Our Mission
About The Noor Center
Rooted in faith. Open to all.
A community center rooted in faith, education, and service — built by and for the Maryland Muslim community.
Our Vision
A vibrant American Muslim community striving for a just and virtuous society.
The Noor Center is a community center in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is a place of worship, learning, and gathering — welcoming to all who seek community, spiritual growth, and service.
The center is a project of MAS Maryland (Muslim American Society Chapter in Maryland), a nonprofit organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, whose purpose spans religious, social, educational, and charitable service.
The center offers daily prayers, Khutbah every Friday, concrete services, a wide range of youth and family programs, Quran education, community events, and social support services throughout the year.
What we nurture
The dimensions of community life we care for.
Community
Belonging and connection for every member.
Knowledge
Learning rooted in tradition and reflection.
Worship
A welcoming space for daily prayer.
Growth
Programs that help people flourish.
Family
Activities for all ages, together.
Service
Giving back to those around us.
Charity
Generosity woven into daily life.
Spirit
Nurturing the heart and soul.
Our Story
From a community dream to a cornerstone
The Noor Center began as a vision held by the MAS Maryland community — a dream of a dedicated space where Muslim families could worship, gather, and grow together. That dream became reality through years of fundraising, planning, and community effort.
- 1990s
Establishing Islamic Centers
MAS Maryland members served a multi-Muslim community, launching a wide range of programs that brought together youth, families, and individuals of all ages. The organization began hosting well-attended youth and family camps at the Calleva Smith Center, building meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, recreation, and connection.
- Early 2000s
The vision takes shape
Weekly Jummah prayers were held at the Germantown Community Recreation Center, providing a consistent gathering space for the growing congregation. MAS Maryland also launched a Sunday school program, offering a learning environment for leadership, service, and personal growth.
- 2008
MAS Maryland formally established
MAS Maryland Inc. (MAS Md) had its bylaws adopted on December 4, 2014, establishing the governance framework that would eventually oversee The Noor Center. MAS Maryland Inc. was officially incorporated on January 11, 2018.
- 2008 – 2020
Property acquired
By the grace of Allah, and after an extensive search spanning dozens of properties and thorough due-diligence, MAS Md undertook the purchase of two properties on Brink Farm Road. This milestone marked the beginning of a new journey to transform the space into a masjid: a beloved community meeting, members prepared and acted on several fronts. Ultimately, MAS Md secured the necessary alterations approved by Montgomery County to allow construction.
- 2012
Governance Framework adopted
To ensure the professional management of The Noor Center, the MAS Maryland Board of Trustees appointed the Executive Director and confirmed the appointment of staff and committee leads, as well as core operational policies to oversee the center's operations.
- Early 2021
The doors open
Construction completed and The Noor Center welcomed its community — offering daily prayers, youth programs, family halaqas, and educational classes.
- Today
A thriving, growing center
The Noor Center continues to grow as a community effort fueled by MAS Maryland — expanding programs, pursuing facility improvements, and welcoming long-term sustainability for generations to come.
- every Friday
- Council prayers
- Weekly programs for all ages
- 10+
- Properties purchased
- 2018
- Masjid construction completed
- 2023
Our Parent Organization
About MAS & MAS Maryland
Muslim American Society
The Muslim American Society is a national nonprofit organization with chapters across the United States. MAS works to move people and nurture lifelong, God-centered agents of change — striving toward a vibrant American Muslim community in a just and virtuous society. MAS provides its chapters with guidance, educational programs, and support to fulfill this mission throughout the MAS network — and beyond.
MAS Maryland
MAS Maryland is the Maryland chapter of MAS National, incorporated on January 11, 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It serves as the governing body of The Noor Center, providing strategic oversight, community leadership, and a connection to the broader MAS movement.
How We're Organized
Board of Directors and Executive Team
The Noor Center operates through two distinct layers of leadership. The MAS Maryland Board of Directors (BoD) provides strategic governance and fiduciary oversight. The Executive Director and the team lead the day-to-day programming and operations of the center.
Governing Body
Board of Directors
The MAS Maryland Board of Directors (BoD) of The Noor Center — the highest governing authority responsible for long-term health, mission alignment, and financial oversight.
- Selects and oversees the Executive Director and his team
- Approves the annual budget and major expenditures
- Ensures all activities align with MAS's mission and vision
- Reviews fiscal policy, financial commitments, and external audits
- Sustains the safe and healthy environment for the community to gather
- Meets at least four times a year, with committee leads as needed
Operational Care
Executive Director & Committees
The Executive Director — selected by the Board — leads the Executive Committee, which manages the center's programs and daily operations.
A committee structure was approved by the Board to facilitate the execution of operations and programs:
- Daily execution of programs and community activities
- Each committee focuses on a specific area (programs, finance, education, etc.)
- ED and committee leads meet biweekly for review
- Reports submitted to the Board regularly during board meetings
- Operates with flexibility within mission principles and BoD vision
Leadership
Board of Directors
Directors are elected by the General Assembly — the body of dues-paying MAS Maryland members in good standing. The Board designates a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer from among its members; some Directors also lead, chair, or coordinate at the center, contributing to the programming and operations of the center.
D
Dr. Ahmad Yusuf
President
Leads the Board and represents the center in the wider MAS Maryland community.
F
Fatima Rahman
Vice President
Supports governance and oversees strategic initiatives across committees.
B
Bilal Karim
Secretary
Keeps the records, meeting minutes, and bylaws of the organization.
Y
Yusuf Abdullah
Treasurer
Stewards the budget, financial reporting, and external audits.
A
Aisha Siddiqui
Director
Focuses on family programs and community wellbeing at the center.
O
Omar Farouk
Director
Advises on facilities, long-term planning, and sustainability.
Governance
Executive Team & Committees
The life of The Noor Center is carried out through focused committees, each responsible for delivering board-approved programs and operations in a specific area of community life. Committee leads are proposed by the Executive Director and approved by the Board of Directors.
K
Khalid Mahmoud
Executive Director
Selected by the Board to lead the day-to-day operations of the center.
S
Sara Iqbal
Programs Committee Lead
Plans and runs weekly programs for youth, families, and adults.
I
Ibrahim Nasser
Education Committee Lead
Oversees Quran education, Sunday school, and halaqas.
M
Mariam Hassan
Community & Events Lead
Coordinates gatherings, iftars, and community celebrations.
T
Tariq Aziz
Finance Committee Lead
Manages fundraising, expenses, and financial transparency.
L
Layla Osman
Volunteers & Outreach Lead
Recruits and supports volunteers and interfaith partnerships.
Volunteer with us
The Noor Center is built by its community. Find a way to contribute, no matter how much time you have.