A plan to open an Islamic center in Kokomo is drawing criticism from some in the community.
The city has approved zoning for the center, which is not being called a mosque, even though both prayer and other worship services are planned there, 6News’ Rick Hightower reported.
“We’re having a little bit of a hard time declaring what it is, but our intention is that it will be a learning center,” said Seyed Zarbadi, president of the Kokomo Islamic Association.
Zarbadi said a small group of about 50 Muslims have worshiped in Kokomo since the 1980s, but the plan to have a place of their own has stirred controversy.
“I have my own faith, and they don’t do anything to me, but this is a support your military town … and it just kind of scares me,” said Belinda Jeffries, whose daughter lives near the proposed center at 1135 S. Main St. “It’s the other people that’s going to come in and start something, I’m afraid, because we heard there’s going to be a demonstration.”
Zarbadi said he is excited about the group having a permanent place to pray, worship and educate others about his faith. He expects and even welcomes protest.
“That’s their right. Let them do that, and hopefully with time, we’ll all get to know what’s right, what’s wrong,” he said.
Other Kokomo residents said they know little about the faith and are willing to learn, but they are still skeptical of the community’s tolerance.”
Maybe if they’ll be involved in the community and not segregate themselves or shut themselves in, then maybe people will learn to get along,” said Will Barry, whose parents’ home is across the street from the planned center.
Zarbadi, who’s lived and worked in the community for nearly three decades, said he’s open to debate.
“Going forward and trying to mingle and talk and dialogue, things are going to sort out themselves, and to me, this is good, not bad,” he said.
The center expects to move into the building in the first week of November.