Local Masjid Breaks Ground on Major Expansion Project
Dear Readers,
This week learn about how the American Muslim Diversity Association is growing in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The religious organization Miftaah launched a new program in Hamtramck. Also, learn about how the Abandon Biden campaign has changed and what the organization hopes to do next.
Hoping you have a restful weekend.
Sincerely,
Nargis
Saa Nasta Newsletter
Sterling Heights masjid breaks ground on $5.5 million project
The American Muslim Diversity Association (AMDA) broke ground on a 20,000-square-foot facility in Sterling Heights, adding 14,000 square feet for a women’s prayer area, gym, and library. The $5.5 million project aims to expand community programs, including a Quran hifz program.
Afroza Akhter is a masjid attendee says she’s excited about the changes.
“We have the community, not only Bengali but Muslim community around the world come here,” Akhter says.
Senator Michael Webber, who represents Michigan’s 9th district encompassing the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Utica, says the groundbreaking is a momentous day.
“Just seeing some of the expansion that's going to take place and some of the ideas that are going to be a part of that expansion is just tremendous,” he says.
Several religious leaders made remarks at the event.
Imam Mustapha Elturk of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) says the expansion comes after a long struggle for Muslims who hoped to have a house of worship in Sterling Heights.
Imam Aly Lela says there were only a few masjids in Southeast Michigan about 60 years ago.
“You can see the difference in how Islam is growing, Alhamdulillah, rabbil alameen,” he says. “So this expansion is part of a bigger process, and we witness the birth of news, more importantly, the institutional growth that's more even important.”
Masjid leaders say they are working on expanding programs as well, including a Quran hifz program with academic.
Tahsin Asjad says she looks forward to bringing her daughters to the masjid to foster their connection with their faith and cultural heritage.
“We're having a lot more opportunities to connect with our roots and our religion, and for me personally, it means that I'm able to bring my daughters into this community too,” Asjad says.
Ayaan Bhuyan, 14, is a high schooler at Athens High School. He says he’s especially looking forward to the library.
“I really love to read, and it's going to be an interesting experience,” he says. “If you start going here, you'll quickly be part of the community.”
Santana Hill is the Chief of Staff for Detroit Mary Waters Councilmember At-Large. Hill says the council member has a lot of support from the American Muslim community.
“This was our chance to be involved in something historic and to support a large swath of the community outside of Detroit,” Hill says.
The expansion will add 14,000 square feet to the existing space. AMDA will add 90 parking spaces, a banquet hall, and a mortuary room for funeral services.
AMDA has collected about $2 million over the last four years for the project. They hope to raise another $3.5 million to complete the project in three years.
Abandon Harris campaign launches in Michigan
The Abandon Harris campaign launched in Dearborn yesterday outside the Henry Ford Centennial. Campaign leaders vouch to hold Vice President Kamala Harris accountable for the Biden administration and the U.S.’s role in the war on Gaza.
Michigan Co-Chair Farah Khan says it’s too late for the administration to make changes.
“We will hold the Harris Biden administration accountable for their role in this atrocity. Accountability means more than words. It means actions. We must be clear, they have had their chance, and they have failed us,” she says.
The campaign is in nine swing states.
Khan says Abandon Harris leaders plan to endorse a third party candidate for the presidential election. For now, they are telling voters not to vote for Harris or Republican nominee Donald Trump.
The Gaza Health Ministry says over 41,000 people have been killed by Israel the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Other headlines:
Miftaah is hosting a weekly lite program in Hamtramck.
Warren is hosting a Street Fair at the City Square every other Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. Bangladeshi vendor Sylhetia will be one of the vendors.
Saa Nasta founder Nargis Hakim Rahman will have a community conversation at the University of Detroit Mercy on Sept. 24.