About the Upper Darby Islamic Center

BRIEF HISTORY OF MASJID AL MADINAH – UPPER DARBY ISLAMIC CENTER

Masjid Al Madinah was founded in the summer of 1998 by several Muslim Americans living in Delaware County PA. Most of the founders took residence in this county, because they felt it provided a good environment to raise a family. In Upper Darby Township, the Muslim Community is very diverse and composed of both local and immigrant Muslims. Immigrant Muslims come from Asia, Africa, Middle East, Islands, and Europe.

It is worth mentioning that before buying, what would become later, Masjid Al Madinah, several founders prayed Isha Salaat at the houses of Brothers Sheikh Siddique and Yasin Babu, then moved to the basement of Brother Mohammad Fazle Samad Arif’s house at 155 Over Hill Road for several months. Masjid Al Madinah, 6800 Ludlow Street, was purchased in May 1999 through a county auction. The purchase price was $22,650.00. With The Almighty’s Guidance, and foresight and wisdom of Brothers Mohammad Fazle Samad, Sheikh Siddique, Mehboob Sharif, Dr. Selim Aziz, Kamal Rahman, Nazmul Hossain, Alauddin Patwary, Iftekhar Hossain, Yasin Babu, Salauddin Chowdhury, Idris Bhuyan, Dr. Khalid Lodi, Saleem Thomson, Mohamed Majeed, and Piar Mohammad, Masjid Al Madinah was incorporated.

In 2013, the Masjid Committee identified a bank building for sale at 201 South 69th Street in Upper Darby which had 15000 Square feet of total area across 3 floors. We purchased the property for the amount of $825,000 on February 7, 2014. We spent an additional $425,000 to renovate and bring the facility in compliance with existing rules and regulations. On July 18, 2015, we received the temporary occupancy permit from the Township. All praise be to Allah for granting us this accomplishment.

May Allah reward each and every one who took part in this noble cause. We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Mayor Thomas Micozzie of Upper Darby and his administration for their cooperation throughout this project.

May Allah continue to guide us to do well and keep us united.

We pray and hope the new center will bring a great benefit to our community and serve well the generations to come.

May Almighty Allah find our efforts pleasing and worthy of His Bounties. Ameen,

– Kamal Rahman (President)

Objectives

Insha-Allah, the new building will serve as a focal point for the Muslim community in Upper Darby and other areas and fulfill among other things the following functions:

• – It will make for a spacious venue for Daily Salah, Jumua’h, Taraweeh and Eid Prayers.
• – It will organize an after school program, evening hifz and Quran teaching classes for children and adults, a Sunday Islamic school, a summer education camp, and seminars.
• – Provide funeral and family counseling services. Provide health care for needy families through medical camps.
• – Offer after school homework services and prepare high school students for the crucial SAT test.