The Mother Mosque of America - (Imam Taha Tawil)

The Mother Mosque of America, situated at 1335 9th St in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, holds the distinction of being the FIRST and oldest surviving place of worship for Muslims in North America. Despite being constructed during the Great Depression, the mosque was built with the help of community members and officially completed on February 15, 1934.

Following the construction of the mosque, Cedar Rapids Iowa became home to the first national Muslim Cemetery in 1948, 14 years later.

During my recent trip to Cedar Rapids, I had the opportunity to visit The Mother Mosque of America and speak with its leader, Imam Taha Tawil. Our conversation covered various topics, including his upbringing in Jerusalem, the Islamic faith, and the history of the Mother Mosque of America.