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CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE CLOSURE: UPDATES, RESOURCES, AND CONTEXT

Local mosque looking to expand; plans new building on Princess Place Drive

In 2013, Tauheed Islamic Center, Wilmington’s oldest Muslim worship space, is planning to build the city’s first domed mosque on Princess Place Drive.

Amanda Greene of Wilmington Faith and Values reports that the project has faced building challenges over the last two years – but Ramadan could give it a needed boost.

Tauheed currently inhabits a nondescript former fish market on Castle Street.  The Islamic center’s spiritual leader, Imam Abdul Rahman Shareef, says he hopes the start of Ramadan - the Muslim month of fasting, prayer and almsgiving – injects a new sense of urgency to complete the mosque.  Ramadan ends on Aug. 19. 

Since the mosque’s groundbreaking in 2010, the building’s plans stalled in the city’s planning and zoning departments until recently.

Tauheed’s current space has one prayer room and one room for Islamic classes, plus bathrooms.  By contrast, the new 4,000-square-foot mosque will have a large prayer room facing Mecca, ceremonial washing stations for men and women, a gathering hall and offices. 

With 25-30 members, Tauheed has the smallest membership of Wilmington’s three Islamic centers, but Shareef believes the recent growth in the region’s Muslim population will fill the new mosque.

Amanda Greene posts for Wilmington Faith and Values.