Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah stands as one of the most respected and historic Islamic institutions in Lexington, Kentucky, symbolizing the strength, growth, and faith of the local Muslim community.
Founded more than 50 years ago, the masjid began with a small group of Muslims who first organized in 1975 when there was no mosque for Jumu’ah prayers or any established Islamic congregation in Lexington.
A Vision Rooted in Faith and Service
Masjid Bilal’s mission is to develop and sustain a faithful, effective, and influential Islamic community guided by the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Its objectives include:
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Serving the religious and social needs of Muslims.
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Promoting understanding and education about Islam.
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Engaging positively with the wider Lexington community for social progress.
The masjid emphasizes goodwill, tolerance, unity, and understanding, welcoming both Muslims and non-Muslims in a spirit of compassion and cooperation.
The First Masjid in Lexington
The community’s first permanent location was established in 1978 at 572 Georgetown Street, which later became Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah. After renting the property for over 20 years, the community officially purchased it in 2001, turning it into a central hub for Muslim life in the region.
As the Muslim population grew, the space became too small. In 2004, the community acquired new property at 1545 Russell Cave Road. After extensive renovations, the congregation moved into its new home in 2005, providing more space for worship, parking, and community events.
A New Era of Growth
In 2014, after months of fundraising, the community began constructing a new, modern masjid on the same property. Completed in 2015, the new building provided larger prayer halls, modern facilities, and expanded community spaces.
Since then, Masjid Bilal has thrived, hosting Eid celebrations, educational programs, youth activities, and interfaith events. It remains a symbol of faith and unity for Lexington’s growing Muslim and Arab population.
Community Outreach and the SHARE Center
The original Georgetown Street property now operates as the SHARE (Services for Human Advancement and Resource Enhancement) Center, established in 2010.
The SHARE Center serves the entire Lexington community, regardless of faith, and includes:
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Employment services
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Food and clothing banks
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A health clinic staffed by Muslim doctors and students
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A computer lab and educational programs
This initiative reflects Masjid Bilal’s belief that Islamic values include serving humanity, building bridges, and helping those in need.
Education and Family Life
The former masjid building on the Russell Cave property now hosts Sunday school classes, da’wah activities, and community events such as nikahs (marriages), aqiqahs (birth celebrations), and other special gatherings.
Masjid Bilal continues to shape the moral, spiritual, and cultural identity of Lexington’s Muslim population, providing both a house of worship and a center for civic engagement.
Contact Information:
Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah
1541 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, KY 40505
Tel: (859) 233-4827
Email: info@masjidbilalky.org
Website: masjidbilalky.org
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings to its current thriving community, Masjid Bilal Ibn Rabah remains a cornerstone of Islamic life in Lexington, Kentucky. It continues to promote faith, education, service, and unity, setting an inspiring example of how a mosque can strengthen both the Muslim ummah and the broader society around it.