In the quiet early hours of Windsor Mill, when the world is still wrapped in its last threads of night, a soft light flickers inside Masjid Al-Noor—Raza-e-Mustafa Islamic Center (RIC). It is often in these moments that Imam Ijaz stands alone before his Lord, his voice whispering dhikr, his heart steady in remembrance:
“Allāh… Allāh… Allāh…”
From this simple, nonprofit masjid on Milford Mill Road, a spiritual heartbeat radiates outward, touching families, elders, children, and newcomers alike. And at the center of it all is Imam Ijaz Hussain—a Naqshbandi scholar whose presence feels like a gentle breeze of sakīnah, carrying with it a fragrance of devotion, humility, and love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Under his leadership, Masjid Al-Noor (RIC) is not merely a place where prayers are offered—it is a sanctuary of hearts. Daily salāh, the blessed Jumu‘ah gathering, heartfelt du‘ā, and the luminous nights of mehfil-e-Milad and dhikr transform the space into a spiritual refuge. Many who enter describe feeling as though the burdens of life melt softly from their shoulders, replaced by a quiet peace that only the remembrance of Allah brings.
- Children reciting Qur’an in soft, careful tones…
- New Muslims finding guidance and a family they never had…
- Families seeking comfort during funerals and grief…
- Youth learning the ways of adab, Sunnah, and love for the Prophet ﷺ…
Feeding the Hungry & Serving the Underprivileged
Beyond worship and teaching, Masjid Al-Noor (RIC) is recognized for its commitment to community welfare. Throughout the year—and especially during Ramadan, the month of mercy— leads efforts to:
- Organize food drives to feed the hungry
- Distribute free groceries to families in need
- Provide clothing for the underprivileged
- Reach out to individuals quietly struggling in the community
These acts of compassion mirror the Prophetic call to feed the poor, clothe the vulnerable, and uplift those whose needs are unseen.
In all these moments, Imam Ijaz stands not only as imam and khatib but also as counselor, teacher, and elder brother—guiding with gentleness rather than force, with compassion rather than command.
Public programs frequently describe him rooted in the noble tradition of inner purification, remembrance of Allah, and deep reverence for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. His bayans flow softly, inviting hearts rather than overwhelming them. His dhikr circles uplift the weary. His encouragement toward Qur’an and Sunnah keeps the masjid’s identity grounded in timeless tradition.
His work speaks louder than any biography. He is among the many everyday imams whose service keeps Maryland’s Muslim life alive—opening the masjid before dawn, supporting families in their hardest hours, and nurturing a community where immigrants, African Americans, converts, elders, and the youth all find a home.
His mission reflects the spirit of the Qur’anic call:
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching…” Surah an-Naḥl, 16:125
And indeed, this is Imam Ijaz Hussain Naqshbandi’s quiet legacy:
To invite with wisdom, to comfort with compassion, to teach with patience, and to keep alive a house of Allah where hearts find rest and tongues remain moistened with the sweetest remembrance—
Dhikr of Allah, and peace and blessings upon His Beloved Prophet ﷺ.