Mosque Maryam (Temple #2) is a large place of worship in Chicago, Illinois, United States and the headquarters of the Nation of Islam. It is located at 7351 South Stony Island Avenue in the South Shore neighborhood. Louis Farrakhan's headquarters are located on these premises. The building was originally the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church before that congregation relocated to suburban Palos Hills. Elijah Muhammad purchased the building in 1972 and the mosque was then repurchased by Louis Farrakhan 17 years later, in 1988. It was named after Mary, the mother of Jesus ("Maryam" is Arabic for Mary). Farrakhan said Muammar Gaddafi had also lent Elijah Muhammad, his predecessor as head of the Nation of Islam, $3 million to convert a Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago into the Mosque Maryam.
This is not only my home but it is where Allah/God has allowed me to take part in his divine mission in waking up our people here in the hell of North America! It will be my home away from home as well.......I will always love my city Chicago, Illinois for as long as Allah/God allow me to be on this, earth!!.....I'm very thankful that I got the chance to fulfill in doing my part of the mission in raising our lost people into a higher conscience of who they are.
Architectural description and Specifications
The main prayer hall is unusual for Mosque since it was originally the church's nave that contained pews later replaced with seats. Mosque Maryam serves as the headquarters and National Center for the Nation of Islam. Adjacent to the mosque is the Muhammad University of Islam, an educational institute for boys and girls from pre-school through 12th grade.
The distinctive architectural design of Mosque Maryam further identified the spiritual significance of this house. There is in the dome, placed in four directions, the Arabic phrase whose standard interpretation in English is "There is no god but God.
" In the center of the dome is the written "God is the greatest." Surrounding the dome in Arabic text is the 24th Sura (chapter), the verses 35-40 of the Qur'an entitled, "Al-Nur (The Light)".
This is the most beautiful place I've seen in my life. This by far is a place where my people can and do and has held our heads up high because we are taught the value of ourselves and others!
| Mosque Maryam | |
| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Location | 7351 S. Stony Island Avenue |
| Geographic coordinates | 41°45′39″N 87°35′6.2″ W |
| Affiliation | Nation of Islam (formerly Greek Orthodox) |
| Municipality | Chicago |
| State | Illinois, USA |
| Website | www.noi.org/ |
| Specifications | |
| Dome(s) | 1 |
| Minaret(s) | 0 |
This is the most beautiful place I've seen in my life. This by far is a place where my people can and do and has held our heads up high because we are taught the value of ourselves and others!
