|
Posted: 8:30 PM Nov 14, 2009
Islamic Center shares its faith
The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing welcomed the community into its place of worship to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Reporter: Meaghan M. NormanEmail Address: Meaghan.Norman@wilx.com |
|
The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing celebrated its 30th anniversary. In 1979 some two dozen students from Michigan State University started the center where now more than 1,000 members worship.
Asad Khan, a member of the Islamic Society and the board of trustees, said the center prides itself on accepting all Muslims from all walks of life.
"It has nothing to do with your color, it's got nothing to do with your nationality. It's got nothing to do with how you are," said Khan. It's about gathering together and worshipping as a community.
There were colorful displays of culture, information and food that filled the building. But, it wasn't just the displays that brought out people from the community.
John Muenzer from the Delta Township said he came out of curiosity and support.
"It's a combination of curiosity, interest and wanting to show support," said Muenzer. "It doesn't make any sense to make judgments about people based on their religion."
It was a day of celebration while some tried to dispel the stereotypes that often plague the Islam faith. There have been many misconceptions about Muslims that often link terrorism and religion. In the most recent Fort Hood shooting, Khan said there is a distinct separation.
"The community has been understanding, as it should be. Fort Hood was an individual act," said Khan. "It's got nothing to do with Muslims or Islam."
On Friday after the shooting, there was a prayer service at the mosque where the criminal act was condemned.
"We all condemn it and we hope and pray the victims would be soothed by the sympathy," said Khan.
Sarah Mahmoud, a 17-year-old member said it's maddening to hear the negative comments about her religion after a criminal act has been committed.
"There are people who I consider extremists [in the Islamic faith] and people need to realize that those extremists have nothing to do with the real Islam," said Mahmoud.
The center is celebrating three decades of activism in the Lansing area but in that time members have also been defending their faith.
| WILX Poll |
- Steady Snow This Afternoon Through Tomorrow Morning
- The Snow Starts Flying Tuesday Morning And Lasts Into Wednesday
- Canceled Activities & Events
- Police: Robbery Suspect Killed By Drunk Driver
- Schools Given Permission to Delay Count Day
- Special Report: Battling Meth In Hillsdale
- Security Scare At Detroit Metro
- Confusing "Census" Going Around
- What's Going Around
- Communities Declare Snow Emergencies
- Bernero Announces Run For Governor
14 Comments - Police: Robbery Suspect Killed By Drunk Driver
7 Comments - Mich. Court: Homeless Offender OK Not Registering
6 Comments - Mich. Officer Strikes Deer, His Third Such Run-in
5 Comments - Confusing "Census" Going Around
5 Comments - Wireless Monitors Help Researchers Study Chickens
3 Comments
|
|
Stock Quotes
Real Time Stock Quotes.
|
Reinventing GM
Follow GM's Progress WILX Pet-Pals
|
Find Your Companion Adopt A Pet FinditLansing.com |
From Clothes To Appliances Buy or Sell It
|
Relay For Life
Find Relays In Your Area
|
DTV Information
Need Help With Digital Television?
| | ||||||||||||||||||
| AP Videos |
|
|




