Mosque on the Move

September 7, 2007

Author: Richard Irwin

Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune

http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_6751123?source=most_emailed

Twenty-five years ago, a small group of local families began meeting in a San Dimas garage for prayers. Today the Islamic Center of the San Gabriel Valley serves more than 500 families from its sprawling complex in Rowland Heights.

And the local mosque is looking forward to an exciting future as it raises money for a new $3 million building. Hundreds attended a gala fundraising dinner on Aug. 17 at Knotts Berry Farm, celebrating the first 25 years.

To share its vision with the community, the center opened its doors to the public on Aug. 19 in conjunction with mosques throughout the Los Angeles area.

"My late father, Shabbir, helped form the original prayer group in my uncle's garage," explained Rizwan Khan, formerly of Covina.

Khan is proud of the growth of the local Islamic center, where he and his children grew up in one of the world's fastest growing religions.