Reader, a yound Muslim, supports the current proposal
Islamic Center In San Martin Will Provide for Local Muslims and Enrich Entire Community
Dear Editor,
I am an observant Muslim and have lived in Morgan Hill since 1996. I can firmly attest that the Cordoba Center is much needed institution in the south Bay Area. I have attended the public school system in Morgan Hill from elementary to high school (Paradise Valley, Britton Middle School, and Live Oak High School).
It was quite a struggle to balance my religion and life activities because there were no local Islamic institutions to assist me in learning my faith. While some of my friends will go to attend weekend prayers and schools at local institutions or take weekend trips with faith-based groups, I was stuck with no advancement.
It was not until I started to attend De Anza College in Cupertino, and visit Islamic Institutions in that area such as South Bay Islamic Institution and the Blossom Valley Muslim Community Center, was I able to increase my understanding of my faith.
As I am concluding my undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, it finally dawned on me the importance of having local resources such as scholars, libraries, institutions, etc. Without such blessings the local community will get stuck in a cycle of no advancement.
The Cordoba Center will greatly benefit the local Muslim and non-Muslim community. Firstly, it will benefit the Muslims by providing a source to learn. Secondly it will provide a clear and correct message of what Islam is really about to the Muslims and non-Muslims.
Unfortunately the media fails to represent Islam, and many other subjects concerning Muslims, correctly. To advance a community to greater heights of excellence, ignorance must be removed and replaced with respect.
To give a glimpse of what Islam is really about, the following is one of my favorite quotes from the Prophet Muhammad.
“The most virtuous behavior is to engage those who sever relations, to give to those who withhold from you, and to forgive those who wrong you.”
Amine Hambaba, Morgan Hill
