How We Worship
Center offers Muslims site for prayer in Hawai'i
By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer
"An imam is the community leader chosen based on his Islamic knowledge, charisma and experience, to address the community's needs, in addition to leading the prayers and other matters," said Hakim Ouansafi, chairman and acting vice president of the Muslim Association of Hawai'i.
Our denomination or affiliation: Islam is an independent world religion with no denominations or affiliations. Where we are: 1935 'Ale'o Place in Manoa Our numbers: about 3,000 Our leader: The center is under going a transition and is awaiting the arrival of its new imam, Brother Abdelhadi Safwat of Jordan, within the next few weeks.
What we believe: "We believe in one God, that's Allah, and we believe that Muhammad is the last prophet and the messenger of Allah," Ouansafi said.
Name of center: Islamic Center of Hawai'i
Ouansafi added that "there are seven fundamental beliefs of Islam: belief in Allah, his angels, his books, his messengers, the Hereafter (life after death), the Destiny and the Day of Judgment."
The Koran is the sacred book of Islam. The word "Islam" means "peace" or "submission" in Arabic, and a Muslim is "one who submits" to the will of God.
There are five duties, known as the five pillars of Islam, required of every Muslim: affirming that Allah is the one God and Muham-
mad his prophet; praying five times every day; giving zakat, or alms; fasting during the month of Ramadan; and making a pilgrimage to Mecca, a duty known as the hajj.
Our history: The center is operated by the Muslim Association of Hawai'i, which was established on Nov. 24, 1967, by University of Hawai'i-Manoa students originating from different parts of the world.
On July 23, 1979, the association was incorporated, and through an anonymous donation, it acquired the current facility in Manoa on Oct. 1, 1979 for use as the Islamic Center, along with an Islamic cemetery at the Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery in Kane'ohe.
What's special about us: The center in Manoa is the only Islamic center in the state. It is open to men, women and children for activities including daily prayers, Salat Junuaah (Friday prayer) and Sunday School, as well as for weddings and funerals.
Ouansafi said that Muslims vacationing in Hawai'i often visit the center to pray.
Ouansafi said the center welcomes anyone who believes in Allah.
He said many people have misconceptions about Islam: that Muslims don't believe in Jesus Christ (they believe he was a great prophet); and that followers are violent or given to terrorism.
"We care about everybody," said Ouansafi. "Islam is a religion of peace."
The Muslim Association of Hawai'i also tapes a local television program at the center. The program, "Islam: A Guide to Human Excellence," airs on Oceanic channel 52 every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and every Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Contact: 947-6263, e-mail ohn@lycos.com or visit www.iio.org.
If you would like to recommend your church, temple or faith organization for a Where We Worship profile, e-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com, call 535-8174 or write: Where We Worship, Faith Page, The Honolulu Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802.
