Mosque opens its doors after 2 years on Shaw University campus in North Carolina
-King Khalid Mosque had been closed in March 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic
RALEIGH, North Caroline – A Muslim house of worship on the campus of Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, is open to the public again after being closed for more than two years.
The King Khalid Mosque had been closed in March 2020 due to the COVID -19 pandemic.
When mosque leaders attempted to reopen the mosque in 2021, the university refused, saying it was not yet ready to do so.
This decision sparked protests from members of the mosque community, who argued that the university was discriminating against Muslims.
In April 2022, the university and the mosque agreed to reopen the mosque for the next three years.
Under the agreement, the mosque will pay a monthly fee to the university operating costs.
The agreement also provides that both sides will negotiate in good faith for a long-term solution for the mosque.
If no agreement can be reached, the matter will be heard in court.
Al Reider, a representative of the Council on American Islamic Relations, said the fight is not over, but this is an important step in a good direction.
He shared a video posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
A Memorandum of Understanding, between the mosque and Shaw, laid out terms of the agreement, which will allow members of the public to worship at the site for the next three years.
“I opened the doors. I could not believe it. I just fell to the ground in prostration to God to thank Almighty that we’re able to come back again. We were all made together, and everybody come. It was you know, a lot of happiness. Happiness for the community,” said Assistant Imam Musa Jabbi.
King Khalid Mosque opened in 1983 after the Saudi government provided a $1 million grant toward its construction. Since then, it has been used by members of the university community and the public.
“The historical significance of this facility still holds true to many people,” said attorney Nigel Edwards, who is a Board Member of the mosque.
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