Spiritual Support Across All ADAMS Branches

Faithfully Serving Every ADAMS Location

Assalaamu Alaykum Masjid,

As our beloved community continues to grow in size, spirit, and diversity, so must the services we offer from our Imams. To better serve every branch and member of our ADAMS family, we are excited to introduce a new framework that reflects our commitment to accessibility, support, and long-term spiritual development. As part of this broader effort, we will be dedicating an Imam to each ADAMS Branch, ensuring a stronger, more consistent, and more personal presence of our religious leadership where it matters most within the heart of each community.

Why This Change?

To keep pace with growth, we are enhancing our services to increase accessibility to the Imams. This new model allows for:

• Consistent, scheduled access to Imams across our branches

  • This means each branch will have clearly published times when an Imam will be present, for example, Tuesdays and Thursday evenings at Branch A and Wednesdays at Branch B with hours published.
  • This removes uncertainty and ensures predictable access for community members for walk-in needs. Additionally, appointments can be scheduled at specific times for deeper conversations.

• Stronger community engagement at each location

  • This includes being physically present during events, offering localized programs tailored to each branch's unique demographics, and engaging more regularly with volunteers and community leaders to support ongoing needs and activities.

• Increased support for youth, families, and individuals at all life stages

  • While the previous point focuses on branch-level engagement, this point emphasizes personalized spiritual counseling, mentorship, and developmentally appropriate programmingfrom children in weekend school to marriage and grief support for adults.

• Mentorship, collaboration, & learning opportunities across generations

  • This will include structured mentorship circles where older community members or leaders guide youth and young professionals, and collaborative sessions that bridge generational gaps through shared learning and storytelling initiatives.

• Dedicated office hours to know when & where to seek ad-hoc guidance.

  • This is distinct from the earlier bullet as it refers to one-on-one or small group spiritual counseling and guidance opportunities, offering a more accessible focused environment for addressing concerns/matters.

• Increased visibility during peak prayer times

  • This is meant to ensure that Imams are not only seen during formal programs but are also present during times of high foot traffic, which strengthens day-to-day spiritual presence.
  • Even where an Imam Ratib (Prayer Imam) is already present, this adds layered visibility and support.

• Regular Jumu'ah khutbahs

  • While Jumu'ah has always been offered, this ensures a rotational system where the Imam contributes consistently, adds diversity to the khutbah rotation.

• Expanded programming

  • Including structured Islamic classes, halaqas, youth sessions, and seasonal intensives such as Ramadan, conferences, and retreats.
  • Some examples include: a weekly teen discussion circle, a bi-monthly parenting workshop, seasonal Seerah intensives during winter break, and increased presence at Ramadan**.**

Honoring Our Current Imam Ratibs (Prayer Imams)

An Imam Ratib is a designated local prayer leader responsible for the five daily prayers and spiritual care at specific branches. They are foundational to our operations and deeply embedded in our local communities.

This initiativedoes not diminish or replacethe vital roles of our current Imam Ratibs, who have been serving our community with dedication and success. Instead, it creates:

• More bandwidth to support their efforts
• New opportunities for mentorship and collaboration
• A strengthened structure that allowsshared wisdom and leadershipto flourish across branches
• This program is being implemented in coordination with Branch Operational Committees (BOCs) and branch leadership to ensure alignment, support, and smooth day-to-day operations.

Looking Ahead

This is aliving model. We will continue to adjust and refine our approach based on feedback, growth, and evolving needs. Your input, participation, and prayers are essential to making this a success.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected spiritual home for everyone.

Jazakum Allahu Khairan,
Sajjad Ahmad
ADAMS Center

ADAMS Center, 46903 Sugarland Rd, Sterling, Virginia 20164, (703) 433-1325