Islamic Society of Santa Barbara

Welcome to the virtual home of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara (ISSB). Here, you can learn about Santa Barbara’s local Muslim community, find information about our events and services, and discover opportunities for interfaith understanding. We are honored to have you, appreciate that you have come to learn about us, and look forward to learning about you. Please feel free to join us at our events and prayer services, and to contact us with any questions about Islam or Muslims in Santa Barbara.

The Islamic Society of Santa Barbara is an independent organization. It desires to facilitate the education and practice of the essence and values of Islam in an environment of understanding, tolerance and compassion.

The sources of Islam are the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.

Our traditions, man-made rules, ethnic behaviors, etc., are not infallible, and are not considered as sources of Islam.

Islam is a universal mercy of God. Muslims identify primarily as Muslims, not as an ethnic group, race, color, or tribe. No ethnic activities, or overtones, are allowed in the Center.

Arabic is taught as the language of the Holy Quaran. The language of communication and conducting activities of the Center is the language of the land, i.e., the English language. Sect, school of thought or madhab, are a matter of personal preference, not a community policy.

The Society is committed to being a place of peace, unity, faith, worship, knowledge, community, compassion, and technology. Men and women are equally responsible to put the effort, formalize the policies, and design the plans for the Society.

The Society does not believe that segregation of the sexes is the guarantee of righteousness, but modesty, decency, and observing the prohibitions that Allah and his apostle dictated, as well as the purity of the heart and the clarity of the conscience, are the guarantees.

While advocating the codes and ethics of Islamic behavior, we believe that the consideration of feelings of all human beings is a matter of great respect and attention.

We believe that the role of the Society is one of reminding, not of compelling or dictating. The Society does not judge people or classify Muslims. Islam is a way of life; the Society does not engage in political activities.