The history of the Islamic Center of New England is the story of seven unskilled, uneducated Lebanese Muslim families who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, arriving in a foreign land, with no mosque to attend and no hope of building one. It took two generations (immigrant and first-born) working together for 30 years to build it. Each generation motivated for different reasons, but ultimately wanting the same thing: to express their ethnic and religious heritage, become an integral part of the religious landscape of America, educate their children, and create a space where their children could socialize and marry each other.

The mosque they built in 1964 in Quincy, MA is the oldest mosque in New England. Their accomplishment at first looked like it might be just a shallow victory. The dark cloud of debt, insufficient funds to pay bills, and hardly anyone at Friday prayers threatened to undo their dream. After 30 years of trying to build a mosque, only a handful of founders were left, fighting against all odds, once again, to keep the doors open.

Then, in 1965, a new Immigration Act was passed, allowing Muslims from all over the world to enter America. These Muslims quickly discovered a mosque in Quincy, the only mosque in all of New England. The founders were in awe of Allah and their good fortune. They thought they were building a mosque for their children, but in the Divine plan, they realized that they had built a mosque for every Muslim. The new immigrants rescued the Center and supported it by hard work and steady donations.

The new immigrants were also highly skilled and educated, and they taught the American-born founders about true Islamic practice. In exchange, they learned from the founders how to build a mosque in America. Their ambitions knew no limits and they set out from Quincy to build more mosques to accommodate the rapidly increasing Muslim population. As a result, well over 30 Centers were built throughout New England in the last 30 years (1979-2009).

Mosque communities are different from one another and people are free to choose whichever one fits them best. In an effort to find a middle way, i.e., a level of religious practice that suits his or her life style, family needs, job, culture, race, or ethnic heritage, level of education or integration, even temperament, a Muslim might prefer one mosque community at one time in life, and 30 years later, prefer an entirely different one because it addresses different need(s). Today in New England, Muslims are blessed to have a spectrum of mosque communities to choose from, and to have such a multitude of mosques to choose from makes the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ring with truth: “Diversity in my community is a blessing.”

It is important for Muslims who came to this country after 1964 to become familiar with the history of the Islamic Center of New England. To have a mosque as soon as you arrive in a foreign country is a great blessing. Imagine that there was nothing here when the founders arrived in the early 1900s. And when this author was growing up, 30 years later, there still was no mosque or community.

Today, the Islamic Center of New England in Sharon, MA has a beautiful large prayer room, social hall, and school, with plenty of land for further expansion. The Center has become a model of peaceful co-existence and is open for interfaith dialogue, socializing, and learning. A few years ago, there was even a marriage between two young people who grew up attending the Islamic Center of New England! And so, the dream of being a part of the religious landscape of America lives on.
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ICNE’s Annual Ramadan Fundraiser

5/26/2018 7:00:00 PM -04:00

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Portrait of the Prophet (S) at ICNE Sharon

Jabir, a companion of the Prophet (S), says, "I saw the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), on a night when the full moon was out. He was wearing a dark red garment. I looked at the Prophet (S), and then I looked at the full moon, then again I looked at the Prophet (S), and then again I looked at the full moon, and I kept alternating between them until I came to the realization that Muhammad, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) is more beautiful than the full moon." Jareer b Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, says, "Whenever I met the Prophet (S), he was smiling." Whether it was Ali (RA) who grew up in the home of the Prophet (S) and knew him his entire life, or it was Umm Ma'bad, an elderly bedouin woman who only saw the Prophet (S) for a couple of hours, everyone who saw him and interacted with him was in awe of him. The Prophet (S) is the best of humanity not only in his character, but also in his characteristics. In this class, we will learn about the noble features of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from the in-depth descriptions provided by those who benefited from being in his presence: his family and his companions. Register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/qalam/159012

4/28/2018 1:00:00 PM -04:00

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ICNE Sharon’s April Community Movie Night

4/21/2018 6:00:00 PM -04:00

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Open Mosque Day at ICNE Sharon

The Islamic center of New England cordially invite you to our second annual open mosque day! Come meet your Muslim neighbors, meet and greet our Imam, administration and community members. Please feel free to ask questions and come learn about our faith! Open mosque day is held in both ICNE Sharon and Quincy. Please forward widely!

4/8/2018 3:00:00 PM -04:00

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Open Mosque Day @ ICNE Quincy

The Islamic Center of New England cordially invites you to meet your Muslim Neighbors. Come join in conversation, ask our Imams and Leadership questions and learn more about our faith. Offered in Both Quincy & Sharon Mosque. All are welcome! Refreshments will be served.

4/8/2018 3:00:00 PM -04:00

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Career Coaching Day

We will be hosting a career coaching event here at ICNE Sharon on March24th, inshaAllah. We need to ensure all of our youth have the guidance they need to plan career and to address incorrect assumptions. We also want to help the unemployed, under employed and recent immigrants in their job search. We will have translators for Arabic and Urdu as well. Registration at: http://icne.net/career-coaching-day/

3/24/2018 3:00:00 PM -04:00

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Community Movie Night!

March community movie night! The boy in the king, a movie for kids of all ages!

3/17/2018 7:00:00 PM -04:00

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February Community Qiyam

2/25/2018 12:00:00 AM -05:00

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Essentials of Islamic Creed

2/17/2018 12:00:00 AM -05:00

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Community Movie Night

2/10/2018 5:30:00 PM -05:00

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Islamic Center of New England

AsSalamu Alaikumu. Dear ICNE community. Please mark your calendar for this important event to support the Rohingya Muslims against the oppressions by the Myanmar government. In sha Allah our Saturday Program will begin at 7pm with a community dinner followed by the main fundraising event at 8pm. Please join us and don’t forget to donate generously!

2/3/2018 7:00:00 PM -05:00

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Community Qiyam

1/28/2018 12:00:00 AM -05:00

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Prophetic Empathy at ICNE Sharon taught by Imam Mikaeel Smith

We're excited to introduce Qalam's newest seminar with our new instructor, Imam Mikaeel Smith. Prophetic Empathy is a class about the Prophet’s (S) ability to positively influence the community around him and his family members. Students will see how the concept of emotional intelligence, which was first coined in the early 90’s, is a prophetic reality. There are so many examples of how our Prophet (S) dealt with the various people around him and his ability to control his emotions and manage the emotional needs of others. The course content covers: - What is EQ? - What is Intelligence? - The value of EQ - The harms of not possessing EQ - Examples from the life of the Prophet (S) which display his EQ. At the end of the program, students will also take an EQ test to understand their own areas of weakness. Imam Mikaeel will be delivering Jummuah Khutba and Friday night community Halaqah as well. Instructor Bio: Imam Mikaeel Smith: Currently, Imam Mikaeel is pursuing his BA in psychology, writing translations of classical Islamic texts and articles for MuslimMatters, teaching Alimiyah students, and serving the local Dallas-Ft Worth community...view more at qalaminstitute.org/team/mikaeel-smith/

12/16/2017 11:00:00 AM -05:00

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Pre Ramadan Session 2

This will benefit those who are fasting for the first and the fiftieth time. Often, we assume we know the protocol for our acts of worship. Our challenge is how to stop "assuming we know" and start "desiring to perfect."

5/16/2017 8:30:00 PM -04:00

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Family Life from the Seerah by Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda at ICNE Sharon!

Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda visits ICNE Sharon on Dec 16th for the Friday night Halaqah! He be speaking about "Family Life from the Seerah" This is a night you don't want to miss!

12/16/2016 7:30:00 PM -05:00

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2016 Winter Fundraiser ~ Special Guest Mufti Hussain Kamani

12/3/2016 6:30:00 PM -05:00

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Hitchhiker's Guide to the Quranic Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Quranic Galaxy "Stay Strong. Read the Quran, Pray, Praise Allah. This will help you." -Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) When? Sundays from 5-6pm Where? In the Masjid(ICNE Sharon) An hour for high schoolers and some middle schoolers to reflect upon the Quran and recognize its critical relevance to our times...over hot chocolate. Have you spent many years learning how to read the Quran but never had the opportunity to learn how to love it? Have you wondered what it would be like to understand and reflect upon Quranic verses that changed people's lives? Whether you are a spiritually motivated middle schooler or a smart high schooler who wants a Quranic compass before they had to a college campus, this hour of reflection and companionship is for you.

11/13/2016 5:00:00 PM -05:00

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ICNE Youth Hike +4000ft. This Sunday!

With the fall colors taking over New England, we will be heading to the highest peaks in New England for the best view. Franconia Ridge trail is about 8 miles long and is a strenuous hike, so all hikers must be fit. A fitness test may be requested before boarding cars. We will leave at 7:30 AM from ICNE Sharon and return by 7pm. What to Bring: -Water, snacks -Sneakers/hiking shoes -Hat/Sunblock -$15-20 for lunch/gas If you would like to come, please go to this link and sign up to be a driver or a passenger: http://bit.ly/2eeYlSH

10/16/2016 7:30:00 AM -04:00

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A Young Muslim's Guide to Modernity

Summer Gatherings with Hafiz Na'eel A Young Muslim's Guide to Modernity through the Quran&Sunna This series of four evening gatherings will empower high school age youth on their journey through life today. Focusing on key challenges of modernity (eg. relativism, nihilism), it will be based on a group reflection & discussion of four frequently-read chapters of the Quran and four frequently-cited hadith of the Prophet(saw). We will also engage four related and relevant writings by Muslim scholars on identity, spirituality, peace & justice, and more. A movie screening relevant to the topics covered will be hosted at the end! Registration will be onsite. Suggested donation of $10 to ICNE Sharon & 1 minute of dua. No homework will be given but an attitude to learn is expected.

7/26/2016 12:00:00 AM -04:00

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A Young Muslim's Guide to Modernity

Summer Gatherings with Hafiz Na'eel A Young Muslim's Guide to Modernity through the Quran&Sunna This series of four evening gatherings will empower high school age youth on their journey through life today. Focusing on key challenges of modernity (eg. relativism, nihilism), it will be based on a group reflection & discussion of four frequently-read chapters of the Quran and four frequently-cited hadith of the Prophet(saw). We will also engage four related and relevant writings by Muslim scholars on identity, spirituality, peace & justice, and more. A movie screening relevant to the topics covered will be hosted at the end! Registration will be onsite. Suggested donation of $10 to ICNE Sharon & 1 minute of dua. No homework will be given but an attitude to learn is expected.

7/18/2016 8:30:00 PM -04:00

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Ramadan Hike at Blue Hill - Moon! Fireworks!

DEPARTURE: 7:00 pm from ICNE Sharon 1/2 hr hike to top. Moderately challenging RETURN: Midnight at ICNE Sharon IFTAR & TARAWiH (+ moon/fireworks sighting)! Bring "break"fast, prayer rug, & headlamp/flashlight. To give others a ride or to get a ride, go here: https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/uj9m6s

7/4/2016 7:00:00 PM -04:00

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Jesus: What would he do? - with Ammar al-Shukry!

ICNE Sharon Ramadan Wakeovers invited you to: Jesus:W hat would he do? When: July 2. This Saturday NIGHT Join friends and foes at ICNE Sharon for a bonfire and qiyam with Hafiz Na'eel Rating: PG 13 *Content may not be appropriate for humans under 12. Be advised. The bonfire will begin immediately after Taraweeh followed by Tahajjud prayer and Suhur/Sehri.

7/3/2016 12:00:00 AM -04:00

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Prophetic Ramadan taught by Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda!

Every year, Ramadan sneaks up on us. By the time we get in the swing of things, 10 days have gone by. It’s often not until the last 10 nights that we’re really taking advantage of the month – and just as quickly as it came, it’s gone. Every year we see a number of events leading up into the month. We hear a couple of khutbahs about getting ready for Ramadan. We might attend an online program to try to mentally prepare. But the thing that’s always missing is a real game plan. How did the Prophet (s) spend this month? And what lessons can I actually apply from the Ramadans of the Prophet (s)? Qalam Institute is pleased to offer a new course – in ONE location only, Sharon, MA! Prophetic Ramadan. This course will cover what you expect – Qur’an, i’tikaaf, Laylat ul-Qadr, and so on. But it will also cover important historical events from the seerah like the Battle of Badr, the Conquest (Fath) of Makkah specifically in light of Ramadan. This will create a new level of connection for you as you welcome this blessed month. Additionally, there will be a special study of how the Prophet (s) spent his last Ramadan. What made it special? What lessons can you learn and apply before Ramadan starts so that you have your best Ramadan ever insha’Allah.

5/14/2016 1:00:00 PM -04:00

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ICNE - Winter Fundraiser :: "Together For a Brighter Future"

ICNE - Winter Fundraiser :: "Together For a Brighter Future" Keynote Speaker: Ustadh Monzer Taleb Imam, Community Leader and Motivational Speaker Suggested Donation $35/Ticket Please donate generously @ www.icne.net or send check to P.O. Box 412 Sharon, MA 02067-0412

12/12/2015 6:30:00 PM -05:00

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