Islam is a growing religion in the United States, and the city of Glendale, California is home to a diverse Muslim community. Muslims have been living in Glendale for decades, with Arab, Pakistani, and other immigrant communities contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of the city. According to the American Muslim Poll conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, Muslims in California make up 3% of the state’s population, which is the largest percentage of any state in the United States.
Arab Americans are one of the largest Muslim communities in Glendale, with many of them having roots in the Levant region, including Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. They have played a significant role in the city’s history and development, with many of them owning businesses and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Pakistani Americans are also a sizable Muslim community in Glendale, with many of them coming from the Punjab region of Pakistan. Other Islamic immigrants, including those from Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, have also settled in Glendale in recent years.
The Muslim community in Glendale is served by several mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers. The Islamic Center of Glendale is one of the oldest and largest Islamic centers in the city. It offers a variety of services to the Muslim community, including daily prayers, Friday prayers, and religious education classes for children and adults. The center also hosts community events and activities, including Ramadan iftars, Eid celebrations, and interfaith events.
The Islamic Society of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley is another prominent Islamic center that serves the Muslim community in Glendale. It is located in Pasadena, which is a neighboring city, but is easily accessible to Glendale residents. The center provides religious education, Quranic studies, and Arabic classes for children and adults. It also offers marriage counseling services, funeral services, and a food pantry for those in need.
The Islamic Center of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, but it serves the entire Southern California Muslim community, including those in Glendale. The center is one of the largest and oldest Islamic centers in the United States, and it is known for its interfaith outreach programs and social justice initiatives. The center hosts weekly Friday prayers and offers a range of classes and programs for children and adults, including Quranic studies, Islamic history, and spirituality. It also hosts community events and activities, including an annual interfaith iftar during Ramadan.
In addition to these larger Islamic centers, there are also smaller masjids and prayer spaces located throughout Glendale. These include the Crescenta Valley Islamic Center, which serves the Muslim community in the foothill communities, and the Masjid Al-Rahman, which is located in the neighboring city of Burbank but is easily accessible to Glendale residents.
Overall, the Muslim community in Glendale, California is a vibrant and diverse community that has made significant contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape. The community is served by several mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers that offer a range of religious, educational, and social services. The Muslim community in Glendale has a strong commitment to interfaith dialogue and community outreach, and it has been active in promoting social justice and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
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