Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center
| Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center | |
|---|---|
 The mosque in 2026 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Branch/tradition | Sunni (current) Nation of Islam (former) |
| Location | |
| Location | 1009 W. Chapel Hill Street Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| State | North Carolina |
| Country | United States |
 Interactive map of Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center | |
| Coordinates | 35°59′48″N 78°54′56″W / 35.996645°N 78.915541°W |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque |
| Established | 1958[1] |
| Website | |
| arrazzaqislamiccenter | |
The Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center is the first known mosque established in North Carolina, located in downtown Durham. The name "Ar-Razzaq" means "The Provider" or "The Sustainer", one of the 99 names of God in Islam, chosen to reflect the goals of the mosque to provide services to the local community.[2] The mosque is located in Durham's West End neighborhood, on the border of Burch Avenue Historic District and Morehead Hill Historic District.
History
[edit]The Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center was established in 1958 as "Mohammed's Mosque No. 34", a Nation of Islam affiliated mosque, originating from the large African-American Muslim community in the area.[3] The mosque's name was changed in 1972.[2]
In 1963 while James Baldwin, the civil rights activist, was on a lecture tour of North Carolina with Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), a photo was taken of him standing outside of the old storefront.[3] Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali also visited the mosque in the 1960s.[4]
The mosque transitioned to a mainstream Sunni Islam congregation in the 1970s.[5]
Between June 2018 to August 2018, an exhibit was open at the Museum of Durham History, featuring curated photos, oral histories, and keepsakes. Lectures and food markets were also hosted.[6] The mosque had several programs provide humanitarian works, such as a "Clean-Up Squad" that would sweep the streets, and a restaurant (known as the "Shabazz Restaurant") to provide free lunches to children.[3]
Another exhibit in the Jerry and Bruce Chappell Family Gallery in the Perkins Library at Duke University was open between July 29, 2022 – December 12, 2022. [1] It was reportedly created to "highlight the importance and history of African-American Muslims in Durham's West End neighborhood", as well as displayed information about early presence of Muslims in the Americas.[7]
List of notable Imams
[edit]- Shane Atikinson, an Associate Imam, currently also an Associate Imam at As-Salaam Islamic Center, and associate chaplain for Muslim life at Elon University[8]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "The Transformational History of Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center in Durham". Duke University Libraries. 29 July 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center (G-148)". NC DNCR. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Carter, Youssef (31 July 2018). "Remembering The First Mosque in North Carolina". Sapelo Square. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ↑ White, Michael (April 12, 2026). "Historical marker highlights N.C.'s first mosque in Durham". Spectrum News. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
- ↑ Sánchez-Guerra, Aaron (April 10, 2026). "Ar-Razzaq mosque in Durham receives Historical Marker as NC's first and oldest Muslim community". WUNC-TV. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: PBS North Carolina. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
- ↑ Terry, Dana; Stasio, Frank (1 June 2018). "Durham Mosque Celebrated At Local Museum". WUNC News. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ↑ West, John; Communications, Trinity (12 December 2022). "Celebrating North Carolina's First Mosque and Durham's Muslim Community". Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- ↑ Kiefer, Paul; Terry, Dana; Rao, Anita (15 July 2019). "When A White Southerner Finds Islam: Meet Imam Shane Atkinson". WUNC News. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
- "Our History". Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center. 21 April 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
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