Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association (IABA)
 | |
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1997 |
| Type | Shi'a center |
| Location | Austin, USA |
| Coordinates | 30°26′23.1″N 97°45′40.0″W / 30.439750°N 97.761111°W |
| Other names | Al-Mahdi center |
| Specifications | |
| Status | Active |
| Facilities | Prayer hall • English and Arabic library |
| Architecture | |
| Website | iaba-austin.org |
Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association of Austin, Texas is a small but dynamic center serving the Shi'a in the local area.
History
Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association, or IABA, of Austin, TX was founded in 1997 as a non-profit organization, a religious center catering to the Shi'a denomination of Islam.[1] Up until 2002, congregants were gathering at a location in South Austin, and before that, congregants would take turns hosting programs and activities at their personal residences. It was in the aforementioned year that the community members purchased what is now known as the Al-Mahdi center, previously operating as church. The Al-Mahdi center sits on a 4.1-acre plot in Northwest Austin, conveniently only fifteen minutes from downtown and the university campus.
Accommodation
During the year, the center hosts a diverse array of programs for the community including but not limited to; interfaith dialogue, Muharram and Ramadan lectures, wedding ceremonies, memorial services, weekend school, and youth nights. The center accommodates both men and women with a prayer hall, eating area, two libraries, and additional women and children only space. The center regularly invites studied scholars for their gatherings.
Demographic
The community is relatively small in comparison to other Islamic centers in the United States, but is arguably one of the most diverse, if not the most diverse. With a population around three hundred and growing, the congregants come from all over the world from India, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and the United States.
Community Projects
Due to the influx of new comers, community leaders are currently working on a new building project.
Notes
External Links
- Official website for the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association
- The contact page for the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association
