Islamic Society of Greater Manchester is an Islamic organization based in Manchester , New Hampshire , United States , that operates the largest mosque in the state of New Hampshire . As of 2006 there were approximately 3,000 Muslims in New Hampshire . The society originated among the Muslim Student Association at Southern New Hampshire University . They initially held their Friday prayers in a room on campus that the school allocated to them . Southern New Hampshire University economics professor Mahboubul Hassan was the advisor to the organization . After SNHU sold the part of campus that hosted the meetings , the group began planning to build a mosque , working with Muslim immigrants who settled in New Hampshire . In 1998 the Islamic Society of Greater Manchester was created to pursue this task , and the society has been engaged in efforts to build a mosque in Manchester ever since . Mahboubul Hassan then became the president of the society . While the mosque is being built , they hold prayer meetings in the headquarters of the society . Their offices have been located in several different places , including a dance studio and the basement of a beauty school . In 1999 the society was twice denied permits to build a mosque in a rural area of east Manchester by the city of Manchester 's Zoning Board of Adjustment and filed a lawsuit in response . The city of Manchester allowed the group to re-submit their plans in 2003 . City officials had opposed the building plans because the road leading to the building site was of very poor quality , parking was limited , and blasting would be required . After the planning board approved the plans , neighboring residents individually sued to stop the construction , claiming that they owned a portion of the land . In 2005 a judge ruled in favor of the society , and they were able to begin construction . New Hampshire state representative Saggy Tahir has been a vocal supporter of the planned mosque . Siraj Wahhaj of Al-Taqwa mosque in Brooklyn traveled to New Hampshire to speak at a fundraiser for the project . After construction began , local pastors and the Greater Manchester Interfaith Council called on local churches to volunteer to help with the construction . The move caused some controversy among local residents , some of whom were vocally opposed to allowing the construction of a mosque . Construction commenced , however , though it often proceeded slowly due to unexpected costs . The society plans to build a three-level domed octagonal building . It will not have a minaret or loudspeakers . The building site has been regularly vandalized , although vandalism was an issue for the previous owners as well . Leaders of the society engage in efforts to build tolerance for Muslims among New Hampshire residents and participate in interfaith activities . Some of them met with New Hampshire law enforcement officials and hosted gatherings with FBI officials designed to combat harassment of local Muslims . Such gatherings have been hosted in the wake of the September 11 attacks and the 2003 invasion of Iraq
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Islamic Society of Greater Manchester