Florence Islamic Center

Questions people actually ask, answered plainly.

Our educational mission

The Florence Islamic Center provides Islamic education to its community at every age. Children study in a graded Sunday School under the direction of the Imam and their teachers; adults gather daily for the Qur'an Maqra'a after Fajr; and the weekly lecture is open to all who attend. Across these, the aim is constant: to establish a sound foundation in the Qur'an and in the beliefs and practices of Islam, to cultivate the discipline, manners and character that such learning requires, and to ensure that no member of this community is without access to the knowledge of their faith.

No prior knowledge assumed. If your question is not here, the Imam is at the masjid most days and would rather be asked than not.

Sunday School children in the prayer hall holding their certificates and gift bags, with the Imam, in front of the mihrab

Foundations

Start with the fundamentals.

Each card answers with a verse from the Qur'an. Select a card to turn it over, and select it again to turn it back.

Start here — the five pillars

  1. 01ShahadaالشهادةDeclaration of faithThe Islamic declaration of faith, the core testimony that there is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.
  2. 02SalahالصلاةPrayerThe obligatory ritual prayer performed by Muslims five times a day.
  3. 03ZakatالزكاةAlmsgivingA mandatory annual charitable donation where eligible Muslims give 2.5% of their surplus wealth to purify it and support the needy.
  4. 04SawmالصومFastingThe observance of fasting during Ramadan, teaching self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and empathy for those in need.
  5. 05HajjالحجPilgrimageThe annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, a mandatory religious duty for physically and financially able Muslims.

Study here

Classes, and who they are for.

Weekly Lecture poster — Sūrat al-Burūj, by Dr Alaa Alsharif, every Tuesday and Sunday after Maghrib

Weekly Lecture

Every Tuesday and Sunday, after Maghrib

A Qur'an lecture by Imam Dr. Alaa AlSharif, twice a week, working through one surah at a time.

Today's Maghrib time
Admissions Open poster for the Florence Islamic Center Sunday School, academic year 2026–2027

Sunday School admissions are open

Academic year 2026–2027

Registration is now open. Parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible.

Ask about a place

There is also the daily Qur'an Maqra'a after Fajr until 7:30 AM — recite with the circle, or just sit and listen. See what else is on.

Learn · Grow · Practice · Succeed

The Sunday School

Principal: Imam Dr. Alaa AlSharif. Registration for the 2026–2027 academic year is open now.

How to register

There is no form and no portal. Any of these three works.

Registering early lets the school order textbooks on time and plan its classes.

Still have a question?

Come to the masjid and ask — no appointment needed — or write to us and the right person will answer you.

Contact us
Learn — Florence Islamic Center