education and cultural life. The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo (ICGT), located in Perrysburg Township, became one of the fi rst purpose-built mosques in the United States. Completed in 1983, its striking architecture — with minarets and a dome visible from I-75 — became a symbol not just for Muslims in Toledo, but for the broader Midwest. It continues to stand as a beacon of faith, inclusivity and resilience. Imam Farooq Aboelzahab: A Steady Hand and a Compassionate Heart Among the leaders who shape Toledo’s Muslim community, Imam Farooq Aboelzahab holds a special place. Serving the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo for decades, Imam Aboelzahab is not only a spiritual guide but also a community bridge-builder. Born and educated in Egypt, Imam Aboelzahab brings with him a deep knowledge of Islamic scholarship and a heartfelt commitment to dialogue. He arrived in Toledo at a time when the community was growing rapidly and adjusting to new challenges — balancing tradition with American life, and countering misconceptions about Islam with openness and education. Building Bridges: Imam Aboelzahab and Toledo’s Islamic Roots By Ed Conn, Creative Director, TSN Photos by Doug Hinebaugh When people think of Toledo, they often imagine its industrial roots, the glass industry or its deep ties to the auto world. Yet Toledo is also home to a vibrant and growing Muslim community whose history stretches back nearly a century, deeply enriching the cultural and spiritual fabric of the city. Early Roots of Islam in Toledo The story begins in the early 20th century, when immigrants from the Middle East — primarily from Syria, Lebanon and Palestine — settled in Northwest Ohio in search of work and stability. Many came to work in the automotive industry or start small businesses, laying down the foundations of Toledo’s Arab-American presence. By the mid-20th century, these families began to organize religious gatherings in homes and rented halls, planting the seeds for formal Muslim institutions. In the 1950s and ‘60s, the Toledo Muslim community began fundraising for mosques, and soon Islamic centers emerged as central hubs for prayer, Under his leadership, the ICGT has become more than a mosque. It grew into a community center hosting interfaith dialogues, cultural festivals, health fairs and programs to support refugees and the underprivileged. Imam Aboelzahab believes strongly that Islam’s values of compassion, justice, and hospitality must be lived out daily — not just within the Muslim community, but in service to all neighbors. “He always reminds us that our duty to God is tied to our duty to humanity,” recalls a longtime community member. “He is patient, gentle, and wise. He carries himself with humility but left a deep impact on everyone he met.” Building Bridges Across Faiths One of Imam Aboelzahab’s greatest legacies is his work in interfaith relations. Long before such efforts were commonplace, he was sitting down with rabbis, priests and pastors across Toledo, nurturing friendships and building understanding. He believes that Toledo’s diversity was one of its greatest strengths, and he saw dialogue not as debate, but as a way to share stories, break bread, and grow together. Through events such as the annual International Festival at the Islamic Center, Imam Aboelzahab welcomes thousands of visitors of all backgrounds to experience Muslim culture, foo, and hospitality fi rsthand. Islam in Toledo Today Today, Toledo’s Muslim community is as diverse as it has ever been. Families trace their heritage not only to the Middle East, but also to Africa, South Asia and beyond. Mosques, Islamic schools and student organizations at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University all contribute to a lively and multifaceted Muslim presence. The community continues to grow, guided by the pioneering work of leaders like Imam Aboelzahab. His infl uence is still felt in the way the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo engages with the wider community — with open doors, educational programs and service initiatives that embody Islam’s principles of mercy and justice. A Lasting Legacy The history of Islam in Toledo is a story of resilience, faith and bridge-building. It is also a story of individuals whose leadership shaped a community’s identity. Imam Farooq Aboelzahab stands tall among them—a man who gave Toledo not just sermons and teachings, but a living example of kindness and faith in action. As Toledo continues to evolve, the contributions of its Muslim community — and the leadership of people like Imam Aboelzahab — remain a reminder that the city’s strength lies in its diversity and its ability to embrace many traditions under one shared home. Page 8
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