Muslims deserve same opportunity

By Shams Ghoneim

Cedar Rapids is the home of the oldest Mosque in North America, the Mother Mosque. This great Islamic and cultural center is not only a place for Muslims to worship and gather but also a center for interfaith dialogue.

It is well respected by the U.S. State Department and often hosts international dignitaries. For example, 11 African women leaders visited on June 4.

Iowa is indeed a welcoming, inclusive state with great people.

Opposite the Iowa experience: In Murfreesboro, Tenn., a mosque plan ignited an aggressive and intolerant response by local residents there. More than 600 people turned out for a meeting of the Rutherford County Commission on June 17.

“They seem to be against everything that I believe in, and so I don't want them necessarily in my neighborhood” said resident Stan Whiteway as ABC reported June 18.

“We have a duty to investigate anyone under the banner of Islam,” said Allen Jackson, pastor of World Outreach Church.

Listeners were asked to respond to the question of whether mosques can be built in any American neighborhood. The mere question is a form of bigotry and against our great nation's Constitution, respect for religious diversity and freedom of religion. The USA is a religiously diverse nation, and our network media should not partner with Islamophobes.

As an Iowan, a longtime and proud American Muslim, the story was deeply saddening, offensive and shocking. The lack of information/education about the many commonalities between Islam and Christianity at this time of global awareness is truly amazing.

The Muslim community in Murfreesboro and all across the state of Tennessee should reach out to their sister faith community members and build a bridge of love and understanding. Interfaith exchanges and dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims continue to facilitate this journey of peace, inclusion, understanding and equality. Jesus is a beloved prophet of Islam and is believed by Muslims to be the coming Messiah. What would The Prince of Peace say to that sad response in Murfreesboro?

Tennessee should learn from the Iowa experience, love their neighbors and honor our blessed religiously diverse nation. Promoting and enhancing a civil society is but an obligation to all of us. It is in our differences, our freedom to express and share them, that our nation and communities thrive and grow stronger.

Shams Ghoneim of Iowa City is Coordinator, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Iowa Chapter. A native of Egypt, she's an Iowa resident since 1967 and has worked 33 years as a medical researcher with the University of Iowa. Comments: shams-ghoneim@uiowa.edu