Beautiful Mosque with a great voice of Imam who lead the Tarawih prayers MashAllah. Again as my last review on Orange County Islamic Foundation in Mission Viejo, CA. Here also a fee is charged ($5) for Iftar(breaking of fast during month of Ramadan) food. This is the first time that I know or anyone that I know has come across such a practice of charging worshippers for Iftar food. It is not even heard of in my country Uganda or even in any poor country. In a poor location or country, it is understandable but not in a place where worshippers regular vehicle is a Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. The management need to read the Hadith(sayings of Prophet Mohammed PBUH) on charity during the month of Ramadan. On my way out after Tarawih prayers I see Muslim Sister begging. I'm sure she didn't have the Iftar food for $5! If the management knows the Hadith, then they are very ignorant believing perhaps it is fine in their locality. The management can learn from Masjids in the poor areas of US on how Iftar food is organized. Also the management can learn from the Hadith "Charity never decrease wealth...". Surprisingly, on the night I was here, a guest speaker was speaking about the same Hadith "Charity never decrease wealth...". It seems like the management never learned anything from it. Further more, being in such a location, it was disturbing to see Sisters praying in the same prayer hall as men with only a small barrier similar to forming lines in public places in front of them. Whilst it is permissible for Sisters to pray behind men without some form of partition, I'm sure that the Sisters would prefer to see some kind of screening so that they would not be stared at by men when leaving or entering the Masjid . A simple affordable mobile partition is available and used by many Mosques. Why not here where luxury is evident everywhere but spending a little to keep Sisters area a little more private seems unavailable or does the management believe otherwise? In most other Masjids even in poor locations of US, Sisters when they bring their kids to the Masjid, one Sister takes on the duty in turn of looking after the kids FREE whilst the prayer or gathering is taking place. But here you have to pay! I observed this only after two very short visits. My assumption is the management has made this Masjid only for the well off worshippers. The management can learn a lot from the other Masjids located in poor areas...
Read moreThis is my masjid and my community. One of, if not the most, ethnically diverse masaajid in Orange County. Closest masjid to UC Irvine and Irvine Valley College, so we see many students, including international students from Saudi. ICOI is also the home of a vibrant community of converts, including the current President of the Board as of 2016. In the last 3 years, two of Board Presidents have been women. Home of Shaykh Atef Mahguub and Shaykh Mohamed Osman. Former religious director Shaykh Jamaal is still in Irvine.This masjid and community is newer and smaller than the other major masaajid in OC such as ISOC or IIOC, but what it lacks in size and budget it makes up in abundant parking. I am kidding, there is almost no parking. Ultimately, ICOI is my home and is a great substrate for those who are looking to play a role, to make a difference, and to find their place in the Irvine muslim community. As for the critical reviews of ICOI... like any relationship, you get out of it what you put into it, so ask not what ICOI can do for you, but what you can do for ICOI and earn the rewards of being participant rather than...
Read moreThe experience at masjid was nothing short of serene and captivating. From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The ambiance itself was enough to soothe the soul, with its soft lighting and spacious layout.
One of the highlights of my visit was the Azaan, which echoed through the halls with a divine melody that seemed to transport me to a place of spiritual tranquility.
Furthermore, the qirat during my time at Masjid was simply enchanting. The melodious recitation of the Quran filled the air with a sense of reverence and awe. Each word seemed to carry its own weight, resonating deeply within me and leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, Masjid offers a truly remarkable experience for those seeking solace and connection with...
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