Masjid Al-Taqwa was a mosque located in Altadena, California, United States. It was located on Lake Ave across from the Eliot Arts Magnet Academy. Founded as a historical African American masjid, the mosque became more multicultural in subsequent decades. Its origins date back to the 1970s. It was the first mosque in the Pasadena-Altadena area. The building was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in early January 2025.

It began as a meeting place for members of the Nation of Islam in the 1970s but became a multicultural Islamic center in the following decades.

History Masjid Al-Taqwa emerged from the Nation of Islam's Temple No. 27, located in South Central Los Angeles. Early founders of the mosque were African-American Muslims in the Altadena area. One such member, Aaron Abdus-Shakoor, recounted attending Fruit of Islam meetings while the worship group was in its infancy. The Altadena mosque had been called multiple names, including Masjid Taawhid.Haney, Marsha Snulligan. "Encountering Religious Pluralism: The Challenge of Islam and the Protestant African American Churches." Order No. 9425247, Fuller Theological Seminary, School of World Mission, 1994, https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/encountering-religious-pluralism-challenge-islam/docview/304128332/se-2 (accessed February 2, 2025). The community initially rented buildings and later repurposed a thrift store, built in 1950,title=5845-023-027 | url=https://portal.assessor.lacounty.gov/parceldetail/5845023027 as a permanent space.

In 1991, the Altadena-Pasadena Dawah Center was granted tax-exempt status.IRS, EIN https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/ Following a meeting, the group changed the name to Masjid Al-Taqwa, taqwa an Islamic term for "piety" or "fear of God."

The community purchased the facility on April 2, 1999.Parcel AIN: 5845-023-027, transfer date 04/02/1999

Rebuilding efforts After the Eaton Fire destroyed the mosque, its leaders started a crowdfunding campaign on LaunchGood to rebuild the property. As of January 26, 2025, it has raised 80% of its US$1,000,000 goal.

See also

Islam in the United States

References