STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Muslim American Society of Staten Island welcomed worshippers to its expanded community center in Dongan Hills on Tuesday, marking Ramadan celebrations in what officials say is now the largest Muslim community center on Staten Island.
Sheikh Ahmed Tahoun, who holds a degree from Egypt’s Al-Azhar University and is recognized for his expertise in the art of Quranic recitation (Maqamat), was on hand to lead the second Taraweeh prayer for Ramadan 2026.
The facility at 180 Burgher Ave. recently completed its second phase of construction, adding three floors with capacity to accommodate more than 500 people daily and between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors nightly during Ramadan, according to Abdullah Akl, director of public affairs for the nonprofit known as MAS-SI.
The $13 million project, funded entirely through community donations, reflects years of growth since the organization purchased the property in 2010 and later acquired adjacent land. The first phase was completed last year, and the interior of the second phase is now ready for use, though exterior work continues.
Center officials attribute the expansion to surging attendance driven largely by young people from Staten Island and Brooklyn.
“The biggest thing is that youth really fill our center, more than anything. And that’s what really encourages parents to donate here,” Akl said. “Because they realize that if my kids are here every day, every evening after school, it means that there’s something special here, something that I want to invest in because it’s a safe environment for kids.”
The center has designed programming specifically to engage teenagers in positive activities, with particular emphasis on weekend events. Akl said programs on Fridays and Saturdays run late into the night for high school and college students, with some young people staying until 1 or 2 a.m.
The new facility includes two multi-use spaces available to community members for weddings and celebrations at minimal cost. The building features accessible bathrooms, an elevator, and welcoming entrances and exits to accommodate visitors with various mobility needs.
An expanded prayer area anchors the new space, with the second floor offering views overlooking the main prayer hall.
Akl emphasized the center’s diverse community, which he said includes people of various backgrounds and faiths.
“You will find genuinely every nationality from Italian American to Egyptians to Palestinians to Armenians to Turks – because of the difference of nationalities that we have here, it’s actually what makes our community so strong,” Akl said.
He added, “At its core, this is about love, faith, and getting to know one another. You are truly a part of our community, regardless of your religious beliefs. That embodies our teachings – the idea that we welcome everyone with open doors.”