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Events and Announcements
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Nadeem Ahmed
President, Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake City |
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Muslims Feeling Welcome In Utah
Tammy Walquist, Deseret Morning News, 6/11/05
Nadeem Ahmed used to be more in the minority. As an immigrant from Pakistan and follower of the Islamic faith, he was outside what most would consider mainstream in Utah. However, the Islamic population in Utah has been steadily growing over the past few years, increasing by about 40 percent. This is partially because of the migration of Somalians and Bosnians, but the demographic also includes Arabs and Pakistanis, said Ahmed, the newly elected president of the Greater Islamic Society of Salt Lake City. The following boasts 25,000 members statewide, as well as three mosques. The Khadeeja Mosque, located in West Valley City, is not only the largest in Utah but also in the Western states. Ahmed has felt that the religion has been well-received thus far. "Overall, we don't have any complaints about anybody," he said. "We feel very blessed. We also feel a special thanks to the LDS Church. We have a very good relationship with them." Ahmed also said Muslims haven't felt tension with other Christian churches in the community. Last summer, when Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun from West Jordan, a practicing Muslim, was thought to be captured in Iraq, an outpouring of care and concern was poured out upon his family - and light was placed upon the Muslim community. The increased awareness of the community may help Ahmed fulfill his vision of integrating the faith more into Utah. (more)
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