I believe it’s a foregone conclusion that this Islamic Center will end up being built at its presently proposed location, and I also believe that this is wrong. It is basically Muslims poking their finger in the eyes of non-Muslim Americans in New York City; the millions of New Yorkers either directly or indirectly affected by the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11, not to mention the typical American citizen.
If this Imam and his group had any concept of decency they would find an alternate location for this Islamic Center. In fact, had these people had any class whatsoever they would have never considered this location to begin with. They have enough money to buy just about any piece of real estate in Manhattan, therefore money was never an issue.
Muslims certainly expect others, especially Americans, to respect them for their beliefs. For obvious reasons, Muslims in this country are in a position where they need to earn that respect. In my opinion, this entire Islamic Center controversy has negatively affected the Muslim community, as Muslim leaders have done little to temper the friction between those on either side of the Islamic Center debate; quite the contrary. If Muslims fail to understand why this is so, then they are either too stubborn, too stupid or both. TGO
Refer to story below. Source: Associated Press
NEW YORK — A summit of Islamic organizations is planned for the weekend in New York City to address the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment linked to a proposed community center near ground zero.
It isn’t clear whether the group will emerge with a firm endorsement of the center, which is to include a mosque. The meeting’s primary purpose is to talk about ways to combat religious bigotry.
But Shaik Ubaid of the Islamic Leadership Council of Metropolitan New York says he has a growing sense that the project is being embraced as a cause.
He says some American Muslims who initially reacted cautiously or with indifference to the center are now rallying around the plan because they feel their faith is under attack.
The meeting will take place as some supporters of the center encourage its backers to add prayer space for other religious groups.
