Our History
The Mosque of the Late King Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Inc., or Masjid King Khalid for short, is located in Raleigh, North Carolina within the grounds of Shaw University. In the early 1980s, Shaw University wanted a new building to be used by its students and staff. The growing local Muslim community wanted a mosque, also referred to as a masjid. A Muslim professor of Islamic Studies at Shaw University, Dr. Urabi Mustafa, facilitated a deal for everyone to get what they wanted. With money from the Saudi royal family, the International and Islamic Studies Building was built on the condition that it included a masjid for the Muslim community at large and classrooms and offices for students and staff.
As the Islamic Studies department continued to offer classes and events, local Muslims, both students and nonstudents, continued to use the masjid for worship, educational programs, and community service projects. Following the retirement of Dr. Mustafa, Dr. Ihsan Bagby continued to oversee the masjid’s activities. Sadly, Shaw University’s administration made efforts in the early 2000s to permanently close the masjid. A broad coalition of those in opposition to the masjid’s closing proved to be successful in keeping this sacred space intact. Regrettably, Dr. Bagby was forced to seek employment elsewhere shortly afterwards.
As there was no Shaw University professor to act as a guardian for the masjid, the local Muslim community came together and incorporated as a religious nonprofit under the name Jamaa'ah At-Taqwa at Shaw University Mosque, Inc on March 9, 2005. Eight years later, its name was changed to the Mosque of the Late King Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, Inc. or Masjid King Khalid for short.
In March 2020, in person religious services were suspended in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As humanity made great strides to combat this virus, public spaces began to reopen. Unfortunately, Masjid King Khalid was prohibited from reopening by Shaw University’s administration citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse as late as February 2023. In March 2023, an official announcement was made that Shaw University will no longer host a public mosque. Simultaneously, Shaw University was applying to rezone its property in an effort to revitalize its campus. Concerned about its future in light of its present closure, supporters of Masjid King Khalid rallied to save this historic house of worship. By the grace of Allah, we were able to reopen our doors by means of public protests, lobbying elected officials, and enduring advocacy.
What’s next?
Masjid King Khalid and Shaw University have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU“) that gives us access to the building until August 2026. Prior to the expiration of the MOU, we will try and find a long-term solution that will protect this holy space for generations to come. Please join us in making this happen!
(7:29)
Say to them (O Muhammad): 'My Lord enjoins justice; and that you set your faces aright at the time of every Prayer; and that you call upon Him, exclusively dedicating your faith to Him. You shall return to Him as you were created.