About Al Manara
A community built on faith, knowledge, and service.
Al Manara Academy & Mosque is a masjid and a state-accredited Pre-K–8 Islamic school in Ballwin, Missouri — serving worshippers and families across west St. Louis County.
Who we are
One home for worship and learning.
What began as a place for the local community to gather for prayer has grown into a full house of worship and a thriving Islamic academy under one roof. The masjid opens its doors for the five daily prayers, Jumu‘ah, and the blessed nights of Ramadan, while the academy delivers a rigorous, faith-integrated education to the next generation.
Our work rests on a simple conviction: that a child grounded in faith and equipped with knowledge can become a confident, contributing member of society — and that a strong masjid is the heart that keeps a community whole.
Our Mission
Make excellence a predictable outcome.
To root rigorous, technology-forward academics in the matrix of Islamic values — preparing students with 21st-century skills and faith-based character to thrive as successful, contributing citizens, and to keep a welcoming masjid at the center of community life.
Our Vision
Raising faithful, capable leaders.
A generation of Muslims who are firm in their deen, excellent in their character, and able to lead with knowledge and compassion — strengthening their families, their ummah, and the society around them.
What guides us
Our values
إيمان
Faith first
Worship of Allah ﷻ and love of the Prophet ﷺ at the center of all we do.
علم
Pursuit of knowledge
Sacred and worldly knowledge pursued with rigor and excellence.
أخلاق
Noble character
Honesty, humility, and compassion modeled and taught every day.
أخواتأمة
Community & service
Serving one another and our neighbors for the sake of Allah ﷻ.
Our story
A history of growth
The beginning
A small group of families establishes a place to gather for daily prayer in west St. Louis County.
The masjid grows
The community expands to a permanent home in Ballwin, hosting Jumu‘ah, Taraweeh, and Eid prayers.
The academy opens
Al Manara Academy launches a full-time, faith-integrated Pre-K–8 program for local families.
Today
A state-accredited school and active masjid serving worshippers, students, and families side by side.
Our people
Leadership
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Imam & Religious Director
Masjid Leadership
Leads the five daily prayers, Jumu‘ah khutbah, and the spiritual life of the community.
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School Principal
Al Manara Academy
Oversees academics, faculty, and the day-to-day excellence of the Pre-K–8 program.
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Board of Trustees
Governance
Volunteers who steward the masjid and academy’s mission, finances, and future.
Be part of Al Manara
Visit the masjid, enroll your child, or lend your time and support.