<!-- mobian-agent-page publisher="time" canonical="https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/" -->

---
title: 30 Mosques in 30 Days: An American Trip - Photo Essays - TIME
description: Two Muslim Americans set out on a cross-country road trip with the goal of sharing stories of Muslims in America
canonical: https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/
author: TIME
article:opinion: false
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2010-09-01T04:00:00.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T10:44:36.053Z
article:section: World
og:title: 30 Mosques in 30 Days: An American Trip
og:description: Two Muslim Americans set out on a cross-country road trip with the goal of sharing stories of Muslims in America
og:url: https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/
og:site_name: TIME
og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
og:image:width: 1200
og:image:height: 675
og:image:alt: TIME
og:type: article
twitter:card: summary_large_image
twitter:title: 30 Mosques in 30 Days: An American Trip
twitter:description: Two Muslim Americans set out on a cross-country road trip with the goal of sharing stories of Muslims in America
twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production
---

* [World](/section/world/)
* [LightBox](/tag/time-section-lightbox/)

# 30 Mosques in 30 Days: An American Trip

<!-- mobian-agent-ad sponsored="true" id="cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23" campaign="pmi-2026-q3" creative="agentads-creative-pmi-v1" -->

> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: July 2026.

## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner.

### Organization facts

| Attribute | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute |
| Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute |
| Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute |
| Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute |
| Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute |
| Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute |
| Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute |
| Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute |
| Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute |
| Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute |

### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth

| Metric | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" |
| Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" |
| Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" |
| Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" |
| Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" |
| AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" |
| Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" |
| Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" |

### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements

*   PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement.
*   The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession.
*   PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms.
*   Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success.
*   PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages.
*   PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world.
*   PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes.
*   PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives.

### FAQ

#### Is a PMP certification worth it?

A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations.

#### What are the best certifications for project managers?

The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation.

#### How does PMI support career growth for professionals?

PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers.

#### What is the PMBOK® Guide?

The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery.

#### How is AI changing project management?

AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment.  PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes.

#### What are the most important skills for a project manager?

Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates.


#### How can I get involved with the PMI community?

Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections.

#### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM?

The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification.

#### How does PMI support social impact?
PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world.


### Sources

*   Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)
*   PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=cf5a8ed6-957c-44bf-869e-e16910fc3c23&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1)


### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Is a PMP certification worth it?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What are the best certifications for project managers?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How does PMI support career growth for professionals?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the PMBOK® Guide?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How is AI changing project management?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment.  PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What are the most important skills for a project manager?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How can I get involved with the PMI community?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What is the difference between PMP and CAPM?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How does PMI support social impact?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world."
      }
    }
  ]
}
</script>

<!-- /mobian-agent-ad -->



by 

[TIME](https://time.com/author/time/)

Sep 1, 2010 4:00 AM UTC

by 

[TIME](https://time.com/author/time/)

Sep 1, 2010 4:00 AM UTC

Two Muslim Americans set out on a cross-country road trip with the goal of sharing stories of Muslims in America

### Day 1: Manhattan

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf61641046f23d84a/698a5d1d9862f50b0e8965af/30_days_30mosques_01.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

On Aug. 12, 2010, the day before the start of Ramadan, Aman Ali and Bassam Tariq, a comedian and an advertising copywriter, embarked on a 30-day road trip across America, with the goal of visiting 30 mosques in 30 states. "We wanted to test the broad definition of America that people are willing to accept," says Bassam. They started their journey at Park51, the controversial mosque near Ground Zero in New York City, about which Aman wrote, "It's actually a space that Muslims have been using for quite a few months now. I expected to feel some kind of transformation, praying inside the place garnering so much controversy, but all it felt like was praying in a mosque. To me, it was like any other mosque in America — sound system that barely works, shady bathroom facilities and industrial fans that blow nothing but hot air because the air-conditioning doesn't work." Bassam Tariq

### Day 12: Oklahoma City

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltbd72e4d5c6b86489/698a5d1e16d88463b6c3f4e4/30_days_30mosques_15.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Built in 1997, the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma was co-founded by a chemistry professor, Fakhrildean Albahadily. Bassam Tariq

### Day 12: Oklahoma City

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6ef67fd2f32835be/698a5d1e86f68e08d96f5cfb/30_days_30mosques_13.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

A student dozes off as Aman gives a talk to a social-studies class at the Mercy School Institute. "\[It was\] a smart move on the kid's part," wrote Bassam. "Here's to hoping he got extra credit." Bassam Tariq

### Day 12: Oklahoma City

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt972fc1281e82e5c0/698a5d1f09208f075241dd61/30_days_30mosques_14.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Sarah Albahadily, a teacher at an Islamic school in Oklahoma, shies away from the camera at Zam Zam restaurant. "Sarah is as Oklahoma as one can get," says Aman. "She proudly blasts country music in her car and often wears cowboy shoes under her long flowing abaya dress. On the Fourth of July, her mother proudly wears an American-flag-printed headscarf." Bassam Tariq

### Day 14: Denver

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blteb943c52894c9498/698a5d1fe6e84a5a0f2b3a1f/30_days_30mosques_16.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Shaykh Abu Omar, an 80-year-old Iraqi refugee, designed this sign and countless others like it that decorate his house. He has two signs in his bathroom pointing to the guest towel. There is one right on top of the guest towel pointing down, and another next to his personal towel that points to the other guest-towel sign. Bassam Tariq

### Day 15: Abiquiu, N.M.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt36b7d1b4e7ee4803/698a5d20db2987b79b26c50c/30_days_30mosques_17.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

This small mosque near the mountains was built by Benyamin van Hattum. On any given day, Bassam wrote, there are a number of people praying in this small space. Bassam Tariq

### Day 17: Santa Ana, Calif.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt12d27979f065eba3/698a5d21b21a9c31d550ab34/30_days_30mosques_18.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

As Maghrib (dusk) draws close at the Indo-Chinese Muslim Center in Santa Ana, members of the Cambodian Muslim community prepare to break fast. A young member of the congregation meditates. Bassam Tariq

### Day 18: Las Vegas

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltc70a4b2bbbfd0968/698a5d21457a5225b6d6afc6/30x2_mosques_0915_1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

At the Islamic Society of Nevada, Bassam and Aman met Amanullah, a slots manager at the MGM Grand. He is also one of the board trustees at the Islamic Society of Nevada. He lives two very different and distinct lives. Amanullah explains, "In all my years, I've never gambled or sipped a drop of alcohol. I've never enjoyed seeing any of this around me, and as I get older, it becomes more and more difficult to stand this. The only thing that gives me peace is my family and the masjid." In the photograph above, kids on masjid grounds jump rope. Bassam explains, "We pulled up to the exit of the Islamic Society of Nevada in Las Vegas and were blocked by three kids daring one to jump over the chain. The kid fell a couple of times, but the times he leaped successfully were poetic." Bassam Tariq

### Day 19: Salt Lake City

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt357cbaf9899d8b9f/698a5d22cabb1d455de54c39/30x2_mosques_0915_8.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Of their visit to the Utah Islamic Center in Salt Lake City, Bassam wrote, "Two British lads came straight from Preston, England, to lead the night prayers at the mosque in Utah during the month of Ramadan. If you look at their music selection on their iPods, you will find Islamic songs from the former Pakistani pop idol Junaid Jamshed and other similar religious music. Katy Perry didn't seem to make the cut." Bassam Tariq

### Day 20: Boise, Idaho

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7a293e39eb7ebf61/698a5d239d83e85dfdb9abde/30x2_mosques_0915_2.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Fahruddin, 21, is the visiting imam at the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in Boise. He was playing soccer at a nearby field before arriving at the mosque, where above, he stands in the parking lot. The Islamic Community of Bosniaks' mosque in Boise used to be an abandoned church. The local Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) bought the property and converted it without any help from external contractors. "Inside the mosque," Bassam wrote, "in their little library, you are greeted by five large photo albums. In those photo albums you will see the meticulous photo documentation of the entire mosque. It is incredible." Bassam Tariq

### Day 22: Ross, N.D.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6c1390f3851d949d/698a5d230116820ff2986767/30x2_mosques_0915_3.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

The mosque at Ross is a small stone building made to commemorate the mosque that had been there before. The original masjid was built in 1929 by a community of Syrians who went to North Dakota because of the Homestead Act; it was demolished in the 1970s. The history of this significant space is present on the main fields around the structure. There is an expansive burial site with only about 20 gravestones; the deceased who are buried there were some of the first Muslims to voluntarily emigrate and establish a community in the United States. According the 2000 U.S. Census, Ross is now a town of only 48 people. It is filled with a lot of grass and deserted oil fields. The mosque pops up in the middle of nowhere. There are no signs or markers for it. "We arrived at the mosque in Ross right at the time to break our fast," Bassam exclaims, "and we were greeted by a beautiful setting sun and 14-day-old granola to sweeten our mouth. Bassam Tariq

### Day 4: Philadelphia

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt67bbb15016048689/698a5d24d075331cf9e71734/30_days_30mosques_02.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

At the Bawa Fellowship in Philadelphia, Aman and Bassam met Chuck Ginty, pictured above. The fellowship was founded by Bawa Muhaiyadeen, a Sri Lankan Sufi saint who moved to Pennsylvania in the 1970s. Bassam Tariq

### Day 22: Ross, N.D.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt2e17564be8d4803e/698a5d25db2987ae8b26c517/30x2_mosques_0915_4.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Inside the small Ross masjid are a tiny mat, a guestbook and a poster commemorating the Muslim families who have lived in this area. Bassam wrote, "I wondered if the structure was made so one can easily pray toward the direction of the ka'bah. I forget now." Bassam Tariq

### Day 23: Minneapolis

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt188a890275c2fe50/698a5d2509208f3bea41dd69/30x2_mosques_0915_5.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

AbdulQadir, right, shakes hands with Abdullahi just before the breaking of the fast. AbdulQadir is the director of the Dar Al-Hijrah mosque in Minneapolis. He works closely with Somali youth in Minneapolis, a city with a sizable Somali population. Bassam Tariq

### Day 23: Minneapolis

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltb7ac5b0ca47ae777/698a5d26b21a9ca38d50ab41/30x2_mosques_0915_6.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

"The International Corner is the premiere Somali hangout spot in Minneapolis," says Bassam. "After people break their fast, they hurry here to claim a table and play an intense game of dominoes, foosball or pool. No alcohol is sold here, but it is louder than any pool hall I've been in. Don't ask." Bassam Tariq

### Day 24: Milwaukee

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt4be3075687520290/698a5d2716d8845841c3f4f9/30x2_mosques_0915_7.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Congregants break fast at the Islamic Da'wa Center in Milwaukee. Bassam Tariq

### Day 25, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf1c1d74599abdb07/698a5d27db2987151626c520/30x2_mosques_0915_9.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

"Iowa is known for its cornfields, and I have never run through a cornfield before," Bassam says. "Our good friend Ridwan decided to take us on a small trek through some corn. Unfortunately, he wore shorts and kept on getting bit by mosquitoes. Here, he tries to slap one off his leg. Was he successful? No." Bassam Tariq

### Day 26: Streamwood, Ill.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt34450b23a04681dc/698a5d28e6e84ab0432b3a2b/30x2_mosques_0915_10.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Baitul Ilm, the mosque in Streamwood, near Chicago, is a former funeral home that was converted into a masjid. The congregation is growing in size, and there are plans for an extension. The mosque attendees are primarily Pakistani Shi'ites. In the Shi'a tradition, the forehead must touch something naturally from the earth when prostrating, so the worshippers have placed rocks (one of which is visible on the right in this photograph) on the floor for this reason. Bassam Tariq

### Day 26: Streamwood, Ill.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltb1cd729a3343cbda/698a5d2901168231e698676f/30x2_mosques_0915_11.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

"The breaking of the fast, Iftar, at the Shi'a community reminded me of my mosque back in Houston, Texas," Bassam says. "There was a lot of biryani and chicken curry — and all of it was incredibly unapologetic with its spices." In this photo, Pakistani men talk as they eat their break-fast meal. "I couldn't make out what they were talking about," Bassam says, "but since they are Pakistani, I will guess it has to do with politics and how they dislike Zardari." Bassam Tariq

### Day 26: Streamwood, Ill.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7e4cb23f58cd40a0/698a5d2a9862f541e48965bd/30x2_mosques_0915_12.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Prayer beads, or misbahas, line the walls around Baitul Ilm. The prayer beads are meant only for counting one's supplications. There is nothing inherently sacred about them. Bassam Tariq

### Day 27: Memphis

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blta91d57fca6d46f64/698a5d2ab3fce30bd80cdd2f/30x2_mosques_0915_13.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Aman and Bassam met Chip at the Memphis Inter-Religious Group. Bassam explains, "Chip, a reformed Jew, married Eunice, a nontraditional Christian, because of the love they both shared for traveling and computer science. They both are dedicated members of the interfaith community in Memphis, Tenn., and frequent the mosque more than some Muslims do." In this photo, as Bassam describes, "Chip Ordman dons his morning worship gear in hopes of giving us an idea of what orthodox Jews wear during the morning prayer." Bassam Tariq

### Day 28: Lexington, Ky.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltfff6c82c773a4e07/698a5d2b9d83e82a1fb9abed/30x2_mosques_0915_14.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Aman stands in the office of Brian, a fledgling Muslim architect, waiting for him to finish packing up. Brian says, "The sun hits closer to the horizon, alluding to the sunset prayer and the time to break fast." Bassam Tariq

### Day 7: Atlanta

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt0810c015621362c9/698a5d2c09208f37eb41dd6d/30_days_30mosques_03.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

"History runs deep in the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam," wrote Aman. "The mosque runs a fundraising effort to have patrons sponsor bricks that will be used in future building projects. For some reason, the song "Brick House" by the Commodores is stuck in my head." Bassam Tariq

### Day 29: Columbus, Ohio

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1378d658bb0dc387/698a5d2d86f68e3ac46f5d0f/30x2_mosques_0915_15.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

In Columbus, Aman visited a family friend, Malika Aunty. "Dr. Malika Haque is one of the most inspirational people I've ever met," Aman says. "Her family is best friends with mine, and she always believed in everything I've ever done growing up." In this photo, Malika dresses one of her granddaughters for 'Id al-Fitr, the celebration that marks the end of Ramadan. Bassam Tariq

### Day 30: Detroit

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt7abea736cc2ed491/698a5d2e18689240ae6c8b7d/30x2_mosques_0915_16.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

The two men visited the homes of congregants of the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit, going from one house to another. In the basement of one of these houses, they say, was an elderly Pakistani man who knew how to "kick ass and take names when it comes to Ping-Pong." Bassam Tariq

### Day 31: New York City

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt24f3830af23451ad/698a5d2e9d83e87b88b9abf2/30x2_mosques_0915_17.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Back home in New York, the two men attended a block party, where a little kid on his bike in Brooklyn carelessly crossed a lady passing by, leaving her startled. "Oh, how we missed New York City," Bassam says. Bassam Tariq

### Day 31: New York City

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt2dba127cc1305ea7/698a5d2f86f68e80a26f5d18/30x2_mosques_0915_18.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

One of the congregants of Masjid Khalifah ends the Eid 2010 Block Party in Brooklyn with a song. "I forget what the song was," wrote Bassam. "But everyone was on their feet dancing like there's no tomorrow." Answering a question they posed to themselves at the outset of their 30-day journey, Bassam wrote, "People are willing to accept change in America, it just takes time. Case in point — when our car broke down, our tow-truck driver was a little nervous taking us across Montana after he towed our car, but by the end of the ride all of us were sharing jokes and facial-hair grooming tips. I really do believe people come around; the definition of what America can accept is wider than any of us can imagine." Bassam Tariq

### Day 7: Atlanta

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltdce7ae4edafec929/698a5d309862f5a5dd8965c5/30_days_30mosques_05.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

"After everyone left to break their fast \[at the Atlanta masjid\] two boys came rushing in tothe prayer space and began praying," wrote Bassam. "One led, the other followed. The prayer is made up of mumbling and a lot of 'Allahu akbar!'s — 'God is great.' They finished their prayer in less than a minute and bolted out ofthe space. If only adults could get away with praying like that." Bassam Tariq

### Day 7: Atlanta

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6950a00056baa8f2/698a5d3047ca38750d3be3d2/30_days_30mosques_06.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Patrons of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam break their fast with fruits and dates. Bassam Tariq

### Day 9: Mobile, Ala.

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltd741b8ef82f3b3b2/698a5d3109208fdda241dd76/30_days_30mosques_09.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Upon arriving at the Islamic Society of Mobile in Alabama, Bassam and Aman, along with friends from CNN, were kicked out for showing up unannounced with the media. Lacking photos of their experience, Bassam made this drawing of their mildly amicable encounter with the mosque's imam. Bassam Tariq

### Day 11: Houston

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltbdbeb6782836255c/698a5d32cabb1d3971e54c45/30_days_30mosques_10.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

While on their road trip, Bassam and Aman both visited the congregations they grew up in. "A mosque elder, Shahid Uncle, is a staple at the Synott Mosque break-fast meals," wrote Bassam. "He is also a staple at most gatherings at our house in Houston, that is, because he is my dad's only friend." Bassam Tariq

### Day 11: Houston

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt40dda268cbed2c1a/698a5d3218689227ba6c8b85/30_days_30mosques_11.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

When visiting the congregations Bassam grew up in, he recalled, "Synott Mosque is home, but since we're on a very stringent timetable, I can't spend much time here. As Aman and I were getting ready to leave the mosque, I ran back inside the prayer space to take a minute for myself. But even then, I took a picture of a congregant praying — I couldn't help myself." Bassam Tariq

### Day 11: Houston

![Bassam Tariq](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltaafd18a2ef0918c3/698a5d3386f68ee6076f5d1f/30_days_30mosques_12.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)

Parking on a Friday at Synott Mosque is grueling. Ismail Baker, pictured above, stands in the sweltering heat conducting traffic every Friday. When a community member gets ill, he is the first to show up at their house. During Ramadan, he prepares Iftar, the fast-breaking evening meal, and is the last one to eat, after everyone else is finished. "Brother Ismail is one of those unsung heroes that is tragically sidestepped at our local mosques," Bassam wrote. Bassam Tariq

```json
[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/"},"headline":"30 Mosques in 30 Days: An American Trip","datePublished":"2010-09-01T04:00:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T10:44:36.053Z","description":"Two Muslim Americans set out on a cross-country road trip with the goal of sharing stories of Muslims in America","url":"https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/","keywords":["LightBox"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"TIME","url":"https://time.com/author/time/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-lightbox/","name":"LightBox"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/archive/7030104/30-mosques-in-30-days-an-american-trip/","name":"30 Mosques in 30 Days: An American Trip"}}]}]
```

