Muslims in the Johnson County area come together at the Islamic Center of Johnson County, the mosque which hosts faith-based discussions and activities. The ICJC sets out “to establish Islamic Center of Johnson County as a welcoming, vibrant, inclusive and exemplary Islamic center that contributes to the betterment of our Muslim community and society at large.”

Sophomore Noor Sarwar and senior Rehan Malek discussed their experiences at the ICJC.

“There are lots of events that happen at [the] ICJC. During Ramadan, they host lock-ins at the mosque.” Sarwar said. “The most prominent ones are definitely ones done by the youth committee.”

Malek himself is part of ICJC’s youth committee that arranges a multitude of events.

“I run sports events for the kids, mostly high schoolers,” Malek said. “My goal is to [gather] more people that live out here that aren’t as involved, even just for prayers, for social events, for sports, whatever it could be, just to get them more active. The goal of the youth department’s to increase youth awareness of the community and get that sense of family.”

Malek underlined the importance of community created at the ICJC.

“I think that [ICJC] helps us, especially in times like this, where we need to be together, grow connections [and] increase our sense of family with each other,” Malek said. “It helps a lot with trying to get to know people around you more and just having that community.”

Sarwar likewise emphasized that feeling achieved at the masjid.

“A main goal is to get everyone involved with the mosque and make our Muslim community strong,” Sarwar said. “It’s definitely a way to get more involved and connect with the Muslims in the community and be able to make bonds with everyone.”

Sarwar hopes the sense of unity and welcoming will continue to exist for years to come.

“For the future, I hope to keep up the great hospitality and environment for the kids of the coming generations,” Sarwar said.

Malek acknowledged that the sense of community gained at ICJC is at the forefront of its purpose.

“In the end, we’re all brothers and sisters,” Malek said. “We need to be there for each other.”