By Nayha Kalia

The developers of an Islamic Cultural Centre in Lower Manhattan - controversially dubbed the ‘Ground Zero Mosque’ – spoke with Nayha Kalia during their visit to London. Sharif El – Gamal and his partner Nour Moussa are here to clarify the intentions behind the development called Park51.

Despite what has been reported, this project remains on track and is intended to become an important landmark in New York as well as a milestone for Muslim achievement in the US and beyond, according to the team behind its conception.

Although repeatedly asserting that the cultural centre symbolises ‘moderate Islam’ and serves the needs of Muslim as well as non-Muslim Americans in the area, this development is still seen by some as an affront to the sensitivities of the victims of 9/11 and their families, in what has become an international debate. 

Background

In May 2010, a group of Muslims including Sharif El-Gamal, a property developer, and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, a local imam, proposed turning an old Burlington Coat Factory warehouse into a Muslim-led community centre for people of all backgrounds in Lower Manhattan.  On May 25^th    Lower Manhattan’s Community Board One voted 29-1 in favour of the plans. The next morning splashed across the front page of a daily rag read ‘Mega Mosque to go up on Ground Zero’.  And so began the turmoil that made headline news for months.

The idea dates back to 2006 when a Muslim-led community centre was proposed, based on the many Jewish led centres in New York, the intentions of which are not to preach religion.

Moussa observes that ‘New York is a melting pot, an extremely diverse city, and community cohesion, religious tolerance and freedom to express are all part of what makes New York what it is.’

Community Board One have voted in favour of building this centre as it would create jobs and encourage community cohesion. According to El-Gamal, ‘the majority of people in New York understand our intentions; there are more people outside of New York that don’t.’

Opposition

Among key opponents such as Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich, is the infamous right wing blogger Pamela Gellar. Pushing forward uninformed statements onto mainstream news channels such as Fox News and her own increasingly popular blog which last year carried the title "Monster Mosque pushes ahead in shadow of World Trade Centre Islamic death and destruction.’

‘Sensationalism is what has created the situation we have today’ says Moussa. ‘Fox News giving a platform to Pamela Geller to express such ignorant views and pitted as a voice of authority just shows how out of sync some media is with the truth.’ 

In some of the most extreme acts of opposition, in September 2010, Pastor Terry Jones threatened to burn 200 Qur'ans in protest at the centre.

Opponents have also expressed concern over transparency with funding. El-Gamal’s response to this is ‘we are an open book. We will not take funding from organisations that have values that are inconsistent with American values of freedom and liberty.’ When it comes to taking money from Saudi Arabia he says ‘people will assume all Muslim money is bad, the stigma attached to this also needs to be regressed.’

Amidst this debate, in October 2010, it was reported that Saudi Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, who has apparently contributed to some of Imam Rauf’s other projects while simultaneously owning shares in Fox News’ parent company, News Corporation, has suggested that the Islamic centre be re-located. He said that the developers 'have to respect, have to appreciate and have to defer to the people of New York. The wound is still there.'

Geller and other opponents have branded Park51 a ‘victory mosque’ and argue that it is merely provocative. El-Gamal brings it back to basic supply and demand saying ‘there is a large Muslim community in the area and a clear need for more prayer space and community activity space.’

When I asked how this project appeals to the non-Muslim American community, Mousse reasserts, ‘there is no velvet rope, no special guest list. The centre is just built on Islamic principles and heritage which in essence are universal to all.’

El-Gamal adds, ‘we could have carried out this project without consulting anyone – but we voluntarily embarked on community consultation. We had three community board meetings with a panel including non-Muslim Americans who voted in favour.’

‘Nearly a quarter of the centres space would be devoted to a sports and fitness centre, which, it is hoped, would attract New York residents of any faith and ethnicity. Another floor would be given over to a playground and childcare area. In addition, there would be a restaurant and exhibition space.’

Insensitive location?

Park51's opponents maintain that the proximity to Ground Zero is insensitive to victims because Islamic extremists perpetrated the 9/11 attacks. The area in Lower Manhattan serves many purposes such as residential, commercial and business needs. The presence of two Mosques in the area is evidence that there is a settled Muslim community here to be supported and there is a need for a facility such as Park51. The provocation argument is further quashed when we know that 9/11 also claimed many Muslim victims.

As for the visual aspects, conceptual drawings of the building, released in 2010, revealed a planned structure that is strikingly modern and in keeping with the spirit of New York's most cutting-edge designs.  

What next?

El-Gamal and Moussa visited London last week to engage and inform local communities, viewing the city as an important global hub and gateway - ‘The building of Park51 has meaning and ramification for Muslims around the world. We are in London to inform people here about the truth of what we are doing in Manhattan, we want to connect with local leadership.’ The pair have met with groups such as Mosaic, a charity formed to encourage young Muslims to engage with society.

Currently the site serves as a prayer space for thousands of people every week as well as holds weekly programmes including wellness and health, education and interfaith as well as intra-faith programmes bringing together the different sects of Muslims.

Park51 plans to hold a ‘Day of Solidarity’ on the 10^th day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan, coinciding approximately with 10^th August this year.

Reclaiming identity

Part of the intention behind building this centre is so that Muslim’s worldwide can reclaim their identity.

‘Our identity has been stolen from us by a few criminals that have taken our practice and used it for evil’ says El-Gamal. ‘All Muslims have categorically been associated with criminals since 9/11. This project is intended to give back to the wider community and bring forward the essence of Islamic heritage and culture showing that we are pluralistic and inclusive.’