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Its origins were humble. The first Friday prayer service was held in an average sized trailer bought by a few Muslim families on Goldenrod road in Orlando back in early 1970’s. The families were from different diverse backgrounds. Even though the space they had was small, they were able to establish regular daily prayers and build a sense of community.
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By the early 1980s the Muslim community was able to establish the first official Mosque building on the Goldenrod property and establishing the Islamic Society of Central Florida. In 1993 the decision was made to expand the reach of the Islamic Society into other parts of the greater Orlando area. The Goldenrod road Mosque was named Masjid Al-Rahman (Mosque of the Merciful) and the Islamic Society of Central Florida established it self as an organization providing services related to Islamic education for children with the opening of the Muslim Academy of Central Florida and establishing the Horizons Daycare facility. In addition, services related to marriages and social services to all Muslims in the Central Florida area were presented.
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By the year 2000, the Islamic Society of Central Florida had opened five additional Mosques’ that included Masjid Al-Quddus and Masjid Al-Haq in the downtown area, Masjid Al-Hakim in Deltona, Masjid Al-Mumin in Titusville and Masjid Al-Rahim in Pine Hills. In addition, the new Muslim Education Community Center Auditorium better known as M.E.C.C.A opened its doors as the first established private Muslim academy in Central Florida.
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As the Muslim population grew, ISCF opened its first Masjid in Seminole County, Florida. Masjid Al-Salam, the Mosque of Peace opened it doors in the Sanford community in what used to be a Church property.
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By 2001 a new outreach initiative was planned to help educate the community about Islam and the Muslim community. The Center for Peace outreach department was established to send out speakers and plan activities that will help spread the message of peace and compassion that Islam stands for. The Communication and Media department was officially established to maintain contact with the media networks in Central Florida and portray the true message of Islam to the general public.
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The Islamic Society of Central Florida continued its tradition in focusing on uniting the Muslim community under the banner of God. By late 2006, the Muslim community in South Orlando joined the ISCF family of Mosques and established Masjid Al-Aziz. In early 2007, another independent group of Muslims joined the organization and established the University Masjid near the University of Central Florida to help add the ninth Mosque under ISCF.
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Today, by serving the needs of the 40,000 Muslims in the Central Florida area and the community at large, ISCF is on a continued path of progress and determination to help expand the message of peace and compassion that Islam adheres to. In a world full of turmoil and uncertainty ISCF is committed to demonstrating the hope and peace of mind that all humanity strives for.
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