Muslim Community Sees Openness in PG
By 250 News
The Muslim community in Prince George isn’t experiencing any negative public reaction in the wake of the recent arrest in southern Ontario of several Muslims who are alleged to be involved in terrorist activities.
Moustafa Mohamed, President of the Prince George chapter of the B.C. Muslim Association, sees Prince George as a tolerant community that is open and accepting of religious differences. “People understand that it’s the ignorance on both sides that creates real problems. The Muslim religion, like any other religion, has a few who tarnish the image of the whole,” says Mohamed.
Prince George Muslims don’t yet have their own building, so are renting facilities for worship and for social functions from other churches. “It’s an excellent example of unity of religion, a good indication that we don’t have any problems in Prince George,” says Mohamed. “The local community really appreciates that we’re trying to educate young people.” “Mohamed estimates the size of the Muslim community in Prince George at about 100 adults and 50-60 children. “Of course, when we have an event, we get more people coming in from other areas too.”
An Islamic Centre has been approved for the 5th and Foothills area, and Mohamed anticipates building will begin in the summer of 2007. “We hope by then we will have enough money to get everything done outside, to keep the neighbours happy. Then we can take our time with the inside,” says Mohamed. “It’s going to be built in phases. Phase 1 is going to accommodate our immediate needs – in the sense of a place for prayer and a place for functions and get-togethers. We are also planning to have a public library in Phase 1 if we have enough money.” Otherwise, it will be added in Phase 2. So far the local community has been very supportive.”
The Islamic Centre hopes to eventually include amenities such as soccer fields and day care. “Our plan is comprehensive,” says Mohamed. “Once it is done it will benefit the entire community, not just the Muslim community.”
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Posted by: spanky on June 17 2006 8:06 PM
Most Islamic Centres in other cities are very disruptive of their surroundings chanting their prayers at all hours of the day over loud speakers. We should have a by-law preventing that before they are allowed to go ahead with their plans.