‘Ground Zero Mosque’ is a plan to build a mosque and Islamic cultural centre two blocks away from the site where once the World Trade Centre stood. This issue has generated a heated debate among the people of America.
The idea of building a mosque was initiated to improve the much deteriorated Muslim-West relations. The supporters believe, this will become a symbol of tolerance, condemning the 9/11 attacks. The 19 fanatics who flew planes into the twin towers have generated fear and distrust in the world. Because of a few extremists the whole religion has been stereotyped. Building an Islamic cultural centre could be seen as a collaboration of the moderate Muslims and the West to combat terrorism together. It will become a symbol of religious tolerance and secularism.
On the other hand, the majority of the people are opposing the idea of building the Islamic cultural centre, especially so close to the attacked area. It is seen as an intolerable gesture for the families of the victims, constantly reminding them of the dreadful attack. The opposition has been strongly protesting and manoeuvring anti-Islam feelings in the people which is bound to worsen the situation. The plan of burning the holy book, Quran, is just another example of rising intolerance among Americans. Some people are of the opinion that building a mosque some other place would be a better idea rather than building it near ground zero. Considering the huge opposition by the public, building it near the attacked site would aggravate the situation.
A better solution would be to build a multicultural community centre in the memory of the victims of the attack. Unity among world communities is the only way to combat terrorism!
