EVERETT – Aurangzeb Akbar needed a place to pray.
One of the five Pillars of Islam requires prayer five times daily. To do so, Akbar, a Boeing engineer, and several of his Muslim co-workers needed a place close to their workplace in south Everett.
So three years ago, Mukilteo resident Akbar bought a Casino Road house and converted it into not only a place for Muslims to pray, but a place for them to gather and celebrate.
The house became the Islamic Center of Everett, and Akbar became its president.
The center now serves about 70 families, many of them immigrants from around the world who are struggling to adjust to American ways.
Muslim families have quietly worshipped at the center since its opening. But Akbar and others decided it was time to reach out.
They’ve organized a celebration for neighbors, friends and local residents from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the center, 818 W. Casino Road.
“It’s hard for (new Muslim-Americans) to go out and start speaking and getting involved,” said Faheem Siddiq, community coordinator for the center. “It’s kind of intimidating. But if you live in the community, you have to start getting involved. This is our first big effort.”
Siddiq said he hopes people attend and find “our common values as God-fearing people and law-abiding citizens.”
They also hope to use the outreach, or Dawa, as its known in the Islamic community, as a way to teach people about their religion. Muslims have often been misunderstood, especially since Sept. 11, 2001, he said.
“Saturday will be a true United Nations,” Siddiq said, noting that there will be people and cuisine from all parts of the world, from Creole to barbecue to curry.
The lamb curry dinner had been assigned to Mirza Akram, who was arrested Thursday on suspicion of burning down an Everett market he was working to purchase. The Casino Road market, Continental Spices, sold groceries and spices from the Middle East.
The arrest won’t affect the dinner, Siddiq said.
“We have a lot of people who have volunteered to prepare food,” he said, adding that he hopes the center will be able to recoup the money it advanced Akram for the lamb curry ingredients.
After creating a place for prayer close to his workplace, Akbar, the man who started it all, was transferred to Kent.
But the Islamic Center of Everett now serves many others of the faith, and houses several homeless people regardless of religion until they can find jobs.
Akbar hopes for a large crowd on Saturday and that the celebration will be a milestone of “friendships and good will.”
“We’re looking forward to that, so we can have a better understanding between religious people,” he said. “The image is not good for Islam right now. We want to show them that we care about our neighbors.”
Reporter Jennifer Warnick: 425-339-3429 or jwarnick@heraldnet.com.
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