Islamic Cultural Center of New York

Islamic Cultural Center of New York

The Islamic Cultural Center of New York is a non-profit religious and cultural organization dedicated to educational, religious, and social purposes. Established in the early 1960s, the center is a registered 501(c)(3) organization under the IRS, which ensures its tax-exempt status. Its mission is to serve both the Muslim community in Manhattan and the wider Muslim population in America, while also promoting understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Founding and Vision

The original vision for the Islamic Cultural Center was to create a comprehensive Muslim institution that included a mosque, school, library, lecture hall, museum, and a residence for the Imam. This vision was built upon the objective of fulfilling the religious needs of the Muslim community while also educating and informing the broader public about Islam and its culture. The center was designed to be a beacon for religious education, cultural enlightenment, and interfaith dialogue.

Objectives of the Center

The primary objectives of the Islamic Cultural Center include:

Serving the Muslim Community:

Providing a place of worship and religious education to assist the Muslim community, especially in Manhattan.

Promoting Knowledge of Islam:

Educating the public on the teachings, ideology, philosophy, and culture of Islam to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding.

Religious Guidance:

Offering religious guidance and legal opinions based on Islamic law, addressing cultural and social issues.

Fostering Interfaith Relations:

Encouraging peaceful and friendly relations between Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States.

Establishment and Support

The Islamic Cultural Center was initially established by Muslim ambassadors representing several countries at the United Nations, who form the Board of Trustees. This unique affiliation has enabled the center to receive support from Muslim countries worldwide, ensuring that its religious practices and messages are representative of the global Islamic community.

The Mosque Construction Journey

In the 1960s, the Islamic Cultural Center operated out of a five-story building at 72nd Street and Riverside Drive in New York City. However, the center’s vision was always to establish an iconic mosque in Manhattan, a city that had houses of worship for many religions but lacked a mosque representing Islam.

In 1966, with donations from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Libya amounting to $754,394 USD, the project for the mosque’s construction was initiated. An 88,000-square-foot piece of property in Manhattan was purchased, and fundraising efforts began to cover the cost of construction.

Architectural Design and Construction

The center selected the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1987 to design a mosque that would blend traditional Islamic architecture with the modern cityscape of New York. This design aimed to create a landmark building that would both represent Islam and stand harmoniously alongside the city’s skyline.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque took place on May 16, 1987, in the presence of the Mayor of New York, the Muslim Diplomatic Corps, and a large gathering from the Muslim community. Despite construction delays, the building was completed in 1990, with 3,000 worshippers attending Eid prayers in the basement of the Center that year.

Official Opening of the Mosque

The mosque officially opened on September 25, 1991, with a grand ceremony attended by Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Jaber, the Emir of Kuwait. The mosque’s construction cost approximately $17 million USD and stands as a proud representation of Islam in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Conclusion

The Islamic Cultural Center of New York continues to serve as a hub for religious, educational, and cultural activities, providing resources for Muslims and the wider community. It remains a symbol of interfaith understanding, cultural exchange, and spiritual growth in the heart of New York City.