In the early to mid-20th century, the Muslim community in Southern California began to diversify, but their visibility remained relatively low until the establishment of new Islamic institutions and hubs, such as the Islamic Society of Orange County (ISOC). This community center, located in Garden Grove, has played a pivotal role in connecting Southern California Muslims with their faith and exploring their religious identities in a rapidly changing society. As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, ISOC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Muzammil Siddiqi, director and Islamic scholar for ISOC, who has served the community since 1981, recently joined LAist's daily news program AirTalk with Larry Mantle, along with Deana Helmy, chair of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, to discuss the community center's impact on the region over the past five decades.
The roots of the Muslim community in Southern California can be traced back to the 20th century, primarily from South Asian Punjabi descent and the Middle East. At first, the community was small, with Muslims gathering for religious services and learning about the Quran within their families. As the numbers grew, particularly after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ISOC was formed, and in 1976, it became the first mosque in Orange County.
Today, the SoCal Muslim community is diverse, with people from the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and descendants from Europe attending ISOC and sharing it as a community space. The Islamic Society of Orange County has grown to become the largest Muslim community center in Southern California, serving more than 10,000 followers throughout the area.
The mosque is more than just a place for worship for Muslims in SoCal; it's a community center. Children's backpacks hang outside of a classroom at the Orange Crescent School, located on the grounds of the Garden Grove mosque. The school currently offers full-time schooling from preschool to 8th grade, and intends to expand its reach and become the first Islamic High School in Orange County.
ISOC offers a variety of services and programs that aim to educate people about Islam and debunk misconceptions and myths about the faith. In addition to making inroads with the Muslim society-at-large, ISOC has also played a crucial role in acknowledging the need for women's representation in its organization. Leadership at the masjid has always elevated and highlighted women, ensuring that women have the space and place to belong, to be able to speak up and to be encouraged to take on leadership roles.
You can listen to the full AirTalk SoCal History segment here.
