The Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) is a religious, educational, community institution catering to the spiritual, educational, social and cultural aspirations of a growing Muslim and non-Muslim community. The Center reflects the diversity of the Muslim ummah. Its activities are organized under the Islamic principle that learning is a lifelong process for men and women and is best accomplished in an environment of freedom and openness. ICLI provides a forum for an open exchange of diverse viewpoints of Islamic way of life and different schools of thought. Lectures on varied topics — from spiritual, scientific, historic, economic, social to nutritional points of view — are presented by prominent speakers.
The concept of the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) grew out of the concerns of a small group of immigrant Muslim families, who settled in Nassau County in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. The need to preserve their offspring in Islamic principles, drew these families together, often on weekends in make shift classrooms. Thus, over time, the need for an Islamic Center now stands, was thus bought by private donations. ICLI incorporated as a non-profit religious entity in April 1082 (Rajab 1402) under the provisions of the Religious Corporation Law. Vigorous fundraising efforts followed. Construction of the present structure began in July 1989 and was completed in 1991 at a cost of close to two million dollars. The Center comprises a mosque, with its inspiring Prayer Room featuring traditional Islamic architecture set in a modern American context, a multi-purpose room, classrooms, library and offices – totaling an area of about 10,000 square feet. The facility can accommodate several hundred worshippers and many more with completed exterior landscaped courtyard for prayer purposes. In 2016 the center has successfully completed a $5 million expansion project and grew the area by an additional 19,000 square feet.