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Below is a timeline showing some key events in the history of the Husseini Islamic Center, a Shia Muslim organization officially established in May 1990 and serving the Metro Orlando area.
1989 - 1991
Br. Gulamali Dewji and Br. John Marshall were carrying out most of the Muharram, Ramadhan and other religious activities at their homes, with help from the other pioneer families. Br. John Marshall also set up Madressah at their residence in 1990, which moved to Altamonte Springs in 1991.
Early 1991
In early 1991 the pioneering residents of the HIC community (who had migrated from England, New Jersey and the U.A.E) moved to occupy a small 1500 square foot office in Altamonte Springs.
1991 to 1997
The diverse ethnic backgrounds of the initial members were a very big factor in the determination of the infrastructure of this new community. The timeline from 1991 thru 1997 showed an addition of 25 families to the original 10.
1997
The year 1997 can perhaps be recorded as a major milestone, since the summer of that year brought about the greatest percentage increase in the population of the HIC. A New York entrepreneur, Br. Jaffer Abdulhussein decided to relocate his business and employees to Sanford, a suburb of Orlando, hence bringing the membership up to approximately 65 families. This major emigration from a large jamaat in North America of course prompted others to take a second look at Orlando, and within a few months another 10 families joined this now dynamic community.
1997
In the meantime, the past president, also a founding member, Br. Gulamali Dewji, took another bold step. He initiated the purchase of a property in Sanford, Florida, which is now the current home of the HIC.
By the end of 1990s, HIC comprised of approximately 100 families.
1998 - 1999
Between 1998 and 1999, the membership at the HIC had already increased to almost 120 families and with a growing population in the Kissimmee area, some families saw the need to establish programs closer to their homes which was approximately 30 miles from Sanford. As a result, several families came together to purchase a property in the Kissimmee area and is now a sister organization to HIC known as Jaffari Islamic Center.
2000
From the year 2000 to the year 2013, the community saw an increase of an average of one family per month. The year 2014 has seen an increase of an average of two families per month.
Currently HIC comprises of over 350 families and offers a variety of programs for the community to attend and benefit from. Congregational evening prayers are held every day and all five prayers are held during weekends . Additional programs such as Dua-e-Tawassul is held on Tuesdays, Dua-e-Kumayl and lecture on Thursdays, Friday Prayers and Quran Tafseer followed by breakfast on Sundays after Fajr prayers. Birth and death anniversaries and days of religious significance are also commemorated.
04-21-2021
On April 24th 2021, the membership of the HIC community approved the launch of Project Orange. The new site is a spacious and rare find. A 5 acre property that will serve the needs of the current and future generations.
01-13-24
The ground breaking ceremony for Project Orange was held on January 13th 2024 after having received site construction approval from the local county. The ceremony was graced by dignitaries around the world as well as the esteemed members of HIC to celebrate the beginning of this construction journey. The members of HIC got to meet and spend time with the architecture and construction teams and ask question about the approach and process that will be used in construction of their new home, to get the comfort that things are being done in their best interest, as well as get any questions answered directly by the professionals.
2024-2027
The Husseini Islamic Center’s strategic plan for 2024–2027 focuses on fostering peace, unity, and spiritual growth within the community while building relationships with other local and national communities. Key objectives include preparing the community for Project Orange, implementing a revamped constitution to protect members and the institution, and ensuring financial sustainability through strategic investments and transparency. The plan emphasizes youth engagement, enhanced participation in religious activities, and reconnecting with Allah (SWT) through leadership and self-development programs