Tales & Tasbīḥ

In this 4-week Ramadan special, we will explore the Islamic tradition of tasbīḥ, a word derived from Arabic roots that mean "Glory be to God." By journeying through our individual lifetimes to recall the stories our Creator has written for us, we identify personal imagery, symbolism, and references to craft our own hand-painted ceramic prayer beads that serve as a reminder of Divine nearness.

If you're looking for a way to reconnect with gratitude, be a listener or a storyteller, or simply to learn more about those around you, please join us at the Beloved Community Ceramic Studio each Wednesday this March. Purchase a donation ticket here or give on our website to continue the work of bringing faith traditions together for change. Any questions? Email [email protected] for help.

Become a sustainer today!

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time for deep reflection, discipline, and community.

It honors the days of revelation when the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as a final message of guidance to tribes, faiths, and people of all kinds.

It consists of daily reading and reflection on the words of The Creator, and a fast from sunrise to sundown that is concluded by a meal, iftar, shared with loved ones and neighbors. While observing the fast, it is enocuraged to avoid negative thoughts and speech, practice gratitude, and give charity.

At IMAN, Ramadan is a time where we welcome our families, communities, and neighborhood partners to gather with us for weekly programming including iftars, artistic performances, storytelling, ceramics classes, workshops, a knowledge series, and more!

This year, with the theme of Beautiful Stories, it is our intention to cultivate thoughtful connections through narrative, unity, and the prophetic tradition of strength. All are welcome!

Stay tuned for more details and ways to get involved at IMAN's Eventbrite page, and on Instagram @imancentral.

A deeply impactful and trailblazing institution in the history of nonprofits in America, The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) has undoubtedly shaped culture and made significant change in households, on blocks, across the city and the nation.

Since 2019, we have operated our Chicago Lawn and Englewood neighborhoods' very own full service community ceramic studio. Named justly after Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s global vision of the "Beloved Community," in which all people share equally the wealth of the Earth, we now maintain a cultural resource of health, healing, and artistic exploration in our space.

Wondering what your experience might be like?

This is a short-form course, meaning attending each session is important to continue on with your project. If you can't make it each time, not to worry! Please contact us at [email protected] to schedule an office hours appointment.

Our studio has a full suite of pottery wheels, handbuilding materials, and glazes. We have spaces available for projects not yet completed, and an electric kiln for firing. We work with standard stoneware and porcelain claybodies.

The space is wheelchair accessible, and we offer inclusive bench seating for those who may need it.

Work aprons are also available, but we do encourage you to refrain from wearing any clothing or jewelry you cannot easily clean.

Entrance at 2745 W 63rd St. Sign in, directions, and language assistance at front desk.

Free parking is available in the attached West parking lot, or across the street at 2744 63rd St. There is additional 2-hour paid street parking out front on 63rd.

Building is located right off of the California stop on the 63 bus headed Eastbound and across the street, west of the California/63rd intersection if Westbound.

Info: The session opens with gratitude journaling, and optional tea for those not fasting. Attendance during the first class includes a pocket journal for your thoughts each week.

Info: Work time spent shaping ceramic beads from clay.

Info: We will break for the afternoon prayer (ʿaṣr), made in congregation in IMAN's prayer space, with optional observation or meditation for those not praying.

Info: This segment combines our final work time with a story exchanged, where everyone has a listener and a tale to hear!

Info: We will clean up our spaces and tools used, reflect on a prompt for the following week. Anyone also attending the evening programming and iftar will head to the main space.

Info: The session opens with gratitude journaling, and optional tea for those not fasting.

Info: Work time spent hand painting kiln-fired ceramic beads.

Info: This segment combines our final work time with a story exchanged, where everyone has a listener and a tale to hear!

Info: We will clean up our spaces and tools used, reflect on a prompt for the following week. Anyone not making the following prayer will conclude at 5pm.

Info: We will conclude with the afternoon prayer (ʿaṣr), made in congregation in IMAN's prayer space, with optional observation or meditation for those not praying. Anyone also attending the evening programming and iftar will head to the main space.

Info: The session opens with gratitude journaling, and optional tea for those not fasting.

Info: Work time spent finalizing all details of our painted ceramic beads.

Info: This segment combines our final work time with a story exchanged, where everyone has a listener and a tale to hear!

Info: We will clean up our spaces and tools used, reflect on a prompt for the following week. Anyone not making the following prayer will conclude at 5pm.

Info: We will conclude with the afternoon prayer (ʿaṣr), made in congregation in IMAN's prayer space, with optional observation or meditation for those not praying. Anyone also attending the evening programming and iftar will head to the main space.

Info: The session opens with a final collective gratitude journaling, and optional tea for those not fasting.

Info: Choose your cording, string your beads, and embellish with traditional decorations.

Info: This segment honors finished pieces by connecting our stories now manifested as prayer beads with our gratitude collected from the past four weeks, with a reflection on the journey of tasbīḥ.

Info: We will conclude with the afternoon prayer (ʿaṣr), made in congregation in IMAN's prayer space, with optional observation or meditation for those not praying. Anyone also attending the final evening programming and iftar will head to the main space.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

IMAN's Beloved Community Ceramics Studio, 2747 West 63rd Street, Chicago, United States