First look inside damaged Islamic Center - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

First look inside damaged Islamic Center

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PERRYSBURG, Ohio -

13abc got a look inside the Islamic Center after the fire from over the weekend.

It's a sight that's brought many at the Islamic center to tears. Years of history and culture stripped overnight by flames.

"Every single room of the Islamic center is out of commission now it's both sinking in, the extent of the damage physically and the impact emotionally. It's very difficult to deal with," says Dr. Mahjabeen Islam, President of Islamic Center

We're told the flames shot up past the chandeliers and above that the entire inside to the dome has to be replaced.

"There are punched out areas in the dome so from the heat the dome is also damaged," says Dr. Islam

Dozens of fans throughout the building are working overtime from all the water damage and  hallways still smell of smoke. It's forced the school at the mosque to move to the Arrowhead campus of Owens Community College.

"I have been in this classroom for 12 years and when I saw everything it was very sad. It's heart breaking. It's like someone invaded your privacy and for these little kids to destroy everything for them. I don't know what the reason is for that," says teacher Manal Elshiekh.

The man accused of setting the fire is behind bars in the Wood County jail. Randy Linn, 52, of St. Joe Indiana is facing charges of first and second degree aggravated arson, aggravated burglary and carrying a concealed weapon. Bond is set a 400 thousand dollars.

Thursday the center will celebrate it's 32nd anniversary. Religious leaders say the clean up process will take months.

In the meantime, the Islamic Center is inviting the local Muslim community to the mosque tomorrow for a group prayer service. It will be held at 1:30 p.m.

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