At the Center of things
Islamic Society finds center in Marshall
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MARSHALL -- It's a win-win-win. A house on Main Street in Marshall can be returned to being a single-family home, a community group has a bigger, more conveniently-located building for its center and a building that was empty for months is now being used.
Islamic Society members are grateful their search for a new Islamic Center is finally over.
Marshall area Muslims have been gathering at a house the Society had bought on West Main Street several years ago, but then were told by the city of Marshall that it would be best if they found new quarters since they were bursting at the seams.
"The Islamic Society has been very good to work with and their needs have increased greatly over the last few years," said Glenn Olson, public works director.
Like Christians attending church more often on holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Islamic Center felt particular pressure during Islamic holidays.
"Especially during the holy month of Ramadan there are a lot more cars and people," said Hamid Ullah.
Parking was an issue on Main Street and there will more parking available at the new spot, in front and in the back of the building.
With help from city of Marshall personnel and their realtor, they finally found a building right around the corner from the Main Street location -- the former Lee's Tae Kwon Do gym that was owned by Kevin Knight.
The building, located on 10th Street, not only fit their needs size-wise, but the terms of sale fit their religious beliefs.
"We can't get a loan from a bank because of the interest that's charged," said Mohamed Salah, an Islamic Society board member, "so we bought it contract for deed."
Salah added the Islamic Society is unable to buy the building outright.
"The people tried their best to donate money for a new center," he said. "That didn't work out."
The Lee's Tae Kwon Do building needs to be refurbished to suit the Society's needs.
"The home is not set up for use as a mosque-space, exiting, bathrooms, etc.," Olson said. "Although the new location may not be ideal, it is an improvement from the existing site and we are working with them to address the requirements of the new site and any variances they may need."
The bathrooms and other areas need to become handicapped-accessible, said Salah.
The new building will have space for a dedicated area to conduct Sunday School-like classes for children.
"Kids can learn about their faith," said Ullah. "(The new larger building) makes it easier to handle that as well."
The group appreciates the support from the community over the years.
"A small community like Marshall is a good place to raise a family," said Salah, who has lived in Marshall since 2000.
"Marshall is a welcoming community," said Mohamed Noor, the Islamic Society president. "It's a small town. We help each other. We come from Adam and Eve. We are brothers and sisters."