The Islamic Center of America stands as a beacon of faith and community in Dearborn, Michigan. Nestled at 19500 Ford Road, this remarkable institution serves over 5,000 families in the greater Detroit area, making it a cornerstone of America’s Muslim community. Since its establishment, the Islamic Center of America has grown from a modest mosque to become the largest Islamic center in North America, serving as a model for religious institutions nationwide.
Fact 1: America’s Largest Mosque
The Islamic Center of America’s impressive statistics showcase its magnitude:
- Main prayer hall: 65,000 square feet
- Total building area: 120,000 square feet
- Capacity: Over 3,000 worshippers
- Parking: 500+ vehicles
- Additional overflow spaces for major holidays: Up to 5,000 people
For comparison, this makes it substantially larger than other notable mosques like:
- Islamic Cultural Center of New York (capacity: 1,500)
- Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (capacity: 1,200)
- Diyanet Center of America in Maryland (capacity: 1,800)
Fact 2: Rich Historical Heritage
The center’s journey spans several key milestones:
- 1963: Original founding on Joy Road
- 1975: First major expansion to accommodate growing community
- 2000: Groundbreaking for current location
- 2005: Grand opening on Ford Road
- 2015: 50th anniversary celebration attended by over 10,000 people
Notable achievements include hosting three U.S. presidents and receiving numerous architectural awards for its design.
Fact 3: Architectural Marvel
The Islamic Center of America’s architecture combines traditional Islamic elements with modern design:
Exterior Features:
- Two 110-foot minarets with LED lighting systems
- 65-foot central dome covered in gold-colored tiles
- Hand-carved stone archways
- Custom-designed landscape featuring Islamic geometric patterns
Interior Elements:
- Hand-painted Arabic calligraphy featuring 100+ Quranic verses
- Imported crystal chandeliers from Turkey
- Custom-made prayer carpet from Morocco
- Mihrab decorated with traditional muqarnas (honeycomb vaulting)
- Stained glass windows depicting Islamic geometric patterns
Fact 4: Community Hub Beyond Worship
The center’s community programs include:
Educational Initiatives:
- Weekly Quran classes (serving 300+ students)
- Arabic language courses (beginner to advanced)
- Islamic history seminars
- Public speaking workshops
Social Services:
- Mental health counseling
- Marriage services
- Funeral services
- Financial assistance programs
- Free medical clinic (twice monthly)
Youth Activities:
- Basketball league (100+ participants)
- Scout troops
- Summer camps
- Art classes
- Debate club
Fact 5: Interfaith Leadership
Interfaith initiatives include:
- Monthly dialogue sessions with 12 local religious institutions
- Annual Ramadan interfaith dinner serving 500+ guests
- Joint holiday celebrations with neighboring churches
- Interfaith youth service projects
- Educational tours for local schools (100+ schools annually)
Fact 6: Educational Excellence
The center’s educational programs feature:
Full-time School:
- Grades K-12
- 400+ enrolled students
- 30+ certified teachers
- Advanced placement courses
- 98% college acceptance rate
Weekend Programs:
- Saturday Islamic school (600+ students)
- Sunday Arabic classes
- Teen leadership academy
- College prep workshops
- Adult continuing education
Fact 7: Cultural Preservation
The center’s cultural resources include:
Library Collection:
- 10,000+ books in multiple languages
- Rare manuscript collection
- Digital archives
- Research databases
- Children’s literature section
Museum Features:
- Islamic art exhibitions
- Historical artifacts
- Interactive displays
- Rotating exhibits
- Virtual tours
Fact 8: Tourist Destination
Tourism impact:
- 7,000+ annual visitors
- 300+ guided tours per year
- Visitors from 50+ countries
- Educational programs for 100+ schools
- Economic impact: $2+ million annually to local economy
Conclusion
The Islamic Center of America continues to grow and serve as a bridge between communities. Whether you’re seeking spiritual guidance, educational opportunities, or cultural understanding, the center offers something for everyone.
Take the first step to experience this remarkable institution – schedule a tour, attend a program, or participate in one of our many community events.
FAQs
Visiting Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Prayer times: Posted monthly on website
- Special holiday hours during Ramadan
Dress Code:
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Head covering provided for women if needed
- No shorts or sleeveless tops
- Clean socks for prayer area access
Photography:
- Personal photos allowed in designated areas
- Professional photography: $100 permit required
- Video recording requires advance permission
- No photography during prayers
Parking:
- 500+ free parking spaces
- 20 handicap spots
- Valet service for special events
- Security patrol during prayer times
- Well-lit parking areas with 24/7 surveillance
Contact the Islamic Center of America at (313) 593-0000 or visit their website for tour reservations and additional information.
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