Al-Aqsa Islamic Society
Located in the heart of Kensington, Philadelphia, Al-Aqsa Islamic Society has been established since 1989 to maintain the Islamic Identity and to protect and sustain the Islamic Community in Philadelphia. The task is fulfilled through many services this society offers to the Muslims and Arab Communities in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Al-Aqsa's vibrant mosaic-and-mural exterior is known as "Doorways to Peace." It is the result of an interfaith, collaborative project between Al-Aqsa members, local artists, local Muslim and non-Muslim schoolchildren, neighbors, churches, and synagogues. Housed in the former Dubin Company furniture warehouse, Al-Aqsa encompasses a mosque and cultural center for the neighborhood's close-knit Palestinian community and other Arab Muslims in the area. Since its founding in 1989, Al-Aqsa has grown beyond the mosque to include a grocery and an elementary and high school that provides Islamic studies and Arabic language lessons. After September 11, 2001, the mosque's leaders and members have sought to raise awareness and tolerance of Philadelphia's Arab Muslim community to counter the growth of anti-Muslim sentiment. By reaching out to their non-Arab neighbors, Al-Aqsa has become a welcome hub of community activity in this transitional neighborhood.
Note: The above descriptive information came from the organization's About Al-Aqsa Islamic Society page.
Info
- Event Calendar: Upcoming Events
- Facebook: @Al-Aqsa-Islamic-Society-269267654010
- School: Al-Aqsa Academy: Knowledge Through Faith
- Store: Al-Amana Grocery Store
- Video: Being Muslim in Philadelphia: 'I am American. I am free.' (by Philly Voice, at YouTube, 2m37s)
See Also
