The Interview
The Lighthouse Mosque - November 3rd, 2013
(from right: Brothers Sundiata, Abdul Latif, Orlando, Chris, Rief)
When was your site founded?
The lighthouse Mosque was founded in 2007.
Who was/were the founder(s)?
The founders of the Lighthouse Mosque are Imam Zaid Shakir and Usama Canon
How did the mosque derive its name?
Originally, it was meant to give an English name that could be understood and show the purpose of the mosque. Given the location of the mosque and the needy community, the name was chosen to resemble to function of a lighthouse in which those who are lost in darkness can in a way be “guided by the light.”
What demographic do they serve? (a mix of different backgrounds, primarily ethnic such as Arab/Pakistani/Fijian, African-American, convert, youth?)
The demographics of people served is mixed. Many members are of Afghan, Philippine, Asian , African American ,and even European descent. They welcome everybody and seem to be very diverse and is not restricted to people from Oakland. Being so close to Berkeley and San Francisco, the community in the mosque has many different ethnicity as well as backgrounds (students and professionals alike) and welcomes everybody.
What size is the community, how active is it? What is unique about the community? (Is it immigrant, new, established, refugee, alternative?)
The community in total is around 200 people. It is very difficult to give a specific ethnic category of the members because membership is quite diverse. Also, the great mixture is due to the gathering that happen during the days of Eid; one at the end of fasting and another at end of pilgrimage, in which approximately 4-5 mosques unite to interact, and share food amongst themselves. The mosque also participates in feeding the homeless of the community every Saturday from 8:00am-10:00am.
Are there any articles or press from outside sources regarding your mosque, hyperlink out to those articles as you speak about them?
They have a very comprehensive website that have videos, membership information, and other important contact information.
http://www.lighthousemosque.org/
What kind of structure is your mosque?
The mosque is basically in a building structure that would be considered a storefront.
How do Muslims in the community pray on time 5 times a day?
Because Berkeley is a very diverse place people can always go to a mosque that is convenient for them, this way they can be accommodated to pray on time. People do not necessarily go to just one mosque every time when praying.
Why do most people have stereotypes or biases toward Muslims?
The stereotypes that are presented by people are caused from lack of rational logical with the purpose of making Muslims look bad. Some of the stereotypes are not only directed to portray Muslims as being violent, but also affect African-Americans by assuming their religious background is originated from being imprisoned or even being a follower of Louis Farrakhan. So at the Lighthouse mosque they intend to correct these negative perspectives by shedding light to what their members truly follow and believe.
Are there weekly events in the mosque?
There are prayer events on Wednesday nights for Brothers and Thursday nights for Sisters. Additionally, on Mondays there is a kind of interfaith event called "10 Commandments" in which the Christian faith is linked with Islamic principles. The prayer classes are a way the members of Lighthouse mosque can learn how to pray properly. Then as the weekend approaches they have larger congregations starting on Friday when members gather to pray and Saturdays there is a very important event feeding the homeless. Also, on Sundays members are encouraged to come and learn the basics of the Arabic language.
Does Lighthouse mosque get together with nearby mosques?
This is mainly done during the days of Eid when other mosque leaders and members unite to hear speeches and interact with Muslim from different mosques within the bay area. Also, every Sunday they have what is called the unity breakfast in which once more Muslims of different mosques unite to share religious thoughts as well as socialize.
Have any of you ever experienced any form of discrimination due to your religion?
Discrimination is hardly an issue in the bay area, since it is so diverse and multicultural. Abdul Finch simply mentioned that occasionally people might stare or judge him due to his appearance or attire, however there have been no serious reports of discrimination thus far.
How important is this mosque is to you?
Lighthouse mosque is a very important compared to others in the region. Partially, the importance stems from the actual location of this particular mosque. It is in the heart of Oakland where many crimes occur daily. Lighthouse mosque is known to be "fertile ground" for those who are willing to change any kind of negative lifestyles they may be suffering. This mosque is a place where any individual can change to become a better person, find motivation, and find a better path in their life. Considering that the Islamic principles are structured to facilitate people to maintain a positive life or even help someone living under bad circumstances. Because many people need outreach in the streets and Islam provides solutions to many of those problems, this mosque has been an auxiliary to homeless, battered woman, drug-addicts, and anyone living in generally bad conditions. As the leader reported that although many of the administrative members might not have money, they do find time to teach proper praying methods and helping others in need through their own personal instruction.
How does one's life change when becoming a Muslim?
One of the members at Lighthouse mosque is a recently converted Muslim and stated he found meaningful goals in his life. Before his conversion, he lived a life of crime and dealt with many problems. Now that he is a Muslim, he is learning the Arab language and looks forward to achieving further self progress while also devoting himself entirely to the mosque. And so, progress is the most important gain in becoming a Muslim, but it is to be maintained as long one continues to diligently practice Islam.
Brother Orlando shares his experience at the Mosque:
Brother Orlando wakes up before dawn to makes his way to the Lighthouse Mosque in time for the morning prayer, and he spends the entire day in the mosque. For him, the mosque is a great community and a sanctuary where he can come not only to pray, but also a place where can go to read, socialize, meditate, and educate himself. He is also on the softball team! Brother Orlando is a recent convert (he had just given his shahadah two weeks ago), but already the mosque plays a central role in his life.
The lighthouse Mosque was founded in 2007.
Who was/were the founder(s)?
The founders of the Lighthouse Mosque are Imam Zaid Shakir and Usama Canon
How did the mosque derive its name?
Originally, it was meant to give an English name that could be understood and show the purpose of the mosque. Given the location of the mosque and the needy community, the name was chosen to resemble to function of a lighthouse in which those who are lost in darkness can in a way be “guided by the light.”
What demographic do they serve? (a mix of different backgrounds, primarily ethnic such as Arab/Pakistani/Fijian, African-American, convert, youth?)
The demographics of people served is mixed. Many members are of Afghan, Philippine, Asian , African American ,and even European descent. They welcome everybody and seem to be very diverse and is not restricted to people from Oakland. Being so close to Berkeley and San Francisco, the community in the mosque has many different ethnicity as well as backgrounds (students and professionals alike) and welcomes everybody.
What size is the community, how active is it? What is unique about the community? (Is it immigrant, new, established, refugee, alternative?)
The community in total is around 200 people. It is very difficult to give a specific ethnic category of the members because membership is quite diverse. Also, the great mixture is due to the gathering that happen during the days of Eid; one at the end of fasting and another at end of pilgrimage, in which approximately 4-5 mosques unite to interact, and share food amongst themselves. The mosque also participates in feeding the homeless of the community every Saturday from 8:00am-10:00am.
Are there any articles or press from outside sources regarding your mosque, hyperlink out to those articles as you speak about them?
They have a very comprehensive website that have videos, membership information, and other important contact information.
http://www.lighthousemosque.org/
What kind of structure is your mosque?
The mosque is basically in a building structure that would be considered a storefront.
How do Muslims in the community pray on time 5 times a day?
Because Berkeley is a very diverse place people can always go to a mosque that is convenient for them, this way they can be accommodated to pray on time. People do not necessarily go to just one mosque every time when praying.
Why do most people have stereotypes or biases toward Muslims?
The stereotypes that are presented by people are caused from lack of rational logical with the purpose of making Muslims look bad. Some of the stereotypes are not only directed to portray Muslims as being violent, but also affect African-Americans by assuming their religious background is originated from being imprisoned or even being a follower of Louis Farrakhan. So at the Lighthouse mosque they intend to correct these negative perspectives by shedding light to what their members truly follow and believe.
Are there weekly events in the mosque?
There are prayer events on Wednesday nights for Brothers and Thursday nights for Sisters. Additionally, on Mondays there is a kind of interfaith event called "10 Commandments" in which the Christian faith is linked with Islamic principles. The prayer classes are a way the members of Lighthouse mosque can learn how to pray properly. Then as the weekend approaches they have larger congregations starting on Friday when members gather to pray and Saturdays there is a very important event feeding the homeless. Also, on Sundays members are encouraged to come and learn the basics of the Arabic language.
Does Lighthouse mosque get together with nearby mosques?
This is mainly done during the days of Eid when other mosque leaders and members unite to hear speeches and interact with Muslim from different mosques within the bay area. Also, every Sunday they have what is called the unity breakfast in which once more Muslims of different mosques unite to share religious thoughts as well as socialize.
Have any of you ever experienced any form of discrimination due to your religion?
Discrimination is hardly an issue in the bay area, since it is so diverse and multicultural. Abdul Finch simply mentioned that occasionally people might stare or judge him due to his appearance or attire, however there have been no serious reports of discrimination thus far.
How important is this mosque is to you?
Lighthouse mosque is a very important compared to others in the region. Partially, the importance stems from the actual location of this particular mosque. It is in the heart of Oakland where many crimes occur daily. Lighthouse mosque is known to be "fertile ground" for those who are willing to change any kind of negative lifestyles they may be suffering. This mosque is a place where any individual can change to become a better person, find motivation, and find a better path in their life. Considering that the Islamic principles are structured to facilitate people to maintain a positive life or even help someone living under bad circumstances. Because many people need outreach in the streets and Islam provides solutions to many of those problems, this mosque has been an auxiliary to homeless, battered woman, drug-addicts, and anyone living in generally bad conditions. As the leader reported that although many of the administrative members might not have money, they do find time to teach proper praying methods and helping others in need through their own personal instruction.
How does one's life change when becoming a Muslim?
One of the members at Lighthouse mosque is a recently converted Muslim and stated he found meaningful goals in his life. Before his conversion, he lived a life of crime and dealt with many problems. Now that he is a Muslim, he is learning the Arab language and looks forward to achieving further self progress while also devoting himself entirely to the mosque. And so, progress is the most important gain in becoming a Muslim, but it is to be maintained as long one continues to diligently practice Islam.
Brother Orlando shares his experience at the Mosque:
Brother Orlando wakes up before dawn to makes his way to the Lighthouse Mosque in time for the morning prayer, and he spends the entire day in the mosque. For him, the mosque is a great community and a sanctuary where he can come not only to pray, but also a place where can go to read, socialize, meditate, and educate himself. He is also on the softball team! Brother Orlando is a recent convert (he had just given his shahadah two weeks ago), but already the mosque plays a central role in his life.