Islam in Delaware

Islam in Delaware is an established religion. Although it is unknown how many Muslims live in the state, Delaware has at least five mosques and a sizable Muslim population.

It is possible that the history of Islam in Delaware extends as far back as the origin of the Delaware Moors, a mixed-race community in Kent and Sussex counties whose origins are variously attributed to 18th century shipwrecked Moorish pirates, wives brought over from the 17th century British evacuation of Tangier, or a legendary romance between a European colonist and an enslaved Moorish prince.^[1] The community itself lays claims to a Muslim origin dating back to Colonial times.^[2]

Mosques, schools, community centers and organizations

• The Islamic Society of Delaware in Newark has the largest Muslim community following in the state. Communal prayers are held, providing an opportunity to learn about Islam, pray in congregation and meet Muslims.^[3][4][5]
• The First State Islamic Foundation is an umbrella organization of five distinct projects, i.e., Masjid Isa Ibn-e-Maryam, Tarbiyah School, Weekend Islamic School, After School Quran Program and a full-time Hifz school. The Islamic Center is located at 698 Old Baltimore Pike in Newark, DE.

Schools

• The Tarbiyah Islamic School of Delaware is a registered pre-K-to-grade-12 school with the Delaware Department of Education and is recognized as a non-profit organization. Tarbiyah School is known for the quality of its curriculum, which integrates Islamic educational concepts with Delaware’s core standards for curriculum design. A focus on hands-on, real-life, practical activities and games supports the learning process and reinforces core concepts.^[6][7] Tarbiyah School has offers services such as a full-time subsidized and affordable day-care center for its neighbors of belonging to any faith. The school has an enrollment of about 180 students. In addition to playing its role in the economic development of the state of Delaware by employing 29 employees, Tarbiyah School provides economic opportunities to qualified Muslim women teachers. All but one of the faculty and staff are women including its Director/Principal, HR Director and School President.
• The Islamic Academy of Delaware (IAD) was founded in 2008 to meet community needs for a full-time Islamic school.^[4] It is registered with the State of Delaware as a pre-kindergarten-to-grade-12 school. Its mission is to engage its students in an environment full of the love of learning, enriched by a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives and guided by Islamic principles. IAD strives to produce American Muslims able to successfully navigate through life, embracing their Muslim identity while adding to the growth of the nation. IAD is managed by a committee with the diverse skills to ensure quality Islamic education and a sustainable business model. In 2011, IAD enrollment reached 140; in 2012, enrollment is about 150 students.^[8]

Masjids

• Masjid Isa Ibn-e-Maryam (First State Islamic Foundation) is located in Newark, and offers daily prayers, Friday prayers and Eid prayers. It is co-located with Tarbiyah School under the umbrella of First State Islamic Foundation. Daily Halaqas, new Muslim classes and many other services are regularly offered. Halaqa's are available at www.Tarbia.TV
• Masjid Ibrahim (Islamic Society of Delaware) located in Newark, offers two jumuaa prayers to a large congregation weekly. Also offers a Sunday School and a Quranic School on campus throughout the year.
• Masjid al Kauthar, is a masjid located in Wilmington. It evolved from Wilmington's African-American Muslim community.
• The Elkton Masjid, on the second floor at 107 North Bridge Street, offers prayers five times daily in addition to jumu'ah salat (Friday prayers).
• The Glasgow Mosque is located at 2555 Glasgow Avenue in Newark,five daily prayers are held and a khutbah on Fridays offered in congregation.
• Masjid Ar Razzaqq is located at the intersection of 7th and Jackson Streets, this masjid has five daily prayers and a khutbah on Fridays.
• Dar ul Amaanah Masjid is located on 4th street near Delamore Street, this masjid has five daily prayers and a khutbah on Fridays.
• Masjid al-Azizii is located on Route 40, this new masjid moved and now continue service as Glasgow Mosque. Primarily run by Turkish brothers, five daily prayers are held and a khutbah on Fridays.

Organizations

• Islamic Society of Delaware is the first established muslim organization in Delaware.^[9]
• University of Delaware Muslim Students Association is a resident-student organization at the University of Delaware.^[10]
• Tarbiyah School^[6]
• Masjid Isa Ibn-e-Maryam^[11]
• First State Islamic Foundation^[12]
• Tarbia.TV^[13]
• Delaware Council on Global and Muslim Affairs^[14]
• Islamic Academy of Delaware^[15]

Community centers

• Zakat Community Center of Delaware is a social service center for the Delaware area. Parent organization: Zakat Foundation of America: Offers free tutoring, ESL classes and distributes food once a month in Wilmington. In process of opening a food pantry. Address: 21 Prestbury Square Newark, DE 19713^[16]

Community outreach and interfaith dialogue

There is a community of converted Muslims; an article in The News Journal by Summer Harlow in September 2007 highlights the transition many are making.

References