center of Berkeley
The Islamic Center of Berkeley is a small office space located inside a business center on 2510 Channing Way, Berkeley. The Islamic Center of Berkeley is located two blocks away from the UC Berkeley campus. It is on the same block as university housing and it is across the street from a popular ice cream sandwich store. As the street view photo shows, the Center is quite inconspicuous. Despite being tucked away from plain view, the Center is gaining popularity. More and more students are coming to know about it through word of mouth, Facebook, and an email list.
In 2004, three students, two graduates and one undergraduate, saw a need for regular Islamic programs in the community. They invited Muslims and non-Muslims, and the group first held their meetings in Barrows and Dwinelle Hall. A few factors led to the purchase of an office suite to use as a formal place of worship. One factor was that they were not always able to meet in the same classroom on campus. It was difficult to communicate changes in location to everyone who might want to come. In addition, the founders realized that Muslim students needed a convenient place to pray, especially given their heavy coursework at UC Berkeley. Having a physical space would help Muslims pray together, thereby fighting against separation, an important aspect of Islam. Also, when students wanted to relax and chat outside out the group programs, the only places they could go to were restaurants. The founders wanted a safe and comfortable space for students to be able to spend time with each other. Essentially, the Center was purchased to encourage a sense of unity among Muslims living near the UC Berkeley campus. Now, with a physical space of their own, students can meet in the Islamic Center to not only pray, but also to “sleep, wrestle on the ground [laughing] or whatever the students feel like doing.” It is a convenient and comfortable meeting place. A unique trait about the Islamic Center of Berkeley is that its community changes around every four years. This is because most of its members are UC Berkeley students who are only around for their few years of school. The demographics are diverse as well. Iranians, African Americans, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis, and Asian and Caucasian converts utilize the Center. The majority of these people are Shia Muslims.
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The second fascinating feature of the Islamic Center is the participation of young people in the administration. Undergraduates and graduates of UC Berkeley plan the events, raise funds, invite speakers, and maintain the Islamic center. In addition, it is through their finances that the rent for this space is paid. Members who hold copies of the keys pay a monthly fee of $25 and other members contribute through donations.
The Islamic Center of Berkeley strives to educate the local community about Islam through events and weekly programs. Several people in the city of Berkeley have converted to Islam by participating in the events and programs that the Center offers. Recently, the Center started offering a class where Muslims can study the Quran and Islamic theology. This class meets every Monday at 7 pm. The teacher completed a formal education in Islamic studies. On Tuesdays, there is a discussion where participants can ask general questions about Islam or about any specific doubts they may be wrestling with. For example, someone might ask, " How can God be just and merciful at the same time?" This program is a great way for non-Muslims to learn more about the religion and the people who follow it. On Fridays, a group of Iranian graduate students meet at the Center to have a discussion about the Quran and to enjoy one another's company. The Center also holds other events from time to time. On November 21st, they had a tafseer class where various subjects of the Quran were discussed. The following day they had an event called “Who was Imam Husayn? Water on Ashura Culmination Event.” In this event, Speaker Ali Ibrahim talked about Imam Husayn and his legacy. Both Muslims and non-Muslims were able to attend this event. |
{This community of yours is a single community, and I am your Lord, so worship me.} (Surah Al-Anbiya’ 21:92)
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