Hillside Islamic Center

Prior to 2000, the Muslims of New Hyde Park and the surrounding areas held Jummah prayers at different locations. Brothers Khwaja Naeem and Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan helped the community organize a more structured approach for the five daily prayers, Jummah, and religious classes for children. These activities took place in the basement of Arshy Grocery on Hillside Ave between 259th and 260th Streets, which was owned by Brother Naeem. Meanwhile,the Taraweeh prayers were held at different churches and synagogues in the area. In 2002, the children’s classes and Jumu’ah prayers moved to Elk’s Lodge located at 901 Lakeville Road. Later that same year, to continue the journey of serving the local Muslim community, a committee was formed consisting of Brothers Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, Abdul Basir Kazi, Imtiaz Rahi, Dr. Iqbal Jangda and Saleem Tatari. Brother Abdul Basir Kazi proposed the name of the organization to be the Hillside Islamic Center (“HIC”), which was unanimously agreed upon by all the board members. Later the name was officially filed with the New York Department of State’s Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code.