In the name of Allah, the Most Glorious, the Most Merciful.

We are always delighted to receive visitors. This Center is open for anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim, male or female, who wishes to learn about Islam and its believers. If you are new to the Center or Islam, please spend some time to read this page, so you will have general idea about the Center and Muslims. It is also beneficial to refer to the Islamic Terminologies FAQ while reading this page. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to us an email (loganislamicenter@gmail.com). Please inform us of your visit by filling up the personal or group visit form. It is helpful for us to have visitors fill out the personal or group visit form.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the Center:

• What is Logan Islamic Center?
• What kind of services does the Center provide?
• When is the best time to come?
• I'm planning to observe one of the daily prayers, what should I know?
• I'm planning to observe the Friday prayer, what should I know?
• Can a woman come to pray or observe?
• Should I participate in the prayer service or just observe?
• Is the LIC a Masjid?
• Is there any guidelines for interacting with a Muslim?
• Can you tell me more about cross-gender interaction?
• Where is the entrance?
• Why should I take off my shoes or slippers when entering the Center?
• Why do some people clean themselves by the sink?
• What should I wear?
• Can I take pictures?
• Can you tell me some of the things I should or shouldn't do during my visit?

What is the Logan Islamic Center?

The Logan Islamic Center (LIC) has three purpose, which are to:

1. Enable Muslims in Logan to perform worship rituals
2. Teach people (Muslim and non-Muslim) about Islam, as a faith and a way of life
3. Enable cooperation with societies and Islamic Centers to achieve common objectives

All of which can be found in the LIC constitution. The Center is a place for Muslim to worship Allah, a place for everyone to learn about Islam and works towards common goals.

The building was donated by the Logan Muslim Community back in 1981. It has been remodeled twice since (a large one in 2011 and a smaller one in 2015). All praise be to Allah. These remodels have made the Center more beautiful and suitable for worship and gatherings.

What kind of services does the Center provide?

In general, we provide worship (obligatory and additional) and learning services. The worship includes the five daily prayers, the Friday prayer (jumu'ah), the Ied prayers (i.e., Ied Al-Fitr and Al-Adha), and, during Ramadhan, the Tarawih & Witr prayers. In terms of learning, we have Sunday school, where Muslim children learn about Islam and reciting the Qur’an and learn about Islam. Aside from these services, occasionally, we also host Ied parties (i.e., Al-Fitr and Al-Adha) and weekly potluck for breaking the fast during Ramadhan.

When is the best time to come?

It depends on your reason for visiting. If your purpose is to pray, then it is best to come five minutes before the prayer time starts (see the bottom of the page for information about the prayer times). However, if your purpose is to observe and ask for information, then it is best to make an appointment before your visit by filling out the personal or group visit form.

I’m planning to observe one of the daily prayers, what should I know?

As a Muslim, it is obligatory to pray five times a day (i.e., Subh, Zuhr, Asr, Magrib, and Isya). Males are encouraged to pray at the Masjid (in Logan, this is the LIC) with the congregation. Females are encouraged to pray at home; by Allah’s permission, we will explain more about this in the FAQs about prayer. Each prayer has its own time which depends on the movement of the sun. You can always check the prayer time at the bottom of this page. Usually, the congregation starts 10 to 15 minutes after the beginning of the prayer time.

I’m planning to observe the Friday prayer, what should I know?

Friday prayer (jumu'ah) is only obligatory for males and it has to be performed with the congregation. It starts at 1 PM MST (standard) or 2 PM MDT (daylight). The service consists of (a) a salam (greeting) from the khatib (the person who delivers the sermon); (b) azan (call for prayer); (c) the first khutbah (sermon); (d) break between the first and second khutbah; (e) the second khutbah with dua’ (asking Allah's favors); (f) iqama (call to start the prayer); and (g) salat (prayer). The khutbah will be delivered by the appointed khatib. Usually, the khatib also lead the prayer. The adzan and iqama will be announced by the muazzin. Both, the khatib and muazzin, are volunteers. Although it is not mandatory, some females also come to the Friday prayer.

Can a woman come to pray or observe?

Yes, women are welcome. This Center is open for everyone, male or female. Please note that there is a separate entrance and prayer area for women.

Should I participate in the prayer service or just observe?

If you are a Muslim, we encourage you to participate if it is permissible for you to do so.

If you are a non-Muslim, we encouraged you to just observe. However, you are allowed to participate in the prayer service by mimicking one of the Muslims. In both, participating and observing, we ask you to move to the back rows (preferable) or to the side of the row. This is because it is mandatory for us to keep the rows straight and compact, as said by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him): “Make your rows straight, stand shoulder to shoulder and close the gaps, and do not resist your brothers’ hands. Do not leave any gaps for the Shaytaan. Whoever complete a row, Allah will reward him, and whoever breaks a row, Allah will forsake him” (see https://islamqa.info/en/21502).

This command is only for Muslims, which means, having non-Muslims between the people would break the line. As said by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him): “Slaves of Allah! Make your rows straight or Allah will cause discord among you.” - Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 717; Muslim, 436 (see https://islamqa.info/en/36881).

Is the LIC a Masjid?

A Masjid (Mosque) is a place for Muslims to perform salat and other type of worship. One of the functions of the LIC is to "enable Muslims in Logan to perform worship rituals", in other words, a Masjid. Please note, this is only one of the Center's functions.

Is there any guidelines for interacting with Muslims?

The most important thing to remember when interacting with Muslims is that we are also human beings. Treat us as respectfully as you would treat other person. Most of us are open to talk about anything. However, each Muslim has a different level of knowledge about Islam. It is better to contact and make an appointment with the LIC committee, by filling out the personal or group visit form. We can schedule a meeting with knowledgeable people, who are willing to assist you with any questions.

In Logan, most of Muslims are international students. Consequently, most of us can, at least, speak two languages (i.e., our mother language and English) and read Arabic. Please note that some of our cultural practices may not represent the teachings of Islam, as our home culture is often shown through our actions. In terms of food, Muslims are very cautious because of dietary restrictions. By Allah’s permission, the LIC will develop an FAQ about this topic.

Can you tell me more about cross-gender interaction?

As a rule of thumb, Muslims try to minimize cross-gender interactions, out of our obedience to Allah. The Qur’an orders us to lower our gaze: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts)”, surah Al-Noor, 24:30. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) once said, “If one of you were to be struck in the head with an iron needle, it would be better for him than if he were to touch a woman he is not allowed to.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5045) – reference https://islamqa.info/en/2459.

In cross-gender interactions, it is essential to pay attention to the following etiquette (1) avoid staring; (2) avoid touching; (3) avoid joking; and (4) always focus on the goals of the conversation. Please read https://islamqa.info/en/113996 for more information.

Where is the entrance?

We have not used the front entrance for a long time, so please use the other doors. Please note that there are separate entrances for males and females, as shown below:

Why should I take off my shoes or slippers when entering the Center?

One function of the Center is as the place of worship for Muslim. Our daily prayers require us to make sujud (prostration). Since you have worn your shoes in unclean places such as the bathroom, we expect you to remove them before entering the Center.

Why do some people clean themselves by the sink?

To worship Allah means to meet with Him. It is required for us to purify ourselves before the prayer. Making wudu (ablution) is one of the methods to purify ourselves.

What should I wear?

It is most appropriate to wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. For men, we recommend you to wear long pants. For women, we recommend you to wear long pants, full-length skirts, or long dresses. It is not obligatory for non-Muslim women to wear a headscarf, however if you want, you are welcome too.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, you can. However, if you wish to take a photo of someone, please ask for their permission.

Can you tell me things that I should and shouldn't do during my visit?

Here are several things that you should keep in mind:

1. Please keep the Center clean
2. Please keep the noise to minimum during prayer or khutbah
3. Please keep your phone in silent mode
4. Do not walk in front of people who are praying