Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the American Islamic Fellowship?

To become a member of the American Islamic Fellowship, one simply participates in events (online and/or offline) and has your name as part of our email membership directory.  Members voluntarily contribute to the fellowship according to their means, their talent and/or their time. Suggested yearly dues are $60 and help AIF pay for rent, email marketing, office expenses and activities.  Contact info@americanislamicfellowship.com for details.

What were the motivating forces behind the creation of AIF?

The founders of the American Islamic Fellowship felt the diversity of Islam was not being fully represented in their local mosques.  They had discovered the issues of gender inequality, culture, language, race, and elitism had permeated the atmosphere and leadership of these places of worship.  Consequently, they neither felt completely welcome nor free to worship in these spaces because of their understandings of how to approach Islamic worship. The founders wanted to organize a place that provided both a safe and open space of worship and discussion for Muslims and others who identified with the Islamic community, but who avoided mosques or did not go to mosques as often because of a feeling of the inability to practice their own understanding of Islam.  They also hoped to develop a dynamic, diverse and inclusive faith community based on Islamic principles such as faith, fasting, pilgrimage, charity and prayer.

Does the AIF consider itself to be "Progressive?"

Because the Fellowship respects a wide variety of religious interpretation and perspective, the answer to this question is neither yes nor no.  The Fellowship believes its values and mission are in keeping with the teachings of Islam and that a particular label is not necessary.  The term "Progressive" implies movement away from an original idea, so each member's idea of what a term means may be different. 

The term "Progressive" has also been affiliated with certain political movements. As a faith-based organization, the Fellowship does not have any political affiliations.

What does the term "Fellowship" mean?

The term "Fellowship" simply means a gathering of friends with similar interests.

Why doesn't the AIF have an Imam, or religious leader?

The AIF respects a wide variety of Islamic interpretations, understandings, and perspectives. The fellowship is governed by a board of directors, is counseled by a board of advisers and is building a board of scholars to maintain the mission and vision.

Are AIF meetings open to people of other faiths/philosophies?

Absolutely! At each of our meetings, we have people from several different faiths.  Membership of the AIF is not restricted to Muslims.  The AIF is a community founded on Islamic principles for people of all faiths.  We have had people visit us from such diverse faiths and philosophies as Christianity, Atheism, Hinduism, Agnosticism and Unitarian Universalism.  In addition, we have participated and continue to participate in various Interfaith events, which is one of the fellowship's core values.

Why do you allow [fill in the blank group] to participate in your activities?

One of AIF's core values states that "The fellowship believes that all people regardless of age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, culture, language, social status, religious or philosophical affiliation, or education have the ability to be valuable contributory members to the fellowship." AIF is both a welcoming and inclusive fellowship.

Why is music part of the structure of AIF meetings?

The Fellowship believes music helps bring the group together, creates a sense of common experience and lifts the spirit of each person, in addition to allowing a moment of reflection following meaningful dialogue.  The use of various media improves learning and critical thinking.  Music has been important to a variety of Islamic perspectives throughout history.  Music is also an important method of human expression. Encouraging music as a kind of self-expression is important to the Fellowship. The inclusion of music is in keeping with the hope that each person will feel safe enough to express his/her views, even though there may be others in the group who might disagree. The mutual respect of opposing views is at the heart of the Fellowship's mission.

How has the AIF been received by the Islamic community?

The Fellowship has been well received by the majority of the Islamic community.  We have been contacted by supportive communities and individual Muslims not only in Georgia, but also in places like Illinois, Arizona, California, Washington D.C., Canada, France, Spain, Greece, Pakistan, India and Sweden.  In fact, due to the enormously positive response from communities all over the world, the Board of Directors have been working with other leaders to develop the "International Muslim Action Network" (IMAN), an organization to unite these communities through information sharing, coordination and collaboration of events and resources.

Is the American Islamic Fellowship part of another organization?

Have another Question?

Email AIF

Important Links

About AIF

AIF Board

AIF Charter

AIF By-Laws

"Out beyond ideas of

wrongdoing and right-doing,

there is a field. I will meet

you there."

~ Rumi