Abu Bakr Assidiq Islamic Center
The Islamic center in Eugene was founded roughly 20 years ago with the small, but growing, Arab population. It was to serve as Eugene's first center where people can witness the Islamic faith and practice it as well.
Demographics
- The community today is rather small compared to most mosques in the United States. The average attendees can be around 20-50 people on a given Friday, however, these numbers spike up by Ramadan where many Muslims come and break their fast.
- The ethnic make-up of the mosque is more tilted towards the Arab population. Since its founding, it has helped many Arab students, particularly those coming from the Gulf, to formulate a community of believers to those of religious backgrounds. That is not to say that it is only Arabs that make up the population. I did encounter a couple of American converts as well as some African migrants. The community is fairly welcoming to outsiders who wish to know more about the faith are have questions about its history.
- The community today is rather small compared to most mosques in the United States. The average attendees can be around 20-50 people on a given Friday, however, these numbers spike up by Ramadan where many Muslims come and break their fast.
- The ethnic make-up of the mosque is more tilted towards the Arab population. Since its founding, it has helped many Arab students, particularly those coming from the Gulf, to formulate a community of believers to those of religious backgrounds. That is not to say that it is only Arabs that make up the population. I did encounter a couple of American converts as well as some African migrants. The community is fairly welcoming to outsiders who wish to know more about the faith are have questions about its history.
Activities and events
- Ramadan is the month of fasting in the Islamic calendar and it brings the most people towards the mosque. During the traditional iftar session(breaking of the fast) people eat and socialize. In some ways it can be seen as a potluck, where individuals bring their own food to share with others and even try something new.
- Apart from Ramadan, the community also has a small sports section where some of its members can participate in basketball. It's mostly tended for adolescents because of the small population of adherents, however, the community does hope to see more community events in its future.
- Ramadan is the month of fasting in the Islamic calendar and it brings the most people towards the mosque. During the traditional iftar session(breaking of the fast) people eat and socialize. In some ways it can be seen as a potluck, where individuals bring their own food to share with others and even try something new.
- Apart from Ramadan, the community also has a small sports section where some of its members can participate in basketball. It's mostly tended for adolescents because of the small population of adherents, however, the community does hope to see more community events in its future.
Structure
- The mosque is designed to house no more than 50-60 people for each gender. Men and women have two different prayer rooms and two different entrances. As you can see, the floor is primarily carpet because the Islamic form of worship requires prostration.
- The mosque is designed to house no more than 50-60 people for each gender. Men and women have two different prayer rooms and two different entrances. As you can see, the floor is primarily carpet because the Islamic form of worship requires prostration.
Many mosques such as this one will either contain calligraphy or Islamic art. Since their is a tight regulation on what is permissive to be drawn, many mosques rather have a picture of the Kaaba, the holy shrine for all Muslims. It serves as a reminder of where to pray as well as the significance in Islamic history
Core beliefs
Muslims everywhere attest to the oneness of God and firmly believe that Muhammad was his prophet. In fact, most mosques will contain the Shahada, or testimony of faith, right inside the mosque. The testimony is recited every prayer to firmly hold the importance of God and his prophet.
The Five pillars of Islam is also important to note when understanding Islamic piety. The five pillars consist of fasting, alms, pilgrimage, prayer and profession of faith. These are essential to maintain for any Muslim depending on how religious the individual is.
Dietary laws and prohibitions usually consist of anything seen as hazardous towards the body and mind. Muslims don't eat pork because of health reasons as well as seen as an Old Testament law. Also is the prohibition of alcohol because of its intoxication component. This is primarily why many Muslim countries don't have alcohol.
Modesty requirements usually are pretty relax on men, however women are expected to cover up inside the mosque during prayer and other events. This has sparked some controversy in its past, largely to due with female equality and liberation. Though, many Muslims will attest and state this is more of a ritualistic aspect that has been used since the founding of the faith.
Muslims everywhere attest to the oneness of God and firmly believe that Muhammad was his prophet. In fact, most mosques will contain the Shahada, or testimony of faith, right inside the mosque. The testimony is recited every prayer to firmly hold the importance of God and his prophet.
The Five pillars of Islam is also important to note when understanding Islamic piety. The five pillars consist of fasting, alms, pilgrimage, prayer and profession of faith. These are essential to maintain for any Muslim depending on how religious the individual is.
Dietary laws and prohibitions usually consist of anything seen as hazardous towards the body and mind. Muslims don't eat pork because of health reasons as well as seen as an Old Testament law. Also is the prohibition of alcohol because of its intoxication component. This is primarily why many Muslim countries don't have alcohol.
Modesty requirements usually are pretty relax on men, however women are expected to cover up inside the mosque during prayer and other events. This has sparked some controversy in its past, largely to due with female equality and liberation. Though, many Muslims will attest and state this is more of a ritualistic aspect that has been used since the founding of the faith.
The Islamic holy book, the Qur'an, is the sacred scripture used by Muslims everyday. During prayer sessions(Muslims pray five times a day), certain passages are recited in Arabic. An important thing to notice is that it is only recited in Arabic; no other language can be used to recite because traditional Islam views the importance of the Arabic language as well as the fact it was received in Arabic. The Qur'an contains 114 chapters and it composed by length of chapter, not chronologically.
Contact information
Phone number: (541 )844-2872
Email: [email protected]
Lay Staff: Haiythumb
Website: http://www.eugeneislamiccenter.com/
Phone number: (541 )844-2872
Email: [email protected]
Lay Staff: Haiythumb
Website: http://www.eugeneislamiccenter.com/