Faith

Imam Will Tour Nation Promoting NYC Islamic Center

NEW YORK (AP) — The Muslim cleric who hopes to build an Islamic center near the World Trade Center site said Friday that he’ll tour the country in an effort “to inspire interfaith understanding” for a project that has ignited explosive faceoffs between supporters and opponents.

“The major purpose is to make people aware of what America means as a country that protects the right to freedom of religion,” Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told The Associated Press.

American Muslims like himself, he said, “can play an important role as interlocutors between the United States and the Muslim world.”

Rauf’s first appearance is scheduled for Detroit on Jan. 15. The city has North America’s largest Muslim population.

The imam said he’ll continue on to Chicago, Washington, San Antonio and college campuses including Harvard, Georgetown, Yale and the University of North Carolina. He did not release specific dates for his speeches.

Rauf said he expects the tour will end sometime in April; he’s still receiving and considering invitations.

In a telephone interview — “on a cell phone while shopping,” he said — he told the AP that he wants to make clear both to New Yorkers and people across the country the purpose of a project “about which I’ve been dreaming for 20 years.”

He said the Islamic center would be modeled on Manhattan’s 92nd Street Y — “a community space where people of all faiths can come to participate in everything from athletics to cooking classes, adult education programs, and panel discussions on issues of importance.”

There also would be theater productions and film screenings, he said.

Last summer, Rauf’s idea of constructing the high-rise Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from ground zero provoked a political firestorm that led to virulent demonstrations.

Opponents call it offensive to families of Sept. 11 victims and are demanding that the project be moved to another location. They say building a mosque near the site of the terrorist attack perpetrated by Muslim extremists is an affront to them.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has endorsed the center at the original proposed location.

Rauf noted that he’s been “a member of the Lower Manhattan community for 25 years” — leading a mosque about a 15-minute walk from the site of the proposed new Islamic center.

In Detroit, Rauf is scheduled to deliver a keynote address to the so-called “Diversity Forum Banquet” of the Islamic Society of North America.

“I want to inspire interfaith understanding,” he said. “This past summer, during the demonstrations, we also saw the birth of what we believe to be a global movement of people of all faiths who want to have a better future for their children and grandchildren.”

Despite opposition to the Islamic center, the imam is viewed as a moderate Muslim sponsored by the U.S. State Department to travel on behalf of the United States, tempering extreme positions in the interest of world peace.

“It’s a good idea to reach out to Americans and address any misunderstandings between Muslims and non-Muslims,” Zaheer Uddin, head of New York’s Islamic Leadership Council, said of Rauf’s speaking tour.

Comments (145)

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  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 6:10am

    I dont see this having a psoitive effect .. Amerocans do NOT want this.. Keep shoving it in our face and we will get mad all over again

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
  • crazyhorse
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 6:07am

    “The major purpose is to make people aware of what America means as a country…” I don’t need some ********** explaining this to me! I love the list of muslim loving comminities he’s going to speak at. Why not speak in Texas, Mississippii, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alaska? I am sure he will see a lot of oposition in Detroit ‘jihad” city.

    Report Post » crazyhorse  
  • momsense
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 5:18am

    He won’t get much sympathy for his cause–except from the Commies and Anarchists–why bother?

    Report Post »  
  • GulfPeg
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 5:07am

    So, this idiot is still insisting, even after the Saudi Arabian prince said they were moving it! We will hate the Muslims even more if they do build it.

    Report Post »  
  • TemayElbor
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:42am

    Why doesn’t he tour the Islamic countries instead (funded by moderate, peace loving Muslims) and teach his people tolerance for Christians and other faiths? Convince their people and their governments to allow Christian churches and churches of other faiths and temples to be built in the Islamic countries as well (reciprocal) , with governments guaranteeing protection for the believers.

    It would be a big job to do, so first and foremost he should train some Muslims to assist him on this endeavor. If the Imam doesn’t start training and just do this on his own, it is because the truth is Islam and its believers doesn’t have an iota of tolerance at all with other religions. Whatever he does will be an exercise in futility, and I think he knows that it is so.

    Report Post »  
  • Lord_Frostwind
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:36am

    Somehow, I get the feeling that this is going to be about as relevant as a celebrities apology tour after they do something stupid. Of course I must admit that I am a pessemist when it comes to these things, but hey, as long as its not paid for by the US government then I say more power to him.

    Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
  • obamasux
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 3:28am

    It’s a lie from Satan that all beliefs can be “united.” Satan will have a ONE world religion. We are definitely in the last days the Bible speaks of. Get right with God, accept Him as your savior. Today is the day of salvation!

    Report Post »  
  • Workforit
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 3:24am

    What a monumental example of wasted time.

    Report Post »  
  • MR_ANDERSON
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 3:24am

    Sounds like he needs to make more speeches so we can understand it. Personally I question why he is going to Detroit. He wants to reach non-Muslims right? why not tour the Bible Belt, followed by Alaska, and maybe finishing off in Kansas at Westboro Baptist Church.

    Report Post »  
  • alwayssora
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 2:58am

    Was it their FAITH AND UNDERSTANDING on 9/11???
    If not, then NOPE, I am not interested in anything he has to ay UNLESS he is going to move the mosque.

    Report Post »  
  • Karama
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 2:43am

    Unless he says he going to move the mosque, he has nothing I am interested in hearing.

    Report Post » Karama  
  • wash1776
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 2:28am

    This guy can’t be serious that we believe the garbage he is saying I hope. Does he really think we are all that stupid? The mosque is to “inspire faith and understanding”? Yes—their faith and our understanding. He doesn‘t have any understanding or he wouldn’t be trying to build it there. “The major purpose is to make people aware of what America means as a country that protects the right to freedom of religion”? That statement is so blatantly self-serving it would be laughable if it wasn’t for the tragedy involved. “I want to inspire interfaith understanding”? No! He wants to declare a muslim victory and rub our noses in it with this overgrown, pretentious, monstrosity of a supposedly religious edifice. He’s been dreaming about this for 20 year? His dream will be the nightmare of all the families who lost loved ones and friends and the rest of the people in this country who feel this is wrong on so many levels. If he was truly concerned about relations between Islam and this country, he would build the mosque elsewhere. No matter what spin he and his partners in crime try to put on this, he isn’t fooling anyone but himself if he thinks many people in this country believe his phony self-serving rhetoric. This is a wolf trying to put on sheep’s clothing. The only thing he is really putting on is an act.

    Report Post »  
    • Edwardosan
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 6:25am

      Yes, they really think we are that stupid.

      Report Post » Edwardosan  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:54am

      “The only thing he is really putting on is an act”…have you ever noticed that even when they take off their 6th century stone-age, neanderthal costumes and put on a business suit, they still look STUPID…ever notice that? They‘d all be laughable if this wasn’t so serious!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • hickoryrat
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 2:18pm

      Do they think we are stupid?
      Look around you.White house,congress duh

      Report Post »  
  • palaver
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:49am

    I love Brats! The wurst is yet to come! yummy

    Report Post »  
  • Hefsmaster
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:30am

    We should all show up early and tailgate with BBQ ribs, hotdogs and brats.

    Report Post » Hefsmaster  
  • palaver
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:15am

    Just ignore the little imam, If no one pays any attention to him, he will go away!

    Report Post »  
    • MR_ANDERSON
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 3:02am

      Stop being tolerant, they don’t go away, and that is how we got in this mess.

      Report Post »  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:03am

      the more you ignore those people the more extreme they become and dern they breed like animals meaning they multply fast

      Report Post »  
  • aeronut44
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:05am

    PLEEEEEZE COME TO MY TOWN….Be sure to make it your LAST stop.

    Report Post » aeronut44  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:06am

      Ghee AERONUT44…whatever could you have in mind?

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • aeronut44
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 2:40am

      Just want to show my “support”. ;)

      Report Post » aeronut44  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:01am

    he told the AP that he wants to make clear both to New Yorkers and people across the country the purpose of a project “about which I’ve been dreaming for 20 years.”
    —————

    OK now lets trace back the relevant events.
    The first WTC bombing took place in Feb of 1993.
    Planning for that started in the late 80s, maybe in 1989.
    Yup. He’s right . His 20 year dream fits the timeline .

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • AzDebi
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:59am

    @JZS…”Blazers have asked for moderate Muslims, ones who denounce violence, who renounce the hatred of extremists to make their voice heard to Americans. Here’s the guy. Are you willing to listen to what he has to say?” NOPE!

    Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Coonshine
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:47am

      Let’s see if he listens to Americans on his tour. If he gets an earful of negative response for the location of the mosque, will he chang his mind?

      Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:00am

      “Muslims who denounce violence” is an oxymoron.
      To be a Muslim one believes in Islam. To believe in Islam one has to believe in killing all non-believers.
      Be careful…we are being sold a lie. Islam is not a religion, it is a militant group determined to spread their beliefs across the world and kill all that stand in their way. The Muslim god Allah is not the God of the bible that Christians believe in. Also, the jesus that they speak of is not Jesus Christ, son of God. This is a very dangerous man and he should not be allowed to ‘recruit’ terrorists. He shoud be ‘an enemy of the state’. He is not spreading religion, he is spreadiing jihad but apparently so are those in the White House.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:47am

      @EP46…you are correct…that’s why I replied “NOPE”…Americans WILL DEFEND their HOMELAND…AND…that BEGINS with OPEN DIALOGUE…OFTEN…HEATED DIALOGUE…we must ALWAYS seek THE TRUTH…these “PEOPLE” have shown themselves not willing to openly and HONESTLY discuss their “so-called” religion…OF COURSE WE approach them with CAUTION…THEY drew FIRST BLOOD…we’ve spent two and a half years waking up to the TRUTH…Washington doesn’t believe for a minute that WE THE PEOPLE believe their diatribe…AND…after 8/28…they FEAR US! Don’t be deceived fellow Patriots, we truly Do SURROUND THEM! It’s OUR COUNTRY…WE WILL PRESERVE IT!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
  • Mike777
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:50am

    Jeez i thought this arse went away.

    Report Post » Mike777  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 5:41am

      No such luck .. with the loons on the left supporting his “cause”.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:38am

    It’s a good idea to reach out to Americans and address any misunderstandings between Muslims and non-Muslims,”
    —————
    I think its a good idea too.
    Some misunderstandings NEED to be addressed and clarified.
    Misunderstandings like :
    1. There is a moderate islam
    2. Not all muslims support jihad
    3. Not all jihadies want their kids to grow up to be jihadies or shahids
    4. islam stands for peace and tolerance
    5. Hussain will not fund the rabat over hallowed ground of Americans, with taxpayer money
    6. Once the rabat @ G-0 is complete, muslims will shut up and STOP demanding any more such structures to commemorate their terrorism

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • palaver
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:31am

    I don’t think it is the Americans “The We The People ” need “interfaith understanding” We‘re not the evil do’rs. He should inspire in his own country! Uh Oh he maybe an American just trying to educate the rest of stupid people. I don’t know anymore.

    Report Post »  
  • ADDICTED TO TRUTH
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:27am

    I’ll be sure and wear my HAM t-shirt and HAM hat.

    Report Post » ADDICTED TO TRUTH  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:34am

      Yeah!! We should open a street vendor wagon serving polish sausages too, everywhere he goes. :)

      Report Post »  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:02am

      You have a hat and shirt made of ham?

      Is there a little pocket for mustard?

      Report Post »  
    • jbl8199
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:24pm

      I’ll bring a few Pork steaks.

      Report Post » jbl8199  
  • cranes
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:18am

    Next they will be pushing for Sharia law. America you better get educated on Sharia law ans what it really means to this country. Look at the Netherlands and England and France.

    Report Post »  
    • Noonien_Soong
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 6:18am

      There should be a push for some amendments to Sharia law. Tell the Imam it’s the liberal progressive thing to do or the unions and SEIU will protest.

      Report Post » Noonien_Soong  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:31am

      We already know enough about Sharia Law. It is control by force. Nuff said. Get ready to fight or lose your head. I for one prefer to fight. From my cold dead hands SO HELP ME GOD…Amen!

      Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:59pm

      The Muslim cleric who hopes to “to inspire interfaith understanding” and “The major purpose is to make people aware of what America means as a country that protects the right to freedom of religion.”

      That is not true according to what we know of Islam! And is he going to teach the U.S. what they need to know about having interfaith? Perhaps he should start teaching his own community what that means.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:08am

    Use Perfectly good money that could be used to blow stuff up for a tour?Or is it a fund raising tour?

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • RobertCA
    Posted on December 24, 2010 at 11:59pm

    & of course joined by Libs & Hollywood’s ( druggie ) stars

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:04am

      So who will be paying for his vacay ?
      US taxpayers or the Bloominidiot ?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:32am

      He may want to rethink his plans—he could be stoned to death.

      I have no doubt that Islam is the one world religion, one world “government” described in the end times of Biblical prophecy. Islam is both a religion AND a set of governing rules, barbaric as they may be.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:38am

      Are we expected to keep him safe? I certainly do NOT want my tax dollars paying for security for this guy …. NOT ONE THIN DIME!

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:47am

      Blazers have asked for moderate Muslims, ones who denounce violence, who renounce the hatred of extremists to make their voice heard to Americans. Here’s the guy. Are you willing to listen to what he has to say?

      Report Post » jzs  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:15am

      Are you willing to listen to what he has to say?
      ——
      Lemme see.
      We can see what muslims are doing to Africa and Asia.
      We see what muslims are are doing to Dearbornistan and Paristan and Londnistan .
      We just saw what they do in OKC.
      We know their history from the Shores of Tripoli to Achille Lauro to Khobar towers to USS Cole to Tanzania to gaza to Thailand to Mumbai to Madrid to …well NYC, Shanksville and the Pentagon building.
      We know the koran and what it stands for.
      So no, we don’t need to listen to him .
      We know all that needs to be known about islam. And jihadies, both inside and outside the WH

      cheezwhiz  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:18am

      We got a kinder, gentler, Machine gun hand …

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • *************************
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 2:51am

      “ ‘It’s a good idea to reach out to Americans and address any misunderstandings between Muslims and non-Muslims,’ Zaheer Uddin, head of New York’s Islamic Leadership Council, said of Rauf’s speaking tour.”

      Oh, and here I thought 9/11 was plain enough all by itself.

      rail-worker CHARLIE: “Hey Bart, is it me or is the world rising?”
      rail-worker BART: “I don’t know, but whatever it is, I hate it.”
      together: “Quicksand!”
      -Blazing Saddles

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkinBadges  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:05am

      San Antonio? Really?
      Remember the Alamo..Remember 9/11
      Hope the media releases the date and location, would like to show him some Texas love…
      I think half the State would show up to protest this looney toon.

      Report Post »  
    • ZeitgeistBuster
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:29am

      @ JZS, Find my reply to your demand to listen to a Muslim “moderate” on page two of the replies.

      You are not likely to enjoy my answer.

      Report Post » ZeitgeistBuster  
    • guyperram
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:34am

      If we are real lucky a bolt of lightening will hit his plane at the border of the first red state they intend to fly over.

      Report Post »  
    • wtd
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:24am

      jzs@12:47am quote:”Blazers have asked for moderate Muslims, ones who denounce violence, who renounce the hatred of extremists to make their voice heard to Americans. Here’s the guy. Are you willing to listen to what he has to say?”
      Like you, some have not been paying attention. This imam is documented for presenting diametrically opposing points of view depending on his audience. Perhaps if you take the time to review the material in Imam Rauf’s 4 books you’ll recognize the deception which is apparent just with this one. “His book ‘What’s Right About Islam’ was published in Malaysia under the title ‘A Call to Prayer from the World Trade Center Rubble: Islamic Da’wah in the Heart of America Post-9/11′.
      This lying imam protests this building is not on hallowed Ground Zero, describing it as two blocks away. United Airlines Flight 175 crashed through the 78th through 84th floors of the South Tower (WTC 2) on 9/11. The landing gear of this flight sheared through the offices, corridors, souls and on through the outer walls of Tower 2, then free falled approximately 80 stories, puncturing the roof , tearing through two stories within the Burlington Coat Factory – finally coming to rest under a blanket of dust, debris and the ash of incinerated human flesh. [see diagram: http://tinyurl.com/38u89pj ]
      This ‘imam’ then has the gall to title his book in Malaysia . . .“FROM THE WTC RUBBLE”. Wake up. Adding to that, Cordoba House changed its name to Park 51 which is odd since the address of the location is 45 47 Park Place. Look to the Koran-the book of Islamic conquest
      Qur’an CHAPTER 51, Verses 45-47 [Online Qur'an at USC link http://tinyurl.com/33aknr8
      explains all:
      51:45 And they were unable to arise, nor could they defend themselves. 51:46 And [We destroyed] the people of Noah before; indeed, they were a people defiantly disobedient. 51:47 And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are [its] expander.
      Can I make this any clearer for you?

      Report Post »  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:31am

      If this man wants to promote Islam
      Why doesnt he do what Walt Disney did and build ShiriaWorld

      Kid could watch as thier moms get stoned for not covering thier face.
      They then could watch the cartoonist be executed for accidently drawing Mohammed.
      They can watch other kids blow themselves up on th Jihad Ride.
      They can see that being Muslim gets you a free pass past TSA security
      They could have the pin the grenade on the jew game.
      and instead of magic mountan they could have magic Mecca where they make the kids walk around in circles for three days

      that should show the world everything.

      Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:25am

      Yes and in the interest of being mutually tolerant Franklin Graham will be allowed to tour Iraq and Iran promoting the building of Baptist Churchs and Recreational Centers. All I can say is is this Administration is ramming islam down our throats. Do not give in. Get Prepared. No Compromise. Lock and Load and Merry Christmas.

      Report Post »  
    • balrog
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:43am

      this guy should be greeted with nothing but resistance to this slap in the face to our country..its like they have defeated us already and are preparing to impose their religion and domination over us…their brother in the white house is helping them all he can… 2 more years is way too long.. look at all the harm curious george has done already..are their supporters suicidal; wanting to take those of us who wish to live with them…not i

      Report Post » balrog  
    • Falconer
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:26pm

      @MiketheTrucker I think your on to something Mike!

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:47pm

      He is starting his “tour” in Detroit … largest Muslim population outside of the middle east .. no surprise here .. but why when he is “preaching to the choir”? Could it be to “stir up” something?

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:47pm

      http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/12/muslim_cleric_promoting_nyc_is.html

      Report Post »  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 4:36am

      Contact these universities (Yale, Harvard, Georgetown, UNC chapel hill) Contact their President, Vice President, Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors and DEMAND that this man not be allowed to come to our universities to promote his mosque of terror! These universities have certain codes they must uphold to the citizens and students in these places. This is illegal and you have the right to DEMAND they ban him from speaking at the schools!

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • JKN
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 6:19am

      “The major purpose is to make people aware of what America means as a country that protects the right to freedom of religion,” Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told The Associated Press…

      Is Islam a religion, or is it a political doctrine seeking domination with a thin veneer of “religious” practices?

      Furthermore, I don’t need lessons from a Muslim on what America means… Our young soldiers are fighting and dying in the Middle East to preserve our freedom of religion. What exactly are Muslims doing to preserve “freedom of religion”?

      Finally, the overwhelming majority of the American people have already spoken and adamantly oppose a Victory Mosque at Ground Zero! Forget the speeches, Imam Rauf, and honor the majority will of the American people.

      Report Post » Jackers  
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