New York Mosque Should only be a community center, ‘not’ a mosque: A Muslim’s point of view.

Voices of Silent Conscience | 09/12/2010 | "Zafari"

[HushTX]

As a Muslim it is my sincere wish Park 51 ‘not’ be used as an official mosque. This decision must be made immediately to save the nation from an anxiety ridden divisive debate and also to spare the 9/11 victim’s families ongoing anguish. I believe I am not the only muslim who feels this way about this difficult issue. We all know everyone is well within their rights to establish a place of worship virtually any place they wish but there is something far more important in this particular case which is getting sidelined as we all get caught up in the increasingly loud and polarizing discussion about rights and liberties. In my mind what is being neglected is people’s sensitivities. Not too long ago a vicious and horrific terrorist attack was carried out on the soul of America hitting us deeper than we we ever thought was possible and changing forever, the way we look at ‘foreigners’, particularly muslims, as it was quickly determined the terrorists who carried out the attacks were muslims.

From their perspective the terrorists were successful beyond their wildest imagination. They not only killed almost 3,000 innocent civilians of 70 nationalities and almost all religious backgrounds, strategically, they also accomplished something else. They succeeded in preying on vulnerable minds to sow the seeds of hatred directed at all followers of Islam. For a moment I hated myself. I had to remind myself I am not one of those fanatics but the damage was done. I will have to walk in shame for ever. I knew I could never look in the eyes of the mothers who lost their sons and daughters. I could never face the little children whose parents perished in that inferno. My family and I cried, so did most muslims all over the world, as we saw television images of little children a few days after the attacks carrying poster signs painted by little hands “ Has any one seen my mommy?’ or “My Dad is missing. Please let me know if you see him”. If those images did not tear your heart to pieces than you were not human. Yet as spectacularly successful was their attack and as diabolical their strategy to create an environment of hatred for muslims in the US, miraculously they failed. Cooler, more mature and stronger minds prevailed. While certain people took advantage of the situation and pandered to widespread paranoia and fueled mistrust and xenophobia playing on weak minds, people devoted to the principles of human and civil rights spoke up. While some leaders labeled Islam as the devil’s religion others stood up and fought whatever the media could throw at their fellow citizens who were now under siege. This was after all the USA. These outspoken intellectuals came from all ranks of the public and stood fast. They made us stronger. We have the strongest army in the world with the most sophisticated weaponry but the collective moral courage of our citizens is even mightier.

It is the same people who, today have come out in large numbers to support the mosque. They are indeed true American heroes. I could never fault them. But what kind of a place of worship is built when it tramples the wishes of the people around it? Why would I want to build a monument to God that serves as constant reminder of the irreversible pain some fanatics inflicted on us? How can a mosque be built in a place where every time some people see it they feel a sharp jab in their hearts? Is it just to prove a point regarding constitutional rights? For Muslims a mosque is a place of quiet and peaceful worship. It is a place where a person is supposed to pray in total submission to Allah. I am supposed to have washed myself before entering the prayer hall. Not only cleansed myself of the dirt and grime and pollution by rinsing with water but also made sure I have not hurt a human being on my way to the masjid. Can I pray with a heavy heart? Will I be able to say my prayers in peace inside the mosque when I know there is a woman grieving outside on the sidewalk who’s young pregnant daughter lost her life only 7 years ago and who will never live down that pain? Is this how I share in her suffering by flaunting my constitutional right in her face? This is not the Islam I have followed and practiced.

We Muslims are a strange bunch. We feel everything but most of us never speak up. And when we do most us are not very articulate. But we do feel very strongly about situations that affect humanity. We too are grounded in goodness. We are the silent and the meek. It is not surprising the famous rock and roll photographer Pete Sanders called Islam a “silent religion.” He was so taken by silent worship he embraced the religion. We are America. We drive cabs, work in construction and in restaurants and open up small businesses. We work as physicians and software programmers and architects and engineers. We like to laugh and enjoy life. We focus on our children’s schooling and success. We are just normal, average people, like anyone else. But still, primarily we stay quiet. But I feel very confident, if our homeland is ever attacked, we will be amongst the first ones to stand up and fight. I know I will.

I believe Park 51 can be a huge and positive contribution to an otherwise ghost town section of Manhattan if it is used as a community center; as a museum and a place where Islamic art can be showcased. It will revive the area and bring prosperity and light to a place suffering from economic darkness. I would also like to see a permanent section dedicated to the innocent people who died on 9/11 and to their surviving families, a place for quiet contemplation with a guest book for visitors to sign.

[oldenuff2no]

I clearly remember 9/11, and the video of muslims dancing in the streets in celebration. I can easily recall many videos of muslims burning American flags and expressing their joy about their perceived insult. Any American should be able to remember these things.
You do remember that it was followers of Islam who murdered about 3,000 innocent people on 9/11 don't you??
Now they want to tell us that we should not burn the Koran. OK.... not so fast.
Every American should replace the paper in their bathrooms with pages ripped from the Koran. Put them in a special container after they are used and send them to your neighborhood Mosque. No need to burn that wretched book. We can handle that. If muslims want consideration from others then they should have given those good feelings on 9/11, but they didn't. The people of this country should follow the example of how Christians are treated within the islamic world and treat muslims here in this country exactly the same. If muslims object then they need to leave and go to a country where their belief in justifiable murder and sexual slavery are more accepted.

[Seven plus One]

It's an insult - any building gives the finger to to those who lost loved ones.

At the risk of sounding insensitive to the families who suffered after the attack, they are not the only ones being put upon by this mess. Any and all Americans have a stake in this. The 9-11 atrocities were a giant kick in the balls to the United States as a whole, and that situation has not changed. "Never Forget" is more than a slogan, it is a promise. And as far as forgiveness, well that is not my job, so I cannot do it. Only God is authorised to do that, and on a case by case basis, I understand. So no 'islamic' center, monument, mosque, or project of any stated use or description may be built there without it being understood that that project is a provocation, the second phase of the ongoing 9-11 abomination.

[GOPJ]

So no 'islamic' center, monument, mosque, or project of any stated use or description may be built there without it being understood that that project is a provocation, the second phase of the ongoing 9-11 abomination.

I'm stunned Muslim leaders can't see the obvious. You are right, Seven - it's a provocation ... an 'in your face' provocation. Shame on them.