Des Plaines Mosque Opens in Time for Eid

November 1, 2005

Source: Chicago Tribune

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-11-01-0511010153-story.html

On November 1, 2005 the Chicago Tribune reported, "Gatherings have been easier to accommodate with the $3.2 million expansion of the [Islamic Community Center of Des Plaines]. Though not large enough to accommodate the observances this week marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque, completed in August, is about 11 times larger than the five-room ranch-style house that had been the center's home, said Ghulam Farooqie, the center's president... There are an estimated 400,000 Muslims in the Chicago area, said Ghulam-Haider Aasi, professor of Islamic studies and history of religions at the American Islamic College... The new center in Des Plaines is used mostly by Muslims from six suburbs, including Park Ridge and Mt. Prospect, Farooqie said... Muslims from the Chicago area funded most of the project, Farooqie said. The center does not have membership. 'If you become Muslim, you are welcome,' he said. The busiest day for the center is Friday, when about 500 people pray, Farooqie said. When people prayed at the former center, overcrowding forced them to use the house's office, garage and shed. In summer, people prayed outside."