Masjid Rasool Allah is one of the first mosques of Cleveland. The famous and historical building which made the existence of the mosque possible was built in 1830 as an Inn (accommodation) for travelers between Detroit and Buffalo.
Later on, it became the residence of the Mayor of the City of West Cleveland, where he lived with his family for a few decades. In 1968, a small group of immigrant Muslims, roughly 20 families, in need of a place to worship Allah (SWT), took the initiative to acquire the building and establish a mosque, which they called the Islamic Center of Cleveland. The location was determined for its centrality and the favorable price.
As the Muslim community of Cleveland rapidly grew, the expansion of the mosque became necessary. In early 1990's, a large piece of land was purchased in Parma, where the big mosque was built. The name was also transferred with it, as it is known till today that the Islamic Center of Cleveland is located in Parma.
At the same time, the building on Detroit Avenue was purchased by a Shia religious group for their spiritual needs. They re-named it Mohammad Rasul Allah Islamic Society, as it is called up to today.
In the early 2000, the building on Detroit Ave. was once again on the market. This period coincided with the influx of a wave of refugees from different Muslim countries who settled in the west side of Cleveland. Recognizing their need for a place of worship, funds were collected from the existent Muslim community members who were very generous, and the building was purchased once again for the Muslim refugees.
Regarding the leadership of the mosque, the Imams have always been volunteers from different ethnicities including but not limited to Palestinians, Egyptians, and Indians, except in 1993 when Imam Fawaz Damra was hired.
Finally, the building where the mosque is located, is being considered by the City of Cleveland to be given a historical marker. Today, the mosque is open for its five daily prayers, Jummah prayers, Tarawih prayers, short Hutbas, and lessons from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) as his companions understood them.