The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is an advocate for universal human rights, championing the empowerment and education of women. Its members are thought to be some of the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.
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| Imam Noman Rana (2nd-Left) with members of the Ahmadiyya Community Photo: Twitter / @tahirsoofiahmed |
Source/Credit: Nola Blog / Spirit of Kenner
By Triness Kuhn | July 28, 2014
Kenner is the site for the newly designed Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Center that opened at 2113 38th St. in 2013. Also known as a mosque, the center is open 24 hours, welcomes people of all cultural and religious backgrounds, and serves as the community's cultural, social and religious center.
The mosque also features spaces for prayer, conference rooms, several lounges and a library.
Founded in 1889, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the largest organized Muslim Community in the world under the leadership of a Khalifa, spanning more than 200 countries, exceeding tens of millions in membership, with more than 15,000 mosques, 500 schools, and 30 hospitals.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA was established in 1920. The New Orleans chapter was formed in 1924. After extensive damage from Hurricane Isaac, the local community center, built in 1970, had to be demolished.
Noman Rana was born in Pakistan. He grew up in Canada, and, after high school, attended Ahmadiyya Institute of Islamic studies. Rana served in Africa and Canada, and then came to the United States. He served in Zion, Ill. for 1 1/2 years before he was asked to serve as the imam (a title for a Muslim religious minister)
Rana is acutely aware that many think of Muslims as extremists and terrorists. "It's my responsibility, as a Muslim, to let people know that, as Americans, we respect each other, are in favor of interdialogue and open communications with each other, with the hopes of living in a society that's safe for all," Rana said.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is an advocate for universal human rights, championing the empowerment and education of women. Its members are thought to be some of the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.
As a basic education on this religion, Friday is the holy day for all Muslims. The Salaat-ul-Jumma, also known as the Friday Prayer, is offered at the mosque and is a demonstration of Islamic equality. This is an opportunity for Rana to provide guidance in Islamic teachings, as well as give the members the opportunity to meet and discuss individual and community issues. The weekly get-together also develops unity, a spirit of cooperation and cohesiveness among Muslims.
Fasting is another form of worship. During Ramadhan, the month of fasting, Muslims foster discipline and strength but also believe they learn, from personal experience, what hunger, poverty and discomfort means to the less fortunate sections of society. Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan, celebrated by giving thanks for the blessings of Ramadhan.
"The Prophet Muhammad taught us to serve God and serve those living in our communities, our neighbors, our elders, and everyone in need of help," Rana said.
Imam Rana and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community welcome everyone who would like to attend their services. For additional information, contact Rana at 847.504.7382 or noman.rana@ahmadiyya.us or visit www.muslimsforpeace.org.
Read original post here: USA: Kenner is home to new mosque, open 24 hours a day
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