Al-Maa’uun exists to provide neighborly needs and stands as a vanguard against poverty and injustice. We serve as catalysts and partners, supporting the excellent human dignity of individuals and families, in improving their lives and the communities in which we live and serve.”
Current initiatives of Al-Maa’uun (The Neighborly Needs) Community Outreach programs:
Food Service programs
- Free hot meals (100 meals served twice monthly)
- Food (groceries) distribution – 250 households distributed monthly
- Summer Food Service Program – meals to youth during summer school break in 2017 served 25,000 meals
Day of Dignity serve 1200 households with free groceries, clothes, hot meal, health/wellness resources, school supplies, legal service, hygiene packets, children’s village, entertainment, hot meal – yearly in October
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program
Affordable Housing
Employment Programs
Prison Re-entry and Prison Dawah Programs
Dar Al Farooq Center (DFC):
is a faith-based non-profit organization that supports the well being of Muslims in the Greater Twin Cities area. DFC serves the comprehensive needs of our community by providing a space where Muslims – both young and experienced – can learn, serve, and connect with each other on the issues that impact their lives. Sitting on an amazing 10, acres on 8201 Park Ave. South in Bloomington, DFC is the largest center serving Muslims in the surrounding 5 states. Most utilized musala in the state of Minnesota. Premiere location for Islamic education for people of all ages through a wide-range of programs and world renowned speakers. Beyond its spiritual and academic benefits, DFC is an anchor in our community. Whether it’s making sure our children have safe and fun Eid activities or helping families’ weather crisis by connecting them to resources, we are here to support the advancement of Muslims in the Greater Twin Cities area.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
is a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. CAIR is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, with regional offices nationwide and in Canada. The national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.
CAIR’s vision is to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding.
CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Since its establishment in 1994, CAIR has worked to promote a positive image of Islam and Muslims in America. Through media relations, government relations, education and advocacy, CAIR puts forth an Islamic perspective to ensure the Muslim voice is represented. In offering this perspective, CAIR seeks to empower the American Muslim community and encourage their participation in political and social activism.
Currently, our work focuses on the following areas:
– Civil Rights
– Government Affairs
– Media Relations
In today’s world, people of all faiths are sensing the need to come together, learn more about each other, and share our commonalities while understanding our differences. At the Islamic Resource Group, we feel the key to understanding is education and dialogue. To this end, we have created a series of customizable presentations designed to educate the public about the religion of Islam and its 1.5 billion adherents. Our trained volunteer speakers make these presentations in a manner that follows the First Amendment freedoms, while answering questions about this important topic. IRG speakers represent various professional, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, and are certified after a rigorous process of training, testing, and observation by veteran speakers.
Islamic Resource Group (IRG) is a nonprofit/ tax-exempt educational organization, founded in 2001 and based in Saint Anthony, Minnesota.
MISSION: IRG’s mission is to build bridges of understanding between Minnesota Muslims and the broader Minnesota community through education.
Ja’afari Islamic Center
enables its members to promote the values and practices of Islam for the spiritual, social, educational and economic well-being of the community. Ja’afari Islamic Center exists to achieve the pleasure of Allah SWT by developing a spiritual and vibrant community based on the principles of the Holy Qur’an, sunnah of the Holy prophet (SAW) and teachings of the Ahlulbayt (AS). Its purpose is to address the spiritual, social, educational and economic needs of its members and it strives to develop positive relationships with other Muslim and non-Muslim communities for the benefit of humanity as a whole.
is located in downtown Rochester, right next to Mayo Clinic, Masjed AbuBakr Al-Seddiq servers local and many national and international Muslims visiting Rochester, MN. Masjed is open every day of the year and for every prayer. Usually, after duhr prayer masjid is open until Isha. We have Quran classes during weekend. We have a library, computers, Wi-Fi, we also provide marriage and burial services. We have a private section at our local cemetery reserved for Muslims.
a multi-ethnic Islamic community in the Twin Cities area, is devoted to the Worship of One G’d, providing Islamic education, developing future leaders, expanding our interfaith and multicultural relationships, and transcending misinformation and stereotypes.”
Current initiatives at Masjid An-Nur
- 5 daily prayers
- Jumah Prayer
- Youth Islamic Studies
- Adult Education,
- Marriages – Nikkah Services
- Janazah
- Inter-faith Dialogue
- Ramadan activities
- Nightly Taraweeh Prayers
- Nightly Iftars
- Eid Activities
Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community:
The Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC): a nonprofit organization providing access to effective communication for individuals who are deaf, deaf plus and hard of hearing. Our focus: providing access to: community resources, community events, communication within families, gainful employment, and increased access to education. This is all done through sign language interpreters. Our strength: providing sign language interpreters at community events and serving the most underprivileged within the deaf community. All services are free of charge to our clients. Collaboration: organizations within the Muslim community, interfaith organizations, organizations that serve deaf and hard of hearing individuals, local government agencies.
Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light (MNIPL)
works to build a stable climate that support vibrant, equitable communities for all life. We believe the active care of creation is integral to spiritual life and social justice. MNIPL works in partnership with faith communities to build transformative power and bring the lights of people’s unique gifts to addressing the climate crisis. We respond to climate change by bringing Minnesota’s faith communities together and by providing opportunities for congregations to join the growing climate justice movement. Together we’re sparking a movement to build the world we know is possible: one where everyone’s needs are fully and fairly met.”
is a religious organization operating three Masjids (Islamic Centers) in Minnesota. MAS MN provides religious programming and youth programs. MAS MN is a community organization committed to making Minnesota a better place for all Minnesotans. MAS MN provides social services such as clinic and food shelves. A leader in interfaith dialogue, MAS MN is co-organizer of the Taking Heart Ramadan Iftar Open House program and the Rabbi Imam Round Table. MAS MN is committed to engaging the immigrant community in public policy and government affairs. MAS MN conducts events that educate and mobilize the community to participate in public affairs and civic activities on a non-partisan basis and to activate a new generation of community leaders.
Muslim Youth Leadership Awards (MYLA):
Identify, develop, connect future leaders by providing scholarships, educational/skill building activities and programs for individuals who have a track record and continued commitment for community service. Our vision is to foster Youth Leaders in Minnesota to encourage active participation of the youth in community activities (volunteerism), outreach activities, and to be good citizens of the community; to encourage higher education of future leaders; to provide youth with additional monetary compensation so that they can spend time organizing youth oriented and community outreach activities rather than working low paying jobs to pay for their education; to encourage youth to participate in activities that promote diversity and tolerance and to work towards eliminating prejudice and discrimination by educating the public on other cultures, with a focus on the Islamic and Muslim cultures. This award has been established to assist, prepare and encourage the future leaders in our communities. This is intended to instill and encourage a spirit of community service in the youth along with their educational endeavors.
Northwest Islamic Community Center (NWICC)
is organized exclusively for Islamic educational, religious, charitable, and social activities. All assets of NWICC are to be used for religious and social purposes documented in the by-laws. All its activities shall be in accordance with the Quran, authentic Sunnah, laws of the State of Minnesota, and the laws of The United States of America. The aim and purpose of NWICC is to serve the best interest of Muslims of Minnesota, particularly the Muslims living in the West and Northwest Metropolitan Areas (Plymouth/Maple Grove and it’s neighboring communities). NWICC provides the following services:
· Daily Regular Prayers; Friday Prayers; Community Halaqas; Saturday School; Sunday School
NWICC is led by the NWICC Executive Board. A full time Imam provides the community with religious and educational services. Numerous committees support the community with tailored activities.
Instilling a strong Muslim identity by learning the Quran, hadith, seerah, stories of the Prophets, and more, in order to turn knowledge of the religion into action. Helping women of all ages improve their social status and well-being through education, career guidance, mentoring, family counseling, and learning various life skills such as cooking, knitting, parenting, and healthy lifestyle. Promoting a strong moral character that enhances awareness of our neighborhoods and broader communities through participation in community service projects, field trips, and volunteering at places such as nursing homes and homeless shelters. Creating a safe atmosphere to engage in philosophical and cultural discussions through weekly classes that encourage development of moral beliefs and shape the young, intelligent minds of tomorrow’s mothers, educators, and professionals.
We envision that every girl and boy who walks through our door leaves a better, more knowledgeable Muslim and a more confident and compassionate person than the one who entered.
is an umbrella organization concerned with positive cultural change through creative educational experiences for women and young people. We support an online university level program in Islamic studies, a publishing company, a ‘third-space’ book store, spiritual activities, a curriculum department, a convert support project, and a charitable funds section. Our work is focused on reviving female scholarship, empowering Muslim women, and uplifting the wider community. The bookstore in Minneapolis, Daybreak, further provides a platform for activism, education, and positive community experiences, and carries a large selection of books on Islam as well as books about community and global issues.
Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment – RISE
mission of the Sisterhood is to amplify the voice and power of Muslim women through leadership development, community engagement and philanthropy. We train and equip women with the necessary skills to engage and participate in civil life, become part of the solution-creating decision making process, and improve society as a whole.
is guided by the Islamic principles of social and economic justice. Sakan supports the success of Minnesotans through faith-based financial tools and affordable housing. Sakan Community Resource serves Minnesotans, regardless of race, gender, religion, or country of origin, by providing system navigation to access financial tools, financial literacy, and affordable housing. Guided by Islamic principles, we help families and individuals to connect with knowledge and services that lead to self-sufficiency and thriving communities.
We help persons of low and moderate income to attain financial comfort without interest-bearing debt for their education, businesses, or homes. We collaborate with community development and social service organizations, and together promote educated and engaged communities.
is a non-profit organization that aims to empower Muslim women and families through education and advocacy for a healthy life. SNAP was formed by a group of Muslim women to meet the social and economic needs of the community and does so through a variety of programs. Services include housing facilities for temporary and permanent residents, an emergency shelter, financial assistance, and organizing and participating in community events. SNAP is committed to empowering women and their families by providing a safe, culturally and religiously sensitive atmosphere in which they can grow and prosper.
Women Organizing Women (WOW) Network
is dedicated to gender equality and civic leadership. Our focus is to recruit and identify potential candidate for political office and suitable public seats. We concentrate on how the candidates’ representation is related to the role of parties as representative institutions. State Representative Ilhan Omar is the first woman we recruited. We develop and deliver training tailored to East African women interested in civic and political engagement. We build coalition with other organizations that have same interest in gender equal political leadership and social equity. Some organizations we established relationship are: People’s Center and Vote Run Lead.
Zakat, Aid & Charity Assisting Humanity (ZACAH)
ZACAH is a 501 c(3), non-profit, Islamic charitable organization. Our mission is to collect zakat & sadaqah from Muslims of Minnesota and distribute it locally among those in need. Submitted applications are formally reviewed by the Board after a personal interview with each applicant.
ZACAH’s assistance includes, but is not limited, urgent financial needs such as rental assistance to prevent homelessness through eviction, legitimate debt relief, ongoing financial sustenance for limited time, payment of utility bills, help with educational & vocational training or donation of cars to maintain employment & education. The ZACAH Transitional Home in Eagan also provides 90-days or longer of free shelter to individuals or families, including refugees and victims of abuse who are facing homelessness.
Our goal is to strengthen our ties within our community, be a source of hope & comfort, and try to rehabilitate lives as best as we can. We have a broader vision of expanding our transitional home services, Insha-Allah, and will work in collaboration with our partners in the community.
Al–Amal School is an AdvancED (NCA), National Association of Early Childhood Education (NAEYC), and Council of Islamic School of North America (CISNA) accredited private Islamic school from preschool (3-year-old) through 12th grade located in the suburbs of Fridley, Minnesota (Twin Cities area).
Al-Amal School strives for excellence in academics and in key differentiators – Qur’an, Islamic Studies, and Arabic. Al–Amal has an integrated Hifz program in elementary school and its high school students graduate with an associate degree in Islamic Studies from Mishkah University along with the high school diploma.
The school is established for the sake of Allah (SWT), and it believes that our children are the future of Muslim communities. We strive to prepare our students to su cceed in a changing and diverse world by providing them with a safe and healthy environment, dedicated to high academics, and values anchored in Islamic teachings of Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Building Blocks provides a platform for all concerned Muslims to practically apply Islamic principles and work together for the community’s advancement through the provision of social, educational, and religious services, as well as outreach programs to build bridges of mutual understanding with other communities.
Our Social Services are open to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, creed or any other discriminatory factor prohibited by law.
We strive to enliven the example of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the early generations of Muslims who “lived Islam” in every aspect of their lives. Islam provides the perfect roadmap for moral and social advancement and we envision vibrant and healthy environments where Islam’s lessons on charity are embraced and transformed into action on a daily basis for the good of all.
Sound communities are created out of shared effort and responsibility – each action by or for the sake of each individual is like a “building block” that reinforces the community. Thus, we aim to bring Muslims from all backgrounds to work together for the community’s well-being through means that are supported by authentic Islamic teachings – to enjoin good, help those in need, and above all, follow the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala).
American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)
is a national grassroots-based organization, dedicated to educating the American public about Palestine and its rich cultural, historical and religious heritage. AMP works to educate the American public about justice in Palestine from within American policy context and under human rights and international and American law. The local MN chapter is specifically focused on education and advocacy. We aim to raise awareness, lead action, and focus our efforts on the local Minnesota youth, mosques, and campuses.
I formed the organization Community Interfaith Dialogue on Islam (CIDI) in August of 2014. I had loosely been involved in interfaith activities prior to the formation of CIDI, but felt a need in Rochester to have proactive efforts dedicated to creating understanding about Islam and Muslims, and fostering interfaith dialogue in general.
I moved to Rochester in 2007, and often heard the question, “If there is misunderstanding about Islam, where do I go for reliable information?” I created the website, www.cidimn.org, in response to that need. The website not only provides information on CIDI events and endeavors, but also offers basic information on the teachings of Islam as well as recommendations for further reading. The website does not shy away from directly confronting the most common misconceptions about Islam: that the religion is inherently violent and oppressive to women.
CIDI works in the community through three major avenues: The Faith Talk Show, CIDI Bridges, as well as formal educational presentations. The Faith Talk Show is just that, a talk show around the topic of religion or spirituality. The show features a guest and how her/his beliefs shape their community work and identity. It really free public education on world religions by those who practice them. The Faith Talk Show is also proud to have welcomed five local atheists on the show. Through CIDI Bridges, I as well as other members of the community, have observed over 30 worship/prayer/meditation/or other spiritual services within and outside of Rochester. The reflections from each service are posted on the CIDI website. Classes on Islam are also offered twice a year through Rochester Community Education.
CIDI has helped create and promote dialogue around the topic of interfaith and intercultural differences. Such conversations are often difficult to have and communities often lack the tools to carry out these discussions in a respectful and meaningful manner. CIDI has also demonstrated that tough conversations can flourish via the arts, over a cup of coffee, in a classroom setting, or even through a talk show.