MOSQUES

This article is reshared from the Jan 2022 issue of Data Digest published by the Institute of social policy and understanding. The original article can be found here: 10 Areas of Need in American Muslim Communities | ISPU 

7. MOSQUES: Creating more inclusive mosques and welcoming spaces for young adults, women and new converts

Almost 52 percent of American Muslims are younger than age 45, so providing welcoming spaces and adequate programming for young people is important. Data also shows that women and men attend mosques in the U.S. at nearly equal rates. Moreover, women (ages 18-29) are more likely than men to say religion is very important to them (75% to 53%), highlighting the importance of spaces that meet women’s needs. And, according to ISPU’s research, one of the biggest turn-offs for converts is to visit a Mosque and be rudely corrected or criticized. It is important to create inclusive spaces for new converts where they feel welcome and comfortable, can connect with people, and have opportunities for in-person support and mentorship.

ISPU worked with the Yaqeen Institute to integrate ISPU research into a series of khutbahs developed by Yaqeen, allowing communities around the country to receive evidence-based and inspiring Friday sermons. These toolkits are specifically developed as a tool to empower and equip imams, youth directors, MSA leaders, and Islamic schools to address topics relevant to the concerns of American Muslims today.

Want to use ISPU | Yaqeen Talk Toolkits to start conversations about women’s inclusivity, civic engagement, community racism, Islamophobia, social services, devotion to faith, or reclaiming the narrative about Islam? Read more and view the materials.

Report 2 of the US Mosque Survey 2020: Perspectives and Activities

The US Mosque Survey 2020 is a comprehensive statistical study of mosques located in the United States. The survey is an ongoing decadal survey which was conducted previously in 2000 and 2010. The purpose of the US Mosque Survey is to conduct a scientific study that will generate accurate information about most aspects of the American mosque. The goal is to provide a detailed portrait of the American mosque to dispel misconceptions and to help mosque leaders and participants better understand their mosque, hopefully leading to improvements.

Report 2 of the US Mosque Survey 2020: Perspectives and Activities is available now. Report 2 focuses on Islamic approaches in understanding Islam, perspectives of mosque leaders on American society, mosque activities, women in the mosque, and the perspectives and activities of Shi’ite mosques. Report 1 was released in June 2021 and focuses on essential statistics, mosque participants, mosque administration, and the basic characteristics of Shi’ite mosques.

The US Mosque Survey 2020 is a comprehensive statistical study of mosques located in the United States. The survey is an ongoing decadal survey which was conducted previously in 2000 and 2010. Reports featuring the results will occasionally include results from a 1994 survey which was conducted by the Islamic Resource Center, using the same methodology as the US Mosque Surveys.

The purpose of the US Mosque Survey is to conduct a scientific study that will generate accurate information about most aspects of the American mosque. The goal is to provide a detailed portrait of the American mosque to dispel misconceptions and to help mosque leaders and participants better understand their mosque, hopefully leading to improvements.