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The Ar-Rahman Islamic Center's sparkling new
mosque has opened, thanks to the donations of local Muslims,
and, according to Imam Faiz Shah, divine providence in the midst
of a tough economy.
FONTANA, Canada -- The Ar-Rahman Islamic Center's sparkling new
mosque has opened, thanks to the donations of local Muslims,
and, according to Imam Faiz Shah, divine providence in the midst
of a tough economy.
"You can truly call it a house of God," Shah said recently.
The 8,000 square-foot mosque at the corner of Sierra and Miller
avenues features an imported prayer carpet from Turkey valued at
more than $12,000.
The mosque's prayer room, which is oriented toward Mecca,
features Arabic language on one wall translated to mean "None
worthy of worship except one God. Muhammad is the prophet of
God."
The rest of the building houses offices, a multi-purpose room
and a classroom for Muslim education.
Shah didn't state how much the mosque cost, but said for such a
small community of Muslims in Fontana - about 125 families
worship there - he was surprised how quickly the building went
up.
In describing the Muslim community's reaction to the building,
Shah said, "excitement is (too) small a word."
The Ar-Rahman Islamic Center - which derives its name from the
Arabic phrase "the most merciful" in reference to the holy name
of God - was established in an office suite on Cherry Avenue in
2003.
Ten families formed the fellowship, and Shah said those families
remain today.
Shah said the Muslim community is growing in Fontana.
"Mostly the good part is the young families that are coming
here," he said.
Source:
http://www.abna.ir
Date: 2010/07/07
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