Islamic Center holds Friday prayers for first time since arson - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Islamic Center holds Friday prayers for first time since arson

Posted: Updated:
13abc.com Christine Long - email

More than four months ago an arsonist attacked the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo in Perrysburg in an alleged hate crime.

Today Muslims held Friday prayers in the renovated building for the first time since the fire.    

During the sermon, the Imam said this is a house that has seen good and bad times, but today is a day to celebrate.

For the first time since the fire in September, members of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo arrived at the mosque for Friday prayers.

"It's so heartwarming," says Aicha Burkett who lives in Sylvania. "It's so emotional coming here after such a long time away. It feels right at home. I love it."

Inside the newly renovated prayer room, the Imam told the group they are home sweet home: "Everybody is welcome. A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, a Buddhist, an atheist."

It's the same room where an Indiana man allegedly ignited flames that reached the chandeliers.

"We obviously feel a little hurt," says Cherrefe Kadri, President of the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo.  "But it's OK. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Floors, ceiling, and chandeliers have been replaced.  Walls have been painted.

The renovation project which isn't finished yet means a lot to the restoration crews.

"It's a House of God, no matter how you look at it," says Jim Mossing, the owner of SMB Restoration Specialists. "We live in the United States where it's our right to practice our religion no matter what. We've worked a lot of Sundays and a lot of people say God will get mad because I didn't go to church. But you're in God's house. You're doing what you can do to get these people back so they can worship God just like everybody else."

Several students made a special trip to pray in the new prayer room on Friday.

They've been attending classes in a building at Owens Community College since the fire.

 "I'm happy to be back," says Kareen Darwich who is nine years old. "I can't wait to come and go to school here again."

Meanwhile, the Indiana man 52-year-old Randy Linn who said his is responsible for setting the flames inside the prayer room is trying to withdraw his guilty plea.

 

  • Top Stories

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:03:13 GMT
    A Perrysburg Township packaging plant is closing this summer, affecting 126 employees at the location. We're told an agreement allowing Diamond Crystal Brands to sell Splenda sweetener will expire at
    A Perrysburg Township packaging plant is closing this summer, affecting 126 employees at the location.

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:34:48 GMT
    13abc and the Red Cross are teaming up for our Road to Recovery Phone Bank to provide information about helping the victims of the Oklahoma tornado and other disasters. Volunteers will be at the station
    13abc and Red Cross teamed up for our Road to Recovery Phone Bank Thursday to provide information about helping the victims of the Oklahoma tornado and other disasters.

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 11:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:10:04 GMT
    MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) - The Washington State Patrol says the Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River at Mount Vernon has collapsed, dumping vehicles and people into the water.    Trooper Mark Francis
    The Interstate 5 bridge over the Skagit River at Mount Vernon collapsed Thursday evening, dumping vehicles and people into the water, the Washington State Patrol said.
    •   

Area Events Calendar

See It, Shoot It, Send It!