FAQ
Q: I recently attended an event. At the start you guys went over a set of ground rules called, Community Agreements. What are they again, and what do they mean?
Answer:
We’re all at different places - At any given moment, everyone in the space is at their own unique point in their own spiritual journey. Everytime we gather, there’s an opportunity for growth and connection. This happens best when we are present with each other. It’s always okay to ‘pass,’ but we encourage you to turn your video on, share your voice, and respond to others with empathy.
“Break it Down” - Be conscious of using terms not everyone understands. If someone says something in Arabic (or another language) or uses a word that you are unfamiliar with, feel free to ask them to break it down. We make sure speakers embody this when they speak, too!
Don’t Yuck my Yum! - People have different ways of doing things; Disagreements are expected, but should be done with love and in a way that interrogates ideas, not people.
Vegas Rule - “What happens here, stays here”. This is a reminder to keep the personal things folks share confidential and to use non-attribution when sharing your own take-aways.
Old Friend Mentality - Whether this is your first time or if you are a regular, engage with folks like you’ve known them forever. Hop in conversations, include those sitting around you, help each other catch up to speed, and don’t make people feel bad for not coming in a while.
Step Up / Step Back - Be mindful of how much space you take up in gatherings. If you find yourself always raising your hand or commenting, make space for others to speak. If you have things to say but usually keep them to yourself, try and challenge yourself to share more so others can benefit from you.
WWPMD (pbuh)? - That’s shorthand for “What would Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) do?.” It’s a reminder that our space is a semi-sacred one, and that the reason we engage with folks the warm way we do is rooted in prophetic tradition. That looks like welcoming the stranger, abundant kindness, honesty/truth-telling, gentleness, mindful speech, God-consiousness, forgiveness, generosity, doing no harm, etc. If ever you’re in doubt about how to engage, just ask yourself this question: WWPMD (pbuh)?
Safe(r) Spaces - It’s important to pay attention to and honor the boundaries that people set and hold - that means your own personal boundaries AND the boundaries of others. If at any point you feel uncomfortable at one of our events by something that is said or done, please email saferspace@centerdc.org to start the conversation with our volunteer team of professionals who run our community accountability and restorative justice process, called Safe(r)Spaces, which you can read more about here. We’re here to support you and help hold folks accountable for engaging in a way that’s in line with our shared values, and support you navigating interpersonal challenges! Reach out. We’re here for you.
As an additional note: Online can be tough. It’s important that you take care of yourself - feel free to eat & drink on screen! If you need to turn off your camera or ‘step-back’ today, that’s also okay. You can always opt out of breakout groups or ‘pass’.
Q: I heard you have a space. Where are you all located?
Answer: Alhamdulillah! You heard right! We are now located at our own dedicated space at 1426 9th St NW, Washington DC 20001. For now, we’ll be open for guests 30 minutes before and after each gathering. Unfortunately, our space is NOT open during regular business hours. We do occasionally partner with other communities and host events elsewhere (and have some regular online offerings!): Keep an eye on the flyer and event page to see WHERE we’ll be at and please do keep us in your prayers as we settle into our new home together!
Q: I’m outside of your space right now for an event. How do I get in?
Answer: Welcome! We aim to be IN the space 30 min. before the start of every event. When you arrive, you can dial 100 on the callbox outside or call us at 202-290-1641 and someone will let you in! If you forget the code, you can always click through the callbox and find us listed and buzz in that way!
Q: Is Center DC ADA accessible?
Answer: Yes! Our space is ADA accessible - we have a ramp into our space, as well as a wheelchair accessible restroom. Generally, the ramp is ready to use, but based on our room orientation for Friday prayer, we recommend you come 20-30 minutes before 1pm, as the directional ‘front’ of the room where the imam stands is right in front of the ramp entrance and may be blocked! If you have any questions about this or want help planning, please email info@centerdc.org. We’re excited to accommodate you. The main entrance we use does have a small step down + we do ask that folks remove their shoes before entering. Chairs are available should you need one for shoe removal!
Q: What about prayer?
Answer: When the five-daily prayers intersect with event times we will pause the event and pray within the timeframe of the prayer. However, we are in the practice of delaying the start of the Magrib prayer, to include brothers and sisters who are accustomed to praying it later. If you come late to an event or need space to pray on your own, please ask one of our team members - we have prayer mats + modest garments + turbahs if you need! Please note that our space is NOT currently open for the 5 daily prayers or Friday Prayer (jummah), unless we have have an event during prayer time.
Q: I’m not Muslim. Can I still attend an event? What can I expect?
Answer: Come through! We welcome all who would like to join us, as our space is open to those who have an interest in what we do. We pause events for the five-daily prayers and we close events with a community supplication to God. Feel free to participate or observe. If you would like more information or would like to speak further prior to your visit, please email us at info@centerdc.org. We also have a monthly in-person convert support group (+ a separate monthly online version) for folks who are interested in or considering embracing Islam, and are 100% hype and ready to facilitate/celebrate with you in the event that you’re ready to embrace the faith. Just ask in your email!
Q: Do I need to wear a head scarf when entering your space?
Answer: Not unless you want to! We do have scarves and modest garments available for borrowing if doing so would make you feel more comfortable.
Q: What about my shoes? Do I need to take them off like I do at the mosque?
Answer: Please do take your shoes off when you enter. There are shoe racks near the double door and ask that you do your part to line your shoes up neatly on the racks, out of the way of others to keep our space lovely!
Q: What are seating arrangements for men and women at events?
Answer: Our seating is open. Feel free to sit where you are most comfortable! It is highly likely that breakout groups will be mix-gendered (and you can always opt out!).
Q: Can I bring my children?
Answer: Absolutely. Children are often at our events. Although there is not a separate children’s space or an offering for formal childcare in our space, we do welcome children (and babies) at our events and have a community toy basket to help keep little engaged.
Q: How do you all describe your perspective when it comes to Islam?
Answer: Center DC affirms normative Sunni and Shi’a beliefs and practices. We do so in a non-aggressive or imposing way in order to create a space that is welcoming for anyone who identifies as a Muslim or is interested in Islam whether or not their particular beliefs are congruent with normative Sunni and Shi’a beliefs. When in doubt, we default to our advising scholar, Sh. Suhaib Webb, our board and/or our local masjid, Masjid Muhammad.
Q: How has the Pandemic impacted the way you gather? How will you keep folks safe?
Answer: Keeping our community safe is everyone’s job - If you’re not feeling well or have recently been exposed, we ask that you please stay home for the sake of others. As of 10/5/22, we are no longer asking attendees for proof of vaccination, but do welcome indoor masking and will have masks and hand sanitizer on hand. We’re blessed to have a team of health care workers and medical professionals from within our community who are helping us make decisions as things shift and change. You can read more about what we’re doing to keep folks safe here: centerdc.org/pandemicterms.