American Islamic Association is an organization of Muslims providing facilities and personnel for regular and special prayers, religious and language education for all age groups, social and religious interaction and outreach programs with other Faith groups and other social & community organizations.

American Islamic Association was incorporated in Frankfort, Illinois in 1979 as a not-for-profit religious entity with the intention of imparting religious education to our children. Over time the activities of the organization have expanded into a full-service religious organization catering to all ages. Weekend school and adult educational classes form an important aspect of the Association’s charter. Future plans include a full-time day school and toddler day care for working parents.

The 14-acre scenic property was purchased in 1982. Until late 2005, the weekend school activities were conducted in the renovated farmhouse and old airplane hangar. This hanger soon was re-configured as the main prayer hall for congregational prayers and services. The new Mosque was completed in September 2005 at a cost of approximately $2,000,000 generously donated by the South Suburban Muslim community.

The present building consists of a prayer hall, a community meeting hall and six school classrooms. All are housed in a two-story 15,000 square feet building.

The prayer hall can accommodate about 425 people and is divided into separate areas for men and women. The community meeting hall can accommodate 350 people for sit-down dinners and about 550 in a theatre or lecture style seating. Attached to the hall is the service kitchen. The facilities are very conducive for weddings, get-togethers, seminars, lectures and business meetings.

ABOUT THE IMAM

Alhamdulillah, at the beginning of the month of Ramadan (May 2019), AIA welcomed its new Imam to the Masjid.

Imam Shareef was previously the imam at the Dayton Mercy Society Mosque in Ohio for 11 years.

Over the years, he has led daily and Friday Prayer services, taught at Saturday & Sunday schools, led Summer and Hifz-ul-Quran schools, conducted shahadas, nikaahs & funeral services, led Ramadan and holiday Prayer services, participated in outreach programs for Muslims and non-Muslims, and worked with the youth to give them a balanced successful outlook on life and citizenship.

Imam Shareef completed his memorization of holy Quran from Al- Madrasatul Arabia (Hyderabad) under Shaykh Abdul Rahman Al-Hamoomi at the age of 14. He also has a Bachelor of Commerce from Osmania University. He earned his Ejaza in Quranic recitations from Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Hamoomi and Qari Dr. Fazl Khan.

The AIA Board and the whole community is truly grateful to Allah swt for having Imam Shareef in its midst! May Allah grant the community the opportunity to learn from his knowledge and gain a deeper connection and understanding of Islam from him, by the Will and Guidance of Allah swt!

MESSAGE FROM THE IMAM OF AIA, HAFIZ MOHAMMAD ASGHAR SHAREEF

My Dearest Community Members, Assalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

First, I would like to mention that it has been a great pleasure and honor to become a part of the community as an Imam. And I cannot thank Allah SWT enough for giving me this opportunity. I have enjoyed getting to know you all, and AIA has been one of the most welcoming communities I have ever experienced.

It was all with the help of Allah SWT that he gave me a chance to experience so much in the Muslim communities. I pray to Allah SWT to guide me more in serving my Muslim Community in Frankfort. And I intend to fulfill all the expectations (and more) of my community, In sha Allah.

Hafiz Asghar Shareef

AIA Masjid Imam

MESSAGE FROM AIA CHAIRMAN OF BOARD, DR KHALID BAIG

Assalam Alaikum Dear Community Members,

I hope you and your families are safe and healthy. Welcome to the new AIA website!

As you can see on the various pages of this website, AIA has many activities normally scheduled as daily, weekly, monthly and annual events. The AIA Weekend Islamic School is in full swing, Alhamdulillah. Ramadan Taraweeh prayers will continue this year with the precautions of last year. We have already re-started the monthly AIA lecture series. We will probably wait to re-institute Sunday Community Ramadan Iftaars next year and wait and see about other events like the AIA Annual Community Fairs and AIA Annual Community Dinners. We appreciate your patience and support as we slowly get back to “normal”.

As most of you would be aware, the AIA Board had to make very unfortunate and difficult decisions to limit and curtail several of our Masjid’s activities and programs in the last couple of years because of the current pandemic situation. Insha Allah, as the conditions improve, we will go back to our regular schedules and programs… and beyond.

In the meantime, we all should take necessary precautions and stay healthy. We are taking the safety of our community very seriously and taking steps that are in our control.

As we all know we have on-going expenses for our Masjid. We urge you to please donate to AIA regularly either through this website or mail it in. Please check the DONATE page for options.

For our masjid to be successful and vibrant, we need YOU! As important as donating to the masjid is, spending more time at masjid – be it for prayers or for any of its other services like educational or social programs – is just as important. Please participate in the lectures, community service projects, special events and activities… this will encourage and motivate AIA to ramp up such programs so that our Masjid becomes the thriving bustling center of the community that masjids are meant to be! Get involved! Please see the CONTACT page for emails addresses for various people and activities and inquire about opportunities / sign up for them!

We want to stay true to our goal and mission of serving our community and be welcoming to ALL without regard to backgrounds or ethnic identities: young & old, male and female, new to the faith or long-time practicing! And of course, we cherish and celebrate the diversity in our community and embrace it whole-heartedly! As Allah swt says in Ayah 3:103 of the Holy Quran, “And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves…”.

And Allah swt also says in Ayah 49:13 of the Holy Quran, “O people, we created you all from a single man and a single woman; We made you into races and tribes so that you should get to know one another. In God’s eyes, the most honored of you are the ones most mindful of Him: God is All Knowing, All Aware.”

I extend to you best wishes and duas of well-being, on behalf of the entire AIA Board of Trustees. May Allah protect and bless AIA members and all of humanity! Aameen!

Dr Khalid Baig

AIA Chairman of the Board

• Requesting a tour of the AIA Mosque (Masjid) for your Place of Worship or Organization.
  Bringing your Confirmation Class for a visit.
• Attending an “Islam 101” presentation.
• Helping out with a Community Service Project.
• Talking to some-one at the mosque as part of a School Project.
• Learning more about Islam or for taking Shahada

Contact:
See CONTACT US page for getting in touch with the person best suited for your needs.