Here at Al-Iman Mosque we find a place of community. Al-Iman Mosque stands on Steinway Street. It offers solace and connection to the Muslim community in Queens. The Al-Iman Mosque’s address is 24-30 Steinway St. It is located in Long Island City, NY 11103.
Al-Iman Mosque is a Sunni mosque. It serves as a local hub for Muslims. It offers amenities such as wash and restroom facilities. There is parking available. The mosque provides facilities for women. It is wheelchair accessible. Al-Iman Mosque provides language services in Arabic and English.
The Al-Iman Mosque in New York City reflects a broader historical narrative. The 1960s marked a turning point for Islam in America. Immigration policies eased. This allowed more people from Muslim-majority countries to immigrate. New York City saw an increase in Muslim immigrants starting in the 1970s. The Al-Iman Mosque became a place where Muslims could practice their faith.
Muslims journeyed to the United States. They found hope in the Quran’s message. It advises traveling to another land to escape oppression. This idea of journeying became central. It remains a key narrative for Muslims arriving in New York City.
Muslim establishments invested in building mosques. These mosques would teach Sunni Islam. This was to prepare for a worldwide revival. The revival promoted conservative Islam. Debates arose over who was a good Muslim. This movement caused division and upheaval.
By the late 1970s and 1980s new mosques were founded. This coincided with a decline in the African American Muslim movement. Political events spurred increased Muslim immigration. The Arab-Israel war spurred Palestinians into New York City. Civil wars led to mosques of exile and deliverance.
In 1973, Nigerians formed the Nigerian Muslim Association. In 1975, Pakistani and Indian Muslims formed the Muslim Center of New York. Various forms of Islam began to emerge. They differed in theology, ritual, and lifestyle.
In 1976, Pakistani followers founded al-Falah Mosque. In 1979, Kuwait helped Bangladeshi Muslims start Masjid al-Aman in Brooklyn. Shia Muslims also began mosque projects. The Iranian revolution in 1979 brought Persians into exile.
In the 1980s, Indo-Guyanese Muslims formed a mosque in Queens. In 1983, the Islamic Center of Corona was started. From 1984 to 1985, Murids from North Africa migrated to New York City.
The Senegalese Murids’ work ethic led to mosques and Islamic circles. Islam also spread among Latinos. In 1988, Khadijah Rivera founded PIEDAD.
In the 1990s, African American mosque participation declined. South Asians drove mosque expansion. In 1991, the Muslim Center of New York was founded. The Islamic Cultural Center on 96th Street was built. Also in 1991, Albanian Muslims started a cultural center.
In 1994, Ahl-e-Sunnat wa Jama’at founded Idara Tableeghul-Islam. Edgy forms of Islam emerged among African American artists.
The destruction of the World Trade Center shook the Muslim community. Mosques re-examined preaching and attitudes. Some mosques examined the backgrounds of imams. Violent extremism and cultural shock contributed to the problem.
In 1993, followers of Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman bombed the World Trade Center. Some mosques closed. The events of 9/11 served as a wake-up call. Some alienated believers ended up in a mosque linked to terrorism. Most Muslim leaders changed their preaching. They showed more appreciation for the United States. They denounced extremists and cooperated with the FBI.
Some mosques were founded with peaceful imams. In 1995, Masjid Al-Hikmah was founded by Indonesians. In 1997, the Latino American Dawah Organization was established. In 1998, LGBT Muslims founded Al-Fatiha.
In the late 1990s, African Muslims accelerated mosque establishment. In 2001, Senegalese Muslims established Masjid Touba. Journeys from Africa faced immigration restrictions.
As Africans settled and mosques grew a new sense of sacredness emerged. Sociologist Zain Abdullah described it as a Black Mecca. The 1999 murder of Amadou Diallo brought Africans and African Americans together.
The 9/11 attacks shocked Afghans at Masjid Hazrati Abu Bakr Siddique. In 2008, the Empire State Building flashed Muslim-colored lights. In 2010, an attempt to build a mosque near Ground Zero sparked controversy. Bloomberg declared that no inch of New York City is off limits.
Muslims are expanding and building mosques. Masjid al-Aman is building a worship center for women. Recently, Mexican immigrants have converted to Islam. Cyber Islam overlays a social network that sometimes supersedes mosques. New Yorkers are becoming Muslims online. Apps provide prayer times and direct worshippers toward Mecca.
Muslims believe that New York City and America will fare well. America represents hope to Muslim immigrants. The Quran states encouragement for those who struggle in God’s path. New York City Public Schools recognize Muslim holidays.