Ethiopian Muslim Association of Seattle
Living in the Diaspora presents a monumental challenge: the creation of an Islamic living environment capable of nurturing a thriving and productive Muslim community deeply rooted in the core values of Islam. Among the myriad teachings of Islam, one that played a pivotal role in the establishment of EMAS (Ethiopian Muslim Association of Seattle) is the precise guidance on burial ceremonies.
In 1989, the passing of a brother named Ibrahim in the Puget Sound Area stirred the consciousness of local Muslim residents. It became evident that everyone had a duty to participate in the mourning and burial rituals. However, there was no well-organized Muslim community to turn to for support or information regarding burial grounds and preparation locations. In response to this pressing need, EMAS was founded. A passionate call went out to all Ethiopian Muslims residing in Washington State to convene and discuss the necessity of forming an organization.
In 1989, those who answered this urgent call came together and unanimously approved the establishment of the Ethiopian Muslim Association of Seattle (EMAS). This marked the humble beginning of a remarkable journey towards building a vibrant and supportive Muslim community in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the primary challenges in this initial phase was defining the organizational structure. Great care was taken to ensure that the nascent organization would meet the criteria for classification as a tax-exempt entity under section 501C3 of the IRS code. Alhamdulillah, in 1994, EMAS received official recognition as a non-profit organization in the State of Washington.
In its early days, EMAS operated from a modest office in the basement of the Islamic School of Seattle, bringing together a small group of members for weekend activities. With only 10 to 15 families in its fold in 1994, the need for a larger space was not pressing. However, this was just the beginning.
Between 1998 and 2002, EMAS experienced significant growth in membership, with the number of families swelling to 40. The need for a more expansive facility became imperative, leading EMAS to rent a two-story building with spacious rooms, ideally located for most of its members at that time. As membership increased, the organization solidified its structure and expanded its offerings to include various Islamic programs and activities for youth and children. Through the grace of Almighty Allah and the dedication of its members, EMAS was able to purchase this building entirely free from interest (Riba) payments through three installments.
In recent years, EMAS has continued to attract new members steadily, serving as a cornerstone of support and guidance for the growing Ethiopian Muslim community in Seattle. Once again, the organization finds itself in need of a more extensive space that can comfortably accommodate all its members and weekend programs. EMAS provides its adult members with Quran recitation and interpretation, Fiqh, Hadith, and more, fostering a strong sense of faith and knowledge. Special emphasis is placed on nurturing the Islamic upbringing and comprehensive Islamic knowledge of our children, ensuring they grow up grounded in their faith and values. Quran classes for children are divided into three levels: Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced, tailoring education to the specific needs of each age group.
As EMAS continues to evolve, it expands its services and programs to provide to the diverse needs and backgrounds of its ever-growing membership. Its dynamic progress goes beyond sheer numbers; it mirrors the organization’s remarkable ability to adapt to changing demographics and the evolving requirements of its community.