Imam: Dr. Mohammed Shafiq
General Phone: (585) 442-7164
Director's Office: (585) 442-0117
Fax: (585) 442-9924

HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION

OBJECTIVES

The Islamic Center is dedicated to the service of Muslims and Islam in the greater Rochester area. Major objectives of The Center are to:

• Establish and maintain Mosques to serve the Muslim community.
• Provide religious guidance for area Muslims. Make known the ideology of Islam, its teachings, culture and philosophy.
• Strengthen the fraternal bonds amoung Muslims in this community.
• Promote friendly relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in this community.
• Provide needed guidance and assistance to Muslims coming to the community.
• Spread and promote the teachings and understanding of Islam via religious festivities, lectures, symposia and seminars.
• Establish and maintain Islamic School, Quranic studies and an Islamic Library.
• Arrange and provide religious rites for deceased Muslims. Establish and support an Auxiliary of Muslim Students in Rochester.

ACTIVITIES

Islamic education, guidance and providing of religious services to area Muslims is our primary concern. We are also involed in dialogues with various Christian and Jewish denominations to create better mutual understanding. Following are the major activities at The Center:

• Prayers: Daily, Juma (Friday) and Ramadan Taraweeh in congregation.
• Ramadan program includes community Iftars (fast breaking) and Eid prayers.
• Weekly Halaqa: Study of Quran and Hadith (traditions of the Prophet) every Friday night.
• Interfaith Forum: Representatives from various faiths and denominations participate in monthly meetings to discuss isssues of mutual interest. Most of these meetings are held at the Islamic center.
• Speaker's Forum: The Center provides speakers to local school, colleges and church groups. Members of other faiths invited to The Center for dialogues.
• Muslim Christian Commision: To develop mutual understanding.
• Women's Forum: Involved in meeting the social and cultural needs of the community, particularly women and children. Leading fund raising activities to support the programs and projects of The Center.
• Financial Support: For area poor and needy. Relief support for national and international disasters.
• Quranic Reading: Class for children: Mondays - Fridays: Summer 4:00-6:00, Winter 7:30-9:00
• Youth and Adult Education: (Open to members of all faiths): Introduction to Islam course Arabic level I & II course
• Weekend Islamic School: Classes for all school age children. The instruction includes, Reading of Quran, Fundamentals of Islam, Muslim Ethics, Islamic History and the life of Prophets and his Companions (SAWS).
• Monthly Seminars: Guest speakers invited to speak on various subjects on third Saturday evening of every month. A pot luck dinner precedes the program.
• A Bimonthly Publication: Covering current activities and programs at The Center and topics on Islam.
• Summer School: Six week program in July/August for children of all ages. Areas covered are Quran reading, Arabic language, Islamic studies and Sciences. Program is full of social activities including visits to area recreation spots. Refugees: Help and support for the refugees.
• The Greater Rochester Council of Masajid: Meets monthly to discuss matters of mutual interest and coordinates group activities.

MEMBERSHIP

Islamic Center activities are open to all Muslims, regardless of their national origin, color or race. Non-Muslims are welcome to participate as invited guests. Membership of The Center is open to all Muslims, 18 years or older, who are residents of Greater Rochester area and have paid the yearly membership dues ($50 per person and $25 for students).

Paid membership is a requirement to participate in the decision making process (participating in General Assembly meetings, and voting in elections).

POLICIES

The Islamic Center of Rochester is an independent organization. Its objective is to promote, propagate and facilitate practice of Islam in the United States. The emergence of an American Muslim identity is its prime goal. The Islamic Center is based on the following:

The only authentic sources of Islam are the Holy Quran and Sunnah (Practics) of the Prophet Mohammad, the final messenger (Peace be upon him).

Sect or school of thought are a matter of personal preference. They are a private matter and not an Islamic Center policy.

Islam is the universal message of Allah. Muslims are identified primarily as Muslims and not as ethnic group, race, color or tribe.

Ethnic activities, or overtones, are not allowed in The Center. Arabic is taught as the language of the Holy Quran. The language of communications and conducting the activities of The Center is English, the language of the land.

Men and women are equally responsible to put in the effort to formalize the policies, design and implement the plans for The Center.

Modesty, decency, and observing the prohibitions that Allah and His apostle has dictated, as well as the purity of the heart and the clarity of the conscience, and not the segregation are the guarantee of success. While advocating the codes and ethics of Islamic behavior, we believe that there is no compulsion in religion and the considerations of all human beings (males or females, nationalities or sects) is a matter of great personal respect and attention.

The affairs of Muslims should be handled through consultation (Shura) that results in, and guards discipline and organization. The Center has the role of reminding and not of compelling or dictating.

We do not judge or classify Muslims. We ask Allah for guidance and acceptance. Political discussions and awareness can be a part of the Islamic activities. However, they should be geared towards the interest of Islam and Muslims in USA.

Preoccupation with outside politics may lead to division among Muslim ranks in America.

FACILITIES USE GUIDELINES

The Islamic Center facilities are open for use by all Muslims of the Greater Rochester area for legitimate religious and social activities. The mosque area (prayer hall) can only be used for Salat (individual and group prayers) reflection and contemplation, Education, study groups, meetings, lectures and group discussions. Islamic Center does not make any judgments on the religious significance of any social functions.

All functions are allowed as long as the activities are not in conflict with the fundamental practices and teachings of Islam. Singing, dancing and instrumental music is prohibited in the Islamic Center facilities and foods and drinks served must comply with Islamic dietary laws. With the permission of the president, only out of town Muslims in transit and with proper identification and upon signing a waiver of liability may stay at The Center for a maximum of three nights. Families are not allowed to stay at The Center.

All requests for the use of The Center stating the purpose of the function must be made and approvied by the Facilities Use Manager who will maintain a calendar of activities. Requests are accepted on a first come basis. Permission can be denied if the purpose of the meeting is in conflict with the stated policies of The Center or the user has a history of noncompliance with the established guideliens.

Such a decision can be appealed to the Islamic Center Executive Board, which has the final authority to approve all requests. The use of Islamic Center furniture and equipment outside The Center for private use is prohibited. Professional or education meetings requested by any area organizations and sponsored by an Islamic center member are welcome with prior approval obtained from the Board. Such requests can be denied without stating any cause or reason. Shoes must be taken off and stored in the shoe racks. Muslims as well as non Muslim guests coming to the mosque must dress modestly. Proper attire for all includes covering of bodies and legs. Women must cover their heads and full arms. Program schedule must be arranged to plan breaks at prayer times. Reservations for use of the facilities can be made with the Executive Director.