HISTORY
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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
History of the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier (IOST)
The Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier (IOST) began its journey in 1979, with the purchase of its first mosque located at 37 Carroll Street, Binghamton, NY 13901. At that time, the Muslim community in the area was small, and Islamic activities were limited, including Quran classes which initially began with just three students.
As the Muslim population in the Southern Tier region expanded, the need for a larger facility became evident. In June 2001, IOST successfully completed the construction of a new mosque, Masjid Al-Noor, in Johnson City, NY. This new mosque was established to better accommodate the growing congregation, and as a result, the daily five prayers and Friday Jumu’ah prayers were moved to Masjid Al-Noor.
However, the original mosque on Carroll Street was not abandoned. Instead, it was renamed Dar Al-Hikma and continued to serve as a vital educational center for the community, with Quran classes still being held there.
In 2020, reflecting its evolving role and the continued growth of the community, Dar Al-Hikma was renamed Dar Al-Huda. Today, Dar Al-Huda remains a vibrant center for both Friday prayers and Quranic education, symbolizing the ongoing dedication of IOST to serving the spiritual and educational needs of Muslims in the Southern Tier.
The history of IOST is a testament to the unwavering commitment of its members to fostering Islamic knowledge, community growth, and spiritual development.