Islamic Center of Northwest Arkansas: Community, Education & Faith in a Growing Region

The Islamic Center of Northwest Arkansas (ICNWA) has been at the heart of the region’s Muslim life for more than three decades. Since its establishment in 1994, the center has provided a spiritual and cultural home for a diverse and rapidly growing Muslim population in Fayetteville and surrounding towns—including Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Johnson, and Lowell.

As Northwest Arkansas transforms into one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, the local Muslim community has expanded in both size and influence. ICNWA continues to serve as the anchor for this growth, offering essential religious services, educational programs, and community-building initiatives that strengthen Islamic identity across generations.

A Home for Worship and Spiritual Growth

ICNWA provides a welcoming space for Muslims to perform:

• The five daily prayers

• Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer

• Taraweeh and Ramadan programs

• Educational and halaqa sessions

The center ensures that Muslims of all backgrounds—Arab, South Asian, African, American, and others—can practice their faith in an environment rooted in the Quran and Sunnah.

Islamic School and Lifelong Learning

One of the most important contributions of ICNWA is its Islamic School, which serves both children and adults. The curriculum includes:

• Arabic language

• Quran memorization and recitation

• Islamic Studies

• Weekly adult halaqat on various Islamic topics

These programs help shape the next generation of confident, informed Muslim youth, while also supporting adults seeking to deepen their spiritual knowledge.

Strengthening Bonds Within the Community

A key mission of ICNWA is to build unity among the region’s Muslims. Through social gatherings, youth activities, religious celebrations, and cultural events, the center creates opportunities for families to connect, support one another, and build a cohesive Muslim identity in Arkansas.

Charity, Service, and Humanitarian Support

ICNWA places strong emphasis on community service, fulfilling Islamic values through:

• Charitable giving (zakat and sadaqah)

• Helping local families in need

• Supporting refugees and vulnerable populations

• Participating in humanitarian relief efforts

These actions not only support Muslims, but also strengthen the center’s relationship with the wider Northwest Arkansas community.

Sharing Islam and Building Interfaith Bridges

The center is committed to communicating the true message of Islam through:

• Open houses

• Educational presentations

• Interfaith dialogues

• Cultural events

By engaging non-Muslims through learning and friendship, ICNWA promotes greater understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect.

A Growing Future for Muslims in Northwest Arkansas

As cities like Springdale, Bentonville, and Rogers continue to grow, ICNWA remains a vital institution ensuring the region’s expanding Muslim community is supported—spiritually, educationally, and socially.
The center continues to uphold its mission of serving Muslims while fostering harmony with the broader Arkansas community.