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"To educate youth is one of the most important role of Islamic centers, and we have to focus on it very much," says Sheikh Elsayed. (IOL photo) |
WASHINGTON — Engaging with a generation of young American Muslims and pursuing a new language of relevance is topping a long list of tough challenges mosques and Islamic centers across America confront.
"Islamic centers must include youth on their boards and in their decision-making process," imam Mahdi Bray, executive director of MAS Freedom, told IslamOnline.net.
"This is the great challenge that faces our Islamic centers and Muslim activists."
Community leaders believe the language and discourse used in mosques and Islamic centers in dealing with the young generation needs to change.
"We must provide a sense of relevance and purpose to those who are no longer involved in our Islamic centers," asserts Bray.
He cited alarming data from recent surveys that showed only 23-28 percent of those who identify themselves as Muslims attend mosques.
"Islamic centers only reach roughly one quarter of our Muslim population. Therein lays the challenge to broaden our outreach."
Sheikh Shaker Elsayed, of Dar Al-Hijra mosque and the Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia, also believes in the importance of reaching out to the youth.
"To educate youth is one of the most important role of Islamic centers, and we have to focus on it very much."
The United States is home to nearly seven million Muslims.
There is not accurate count of the number of mosques in the country but it is estimated at nearly 2,000 nationwide.
Challenges
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| "Elections of Islamic centers must be fair and democratic," asserts Bray. |
Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Michigan Chapter, says reaching out to youths should be in both classical Islamic knowledge and its practical application in America.
"In this endeavor, Islamic centers need to develop young leaders and encourage them to study Islam academically," he believes.
"Islamic centers must invest in the religious training and education of our young men and women in Islamic studies… to relate fully to the youth," agrees Bray, the MAS Freedom leader.
There is also the issue of mosque leadership.
"The operation within Islamic centers should be highly transparent. Elections of Islamic centers must be fair and democratic."
Bray also believes the lack of programs that address the Muslim community problems makes another huge challenge for mosques.
"Islamic centers should make every effort to include within their staff or provide networking capabilities to facilitate programs that address family counseling, social services, mental health, civic engagement, and continuing education for adults."
Sheikh Elsayed shares the same view, asserting that mosques should address the Muslim community development at large.
"Besides youth, Islamic centers across the country have to concentrate more on health, domestic violence and children education," he insists.
"I believe there is a lot to be done."
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