Mass media against Islam is a much bigger challenge and Muslims need to get their voices heard in mainstream American media. So people can learn about authentic Islam...
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Sent: Wed, Dec 22, 2010 7:52 am
Subject: [ALOCHONA] Fwd: Against Islam: a battle of sorts brewing in Upper Darby, PA (USA) over a planned mosque
From: iChowdhury
Subject: Against Islam: a battle of sorts brewing in Upper Darby, PA (USA) over a planned mosque
Zoning worries over Upper Darby mosque
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Re: [ALOCHONA] Fwd: Against Islam: a battle of sorts brewing in Upper Darby, PA (USA) over a planned mosque
There is nothing "Against Islam" in the news. Every community has own zoning rules. It is only normal Muslims will see some people in opposition. As Muslims we should not lose our motivations over small issues like this one. This presents an opportunity for us to present Islam in positive light to non-Muslims in this community.
"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, 'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.' They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance."
(2:155-157)
"Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper."
(3:200)
-----Original Message-----
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To:
Sent: Tue, Dec 21, 2010 8:39 pm
Updated at 06:40 PM today
UPPER DARBY, Pa. - December 21, 2010 (WPVI) -- There is a battle of sorts brewing in Upper Darby over a planned mosque, but it's not the mosque itself residents are fighting.
Shafiq Siddiqui is part of the Keystone Islamic Center of Upper Darby who wants to convert a private home on Hazel Ave into an Islamic Center.
"The Muslim population in Upper Darby is growing," Siddiqui said.
The center would be used for prayers five times a day, as well as classes on the weekends; most of its likely members live nearby.
"Most of them live four blocks surrounding [the] place," Mohammad Rahman of the Center said.
But the plan is running into opposition.
"We want the same freedom to practice our religion like everyone else has," Siddiqui said.
Opponents say a mosque is not a good fit because of zoning. It does not allow for a house of worship on this part of narrow residential Hazel Avenue, though there are churches a few blocks away on busier roads.
"On a main thoroughfare, where it's more commercial, and you could surely get a spot, there are places for sale," Upper Darby resident Joe D'Angelo said.
Resident Frank Costa's worry is parking on and off street. To get a zoning variance the mosque has promised to build at least 14 off street parking spots, regulations call for 23. But Costa is turned off by front yard parking, normally not allowed in a residential area.
"I don't think they should get the variance to park up on the lawn and things of that nature, because I think it will bring the neighborhood down," Costa said.
Robert Datner, the attorney for the mosque, believes the parking issue can be ironed out saying most members won't drive.
"These are people who would come to the mosque from their homes, largely by walking to the mosque," Datner said.
A zoning hearing is scheduled for January.
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