By Nargis Hakim Rahman
Groundbreaking ceremony (Source: Nargis Hakim Rahman)
The American Muslim Diversity Association (AMDA) broke ground on a 20,000-square-foot facility in Sterling Heights, adding 14,000 square feet for a women’s prayer area, gym, and library. The $5.5 million project aims to expand community programs, including a Quran hifz program.
Afroza Akhter is a masjid attendee says she’s excited about the changes.
“We have the community, not only Bengali but Muslim community around the world come here,” Akhter says.
Senator Michael Webber, who represents Michigan’s 9th district encompassing the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township and Utica, says the groundbreaking is a momentous day.
“Just seeing some of the expansion that’s going to take place and some of the ideas that are going to be a part of that expansion is just tremendous,” he says.
Several religious leaders made remarks at the event.
Imam Mustapha Elturk of the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) says the expansion comes after a long struggle for Muslims who hoped to have a house of worship in Sterling Heights.
AMDA Groundbreaking (Source: Nargis Hakim Rahman)
Imam Aly Lela says there were only a few masjids in Southeast Michigan about 60 years ago.
“You can see the difference in how Islam is growing, Alhamdulillah, rabbil alameen,” he says. “So this expansion is part of a bigger process, and we witness the birth of news, more importantly, the institutional growth that’s more even important.”
Masjid leaders say they are working on expanding programs as well, including a Quran hifz program with academic.
Tahsin Asjad says she looks forward to bringing her daughters to the masjid to foster their connection with their faith and cultural heritage.
“We’re having a lot more opportunities to connect with our roots and our religion, and for me personally, it means that I’m able to bring my daughters into this community too,” Asjad says.
Affan Zinnuryne, 13, and Ayaan Bhuyan, 14, attended the groundbreaking ceremony and community event. (Source: Nargis Hakim Rahman)
Affan Zinnuryne, 13, and Ayaan Bhuyan, 14, attended the groundbreaking ceremony and community event. (Source: Nargis Hakim Rahman)
Ayaan Bhuyan, 14, is a high schooler at Athens High School. He says he’s especially looking forward to the library.
“I really love to read, and it’s going to be an interesting experience,” he says. “If you start going here, you’ll quickly be part of the community.”
Santana Hill is the Chief of Staff for Detroit Mary Waters Councilmember At-Large. Hill says the council member has a lot of support from the American Muslim community.
“This was our chance to be involved in something historic and to support a large swath of the community outside of Detroit,” Hill says.
The expansion will add 14,000 square feet to the existing space. AMDA will add 90 parking spaces, a banquet hall, and a mortuary room for funeral services.
AMDA has collected about $2 million over the last four years for the project. They hope to raise another $3.5 million to complete the project in three years.
