Fargo-Moorhead Muslims want to build new mosque

As passionate voices continue to wrangle over the planned mosque near the site where the World Trade Center towers fell, Muslims in Fargo-Moorhead are contemplating an expansion of their own in a more serene setting.

Friday gatherings at the Fargo mosque are already crowded, said Ahmer Qarni, who has twice served as president of the mosque. But the larger mosque and community center facilities they'd like to have will have to wait.

There aren't yet enough funds in the coffers to pay to purchase or build. And it is against their Islamic faith to borrow money at interest. So they plan to raise enough money over the next few years until they can purchase or build the facilities outright, Qarni said.

But Qarni said they will "keep the community in the loop" when it comes to those facilities.

"We as Muslims are very fortunate and blessed that we live in Fargo and the Midwest," Qarni said. "So we have seen lots of support since 9/11, and we will not do anything to break the trust of the community in which we live."

The fallout from the planned mosque near Ground Zero certainly hasn't escaped the notice of the local Islamic community.

"The repercussions of (the) Manhattan Islamic center has made us more sensitive of the sentiment of the American public," he said. "And we do not want to antagonize the sentiments of the community in which we live."

He sees it as an opportunity to dispel "rampant" misunderstandings about Islam, such as the idea that the Quran calls for those who leave the religion of Islam to be killed.

Qarni said the "Quran says nothing" about death to apostates, and that those who kill in the name of God are "misdirected."

Ahmed Kamel, an Egypt-born Muslim who teaches at Concordia, said anything is possible but that he doesn't foresee any problems when the community looks to expand its current capacities, saying the Islamic community has had "very good relations" with the community at large.

"We haven't had any negative reactions in the past. I don't see why we would now," Kamel said.

If there are those in the community with objections, concerns or anxiety, Qarni said they will do their "best to address that anxiety."

Qarni said the Fargo-Moorhead Muslim community feels safe in this area.

David Myers, executive director of the Center for Interfaith Projects, said that's the sentiment he hears as well from the Muslim community.

"It is encouraging," he said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Shane Mercer at (701) 451-5734