The Pluralism Project at Harvard UniversityCenter Profile
Islamic Society of Greater Worcester (2009)
(Islam)
57 Laurel Street
Worcester MA 01605
Phone: 508-752-4377
Websites:
About
Our aims are to maintain one of the houses of Allah for everyone who wants to come and pray here, to provide the children of this community an opportunity to learn the basic teachings of Islam through the Sunday Islamic school, to provide a place for social events in the community, and to promote understanding of various issues important to the community through lectures.Description
Description
The Worcester Islamic community began to gather in the early 1970s. In 1979, the community purchased a Catholic church and renovated it for use as an Islamic center. Today, the Islamic Society of Greater Worcester provides the Muslim community with an environment conducive to the development of Islamic values and practices here in America. With close ties to the Muslim Students' Associations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University, the Islamic Society has placed great emphasis on the education of its youth since its founding in the late 1970s.Activities and Schedule
Over 100 children participate in the Sunday Islamic education program. There are classes in Qur'anic recitation, the Arabic language, and Islamic teachings. A full-time Islamic School, Alhamra Academy, was founded in 1994 and now has over sixty students enrolled. The Islamic Society sends a representative to the Worcester County Ecumenical Council. Visitors are welcome to attend the Friday and Sunday activities, which include prayer, Qur'anic recitation, and discussions of the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Jum'ah Prayer takes place on Friday at 1:00 P.M. Classes take place on Sunday form 10:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. and Five Daily Prayers.
Date Center Founded
Late 1970's
Lay Leader and Title
Mohamad Ilyas, President
Membership
300 families
Ethnic Composition
Various nationalities
Affiliation with Other Communities/Organizations
Alhuda Academy