Former American Islamic Center chief plans to open new mosque by year's end

Rasa - The former religious head of the Islamic Center of America says he hopes to open a new mosque by year's end, according to an Associated Press report.

News ID: 2719

Date: 11 June 2015 - 22:09

RNA - The former religious head of the Islamic Center of America says he hopes to open a new mosque by year's end, according to an Associated Press report.

Imam Hassan al-Qazwini told the AP he has plans for a new mosque, media channels and other projects.

The imam left the Islamic Center of America recently after months of dispute.

Al-Qazwini initially announced in January that he would resign his post after 18 years as leader of the center. He announced his plans during a sermon, shocking the crowd.

He told the crowd the only way he would stay at the mosque was if the board of directors were dissolved.

Al-Qazwini had been the victim of an anonymous letter-writing campaign toward the end of 2014, and the imam said he had enough.

“I’m not exaggerating, I’m not trying to solicit sympathy or support, I’m being very, very honest, I’ve reached my limit and I cannot move on anymore under these circumstances,” he told the Press & Guide in January.

Last month, Al-Qawini said the board needed reform, according to the Detroit Free Press, citing that the board had no female members, no term limits and no disciplinary measures for improper behavior.

The mosque is one of the largest in the U.S., and, according to the Free Press, Al-Qazwini's announcement split the congregation between supporters and opponents, with the center's youth group, the Young Muslim Association, holding gatherings outside the mosque.

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