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Masjid Bilalof Cleveland

A Monument to our History

Masjid Bilal of Cleveland

The first Mosque built from the ground up in Greater Cleveland, and the first mosque built by a predominantly African American congregation in the United States. Our doors opened on June 3, 1983, and they remain open on Euclid Avenue today.

June 3, 1983Masjid Bilal formally opened Early 1950sOur community's history begins
The musala (prayer hall) of Masjid Bilal of Cleveland
The musala at Masjid Bilal of Cleveland.

Prayer

Prayer times

Daily times: view on IslamicFinder (the same Cleveland calculation the masjid uses today).

Our history

A vision carried to the corner of E. 75th and Euclid

Masjid Bilal began with a vision that belonged to Imam W. Deen Mohammed. At that point the vast majority of mosques were converted churches, storefronts, or similar facilities. The members of the community contributed whatever they had to make it a reality: their funds, expertise, and labor.

The building itself was built in the direction of the Ka'bah, so when you enter the front doors of the Masjid, you are facing the direction of prayer.

"This building is a historical landmark that our young people should cherish until the end of time." Wallace D. Mohammed II, president of The Mosque Cares, Inc.
  1. Early 1950s

    The community's history begins, known as Temple No. 18 under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, and later as Masjid Willie Mohammed under the leadership of Imam Mohammed.

  2. 1978

    Clyde Rahman becomes Imam of Masjid Bilal, serving until his passing in 2008.

  3. 1980

    Imam Clyde Rahman attends a meeting where Imam Mohammed urges supporters to plan new places of worship. He returns to Cleveland determined to act.

  4. June 3, 1983

    Masjid Bilal formally opens, debt-free. Imam Mohammed leads the first Jumah prayer service. The membership contributed 60% of the construction work.

  5. 2008

    Imam Shafeeq Sabir is ratified by the congregation, and again in 2013, continuing a tradition of community outreach and interfaith building.

  6. 2009

    The Clyde Rahman Community Center is formed to honor him.

  7. September 2019

    Salaam Clinic opens in the lower level as a free clinic open to the general public.

The Masjid Bilal of Cleveland building plaque
Building plaque
Masjid Bilal of Cleveland, from the masjid's building photo gallery
Building photos
The WDM Library at Masjid Bilal of Cleveland
WDM Library
The masjid flower garden, 2022
Masjid flower garden, 2022
Imam Shafeeq Sabir speaks at Teatime for Peace, an interfaith dialog with the Community of Saint Peter, July 16, 2022
Teatime for Peace, July 16, 2022

Photos from the masjid's own gallery. Teatime for Peace photo by Peggy Turbett.

Gather with us

Programs and gatherings

Most gatherings happen on Sundays. Here is what the community meets for, as listed on the masjid's calendar and announcements.

  • Sundays, 12:30 pm

    Sunday Taleem service

    Held in the masjid dining room. The Imam's office announces each week's topic.

  • Every Sunday

    Youth Class

    For students ages 4 to 16, in classroom #4. Islamic Studies including Qur'anic ayats, prayer positions, the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the history of African American Muslims. A parent or guardian must be at Masjid Bilal during class.

  • Scheduled Sundays, 11 am to 12 pm

    Quranic Arabic Class

    Led by Brother Hasan Abdul Alim. Covers the basics of Qur'anic Arabic and ayats from the Holy Al-Qur'an.

  • Monthly, Sunday

    Imam W. Deen Mohammed DVD-CD Presentation

    Listed among the masjid's classes, 11 am to 12 pm.

  • Monthly

    Muslim Women's Association

    Led by Aveda Mateen. Meets in the Masjid Library and via WebEx.

  • Monthly, 12:30 pm

    Business meeting

    Follows the monthly Shura meeting, in the masjid dining room. All are welcome.

  • Sundays, 1 to 5 pm

    Salaam Clinic Midtown

    Free healthcare for the uninsured and underserved, in the lower level of the masjid. Call to schedule an appointment: 216.243.7924.

Dates change through the year. The masjid calendar and weekly announcement have the latest schedule.

This week

Announcements

One clear, dated notice at a time, so the community always knows what is happening this Friday and this Sunday.

Placeholder

Your latest announcement appears here

Each week's Jumuah notice, Taleem topic, meetings, and events will be posted in this space with its date.

Visit and contact

You are welcome here

Free parking is available at the rear of the building. The Greater Cleveland RTA HealthLine bus stop is only a block away.

Visiting for the first time? You do not have to dress like a Muslim, but like most religious institutions, modesty in dress is always best.