Muslim Unity Center

The Muslim Unity Center was founded in 1993 under the direction of Victor (Ghalib) Begg.^[1] It is an Islamic community center and place of worship located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.^[2]

The institution was founded by a diverse group of area Muslims with the motivation to unite Muslims of all races and ethnic backgrounds, thus the name.

Establishment

The original land and building that occupied the area of the center had been used as a public school in the district of Pontiac, Michigan, in Oakland County. When the initial founders of the center proposed to establish an Islamic community center, they faced strong opposition from the residents of the surrounding neighborhood. As the plans and intentions of the center were promoted and presented to the community members, they slowly began to accept the religious center, and eventually even received the support of the Jewish and Christian clergy in the area.^[3]

Construction

Beginning in 1999 and completed in 2005, the center underwent about $4.3 million in major renovations. Now, the Muslim Unity Center has updated community facilities, including a 2,500-square-foot (230 m²) prayer hall and a large basketball court. There are also upgraded classrooms, a large banquet hall and funeral service facilities. The exterior of the center displays two large domes and a minaret.^[4]

Community

Today, the Muslim Unity Center is the Islamic center of worship for hundreds of Northern Metro Detroit Muslims. The membership of the center includes Muslims of both Shia and Sunni backgrounds, as well as various ethnic groups including Arabs, African Americans, Pakistanis, and Indians. Open to all Muslims, the institution also accepts and encourages non-Muslims to attend and learn about Islam. The organization's members are extremely active in nationwide interfaith efforts as well.^[5]

Notes

1. ^ Muslim Unity Center at umich.edu
2. ^ Home at muslimunitycenter.org
3. ^ Center Profile: Muslim Unity Center (CJ) at www.pluralism.org
4. ^ http://mail.isna.net/index.php?backPID=1&id=35&tt_news=97
5. ^ Muslim Unity Center at umich.edu

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100513/SPECIAL02/5130321/Victor-Ghalib-Begg--Sharing-Islam--promoting-unity-in-Metro-Detroit http://www.muslimunitycenter.org/documents/bylaws.pdf http://www.interfaithwisdom.org/newsletters-past/2008/1/19/january-holidays-for-muslims-and-jews.html http://www.cbiworld.org/Pages/Conferences_RCP_PresenterBios10.htm The Muslim unity center is the best place where Muslims can gather around and get together to learn about islam

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100513/SPECIAL02/5130321/Victor-Ghalib-Begg--Sharing-Islam--promoting-unity-in-Metro-Detroit http://www.salatomatic.com/d/Bloomfield-Hills+3454+Muslim-Unity-Center

http://www.pluralism.org/profiles/view/71495

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wvBCYWkXHc