The new Ames Muslim mosque, the Darul Argum Islamic Center, is expected to be complete by the end of September, offering another worship option for Ames residents.

Located at 1212 Iowa Ave., the new mosque is the first to be built and takes the place of the old mosque, Darul Argum Mosque, 1221 Michigan Ave.

The new Islamic center has a prayer hall accommodating 250 people, three classrooms and multipurpose areas, 500 books in the library, two offices, two kitchens, dining rooms, a women’s prayer hall and nursery and a parking lot with 40 parking spaces.

Mohammad Mujebb, who is in charge of construction of the new masjad, or church, said a congregation meets in the church Fridays as Christians do Sundays. He said they used to pray on Fridays in the Memorial Union, but now they can pray in the new mosque.

Raza ul-Mustafa, Ames community member, said funding was a major issue. Funds were collected from other mosques in Iowa as well as outside of Iowa, and the government gave no funding.

Funding was not the only issue in building the first mosque in Ames. The neighborhood controversy also delayed the new mosque from being built.

Mujebb said they had planned the new mosque in 1995 or 1996, but neighbors opposed this idea.

A delay of more than four years halted the mosque’s construction. After going to the Iowa Supreme Court and spending between $50,000 and $60,000, Mujebb said the Muslims had permission to follow through with the plan.

“We have a little money problem, but people have promised to help pay,” Mujebb said. “People are also raising money to take care of it.”

Mujebb also said the Muslims are trying to educate people about their religion.

Mustafa said in the future, they look forward to having a good relationship with the neighbors. He said the new mosque is for any race to feel welcome to be a part of the sisterhood and brotherhood within the mosque.

“People need to know about Islam, and maybe the mosque will act as a bridge between the Muslim community and Ames,” Mustafa said. “Many find it difficult to approach [the mosque], so they can call or e-mail us and schedule a meeting or some time to visit the mosque.”

Hector Avalos, associate professor of religious studies, said the religion of Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions of America, and Iowa is not just Christian.

Mujebb said the building has a dome to signify a traditional structure, so when Muslims pass they see it as a mosque.

“A lot of people come from the Middle East and they will feel at home to have a place here [in Ames] to worship,” Mujebb said. “It is a nice building and will have enough space for whatever we want to do.”