(ST. PAUL, MN, 6/16/08) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) today called on American Muslims to help repair damage to one of the first mosques in America caused by recent flooding in Iowa.
The Mother Mosque of America in Cedar Rapids, completed in 1934, was one of the first permanent structures built specifically to serve as a mosque in the United States. The mosque had recently completed a renovation project.
Documents inside the mosque, including photographs of American Muslim immigrants from the early 1900s, were destroyed by the flood waters.
“The mosque has been visited by people from all over the country,” said Imam Taha Tawil, Director of the Mother Mosque of America. “It is part of the American Muslim identity.”
CAIR-MN is asking Muslims to donate to help restore the mosque and to assist flood victims of all faiths throughout the region.
The Mother Mosque is listed on both the Iowa State Historical Register and the National Register of Historic Places as an "essential piece of American religious history, which symbolizes tolerance and acceptance of Islam and Muslims in the United States."
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
MPAC ANNOUNCES 'MOTHER MOSQUE RESTORATION FUND', Help Rebuild Historic Cedar Rapids Flood-Damaged Mosque
(Los Angeles - 6/18/08) - The Muslim Public Affairs Council announced today that the creation of the "Mother Mosque Restoration Fund" to help rebuild the oldest mosque in America, which was badly damaged by the historic flooding of the Cedar River last week.
While the recently renovated prayer room was undamaged, the basement -- where the mosque holds community meetings, teaches school groups and stores mosque heirlooms -- was completely destroyed. Dozens of videotapes with the oral histories of Arabs who have come to Iowa lie waterlogged. Mud covers prayer rugs and books. Ceiling tiles have collapsed, and tables have warped.
In conjunction with Islamic Relief Worldwide, MPAC has created the following fund to help re-build the damaged mosque:
or send a check to: Islamic Relief Worldwide (please write "Cedar Rapids Mosque Fund" in memo) P.O. Box 5640 Buena Park, CA 90622
As the first mosque in North America, the Mother Mosque of America has served the Cedar Rapids, IA, Muslim community since 1934. The small prairie-school building is now listed on both the Iowa State Historical Register and the National Register as an "essential piece of American religious history, which symbolizes tolerance and acceptance of Islam and Muslims in the United States.
"Those of us lucky enough to still have a dry house have an obligation to assist those who were not as fortunate," wrote MPAC board member Shams Ghoneim in an op-ed published in the Iowa Press-Citizen. "Our faith communities once again are closing ranks and offering much needed counseling and shelter to those heavily affected by the flood."
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