Park51: Mosques in America

Kahera, Akel Ismail. "Urban Enclaves, Muslim Identity and the Urban Mosque in America." Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs 22.2 (2002): 369-380. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 21 Nov. 2010.

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In the article, "Urban Enclaves, Muslim Identity and the Urban Mosque in America," Akel Ismail Kahera begins to talk about how Islam, as of now, is the fastest growing religion in the United States. She also describes how placing mosques in America now has become a challenge for Muslims because of racial discrimination throughout the country. The 9-11 attacks have strengthened this challenge of the placement of mosques in America because of the new "Islamophobia" epidemic sweeping the nation. Kahera describes a mosque as a "catalyst for change" and a "social organization," not just a building. The author also says that since 1960, there has been the edition of 900 mosques in America, with 1500 nationwide. Kahera also talks about how the community of Muslims aren’t viewed by values as a religion as a whole, but as the views produced from racism, hatred, and stereotypes. Akel Ismail Kahera believes the urban mosque is a community symbol, and has the potential to heal if people understand what a mosque is: a gathering place, mingling place, place of worship, and a walking place.

This article is very important because it presents a writer who is passionate about the subject itself. Akel Ismail Kahera feels that the mosques in America are very misunderstood, and many people are blind to what they are truly meant for. The point of view of the author is important because it helps the reader understand what a mosque really is, giving a religious back round of the traditional mosque. For the reader to make a valuable opinion about the subject of Park51, they must know everything about the subject, because without the information, the opinion seems bias. The author also makes it clear that the mosque is a community symbol. This opens the eyes of many readers because not many people who feel this way are willing to speak their opinion. The opinion helps give a totally new point of view to the argument. This article is also useful to the reader because it helps show them what Park51 will really be used for because many Americans today believe the mosque will be used to plan terroristic attacks on America. Akel Ismail Kahera’s point of view will really help a reader conduct a clear and intelligent opinion about Park51, and that is why this article is useful.