Masjid Miami Gardens

This year marks the 15-year-legacy of The Islamic Center of Greater Miami, the result of a series of fortunate events that began in a small apartment-room more than 25 years ago.

“This place is special, I like being in this place, it brings me the pleasure of Allah,” said Fahad Abrar, 22.

In 1973 several Muslim residents began a mosque from a room in their apartment where they held the traditional Friday prayers as well as other Muslim rituals.

Two years later, after saving up money and collecting funds from local Muslims they purchased a house on Flagler St. which today is called Masjid Miami.

In 1995, Masjid Miami administrators bought a small church in Miami Gardens, and after two years of renovations, Masjid Miami Gardens was introduced to the Muslim community of the area.

“My first reason for coming here is because it’s nearest,” said Abdus Salamkhan, 70.

The Mosque, located in 4305 NW 183^rd St., is open 7 days a week from 5:34 a.m. when the first prayer of the day, Al Fajr, takes place, until 7:30 p.m. when the last prayer of the day, Isha, takes place.

“I arrive here at 6 a.m. to recite our first morning prayer and I stay until our 7:30 p.m. prayer is over,” said the mosque’s Imam, Ismet Akcin.

The Mosque volunteers offer Sunday classes for children ages 4-13 starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.

“The children learn about all aspects of Islamic religion and culture beginning with basics such as the Arabic alphabet and continues with Surah memorization, Islamic History and so on,” said Muhammed Hassain, a mosque volunteer.

Masjid Miami Gardens is most popular amongst sunni Muslims.

“I would say about 90 percent of the Muslims that come here are sunni,” said Nasim Hassain, a volunteer at the mosque.

Despite the large Sunny following, the mosque’s website states that, “These mosques are open to every Muslim no matter what Islamic school they follow.”

“If some people do divide themselves that’s their problem,” said Imam Akcin. “We are all Muslims.”