Community guides / Community Organizations
East African Mosques in the United States: A Community Directory
Published 2025-01-05 · Updated 2026-08-31 · 7 min read · National
Find mosques serving East African Muslims across the US — from the largest Somali mosques in Minneapolis to Ethiopian and Eritrean Islamic centers in DC, Columbus, and beyond.
Mosques are the central pillars of East African Muslim communities across America. They serve not only as places of worship but as community centers, social service hubs, educational institutions, and cultural spaces.
Major East African Mosques by City
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center
One of the largest mosques in Minnesota and a central institution of the Minneapolis Somali community. Offers:
- Five daily prayers (Fajr through Isha)
- Friday Jumu'ah prayer (massive attendance)
- Quran school for children
- Adult Arabic and Islamic studies
- Social services referrals
- Eid prayers at large venues
Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center
Major Somali community mosque in South Minneapolis. Known for strong youth programming and active women's community.
Masjid An-Nur (Cedar-Riverside)
Conveniently located in the heart of Cedar-Riverside. Walking distance for many community members. Strong community ties.
Minnesota Islamic Center
Multi-ethnic mosque with significant East African membership. Educational programs and community outreach.
Columbus, Ohio
Noor Islamic Cultural Center (Dublin)
One of the largest and most active mosques in Ohio. Significant Somali and East African membership. Excellent Ramadan programming and youth activities.
Masjid Ibn Taymiya (North Columbus)
Primarily serves the North Columbus Somali community. Located near the main Morse Road business corridor.
Abubakar Islamic Center (East Columbus)
Ethiopian and Oromo community mosque. Traditional Islamic education and community programming.
Washington DC / DMV
ADAMS Center (Sterling, VA)
One of the largest mosques on the East Coast. Multi-ethnic with significant East African membership. Outstanding Ramadan programming, youth activities, and social services.
Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center (Falls Church, VA)
Historic and prominent mosque in Northern Virginia. Has served immigrant Muslim communities for decades.
Masjid Muhammad (DC)
One of the oldest mosques in DC. Diverse membership including East African community.
Islamic Community Center (Silver Spring, MD)
Serves the diverse Muslim community in Montgomery County, including the large Ethiopian community.
Seattle, Washington
ICCW (Islamic Center of Central Washington)
Large mosque serving Seattle area Muslims. Active East African community participation.
Muslim Association of Puget Sound (Redmond)
Eastside mosque with growing Somali and East African membership.
Masjid Al-Noor (Seattle)
Seattle's large mosque with diverse community including East Africans.
Atlanta, Georgia
Al-Farooq Masjid (Atlanta)
Major Atlanta mosque with East African community members.
Islamic Center of Clarkston
Serves the Clarkston refugee community, including many Somali and Ethiopian Muslims.
What to Expect at an East African Mosque
Prayer Times:
- Fajr (Dawn) — Early morning, before sunrise
- Dhuhr (Noon) — Midday prayer
- Asr (Afternoon) — Mid-afternoon
- Maghrib (Sunset) — Just after sunset
- Isha (Night) — After dark
Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah):
The most important weekly gathering. Usually 12:30pm–1:30pm. A khutbah (sermon) precedes the prayer. East African mosques often have Somali or Amharic translations of the khutbah.
Dress Code:
- Men: Modest clothing, head covering encouraged but not required
- Women: Hijab required, modest full-coverage clothing
- Both: Remove shoes before entering the prayer area
Ramadan:
During Ramadan, mosques are most active:
- Tarawih prayers every night (8–20 additional prayer units after Isha)
- Community iftars (usually free or donation-based)
- Intensified Quran recitation programs
- I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) in the last 10 nights
Islamic Education at East African Mosques
Most East African mosques offer:
- Quran memorization (hifz) programs for children
- Weekend Islamic school
- Adult Quran reading classes
- Arabic language courses
- Islamic studies and fiqh classes
- Sister circles and women's study groups
Sources and further reading
Next step
Check the mosque’s own website or phone line for prayer times, language services, and visitor guidance.