Mission

Masjid Uthman envisions a masjid institution, modeled after that of the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم), that serves as a practical model for addressing the many, unique, and disparate challenges that communities face in our contemporary environment. In addressing our challenges, it is Masjid Uthman’s mission to:

1. Establish and integrate all the prophetic endeavors, including worship and spiritual purification (تزكيه و عبادة), education (تعليم), outreach and propagation (دعوة و تبليغ), and social service (خدمة) in harmony upon a single platform of the masjid. Just as Allah’s Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم) established each of these efforts as part of an inseparable whole within Masjid Nabawi, so do we envision establishment of each of these endeavors, without ignoring any of them, from within the masjid.
2. Ensure that these endeavors are conducted under the guidance and ultimately leadership of scholars (علماء), who have inherited knowledge directly from the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) through a traditional and authentic chain of narration, so that these endeavors are truly modeled after those of Allah’s Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم).
3. Include and accommodate all segments the Muslim community in these endeavors, just as the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) accommodated the entire community regardless of age, gender, language, and background, so that every segment may contribute and benefit from Allah’s message. In particular, Masjid Uthman would like to address the pressing needs of the growing second and third generation young American Muslims, with English language programs and education that address their particular intellectual, social, and cultural requirements, and with facilities accessory to the masjid (like a recreation center and library) that promote their spiritual health by holistically addressing social and physical needs. (Here we should note that a large part of Masjid Uthman’s current leadership consists of American born Muslims concerned about establishing Islamic values in their community.)
4. Build a community that exemplifies the Messenger’s status as ‘mercy for the worlds’ by reaching out to our non Muslim neighbors and becoming a source for their material and spiritual benefit. We do not aspire to live in an enclosed environment apathetic to our surroundings. Instead, we plan to follow the example of Prophet Yusuf (عليه السلام) in the Quran. With concern for our neighbors’ well-being and consciousness of society’s issues, we will strive for their welfare and inspire their trust, their respect, and harmony. As Shaikh Abul Hasan Nadwi stated decades ago to Muslims in England:

Inculcate excellent qualities, not just inside the masjids but also outside. Establish your worth, showing what blessing and mercy you are for the country. If you decide to live in an enclosed environment content with your prayers and fasting, apathetic to the people and society you live in, then beware. Gain proficiency of the national language. Prepare writers and orators to convey the message of Islam. If you are entrusted with heavy responsibilities for the welfare of the country, as was Prophet Yusuf , embrace the challenge wholeheartedly. [Dewsbury, 1982]