Muslim Community of Quad Cities

The Muslim Community of the Quad Cities currently meets on a two acre complex in Bettendorf, Iowa containing an old house, a parking lot, and a children’s play area. The three story house holds a kitchen and fellowship area on its first floor, men’s and women’s washing and prayer rooms on the second, and educational rooms on the third. Though the house does not reflect traditional mosque design styles, it has been well adapted to comfortably accommodate the needs of the community. Future group plans include the construction of a school or community center on the remainder of the property.History Twenty years ago, when Muslims first began arriving in the Quad Cities region from India and the Middle East, they went largely unnoticed by the general population. Most of these immigrant Muslims were employed as doctors or engineers and had come to the United States to pursue higher education. In 1989, members of this small group officially organized and rented a small building for use as a prayer hall in Rock Island, Illinois where they began meeting regularly for daily and Friday prayers. Regarding theses humble community beginnings, one interview subject noted, “We used to rent a room, and there was only about…for private prayer, about eight members. You could count four on your hand [on an average day], if you’re lucky.” This new organization proved vital to the maintenance and development of the community. As Muslims arrived in the area, they often found a spiritual home in one of the two area Islamic centers. Additionally, da’wa efforts aimed at the African American and prison communities attracted members who appreciated the supportive and egalitarian environment offered by the mosque. In 2000, the group moved from Rock Island to its present site in Bettendorf, Iowa where it holds daily and Friday prayer services, weekly educational classes and Qur’an recitation, and various holiday and fellowship gatherings.Demographics The Quad Cities are a cluster of cities strat