The president of the Islamic Center of Waco said he wants to bring religions together — not tear them apart, like the debate on building a proposed Islamic center and mosque near ground zero has.

So he’s inviting Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus and members of the Baha’i faith to meet from 7-8 p.m. Sept. 11 for a candlelight vigil at the Islamic Center of Waco, 2725 Benton Drive.

Baylor freshmen Sana Patel (left) and Mashaal Hashmi stand in front of Pat Neff Hall on Tuesday.
Duane A. Laverty / Tribune-Herald

He said the vigil is meant to remember the nearly 3,000 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.

“In these times of prejudice and harassment, we need to come together and act against not only radical Muslims but radical forms of judgment and people living on our own American soil,” said Al Siddiq, a U.S. Army veteran, in his invitation for all to attend the vigil. “I urge you to bring your congregation and as many people as you can. I’m hoping this event is very successful and helps bring us a step even closer.”

Opposition to the proposed Islamic center, which many erroneously call “the ground zero mosque,” in New York has flowed from all over the U.S.

A Florida pastor has vowed to burn copies of the Koran on Sept. 11 to mark the anniversary of the attacks carried out in the name of Islam.

Other critics said putting the center two blocks away from what some consider hallowed ground is insulting.

Siddiq, who owns a vehicle inspection station locally, said he has grown weary of 1.6 billion Muslims around the world being held hostage by 19 radical Muslims who flew jetliners into the World Trade Center.

“Those trying to build that (center) are against radical Muslims. They are trying to say that Christians and Muslims can live peacefully together,” Siddiq said, adding that the radicals will emerge victorious in this ideological war if Islamic center backers have to abandon their plans because of an outpouring of anger.

As the debate reached full boil, anti-Muslim backlash has been seen across the country.

Siddiq said he personally has not faced hostility over the issue, adding, Wacoans “tend to mind their own business. There are always some good and some bad, mostly good.”

Burt Burleson, chaplain at Baylor University, said turmoil over the proposed center and a groundswell among Christian and Muslim students who have become friends has prompted the school to consider an event on Sept. 10 that might include joining Muslims in a day of fasting as part of their Ramadan observance.

“People are struggling to know what’s right and how to respond to this debate. They’re asking what the church should do,” Burleson said. “We at Baylor have a deep conviction that we should move beyond the kind of hurtful things often done in the name of Christ. We’re trying to help people think about what’s better than burning the Koran. Perhaps it is getting together to pray and finding a way to bless one another.”

Being Muslim in Waco

The most recent enrollment figures available show about 120 Baylor students identify themselves as Muslims out of a total enrollment of more than 14,000 at the Baptist-affiliated university.

Mashaal Hashmi, 18, is a Muslim studying English literature at Baylor. Hashmi said the thought of attending a Baptist school made her nervous, but the treatment she has received has allayed her fears.

“I’ve met a few other Muslim girls and asked them about any negative feedback, and they say everyone has been friendly to them,” Hashmi said. “I wear a scarf, and the other students know I’m not a Christian, but I’m happy to talk about my religion as long as no one puts it down. I would never put anyone else’s down.”

Hashmi said her family in Fort Worth has discussed the proposed Islamic center. Her father is on the fence, she said, but her grandmother strongly favors it.

“I think a lot of Muslims would like to see it there. But there is so much opposition, I don’t believe it will get built,” Hashmi said. “If it’s going to create problems, it may not be the best idea.”

Marc Ellis, director of the Center for Jewish Studies at Baylor University, said he applauds Siddiq and his efforts to involve different religions in a vigil.

But he said romanticizing Islam, Judaism or Christianity is less important than thinking critically about these religions and where their practitioners find themselves in today’s turbulent world.

“What’s right and wrong with Islam, and with Judaism and Christianity, as well?” Ellis said. “The question for me about Sept. 11 is: What are Muslims involved in at all levels? Christians? Jews? Instead of leaders talking about how beautiful all our religions are, I would like a critical discussion reflecting diverse viewpoints.”

mcopeland@wacotrib.com

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