A SHORT HISTORY OF DOWNTOWN ISLAMIC CENTER
A group of concerned Muslims working in Downtown Chicago area felt a need for a place to establish daily and Friday prayers. By the help of Almighty Allah, they started the Downtown Islamic Center (DIC) in Ramadan 1396 A. H. (August 1976) in a small rented room that hardly accommodated twenty (20) people. The DIC has seen a phenomenal growth since then. As a result of the continuous growth by the Mercy of Allah (swt), DIC moved three (3) times to larger locations. During this period a need was felt to acquire our own permanent place and establish a Masjid in the heart of one of the world’s busiest and highly complex downtown area. Al-hamdulillah, by the Grace of Almighty Allah and sincere efforts of our Muslim brothers and sisters, we established a permanent Masjid in a purchased building of our own in the heart of the Downtown Chicago located at 231 South State Street, Chicago, IL. This DIC Masjid building is a five story structure with a total floor area of 25,000 Sq. feet. Al-hamdulillah - we now have our own Masjid where over five hundreds (500) Muslims pray Daily and Friday (Jum’ah) prayers in the heart of downtown Chicago.
The location of DIC is unique for Islamic Da’wah work. Today, Chicago is a leading global city and a major transportation hub, as well as the business, financial, and cultural capital of the American Midwest.
It is interesting to note that Chicago attracted a combined 44.17 million people in 2006 from around the nation and abroad. Upscale shopping along the Magnificent Mile, thousands of restaurants, as well as Chicago's eminent architecture, World Famous places such as the Sears Tower, The Art Institute, Chicago Board of Trade, Offices of the Senators and Congressmen and headquarters of the powerful businesses continue to draw tourists to downtown Chicago area in large numbers. The city is the United States' third-largest convention destination. Most conventions are held at McCormick Place near downtown Chicago.
The above valuable aspects of downtown Chicago provide Muslims in this area a unique opportunity for Islamic Da’wah. Al-hamdulillah, by the Grace of Almighty Allah, the Downtown Islamic Center is now a busy place for Islamic activities and is getting busier with every passing day. DIC currently conducts the following activities on a regular basis:
· Daily prayers
· Friday Prayers
· Eid Prayers
· Qur’anic Study and Da’wah Classes
· Library Services
· Community Outreach Programs
· Da’wah for Muslims and Non-Muslims
May Allah (swt) help us all and grant us Peace, Happiness and a Joy that have no end.