Opposition to mosque-
building rooted in bigotry

By AREF ASSAF • June 20, 2010

More than a year and a half ago, Rockaway Borough
was the scene of a much heated and polarized
debate on whether to allow an Islamic center to
occupy a vacant office building. Pundits collided to
demonstrate the mosque’s benefits vs. the harm
toward a quaint piece of suburbia.

None of the opponents’ fears have materialized. The
mosque is not only a calming place for reflective
moments, but also a center buzzing with activities,
children’s laughs and intense spiritual, and
occasionally playful, moments.

Islamophobia views mosque-building as a threat to
America’s core values. Such views are part of an
industry whose devotees receive backing from
right-wing elected officials and extremist
organizations. Their spewing of insidiously filled
rhetoric reminds us that some Americans will
eagerly invalidate the constitutional right of fellow
citizens to worship in a place and in the manner of
their choosing.

There is, of course, everything wrong with the
rhetoric and actions of the anti-mosque crowds.

Freedom of expression notwithstanding, their
actions carry the potential for serious incitement
that could radically impact the public discourse,
because they will infringe upon the civil and
religious rights of millions of American citizens.

It is simply ludicrous and unfair to punish American
Muslims for the acts of Muslims across state lines or
overseas. Guilt by association is not rooted in our
legal or moral doctrines and must never prevail.

It is simply unfathomable that when a Muslim blows
up a school or a mosque in Karachi, Pakistan,
Muslims in New Jersey are somehow collectively
held atonable for such a crime.

We are forever expected to denounce and condemn
such behavior and explain how our faith advocates
peaceful coexistence. Even when we so loudly
condemn all acts of terrorism, our voices are often
muffled by a media conspiracy bent on portraying

 

us as co-conspirators.

Yes, and admittedly, not all Muslims are peaceful
and loving citizens. But do not delve into their
scripture to find motivation for heinous acts. You
will find none but the strictest commandment not to
kill the innocent.


Additionally, American Muslims are a most diverse
ethnic and religious group. There are many Islams
and Muslims whose interpretation of their faith is
significantly impacted by cultural and geographic
variables.

Yet, they are your fellow taxpaying citizens,
patriotic, productive, family-committed and law-
abiding.

The U.S. Constitution entitles them to the same
rights (and obligations) you take for granted, such
as freedom of religion and the unhindered pursuit
of liberty and justice.

Objecting to building a mosque—whether in
Rockaway or in the heart of Manhattan — is nothing
short of unmasked bigotry and unabashed
discrimination against fellow citizens. Religious
intolerance is the extremist form of prejudice and
incivility. It is naked un-Americanism.

Math and the law, however, have sided with
American Muslims. Except for very few cases, every
mosque plan has reached fruition even after

 

sustaining relentlessly determined opposition. The
increase in the number of mosques is linked to the
unprecedented growth of Islam as one of the three
monotheistic religions. Mosques come in all
shapes, sizes and designs, but all are built to
provide a central venue for the community’s
spiritual, educational and communal needs. They
are administered and financed by local congregants.

Mosques operate as nonprofit entities under IRS tax
codes subject to regular scrutiny and reporting
requirements. More than half of America’s 7 million
to 10 million Muslims are native-born.

And most importantly, unlike stricter membership
requirements evident in organized churches and
synagogues, anyone can pray in any mosque he so
chooses. Mosques are a place to connect with God,
not man.

Not surprisingly, some worshipers may enter and
leave a mosque anonymously for years.
Indisputably, in areas where a mosque is built, real
estate values increase, business blossoms, crime
decreases and neighbors, once aloof and estranged,
suddenly become the best of friends.

Contrary to all misplaced allegations, the Rockaway
mosque has proved to be a center of interfaith
gatherings where bread and hugs are shared, not a
nightmare of traffic jams; an inviting place for
volunteers and activism such as blood drives and
soup kitchens, and not a haven for criminals or
outcasts.

One of the most gratifying, satisfying expressions of
interfaith brotherhood has been the support
received from fellow citizens of the Christian and
Jewish faiths.

To some, of course, history is but a bitter reminder
of past incidents in which African- American
churches in the 1950s and ’60s were burned, or
when in the 1800s Catholic churches were ravaged,
or throughout the last century synagogues or
Jewish symbols were desecrated.

To many, of course, it is the expression of an
unyielding moral compass commanding them to not
let a besieged and frightened community be the
scapegoat of xenophobic extremism.

These are America’s true heroes whose wisdom,
foresight and courage are grounded in a truly

 

pluralistic and tolerant America.

Aref Assaf is president of American Arab Forum.
He lives in Denville and may be reached at  
aref@aafusa.org