Islamic Center: Masjid Nur Ahl-Us Sunnah
Nestled in the US Virgin Islands is the Islamic Center: Masjid Nur Ahl-Us Sunnah located on the Island of St. Thomas. The establishment of the Muslim community began in the US Virgin Islands 37 years ago with the opening of the first Islamic Center called Masjid Muhammad in 1978 on the island of St. Thomas. It was later re-named Masjid Nur Ahl-Us Sunnah (nicknamed locally as Masjid Al Nur or Nur Islamic Center (NIC)) which is currently located in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands. There is currently a Muslim population of approximately 500 Muslims that are made up of indigenous Virgin Islanders, Palestinians, Pakistanis, Egyptians, Jordanians, Africans and residents that moved here from the continental USA. This is the only Islamic community on island. Masjid Nur Ahl-Us Sunnah is an independent non-profit organization. Much like other Muslim communities in the West, there is a struggle to maintain a sense of Islamic identity in the Virgin Islands. Despite these challenges the Muslims are committed to understanding one another, and coming together to practice Islam on such a small predominately Christian island. St. Thomas, USVI mostly relies on tourism as its primary economic activity. Therefore, we receive many Muslim visitors from various countries and islands. Everyone is welcomed as Masjid Al Nur provides religious, educational and recreational activities for members of the congregation and the local community. |
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