Many now provide community services By David Shepardson / The Detroit News June 19, 2002 http://detnews.com/2002/wayne/0206/19/c03-518509.htm DEARBORN -- Mosques across Metro Detroit are taking a page from their Christian and Jewish counterparts and becoming more like neighborhood churches and synagogues. Many mosques in Dearborn were founded by immigrants from the Mideast. They began as bare-bones operations, primarily offering religious services and perhaps a meeting hall for community activities. Now, many have blossomed into vibrant community centers with a wide range of activities. The Islamic House of Wisdom plans a potluck supper Friday, as well as a summer carnival and picnics. The mosque will take kids roller-skating and bowling on summer outings and sponsor sporting events. Its Web site features a section titled "Ask the Imam," not unlike the columns in many Catholic Church bulletins. "We do a lot of outreach with our Christian and Jewish brothers and sisters," said Imam Mohamad Ali Elahi. "We have a lot in common with them, and we do a lot of similar things." The Islamic House of Wisdom's Web site (www.islamichouseofwisdom.com) draws visitors from across the country. Elahi said the "Ask the Imam" section had drawn many questions, including some about personal problems and others about the foundation of Islam. The Web site also carries sermons Elahi has delivered. A growing number of rabbis and priests are also posting sermons on Web sites. Other activities at the mosque include planting flowers and painting. "This is a center of the community. We are open to everyone," Elahi said. The Star International Academy, a nearby four-year-old predominantly Muslim charter school, has about 500 students and uses portable classrooms that are on the mosque's property. On Tuesday, school officials set up decorations in the cafeteria for eighth-grade graduation for 43 students. "We have a great relationship with the mosque," said Tanya Schacher, a social worker at the school. The mosque also sponsors sports events for kids and has a day-care center with about 50 pupils. Metro Detroit has at least 30 mosques and an estimated Muslim population of about 100,000. The Islamic Center of America in Detroit -- attended by many Dearborn residents -- lets people donate at its Web site with a credit card -- following many other religious organizations that employ the fund-raising technique. Its elementary school -- the Muslim American Youth Academy -- has increased enrollment from 35 students to 170 at the site of an old YMCA in Dearborn. It is at work on a $15-million, 65,000-square-foot new mosque on Ford Road in Dearborn that is expected to open later this year or early next year. Some mosques -- including the Islamic House of Wisdom -- are in former Christian churches. The American Muslim Center recently opened in a residential neighborhood in Dearborn in the former Church of God of Prophecy. Imam Mohamad Mardini said the mosque, now being renovated, is open for prayers while extensive interior work is planned. "This is a very American mosque," Mardini said. End ------------- Common ground Many Metro Detroit mosques are becoming more like Christian churches and synagogues. Among the events at area mosques: * Potluck suppers. * Youth outings, roller skating, bowling and going to movies. * Volunteering at soup kitchens. * Trips to museums. * The "Ask the Imam" column -- similar to "Ask the Priest" or "Ask the Rabbi" columns in religious bulletins. * Pizza parties for kids. * Sponsoring sports teams for kids. * Putting up Web sites. Source: Local mosques At a glance * The Service for Peace Youth Leadership conference will be held June 29 at the Islamic House of Wisdom, 22575 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights. * Students aged 15-22 of any religion who are interested must fill out an application and an essay. The program is limited to 100 students. * For information, call (248) 388-4869. |