Islamic community centers are struggling with attracting new people, most are even having a hard time keeping current members engaged. This problem needs to be solved soon as the people, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, need to know the true Islam now more than ever. Atif Fareed believes that spreading the true meaning of Islam is not only the best way to clear misconceptions about the religion; it is also a means for stopping terrorism. This is because true Muslims denounce terrorism, for no true Muslim becomes a terrorist.

Initiatives for AMCCs

1. Keep Senior Citizens Engaged – Many American Muslim communities focus too much attention in attracting the youth that they sometimes overlook their senior citizens. Communities are aging and the number of senior citizens is steadily increasing. These senior citizens should not be simply set aside. They have deep knowledge of Islam and we should help them share what they know. Keep them feeling involved. Invite them to services relevant to them. Hold regular meetings where they can voice out their opinions. Simply allowing them to meet and talk to fellow seniors once a week can go a long way.

2. Help in the Hunger Problem – More than 12% or Americans face hunger. Helping ease this problem is a great way for Islamic community centers in the country to forge strong relations with the non-Muslim community. Atif Fareed believes that even just a weekly feeding program for the less privileged can be enough. What is important is to show that the Muslim community cares.

3. Put Up a Suggestion Box – One of the loudest complaints about Muslim community centers is that many community members feel that they do not have a voice or that they are not being heard. Many feel that they have no say in any decision the center is going to make. A suggestion box is a quick and easy way to address this issue. Encourage community members to give their opinion as well as any suggestions they might have. Make sure that you take the suggestions seriously and implement the good ones. Make the people know of any new policies or changes whose idea came from the suggestion box. This will encourage them to share any ideas for improvement that they may have. The best place to install the suggestion box is beside the donation box.

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4. Support Entrepreneurship – More and more Muslim youths are getting interested into starting their own small businesses rather than seeking to work in big companies. Islamic centers should support and encourage the youth. Provide them with classes about business and entrepreneurship. Help them find likeminded people and forge partnerships with other wannabe entrepreneurs.