An Islamic center in Teaneck can finally open after years of contention with the township, zoning officials and a federal lawsuit.

The locks can officially come off the doors of the mosque at the Al Uummah Community Center.

Community leaders have been on a mission since 2018 to open the center. They have met several roadblocks along the way, including anti-Muslim rhetoric from a member of the zoning board.

“We welcome every faith. We welcome everybody in the community because we are inclusive in our belief in one God and we want to showcase what we’re really all about,” says Mohamad Salem.

The center is still in litigation with the township of Teaneck for failing to issue several permits.

The center is opening with a soft launch and limited hours. This is due to the township denying the permits to build a ramp and add a fire escape.

But while those battles continue, members of the community say they are looking forward to seeing what the center has to offer.

“They're going to offer a lot of services here and make a lot of things available to everyone in the community, not just Muslims. It's going to be open to everyone of every faith,” says Jose Vazquez with the Knights of Columbus.

There is a stipulation to opening the building, which houses both a mosque and a day care – they cannot be open at the same hours. The mosque can only run after the day care has closed for the day.