About Muslim Space
Our Story
It started with small conversations during play dates and coffee breaks. We'd watch our kids playing gleefully in the background and wonder out loud, "Will they grow up proud to be Muslim?". We'd swap stories of our own experiences in various mosques and communities - what we loved, what we didn't and what we wish we had.
Soon we noticed that the void we were feeling wasn't limited to those of us who are parents but that it was a longing shared by many in the community. By young professionals and retirees alike. By those new to Islam and those who are seasoned community members. We all seemed to be searching for the same thing, a spiritual community who had, at its core, a harmonious balance of American values and Islamic beliefs.
We then picked up on the buzz of independent activity happening outside the traditional Islamic setting. Pop-up Quran studies and interfaith social clubs. City wide charity drives and new Muslim support groups. The community was already present, what was needed was a path to unity. And so began our task.
Muslim Space came out of the passionate belief that our sum is greater than our parts. That if we came together bringing all of our skills and zeal, our flaws and frustrations, we can grow as one. We can cultivate an environment of pride and strength in our identity. Build a cooperative under the tenets of compassion, support and mindfulness. And provide a spiritual home for those who seek it. God willing.
We welcome you to Muslim Space, where there is always a place for you.
Your founding team,
Fawzia, Shadia, Zainib, Shabana, Malikah, Uzma, Ayesha, Muna & Sana
(and our families)
Background
The presence of Muslims in America is older than the country itself. Islam is intertwined in the foundation of America and Muslims have served in every facet of its history. As the wave of immigrants entering Ellis Island peaked at the turn of the 20th century with it came Muslims from every corner of the globe seeking safety, opportunity and the lucent American Dream. They brought with them their language, their food, their culture and their religion and they joined the diverse array of Muslims already living here.
These early American-Muslim communities were small but close-knit. They gathered for Friday prayers in make-shift mosques - a living room, the basement of a church or above a congregant's grocery store. Quran recitation preceded potluck dinners. Card games were played and recipes were swapped, all while the laughter of the youth echoed in the background. Communal unity was nurtured and cultivated decades before buildings were constructed and mosques established.
Through hard work and humility came success. Yet, it was their embrace of American values and retention of their faith that brought them lasting prosperity. Their legacy is the inspiration behind Muslim Space.
Cedar Rapids mosque, July 16, 1936. Courtesy of Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Dearborn Mosque, 1944. Courtesy of Islamic Center of Greater Toledo (icgt.org)
Youth class, Toledo 1965. Courtesy of Islamic Center of Greater Toledo (icgt.org)
Young members of the community, 1952. Courtesy of Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad
Chicago Muslim community, 1977. Courtesy of Waliakbar Muhammad