Why building a mosque near "ground zero" is bad

Nur_Illahi

It won't matter to the public that the mosque community center is a symbolic representation of peace, these people care about their feelings and how America felt on September 11th 2001. All people know is that the hijackers were so-called Muslims motivated ultimately by a religious-political message. It doesn't matter if you call Americans ignorant or not understanding. The damage is done and it will take decades or maybe never to eradicate this feeling. You can preach until your face turns blue society will never fully accept Islam in the folds of daily life, unfortunately.

Just as an atheist cannot persuade you that God doesn't exist so to, you cannot persuade Americans. Even if you do, the conservative Christians in power have the money, resources, and influence to continue the bigotry against Muslims and in an age of technology, speech and simple talk only goes so far. Again this is still a bad idea.

When I first learnt of this cultural center, I thought it was a good thing although a bit controverisal being at ground zero but at the same time, a place for people to learn and build bridges, become more aware of things, a place to get information from and not from the news on tv.

blackflag wrote: martha wrote: Hayfa, I agree America should not wait for ever. Yep, people debate on stuff which is centuries old. However we are not the ones licking wounds. I have to relate it to war in UK eg 2nd WW. There are many still alive here that remember being bombed night after night for months on end with no respite. Whilst many have come to terms with it there are still those that cannot escape the nightmares. As the years go by, when they are no longer here, we will rely on stories they passed down. So sure, not wait forever to build this mosque/cultural centre, but for many Americans to do it now would be like a kick in the teeth. Nur Ilahi, There will always be conspiracy theories on who was to blame. Eventually the FULL truth might be known. The sadness is not so much as to who to blame but that it actually happened in the first place. All humans are ignorant,no matter what religion or culture they come from. I am ignorant on many things, just as you are, just as we all are here. We have our own thoughts, but thoughts are not always truths. So, bridges need building and trust needs to be gained. Americans, many, are ignorant about Islam. In fact it would be true to say that Americans can be ignorant about their own country. It is huge after all. So to just blame their ignorance is not helpful to them. The worst possible thing to do is keep saying how YOU are right in what you say cos you are a muslim. Do you really think anyone would accept that face value? Of course not. So...for anyone to understand YOUR view and billions of other muslims you have to teach with understanding and caring. TO say that something is true based on numbers of reverts to Islam would not for example prove to another that it is a true religion. So, sure, one day to erect this building could be helpful. Right now would not be a good time. I am sure the majority agree. It is not Islamophobia, people died by terrorist means. It could have been( could still prove to be) any religion and the grief would still be the same Salams to you Nur. To a large degree the grief would be different it it was, hypothetically, let's say in a plane flown by Christians to a tower in a Muslim country. I am sure if that country was truly following the Islam then would have no problem in accepting the Christian community in that Muslim country to build a Church near the tower. A good religion respects other religion, and their beliefs. Converting people by force is not accepted in Islam.

Here is more about the project...

http://www.cordobainitiative.org/

Another good article

http://blog.sojo.net/2010/06/08/forgiveness-fear-and-the-mosque-at-ground-zero/