The American Muslim demographic, despite all the challenges, continues to expand. This is great news for the Muslim community, however, it also proves to be a huge challenge for American Muslim Community Centers to provide adequate support to them. The growing number and diversity of the youth requires community centers and mosques to reinvent themselves so they can reach out to these youth and make them feel welcome and loved in the land of the free. Atif Fareed believes that AMCCs should launch a few initiatives.

Install a Welcome Sign

All Muslim community centers should have an “All are Welcome” sign that is visible enough for everyone nearby to see. This sign will serve as a symbol of the center or mosque’s hospitality and willingness to accommodate all who desire to know more about Islam. It will attract more Muslims and also attract non-Muslims to at least take a peek. Another sign explaining the dress code and its relevance to the faith should also be installed preferably near the entrance of structure. This will be quite helpful especially for those who know little about Islam as they will be able to prepare the necessary clothing if they truly want to go inside.

Stay Connected with Other Centers

All Islamic centers have the same purpose which is to share to Muslims and non-Muslims alike the truth about Islam. They would be able to do this more effectively and efficiently if they communicate and collaborate with one another often. Connection should not be limited to fellow centers; it should also extend to mosques, other community centers, and other non-profit organizations. Centers can also leverage the power of social media to overcome traditional barriers of communication. Each center should also post regular bulletins and press releases about its activities and updates.

Provide Recreational Space for the Youth

Attracting the youth is one of the biggest challenges Islamic community centers are facing today. One of the best ways of overcoming this obstacle is allowing the youth to have fun and be entertained while learning about the religion. Dedicate a space for recreational and sports activities. If not enough space is available, you can hold weekly or bi-weekly recreational activities on days when there are no sermons or school lessons. The new generation is our future. We should find ways to get them invested in learning about our faith.

Atif Fareed believes that American Muslim community centers play a pivotal role in informing the public about what true Islam is. Islam is not represented by terrorists. It is represented by people who want to help and who want to coexist with others regardless of religion.