From a basement to a beacon
- 1973:
A basement, and a few families
A few immigrant families from Guyana gathered in a basement to pray, to teach, and to lay the foundation of what would become ISWA.
- 1980s:
Eid in the Imam’s home
The community kept growing, and Eid was celebrated at Imam Faizul Khan’s home.
- 1990s:
Borrowed rooms, a wider name
Prayers moved to rented community spaces. The name grew with the people: the Caribbean Islamic Society, then Montgomery County, then Maryland, and finally the Washington Area.
- 1996:
Ground of our own
ISWA bought its property in Silver Spring, the land the masjid stands on today.
- 2000s:
A school, a camp, a table
Madrasah classes, summer camp, and Eid meat for families who needed it.
- 2010s:
Out into the county
An annual bazaar, interfaith outreach and highway cleanups, serving the neighbours as well as the congregation.
- 2020s:
A masjid built by the community
The new masjid was finished without bank loans or foreign investment. Every permit, design and brick reflects the skills and generosity of its members.
