About

Mission

Masjid Uthman envisions a masjid institution, modeled after that of the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم), that serves as a practical model for addressing the many, unique, and disparate challenges that communities face in our contemporary environment. In addressing our challenges, it is Masjid Uthman’s mission to:

1. Establish and integrate all the prophetic endeavors, including worship and spiritual purification (تزكيه و عبادة), education (تعليم), outreach and propagation (دعوة و تبليغ), and social service (خدمة) in harmony upon a single platform of the masjid. Just as Allah’s Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم) established each of these efforts as part of an inseparable whole within Masjid Nabawi, so do we envision establishment of each of these endeavors, without ignoring any of them, from within the masjid.
2. Ensure that these endeavors are conducted under the guidance and ultimately leadership of scholars (علماء), who have inherited knowledge directly from the Prophet (صلي الله عليه و سلم) through a traditional and authentic chain of narration, so that these endeavors are truly modeled after those of Allah’s Messenger (صلي الله عليه و سلم).
3. Include and accommodate all segments the Muslim community in these endeavors, just as the Messenger of Allah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) accommodated the entire community regardless of age, gender, language, and background, so that every segment may contribute and benefit from Allah’s message. In particular, Masjid Uthman would like to address the pressing needs of the growing second and third generation young American Muslims, with English language programs and education that address their particular intellectual, social, and cultural requirements, and with facilities accessory to the masjid (like a recreation center and library) that promote their spiritual health by holistically addressing social and physical needs. (Here we should note that a large part of Masjid Uthman’s current leadership consists of American born Muslims concerned about establishing Islamic values in their community.)
4. Build a community that exemplifies the Messenger’s status as ‘mercy for the worlds’ by reaching out to our non Muslim neighbors and becoming a source for their material and spiritual benefit. We do not aspire to live in an enclosed environment apathetic to our surroundings. Instead, we plan to follow the example of Prophet Yusuf (عليه السلام) in the Quran. With concern for our neighbors’ well-being and consciousness of society’s issues, we will strive for their welfare and inspire their trust, their respect, and harmony. As Shaikh Abul Hasan Nadwi stated decades ago to Muslims in England:

Inculcate excellent qualities, not just inside the masjids but also outside. Establish your worth, showing what blessing and mercy you are for the country. If you decide to live in an enclosed environment content with your prayers and fasting, apathetic to the people and society you live in, then beware. Gain proficiency of the national language. Prepare writers and orators to convey the message of Islam. If you are entrusted with heavy responsibilities for the welfare of the country, as was Prophet Yusuf , embrace the challenge wholeheartedly. [Dewsbury, 1982]

History

Masjid Uthman (pronounced us-maan) was conceived in 2004 by a group of active members from the Muslim community residing in Chicago’s western suburbs of Lombard and Glen Ellyn. At that time the closest masjids were Islamic Foundation in Villa Park and Muslim Society Inc. in Glendale Heights. Both of these masjids had a long record of service to the Muslim community. As a result of the growing Muslim population and increasing numbers of second and third generation American Muslims, the community in this area required not only an additional prayer location but also an institution that could satisfy its new, expanding, and contemporary needs. Masjid Uthman’s founding members envisioned an institution and community that reflected the purpose, values, and endeavors of the masjid and community of the Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم). 

In 2006, Masjid Uthman financed the purchase of its future site at the southwest corner of Roosevelt Rd and Lawler Ave in Lombard, immediately east of the Highway I-355 exit. After an additional acquisition in 2008, the site now totals about four acres of ideally located property.

In 2010, DuPage County proposed a law banning future religious assembly uses in residential zones. Masjid Uthman, located in this county, immediately initiated a ‘Conditional Use’ approval process for its site, part of which is zoned residential. By the Grace of God, the DuPage County Board approved the Conditional Use permit on September 13, 2011 by a vote of 12-4. This Conditional Use permit preserved the use of the site as a place of religious assembly.

Although the process was lengthy, Masjid Uthman generally found support among residents of its neighborhood; a positive sign for its vision of establishing an institution that benefits the entire community. The Conditional Use approval was for a multi-phase facility including a prayer hall, classrooms, gymnasium, library, offices, and a 166 vehicle parking lot. The multi-phase approval allows for the phase-wise completion of its facility.

As of January 2012, Masjid Uthman has rented a location at 55 W 22nd Street, Lombard to serve as its temporary office and prayer area while construction work is underway on the Roosevelt Rd site. The 22nd Street facility is now serving the community with the five daily prayers, Friday (Jumu’ah) prayer, and several educational programs.

Masjid Uthman is now working intensely towards constructing the first phase of its facility and thanks the community for its support. We look forward to continue working with you and to fulfilling our common vision of an institution that continues the noble legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه و سلم).

Names

In 2005, the organization was incorporated as Muslim Community Association of the Western Suburbs (MCAWS). After facing difficulties with its lengthy name, ‘Pin Oak Community Center’ (in reference to the common name of the site) and the Arabic ‘Masjid Uthman’ were adopted. In 2011, ‘Muslim Community Association Lombard’ or ‘MCA Lombard’ was adopted to replace ‘MCAWS’. While all names continue to be valid, ‘Masjid Uthman’ and ‘MCA Lombard’ are primarily used.