Entry #2 Jasim Malik
A Washington, DC-area mosque.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday was the day that we began by visiting the ADAMS center (All Dulles Area Muslim Society) in which we had a conference as well as attended Jummah prayers. This was by far one of the biggest mosques I've ever seen. Based on our meeting with the ADAMS center, it was clear to see that they really focus on community outlook and hone in on interfaith outreach, interacting with many other faiths such as Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, among others. They also heavily involve themselves in community programs for the youth as well as general events for the community to be a part of. They really seem to be promoting Islam in a positive/progressive way.
After leaving the ADAMS center, we made our way to Atlas Corps, which during the group's debrief, was decided to be, collectively, one of our favourite conferences. The Atlas Corps were responsible for developing leaders by giving opportunities to professionals from abroad a chance to work on an approximate one-year contract in America, giving them the skills and experience to take their acquired skills, experience, and knowledge back home and make a difference in their own communities. Their participants stem from a wide background from many different countries, and the programs itself really seems to make a positive difference for those involved with it by creating emerging leaders. I have also attached a photo of one of the more prominent mosques in the DC area, which we had to stop the bus over to take pictures of because it was quite an amazing sight to see.