If you have never been inside the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, the ISBCC, it is easy to see from the street. The red-brick mosque with its tall minaret stands at 100 Malcolm X Blvd. in Roxbury, across from the Reggie Lewis Center and next to Roxbury Crossing. It calls itself the largest mosque in New England, and whether you are coming for Jummah, bringing a class on a tour or visiting a masjid for the first time, a little planning makes the visit easier.
A short history
The building took decades of patience. The Muslim Council of Boston, founded in 1988 by Boston's African American Muslim leaders, acquired an empty parcel of land in Roxbury in 1989. In 2000 the Boston Redevelopment Authority approved handing the land to the Islamic Society of Boston, which had opened its first mosque on Prospect Street in Cambridge in 1995. Ground was broken in 2002 with Mayor Thomas Menino in attendance. Lawsuits slowed construction for years, and all of them were dropped in a 2007 settlement. The minaret was capped that year, and the center held its grand opening in 2009.
Who prays there
According to the ISB, about 1,700 people attend Friday prayers at the ISBCC each week, and Eid prayers, held in several sessions with other local mosques, draw about 10,000 worshippers. The center says its community represents 64 nationalities, that 60 percent of regular attendees are under 35, and that 45 percent are women.
Getting there and parking
By transit, Roxbury Crossing station on the Orange Line is right next door. If you drive, know this before you go: the small on-site lot cannot hold most visitors at busy times. The ISBCC asks people to leave those spaces for elderly and disabled worshippers and to park in the Roxbury Community College lots instead, mainly Lot 2 or Lot 1 if it is empty. From there it is a five to seven minute walk along a well-lit, mostly covered path in front of the college. The center warns that cars parked illegally, double-parked or blocking driveways may be towed, so give yourself extra time on Fridays.
Tours and classes for neighbors
The ISBCC welcomes visitors of every background. Groups can book a guided tour by appointment between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. using the request form on the center's Tours page, ideally at least two weeks ahead. Tours start outside with the architecture, then move inside to talk about daily life at the mosque, with time for questions. Individuals who are not part of a group are invited to watch the Friday sermon at 1 p.m. or join a free class. Islam 101, a five-week introduction, is listed for Saturdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., and a monthly Living Islam series for new Muslims meets on Saturday afternoons. Walk-ins are welcome, though it is worth confirming the current schedule first.
More than prayer
The center also offers nikah and marriage services, aqiqa, funeral services, English classes and referrals for housing, legal and health help, and it hosts a monthly food distribution run with Muslim Community Support Services. The Common Word Cafe inside sells drinks, snacks and lunch seven days a week.
Before you go
Prayer times change with the seasons, so check the prayer schedule on isbcc.org before you head out. The office can be reached at 617-858-6114, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, or at office@isbcc.org. Dress modestly, plan your parking, and you will find a warm welcome waiting in Roxbury.