MUSLIM COMMUNITY

MUSLIM COMMUNITY. According to a front-page article entitled "Meet Your Muslim Neighbors" in the Telegraph Herald of December 18, 2011 there were one hundred fifty Muslims living in Dubuque. The growing community of Muslims calling Iowa home should not have been a surprise since the Mother Mosque of America is located in Cedar Rapids less than two hours drive to the southwest. (1)

The size of the local community grew with the movement of IBM to Dubuque and the development of its global delivery service center. Prior to this, Dubuque's few Muslims were either doctors or engineers for such employeers as the JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS. The Muslims met together for prayer in someone's home and often had to travel to Chicago for special food. (2)

Dietary needs were addressed when Syed Raziuddin opened KOHINOOR GROCERS at the corner of 12th and White. The store was open daily from noon until 8:00 p.m., except Fridays when it opened after weekly prayer at the local mosque. It was closed Wednesday. Many of the food items were "halal," specially processed according to Islamic law. (3)

By 2011 the growth of the local Muslim population had led to the creation of the Tri-State Islamic Center (TIC) whose president was Navaid Ahmed. The six-year old center at 805 Century Drive served as a place for Muslims to gather for prayer, hear readings of the Quran, teach their children Sunday School lessons and visit after services.

From the website of the Tri-State Islamic Center: (4)

Our Mission:

                   This organization will espouse ‘Oneness of Allah’, 
                   adhere to the values of Islam as enshrined in Qur’an 
                   and follow the Sunnah (specific words, actions and 
                   practices) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) 
                   for further guidance. The organization will carry on 
                   religious, charitable, educational, civic, social, 
                   cultural, literary, athletic, scientific, research, 
                   financial, and any other function pertaining to the 
                   realization of Islam as a complete way of life.  

Our Purpose:

   The purpose of this organization shall be:

                  To form a basic entity to which Muslims in the 
                  Tri-State area of all walks of life may assemble 
                  to share and gain knowledge, give and receive 
                  charity, to offer and receive guidance and assistance, 
                  and promote fellowship.

                  To strengthen the bonds among Muslims and non-Muslims 
                  locally, nationally, and internationally.

                  To promote friendly relations and understanding between 
                  Muslims and Non-Muslims in the Tri-State area.

                  To act as a representative of the Tri-State Muslim Community 
                  in educational, social, and religious matters.

                  To organize and conduct congregational prayers and Islamic 
                  festivities. (Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha).

                  To take initiative for making Islamic teachings known to 
                  interested non-Muslims.

                  Manage the properties that belong to the TIC.

Plans began in 2010 for the construction of a masjid, a local mosque on Radford Court and eventually the hiring of a full-time imam to lead prayers and guide the center. (5)

Efforts were continuing in 2011 to offer Islamic studies to the community. LORAS COLLEGE offered weekly Quran readings and lessons in Arabic. (6)

In January, 2016 following years of preparation and fundraising, plans for the construction of a mosque were approved with construction planned for the spring. The Tri-State Islamic Center purchased 1.79 acres of land at 4980 Radford Road and raised nearly 70% of the $600,000 needed to construct and furnish a one-level, 4,300-square-foot mosque and school with room for conferences and community events. (7) The mosque will be able to fit up to 130 people. (8) Construction was planned in two phases. The first included the construction of a prayer hall and parking lot. The second phase involved converting the unfinished basement into meeting space and adding more parking. (9)

On April 9, 2016 leaders of the Tri-State Islamic Center began construction of Dubuque's first dedicated mosque. (10) The Center opened on December 1, 2016. (11) On April 22, 2017 the completed Center was the scene of an open house.

Dr. Adib Kassas, the center's imam, informed the visitors that the path to Dubuque first mosque began around 1987 with students at the UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE looking for a place to worship. Locations changed several times until land was purchased on Radford Court. (12)

In April, 2018 newly painted golden columns and arch above the mihrab, considered the holiest place in a mosque, were displayed. The art, including a verse from the Quran written in Arabic, were a gift of Dubuque's Catholic community meant to welcome the mosque that opened in 2016. The passage was chosen by Rev. Alan Dietzenbach, associate pastor at ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL and ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, John Eby, a parishioner who also serves on the board of the interfaith CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM, and Adib Kassas, imam for the Tri-State Islamic Center. Translated into English the passage reads:

                   "O mankind~ Surely we have created you from male and female 
                    and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one
                    another. Surely, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah
                    is the one who is the most god-fearing. Allah is surely
                    All-Knowing, All-Aware." (13)

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Source:

1. "Meet Your Muslim Neighbors," Telegraph Herald December 18, 2011

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. "The Tri-State Islamic Center," Online: http://www.thetic.org/

5. "Meet Your Muslim Neighbors,"

6. Ibid.

7. Barton, Thomas J. "Mosque Plans Invigorate Dubuque Muslims," Telegraph Herald, January 11, 2016, p. 1A

8. Descorbeth, Shirley, "Dubuque's Muslim Community Plans to Build Mosque," Online: http://www.wvva.com/story/30939073/2016/01/11/dubuques-muslim-community-plans-to-build-mosque

9. Barton

10. Kruse, John. "Leaders Break Ground on City's 1st Mosque," Telegraph Herald, April 10, 2016, p. 17A.

11. Barton, Thomas J., "Muslims Laud Opening of Area's First Mosque," Telegraph Herald, Dcember 21, 2016, p. 1

12. Yager, Alicia. "Dubuque Mosque Welcomes Visitors," Telegraph Herald, April 23, 2017, p. 1A

13. Hinga, Allie, "Local Catholics Welcome Mosque With Gift of Art," Telegraph Herald, April 30, 2018, p. 1A