Garden State Islamic Center is the parent organization of the Bridgeton Islamic Center, which is located at 22 Coral Avenue, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. phone
GSIC and BIC Masjid Principles:
Inclusion – One Community: The true color of Islam usually can be experienced in countries/regions outside of Muslim countries. GSIC believes in one Ummah (one nation/community under the flag of Islam) as one of the major principles of its being. GSIC brings people of different color, race, language, ethnicity, background, culture, customs and belief together as one.
Moderation: The Qur'an calls the Muslims a "middle nation" (Al-Baqarah 2:143), and with this "middleness" they are called the best people ever evolved for mankind, as they enjoin the right, combat the wrong, and believe in God (Aal 'Imran 3:110). GSIC; by following the teaching of Quran; try to adhere to this principle in its function and in dealing with diversity.
Tolerance: GSIC believes and practices the verse “Forgive and show indulgence to them (Qur’an, 2:109)”. Disagreement is sometimes unavoidable but they are dealt with dialogues and respect.
Openness: GSIC creates open environment where all community members are free to participate, share their opinion, make comments/recommendations, ask question, etc. This enables GSIC to create close and engaging community.
Charity: As one of the basic beliefs of Islam; GSIC participates in many charity initiatives to support local and international needs.
Education: Islam believes in the mastery of matter and mind. Holy Quran and Hadith emphasizes about education. In a poem Hazrat Ali; the fourth Khalifa; has beautifully portrayed the significance of knowledge saying:
“The beautiful dress does not reflect beauty.
The beauty is the beauty of knowledge and morals.
The one whose father dies is not an orphan,
The real orphan is he who brings bad name to his tribe (his community/nation/ummah).”
GSIC has established programs to provide Islamic education services to its community. There is Sunday school for kids, Sunday education lectures for new Muslim and monthly lectures for community.