About Greater Cincinnati Islamic Association (Roselawn Mosque)
The Roselawn Mosque, previously known as the Mulberry Mosque, was established in the late 1990s. It began humbly as a one-bedroom apartment rented by the Muslim residents of the 1 Mulberry Court apartment complex, who used the space to perform their five daily prayers.
During this early phase, the community would gather for Friday prayers and the two annual Eid prayers at larger mosques in the area, such as the West Chester Mosque or Clifton Mosque. However, as the Muslim population in the Lockland (Cincinnati) and surrounding areas grew significantly, the need for a dedicated and more organized space became apparent.
In 2003, with the expansion of families and the community’s evolving needs, the Muslim residents recognized the importance of laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. On Sunday, July 24, 2003, a general meeting was convened after the Asr prayer at Mulberry Mosque to discuss the first steps toward formalizing the community. Following preliminary discussions, a committee was elected to take charge of creating a legal entity to represent the religious and social interests of the growing Muslim population.
This committee’s efforts culminated in the formation of the Greater Cincinnati Islamic Association (GCIA). The organization was officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation with the Ohio Secretary of State on September 16, 2003. On December 15, 2003, the GCIA was assigned an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by the IRS, officially gaining recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Additionally, the Greater Cincinnati Islamic Association was registered with the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section on July 8, 2004, further cementing its status as a charitable nonprofit entity.
Affiliation
The Greater Cincinnati Islamic Association (Roselawn Mosque) is a non-profit, non-political religious organization dedicated to serving the Muslim community in Greater Cincinnati, helping them practice and live by their Islamic faith and beliefs. It operates independently, with no affiliation to any external organization, either in the United States or abroad. The association is run and maintained by the local Muslim community, which shares common values, beliefs, and aspirations.
While the Greater Cincinnati Islamic Association maintains its independence, it is a member of All Tri-States Masjids (ATM), a collaborative group of independent mosques in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Greater Dayton areas. This group shares a common mission to serve the spiritual and social needs of their communities.