About First Cleveland Masjid
Founded in 1937, First Cleveland Masjid stands as the oldest established mosque in Cleveland, Ohio — a cornerstone of Islamic faith, education, and community for nearly a century. From humble beginnings to a thriving congregation, the masjid continues to serve as a spiritual home for Muslims across Greater Cleveland.
Our Historical Journey
The history of Islam in Cleveland dates back to the 1920s, when small groups of Muslims gathered informally for worship and study. Under the leadership of Imam Wali A. Akram, who arrived in Cleveland in 1923, the community officially founded First Cleveland Mosque in 1937 at 7605 Woodland Avenue — the city’s first recognized house of Islamic worship.
Over the decades, the mosque became a spiritual home for both immigrant and African American Muslims, nurturing faith, education, and unity through times of change and growth.
The Birth of Islam in Cleveland
Imam Wali A. Akram – The Visionary Founder
Imam Wali A. Akram (1904–1994), born Walter Gregg in Bryan, Texas, was a pioneering Muslim leader, educator, and community builder. After converting to Islam in 1923, he moved to Cleveland and became the city’s first recognized Imam.
For 52 years, Imam Akram led the First Cleveland Masjid, teaching Arabic, guiding converts, and shaping the foundations of Cleveland’s Muslim community.
He published “Arabic Made Easy” in 1946 and performed Hajj twice — in 1957 and 1986.
Beyond faith, he was also an inventor and educator, embodying Islam’s principles of knowledge, service, and perseverance. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Muslims in Northeast Ohio.
📍 Imam Wali A. Akram is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Cleveland.
A Life Dedicated to Faith and Learning
Imam Abbas Ahmad
Since 1989, Imam Abbas Ahmad — the grandson of the mosque’s founder, Imam Wali A. Akram — has served as the spiritual leader of First Cleveland Masjid, guiding a congregation of hundreds of members with dedication and faith. Under his leadership, the masjid continues to uphold and propagate the fundamental teachings of Islam according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, while serving the wider community of Greater Cleveland. Imam Ahmad has contributed not only as a religious leader but also as a respected voice within the local Muslim community, continuing the legacy of service and education established by his grandfather.
Upholding a Historic Mission
The Growth of Islam in Greater Cleveland
By the 1990s, Islam had become one of the fastest-growing religions in America, with a vibrant and diverse Muslim population in Greater Cleveland — estimated between 20,000 and 25,000 Muslims at that time.
The community includes believers from across the world — the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Indonesia, and African American converts.
Today, Cleveland is home to over fifteen mosques, serving as centers of worship, learning, and interfaith outreach.
The First Cleveland Masjid remains a proud symbol of this growth — a bridge between the early pioneers of the 1920s and the new generations shaping Islam in America today.
From One Mosque to Many
Our Mission and Vision
At First Cleveland Masjid, our mission is to uphold the teachings of Islam through worship, education, and community service.
We strive to:
Foster a welcoming environment for all Muslims and visitors.
Promote understanding and respect between faiths.
Provide Islamic education to children and adults.
Serve the Greater Cleveland community with compassion and unity.
“The mosques of Cleveland are open to all — members and non-members, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”
— Historical note, 1995
Our Community Today
The masjid continues to thrive as a place of daily prayers, Jumu’ah services, Qur’an study circles, children’s weekend school, and social outreach.
Our congregation represents the diversity and brotherhood of Islam — united by faith and dedicated to service.
We welcome everyone to learn, connect, and grow with us in faith.
Visit and Connect
📍 First Cleveland Masjid
3615 East 131st Street, Cleveland, Ohio
🕋 Join us for:
Friday Jumu’ah Prayer
Sunday Family Programs
Community Learning Sessions
🔗 Follow us on social media