Islamic Center of Washington DC — Attraction in Washington

I drove 40 min from VA to attend the Jumaa and enjoy the spiritual architecture that so many spoke about. I ended up in a dark and prison like basement room for women! They were cooking fish and the smell drove me back up. I asked the admin to allow me to pray inside just like the times of the prophet when women and men sorted themselves together in one space, I was told that I am not permitted. In the Capitol if diversity and inclusion and in where women are sisters of men in the country of liberty, a form of sexism exist that is not even part of Islam and only old baggage brought upon us form centuries of distortion of real Islam and the way of our beloved prophet where women prayed, spoke to the Imam in Jumma prayer and consulted and taught in mosque as sisters and equals.

I feel humiliated and my intelligence insulted.

Not only that but a huge over 30 women tourist from Indonesia came as I prayed outside in the lawn to pray and see this building and they were also told off and asked to go down. They all went and came back again deciding not to pray and do their prayer in a hotel. I spoke to them and the tour guide was disappointed to not be able to bring this group inside and having to tell them off from their spiritual aspirations on this sacred Friday.

I am so disappointed.

How well this old traditional rotten culture drove our modern Muslim student and. Young Gen Z? the young American Muslim does not need the middle eastern old schools of cultural indoctrination to tell them what to do, they will find their own choices among other religions or create a decide between them and the community and all because we...

Salaam alaykum,

I attended Taraweeh prayer at this mosque last night. The mosque itself is absolutely beautiful, but unfortunately, the prayer experience was disappointing. The imam was reciting at an extremely fast pace, to the point where proper tajweed was barely audible. Rather than a calm, reflective recitation, it felt rushed and almost shouted. Taraweeh is meant to be a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience, yet it felt like the imam was speeding through the prayer rather than leading it properly.

Additionally, the microphones were of very poor quality, making it even harder to follow along. Taraweeh is meant to be a time for deep connection with the Quran, and rushing through it defeats its purpose. The Prophet ﷺ once saw a man rushing through his prayer and said:

“Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” The man repeated his prayer but still rushed through it, so the Prophet ﷺ told him again: “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” This happened three times, after which the man said, “O Messenger of Allah, I do not know any better, so teach me.” The Prophet ﷺ then taught him to pray with calmness, pausing properly in each position, and not rushing through the recitation, bowing, or prostration. (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Allah also commands us in the Quran:

“And recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.” (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:4)

I truly hope the mosque administration takes this feedback into consideration because the setting is beautiful, but the prayer experience should be just as beautiful as the space itself.

Jazakum...

The Washington Islamic Center and Mosque is a landmark in Washington, D.C., serving as a vibrant hub for the Muslim community. Established in 1957, this mosque beautifully combines traditional Islamic design with modern elements. The interior features intricate Arabic calligraphy and stunning mosaics, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

The mosque offers a wide range of services, including daily prayers, Friday Jumu'ah, educational classes, social services, and youth activities. It is also notable for its active role in promoting interfaith understanding through events that foster dialogue and cooperation between different faiths.

Visitors often praise the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community. The staff and volunteers are known for their hospitality and willingness to assist. The center's dedication to serving the community is evident in its various outreach programs and charitable initiatives.

Overall, the Washington Islamic Center and Mosque is a cornerstone of the Muslim community in Washington, D.C., offering spiritual enrichment, cultural exchange, and community support. Whether you're a member of the Muslim community or interested in learning more about Islam, this center is...