A Dream and a Direction
Al-Azhar Islamic Foundation took its name from the university in Cairo founded in 970 CE as a center of Islamic learning. AIF has a similar direction in that it hopes to continue the education and dialogue of Islamic faith in 21 century American life. Located on over 5 acres of wooded lot in Barrington IL, the founders had a three-fold mission in mind, to have an educational center, a place for prayer, and a space to socialize. The dream was not limited to a weekend school for children, but also as a home for adults who wish to develop their understanding of the Islamic faith and wish to expand and challenge their knowledge of it. It is here that volunteers have worked hard to put together challenging discussions, readings in classical texts, and seminars to help create people of thoughtful faith who better understand their own religion. Founded in 1998 by a handful of Egyptian families, AIF has slowly grown to its present size and sponsorship:
1- AIF has a Sunday school which serves between 40-50 happy children of diverse backgrounds who are eager to come to school.
2- AIF has provided adult classes on topics such as:
• Readings in Classical Islamic Texts
• Fundamentals of Islamic faith
• Qur’anic Recitation
• Qur’an Studies
• Hadith Studies
• Qur’an Interpretation (Tafseer)
3- AIF accommodates over 100 people for Jumah prayer
4- AIF sponsors EID prayer services for over 500 worshippers. Time to Expand
Presently we have an architect’s preliminary drawing for our new facility. It will house three new wings, which we plan to build in phases. Details will be shared as we come closer to conclude the agreement on the plan.
If you believe that religion involves both your mind as well as your soul.
If you believe that Islam is a part of the American faith landscape.
If you believe that the picture this country has of Islam does not reflect you. Help us to continue. Help us build our dream and be a part of it. We do not aim at being the largest. We rather aim at being a faith-based community, integrated into American culture and 21st-century knowledge.
