Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the United States, and Irvine, California, is no exception. The city is home to a large and diverse Muslim population that includes Arabs, Pakistanis, and other Islamic immigrants. Muslims in Irvine have access to a variety of mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers that provide religious, educational, and social services.
Arab Americans make up a significant portion of the Muslim population in Irvine. The Arab American Institute estimates that there are over 1,000 Arab Americans in Irvine, and many of them are Muslim. These individuals come from various countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt. Many Arab Muslims attend the Islamic Center of Irvine (ICI), which is one of the largest and most active mosques in the city. The ICI offers a wide range of services and programs for its members, including daily prayers, Quranic classes, and community events.
Pakistani Americans also make up a sizable portion of the Muslim community in Irvine. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 4,000 Pakistani Americans living in Irvine. Many Pakistani Muslims attend the Islamic Center of Orange County (ICO), which is located in neighboring Garden Grove. The ICO is one of the largest Islamic centers in Southern California and offers a variety of programs and services, including Islamic education, social services, and interfaith outreach.
In addition to Arabs and Pakistanis, Irvine is also home to Muslims from other countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. These individuals attend various mosques and Islamic centers throughout the city, including the Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC) and the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC). The ISOC is one of the oldest and largest Islamic centers in the United States and offers a wide range of programs and services for its members. The ICSC is located in Los Angeles but is easily accessible to Irvine residents and offers a variety of educational and social programs.
One of the most significant mosques in Irvine is the Al-Rahman Islamic Center (ARIC), which is located in the city’s Woodbridge neighborhood. The ARIC serves as a hub for the local Muslim community, providing a variety of religious and social services. The mosque offers daily prayers, Quranic classes, and community events. The ARIC is also home to the Islamic Academy of Riverside, which offers Islamic education to children and adults.
Another important Islamic center in Irvine is the Islamic Institute of Orange County (IIOC). The IIOC is located in nearby Anaheim but is easily accessible to Irvine residents. The center offers a variety of programs and services, including Islamic education, social services, and interfaith outreach. The IIOC also hosts an annual Ramadan iftar, which is a community dinner that breaks the fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The Islamic Center of Irvine West (ICIW) is another significant mosque in the city. The mosque is located in the city’s University Park neighborhood and serves as a hub for the local Muslim community. The ICIW offers daily prayers, Quranic classes, and community events.
In conclusion, the Muslim community in Irvine, California, is a diverse and growing population that includes Arabs, Pakistanis, and other Islamic immigrants. Muslims in Irvine have access to a variety of mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers that provide religious, educational, and social services. These institutions play a critical role in promoting religious and cultural understanding and helping Muslims integrate into American society while maintaining their cultural and religious traditions.
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