Memorial

Imam Taha Tawil, a beloved Islamic scholar, attorney, and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith, cultural preservation, and interfaith harmony in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Born and raised in the holy land of Jerusalem, where he served as an attorney for religious counsel, Imam Tawil first arrived in Cedar Rapids over 40 years ago. 

He fell in love with the kind Midwestern community of Cedar Rapids where it became his second home,  and where he chose to stay and dedicate his life.

As an Islamic scholar, Imam Tawil beautifully bridged generational divides, guiding a community where many third- and fourth-and fifth generation levant (sham) Muslim Americans. His most enduring legacy is the restoration of the historic Mother Mosque of America. 

The structure first built in 1934 fell in disrepair over the years as the Muslim community got bigger and eventually built and moved to a larger Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids, Imam Tawil championed its recovery, successfully placing it on the National Register of historic places. Today, it stands as a monumental symbol of Muslim-American heritage. 

Beyond his congregation, Imam Tawil served the broader Iowa community with open arms. He was one of the dedicated founder of the inter-religious council of Iowa, a  chaplain for the police department, a commissioner for the Cedar Rapids civil rights committee, and a Islamic consultant for the Iowa department of corrections  providing world-class religious education within state correctional facilities. He will be remembered for his unwavering belief that "America works when freedom works," and for his gentle spirit that wove the Muslim community tightly into the fabric of Iowa.

Imam Taha Tawil was most importantly a family man. There wasn’t a roller coaster or theme park he did not take his children to. He enjoyed swimming, riding bikes, writing poetry and art.

Janazah (funeral) prayers and memorial services will be announced by the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids

He is survived by his wife of 41 years and his seven children and grandchildren. He is beloved by all.