Long Beach, California, is a diverse and multicultural city that is home to a growing Muslim community. According to estimates, there are around 15,000 Muslims living in Long Beach, representing a range of ethnic and national backgrounds.
Arabs make up a significant proportion of the Muslim community in Long Beach. The Arab community in Long Beach is diverse, with people from countries like Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Many of the Arab Muslims in Long Beach have been in the area for several generations and have established themselves in various professions, including medicine, law, and education.
Pakistani Muslims also have a significant presence in Long Beach. Many Pakistani Muslims came to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s to study and work. Today, many Pakistani Muslims in Long Beach own businesses, work in the medical field, and are involved in community activism.
In addition to Arabs and Pakistanis, Long Beach is home to Muslims from other countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, and Afghanistan. The diversity of the Muslim community in Long Beach is reflected in the various mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers throughout the city.
One of the most prominent Islamic centers in Long Beach is the Islamic Center of Long Beach (ICLB). The ICLB was established in 1946, making it one of the oldest Islamic centers in the United States. The center offers daily prayers, Quran classes, and various community events and activities.
Another important Islamic institution in Long Beach is the Long Beach Islamic Center (LBIC). The LBIC was established in 1994 and is one of the largest mosques in Long Beach. The center offers daily prayers, Islamic classes, and various youth programs.
The Islamic Society of Southern California (ISSC) also has a presence in Long Beach. The ISSC was established in 1953 and is one of the oldest and largest Islamic organizations in Southern California. The ISSC operates several mosques and Islamic centers in the region, including the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles and the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley in Rowland Heights.
In addition to these larger Islamic institutions, there are several smaller mosques and Islamic centers throughout Long Beach. These include the Masjid Al Shariff, Masjid Ibrahim, and Masjid Al Ansar.
Beyond these mosques and Islamic centers, the Muslim community in Long Beach is also active in community outreach and social justice work. The Muslim American Society (MAS) of Long Beach is a non-profit organization that works to promote education, outreach, and community service among Muslims in the area. The MAS hosts various community events and activities, including interfaith dialogues, charity events, and sports tournaments.
The Islamic Center of Southern California also hosts various outreach programs and social justice initiatives. These include the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), which works to promote civil rights and civic engagement among Muslims in Southern California, and the NewGround Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change, which seeks to build bridges between the Muslim and Jewish communities in the region.
In conclusion, Long Beach, California, is home to a vibrant and diverse Muslim community. The community includes Arabs, Pakistanis, and Muslims from various other countries and is reflected in the various mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers throughout the city. Beyond these institutions, the Muslim community in Long Beach is also active in community outreach and social justice work, reflecting the values of Islam and the commitment to serving the wider community.
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