Ta’Leef Collective

Description of Organization

Ta’leef Collective was formed in 2005 as a response to the both the challenges and opportunities within the American Muslim community. Centers are in California’s Bay area and Chicago’s metropolitan area, which are two distinct Muslim centers in the United States. While religion undoubtedly creates ties within these communities, there exists a surprisingly amount of diversity: around 65% of the community is foreign born and 35% American born 1st generation Americans. Muslim Americans are a diverse community, hailing from a range of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds (though, by and large a community of color), including first and second-generation Muslim-Americans whose families came here as immigrants or refugees, the Muslim Black-American community, and people who joined the Muslim community or are seeking to learn about Islam. The top three self-identified challenges facing Muslims are: 1) negative views about Muslims, 2) discrimination or prejudicial treatment, and 3) misunderstanding and ignorance about Islam. These struggles are even more pronounced for young Muslims. More than half under 30 say that they have personally been treated with suspicion, called offensive names, or been victims of intolerance. Ta’Leef provides an experience for anyone curious about Islam and offers a safe and friendly environment for newcomers and old friends. By providing a neutral, safe and purposeful space Ta’Leef aims to create new dialogues, build connections among communities (Muslim, other faiths and no faith), and be a resource to all who enter their doors. Their mantra “Come as you are, to Islam as it is,” says it all.