Naylul Maraam Islamic Center was created in 2020 to further the cause of promoting and presenting the culture of Muslims in the greater New York community and to promote community dialog through cultural events, seminars, conferences, etc. in such a way that it will further good relations with our neighbors and other groups in the community. Founded and led by Imam Abdou Samad Mbaye, originally from Senegal, where he began to learn the Quran at various Islamic schools (Daaras) before completing his studies in Dakar then in Egypt where he further deepened his knowledge in Quranic sciences, theology, hadiths and Arabic language. In 2008, he came to the United States and joined the “Daara Sopey Cheikhoul Khadim”, where under his tutelage a good number of his students memorized the Quran and became hafizs. Naylul maraam means “to reach the goal” in Arabic and the goal of the center is to create a space in which the next Muslim generation will learn their religion correctly, thus enabling them to be responsible and productive adults of the American society.