The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Contrary to most assumptions, a significant number of 19th century settlers of the Northern Plains were Muslim. The first structure built in the United States with the express purpose of serving as a mosque was built in Ross, North Dakota, in the far Northwest Corner of the state. These earliest Muslim settlers to the region were farmers but also served as peddlers who traveled throughout the region providing a life line of communication and commodities to disparate farm communities around the state. There has been a new wave of immigration in the last 20 years that has renewed the Muslim presence in the state.

Description

The Islamic Center of Fargo-Moorehead is located in a residential neighborhood in North Fargo in a building that formerly served as a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall. The community has recently renovated the space but they are in the early planning stages for a completely new structure that can accommodate the growing Islamic community in Fargo. Members of the Center estimated that there are between 3 and 5 thousand Muslims in the Fargo-Morehead region. The Islamic Center of Fargo-Morehead is very ethnically diverse consisting of families from South Asia, the Middle East, North and East Africa, Europe, and a growing number of local American converts. The community is very active and provides a number of educational opportunities for its members. In addition to Friday prayers and regular daily prayers there are 5 Quranic study circles throughout the week for adults. There is also a Sunday School for children and a Girl Scout troop.