Assalaamu Alaykum!

About LALMA (La Asociación Latino Musulmana de América)

Since our founding in 1999 as a small study group of five Latino Muslims, LALMA has served as a forum for educational and spiritual growth. Our mission is to promote a deeper understanding of Islam within the large Spanish-speaking Latino population of California.

Latinos make up 40% of California’s population, and we work diligently to foster mutual understanding and unity by collaborating with multifaith organizations for the well-being of Los Angeles’ diverse communities. Our efforts have included celebrating Ramadan alongside Roman Catholic and other Christian communities, promoting interfaith dialogue and shared values.

LALMA plays a vital role in educating the non-Muslim Spanish-speaking community about Islam by providing access to Islamic literature in Spanish and offering educational classes led by Spanish-speaking instructors.

Through interfaith initiatives and community service, we build bridges that advocate for social justice and uphold human dignity in accordance with Islamic values. Our outreach helps non-Muslims understand that inner peace is found through submission to Allah.

In addition to spiritual education, LALMA is committed to supporting underserved communities. We organize events, provide social services, and assist with the naturalization process in collaboration with volunteer immigration attorneys. We also offer presentations on topics such as “Know Your Rights” and other critical immigration issues for Spanish-speaking audiences.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LALMA provided financial aid to individuals who lost their jobs, reflecting our continued commitment to community support and resilience.

Marta Khadija Galedary is the founder of LALMA and continues to be a guiding force in our mission and outreach.