Discover the Story
Maryland’s Muslim history did not begin with the construction of its first modern masjid. Its roots reach much further into the past.
MCM seeks to document that long and complex history while showing how successive generations created the Muslim communities Maryland knows today.
- Early Muslim Presence — Research into Muslims connected with Maryland during the colonial and slavery eras and the historical circumstances in which Islam survived, disappeared, or reemerged.
- African American Muslim History — The essential role of African American Muslims, converts, leaders, families, organizations, and movements in establishing Muslim life throughout Maryland.
- Immigration and Community Growth — The arrival of Muslim students, physicians, engineers, academics, entrepreneurs, professionals, and families from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere.
- Building Institutions — The transformation from prayers in homes, apartments, university rooms, and rented facilities into permanent masajid, Islamic schools, community centers, charities, and social institutions.
- Generational Transition — The emergence of second-, third-, and later-generation Maryland Muslims carrying forward the institutions established by earlier generations while developing new forms of leadership and service.
More in this section
- Institutions & Masajid
Maryland’s masajid and Islamic institutions are more than buildings. They are places where generations prayed, learned, married, mourned, celebrated, volunteered, raised children, welcomed newcomers, and served their neighbors. - Community Voices
Official documents tell only part of history. The rest lives in memory. - Research & Digital Archives
MCM is developing a growing historical collection of materials related to Muslim life in Maryland. Whenever possible, materials are documented with source information and historical context so they can remain useful to future researchers and generations.