About The Noor Center

MAS Maryland members served a role in founding and serving on the boards of several Islamic centers, including the Islamic Society of Boston, Dar Al-Hijrah in Northern Virginia, the Islamic Center of Maryland (ICM) in Gaithersburg, and the Islamic Society of Germantown (ISG).

MAS Maryland grew into a vibrant and active community, launching a wide range of programs that brought together youth, families, and individuals of all ages. The organization began hosting well-attended youth and family camps at the Lathrop Smith Center, creating meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, recreation, and community bonding. MAS Maryland also established a strong presence during Ramadan by organizing Taraweeh prayers, community iftars, and Eid celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and shared worship.

Weekly Jumu'ah prayers were held at the Germantown Community Recreation Center, providing a consistent gathering space for the growing congregation. MAS Maryland also launched a Girl Scouts troop, offering young girls a structured environment for leadership, service, and personal growth.

As the community expanded to hundreds of regular attendees, MAS Maryland broadened its programming to include the "Umee and Me" program for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. With this rapid growth, MAS Maryland began actively planning, discussing, and fundraising for a dedicated youth center and masjid — a permanent home where future generations could deepen their faith and thrive as part of a united community.

MAS Maryland, Inc. (MAS MD) had its bylaws adopted on December 6, 2015, establishing the governance framework that would eventually oversee The Noor Center. MAS Maryland was officially incorporated on January 11, 2016.

By the grace of Allah, and after an extensive search spanning dozens of properties and thorough due diligence, MAS MD celebrated the purchase of two properties on Boland Farm Road.

This milestone marked the beginning of a new journey to transform the space into a masjid. In a General Assembly meeting, members proposed and voted on several names, ultimately choosing The Noor Center. Members generously provided hundreds of thousands of dollars as a Qard Hasan toward the property purchase, originally to be repaid over five years — some ultimately donated the full amount. MAS National later provided $500,000 in additional support through a Qard Hasan as well. MAS MD dedicated its efforts to establishing the masjid.

To ensure the professional management of The Noor Center, the MAS Maryland Board of Trustees appoints the Executive Director and confirms the appointment of staff and committee leads, as well as any additional positions required to oversee the center's operations.

Construction completed and The Noor Center welcomed its community — offering daily prayers, youth programs, family halaqas, and educational classes.

The Noor Center continues to grow as a community effort led by MAS Maryland — expanding programs, pursuing facility improvements, and working toward long-term sustainability for generations to come.