Islamic Society of Baltimore facts for kids
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Larry Hogan speaking at ISB in 2018
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| Abbreviation | ISB |
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| Formation | 1969 |
| Founded at | Shaffer Hall, in the Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University |
| Legal status | active |
| Purpose | serves Muslims of the Baltimore area |
| Location |
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| Services | Al-Rahmah School, Al-Rahmah Nursery, Al-Rahmah Quran Academy, Health Clinic |
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President
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Hasan Hammad |
Council Member(s):
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The Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB) is a Muslim community center. It is located in Catonsville, Baltimore County, Maryland. The center includes Masjid Al-Rahmah, Al-Rahmah School, and other helpful services.
Three Muslim doctors started the society in 1969. It became well-known when then-President Barack Obama visited on February 3, 2016. By 2019, the society was serving about 3,000 people in the area.
Contents
The Story of ISB
The Islamic Society of Baltimore began in 1969. Three Muslim doctors founded it. One of them was Mohamed Z. Awad, a doctor from Egypt. They wanted to help Muslims keep their faith. They also wanted to pass on their Islamic traditions to their children. This was important as they lived in a new country.
Early Gatherings and Growth
The society started with a few families. They met every Sunday at Shaffer Hall. This hall is part of Johns Hopkins University. They would pray, discuss religious texts, and study Arabic. The group officially registered in Maryland on September 2, 1969.
Soon, they began raising money for a mosque. They held fundraising events called bazaars. These bazaars took place at Johns Hopkins University. Most early members were from India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. By the late 1970s, the society served about one hundred diverse families.
Building the Mosque and School
The society bought land on Johnnycake Road. Masjid Al-Rahmah, their mosque, was built there from 1982 to 1983. The mosque could hold about 180 people. However, around 300 people would attend Friday prayers.
By 1985, the society had about 475 families. In 1987, they built a gymnasium. They also opened Al-Rahmah School, a full-time school for K-12 students. It started with 27 students. The campus also has housing. The Al-Rahmah Quran Academy opened in 1999–2000.
Community Support and Safety
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Islamic Society of Baltimore spoke out. They strongly condemned the attacks. On September 13, leaders from nine Baltimore mosques met there. They discussed how to help victims. Police officers were stationed at the mosque for safety.
Open House and Community Unity
On September 23, the society held an open house. Many people from the public attended. Martin O'Malley, who was then Baltimore mayor, also visited. In the weeks after the attacks, the mosque reported no major problems. This showed the community's support.
Ensuring Safety for All
In 2015, the society received two anonymous threats. The police were informed right away. They did not believe the threats were real. However, they increased security on the campus. This helped ensure everyone's safety.
President Obama's Historic Visit
In December 2015, the White House met with Muslim leaders. They talked about growing unkindness towards religious groups. The leaders asked President Barack Obama to visit a mosque. They had been asking for this for years.
Planning the Visit
On January 28, 2016, mosque officials learned of a possible visit. The White House officially announced the visit on January 30. An official said the visit was to celebrate Muslim Americans. It also aimed to show the importance of religious freedom in America.
Obama's Speech at ISB
Barack Obama visited the mosque on February 3, 2016. This was his first presidential visit to a mosque in the United States. He met with Muslim community leaders. He also gave a speech. In his speech, he spoke against negative talk and violence towards Muslims. He also talked about Islam's role in American history.
Growing for the Future
County officials asked the society to remove temporary classrooms. These trailers were used because the school needed more space. About ten Al-Rahmah School classes were held in them. The society then planned a new expansion.
Expansion Plans and Construction
They received permission from the county. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2018. The expansion would add a library and more classrooms. It would also create larger prayer areas for big events. The Al-Rahmah Quran Academy would move closer to the main building.
The project was estimated to cost about $2 million. It was planned to finish by August 2019. This would be around the society's 50th anniversary. The "50 Strong" campaign celebrated both the anniversary and the expansion. The society collected old photos and documents. These were to be shown in a special project for the anniversary.
Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Islamic Society of Baltimore took action. They canceled all prayers and events. Instead, they broadcast programs and religious activities online. This helped people stay connected safely.
Mosque leaders formed a team of doctors. This team recommended safety rules. During Ramadan, the society gave out "Blessing Boxes." These boxes had food like flour, oil, and rice. They helped Muslim families affected by COVID-19. A drive-through was also set up for families to get meals safely. The society also received a grant to help promote public health.
See also
- Islam in Maryland
- List of mosques in the United States
