In 1977, a small group of Muslim students at the University of Texas at Austin came together with a shared vision, and from their efforts, Nueces Mosque was born—the first masjid in Austin. Over the past 45 years, it has become more than just a place of worship; it’s been a home away from home for thousands of students, helping them forge deep and lasting connections with their faith, their identity, and one another. Generations have passed through its doors, each leaving with memories and bonds that continue to shape their lives and strengthen the community.
The Nueces Mosque Reconstruction Project aims to address the needs of the rapidly growing Muslim student community at UT Austin by replacing the current deteriorating 100-year-old facility with a modern state-of-the-art facility to accommodate the community’s current and future needs. Our vision is a self-sustaining institution that serves as a beacon of Islam in the heart of Texas and a spiritual sanctuary for college students and young professionals.
The heart of Nueces is its community of students, alumni, families and professionals. Our team is comprised of the Imam, Student Executive Committee (EC), and Board of Directors. Our team operates on a volunteer basis with a selections process for the EC and BOD positions.
Imam Anwer graduated from the ’Alimiyyah (Islamic Scholarship) Program from the Qalam Seminary where he studied under a number of scholars and teachers including Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda, Mufti Husain Kamani, Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith, and Mufti Muntasir al-Zaman. Imam Anwer earned a sanad and ijazah (certificate of authenticity and traditional teaching license) in the memorization and recitation of the Holy Qur’an under Shaykh Uthman Khan. Imam Anwer has previously served as the Imam and Religious Director at the Islamic Association of Mid-Cities (IAMC) and is a former instructor in the Rufqa Program at the Taqwa Islamic Seminary. He currently serves as the Imam and Director of Religious Affairs at Nueces Mosque.
learn more about imam²book an appointmentThe Board of Directors was established in 2018 to lead the future expansion, reconstruction, operations and governance of Nueces Mosque. The board is crucial to defining and executing the vision and mission of Nueces Mosque; leading collaboratively with the Executive Committee and the Imam in achieving the ambitious goals that have been set out for the institution.
To serve Allah SWT by creating a campus lifestyle center located next to the University of Texas at Austin by building a self-sustaining organization and a state-of-the-art facility where all Muslims experience a true Prophetic community based on Ibadah (worship), Suhba (companionship), and Sakina (tranquility), and where all Americans come to understand the message and beauty of Islam
We are continuously guided by the Quran, the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the traditions of Ahl-e-Sunnah-wal-Jama’at in all aspects of our activities and services.
We strive to serve Allah SWT by realizing the Prophetic model of Masjid as a sacred place of worship and center of community development.
We respect and honor our imams and scholars as custodians of Islamic knowledge. We look to them to guide us and empower them to make decisions in matters of Aqeedah and Fiqh.
We promote Islamic morals and character in the most pleasing manner, and without any compulsion. Our role is to teach, remind, encourage, and not to compel or judge.
We identify as Muslims and not as a particular ethnic group, race, color, or tribe. We cherish our diversity and do not practice any exclusionary activities in the center.
Our facilities and activities are welcoming to women, minorities, and people of all faiths.
The leaders of the center are custodians and servants of the House of Allah SWT and as such welcome and honor anyone who enters it as His guest.
Men and women are equally encouraged to participate in center activities and equally responsible for their efforts.
Women should have prayer space in the main Musalla without barriers, should have private space in the main Musalla for prayers and reflection.
Women should participate in the central decision-making process.
We strive to help our members and community practice the best of Islamic behavior and help them develop a strong American Muslim identity.
We enjoy those aspects of our nation’s culture that do not conflict with Islamic values and avoid those which do.
We are committed to constructively engaging in our country’s religious, civic, economic, social, and other non-political activities for the overall betterment of our nation.
