MakeSpace, a Muslim Third Space, was founded by Imam Zia and his wife, Fatimah Popal, with active assistance of dedicated volunteers, in October 2012. The goal was to address the social and spiritual needs of the community and provide a safe space “for people to come as they are.”
MakeSpace started out by hosting Jum’ah prayers and Ramadan taraweeh prayers at a banquet hall in Alexandria, Virginia. Halaqas and other events were held in rented office spaces, rec centers, public schools, and community members’ basements. By 2015, the MakeSpace community had grown rapidly enough that it was time to find a permanent home. The previous MakeSpace Headquarters was purchased in 2016 and the project was wholly funded by donations from our community members. Since then, MakeSpace has been an integral and thriving part of the local community and continues to provide a welcoming atmosphere empowering American Muslims to flourish spiritually and intellectually as socially and civically engaged citizens.
In 2024, MakeSpace moved into a larger space to meet the growing needs of our community. The new location, spanning over 6,000 square feet and situated just down the street from our previous home, will enable us to expand our programs significantly. Click here to learn more and support the new space.
The name MakeSpace is derived from a verse of Surah al-Mujadila in the Holy Qur’an:
O you who have believed, when you are told, “Space yourselves” in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, “Arise,” then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
58:11 Qur’an
Taking inspiration from the verse, MakeSpace aspires to build an inclusive community of God-conscious, compassionate and empowered American Muslims.