Islamic Cultural Center Riverside Drive — Attraction in New York

I’m not one to complain about a prayer area being small, but this space is not only extremely small—it’s also poorly maintained and appears to be heavily neglected. When I visited a year ago, the carpets were filthy, with crumbs scattered on the floor. I hoped things would improve by Ramadan, but after attending Taraweeh this year, I left feeling even more disappointed.

Women are given only a tiny basement area, accessible through dark and narrow stairs, while men have access to multiple floors. I understand that men are encouraged to pray at the mosque more frequently, but this setup feels disrespectful to the women who also seek a meaningful spiritual experience in Allah’s house. It’s disheartening that such a small space continues to be overlooked. We could see on the CCTV that there were empty floors, and I still don’t understand why those couldn’t be offered to the women for a better prayer space.

During my most recent visit, the floor was wet—for reasons unknown—which made praying uncomfortable, especially when placing my head on a damp carpet with unclear substances. There was no shoe rack, so we had to pray directly next to dirty shoes. Additionally, a strong, unpleasant odor—a mix of mildew and other lingering smells—filled the space.

It’s truly unfortunate because I genuinely enjoyed the Imam’s recitation and leadership; it was absolutely beautiful. I wouldn’t have minded the limited space, but the lack of cleanliness made it impossible to pray in peace. I was extremely uncomfortable, and with the most basic requirement—a clean prayer area—not being met, I had no choice but to cut my prayers short and hurry back home.

Absolutely disappointing, and I have no plans to return. InshaAllah this major issue is addressed...

The Riverside Mosque is a beautiful and welcoming place of worship that stands out for its serene ambiance and strong sense of community. The mosque’s architecture is simple yet elegant, with clean lines and a peaceful interior that invites reflection and prayer. The prayer area is spacious, well-maintained, and accommodating for all visitors.

One of the most striking aspects of Riverside Mosque is the warmth and friendliness of its community. The members are always eager to assist newcomers and ensure that everyone feels comfortable, regardless of their background. The mosque also hosts regular events and educational programs, fostering a deeper understanding of Islam and encouraging unity among the local community.

The mosque’s location by the river adds to its charm, offering a picturesque setting that complements the tranquility of the space. Ample parking and clean facilities make it convenient for attendees, and the management’s dedication to upkeep is evident.

Overall, Riverside Mosque is not just a place of worship but a hub for spiritual growth and community connection. Whether you’re visiting for prayers, learning, or simply seeking peace, this mosque provides an...

As a neighbor this place turns into a madhouse multiple times a day. The mainly taxi drivers that double and triple park do not follow the very ethic taught by Islam. They litter, with my own eyes I saw a guy throw a whole isn’t garbage bag 20’ over the wall into riverside park just the other day; they go through red lights endangering people crossing into the park they may or may not see; and I’ve seen them threaten other neighbors with violence. I’ve personally seen all this. The worst part to me is that it’s a place of religion and you’d think the people who pray would follow the teachings in their own lives. Islam emphasizes cleanliness and discourages littering, viewing it as a form of disrespect for God's creation and a violation of Islamic principles. Islam places great emphasis on treating neighbors well, regardless of their faith, emphasizing kindness, respect, and avoiding harm. And of course Islam generally prohibits violence, except in self-defense or when defending against aggression, emphasizing peace and justice. So what gives with these...