Upper Westchester Muslim Society

About

Peace be with you. The Upper Westchester Muslim Society is a collaborative effort by Muslim families located in the Upper Westchester, NY area.

Story

The UWMS masjid serves as a center for prayer, Islamic education, and social gatherings, as well as for religious rites and ceremonies. UWMS also cooperates and coordinates activities with other masjids and Islamic organizations in Westchester County and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area.

UWMS is a not-for-profit organization. All charitable donations and contributions are tax deductible.

This society began with the efforts of about 35 founding members and it welcomes new members.

Mission

To serve the needs of the Upper Westchester Muslim community and to build bridges with neighbors of other faiths. To reach the aforementioned goals with methods in accordance with the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace be upon him).

Products

RAMADAAN
Daily 'iftaars (community fast-breaking) are held in the Youth Center after the maghrib (sunset) prayer. Taraaweeh prayers are held shortly after the `ishaa' (night) prayer.

If you would like to sponsor an 'iftaar, please contact us to set up arrangements.

WEEKLY COMMUNITY POTLUCK DINNER
Community members meet every Saturday at 6:30 pm (outside the month of Ramadaan) to share dinner with each other. Please bring a halaal dish and enjoy the ones shared by others. Times are subject to change.

YOUTH GROUP
A youth group meets on Saturday evenings at a bi-monthly basis. The goals of the group are to assist the youth with educational goals (college applications, resume writing, outside speakers), to provide an outlet of community service, to nurture sports and outdoor activities, to build upon communicative skills through published material (newsletter/magazine and social media), and to provide service and feedback in regards to the masjid's events and activities.

Please contact us for more information.

DU`AA (SUPPLICATION) REQUESTS
If you would like to request du`aa' after jumuah prayer for a friend or loved one (e.g., new baby, wedding, someone who has passed away or suffering from illness), please send an email to [email protected] with the particulars.

SALAAH (DAILY PRAYERS)
Prayers are held daily in the masjid. The masjid may be closed at times of infrequent use. Please contact us if you would like to use the facilities at a specific time.

JUMU`AH (FRIDAY CONGREGATION)
The Jumu`ah prayer is held weekly from 1:20 pm to 2:00 pm. Topics of the khutbah (sermon) range from relevant, contemporary issues to stories of Old.

We request that brothers take their seats in the front-most rows in order to accomodate for those who arrive after them. Jazaaka llaahu khayran.

EID
The Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-'Adhaa sunnah prayers are organized bi-annually.

MOONSIGHTING AND CALENDARING
The Islamic Hijri calendar is based on the year of the emigration (hijrah) of the Muslims from Makkah to Madeenah. One year consists of 12 months, which in turn consist of 29 to 30 days. The end and beginning of months are determined by the New Moon.

We understand that there are a plethora of positions within Islamic scholarship in regards to the New Moon's determination of the next month, such as the New Moon must be sighted whether within the local or larger community; whether it should be calculated using scientific analysis; et cetera.

The Upper Westchester Muslim Society has come to the stance of following the decision of the Fiqh Council of North America.

CEMETERY SITE
"Every soul shall have a taste of death". [Aali ‘Imraan, Verse 185]

This verse in the Holy Quran reminds us that one day we will have to face the event of death ― and that we have to prepare for it.

We own a grave site with one hundred 100 graves for our community at a nearby cemetery in Putnam Valley (101 Mill Street). It is less than 15 miles north of our new site, adjacent to the 520 graves belonging to Westchester Muslim Center.

If you would like to purchase a plot, please send a note to [email protected] and we will send you more information and a request form 'in shaa'a llaah.