By Todd Hatton / Seth Helton
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-920776.mp3
Murray, KY – Lack of adequate parking was cited as the reason for Tuesday's decision to disallow the construction of a mosque in Mayfield. The decision was met by cheers by those in attendance. The news was not applauded by the Muslim community in neighboring Murray; instead deepening concerns that western Kentucky cannot provide an appropriate venue for the growing Muslim community to worship. These concerns are shared by Dr. Abdul Yarali, faculty sponsor of the Muslim Student Organization at Murray State University.
Yarali has lived in the United States for 31 years, spending much of that time in the south. In 2003, Yarali came to Murray State, and became involved with the Muslim Student Organization. The MSO aims to promote positive understanding of Islam in the community and provide Muslim students an opportunity to worship and meet with their peers.
According to Yarali, efforts to increase understanding of Islam have not worked very well in the area. Despite this, he does not think that there would be backlash in Murray over the construction of an Islamic worship center.
"People in the area are concerned about the archetypical terrorist, and are misinformed about Islamic identity. Most members of the MSO are between 18 and 20, seeking a higher education; some even doctoral degrees," says Yarali.
When Yarali arrived in western Kentucky, he was disturbed by the lack of places in the community catering to Muslims. "The closest mosque is located in Nashville, which limits the appeal of the area to Muslim students," said Yarali.
Many Muslim students research the communities surrounding universities to ensure that there is a place where they can worship and fellowship with other Muslims, says Yarali. A proper place to worship is very important, especially to people who want to start a family, he adds. Moving to a location where the Muslim community has more resources is an option many take after graduation.
Approximately 120 Muslims live in Murray, and 180 more live within 20 miles of the city, says Yarali, who expects the Islamic presence in Murray to increase over the next 5 years, despite the absence of a place of worship large enough to meet the needs of the Muslim community already in the area. The MSO tries to accommodate these needs, but is severely limited by space.
Yarali states that his organization currently meets in a one-bedroom apartment, and has met there for 15 years. He hopes that the MSO will be able to expand into a two-bedroom unit in the near future to better serve the growing number of Muslim students and residents in the Murray area.
When asked about the goals of the MSO, Yarali responded that they aim to "provide a place where they (Muslim students) can feel free to practice their religion."