Pomona is a diverse city located in Los Angeles County, California, and is home to a growing Muslim community. Muslims of various backgrounds, including Arabs, Pakistanis, and other immigrants, have established their presence in the city and have made significant contributions to its cultural and economic landscape. This article will provide an overview of Islam and Muslims in Pomona, including information on their history, demographics, and religious institutions.
Islam in Pomona:
Islam arrived in the United States in the early 1600s when the first African slaves were brought to the country. However, the significant presence of Muslims in Pomona is relatively recent. The first Muslim community in Pomona was established in the late 1970s by a group of African American converts. Since then, the Muslim community in Pomona has grown significantly, and today, there are several mosques and Islamic centers serving the community’s spiritual and social needs.
Demographics:
The Muslim population in Pomona is diverse, with individuals of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. According to the most recent data, Arabs and South Asians are the largest groups of Muslims in Pomona, followed by African Americans, East Asians, and Latinos.
Religious Institutions:
The Muslim community in Pomona has several religious institutions that serve the community’s spiritual and social needs. These institutions include mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers. Some of the notable Islamic institutions in Pomona include:
Islamic Center of Inland Empire:
The Islamic Center of Inland Empire is one of the oldest Islamic institutions in Pomona. It was established in the late 1970s and serves the spiritual needs of Muslims in Pomona and the surrounding areas. The mosque has a spacious prayer hall, a library, and several classrooms for Islamic education.
Pomona Islamic Center:
The Pomona Islamic Center is a relatively new Islamic institution in Pomona, established in 2014. The center serves as a mosque and Islamic school, providing religious education to children and adults. The mosque has a beautiful prayer hall and a community center where Muslims can gather for social events and activities.
Islamic Center of Claremont:
The Islamic Center of Claremont is located in Claremont, a neighboring city to Pomona, and serves the Muslim community in both cities. The mosque was established in the early 1980s and has a prayer hall, classrooms, and a community center. The center offers Islamic education classes, Quranic studies, and various social and cultural activities.
Masjid Al-Mumin:
Masjid Al-Mumin is a small mosque located in the heart of Pomona. The mosque serves the spiritual needs of the local Muslim community and offers a place for congregational prayers and other religious activities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Islam and Muslims have become an integral part of Pomona’s diverse cultural landscape. The Muslim community in Pomona is growing, and its members have made significant contributions to the city’s social, economic, and cultural development. The community has several religious institutions that serve their spiritual and social needs, including mosques, masjids, and Islamic centers. These institutions are not only places of worship but also serve as community centers where Muslims can come together to socialize and engage in various cultural and educational activities.
Back to Islam in America
