The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

History

The Islamic Center of Mississippi is an independent organization associated with the Muslim Student Association of Mississippi State University but represents a widely diverse community of local Muslims in the region. The masjid belonging to the organization was constructed from the ground up in 1992 near the Mississippi State campus. It includes plenty of space for classes, conferences, recreation and accommodates a large number of worshipers in the main hall. Building the masjid was quite an undertaking. Funds for the construction came from the Islamic Society of North America, members of the university, private donors and other sources.

The imam states on their website that the function of the Islamic Center "is to practice and propagate Islam in the United States of America by providing religious, educational and recreational facilities for members of the public at large. The emergence of an American Muslim identity is its prime goal.” To this end, the Islamic Center of Mississippi and the Muslim Student Association work together to educate the wider public in Starkville about Islam through lecture series, talks and festivals. Recent events included a series of dinner and discussion groups to help the community at Mississippi State cope with the events of 11 September, 2001 and better understand Islam in America.

Activities and Schedule

The Islamic Center of Mississippi provides prayer service at all times of the day seven days a week, with Friday prayer at 1:00 p.m. Other prayers are also offered regularly five times a day. The masjid celebrates all major Muslims festivals. The Islamic Center is accessible to members around the clock for prayers and studies. During Ramadan, tarawih prayers are observed every night. To accommodate the local university community, the center offers language classes in Arabic, Urdu and Persian. Leadership consists of the imam and a board of directors. All major issues are brought to the community before decisions are made.