Interviews with members of the Mosque:
Interview with Questions and Response: Alon
Point of Contact: Nabil (member of the mosque)
Date: October 25th, 2013
How and when was the mosque founded?
This property is owned by a few Yemeni brothers. The offices upstairs used to be the Yemeni grocery association because they had a lot of business around the mosque. They had a small room downstairs for people to pray. Later on in time people started coming here to pray. Over time it became bigger and they soon added another bigger room.
How long ago was this?
This was about 28/29 years ago.
What demographic does the mosque serve? Has the demographic changed over time?
Mostly Yemeni Muslims. Approximately 85-90% of the community is from Yemen. It is a very welcoming community as you saw today. We are open to all and there are also Afghanis, Pakistanis, Sudanese and African American members of the community.
What size is the community?
At most we have around 200 people here to pray. Like you saw today, usually at Friday prayers there is normally around 100 people here.
How does the mosque interact with the community around it?
We like to keep our community clean and often do projects cleaning the streets surrounding the mosque. There is also a weekend school for children on weekends. This happens on Saturday and Sunday mornings and helps educate the children of the community through lectures and classes based on Islamic teachings.
Point of Contact: Nabil (member of the mosque)
Date: October 25th, 2013
How and when was the mosque founded?
This property is owned by a few Yemeni brothers. The offices upstairs used to be the Yemeni grocery association because they had a lot of business around the mosque. They had a small room downstairs for people to pray. Later on in time people started coming here to pray. Over time it became bigger and they soon added another bigger room.
How long ago was this?
This was about 28/29 years ago.
What demographic does the mosque serve? Has the demographic changed over time?
Mostly Yemeni Muslims. Approximately 85-90% of the community is from Yemen. It is a very welcoming community as you saw today. We are open to all and there are also Afghanis, Pakistanis, Sudanese and African American members of the community.
What size is the community?
At most we have around 200 people here to pray. Like you saw today, usually at Friday prayers there is normally around 100 people here.
How does the mosque interact with the community around it?
We like to keep our community clean and often do projects cleaning the streets surrounding the mosque. There is also a weekend school for children on weekends. This happens on Saturday and Sunday mornings and helps educate the children of the community through lectures and classes based on Islamic teachings.
Interview with Questions and Response: Evan
Point of Contact: Sabah (connected with Sabah through Mohamed)
Date: October 27th, 2013
How long has the mosque been around and who founded it?
The mosque has been around for about 20 years, it used to be office spaces. It was founded by Yemeni Muslims and now mostly serves the Yemeni community in the area. It is governed by a board and has approximately 200 members. The mosque is currently working on renovations to the main praying space; most of the money comes from donations. The name of the Mosque means "The Mosque of Peace"
Are there any youth or outreach programs the mosque is involved in?
Yes the mosque runs basketball, camping, skating, visiting hospitals. The Imam does a lot of community outreach and provides counselling even to non-Muslims.
How long have you been involved in the Mosque and what would you like to see the mosque more involved in?
I've been teaching for about a year, and I would like to see more youth activities that the mosque is involved in.
Point of Contact: Sabah (connected with Sabah through Mohamed)
Date: October 27th, 2013
How long has the mosque been around and who founded it?
The mosque has been around for about 20 years, it used to be office spaces. It was founded by Yemeni Muslims and now mostly serves the Yemeni community in the area. It is governed by a board and has approximately 200 members. The mosque is currently working on renovations to the main praying space; most of the money comes from donations. The name of the Mosque means "The Mosque of Peace"
Are there any youth or outreach programs the mosque is involved in?
Yes the mosque runs basketball, camping, skating, visiting hospitals. The Imam does a lot of community outreach and provides counselling even to non-Muslims.
How long have you been involved in the Mosque and what would you like to see the mosque more involved in?
I've been teaching for about a year, and I would like to see more youth activities that the mosque is involved in.
Interview with Questions and Response: Sona
Point of Contact: Unknown/Chose to remain anonymous
Date: October 25th, 2013
I went to the prayer room upstairs where women go to pray and socialize. I talked to the daughter of one of the women there because she spoke English, and also talked to two younger women, and an older woman who spoke English very well. She said that some women come on Fridays to pray, but that some of them pray at home because they do not want to be a distraction to the men, or to bring too much attention to themselves. She also said that because the women have housework to do and usually have children to take care of, it is more convenient for them to pray at home. However, there are women that come to the mosque to pray and socialize with other women every day of the week. The daughter of one of the women said that she comes to the mosque with her mom only when she doesn’t have a lot of schoolwork to do. She is homeschooled and learns through an online education system. She says she enjoys it. She watches her little sister while her mom is in the prayer room with the other women. I asked if children are allowed in the prayer room, and she said that there is no actual rule for it, and that as long as they are not being disruptive, it’s okay if they just stand in the back.
Point of Contact: Unknown/Chose to remain anonymous
Date: October 25th, 2013
I went to the prayer room upstairs where women go to pray and socialize. I talked to the daughter of one of the women there because she spoke English, and also talked to two younger women, and an older woman who spoke English very well. She said that some women come on Fridays to pray, but that some of them pray at home because they do not want to be a distraction to the men, or to bring too much attention to themselves. She also said that because the women have housework to do and usually have children to take care of, it is more convenient for them to pray at home. However, there are women that come to the mosque to pray and socialize with other women every day of the week. The daughter of one of the women said that she comes to the mosque with her mom only when she doesn’t have a lot of schoolwork to do. She is homeschooled and learns through an online education system. She says she enjoys it. She watches her little sister while her mom is in the prayer room with the other women. I asked if children are allowed in the prayer room, and she said that there is no actual rule for it, and that as long as they are not being disruptive, it’s okay if they just stand in the back.
Interview with Questions and Response: Dongseong
Point of Contact: Mohamed (Imam of Mosque) and Abdul (one of the first members)
Date: October 27th, 2013
Does the mosque have a website?
We do not have any websites, but families who have Facebook pages get announcements from the Imam through those.
When did the mosque begin?
About 20 years ago the first people started the mosque. 25 years ago, there were no mosques in Oakland, but after 1989 earthquake there were 8 mosques in Oakland.
How local is the community?
Only about 20 families live near to the mosque, the rest come from around the area. Their neighborhood has never bothered the mosque, it is very peaceful. We have a plan to explain Islam to the neighbourhood.
How is the mosque funded
We don't receive any support from the government and city - all our funding is from collecting money and donations - zakat. I make an announcement and people donate any amount they can afford.
Who does the mosque cater to?
The majority of members are Yemeni Muslims - about 90 percent. The rest are African American, Pakistanis, Afghanis and Sudanese.
And what about you?
My name is Mohamed - I was born in Dearborn, Michigan in 1979. I went back to Saudia Arabia for schooling and there studied Qu'ran. I finished high school in Saudi Arabia then went to Yemen. I finished my bachelors degree in Computer Science in Yemen then went back to the USA. In 2008 my cousin called me in Al-Faroq mosque in Bakersfield to ask me to lead the prayers during Ramadam. This was my first time in California. At that time I became more involved in religion - I would read prayers and lecture as a volunteer here and in other mosques. From 2009 until now I have been the Imam of this mosque in Oakland.
What are the responsabilities of being a mosque?
Being Imam of this community is a big responsibility. My job is to serve the community, so people are always calling me and asking for advice - I need to be always available. I have to be involved in events (such as weddings), as people believe that when an Imam is with them that Allah is nearby. I believe time is not mine, God gives this to me to help me help the community.
What activities does the mosque run for its members?
We run an Islamic school for the children of the community. Most of the children are 3rd or 4th generation already We run 3 hours on both Sundays and Saturdays. The subjects are mainly surrounding the Qu'ran, Hadeth (words from the Prophet Muhammad) and Arabic. There are usually two classes - but at the moment the mosque is undergoing renovations and one of the rooms is cold. The girls learn upstairs and the boys downstairs - girls and boys don't learn together. They all learn to read the Qu'ran correctly. We often have guests come in to give lectures - our last guest was Imam Amir Abbalmarek.
How else are you involved with the community?
We try to involve different types of activities within the community. Once every 3 or 4 months we do a feeding the homeless drive, often working with other mosques in the area. We don't discriminate between Muslim and non-Muslim - we just want to help people. Once a year we also do an open house for non-Muslims. We encourage people to come who need to know about Islam and who misunderstand our religion. We invite one of their big scholars to talk about the real picture of Islam.
Do you have any relationships with any non-profit organisations?
Yes, organisations often come to the mosque to support our brothers and sisters around the world. For example during the recent Pakistan floods we collected money and sent abroad to aid those in need. We also collect money for a Yemeni organisation that helps orphans in Yemen.
What services d you provide for members of the mosque?
We do marraiges in the mosque - after the couple gets a license we provide traditional Islamic weddings. We also provide counseling to people in need of advice.
Did you find a change around the mosque after 9/11?
I wasn't here for it, however I don't think there was that much of a change. I don't blame pepople who believe everything the media says, however we must work harder to show that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism. People just hear one side of the story. Actually, after 9/11 a lot of people converted to Islam after learning the true reality of the religion. Personally, however I get treated as a special person in airports when I travel.
The following is an interview with Zazh - one of the students at the Islamic school.
How do you feel in the community?
I am 15 years old; I've been a member of this mosque for about 6 years. The mosque has created a really warm community here. I'm living about 15 minutes from the mosque, however only my brother and myself are members, not my parents or my sister.
What do you learn at these weekend schools?
There are two classes; a class for the older children and a class for the younger ones - all run by teachers who are either paid or volunteers. I do classes in Arabic, memorising the Qu'ran and reading the prophets words. This helps me think how I want to behave - also we sometimes have tests! In between the classes we normally get a break to have snacks and play basketball.
What are your aspirations?
I want to be a police officer when I grow up.
Point of Contact: Mohamed (Imam of Mosque) and Abdul (one of the first members)
Date: October 27th, 2013
Does the mosque have a website?
We do not have any websites, but families who have Facebook pages get announcements from the Imam through those.
When did the mosque begin?
About 20 years ago the first people started the mosque. 25 years ago, there were no mosques in Oakland, but after 1989 earthquake there were 8 mosques in Oakland.
How local is the community?
Only about 20 families live near to the mosque, the rest come from around the area. Their neighborhood has never bothered the mosque, it is very peaceful. We have a plan to explain Islam to the neighbourhood.
How is the mosque funded
We don't receive any support from the government and city - all our funding is from collecting money and donations - zakat. I make an announcement and people donate any amount they can afford.
Who does the mosque cater to?
The majority of members are Yemeni Muslims - about 90 percent. The rest are African American, Pakistanis, Afghanis and Sudanese.
And what about you?
My name is Mohamed - I was born in Dearborn, Michigan in 1979. I went back to Saudia Arabia for schooling and there studied Qu'ran. I finished high school in Saudi Arabia then went to Yemen. I finished my bachelors degree in Computer Science in Yemen then went back to the USA. In 2008 my cousin called me in Al-Faroq mosque in Bakersfield to ask me to lead the prayers during Ramadam. This was my first time in California. At that time I became more involved in religion - I would read prayers and lecture as a volunteer here and in other mosques. From 2009 until now I have been the Imam of this mosque in Oakland.
What are the responsabilities of being a mosque?
Being Imam of this community is a big responsibility. My job is to serve the community, so people are always calling me and asking for advice - I need to be always available. I have to be involved in events (such as weddings), as people believe that when an Imam is with them that Allah is nearby. I believe time is not mine, God gives this to me to help me help the community.
What activities does the mosque run for its members?
We run an Islamic school for the children of the community. Most of the children are 3rd or 4th generation already We run 3 hours on both Sundays and Saturdays. The subjects are mainly surrounding the Qu'ran, Hadeth (words from the Prophet Muhammad) and Arabic. There are usually two classes - but at the moment the mosque is undergoing renovations and one of the rooms is cold. The girls learn upstairs and the boys downstairs - girls and boys don't learn together. They all learn to read the Qu'ran correctly. We often have guests come in to give lectures - our last guest was Imam Amir Abbalmarek.
How else are you involved with the community?
We try to involve different types of activities within the community. Once every 3 or 4 months we do a feeding the homeless drive, often working with other mosques in the area. We don't discriminate between Muslim and non-Muslim - we just want to help people. Once a year we also do an open house for non-Muslims. We encourage people to come who need to know about Islam and who misunderstand our religion. We invite one of their big scholars to talk about the real picture of Islam.
Do you have any relationships with any non-profit organisations?
Yes, organisations often come to the mosque to support our brothers and sisters around the world. For example during the recent Pakistan floods we collected money and sent abroad to aid those in need. We also collect money for a Yemeni organisation that helps orphans in Yemen.
What services d you provide for members of the mosque?
We do marraiges in the mosque - after the couple gets a license we provide traditional Islamic weddings. We also provide counseling to people in need of advice.
Did you find a change around the mosque after 9/11?
I wasn't here for it, however I don't think there was that much of a change. I don't blame pepople who believe everything the media says, however we must work harder to show that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism. People just hear one side of the story. Actually, after 9/11 a lot of people converted to Islam after learning the true reality of the religion. Personally, however I get treated as a special person in airports when I travel.
The following is an interview with Zazh - one of the students at the Islamic school.
How do you feel in the community?
I am 15 years old; I've been a member of this mosque for about 6 years. The mosque has created a really warm community here. I'm living about 15 minutes from the mosque, however only my brother and myself are members, not my parents or my sister.
What do you learn at these weekend schools?
There are two classes; a class for the older children and a class for the younger ones - all run by teachers who are either paid or volunteers. I do classes in Arabic, memorising the Qu'ran and reading the prophets words. This helps me think how I want to behave - also we sometimes have tests! In between the classes we normally get a break to have snacks and play basketball.
What are your aspirations?
I want to be a police officer when I grow up.
The Yemeni Population in the Bay Area
The congregation of Masjid Al-Salam is majority Yemeni-American. There is a long history of Yemeni immigration to the United States, which began in the 1920s, when there was a large influx of immigration from Yemen to the Detroit area of Michigan. A large proportion of the Yemeni population in Michigan at this time found employment at the Ford Motor Company's Rouge Plant in Dearborn. Having stable employment allowed the Yemeni community to prosper and attracted a constant stream of immigration to the US that continues to the present day. In the Bay Area, Yemeni-Americans make up 2% of the Muslim population and live mainly in concentrated communities in the inner cities of Oakland and San Francisco.