Zaytuna's Relocation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question: Why is Zaytuna Institute moving?

While Zaytuna Institute has participated in serving the Muslims of the Bay Area for over ten years, and hopes to continue to do so. Zaytuna was principally established over a decade ago with the aim of becoming a first-class educational institution that rivals top-rated universities in both the Western and Muslim world. Zaytuna is re-aligning itself to its mission, objective, and vision, while remaining faithful to our Statement of Purpose:

MISSION:
Our mission at Zaytuna Institute is to serve our Lord and honor our Prophet (upon him be peace) through providing the highest quality educational programs, materials, and training in the traditional sciences of Islam in the most beautiful way using the most effective tools of our time.

OBJECTIVE
Zaytuna’s primary objective is to create a Learning Institution, which is based on the following principles:
• Principally focused on generating the next-generation of indigenous & relevant scholars
• Emphasis on high quality, reliable, programmatic teaching
• Concerned with the lifecycle of the scholar track
• Emphasis on across-the-board operational excellence
• Intent to earn a reputation for scholarship in Islam as a pre-eminent, high-repute livelihood

VISION
To establish a lasting institution which produces scholars of traditional Islamic thought, in a sufficient caliber and volume, in a manner that is sustainable and repeatable, for the purpose of contributing to the improvement of the human condition given the challenges of the modern age.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Today there is a growing chasm between those who hold and transmit sacred knowledge and those capable of carrying this tradition forward. Specifically, there are few effective channels to bring together the ingredients necessary to perpetuate the tradition—which include qualified, willing, and accessible instructors; a formalized teaching methodology and curriculum; the availability of the appropriate texts; and the ability to recruit and attract qualified students.

Question: Isn’t this move sudden?

In 2002, 2003, and 2004, Zaytuna announced at its annual conferences that its aspirations were to eventually purchase a property and build America’s premier Islamic Seminary/University. During two of these presentations, it was made clear that our current location was not conducive to our long-term plans. To achieve its objectives, Zaytuna must transition toward a more administrative and academic focus, which requires proximity to academic institutions, such as world-class universities, that can support Zaytuna during this transition. A number of major structural changes have been undertaken to ensure that a checks and balance mechanism is in place to achieve clear milestones that allow us to progress to manifest our principal aim. Zaytuna classes, programs, and other events for the Bay Area community will continue at accessible venues. We hope the community understands the daunting task and responsibility that rests on our shoulders and we ask for your prayers for our success.

Question: When and where will Zaytuna be moving to?

Zaytuna will begin moving its administrative offices in August and complete the move before September 1, 2007, in sha’ Allah.

Our new address will be:
2070 Allston Way
Suite 300
Berkeley, CA 94704