What is the Islamic Society of Boston (ISB)?

The Islamic Society of Boston (ISB) is an organization that operates two mosques in the Boston area. The original mosque is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a newer facility, the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC), was built in Roxbury, Boston, in 2007. ISB provides various programs for Muslims, including Arabic and English classes, a religious school for children, holiday programs, and organized trips and summer camps. It also offers classes on Islam for individuals new to the faith or those who are not Muslim.

Where are the two mosques operated by the Islamic Society of Boston located?

The Islamic Society of Boston operates two mosques. The original mosque, known as the Islamic Society of Boston, is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The second facility, the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC), was constructed in Roxbury, Boston, in 2007.

What types of educational and recreational programs does the Islamic Society of Boston offer?

The Islamic Society of Boston offers a range of programs for Muslims, including daily, weekly, and annual events. These programs encompass Arabic and English classes covering both religious and secular subjects, a religious school specifically for children, and holiday celebrations. Additionally, ISB organizes trips and summer camps for children and provides classes on Islam tailored for both new and non-Muslim individuals.

When was the Islamic Society of Boston founded, and what was its origin?

The Islamic Society of Boston was founded in 1981. Its establishment resulted from the consolidation of Muslim Students' Associations from several universities in the Boston area, including Harvard University, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Suffolk University, and Tufts University.

What was the initial meeting place for the Islamic Society of Boston's activities?

The organization's first location was a hall reserved at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Here, they held prayers and conducted weekly seminars and classes for its members.

Trace the physical expansion of the Islamic Society of Boston's facilities.

Initially meeting at MIT, the ISB purchased a building in Cambridge in 1991 to serve as a community center. By 1993, they acquired a second location, which they began to renovate. This second location was opened as a mosque in 1994. The organization also acquired a rental property to help fund its annual operating expenses.

What controversy has surrounded the Islamic Society of Boston regarding its affiliations?

The Islamic Society of Boston has faced controversy due to reports linking it to radical Islam and terrorism. These allegations have been disputed by the society.

What legal action did the ISB take regarding allegations of ties to radical Islam?

In 2005, the Islamic Society of Boston filed a lawsuit for defamation against individuals and institutions that had published reports alleging ties to radical Islam and terrorism. However, the society later abandoned this suit in 2007.

What was the outcome of the ISB's defamation lawsuit, according to Floyd Abrams?

According to Floyd Abrams, a prominent First Amendment lawyer who represented the defense in the lawsuit, the Islamic Society of Boston abandoned its defamation suit in 2007 after many of its allegations collapsed during the discovery phase. Documents revealed during this phase reportedly confirmed the accuracy of the reports that had tied the Islamic Society of Boston to radical Islam and terrorism.

Which other Islamic organization shares members and teachers with the Islamic Society of Boston?

The Islamic Society of Boston shares many of its members and teachers with the nearby mosques belonging to the Islamic Center of New England.

How have Christian religious leaders described the Islamic Society of Boston?

Christian religious leaders have praised the Islamic Society of Boston, referring to it as an American Muslim institution that is well-respected in Cambridge and contributes positively to the broader community.

What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the mosque's operations?

The mosque temporarily shut down its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This measure was taken in response to the public health crisis.

When did ISB initiate plans for a new community center in Roxbury, and what was the purpose of this project?

In 1999, ISB purchased land from the Boston Redevelopment Authority with the intention of building an Islamic community center. This project was planned to be located near the campus of Roxbury Community College.

Who supported the land acquisition deal for the Roxbury community center?

The land deal for the new Islamic community center in Roxbury received support from Boston mayor Thomas Menino.

Describe the financial arrangement for the land purchase in Roxbury.

The Islamic Society of Boston agreed to compensate the city for part of the land's cost through community service initiatives. These included donating books to Roxbury Community College, sponsoring lectures about Islam for the college, and undertaking a 10-year commitment to maintain local parks. In exchange for these contributions, ISB was able to purchase land valued at $401,187 for $175,000.

When did construction begin on the ISBCC building project in Roxbury?

The building project for the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Roxbury broke ground in 2003.

What controversies surrounded the construction of the ISBCC?

The building project faced several controversies. These included concerns regarding the land purchase deal itself and the fact that the city employee who negotiated the deal was also a member and fundraiser for the ISB.

What was the 'David Project,' and what actions did it take concerning the ISBCC?

The 'David Project' was described as a right-leaning advocacy group that actively campaigned against the ISBCC building project. This group also filed a lawsuit against the city of Boston in relation to the project.

How did different Jewish groups react to the ISBCC project?

Reactions from Jewish groups were divided. Some Jewish groups expressed criticism towards the Islamic Society of Boston. Conversely, other Jewish individuals initiated a website specifically to offer support for the mosque.

What facilities are included in the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC)?

The ISBCC facility is designed to accommodate 3,000 individuals in its sanctuary. It also includes an Islamic school for children, an Islamic library, a morgue equipped with burial preparation facilities, administrative offices, a media center, a store, a gymnasium for women, a kitchen, a hall for events, and an underground parking garage.

Who were some notable attendees at the opening events for the ISBCC?

The opening events for the ISBCC featured an interfaith breakfast attended by Boston mayor Thomas Menino and leaders from various local Christian denominations. A Muslim congressional representative also made an appearance.

What is dawah, and how does ISB engage in it?

Dawah refers to the act of educating the public about Islam. The Islamic Society of Boston actively engages in dawah through various community initiatives, including an interfaith project with Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge and by offering classes on Islam to new and non-Muslims.

In what ways does ISB participate in civil rights and community development?

The organization collaborates with the ACLU on civil rights matters. Furthermore, ISB has received a grant from the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) to provide civil rights and civics training for the Muslim community residing in Boston.

What related topics are suggested for further exploration in the 'See also' section?

The 'See also' section suggests exploring topics such as the List of mosques in the Americas, general Lists of mosques, the List of mosques in the United States, and Islam in the United States.

What media related to the Islamic Society of Boston is available on Wikimedia Commons?

Wikimedia Commons hosts media files pertaining to the Islamic Society of Boston. This collection allows users to access related images and other multimedia content.

What official online resources are provided for the Islamic Society of Boston?

The article provides several official online resources. These include the main official website for the Islamic Society of Boston, a specific website for the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC) in Roxbury, and an overview of the organization available on the Harvard University Pluralism Project website.

What does the image caption 'Islamic Society of Boston headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts' describe?

The image caption indicates that the photograph shows the main headquarters of the Islamic Society of Boston, which is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

What does the image caption 'Islamic Society of Boston mosque in Roxbury' refer to?

This image caption identifies the building shown as the mosque belonging to the Islamic Society of Boston, specifically the one located in Roxbury.

What is the purpose of the 'Mosques in the United States' navigation box?

The 'Mosques in the United States' navigation box serves as a directory, listing various mosques across different states and U.S. territories. It helps readers navigate to related articles about specific mosques or regions and provides a broader context of Islamic institutions within the country. The Islamic Society of Boston is explicitly listed within the Massachusetts section of this navigation box.

How does the 'Mosques in the United States' navigation box relate to the Islamic Society of Boston?

The Islamic Society of Boston is explicitly listed within the Massachusetts section of the 'Mosques in the United States' navigation box, indicating its inclusion in this broader directory of Islamic places of worship in the U.S.

What types of authority control databases are referenced for the Islamic Society of Boston?

The article references authority control databases including VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) for international cataloging, the U.S. Library of Congress (United States) for national cataloging, and the Yale LUX collections for other relevant data.

What specific location is identified by the coordinates 42°19′51.2″N 71°5′36.1″W?

These geographic coordinates pinpoint the location of the Islamic Society of Boston's mosque in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

What was the role of Muslim Students' Associations in the founding of ISB?

Muslim Students' Associations from several Boston-area universities, including Harvard, Boston University, MIT, Northeastern, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Suffolk University, and Tufts University, were consolidated to form the Islamic Society of Boston in 1981.

When did ISB acquire its first dedicated community center building in Cambridge?

The ISB purchased a building in Cambridge to serve as a community center in 1991.

In what year did the ISB open its first location as a mosque?

The ISB opened its second purchased location as a mosque in 1994.

What financial strategy did ISB employ to help cover annual operating expenses?

To help cover its annual operating expenses, the ISB purchased a rental property, generating income for the organization.

What specific allegations led ISB to file a defamation lawsuit?

ISB filed a defamation lawsuit in response to press and other reports that alleged ties between the society and radical Islam and terrorism.

What was the significance of the discovery phase in the ISB's defamation lawsuit?

During the discovery phase of the lawsuit, documents were revealed that, according to Floyd Abrams, confirmed the accuracy of reports linking the Islamic Society of Boston to radical Islam and terrorism, which contributed to the abandonment of the suit.

What is the ISBCC's capacity and what facilities does it house?

The ISBCC facility can accommodate 3,000 individuals in its sanctuary and includes an Islamic school for children, an Islamic library, morgue with burial preparation facilities, administrative offices, a media center, a store, a women's gymnasium, a kitchen, an event hall, and underground parking.

How did the land deal for the ISBCC in Roxbury benefit the community college?

As part of the compensation for the land, ISB agreed to donate books to and sponsor lectures about Islam for Roxbury Community College, fostering an educational exchange.

What was the financial difference between the appraised value and the purchase price of the Roxbury land?

The land purchased by ISB for the community center was valued at $401,187, but ISB was able to acquire it for $175,000 due to the agreed-upon community service contributions.

What role did advocacy groups play in the controversy surrounding the ISBCC project?

A right-leaning advocacy group known as the 'David Project' actively campaigned against the ISBCC project and filed a lawsuit against the city of Boston concerning it.

What is dawah, and how does ISB utilize it?

Dawah is the Islamic concept of inviting or educating others about Islam. The ISB engages in dawah through activities such as an interfaith project with Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge and by offering classes on Islam to new and non-Muslims.

What related topics are suggested for further exploration in the 'See also' section?

The 'See also' section suggests exploring topics such as the List of mosques in the Americas, general Lists of mosques, the List of mosques in the United States, and Islam in the United States.

What is the purpose of the Wikimedia Commons link provided for the Islamic Society of Boston?

The link to Wikimedia Commons provides access to media files related to the Islamic Society of Boston, allowing users to view images and other multimedia content associated with the organization.

What is the official website address for the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center?

The official website address for the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC) is provided as isbcc.org.

What does the 'Authority control' section indicate about the Islamic Society of Boston's cataloging?

The 'Authority control' section indicates that the Islamic Society of Boston is cataloged in international databases like VIAF, national databases such as the U.S. Library of Congress, and other collections like Yale LUX, signifying its recognition and documentation within library and archival systems.

What is the significance of the coordinates 42°19′51.2″N 71°5′36.1″W?

These geographic coordinates pinpoint the location of the Islamic Society of Boston's mosque in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

What was the nature of the collaboration between ISB and Roxbury Community College regarding the land deal?

The land deal involved ISB compensating the city through community service, which included donating books to and sponsoring lectures about Islam for Roxbury Community College, fostering an educational exchange.

What is the function of the 'External links' section in the article?

The 'External links' section provides direct links to the official website of the Islamic Society of Boston, the website for its Roxbury location (ISBCC), and an overview from the Harvard University Pluralism Project, allowing readers to find more information directly from these sources.

Islamic Society Of Boston Wiki: The Islamic Society of Boston: A Nexus of Faith, Community, and Education

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Overview

Institutional Presence

The Islamic Society of Boston (ISB) is a significant organization that operates two primary centers of worship, or mosques, within the Greater Boston area. The original ISB mosque is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while the more expansive Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center (ISBCC) was established in Roxbury, Boston, in 2007.

Educational and Community Services

Both ISB locations offer a comprehensive range of programs catering to the Muslim community and the broader public. These include daily, weekly, and annual events, with instruction provided in both Arabic and English. Offerings encompass religious and secular topics, a dedicated religious school for youth, holiday observances, organized excursions, summer camps, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering understanding of Islamic tenets among new and non-Muslim individuals.

Community Integration

The ISB actively engages in community integration and interfaith dialogue. It participates in dawah, the practice of outreach and education concerning Islam, and collaborates on interfaith initiatives with institutions such as Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge. Furthermore, the organization is involved in civil rights advocacy in conjunction with the ACLU and has received support from the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) for its civil rights and civics training programs for the Muslim community in Boston.

Historical Trajectory

Foundational Years

Established in 1981, the Islamic Society of Boston originated from the collective efforts of Muslim students representing prominent academic institutions in the region, including Harvard University, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Suffolk University, and Tufts University. Initially utilizing space at MIT for prayers and educational sessions, the organization acquired its first dedicated community center building in Cambridge in 1991. By 1993, a second location was purchased and subsequently renovated, opening as a mosque in 1994.

Controversy and Legal Scrutiny

The organization has faced scrutiny regarding alleged associations with radical Islamic elements and terrorism, a matter that has been subject to significant public and legal contention. The ISB initiated defamation litigation in 2005 against entities disseminating reports concerning these alleged ties. The suit was subsequently withdrawn in 2007 following the collapse of several key allegations presented by the Islamic Society. Subsequent legal discovery, as reported by defense counsel Floyd Abrams, purportedly substantiated the accuracy of prior reports linking the Islamic Society of Boston to radical Islamic ideologies and associated activities.

Inter-Organizational Links

The ISB maintains a shared membership and faculty base with neighboring Islamic centers, notably the Islamic Center of New England. Despite controversies, the mosque has also received commendation from Christian religious leaders, who have described it as an American Muslim institution contributing positively to the broader community. The mosque temporarily suspended operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Roxbury Building Project

Land Acquisition and Development

In 1999, the ISB acquired land from the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to construct an Islamic community center near Roxbury Community College. This acquisition, supported by then-Mayor Thomas Menino, involved a favorable land valuation ($175,000 for property valued at $401,187) in exchange for community service commitments from the ISB, including sponsoring lectures and maintaining local parks. The project commenced with groundbreaking in 2003.

Public Discourse and Opposition

The development project was accompanied by considerable controversy. Concerns were raised regarding the land acquisition agreement and the dual role of a city official involved in the negotiation as both an ISB member and fundraiser. An advocacy group, "The David Project," initiated a public campaign and legal challenge against the development. Responses from the Jewish community were varied, with some groups expressing criticism while others publicly offered support.

Facility Features and Inauguration

The completed ISBCC facility is substantial, featuring a sanctuary with a capacity for 3,000 individuals. It also houses an Islamic school for children, a library, on-site facilities for mortuary services including preparation for burial, administrative offices, a media center, a retail store, a women's gymnasium, a kitchen, an event hall, and an underground parking garage. The opening ceremonies included an interfaith breakfast attended by Mayor Thomas Menino, local Christian clergy, and U.S. Representative Keith Ellison.

Community Outreach Initiatives

Dawah and Interfaith Dialogue

The ISB actively engages in dawah, the practice of outreach and education concerning Islam, aiming to foster greater understanding within the wider community. This commitment is demonstrated through collaborative efforts, such as an interfaith project conducted in partnership with Temple Beth Shalom in Cambridge.

Civic Engagement and Training

The organization participates in civil rights advocacy, working in conjunction with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). To further support the Muslim community's civic engagement, the ISB has received grant funding from the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) to facilitate training in civil rights and civics.

Related Information

Further Resources

For expanded context on Islamic institutions in North America and the broader religious landscape of the United States, the following resources are pertinent:

List of mosques in the Americas
Lists of mosques
List of mosques in the United States
Islam in the United States

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Islamic Society of Boston Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence system and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from a specific snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not represent the most current or complete information available. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or definitive account.

This is not official advice. The information presented herein should not be construed as official guidance, endorsement, or a substitute for direct consultation with the Islamic Society of Boston or relevant authorities. The creators of this page are not affiliated with the ISB and are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided.

We advise users to consult official ISB publications and direct sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The Islamic Society of Boston

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Overview ℹ️

🕌 Institutional Presence

📚 Educational and Community Services

🤝 Community Integration

Historical Trajectory 📜

🎓 Foundational Years

⚖️ Controversy and Legal Scrutiny

🔗 Inter-Organizational Links

The Roxbury Building Project 🏗️

🏢 Land Acquisition and Development

🗣️ Public Discourse and Opposition

🏛️ Facility Features and Inauguration

Community Outreach Initiatives 🤝

🌍 Dawah and Interfaith Dialogue

⚖️ Civic Engagement and Training

Related Information 🔗

📚 Further Resources

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References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Institutional Presence

Educational and Community Services

Community Integration

Historical Trajectory

Foundational Years

Controversy and Legal Scrutiny

Inter-Organizational Links

The Roxbury Building Project

Land Acquisition and Development

Public Discourse and Opposition

Facility Features and Inauguration

Community Outreach Initiatives

Dawah and Interfaith Dialogue

Civic Engagement and Training

Related Information

Further Resources

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice