Fast forward to 1790, the country’s early years saw the introduction of the Naturalization Act, which stipulated that only free whites of good moral character could become citizens. This legislation discouraged many non-white Muslims, including Arabs, Indians, and Africans, from immigrating to the country.

However, by the late 1870s, a surge of immigrants from the Middle East, notably from present-day Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon, began to enter the United States. They were classified as “Turks” and deemed ineligible for citizenship for being Asiatic. These individuals sought greater economic stability on American shores. Many found work as miners, factory workers, peddlers, grocers, shopkeepers, or petty merchants, with a significant number establishing themselves in the Midwest​.

In 1914, the number of Arab Muslims in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was just 45. But within a decade, they had built a full-scale Muslim community, which included over 50 shops and grocery stores by the mid-1920s. In 1925, a group known as ‘The Rose of Fraternity Lodge’ rented a building to serve as a temporary mosque, sparking the dream of constructing a permanent place of worship​.

Finally, on February 15, 1934, in the midst of the Great Depression, the Mother Mosque of America opened its doors for the first time, serving as both a mosque and a social center. This simple, one-story wood frame building was the first mosque designed and built in America, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s religious and immigration history​​.

As the muslim community grew, a new mosque was constructed on 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids in 1970. However, it was later sold and repurposed. The Islamic Council of Iowa purchased and renovated the building in the early 1990s. Today, it serves as a place of worship and a resource center, preserving the history of muslims in America.

The Mother Mosque of America stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of African Muslim slaves to the struggle for equality and justice, their faith shaping the early civil rights discourse. The mosque also marks a milestone in the acceptance of Islam, epitomized by Abdallah Ingram’s successful endeavor to establish Islam as a valid faith within the U.S. military. stands as a beacon of Muslim prosperity in America, a testament to the vibrant community that continues to enrich the nation’s cultural fabric.

Source: https://www.nps.gov/articles/mothermosque.htm

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The mosque was constructed by Malik ibn Dinar, a Muslim scholar and traveler known for his profound influence on Sunni thinkers. Malik ibn Dinar was one of the first known Muslims to propagate Islam in the Indian subcontinent after the departure of King Cheraman Perumal. A dedicated teacher, translator of the Qur’an, and an eloquent orator, Malik’s teachings continue to influence Islamic scholars to this day. In addition to his religious teachings, Malik also showed an appreciation for other religions, notably Christianity, and drew spiritual inspiration from various sources​​.

The Cheraman Juma Mosque is shrouded in legends and interesting trivia. It is the only mosque in Kerala that faces eastwards, unlike the traditional westward orientation of other mosques. The white marble in the premises is said to have been brought from Makkah, reflecting the mosque’s ties to the birthplace of Islam. The mosque has also been graced by notable personalities, including the former Indian president, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam​.

Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone several renovations to accommodate a growing number of attendees. Despite these changes, the original sanctum sanctorum and the internal structure have been preserved in respect of their historical and cultural importance.

Today, the Cheraman Juma Mosque stands not just as a place of worship, but as a testament to a history of religious tolerance and cultural exchange. It is a reminder of Kerala’s vibrant tradition of embracing ideas, people, and religions from around the world, a tradition that continues to thrive today.

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Creation of the Mosque: The Early Days

The Prophet’s Mosque was established by the Prophet Muhammad himself in 622 CE. This was the year of the Hijra, the migration of Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions from Mecca to Medina. Upon arriving in Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) decided to construct a place for Muslims to gather and pray. The location for this mosque was chosen because it was the land he was offered by two orphan brothers when he arrived in Medina.

The original mosque was a humble structure, measuring approximately 30 meters by 35 meters. It was made of palm trunks and mud walls, with a simple palm thatch roof. This was a direct reflection of the simplicity and modesty that characterized early Islam. The mosque also had a shaded area to the south called the Suffah where visitors could shelter.

The Prophet’s Mosque was much more than a place of worship. It was the hub of the Muslim community in Medina, serving multiple functions. It was a place of prayer, a community center, a court, and a religious school. It was also the Prophet’s (pbuh) residence, as his house was attached to the mosque.

Expansion Over Time

As the Muslim community grew, the mosque was expanded several times. The first significant expansion took place under the reign of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who ruled from 634 to 644 CE. He extended the mosque on all sides, almost doubling its size.

The second Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, who reigned from 644 to 656 CE, further expanded the mosque due to the growing number of Muslims. He added more columns and pushed the walls out, enlarging the prayer area.

The mosque continued to be extended and renovated throughout the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, but the most substantial modifications occurred during the Ottoman Empire. In the 16th century, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent ordered the construction of the iconic green dome over the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). This distinctive feature, known as the Green Dome, is one of the most recognizable elements of the mosque today.

In recent history, Saudi rulers have also carried out extensive expansion and renovation projects. One of the most significant expansions was undertaken by King Fahd in the late 20th century, which increased the mosque’s capacity to accommodate hundreds of thousands of worshippers.
Conclusion

Today, the Prophet’s Mosque stands as a testament to the growth and development of Islam. Its humble beginnings, significant expansions, and continual renovations reflect the journey of the Muslim community from its inception to the present day. Despite the changes over time, the mosque continues to hold its place as a symbol of Islamic faith and devotion, drawing millions of pilgrims from around the world each year. Its historical and spiritual significance makes it an essential destination for Muslims and a fascinating site for people of all faiths interested in understanding the history of Islam.

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