Gwynn Oak Islamic Community celebrates opening of new mosque

members of Gwynn Oak Islamic Community in Baltimore celebrated the official opening of their new home

Prayers and happiness filled Masjid al-Ihsan on Saturday as members of Gwynn Oak Islamic Community in Baltimore celebrated the official opening of their new home.

The mosque opening on Gwynn Oak Avenue came after years of obstacles that included disputes with a former contractor and a maze of city zoning rules and building regulations, leaders said.

There are about 10 mosques in Baltimore, but the Masjid Al Ihsan is the first to be built from “the ground up,” said Sean Anthony-Stinnett of the Maryland Muslim Council. Others use space that has been converted from other uses.

Around 2007, the organization bought a house that sat on the property, Cason said. Members wanted to expand, but couldn’t under the city’s zoning rules. So they set out to build the new facility.

A slew of politicians attended the celebration, including city council members and mayoral candidates.