Peace will be the message at new West Goshen Mosque – Daily Local News

WEST GOSHEN Like the other two dozen men in the room, I bowed down facing Mecca and said a silent prayer to God.

We had all removed our shoes, and most everyone else knelt on a mat on the carpeted floor.

As a reporter, I attended the Friday mandatory congregation prayer meeting of the Islamic Society of Chester County.

All over the world, millions of Muslims pray five times per day. A digital board at the local Mosque posted the following prayer times: 6:00 (Dawn, open eyes); 12:20 (Noon); 3:00 (Afternoon Tea Time); 5:45 (Dinner time); and 7:30 (Dusk, Close Eyes).

Bushra Qurshi is president of the Islamic Society and president of the Interfaith Committee. She said that Muslims receive exercise for the body and soul, while focusing on God, when bowing.

We are not just going through the motions, your soul, everything should be attuned to God, she said.

Much of the service was spoken in Arabic.

We are reciting verses of the Koran, Abdul Mughees Chaudhri, vice president of the ISCCPA board said, as was taught by Prophet Mohammed.

Peace be upon him.

Ejaz A. Sabir gave the sermon during the 20-minute service.

Faith alone is not enough, Sabir said. He then listed four things needed for a Muslims success: faith; action; struggle; and perseverance. He reminded us to be patient and to avoid complaining because you dont realize how many blessings you have.

God, why me? he asked, How do we deal with other people?

The killing of 51 at mosques in New Zealand led this local house of prayer to change its ways. Now, the ISCCPA pays local West Goshen police for security on Fridays.

Mughees Chaudhri talked about having to take precautions due to Islamophobia.

Its strange times we are living in when we have to hire protection for outside a mosque, a synagogue or a church, Mughees Chaudhri said.

In college, I took a Religious Studies course, ironically it was held in a church and a minister was the professor. We studied and read the Bible, Koran, the works of Confucius, and those of several other religions.

If there was one take-away (and there were many) it was that most all religions teach the Golden Rule. Its so simple.

So why all the hate directed at Muslims? I learned at the service that Muslims preach peace and harmony. And I didnt expect to hear any differently.

Its obviously not a religion itself that leads a very small minority to hurt. At the Mosque, I witnessed a strong, beneficial faith and brotherhood in action.

For 10 years the West Goshen Mosque has planned for growth. The current building likely was advertised in a Sears catalogue.

The campus for 300 worshippers sits on a seven acre site and the worship space is bursting at the seams. The number of worshippers is limited due to COVID.

With a new building, the goal is to bring youth together to work, play, collaborate and pray. Plans call for a full size basketball court, gym, ping-pong table, coffee lounge and places to do homework and hang out.

It will be geared for youth to come and be connected at the Islamic Centernot just praying, Mughees Chaudhri said.

At an expanded kitchen, food will be prepared to feed the needy. The upstairs will be set aside for prayer.

Its nice to know that Chester County is diverse. Theres room for people of several faiths. Good luck with the building. Keep the faith.

For more, go to http://www.isccpa.org where you can find a phone number, PO Box address and more information.

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Peace will be the message at new West Goshen Mosque - Daily Local News