What Is New Muslims Support Group (NMSG)?

There is an estimate 6 million Muslims in the United States. By 2010, Islam is predicted to be the second largest religion in America.

The presence of Muslims in America has become more visible in the past 10 years with the rise of Islamic community centers, Muslim organizations, and increased participation of Muslims in American public life. As a consequence of the presence of Muslims in America and the unique message of Islam fulfilling one's intellectual quest for the purpose of life and existence, Muslim communities around the country are witnessing indigenous Americans embracing Islam every day.

The journey into Islam is exciting, yet it can also be spiritually and culturally overwhelming for new Muslims. The New Muslim Support Group (NMSG) was established during Ramadan 1999 to address specific needs of individuals embracing Islam. While many are fortunate to have Muslim friends and colleagues who guided them on their path to shahada (declaration of faith when one becomes a Muslims), many accepted Islam moved only by the beauty of the message and without a support system in place.

The goal of NMSG is to provide new Muslims with firm knowledge in their foundation to Islam without promoting any particular school of thought or cultural perspective over another. NMSG recognizes the importance of shahada for the individual, and the importance of the new Muslim to the strength and unity of the Ummah (global family of Muslims).

The NMSG at ADAMS was designed specifically to:

Help new Muslims properly understand issues of ibadat (worship) regarding salat (prayer), wudu (ablutions performed before prayer), basic tenants of Islamic faith, and other essential aspects.

Pair new Muslims with a "mentor" for social support and a forum to discuss more intimate aspects of Islamic life. Muslim women are paired with women and men are paired with men.

Provide a sense of community for new Muslims.

Since the inception of NMSG, new Muslims have been mentored, classes and questions and answer sessions were organized, and a book and video library was established. NMSG anticipates more involvement in the year 2001.

If you are a new or non-Muslim and have any questions regarding our services or if you would like to know how you can participate in this project, please feel free to contact Sr. Deonna Kelli Sayed or Br. Mushfiqur Rahman.