ISNA Offers Support after Mosque Burning in Missouri

     

   (Washington, DC - August 7, 2012) ISNA was shocked and saddened to hear about the fire that destroyed the Islamic Society of Joplin's mosque yesterday before dawn.  While the cause is still unknown, a less damaging fire at the mosque just one month ago was determined to be a result of arson.  The FBI continues to investigate that incident, and has offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.  

After receiving the news about yesterday's fire, ISNA leadership immediately contacted Imam Lahmuddin, who leads the mosque, to express our deepest condolences and offer our support.  The imam told us there were no signs of trouble when the community held taraweeh prayers at the mosque the night before.  Then at 3:50 a.m., he received a call from the sheriff's office, drove straight to the mosque, and saw that it was completely burned to the ground.  "We are grateful that no one was injured," said Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, ISNA National Director of Interfaith & Community Alliances.  "We ask God to grant everyone in the community patience during this difficult time, particularly as they endure this hardship during the month of Ramadan."

Imam Lahmuddin was heartened when members from other faith communities visited him to give their condolences, including a rabbi and a pastor.  Rev. Jill Michel of South Joplin Church also offered a space for the Muslim community to worship during Ramadan.

The Joplin Muslim community was in the news last year when physicians from the community provided volunteer medical treatment after tornadoes devastated the region.  Because one of the largest medical facilities in the area was also destroyed, the physicians worked out of a temporary medical unit and volunteered long hours in local shelters.  

ISNA is grateful that others community members  are also providing the Muslim community in Joplin with support during their time in need.  The Council of Churches of the Ozarks is already accepting financial donations on their behalf. Donations by check, with "Joplin Islamic Community" written in the memo, can be made payable and sent to: Council of Churches, PO Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808-3947. As the Muslim Community in Joplin rebuilds its mosque we ask all of you to offer whatever support you can.

This tragic event occurred just hours after a shooting a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin on Sunday.  ISNA also released a statement in response to that tragedy, and is working through the interfaith Shoulder-to-Shoulder campaign (www.shouldertoshouldercampaign.org) to respond to both incidents.  We will keep you updated as developments unfold.