US EditionBeing Muslim and American in the Nation’s Heartland
Muslim communities in the Midwest trace roots to early Lebanese immigrants and recent arrivals from Afghanistan and East Africa, growing despite challenges and increasing political influence.
- On Aug. 8, 2025, community members gathered for Friday prayers at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, where Fatima Igram Smejkal greeted worshippers in a gold-embroidered black robe with a cheerful `salaam`. The community now regularly gathers there for services and events.
- The Mother Mosque of America, completed in 1934 as the first U.S. mosque built for Muslim worship, stands as the oldest surviving Muslim house of worship, while descendants of Lebanese immigrants and Afghanistan and East Africa newcomers shape Muslim-American identity in the heartland.
- Daily neighborhood interactions and friendships with non-Muslim neighbors helped immigrants find mutual acceptance in Cedar Rapids, where worshippers range from fifth-generation Muslim Iowans to recent refugees sharing improvised prayer spaces.
- Despite tensions, Muslim communities have expanded and gained influence, with Bosnian Muslims near Des Moines opening a new multimillion-dollar mosque next month, reflecting growth amid mistrust after Sept. 11, 2001 in farming communities with service members.
- Physical gathering spaces continue to sustain community as immigrants preserve heritage while Aossey and similar individuals say `My story is the American story`, but Mena Waziri said she does not mentally or emotionally feel American.
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Associated Press News+69 Reposted by 69 other sources
Oldest surviving US mosque still welcomes Muslim Americans in Iowa
The oldest surviving place of worship for Muslims in the United States was erected in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, almost a century ago by immigrants from present-day Lebanon.
·United States
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Total News Sources70
Leaning Left17Leaning Right3Center41Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 28%
C 67%
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