MPAC Congratulates Temecula Islamic Center's Win to Proceed with Mosque Expansion Plan
December 2, 2010
Left: Salam Al-Marayati testifies in hearing for Islamic Center of Temecula's expansion;
Right: From left, Shura Council Director Shakeel Syed, Imam Mahmoud Harmoush & MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati
The Muslim Public Affairs Council today applauded the Temecula Valley Planning Commission, which unanimously approved plans to allow the Islamic Center of Temecula following more than five hours of heated public testimony, and months of hearings, protests and debate.
SEE: "Temecula City Planners Clear the Way for Mosque" (89.3 KPCC)
Check out the video (below), featuring the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley's Imam, Mahmoud Harmoush, talking about recent controversy and the crucial role of organizations like MPAC in organizing a successful interfaith campaign for religious pluralism.
Imam of Islamic Center of Temecula Valley, Mahmoud HarmoushAmong the more than 200 people who packed City Hall for the commission hearing, nine members of the Progressive Jewish Alliance, MPAC's valued partner in NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change, travelled to Temecula for the commission hearing on the first day of Hannukah in order to speak in support of the proposed center and religious pluralism.
MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati, who has worked with the Islamic Center's leadership since the controversy around the mosque proposal sprang up this spring, was among the 80 people who offered comments during the public testimony before the commission. He urged the commission to support the mosque, citing its proud track record as a valued and contributing member of the local interfaith and civic community.
"The history of America is that of inclusion when it comes to Islam," Al-Marayati said. "Even Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist made it a point to honor Prophet Muhammad in the Supreme Court halls because of Islam's major contribution to law throughout history. When I met with FBI Director Robert Mueller, he always applauded Muslim American patriotism. We here should do the same."
Left: MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati testifies in hearing for Islamic Center of Temecula's expansion; Right: From left, Shura Council Director Shakeel Syed, Imam Mahmoud Harmoush & Salam Al-Marayati
The chairman of the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley Hadi Nael, Harmoush, Executive Director of Islamic Shura Council of Southern California Shakeel Syed and Al-Marayati also addressed the concerns of a vocal minority about the center disobeying local laws and causing traffic jams.
Al-Marayati directly addressed the concerns by pointing out that only two mosque services will cause crowds - one on Friday before rush hour and the other on Sunday afternoon. As for other prayers, no more than four to five people will attend sunrise prayer, with about 10 people attending evening prayer.
"Many good people came to support it - Christians, Jews, Bahais, you name it," said Hadi Nael, chair of the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm proud of that as an American citizen. It shows that justice prevails."
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