New Jersey Mosque: A Dream Realized After 40 Years
In the heart of New Jersey, the Muslim community is rejoicing as they witness the culmination of a 40-year dream—a magnificent mosque, now standing tall as a symbol of unity, faith, and perseverance. Dr. Arshad Chatha, President of the Jersey City-based Muslim Federation of New Jersey, captured the essence of the moment perfectly “I think that is to have a community’s dream come true.“
For four decades, the New Jersey Muslim community has held onto this dream, and today, as workers add the final touches to the mosque’s dome and fencing, that dream has become a reality. The mosque, a three-story architectural marvel crowned with a green dome that glimmers in the sunlight, will soon welcome thousands of worshippers.
The journey leading to this point was one of dedication and resilience. For years, the thriving Muslim community had to make do with converted spaces, including a Chinese restaurant and bar. But today, they have a grand mosque that stands proudly in the very spot where they once improvised their prayers.
Dina Sayedahmed, a longtime community member and now the communications director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, New Jersey, highlighted the importance of this space, saying, “That’s important for us to do, to take up space and to do it unapologetically. For so long, we’ve been in mosques in church basements, on top of storage facilities, and on top of apartments.”
The mosque, expected to be completed in September or October, boasts a vast prayer room capable of accommodating over 2,000 people. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s a beacon of hope for the future. Saad Admani, 28, emphasized the legacy of the elders, who, as immigrants, established the mosque in challenging times and mobilized the community to build this purposeful sanctuary.
“Reflecting on how much our elders have contributed is amazing,” said Admani. “They came here, established a mosque in very trying times, and mobilized the community to build a purpose mosque. It’s remarkable.”
Indeed, mosques like this one are the lifeblood of Muslim communities. They are places of prayer, spiritual growth, and communal gatherings during Ramadan. They also serve as centers for education and information and provide essential support through social welfare programs.
In the heart of New Jersey, this mosque symbolizes unity and the enduring spirit of a community that has turned a dream into a reality, reminding us all of the power of faith, dedication, and unity in building a better future for everyone.
