Tempe’s Islamic Community Center Responds to Tensions with Education, Outreach

By: Saeed Alshamisi

Cronkite Special to AZLatinos.com

Tempe’s Islamic Community Center remains a firm pillar of community despite tensions resulting from the Orlando massacre and Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim remarks.

Leaders of the Islamic Community Center, which have been busy supporting Tempe’s Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan (June 5 – July 5), also have been forced to address recent anti-Islamic sentiments expressed throughout the United States.

Fortunately, according to Imam Ahmad Shqeirat, this “Islamophobia” has not been strongly felt at the community center or within his congregation. The beautiful domed mosque has been a fixture in Tempe since 1984, serving the community and ASU students, who have a strong presence within the center. He noted, “Like Islam, the University is full of diversity, and it gives our community a fresh new batch of tomorrow’s leaders each fall.”

Though Tempe itself has not seen an increase in racist episodes, the center recognizes the possibility and has been responding in a variety of ways. After the Orlando shooting, the center issued a press release to express its condemnation of violence, and its leaders also participated in interfaith vigils with its partners.

As office manager Abdullah Harvey explained, “There has been different events and dialogue to show that the detestable acts done to all communities are not acceptable or condoned. I have personally given three tours of the Masjid (center) and answered questions both in person and through email. We have welcomed many people throughout the valley to participate with us during the holy month of Ramadan.”

Khalifa Alketbi, who regularly attends services at the mosque, commented on the Muslim community generally, “We try to make clear our stand in condemning violence as much as possible.”

Photo Credit: Saeed Alshamisi

Community center leaders are well aware that the threat of racist behavior and violence exists and needs to be addressed. “I was not present during the events in San Bernardino,” Alketbi said, “but I noticed more of a police presence immediately following the events in Orlando.”

Harvey said, “I did receive one report of a person being intimidated at a market frequented by international shoppers, the police were notified, but other than that nothing” has happened.

Imam Shqeirat added, “We enjoy good and fruitful relations with our neighbors, yet sick individuals are everywhere​; so once in a while, we experience some negative messages, but the positive ones are 10 times more.”

Presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump and his anti-Muslim rhetoric poses a threat that is of little concern to center officials. As Harvey said, “He has given a voice to a section of America that was dormant. His antics have worked in the primaries; however, his bigotry will continue to alienate the vast majority of Americans, which I believe will cost him not only his White House bid but also many Republicans up for re-election.”

Imam Shqeirat agreed with Harvey that the presence of Donald Trump has not had much of a direct impact on the center, but he acknowledged that Trump is having a negative effect on Muslims generally, saying, “Mr. Trump’s craziness has unfortunately found a large response. It is hard to be believe that the United States still has such a high level of hatred and racism.​“

To counteract this negative effect, the center works to educate the Tempe community by teaching an Islam 101 class open to the general public on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as having a weekly tour of the property and praying area accompanied by a question and answer session. Center leaders also participate on the Arizona Interfaith Dialogue Committee, as well as in the different events of all faiths throughout the Valley.

Harvey believes education is essential to the continuing prosperity and harmony that Tempe and its Islamic Community Center have enjoyed over the years. “As a concerned citizen, who was born and raised in California, I do remind some of the youths that just over 60 years ago, we were segregated. My great-grandmother, a full-blooded Yaqui Native, was forced into boarding school. I say this not to bring shame upon my nation, but to raise awareness about our history; because as they say, those who don’t know history, are doomed to repeat it.”