Sabeeh Alasalihi:

'I like the U.S., to be honest'

Rasa - As the mosque's imam or spiritual leader, Alasalihi, 40, delivers such messages each week during the Friday prayer event which is the mosque's most well-attended. Alternately speaking in English and Arabic, Alasalihi spoke to the crowd about the Archangel Gabriel or Jibrayl (in Arabic).

News ID: 424193

Date: 09 October 2016 - 23:16

RNA - Speaking into his wireless microphone, Sabeeh Alasalihi shared a faith message with about 300 Muslims attending a recent Jumaa prayer gathering at the Grand Mosque in northwest Oklahoma City.

As the mosque's imam or spiritual leader, Alasalihi, 40, delivers such messages each week during the Friday prayer event which is the mosque's most well-attended. Alternately speaking in English and Arabic, Alasalihi spoke to the crowd about the Archangel Gabriel or Jibrayl (in Arabic).

The religious leader said the mosque at 3201 NW 48 has become a house of worship to doctors, engineers, restaurant and convenience store owners and other Muslims from all walks of life.

"Some are from different lands. Some were born here. I feel they are normal people — fans of the (Oklahoma City) Thunder, university students," he said.

Alasalihi said the mosque is a symbol of the religious freedom available to all Americans.

"People are smiling, friendly. They are welcoming you, respecting you," he said.

Alasalihi said the mosque, nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood not far from two hospitals, welcomes non-Muslim visitors who wish to know more about Islam.

"We should have mutual respect and peaceful coexistence," he said.

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