Global Deaf Muslim

What Global Deaf Muslim does

Global Deaf Muslim USA (GDMUSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 in Rochester, New York by Deaf Muslim college students and incorporated under its current name after receiving IRS tax-exempt status in 2010. Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia with a mailing address in Alexandria, Virginia, the organization is the only known nonprofit exclusively dedicated to making Islam accessible to Deaf Muslims in the United States. It addresses a structural gap in which the Americans with Disabilities Act does not extend to religious institutions, leaving Deaf Muslims without legally mandated access to Islamic education and services.

GDMUSA delivers its mission through a portfolio of programs delivered primarily on Zoom with ASL interpreters, supplemented by in-person events in the DC/MD/VA region and partner venues such as Gallaudet University. Core offerings include Islamic Classes for Deaf Adults and Youth, Arabic Classes, Halaqa study circles, Prophet Stories sessions, Ramadan lecture series, the Sisters Book Club, the Deaf Muslim Expo, and the Community Assistance Program (CAP) for Zakat/Sadaqah distribution. The organization has also produced a distinctive content library, including 14 Surahs translated into ASL and the world's only Zakat Fund dedicated exclusively to Deaf Muslims. Internationally, it operates chapters in Ghana (Muslim Deaf Development, 2012), California (2012), and Canada-Toronto (2013), and has partnered with Qatar's Center for Social Cultural For The Deaf (2013) and Marry Deaf Muslim (2021).

The revenue model is donation-driven, operating across six named funds (Zakat, Sadaqah, Operations, ASL Interpreters, Education, Community Iftar) supplemented by nominal program fees (e.g., $35 for a 6-week ASL class, $3 per attendee for community events) and a $30/month recurring "Deaf Space" membership that bundles Dawah, classes, Ramadan programming, and community events. Monthly operating expenses are approximately $5,000, and the organization is volunteer- and staff-supported rather than venture-backed.

Name

Global Deaf Muslim

Legal name

Global Deaf Muslim USA

Website

https://globaldeafmuslim.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Global Deaf Muslim USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers Islamic education, ASL-interpreted events, Zakat/Sadaqah assistance, and community programs to Deaf Muslims in the U.S. and abroad via chapters in Ghana, Canada, and California.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Deaf Community and Religious Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Translation and Interpretation Services (54193), Language Schools (61163), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDALAGAD

Note-Taking, Interpreting & Communication Access Services

Education/Student Services & Campus Operations/Disability Services & Accessibility

SECONDARYEDAMAFAM

Sign Language Learning Programs (ASL/BSL, etc.)

Education/Supplemental & Enrichment Programs (Arts, STEM, Language)/Language Learning & Conversation Programs

Keywords

• Deaf community services
• Islamic education programs
• Asl interpretation services
• Nonprofit religious outreach
• Community charitable assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Falls Church

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: GDMUSA raises funds through various donation campaigns including Zakat Fund, Sadaqah Fund, Operations Fund, ASL Interpreters Fund, Education Fund, and Community Iftar Fund. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and relies on charitable donations from individuals to fund its programs and operations.
2. Program Fees: Revenue is generated through nominal fees for educational programs such as ASL classes ($35 per individual for a 6-week session) and event participation fees (e.g., $3 per person for campfire events). These fees supplement the donation-based funding model.
3. Monthly Pledge Program (Deaf Space): GDMUSA operates a monthly pledge program called 'Deaf Space' at $30 per month, providing recurring revenue from committed supporters in exchange for ongoing program benefits including virtual Dawah, Islamic classes, Arabic classes, and community events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Global Deaf Muslim USA provides Islamic education, community programs, and charitable assistance tailored for Deaf Muslims. Core offerings include ASL-interpreted virtual classes (Islamic education, Arabic, ASL for beginners), Ramadan programs, and Halaqa study circles, delivered via Zoom and in-person events. The organization also administers Zakat, Sadaqah, ASL Interpreter, Operations, Education, and Community Iftar funds to support Deaf Muslims financially and through accessibility services.

Product overview

Global Deaf Muslim USA is a nonprofit organization providing Islamic education and community services exclusively for Deaf Muslims. The organization offers a portfolio of programs including DeafSpace (monthly membership at $30), ASL Classes, Islamic Classes for Adults and Youth, Arabic Classes, Halaqa sessions, Prophet Stories, and Ramadan Programs. Charitable services include Zakat Fund, Sadaqah Fund, ASL Interpreter Fund, Community Iftar Fund, Education Fund, and a Community Assistance Program (CAP). The organization operates virtually via Zoom with in-person events, and hosts periodic events including the Deaf Muslim Expo and Family Conference. All programs feature ASL interpretation to ensure accessibility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DeafSpace Monthly Pledge Program Monthly recurring membership program ($30/month) providing Deaf Muslim supporters with access to Dawah in ASL (virtual and in-person), Islamic Class for Deaf Youth, Arabic Class for Deaf Adults, Yearly Ramadan Program, and Community Events.
• ASL Online Class for Beginners Six-week online course teaching ASL alphabets, greetings, and Islamic signs (Assalamu Alaikum, Alhamdulillah, etc.) via Zoom. Priced at $35 per individual with 30-student capacity, targeted at hearing individuals wishing to learn ASL including Islamic terminology.
• Islamic Classes for Deaf Adults Islamic education classes led by Imam Shaker for deaf adults, conducted in American Sign Language via virtual sessions.
• Islamic Classes for Deaf/CODA Youth Islamic education for deaf youth and Children of Deaf Adults (CODA), with levels 0 and 1 available, delivered in ASL.
• Arabic Classes Arabic language instruction for deaf brothers and sisters, delivered through the DeafSpace program and other educational offerings.
• Sisters and Brothers Halaqa Religious study circles and Q&A sessions for deaf brothers and sisters, with ASL interpreter provided.
• Prophet Stories Program Islamic studies program focusing on stories of the prophets, including live sessions with Brother Samer, delivered in ASL.
• Community Assistance Program (CAP) Financial assistance program serving Deaf Muslims in DC, Maryland, Virginia and beyond using Zakat, Sadaqa, and Fitra funds for basic needs.
• Zakat Fund World's only Zakat Fund dedicated exclusively to Deaf Muslims, providing interpreters for Islamic events, appointments, and meetings.
• Zakat Assistance Application Online and PDF application process for Deaf Muslims to receive Zakat financial assistance, with 3-day processing time.
• Sadaqah Fund Charitable fund to uplift and empower Deaf Muslims through Sadaqah donations.
• ASL Interpreter Fund Fund to increase accessibility by providing ASL interpreters for Deaf Muslims at Islamic events (average cost $65/hour).
• Community Iftar Fund Fund to provide Iftar meals for the Deaf Muslim community in the U.S. during Ramadan.
• Education Fund Fund to support Deaf Muslim education by funding teacher's pay, lecture expenses, and student financial aid.
• Operations Fund Fund to maintain, support, and expand Global Deaf Muslim USA operations including programs, interpreters, offices, and staff.
• Youth Summer Program Summer registration program for deaf Muslim youth including Islamic Classes Level 0 and Level 1.
• GDM Sisters Book Club Weekly book club for sisters reading 'Reclaim Your Heart' via Zoom.
• Ramadan Programs Virtual Ramadan lecture series including Sister Muna's Ramadan Lectures (for youth and sisters), Quran study sessions, Kamal's Khutbah, and Drive Thru Iftar events held during Ramadan.

Quantifiable outcome

• Translated 14 Surahs into ASL (2014)
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Marry Deaf MuslimcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021GDMUSA partnered with Marry Deaf Muslim in 2021 to expand services related to family and marriage counseling for the Deaf Muslim community. This partnership addresses the specific needs of Deaf Muslims seeking marriage connections and family support services.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Islamic Relief USA: A major US-based Muslim humanitarian and faith-rooted nonprofit that fundraises through Zakat, Sadaqah, and charitable campaigns. Comparable to GDMUSA in its reliance on Islamic charitable giving frameworks and donor communities, though operating at far larger scale.
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): The largest umbrella organization of Muslims in North America, hosting the conventions GDMUSA attends. While not specifically deaf-focused, ISNA represents the broader institutional Islamic community that GDMUSA engages with and serves within.
• ICNA Relief USA: A faith-based Muslim nonprofit providing humanitarian relief, social services, and community programs across the US. Comparable to GDMUSA as a community-rooted Muslim organization delivering services to underserved populations, though broader in scope.
• Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD): One of the largest nonprofit organizations serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the US. CSD provides interpreting, advocacy, and community services across many domains, making it a broad incumbent in deaf services that overlaps with GDMUSA's accessibility work.

Others

• Khalil Center: A Muslim mental health and wellness nonprofit that integrates Islamic principles with professional services. Comparable to GDMUSA as a faith-rooted nonprofit serving a culturally specific Muslim audience through specialized programs and education.
• Zakat Foundation of America: A US Muslim nonprofit focused on Zakat collection and distribution domestically and internationally. Comparable to GDMUSA's Zakat Fund model, with overlap in how Islamic charitable obligations are mobilized and deployed for underserved communities.
• National Association of the Deaf (NAD): The premier civil rights organization of, by, and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the US. NAD is an advocacy-focused peer in the broader deaf ecosystem, with overlapping interest in accessibility that intersects with GDMUSA's mission.
• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): A major American Muslim advocacy and civil rights organization. CAIR is not a direct service peer but represents the broader American Muslim institutional ecosystem that GDMUSA operates within and could partner with on disability inclusion advocacy.

Regional players

• Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD): A faith-inspired Muslim nonprofit providing humanitarian and community services. While operating with broader geographic scope, HHRD shares with GDMUSA the model of community-rooted Muslim charitable programming and donor-driven funding.

Direct peers

• Muslim Deaf Development (MDD): GDMUSA's own international chapter based in Tamale, Ghana (established 2012). It directly mirrors GDMUSA's mission of serving Deaf Muslims through community programs and Islamic education, representing the same model adapted to a West African context.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/gdeafmuslim/videos
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/global-deaf-muslim

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Global Deaf Muslim