Arafa Islamic Center (AIC) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization registered in the State of New York. In 2006 AIC began its journey in Jamaica, Queens. Over ten years ago a very few thoughtful Muslim brothers started this noble journey. By the grace of Allah (SWT) and with the help of many Muslim brothers and sisters, our dream to have our own building is very close to reality. Presently, AIC l
ocation is in the basement of two retail stores and can accommodate approximately 400 worshippers with separate prayer areas for brothers and sisters. The Muslim community is growing rapidly, which makes it more of a necessity that we establish a new dynamic Masjid (Mosque) and Community center to accommodate everyone with the utmost safety for each worshipping Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, and beloved children. The current facility is being utilized to its maximum capacity and recently has been presented with violations due to laws of the state regarding basement dwellings. With this danger of our prayer area being closed, we urgently appeal to the community at large to assist in moving forward in constructing the Masjid. OUR HISTORY
AIC started with only 23 worshippers in 2006 to currently being a resource for over 600 worshippers and families. This center through its current location provides the community with Ramadan arrangements that include iftaar meals and taraweeh Salat, a weekend and Summer School program for boys and girls ages 5 to 18 years old aimed at covering a wide range of Islamic material and provides to the sister’s Quranic education program covering a variety of subjects including tajweed practice, discussion of Hadith, Islamic studies, Islamic history, and question and answer session. Throughout the year, AIC’s social service team conducts events to raise awareness regarding current social issues such as Islamophobia, Muslims in the West, and interfaith dialogs. AIC is instrumental in social and community activities by having a constant dialogue with community leaders. We also conduct voter registration, Dawah outreach, support the local public schools, and many other public community activities. OUR DREAM TO BUILD
In 2014, our dream to build an Islamic Center for the community took a step toward the future as we purchased three adjacent parcels of land (total 80 ft. X 110 ft.). The plan of the proposed new AIC Masjid and Community Center was approved by the Building Department of the City of New York in 2017. This Masjid will be unique as it will be compliant with the NYC Green Buildings & Energy Efficiency initiative. The total project is estimated at $3.5 Million dollars. We raised funds to cover the cost of the planning phase and placing the foundation on the land however, we are in urgent need to raise additional funds to complete this project as we are on a constant watch that our current basement facility not be closed permanently. It is with this that we humbly request your assistance in raising funds for this noble cause to construct this Masjid not only as a community center for our Muslim worshippers as well as our beloved neighbors of all faiths and backgrounds.
