Muslim insider's guide to Washington DC area

There are some interesting places to visit in Washington, DC to see some interesting muslim architecture and art. The Washington, DC Islamic Center is one beautiful example of Muslim architecture. The Smithsonians have a wonderful collection of Islamic art at the Freer and Sackler art galleries. And with close to 200,000 Muslims living in the area, there are always interesting lectures and conferences and other learning opportunities in town. Eids are wonderful times to be in the Washington, DC area as 20,000-30,000 Muslims come together to celebrate, including eid prayers, carnavals, bazaar, wonderful food, and information fair. The location varies, so check out www.dceid.org for current information.

Quick Tips:

Check out islamicfinder.com and input the zipcode 20005 to get a quick rundown of locations of local mosques, including the Washington Islamic Center on Massachussettes. Other good sites to find out where and what is happening is: www.muslimcommunities.com and the local muslim students associations at Georgetown University, George Washington University, and University of Maryland/College Park.

Best Way To Get Around:

Public transportation is very good within the Washington, DC area and major points outside. The Metrorail system is a must for downtown destinations, including all of the Smithsonian Museums, the Zoo, and the major monuments.

25,000 Muslims have gathered at the most recent Eid celebrations in one large celebration. After morning Eid prayers, the revelers enjoy diverse food including ethnic food from across the Muslim world, shopping at the bazaar including clothing, books, and crafts/gifts, and a carnival for the kids. This is the Eid place to be in the area to get a great look at the diverse Muslim community of Washington, DC metro area. Check out www.dceid.org for information on when, where, and what is happening for the next Eid (there are two a year, with moving dates based on a lunar calendar).

These two art galleries feature specifically Asian art and have permanent exhibits of wonderful art from the Islamic World. They also often have rotating exhibits featuring specific islamic art genres or periods. These are my favorite museums of the Smithsonians because most of the time they are not as crowded and are very quiet. Most of the artwork collections are in metalwork and ceramic. Their Iranian collections are spectacular.

The National Arboretum is a wonderful part of Washington, DC that often goes unvisited. It is quite a large 'park' with many roads trailing to convenient parking areas. The Collections can then be visited on foot. There are picnic areas and large meadow areas for flying kites, playing, or just being with family. There is almost always something in bloom, but the spring is when all of the 'action' occurs. The Azalea collections are spectacular with so many colors and different plants. Check out their website for what is in bloom now as well as any special events: http://www.usna.usda.gov/ They have just recently started bus service from Union Station Metro and Train stops to the Arboretum, so it is easier than ever to visit.

The Islamic Center of Washington DC is a beautiful mosque that houses items donated by many of the Muslim countries that have embassies in the area. Turkey donated much of the beautiful tile work seen on the walls. Avoid the area on Fridays, early afternoon, because this is the time of mandatory congregational prayer. It is usually quite crowded at this time. Any other time though, it is quite peaceful and the public is welcome to enter and look around. They have a great library and a small bookstore on the premises. Remember to dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless tops). Trousers or long skirts with blouses or t-shirts with short, 3/4 length or full sleeves recommended. Women need to have a scarf to cover their hair for entering the main mosque area (if you forget, you can buy a cheap, but beautiful silk scarf at the bookstore located in the courtyard). The architecture is stunning and this is a definate must visit to see the beautiful mosque. If there are people praying, remember to speak very softly and not to walk in front of them. Otherwise, enjoy your visit.