The Zakat Foundation™ Babari Masjid & Islamic Center is a mosque and community center located in the city of Chicago, Illinois. The center is operated by the Zakat Foundation of America, a non-profit organization that works to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals and communities both in the United States and abroad.
The Babari Masjid & Islamic Center is named after the Babri Masjid, a mosque in the Indian city of Ayodhya that was the subject of a long-standing dispute between Hindus and Muslims. In 1992, the mosque was destroyed by Hindu extremists, leading to riots and violence in many parts of India.
The Zakat Foundation of America was founded in 2001, in response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In addition to its international programs, the foundation also operates several programs in the United States, including food banks, homeless shelters, and health clinics.
The Babari Masjid & Islamic Center is one of the organization's most important community centers in the United States. The center provides a wide range of services to the local Muslim community, including daily prayers, Friday sermons, Quran classes, and Islamic education for children. The center also hosts community events and celebrations, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
In addition to its religious services, the center also provides a range of social services to the community. The Zakat Foundation of America operates a food bank at the center, which provides free food to those in need. The center also provides free health clinics, legal services, and immigration assistance to the local community.
The Babari Masjid & Islamic Center has become an important hub for the Muslim community in Chicago, providing a place for worship, education, and socialization. The center has also become a symbol of the Zakat Foundation of America's commitment to helping those in need, both in the United States and around the world.
However, the center has also faced some controversy and opposition in recent years. In 2016, a group of protesters gathered outside the center, claiming that it was a front for terrorism and radicalization. The Zakat Foundation of America strongly denies these allegations, and there is no evidence to support them. The center has also faced some opposition from local residents who are concerned about the impact of the center on their neighborhood.
Despite these challenges, the Babari Masjid & Islamic Center continues to serve the Muslim community in Chicago, providing a safe and welcoming space for worship, education, and community engagement. The Zakat Foundation of America remains committed to its mission of improving the lives of those in need, both in the United States and abroad, and the center is an important part of that mission.
In conclusion, the Zakat Foundation™ Babari Masjid & Islamic Center is a vital community center for the Muslim community in Chicago, providing a range of religious and social services to those in need. The center has become a symbol of the Zakat Foundation of America's commitment to helping those in need, both in the United States and around the world. While the center has faced some controversy and opposition, it remains an important hub for the local community and an example of the positive impact that non-profit organizations can have on their communities.