History
Verily, along with every hardship is relief. So when you have finished [your occupation], devote yourself for Allah’s worship. And to your Lord [Alone] turn [all your] intentions and hopes.” (Quran 94: 6-8)
Masjid Al Farooq started in the basement of a house by a few brothers, who came together to perform their daily Salat (Prayer) and Jum’ah (Friday Prayer), while learning and teaching each other the Quran. The founding brothers’ need for Islamic knowledge gave way to their diligent search for an Imam.
In the beginning, Masjid Al Farooq encountered a number of challenges. The first storefront rental, located on 1902 East 73rd Street, Chicago, IL, was destroyed by a fire. However, the founding brothers were not deterred. Their belief in Allah and desire to please Him was much stronger than these adversities. Masjid Al Farooq relocated to 2156 East 71st Street, Chicago, IL, with the support of a local Muslim organization and the Muslim community at large. Just like the fire that spread quickly, the great message of Islam began to spread beyond their neighborhood.
Thus, due to the vision of the Imam, the founding brothers invited him to be their spiritual leader. The vision of Masjid Al Farooq expanded and so did its popularity.
Today, Masjid Al Farooq is located on 8950 South Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL. It is attended by hundreds of sisters and brothers of diverse backgrounds, including Muslim West Africans, Muslim African Americans, Muslim Arabs, Muslim South Asians and Muslim Latinos, who are business owners, doctors and nurses, and professors and students. Masjid Al Farooq also offers an array of social service and Islamic educational programs aimed at helping the poor and destitute on Chicago’s Southeast Side.