Updated on
Summary American people, of all faiths, have stepped forward in the time of need.
A campaign for rehabilitation of a southwest Missouri mosque was launched on a social media fundraising platform Indiegogo by Shahed Amanullah.Amanullah is currently serving as Senior Advisor for Technology at the US Department of State and working on digital diplomacy projects for the Special Representative to Muslim Communities, who reports directly to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Since the second blaze, the online fundraising effort has generated more than $400,000 to rebuild the center in Joplin, far exceeding the $250,000 goal.The Joplin mosque is the centerpiece of a thriving and well-rooted community. It is the only mosque within a 50-mile radius, and serves both the local Muslim community as well as the community at large.During last years tornados, the Joplin mosque served as a headquarters for Muslim relief workers who flew in from around the country to see what they could do to help Joplin residents get back on their feet.The Joplin center opened in 2007 as a mosque and community center. Unfortunately, in the middle of Ramadan a suspicious fire engulfed the mosque, and the community was left without a home during the most precious time of the year.Earlier on Thursday, Investigators announced that they have been unable to determine the cause of a suspicious fire that destroyed the Joplin mosque, which was a previous arson target.Joplin residents have worried that the mosques destruction paints a picture of religious intolerance in the southwest Missouri city, and many have railed to support the citys Muslim community.A rally in support of Muslims in Joplin is scheduled for Saturday. --By Muhammad Asif, New York
