Alrasool Islamic Center
■ Taylorsville , Utah
A lrasool Islamic Center resides within a former Mormon chapel , built in 1894 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . As Mormonism expanded throughout the 20th century , its chapels came to serve narrowly defined religious and cultural functions . Hundreds of early assembly hall – type chapels , like the current building occupied by Alrasool Islamic Center , were demolished to make way for massive new buildings that responded to the growing needs of the Church . Although the building has changed hands several times , it has survived waves of demolition and development around it and has always served as a place of community worship .
Alrasool ’ s congregation reflects the United States ’ involvement in the Middle East over the past several decades . The congregation was established by a handful of young Shi ’ a men who
Photo : Trent Nelson
immigrated to the United States after fleeing the establishment of the Iranian Republic , the rise of Iraq ’ s Saddam Hussein , and the subsequent Iraq-Iran War . Alrasool received more waves of immigrants following the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and the recent American withdrawal from Afghanistan . Because of this , Alrasool ’ s community programming focuses significantly on immigrant outreach , educational classes for couples and families , and youth Islamic courses . Alrasool ’ s work goes far beyond the limits of their worship community : they serve as an important resource for interfaith dialogue and collaboration , hosting students from Utah high schools and universities who are interested in learning more about Shi ’ ism and Islamic culture . Alrasool Islamic Center is the first mosque awarded a grant by the National Fund for Sacred Places .
10 SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2024