Sioux Falls Islamic Center Expanding By Private Donation

Muslims Immigrating to Sioux City

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Muslim community members broke ground Friday on a second building in the city that will allow more space for a growing Islamic community to hold religious and community events."This will be a resource to provide a familiar place to go for those who come here and are adjusting," said Asif Zabih, Islamic Center president.The two-story, 10,000 square-foot Islamic Center at 1600 W. Seventh St. will serve as a soup kitchen, Mosque, medical clinic, Saturday school, day care and community hall.

"We hope this center will build a bridge of understanding between the Muslim faith and others," said Qadir Aware, a member of the Muslim community.

The center also will handle weddings, funeral services and family counseling. All of the services are provided by volunteers and are free for anyone in the community, Zabih said.

• It is being funded by four years of private donations and will cost $500,000, Zabih said.
• The expected completion is within a year.
• The current Islamic Center at 1909 E. 6th St. has become too small for its growing population in Sioux Falls, Zabih said.
• Volunteers teach 80 children at the center's school, and Zabih. Many more are expected at the new one.
• Members say the 1,200 square-foot building can barely accommodate worshippers during Friday prayer or Eids, which are Muslim holidays.

There are 2,000 people from the Islamic community living in the city, Zabih said. About 400 of them are active members of the Islamic Center.

In 2004, the population of Muslims in Sioux Falls was 1,100.
Reach reporter Elizabeth Reiss at 331-2326.

Source

Argus Leader