I had the privilege of making my first visit to the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix (ICCP) as…read morepart of a rally put forth through social media to show solidarity with our Muslim neighbors here in the Phoenix area. More than 1,000 valley residents showed up in support (on relatively short notice) of our local Muslim community and the Imam was gracious enough to allow us inside the mosque to look around. You can't miss this building if you've driven on the I-17 freeway. The mosque towers over the west side freeway wall between Northern and Glendale Avenues. The mosque itself is relatively new and still not yet completely finished as I write this. The building was actually originally a Baptist Church, but when the church shut down, the North American Islamic Trust took over the facility and renovated it into the towering structure it is today. As impressive as the exterior is, the interior is quite magnificent. The most noticeable feature when you walk into the main worship hall are the gigantic chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Per the Imam, they were donated by a member of the mosque. Worship services are held here every Friday and there is also an Islamic school on premises. Per the Imam, there's still work to be done on the worship hall's upper deck as well as some miscellaneous utility and technology fixes. So far though, its safe to say the building looks awesome both inside and out. Recent events have put a spotlight on the mosque and the valley's Muslim population (said to number somewhere around 70,000 as of when I write this). The facility has been a target of protestors and people who are generally suspicious of the Muslim religion. Vandalism at this mosque isn't unusual and there were a handful of folks spewing hate speech at our Muslim neighbors at the event I went to. But I'm heartened that much of the valley seems to be rallying behind our Muslim neighbors and the rally I went to proved there was far more love and support for these people than hate. The ICCP is a safe and beautiful facility for our valley Muslims to peacefully assemble and worship. The Imam I spoke with made it clear that he extends the invitation to anyone who has questions about the Muslim faith to sit down and have a conversation with him and his members. These are good people, good neighbors, and most importantly, great Americans.

We are here in Arizona for our first visit. We looked for a masjid and we found a couple of them…read more Luckily this one was open. I loved the generosity of the person who greeted us, the cleanliness and the cosy feeling and the tranquility we felt at this masjid. May Allah bless those who are maintaining it, and I pray for it's continuous success

The best masjid even been like this should always be 5 stars I will always hive 5 stars to this…read moremasjid we always donate is safe and secure and the imam is the best one always love this masjid coming from 5 years now mashallah this new masjid is the better one and bigger and also a lot of parking and playroom and a basketball court and a soccer court and also from sahil

10/19/2012 12:00:00 AM…read more By Rachel Trott Nestled between Avondale suburbs and the Gateway Pavilions shopping center sits the West Valley's only mosque and Islamic community center. The idea for the West Valley Islamic Center, which was established two years ago, grew out of the need for a place of worship for the several thousand Muslims in the area, Board Chairman Junaid Qureshi explained. "What we used to do, when there'd be any religious function we would have to drive 30 miles to Glendale or Peoria. It got to the point when we'd get home at midnight, so we started tossing around the idea that we should have our own center locally because it was not practical otherwise," Qureshi said. Over time, the center has grown to a congregation of approximately 100 Muslims and their families. Busy religion Qureshi describes Islam as a "busy religion." Prayers are held five times a day by full-time imam, or priest, Suleman Abdullatif, who has memorized the Quran in its entirety. This skill is particularly difficult to master, Board member Rizwan Shan added. "Imagine learning the Bible verse by verse, it's a tough thing to do, and then to be able to understand what it's saying. Then imagine if the Bible were in [another language] and then still knowing it word for word." Services are also held every Friday, along with religious education on Sundays for children taught by the imam and women in the congregation. "One of our primary goals was education, because we wanted our kids to grow and learn," Qureshi said. "It's also a nice way for our wives to channel their energies and volunteer their time." The center also serves as a place for social events within the congregation, such as weddings or watching sports. "We watch football games, have fantasy leagues and check up on what's going on with baseball. It's not just a place of worship, it's truly a place where we can hang out and grow together," Shan said. Education The center also serves as a source of education to the community about Islam, Qureshi added. "We really want to present ourselves as a progressive community. This center isn't just open for Muslims, it's open for anybody who has questions or wants to learn more. We want to be part of the larger community [of Avondale]." The Islamic religion has five tenants: prayer five times a day; completing a Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca; giving zakat, or charity; fasting during Ramadan, and belief in one God and Muhammad as his prophet. Part of educating the community about Islam involves dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions, such as Muslims not believing in Moses or Jesus. "If you read the Quran, there are more references to Moses than there is to Muhammad. Jesus and Moses are all Islamic predecessors; if we deny them, then we cease to be Muslim," Qureshi said. "So we are very brotherly to them in that sense, we respect them no less than anyone else." Another misconception the center and its board members wish to educate the community about is the idea that Islam is a violent religion. "We're truly a religion of peace. Unfortunately, I know with what's going on around the world, people might not believe that," Shan said. "Our loyalties are to America. We have the honor and privilege to be here without having to think about what it might be like to be in, God forbid, Syria, where we couldn't have these conversations freely." Community outreach The West Valley Islamic Center also strives to fulfill the "zakat" tenant by giving back to the community with public service, Qureshi said. In the past, the center has used its board members' talents and professions to offer resources such as financial seminars and backpack drives for students. "Our community is pretty highly educated. I'm an investment banker, Junaid here is head of nephrology at St. Joe's hospital. Offering things like [seminars] are a fantastic way to give back to the community, especially in this economy," Shan said. In the future, the center is planning on offering medical clinics for people who cannot afford health insurance once they complete their HIPPA certification. "Our stamp is going to be one of growth, contribution, education and service to the community at large," Qureshi said. "We have to make sure that our children don't take anything for granted and learn to reach out to every part of the community. It's a very strong pillar; it's what keeps you grounded." To learn more about the West Valley Islamic Center, visit www.wvicaz.org or stop by its location at 10320 W. McDowell Road, Suite F6020, in Avondale. Rachel Trott can be reached by email at rtrott@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @byracheltrott.

Ignore the other review on here, irrelevant. This mosque and its is very tight knit and close…read more During Ramadan they go above and beyond to give everyone Iftar and dinner. They deserve countless blessings. The imam is one of a kind so I always go here for Jummah and taraweeh every night.

From the owner: United Islamic Center of Arizona is a thriving community under the leadership of Imam Didmar Faja…read moreand a committed and diverse board of brothers and sisters.

Very beautiful and amazing place! Super friendly people !…read moreImam Moataz is the best , he is making you always feel welcomed to the all family!

Nice place to be at in Ramadan not too long not too short of a prayer diversity is welcomed hereread more

Absolutely beautiful mosque located within walking distance of many venues to include restaurants…read more Parking is a challenge depending on the time of day. Very clean and well organized. Wonderful ummah.

Beautiful Mosque, coming from Miami, Florida i didn't know what to expect but after having visited…read morethis masjid i am thuroughly impressed not only by the structure but the location and especially by the Mufti giving the sermon.

Beautiful place to worship. We're so blessed to have such a nice Mosque in the northeast valley…read more Hamdulillah!

MashaAllah. I lived in this community for 4 years and just moved to CA this past June. I miss the…read morecommunity everyday especially Sheikh Ahmad Muharram and all the care takers of the masjid. I miss the Skeikhs lectures and weekly classes on Fiqh, Arabic, Tajweed and Seerah. There was plenty of activity and education for my wife and kids as well. May Allah continue to bless this community and all who work for the religion of Allah.

A beautiful place of worship for the small Muslim community in Maricopa…read more The regular attendees are sincerely warmth and friendly. Masjid bilal has seen a lot of improvement over the past year. It has a new parking lot and various trees and bushes were planted just recently. The mosque has plenty of room for Friday Jumaah. Sermons on Friday are focused on self awareness and ways for us to be upright, responsible and productive member of the society.

*Heads up Lonnng POSITIVE Review Alert LOL! I really…read moreneeded to share my Positive experiences every time I visit ACA. (ARIZONA CULTUTAL ACADEMY & COLLEGE PREP) 7810 S. 42nd Place, Phoenix, AZ. It's a great place to be whether it be for prayer, some work when needed, or Fundraisers. I'm sure I've said it before to the staff several times, But I LOVE THIS PLACE AND THE PEOPLE IN IT! When I came to pick up my check for the work we did, after hours, at the School, I was just getting over the tail end of another moment of Grief, from the loss of my Mother and little sister within a 4month span. The wave of emotions and the Rollercoaster of Griefs, plus another moment of seclusion. Not too many people know the struggles that each of us face behind closed doors. I really wanted to share the impact that everyone at ARIZONA CULTUTAL ACADEMY, had on me, and I'm sure there are others who may feel the same way. The positive impact the Faculty-Staff of Brothers and Sisters, and Students at this Private Islamic School & Masjid / Mosque (Place of worship for us Muslims) has on the community is AMAZING because of the values and core beliefs being taught at this school. Alhamdulillah (All Praises Due To God) The warmth and inviting vibes I've gotten, every time I return to visit or work there, is AWESOME! There's an old sitcom show Umi (Allah Yathamuha) and I used to watch, called CHEERS. Funny show, but the opening theme song says, "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came." That's how I feel, every time I come to ACA. And I appreciate that more than they know. I always enjoy seeing everyone there again. It's like a RECHARGE of one's Confidence, Energy, and Self esteem when I visit. My relationship with this school picks up right where we left off. So please Keep doing what you're doing because it's working. I'm turning this message into a GOOGLE REVIEW & YELP Review for ACA. Jazzak'Allahu Khairyn