New Islamic Center Coming to Charlottesville

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Updated: 7:59 PM Sep 3, 2008 New Islamic Center Coming to Charlottesville After spending more than 15 years worshiping in an old building people were out growing the congregation of the Islamic Society of Central Virginia broke ground for a new community center Wednesday afternoon. Posted: 7:03 PM Sep 3, 2008 Reporter: Stephanie Satchell Email Address: stephanie.satchell@wcav.tv

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September 3, 2008

After spending more than 15 years worshiping in an old building people were out growing the congregation of the Islamic Society of Central Virginia broke ground for a new community center Wednesday afternoon.

“Whenever we have Friday prayers everybody is always squished we often have to kind of come out into the sidewalks to get people to fit,” said Irteza Binte-Farid, Attends Islamic Center.

“I think it's a reflection of the increase in diversity in the community. For a while Muslims haven't had an adequate space in which to worship,” said Susan Donovan, International Rescue Committee.

After much fundraising they're giving up their current location and breaking ground for a brand new community center.

“We are part of the community we want to expand our role and be as involved as we can in bringing social justice, In bringing opportunities for those less fortunate, and brining opportunities for our students and the young at home,” said Khan Hassan Board Member.

Without this new building, officials say they won't be able to expand their community programs or congregation.

Mayor Dave Norris says the new center will be the first of its kind in the area and will be an asset to the community.

“This is a city of very rich religious diversity and tolerance. They've had a small facility and the fact that they're now growing into a larger home goes well for the health of our religious community here in Charlottesville,” said Dave Norris, Mayor, City of Charlottesville.

In addition to weekly services, the new center will serve as an education center for children and adults.

The building is expected to open next year.

Latest Comments

Posted by: mariam Location: usa on Mar 3, 2009 at 09:10 PM

can i please get the imam to call me enshallah, i need help--muslimah in tears, do not need money-- have bigger fish to fry---BIG PROBLEM< 405-532-5058

Posted by: Naseem Location: Springfield, Ohio on Sep 5, 2008 at 03:16 PM

Good news for Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, my alma mater from the 1970s. This news speaks well of the Charlottesville community, and of Thomas Jefferson's school, who had a copy of the Qur'an in his collection and wanted his tombstone to say --- Author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia and author of the Religious Freedom Clause in the State of Virginia's constitution. This ground breaking comes with the leadership and hospitability of the early Muslim pioneers in Charlottesville, like Mr. & Mrs. Sajjad Yusuf who hosted the Eid and other congregational prayers and dinners in their home in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. Our best wishes to the Charlottesville community. Naseem I. Rahim, Ph.D. (1974)

Posted by: garry on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:44 PM

isnt Bin Ladin islamic too?

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