World Religions in Greater Boston: Home

History

The Islamic Society of Framingham is the non-profit organization that maintains Masjid-e-Basheer. The early members of Masjdi-e-Basheer began meeting at a condominium in Framingham. It was not until 1999 that the center located on South Street was leased for a monthly rent of $800. The Mosque now serves close to 100 families. In 2001, the ISF turned to the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) for assistance in allocating an imam for their mosque. Since then, Imam Mushtaque Ahamad has been serving as the Mosque’s imam, leader of the Al-Falaah school, counselor, and as a friend to many. Imam Ahamad is an Indian theologian and haafiz (one who has memorized the entire Qur’an and is therefore understood to be an Islamic scholar). While Masjid-e-Basheer has been in existence since 1999, the Mosque’s visibility remains moderately weak. Most of its members are working professionals who volunteer what little free time they have to the development of the Mosque. Nevertheless, the Mosque offers several important services to its members, and hopes to expand its outreach efforts in the near future.

Description

Were it not for the Masjid-e-Basheer sign located above the door, one probably could not tell that the small and simple brick house on the corner of South Street is a mosque. The house maintains one level that is occupied by the men and women’s prayer spaces, which are also used for the Al-Falaah Sunday school students. Due to the limit in available space, the women’s prayer area is almost half the size of the men’s prayer area.

Activities and Schedule

The Islamic Society of Framingham maintains a school, Al-Falaah, which functions under Imam Mushtaque Ahamad at Masjid-E-Basheer. Over 30 students are taught the Arabic alphabet and phonetics, Qur’anic recitation and memorization, and hadith (oral traditions of the life and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad). Jum’ah (Friday) prayers receive close to 70 male members and are lead by Imam Ahamad. For more information on Masjid-e-Basheer’s services, visit www.islamicsocietyframingham.org.

Outreach

Though Masjid-e-Basheer has not formally worked with many outside community organizations, its members have met with congregations of Unitarian churches in Westborough to learn about each others’ faiths. Community members and neighbors have also stopped by the mosque to ask questions about Islam and the Mosque. One member of the Mosque remarked on the need for more structured outreach work, which members hope to develop once they have officially moved to their new facility on Union Avenue in Framingham.

Plans for Expansion

Located on 324 Union Avenue in Framingham is a former Friendly’s restaurant, which Masjid-e-Basheer has purchased. There are three phases to the process of attaining ownership of the new property; the first being the purchase of the property. Secondly, a permit needs to be granted in order to shift the lot from a commercial zone to a worshiping zone, which the Mosque has obtained. Lastly, renovations need to be made to the interior in order for the space to be used. As of yet, Masjid-e-Basheer has raised half of the amount needed to complete renovations. The Mosque hopes to meet its goal by mid-September of 2007, which is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Date center founded:

1999

Ethnic composition:

India and Pakistan

Languages spoken:

English, Urdu