Product Description

Background

The Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA) is a religious organization established over three decades ago primarily by Muslims from the Caribbean region (Guyana and Trinidad). Today, ISWA is a well-respected organization with a diverse membership, comprising Muslims from various geographic areas of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, the Caribbean and the US.

Legal status

ISWA is a tax-exempt (non-profit) corporation, established under applicable US tax code and duly registered in the State of Maryland. Membership is based on a fee schedule, paid annually by members in accordance with the organization’s by-laws.

Election

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors who are elected periodically by democratic voting, on the basis certain eligibility criteria, in accordance with the by-laws of the corporation.

Independence

ISWA is an independent organization, which is not affiliated with any other Muslim organization, national or international, except by way of cooperating and assisting in communal activities and other charitable work. ISWA has no legal or financial connection or affiliation with any other organization in the US or overseas. All capital and operating funds of the organization come from fees, fund-raising activities, and charitable donations by members and other local supporters.

Vision

The founding members of ISWA envisioned establishing a Muslim community, anchored around a masjid for a variety of services within the Washington Metropolitan Area. These activities planned are all in conformity with Islamic practices. There is no sectarian bias. The aim of the leadership is to serve Islam as taught in the Holy Quran and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (OWBP) to encourage our Muslim Community to fashion their lives on the high standards that are required of Muslims.

Mission

Our mission is to serve the spiritual, religious and communial needs of area Muslims by means of nurturing their faith, upholding their values and fostering the well being of the community around us through worship, charity, education, outreach and civic engagement.