Islamic Center of the Capital District
The Islamic Center of the Capital District (ICCD) is a non-profit Islamic religious and cultural organization in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. It is registered with the Internal Revenue Service under revenue code 501(c)(3).
History
In the late 60’s and 70’s, a group of young professionals in the capital district, mostly immigrants from different parts of the world, had one thing in common. They were muslim. While not having a place of their own to practice their Religion, many would often take suffrage at each others homes or even at other places of worship. Sharing the dream to come together as one and practice openly, drove them to establish a place that they could one day call their own.
In 1979, this dream became a reality. The Islamic Center of the Capital District, known as the ICCD, was built. The building, although only a few thousand square feet, it included a kitchen, small banquet hall, a few offices, and a prayer area to accommodate a few hundred worshippers. At the time, this may have seemed a little ambitious for the small group. But, the pioneers knew that one day, even this place, would be too small for them. As the years went by, the muslim community began to grow and the need for educating our community became a necessity.
In the 80’s, a learning schedule was implemented. For the youth, the weekend school was formed. Comprised of volunteers, mostly mothers of the children, the weekend school began to take shape. Classes were held on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings. Alongside the weekend school, the community held classes for the adults taught by the local Imam. This was a place that our members could not only learn their Islamic Culture but also socialize with others just like themselves.
In the 90’s, the community went from hundreds to thousands. The need for a larger facility became more and more evident. The banquet hall was now being used as classrooms and overflow for the weekly Friday afternoon Mass, also known as Jumma Prayer. During this time, a member of the community had passed away and left money to the community, with one contingency. The money was to be used one day to build a center for our youth to enjoy.
In the early 2000’s, Mr. Qadi’s vision inspired the Muslim community and the planning of the community center became underway. There were many struggles during the beginning stages. Originally, the 17,000 sq Ft. facility was designed as a one story open space centered around an indoor basketball court which could double as additional prayer space. Soon after, the plans grew into the 3 story, 33,000 square feet community center you see before you today. This would be known as the MCC, or Muslim Community Center. Amenities include a full size basketball court overlooked by a 2nd story running track, his and her workout areas, a 6000 sq ft banquet hall accommodating up to 500 people and an area of worship to hold 2,000 people.
Aims
The aim of the ICCD is to offer services and activities to the local Muslim community that are consistent with the principles of the Quran and Sunnah. Among these services and activities is to:
- Help local Muslims carry out their Islamic duties
- Conduct religious, social, civic, charitable, research and other Islamic activities
- Strengthen bonds and understanding between Muslims from various parts of the world
- Promote friendly relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims
- Provide continuing Islamic education and personal development of its members
- Educate Muslim youth about faith and practice of Islam
- Make Islamic Daawa
- Maintain and operate Muslim cemeteries, the full-time and weekend Islamic School, and the Muslim Community Center.
Structures and Demographics
The board of trusties (BOT) at the ICCD is responsible for administering the day-to-day affairs of the ICCD, taking care of and maintaining the ICCD’s facilities and properties, managing expenses as approved by the BOT, and performing such acts that may be necessary for achieving the goals, vision and overall aims of the ICCD. Although all the amenities affiliated with the ICCD, such as An-Nur Islamic School, the Muslim Community Center, the weekend Islamic School, and the Muslim Cemeteries have their own board or designated committees, they all work under the umbrella of the ICCD BOT.
The ICCD community is composed of diverse ethnic American Muslims who came from all over the world: Indian subcontinent, Afghanistan, American Reverts, Africa, Arab-world and other places. Most Islamic activities and services offered to the ICCD community are led by our Imams.
Growing
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Over 1,5000 men and women attend the weekly Jumma prayer service.
Diverse
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Community with over 70 different nationalities represented.
Growing
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90 percent of our community is Following the prayer Islam Religion.
Donation
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60k collected from our community is Following Islam Religion.
