Started in 2004, Zakaria Islamic Academy (ZIA) is based in Chantilly, VA, serving the needs of the Muslims in the area, including Jumuah, Taraweeh and Eid Salat at the rented Unity Life Center, which accommodates up to 250 people. The community received an Eid gift when Zakaria Islamic Academy signed an agreement after Ramadan to purchase 9.5 acres of land costing $650,000, for a masjid at 26243 Gum Spring Rd in Chantilly.
The property is prime for an Islamic Center with clear land and approval by the Loudoun County for a religious center. The daily prayers started in the 2000 sq ft single family house located on the land. The management is awaiting county permission to start Jumuah salah and a maktab on the new property. They are also in the process of hiring a full time imam. ?We prefer an American born alim and hafidh who can help guide our community,? says Nawaz.
The project is handled by the current board comprising of President Shoukat Nawaz, Secretary Shamsul Usmani, Treasurer Amir Akhtar and members-at-large Zubair Shaikh and Saleem Mohammed.
The Muslim community in the area consists of approximately a thousand families, said Shoukat Nawaz, the president of ZIA. Rapid development has lured young families, professionals and business owners to the area. The masjid will provide services to three zip codes within a 5 miles radius.
?We want to build a community center, a daycare center and eventually an Islamic school,? says Nawaz. Only 20 percent is developable according to county codes, and up to 50 percent can be used for parking. The masjid will be phase one of the master plan, phases two, three, and four will be the community center, day care center and school respectively.
On a weekly basis ZIA organizes visitations in the community to invite Muslims to populate the masaajid and visit the sick members of the community. Quran classes for children and adults are conducted every evening, with future plans of starting a full time Quran Hifdh program.
An annual BBQ is held during the months of September-October. Eid prayers serve over 500 people and 200 to 500 attend the two Jumuahs.
The masjid welcomes children, women and men to the center and hopes to provide adequate space for all to worship and learn.
The masjid will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at the Arcola Elementary School, Aldie, VA with a goal of raising $200,000 towards the purchase of a permanent home. Islamic Society of Baltimore Resident Scholar Yaseen Sheikh is scheduled to speak . The community needs to raise the money by January 2015. Please visit www.ziacademy.org to help them reach their goal.
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