Ever noticed the minaret that distinguishes Beit El-Maqdis Islamic Center? It can be seen blocks away. Beit El-Maqdis is Arabic for “the Holy House of Worship.” This is also one of Jerusalem’s names. Welcome to the Beit El-Maqdis Islamic Center in Brooklyn. It is a community-focused mosque. It offers a space for prayers and events. The center’s mosque serves between 600 and 700 worshipers on Fridays. It is one of about eight mosques in Bay Ridge and Sunset Park. These mosques serve a Muslim population of approximately 22,000.
Beit El-Maqdis Islamic Center is committed to fostering connections. They do this through prayer and community engagement. The center welcomes individuals seeking spiritual growth and fellowship. Beit El-Maqdis was founded in 1999. That year, the building was bought. It started as a community center. Then it became a mosque as well.
In addition to religious services, Beit El-Maqdis holds classes. It also has other activities. On Fridays and Sundays, there are karate lessons for kids. These lessons are for children ages 6 to 14. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are Arabic-language and religion classes. Kids can also get help with tutoring. Subjects include math. There is also an ESL program. Altogether, more than 180 students attend some activities. This includes boys and girls, as well as adults. Beit El-Maqdis also holds town hall meetings. These meetings are for the wider Bay Ridge and Sunset Park community.
Sadly, in November, Beit El-Maqdis was vandalized. A man was caught on camera. He was smashing windows and a security camera with a hammer. After attacking Beit El-Maqdis, the man went to another mosque. He smashed windows and desecrated that building too. He was apprehended and charged with criminal mischief. Politicians, community leaders, and faith leaders rallied. They spoke out against the senseless violence.
After the vandalism, local rabbis and priests and political officials came together at Beit El-Maqdis. They were all supportive. They had one message. These kinds of acts are not acceptable. Beit El-Maqdis is part of the mosaic of the neighborhood. Everyone has to stand together. That is what the community took from the incident.
The third-annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day march ended at Beit El-Maqdis. The march supported immigrants and other marginalized groups. The board hopes for peace and justice for all in the New Year. They hope this especially for the United States. But all around the world, too. Beit El-Maqdis Islamic Center stands as a beacon of faith. It stands as a testament to community resilience. It is a place where diverse traditions come together in the heart of Brooklyn.