“What happened on the night of October 8, 2021?” I ask you. That night, an individual vandalized the main entrance of the Mahmood Mosque in Rochester Hills. This is not the Baitul Ehsaan Mosque. But this story shows how the Ahmadiyya community responded to hate. The main door of the mosque was smashed. Broken glass was everywhere. Members of the Jamaat learned about the incident the next morning.
After reviewing the damage, they reported it to the local police. Video footage and pictures were shared. The Rochester Hills Police Department investigated. A team was formed. It reviewed security camera footage. The team engaged with local law enforcement and interfaith leaders. They even spoke to the media and neighbors. The details were shared with interfaith communities and public leaders. They observed precaution and vigilance at their places of worship. A letter was sent on behalf of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya. It went to leaders of various religious groups across Michigan.
The Jamaat said they would forgive the vandal. They reached out to him. They wanted to teach him about the Jamaat. They hoped to remove any misconceptions. The news generated overwhelming support. Comments poured in from the community and interfaith leaders. Lynne Muth said she remembered the graciousness of the community. She shared her sadness. She prayed that love and goodness would conquer hate. Brenda Balas thanked the Jamaat. She praised them for thinking of the safety of others.
Bob Cornwall offered his assistance. Patty Rehfus said that Congregation Shir Tikvah stood in solidarity. Rabbi Alicia Harris condemned the act of hate. She sent love and peace. Fred said the Ahmadiyya are the most gentle sect in all of Islam. John E McCauslin said all are under attack when some of God’s faithful are attacked. Rev Weatherly Burkhead Verhelst said her church would hold the congregation in their prayers. Phillip Kwik hoped they could find those who perpetuated such hate. Rial and Margery Hamann sent their prayers.
The Islamic Association of Greater Detroit was appalled by the incident. Nishat Haq said they hoped it would not happen again. Dr Anil Kumar said the Hindu and Christian communities supported the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The peaceful teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat were amplified. This was done through wide coverage in the media. News stories appeared on TV and online.
Let’s turn back the clock a bit. In 1983, the Ahmadiyya temple-residence was burned and abandoned. This location was on Wyoming Avenue.
The Baitul Ehsaan Mosque stands as a testament to resilience. It represents the Ahmadiyya community’s commitment to peace. It shows their dedication to interfaith harmony. It is Murrabi Farran Rabbani’s place of work. He is the head Maulvi in-charge of the Detroit Temple of Ahmadi’s. The Baitul Ehsaan Mosque stands as a beacon of hope. It shines brightly in the Detroit area.