Muslims feeling welcome in Utah [barf alert]

The Deseret News ^ | June 11, 2005 | Tammy Walquist

[La Enchiladita]

Nadeem Ahmed used to be more in the minority. As an immigrant from Pakistan and follower of the Islamic faith, he was outside what most would consider mainstream in Utah.

However, the Islamic population in Utah has been steadily growing over the past few years, increasing by about 40 percent. This is partially because of the migration of Somalians and Bosnians, but the demographic also includes Arabs and Pakistanis, said Ahmed, the newly elected president of the Greater Islamic Society of Salt Lake City.

The following boasts 25,000 members statewide, as well as three mosques. The Khadeeja Mosque, located in West Valley City, is not only the largest in Utah but also in the Western states.

Ahmed has felt that the religion has been well-received thus far.

"Overall, we don't have any complaints about anybody," he said. "We feel very blessed. We also feel a special thanks to the LDS Church. We have a very good relationship with them." Ahmed also said Muslims haven't felt tension with other Christian churches in the community.

Last summer, when Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun from West Jordan, a practicing Muslim, was thought to be captured in Iraq, an outpouring of care and concern was poured out upon his family — and light was placed upon the Muslim community.

The increased awareness of the community may help Ahmed fulfill his vision of integrating the faith more into Utah.

...

Last week Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and first lady Mary Kaye Huntsman visited the Khadeeja Mosque in West Valley City in the governor's efforts to build understanding among different faiths. Huntsman was the keynote speaker for the mosque's annual Sunday School graduation. Around 500-600 people attended the event, Ahmed said.

[La Enchiladita]

Read to the end of the article. Tolerance is not enough anymore, you must appreciate other religions.

I don't think I'll ever get to the tolerance stage.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Ping a towel ling

[Brad’s Gramma]

From the article......"Not all people are involved and not all support greater interfaith relations, but if the people who do keep on striving, hopefully others will join aboard," Imam Din said.

You first. Dare you.

[La Enchiladita]

I really was going to ping you. Honest! ;-)

[Brad’s Gramma]

I believe you. :)

[La Enchiladita]

"Another Lodi" ping

[Honorary Serb]

Mormonism is the islam of America.

islam is the Mormonism of the Middle East, in relationship with Judaism and Christianity.

Figure it out.

[La Enchiladita]

If you can't explain it, I can't figure it out.

[Pete-R-Bilt]

just to show my tolerance, I'll go barf from reading this, go get a beer and finish watching Nextel qualifying.

Then in that same spirit, I'll watch the Busch race. (more beer probably required)

[Brad’s Gramma]

Have one for me, too, will ya?

BTW....your bro had a GREAT idea as to how to get away from all this.

Ask him. :)

[Pete-R-Bilt]

Oky doky.

[B4Ranch]

Thanks for the ping.

[null and void]

Mormonism is the islam of America.

Yeah. Those damnable Mormons are aways kidnapping people and videotaping sawing their heads off.

Idiot.

[Mark17]

islam is the Mormonism of the Middle East, in relationship with Judaism and Christianity.

I don't agree with Mormon doctrine, but I don't think any of those dudes responsible for 9/11 were Mormons, do you?

[Pete-R-Bilt]

WOW! great idea!

can I join?

[Brad’s Gramma]

You MAY! He's not too bad in the brains department, is he?

[Pete-R-Bilt]

for an old guy he does OK

[Brad’s Gramma]

I'm staying OUT of this one!!!

[Isabelle]

How long before they have to tolerate sharia law. But some Mormon's like alot of wives too.

[combat_boots]

Somalis is Salt Lake? That is an odd thought.