Vandalism at a downtown mosque has prompted the Islamic Society of Nashville to add a discussion of religious tolerance to a planned open house today at the Islamic Center on 12th Avenue South.

Police are looking for whoever painted crosses and anti-Muslim slogans on a mosque on Fourth Avenue South that is mainly used by Somali refugees. The vandalism was discovered by Muslims coming to morning prayers on Wednesday.

Today’s open house will include a meal, a presentation on Muslim beliefs and an interfaith panel discussion.

Rashed Fakhruddin, board member at the Islamic Center and Nashville native, said local Muslims want to dispel misconceptions about their faith.

“We want people to understand what we believe,” he said.

Following a presentation on Islam, local faith leaders will discuss the vandalism at the Al Farooq Islamic Center on Fourth Avenue.

The Rev. James “Tex” Thomas of Jefferson Street Baptist Church and a Jewish community activist will be on the panel. Salaad Nur, a spokesman for the Al Farooq center, will join them.
Letter of solidarity

After reports of the vandalism came out, the mosque received a letter
of solidarity from the Jewish Federation of Nashville.

“As Jews, we have been subjected to similar attacks on our synagogues and communal institutions in Nashville over the years and can empathize with your anguish,” wrote Steve Edelstein, executive director of the Jewish Federation.

“As God’s children, we must all speak out against intolerance, bigotry and the resulting violence.” (The name of God is not written out by many Jews.)

Fakhruddin said the vandalism has re-energized local interfaith efforts. It shows that violence against one faith hurts the entire community, he said.

The open house runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Nashville, 2515 12th Ave. S. The public is invited.

For more information call 615-385-9379.

____

The Tennessean

Comments

comments