An Islamic center in Irving city in the southern US state of Texas has turned into a shining minaret of true Islam, being praised for leading relief efforts, interfaith events and dispelling some of the myths and untruths about Islam in the area.

“Imam Zia and the members of the Islamic Center of Irving are some of the best neighbors and citizens any community in America would be proud to have,” Anthony Bonds, Irving community activist, told North Dallas Gazette.

“They are devoted to God and they show divine compassion for people in need.”

Bonds’ words were not the normal response Islamic centers get in the United States, especially in Texas.

However, the Islamic Center of Irving (ICI), located within Dallas County, was not a normal center too.

The over 40,000 square foot facility located at 2555 Esters Road is comprised with a Mosque, community center and K-12 private school equipped with a library, computer lab, cafeteria and 16 classrooms in addition to 14 portable classrooms.

Working for years in the community, the ICI has turned into as place where many Muslim residents of Irving, not only learn about their faith, but also feel safe from some of outside prejudices they may encounter.

The center also served interested non-Muslims who feel curious about learning the truths about the Islamic faith; helping them dispel some of the myths and untruths about Islam.

In addition to the mosque and Islamic school, which has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Center provides a broad range of services that range in counseling, tutoring and facilitating religious lectures about Islam.

“We are planning to expand the facility to an additional 96,000 square feet to house a floor with a multi-purpose room and 16 additional classrooms,” Imam Zia Sheikh of the Islamic Center of Irving (ICI) said.

The United States is home to an estimated Muslim minority of seven to eight million.

The latest US census in 2010 says that Irving is home to about 200,000.

According to Imam Sheikh, Muslim residents make up approximately 30,000 to 40,000 of that population.

Outreach Activities

The ICI services were not limited to its members of the Muslim community.

Over the past years, it has extended its services through its various community outreach initiatives.

A few of their previous outreach programs have included opening their Center for the displaced residents affected by Hurricane Katrina; sponsoring health fairs with the American Muslim Women’s Physician Association; and collaborating with Northwood Baptist Church of Keller to help rebuild homes of tornado victims.

They also have partnered locally with Greater Days of Service, an interdenominational organization that renews neighborhoods and provides home restoration of properties for homeowners.

“….the community Ramadan dinner they host every year has been attended by community leaders… overall I think they are a contribution to the City especially in the area of humanitarian contributions, so from my perspective they really have tried to make a difference…,” remarks Irving City Councilman Dennis Webb of Place 3.

The center has also partnered recently with Texas Organizing Project to host a health care workshop in the effort to educate the public on the Affordable Care Act that became effective in early October.

The center’s good reputation in the outreach fields has contributed to the recent success of Texas Organizing Project’s largest health care workshop in Dallas County.

Supported by the ICI’s strong promotional efforts, the event was attended by more than 150.

“Their reputation throughout the community especially in the non-profit world of services is really stellar,” Brianna Brown, Lead Health Care Organizer of Texas Organizing Project, said.

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