This is the latest in a series of monthly reports by our British correspondent JP on the progress of worldwide Islamization, as represented by the building of mosques, and activities associated with mosques.

Global Mosque Report (GMR) — June 2014
by JP

“We had already remarked a sound of chanting, and we found that we were looking into a mosque, where about a hundred Moslems were attending their evening rite. Through the dim light we could see their arms stretch up in aspiration, and then whack down till their whole bodies were bowed and their foreheads touched the floor in an obeisance that was controlled and military, that had no tinge of private emotion about it. The sound of their worship twanged like a bow. They rose again, relaxed and we thought the prayer must be over; but again they strained up tautly, and again they beat the floor. It looked as if it were healthy and invigorating to perform, like good physical jerks, which, indeed, the Moslem rite incorporates to a greater degree than any other liturgy of the great religions. Five times during the day a Moslem must say prayer, and during these prayers he must throw up his arms and then get down to the ground anything from seven to thirteen times. As the average man likes taking physical exercise but has to be forced into it by some external power, this routine probably accounts for part of the popularity of Islam. We watched till a fezed head turned towards us. It was strange to eavesdrop on a performance so firmly based on self-confidence of success and solidarity with the big battalion and feel diffident, not because one was on the side of failure and the beaten battalion, but because the final issue of the battle had not been as was expected.”*

Of note during June 2014 in a crowded field were reports of a new traffic light system at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque costing over US $2 million and the renaming of three mosques in Gambia after deliberations by the Committee of Banjul Muslim Elders. Not to mention the hullabaloo in Bendigo after its council approved a controversial mosque proposal.

USA

Florida

Ramadan report featured Islamic Society of Brevard mosque in south Melbourne. Its spokesman said that even though the mosque had been expanded three times, congregants occasionally had to pray in the parking lot.

Report on the $1.9 million renovation of the Islamic Center of Greater Miami serving the community of South Florida Muslims estimated at about a hundred and fifty thousand. The renovations include a plush $25,000 gold and maroon carpet, cushions, and copper-toned dome.

Idaho

Islamic Society of Pocatello excited about construction of its mosque due for completion at the end of June. “It’s going to be a very open space,” said general secretary of the Islamic Society, Daniel Hummel. According to another report, the Islamic Society of Southeastern Idaho took on a big project when it decided to convert an old fast food outlet into a sacred space.

Illinois

Report on Ramadan activities of Chicago-area Muslims. On fasting, Imam Hisham AlQaisi of the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park said it’s “akin to the saying of you don’t know what you have until you don’t have it.”

New Jersey

A Midland Park resident appealed to the borough against the decision of its Zoning Board to approve an application by an Islamic foundation to convert a Korean church on Irving Street into a mosque. “I find the application incomplete, at a minimum, and defective,” Joan Doumas said in her letter of appeal.

Michigan

Two Korans found burnt near a mosque in Dearborn. Previously, Pastor Terry Jones and a group of motorcyclists had announced a rally against the threat of Islamic law being implemented in the U.S. This was due to take place on Flag Day, 14 June 2014, in front of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.

Minnesota

Report on the closure of a historic Catholic church in St. Paul that has re-opened as a mosque. Feisal M. Elmi, spokesman for Darul-Uloom Islamic Center, said, “There are a lot of East Africans in the area, and we want to give them a place to worship, a place to be educated, a community space.”

New York State

Jose Sanchez, owner of a boxing gym in an East Harlem tenement, embroiled in a row with his landlord after the latter leased the premises to a West African spiritual leader for his displaced Masjid Aqsa Mosque. Sanchez plans to take his case to the Manhattan Housing Court.

Terror investigation led to major drug bust at the Islamic Center of Flatbush.

Tennessee

US Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of a group of neighbors who tried unsuccessfully to block construction of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. See here and here for the role played by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty in defense of the mosque.

The case against a burial site at the same mosque was also dismissed.

Canada

Alberta

The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC) announced special arrangements would be in place to ensure taxi services would run as normal during Calgary Stampede week despite coinciding with Ramadan. Atthar Mahmood, vice-president of the council, said “To assure that all services are available to the guests and for the taxi drivers, the ISCC will be providing Iftari (ending fast) at the Al Madinah Downtown location at 421 Riverfront Ave. S.E. Delicious foods and drinks will be accessible to drivers and Muslim Stampede visitors, along with evening prayers. People will be able to undo their fast here and offer prayers, then they can resume their services to our beautiful city visitors.”

Ontario

Two Mississaugan Muslims lodged a complaint with Ontario Human Rights Tribunal after being issued with parking tickets while attending mosque prayers. They believe the early Friday afternoon parking restriction discriminates against Muslims.

Bulgaria

Continue reading →