The Islamic Center of America has been serving the needs of area Muslims since 1963. The center traces its roots back to 1949, when its founder, Imam Mohamad Jawad Chirri, first traveled to the United States at the request of the then small Muslim community in the Detroit area. Formerly located in Highland Park, Mich., the Islamic Center opened the doors at its current location in 2005.  The center's mission is not only to preserve and teach the religion of Islam, but also to educate the American public about Islam and the Arab culture. The symbolism and design of the Islamic Center are examples of Islamic-inspired architecture. The 70,000-square-foot facility houses the main prayer room, a full-service banquet hall, offices and the adjacent school building for the Muslim American Youth Academy (MAYA). The center offers tours for groups and individuals.