About us
Welcome to Boston’s oldest continually running masjid. As one of the pioneer communities of Islam in the City of Boston, we have spent the past 50 years serving Boston Muslims and non-Muslims in need.
Our Story
By the grace of Allah, Masjid Al Hamdulillah or The Mosque for Praising Allah was founded and sponsored by the Society for Islamic Brotherhood (SIB). In the 1950’s, a group of sincere African American Muslim brothers seeking fellowship and a place of worship, began meeting in each other’s homes, MSA’s and eventually the Islamic Center of New England, Quincy, to pray and learn more about their newfound deen, Islam. It became clear they needed a house of worship closer to home to continue growing. 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of serving Muslims and non-Muslims in the Greater Boston Community.
1950’s
The beginning
SIB was established to support the Greater Boston Muslim and non-Muslim communities.
1970
First Masjid In Boston
In 1970, SIB rented 724 Shawmut Ave. Roxbury, MA and became the first group to consistently establish the 5 daily salat and Friday Jumuah prayers in the City of Boston.
1973
A Ramadan Blessing
In 1973, during the month of Ramadan, SIB was chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, allowing them to officially established Masjid Al-Hamdulillah.
1980
Illuminating Young
hearts & minds
From 1980 – 1983 Masjid Al Hamdulillah started Boston’s first Islamic elementary school, Al-Azhar. After its closing in 1983, the masjid operated weekend schools teaching children Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies for over 25 years.
1988 – 1989
Planting Seeds for Community
SIB began the incorporation of the Muslim Council of Boston (MCB), a collaboration for the development of establishing a Jamia Masjid for Muslims from all communities.
In 1989, the Boston Redevelopment Authority awarded MCB the designation of the plot of land between Jeep Jones Park and Roxbury Community College to build a large masjid with a community and education center. Unfortunately, after ten years MCB was unable to raise the necessary funds to complete the project. The designation was given to the Islamic Society of Boson who later completed the project and is now known as ISBCC.
1990
Unifying the community
In 1990, SIB started the first “Unified Eid Prayer” bringing together Muslim communities, masjids and MSAs from the Boston area, to pray and celebrate Eid together at Malcolm X Park in Roxbury and later at the Reggie Lewis Track Center in Roxbury. This collaboration lasted for more than fifteen years.
1995
Started 1st Islamic social service group
SIB started the Islamic Multi-Services Organization (IMSO) to help community members, both Muslim & Non-Muslim. Since then, IMSO has initiated and maintained programs some of which are still in effect today ie: summer camps, a father-son mentorship, Raad basketball team, archery classes, cookouts, bazaars and outings, CDL license preparation classes, weekend schools, cooking and sewing classes, ESL and out-of-school-time tutoring; re-entry and mental health counseling; advocacy for Muslim seniors and a food pantry that continues to meet the food inequities in our community.
2001
Advocating against Hate
Following the tragic events of September 11, the mosque plays an essential role in fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. It actively engages with other religious and community organizations to promote peace and combat Islamophobia.
2009
Nurturing Young Minds
Reestablished the Islamic weekend school within its premises, offering religious education and Arabic language classes for children and adults. The school plays a vital role in preserving Islamic traditions and educating the next generation.
2010
Interfaith efforts
SIB joined the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO), a collaboration of various faith-based community organizations to stand together on common social and political concerns. Through this effort, we are learning to build power for our community to affect change in Boston and Massachusetts’ policies regarding such things as health care, housing, and reforming the criminal justice system.
2020
Faith Unmasked in the Face of Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the operations of the mosque, and in-person gatherings were temporarily suspended. However, the masjid adapted quickly by organizing online prayer services, virtual lectures, and remote educational programs to serve the community during the challenging times.
2023
A legacy of Praise – 50 years
By the grace of Allah, Masjid Al-Hamdulillah aka The Mosque For Praise of Allah, continues to serve as a pillar of the Muslim community in Roxbury, providing spiritual guidance, educational opportunities, and a sense of unity among our members. This year we celebrated our 50th year of serving the community and we remains dedicated to promoting peace, harmony, and understanding within the wider society.