Iagd

As the northern suburbs grew, so did the number of Muslims seeking a sense of community. Groups gathered in private homes for Islamic study and prayers. The existing Masjids were too far away to attend regularly and the need for a local Masjid was imperative. In April 1978, with thirty member families, the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit was established as a non-profit organization.

Initially, the organization continued to meet in homes and also rented space in Larson Middle School for lectures and community dinners. In just one year, vigorous fund-raising accomplished purchasing a three-acre parcel of land. The property included a small blue house and garage which were immediately put to use as a home for the community. By 1982, the plans and continued fund-raising made the construction of the IAGD masjid a reality.

Once built, the IAGD masjid became a focal point for Muslims in the area, and the gatherings grew. Sunday Islamic classes, monthly community dinners and ’Eid salat burgeoned. As the surrounding suburbs grew, so had the number of Muslims who chose to move near the Masjid and to make it a cornerstone in their lives.

The community had grown exponentially. In a matter of just a few years ’Eid prayers were offered in 2 and 3 sittings and Sunday Islamic classes split into morning and afternoon sessions. The building was quickly becoming inadequate, unable to meet the needs of the community. Additional nearby parcels of land were acquired, the parking lot extended, and plans for expansion got underway.

The expanded facility opened in November, 2001. The expansion provided critically needed space in the prayer area and an enlarged dining hall, gymnasium, formal classrooms, conference room, library, professional kitchen and other amenities. A few years after the 2001 expansion , with the continuous growth of the community, the expanded facilities seemed too small to accommodate the fresh needs. IAGD had to spread its Sunday School education classes over Saturday and Sunday.

Furthermore, daytime school was also established and the needs and demands for education continue to grow. Additional land was acquired and plans are currently being drawn to further expand the facilities.

Ground breaking for the expansion was held in May, 2000.

WELCOME TO IAGD

The Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD) is a diverse, vibrant, and historic community that was established over forty years ago. We seek to facilitate and provide spiritual, educational, and social services to those residing in the Greater Detroit area, as well as communities abroad. IAGD hosts a variety of regular prayers and programming, for all ages and demographics, throughout the year. Our goal is to properly adapt the teachings of the Islamic faith and provide an opportunity to all people to employ a lifestyle of purpose and good, while working together to ensure we grow together as one unified local and global community.

OUR MEMBERS

The Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD) community members are welcome to attend the IAGD board meetings except if it’s a closed session, which is open to board members only.  Board meetings are held in-person every 1st Sunday of the month at 8:30 AM. The meetings are held at the board room 2nd floor. Meeting agenda will be finalized usually 2 days prior to the meeting. If any member of the community wishes to bring a project or initiative proposal to the Board of Directors, please send the details to the IAGD secretary and you will receive a response confirming the Board Meeting date and time that your agenda item has been added.

The Board of Directors at IAGD plays a critical role in providing governance, leadership, and oversight to ensure the effective management and administration of IAGD’s affairs, while upholding its religious, social, and cultural values. IAGD has a 9 people Board with each elected for a three-year term and every year 3 people complete their term. Elections are held each year to elect replacements whose term would be expiring at the end of the year. Those who become member by July 31st of year are normally eligible for voting rights.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to serving you Insha’Allah.