WHO WE ARE

Center DC is a Muslim community in Washington D.C. that provides relevant, thoughtful, non-sectarian Islamic education, with the goal of strengthening community bonds, engaging with Muslims as they are, and calling them to be the absolute best servants of Allah possible. We do this by emphasizing our core values of putting people first, being non-judgmental, and applying Prophetic character in everything we do.

Our leadership is made up of a team of dedicated professionals with deep commitment to building community. Our Executive Director, Lauren Schreiber, offers chaplaincy services, facilitates convert support, and leads our restorative justice practice, helping people resolve complex community issues in ways that please Allah. We are also supported by our Co-Founder and Resident Scholar, Shaykh Suhaib Webb, who provides expertise and guidance as we engage with the various challenges our diverse community encounters: he helps us apply the full range of Islamic scholarship and historical thought as we try our best to take care of our community members. Our Director of Wellness, Sumayyah Taufique, helps us to integrate Islamic principles with modern therapy and wellness practices, and applies the expertise from her background in clinical social work to ensure we take care of people's mental/emotional needs, just as well as we do their spiritual ones. In addition to our core team members and volunteers, we are blessed with notable Islamic scholars, leaders, and artists who provide a variety of programming meeting all the needs of our diverse community. Our community is made up of thousands of individuals spanning across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area, as well as members who join us virtually from afar. 

WHY US

We are proud to host diverse offerings and group gatherings under the banner of building a community from the prophetic tradition. To us, that means holding certain standards for everyone that joins us, that we call “community agreements.”  Acknowledging we are all at different stages of practice of Islam, or always remembering what would the Prophet (peace be upon him) do are a few of our agreements that help create a home - no matter if you just became Muslim, are relearning your Islam, or have been dedicated to faith your whole life. None of us are perfect, and we all struggle to be our best selves. But through thoughtful, peer-led activities and safe places to try our best, we aim to center ourselves with the help of Allah, in this community space.

WHY NOW

The pandemic was a tremendous challenge. because the inability to meet in person made the act of being in community and connecting more difficult. Through the mercy of Allah, we have been able to secure a new location that is easy to reach by public transit, is wheelchair accessible, and can accommodate our growing community. 

Here's where you come in. We want to help more people find Islam, help current Muslims build stronger bonds with Allah and others, and help the Muslim community to be a healing and welcoming space for everyone. We have enlisted an excited and motivated board, which is planning a variety of new programming that serves various audiences including new parents, young couples, converts, and especially newcomers to the D.C. community. This Ramadān, we need your help to raise the funds to support our growing team and our expanding programing, inshaAllah! 

Please give what you are able, so we can continue this important work - may Allah reward you for your contribution!