Exploring the Islamic Association of Cincinnati

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with millions of believers in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Through immigration and conversion, the number of Muslims is growing in Western Europe and North America. In Cincinnati, Muslims are becoming a noticeable minority. I decided to visit the Islamic Association of Cincinnati in Clifton, one of the city’s many mosques where Muslims worship. I met a young Egyptian who spoke no English, who then took me to meet the imam of the mosque. I was greeted by Ismail, a convert to Islam from Roman Catholicism. He allowed me to explore the main prayer room, on one condition…I leave my shoes at the door.