News & Updates

Legal Status

Seera Association of Baton Rouge, Inc. is a nonprofit organization registered in the state of Louisiana. Seera holds a tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC § 501(c)(3)). SEERA provides all Islamic services to the Community of Baton Rouge and neighboring cities in Louisiana. SEERA has established a Community Center and a Mosque and soon will have Islamic school in the city. SEERA is governed and directed by Board of Trustees, a non-compensated counseling body. SEERA is a law-abiding organization and works closely with city, county and state agencies and authorities to ensure continuous compliance with laws and regulations.

Philosophy of Behavior

The arbiter of conduct of SEERA is to overcome evil with good as outlined in Quran 13:11 and as the prophet Muhammad said, “Love for people what you love for yourself and dislike for the people what you dislike for yourself.”

Terrorism and Violence

Terrorism is not a religious identity, rather it is a horrific behavior often justified by misapplied religious dogma. SEERA, in accordance to its sole purpose and understanding of Islam, stands firm on the condemnation of all forms and acts of terrorism. The ill acts of a few misguided individuals shall not be viewed as the mainstream of Islam and Muslims. It is not sufficient to condemn terrorist activities after they happen. Muslims must be vigilant in implementing programs and sedulous in pursuing goals that build a proper understanding of Islam and subvert any terrorist activities anywhere. To promote bigotry against Islam, hate mongers exploit the legitimate concerns of the American people about terrorism. Anti-Muslims rhetoric compares in its claims and tactics to Anti-Semitism. Thus people of honesty and integrity of all faith traditions, especially the Abrahamic faiths, must stand united against both anti-Islamic and anti-Semitic pernicious accusations. The safety and security of the Muslim community is an indivisible part of the safety and security of the entire community and therefore, it is the right and responsibility of the whole community at large.

Membership

SEERA is an open religious organization for all public attendees and does not keep any membership in any form. SEERA maintains its rights, however, to legally prevent and exclude any individuals or groups, should they display any behavior that is not consistent with SEERA rules and regulations.

Association

SEERA is not associated with any political, industrial, humanitarian, militant, or governmental entities, neither domestically nor internationally. SEERA systematically and categorically distances itself from any individuals, groups or organizations shall they be officially considered anti-American by the US government. SEERA does not endorse any political directions or views.

Financial support

The financial resources of the SEERA shall come from contributions and donations. SEERA does not receive any monies in any shape or form from any domestic or international government or any political parties.

Current Facilities

SEERA owns a 3.3-acre (13 355 Sq-meter) parcel committed for the Masjid/Center construction and an adjacent 3.3-acre site with an 11,000 square foot (1 022 sq-meter) school building.

Current Services

SEERA is open around the clock providing the five daily prayers, evening lectures and weekend programs for children, adults and families. SEERA organizes yearly educational and family conferences and children’s summer camps. The center regular activities also include counseling, assistance, advice, referral, marriage and funeral arrangements.

Islamic Full-Time School

SEERA’s Islamic School, Garden of the Sahaba Academy (GSA), offers full-time pre-k to 12th grade, and after-school programs. SEERA occasionally offers a weekend Islamic School and a variety of programs and extracurricular activities for the children and teenagers.

Outreach and Interfaith

SEERA has encouraged and been involved in outreach and interfaith activities since its inception. It is with the understanding that the Quran in chapter 5:48 provides the framework for cooperation among Abrahamic Faiths, that SEERA has been open for all religious-based schools and organizations to visit its sites and facilities and share friendly religious dialogue. Many Christian and Jewish schools and clergy have visited SEERA. SEERA is actively participating in local clergy associations and humanitarian causes. God demands justice, mercy, love, and forgiveness. These are the good deeds that people who share faith in God can and should work together to promote.

Security

SEERA strives to provide a safe and healthy environment to its community and therefore, all grounds, hallways, and rooms are videotaped 24 hours. SEERA works closely with the law enforcement authorities to ensure its entire operation free of any doubts and suspicious behaviors. Should anyone have any concerns, please report it to SEERA immediately.