Muslim Association of Hawaii | Building Faith, Unity, and Community in the Pacific

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, the Muslim Association of Hawaii (MAH) stands as the central pillar of Islamic life across the Hawaiian Islands. Established to serve as a hub for worship, learning, and community growth, MAH provides a welcoming environment where Muslims and visitors alike can come together in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) through prayer, education, and social service.

Our Mission: Faith, Service, and Inclusion

The Muslim Association of Hawaii strives to cultivate a loyal, contributing, and service-oriented Muslim community grounded in the teachings of the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

MAH’s mission extends beyond religious practice—it focuses on building bridges within Hawaii’s multicultural society. Through charitable initiatives, educational programs, and community outreach, MAH promotes compassion, unity, and understanding. The mosque also serves as a platform for interfaith dialogue, strengthening relationships among people of all faiths and fostering mutual respect in one of America’s most diverse states.

Our History: Islam’s Legacy in the Pacific

Hawaii has welcomed Muslims for over a century, long before it became a U.S. state. As a crossroads between Asia and America, the islands have drawn Muslims from across the world—from China’s Uighurs to North Africa’s Touaregs—forming a colorful and harmonious community that mirrors Hawaii’s spirit of “Aloha.”

The organized Muslim presence in Hawaii began in the mid-1960s, when Muslim students and professors arrived at the University of Hawaii’s East-West Center. By 1979, the community purchased its first masjid at 1935 Aleo Place in Manoa, transforming a simple house into the first official Islamic center in the state.

Since then, MAH has become a spiritual home for Muslims from over 36 different nationalities, representing a global mosaic united in faith.

Leadership and Legacy

The first recorded Imam, Hajj Saad Abdul Rahim Shih Ming Wang, was a Chinese-born scholar educated at Al-Azhar University in Cairo. Like the current Imam, Sheikh Ismail ElShikh, he embodied both deep Islamic scholarship and global understanding.

The association also built strong ties with the U.S. military Muslim community—a connection first established by Brother Abdul Shakur Ali, a Schofield Barracks soldier who later served as the Muslim chaplain at Ground Zero after 9/11.

Programs and Community Activities

The masjid remains a vibrant center of faith and education. Its offerings include:

• Daily and Friday prayers (Jumu’ah)

• Qur’an recitation and memorization classes

• Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) studies

• Sisters’ Halaqas and youth programs

• Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan

• Interfaith and community awareness events

These programs foster both spiritual growth and community engagement, ensuring that Islam’s message of mercy and justice continues to flourish in the Pacific.

Recognition and Cultural Harmony

In a testament to Hawaii’s spirit of inclusivity, the state legislature passed a resolution in May 2009 officially recognizing “Islam Day” on September 24 each year. This date marks the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) arrival in Madinah, symbolizing peace, brotherhood, and a new beginning. The day honors Islam’s contributions to global culture, science, and art—reflecting the deep respect Hawaii holds for its Muslim community.

A Community of Faith and Compassion

From Arab and Pakistani professionals to American converts and African immigrants, the Muslim community in Hawaii continues to grow in strength and diversity. The Muslim Association of Hawaii stands not only as a place of worship but as a home of unity, service, and spiritual renewal, embracing the beauty of Islam amidst the warmth of the Aloha spirit.