North Carolina’s First Mosque Honored with Historical Marker
The Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center, a cornerstone of Islamic history in North Carolina, is set to be commemorated with a state highway historical marker. This recognition is part of the N.C. Historical Marker Program, which operates under the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
A dedication ceremony for the marker will take place on Friday, April 10, at 2 p.m. The event will be held at 1002 W. Chapel Hill St., Durham, directly across the street from the Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center.
Established in 1956 in Durham’s West End, the Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s inaugural mosque. Initially known as Muhammad’s Mosque #34 under the Nation of Islam, it became a focal point for the African American Muslim community in Durham. During the 1970s, as the community transitioned from the Nation of Islam to Al-Islam, the mosque was renamed the Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center. Since opening at its current location in 1972, it has served as a center for worship, education, and outreach for Muslims statewide.
Beyond its religious role, Ar-Razzaq represents a significant facet of Black Muslim identity and activism in the American South. Historian Paul Kiefer points out that while Black Muslim communities in northern cities like Chicago and Detroit have received substantial scholarly attention, the South’s contribution remains less studied, despite having an Islamic presence since the 18th century.
Ar-Razzaq’s impact extends throughout North Carolina. In 1971, its leaders inaugurated the state’s first Muslim school and mosque in Raleigh. It was also instrumental in establishing mosques in Fayetteville, Greenville, and Kinston, and has provided support to various Muslim communities across the state.
During the 1960s, the mosque gained national prominence by hosting notable figures such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, highlighting its importance in African American religious and political life.
Today, the Ar-Razzaq Islamic Center continues to be a place of worship and education. Initially a predominantly Black Muslim congregation, it has evolved to reflect the diverse demographics of Islam in the United States.
For more details about the historical marker, please visit this link, or contact (919) 814-6625.
The Highway Historical Marker Program is a joint effort by the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is dedicated to managing, promoting, and enhancing North Carolina’s rich tapestry of arts, culture, and natural beauty. With over 100 sites statewide, the department aims to enhance education, drive economic growth, improve public health, increase accessibility, and bolster community resilience. For further information, visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
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