We are delighted to invite you to the official grand opening of Es‑Selam Mosque, a true marvel of Islamic architecture and design. This journey began in 2016, when our community united to envision and design the mosque and community center. Since then, through the generous support of our local congregation and extended family of donors and waqifs, every stage—from the foundation to the intricate interior calligraphy—has been realized with care and commitment. Join us on Saturday, September 27, 2025, to celebrate the opening of this historic project.
Event sponsorship opportunities are available on our dedicated grand opening website.
Celebrate the opening of Es‑Selam Mosque by taking part in our ceremonial ribbon-cutting with your own pair of commemorative scissors. Proceeds will help fund the grand opening festivities and honor this milestone for generations to come.
Two options available:
Each purchase directly supports the event budget and marks your place in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Quantities are limited—secure yours today and help us cut the ribbon on a new chapter for our community.
Our mission is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and spiritually nurturing space for the Bosnian Muslim community, as well as all who wish to join, by building a mosque that serves as a center for worship, education, and community engagement. We aim to foster a strong sense of unity, identity, and cultural preservation while embracing the rich diversity of our members and the broader community. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities and support the United States has provided to our community following the Bosnian genocide, and we are committed to contributing positively to our adopted country.
Find us on Facebook @ICCBDesMoines, follow us on Instagram @iccbosniak and join in our community Viber chat to stay up to date on activities and notifications.
Our youth Instagram handle is @okbosnjakdsm.
Grand Opening of the Es-Selam Mosque is coming soon!
Join us September 26–28, 2025 in Granger, IA – a historic weekend you won’t want to miss.
You can follow the schedule and program details at:
https://esselam-grandopening.iccbosniak.com.
*The website will be updated regularly with new information as the opening date approaches.
Mosque
The mosque, known as Masjid in Arabic, symbolizes spiritual devotion, community solidarity, and cultural identity for Muslims globally. Beyond its role as a place of worship, it serves as a hub for religious education, social activities, and community support. The mosque’s architecture reflects Islamic art, housing a prayer hall for communal prayer, fostering unity and connection to the divine. Additionally, it functions as an educational center, offering classes on Islamic teachings, history, and jurisprudence. The mosque promotes social cohesion through events like communal meals and charitable initiatives, fostering bonds among members. It also serves as a platform for interfaith dialogue, opening doors to non-Muslims for understanding and mutual respect. In times of need, the mosque provides support, guidance, and solace, making it a vital pillar of the Muslim community and contributing to global religious diversity and understanding.
Quran
The Quran, Islam’s holy book, is believed by followers to be the literal word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Written in classical Arabic, it consists of chapters (surahs) and verses (ayahs), covering theology, morality, personal conduct, social issues, and legal principles. Beyond a religious text, it serves as a life guide, addressing diverse topics. Unique for its preservation since the 7th century, the Quran is a reference in Islamic scholarship. Its literary quality, praised for rhythm and eloquence, is considered miraculous and divine. Muslims read and recite it regularly, with a tradition of reading the entire Quran during Ramadan. Its influence extends beyond worship, shaping societal norms and laws in many Muslim-majority countries, making it a profound guide for over a billion people worldwide.
Prayer
Prayer, known as Salah, is a fundamental aspect of daily life for Muslims, constituting one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It serves as a transformative act of worship connecting individuals to their faith, community, and Allah. The daily prayer routine includes Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, involving physical postures, Qur’anic recitations, and supplications, reinforcing the constant presence of the divine. The physical movements symbolize humility and devotion, while recitations and supplications deepen the spiritual connection. Prayer also fosters unity and community, signaled by the call to prayer (Adhan), transcending cultural and national boundaries. Beyond its communal aspect, daily prayer instills mindfulness, encouraging reflection, seeking forgiveness, and promoting self-improvement. In conclusion, prayer in Islam is a multifaceted practice that enriches believers’ lives, offering spiritual connection, community cohesion, and a steadfast reminder of the divine presence.
Hajj & Umrah
Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a spiritually significant pilgrimage to Mecca, mandatory for physically and financially capable Muslims. Rooted in traditions from Prophet Abraham’s time, it takes place annually from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, concluding with Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims perform rituals like Tawaf and Sa’ee, culminating in deep prayer at Arafat. Hajj symbolizes unity, as millions of Muslims, regardless of background, pray together. It signifies submission to God, an expression of faith, and a transformative journey. Completing Hajj earns the pilgrim the title “Hajji,” reflecting a shared global Muslim community and profound spiritual rejuvenation.
Zikr
Zikr, or remembrance of Allah, is a fundamental Islamic practice that serves to fulfill the purpose of creation, connecting humans with the divine. It acts as spiritual nourishment, fostering a sense of peace, protection from negative influences, and psychological well-being. Engaging in Zikr earns Muslims divine rewards, cultivates gratitude and mindfulness, strengthens community bonds, and prepares the soul for the afterlife. It is an act of worship that can be seamlessly integrated with other Islamic practices, enhancing the overall spiritual experience and helping believers lead a life aligned with the will of Allah.
Zikr can take many forms, including but not limited to recitation of the Quran, repeating phrases like “Subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah), “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), and “La ilaha illallah” (There is no deity but Allah), as well as sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with phrases like “Salallahu alayhi wasallam” (Peace be upon him).
