35 Years of Islam in East Orange

In 1981, the Islamic Center of America was founded as Masjid Rawdatullah – The Islamic Center of East Orange, with the sole purpose of providing a space for Muslims to worship Allah. Just two years later, in 1983, the growing Muslim community purchased a 5,000 square foot building to accommodate the increasing number of Muslims and the expanding needs of the community in East Orange, New Jersey.

In 1984, the community took another significant step by establishing an Islamic day school with the goal of providing preschool and kindergarten education in an Islamic environment. Over time, this initiative grew into a full-time school offering grades from Preschool through Twelfth Grade.

In 1997, the community acquired a larger facility—a 66,686 square foot building on one and a half acres—to house a complete Islamic Center that could meet all the religious and community needs. With this expansion, the name was changed to the Islamic Center of America. Today, the center includes Masjidu Ahlis Sunnah, with over 19,000 square feet of space; Madrasatu Ahlis Sunnah, which features nearly 20 classrooms across the new and old facilities; and Maktabatu Ahlis Sunnah, which was initially established in 1985 to distribute Islamic books, tapes, and other materials, and has since grown into two separate bookstores serving the men and women of the community.

The Islamic Center of America, Masjidu Ahlis Sunnah, Madrasatu Ahlis Sunnah, and Maktabatu Ahlis Sunnah were founded under the leadership of Imam Ahmad Burhani in 1981 as The Islamic Center of East Orange, Masjid Rawdatullah. The community’s growth quickly outgrew the modest storefront at 239 Central Avenue, East Orange, New Jersey, leading to the purchase of the 5,000 square foot building on 61 Lincoln Street. This purchase allowed the community to better serve the growing Muslim population in East Orange and surrounding areas.

In 1997, the community acquired a 66,686 square foot facility, which became the heart of the Islamic Center. The new masjid, spanning over 19,000 square feet, can accommodate over 3,500 believers, making it one of the largest masajid in the country. The center is open daily, offering the five daily prayers, Jumu’ah, classes, and various community activities to serve the needs of the Muslim population.