Muslim organization to open place of worship in Ontario
A community of followers took the first step to building a home for Islam in the city, with the hope that others from all over Southern California will eventually join them.
A groundbreaking ceremony Thursday signified the start of construction for a masjid, or place of worship, in southern Ontario. The 17,000-square-foot building will serve 110 families who reside not only in the Inland Empire, but Orange and Los Angeles counties.
"This project embodies the hope and aspirations of all of our community who yearn for the day when we can all meet here to pray together, to foster new relationships and friendships amongst ourselves as well as the community around us," said Moiz Beguwala a member of Anjuman-e-Qutbi, the Orange County chapter - or jamaat - of the Dawoodi Bohras, a subset of the Islamic community and the people building the place of worship.
The Dawoodi Bohras are based in Mumbai, India, and have more than a million members with a majority residing in India and Pakistan. They are led by His Holiness Dr. Syedna Al Qaid Johar Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb. There are about 11,000 members of Dawoodi Bohras living in the United States, Beguwala said.
For years, members of Anjuman-e-Qutbi have been using a temporary location in La Puente for worship.
But in 2006, they purchased nearly 3 acres on the 100 block of East Philadelphia Avenue in Ontario.
"We are convinced that the city of Ontario is one of the most
Advertisement
In fact, about 10 percent of their members have bought homes in the area, and several more have indicated their interest to relocate, he said.
The new location will have two buildings. The place of worship is on the east side of the building. A multipurpose room and 10 classrooms for Sunday school are on the west side of the building.
Just to the south will be the second building which is the living quarters for the priest and caretaker.
The building was designed by Shakil Patel of Loma Linda-based SPA architectural firm. Patel said the mosque is conservatively designed and blends Spanish hacienda elements with Islamic features such as a minarets or tower and pointed arches.
About two years ago, members of Anjuman-e-Qutbi went to city officials with their plans for the site.
Jerry Blum, Ontario planning director, said there was little complications with the approval process.
"They brought in a high-quality building," he said. "It's a beautiful building."
Mustansir Rangoodnwala said he appreciated working with city officials, who he said were very respectful and offered advice.
As a result, the project was approved by the Planning Commission the first time it was presented.
The arrival of the masjid, Blum said, is also significant for the city.
"It helps Ontario build a complete community, with a diversity of jobs and culture," he said.
The goal is to have the Ontario masjid completed by mid-September and have his Holiness Burhanuddin Saheb attend the opening ceremonies and bless the buildings, Beguwala said.
10 Comments
Leave a comment
About this blog
 |
| Liset Márquez has covered the city of Ontario for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin since 2008. She started the OntarioNow blog in August 2008. To contact Liset, leave a comment on this blog or send an e-mail to Liset Marquez |
How much does sedation dentistry usually cost? I'm planning on getting sedation work done this fall. I've heard that most insurance companies wont pay for the sedation-does anyone know how much it generally costs for the sedation itself?
I have actually been following your blog page for 2 mornings now and I would like to say that I truly love your style.
great art!
good art!
excellent art!
good article!
amazing article!
good art!
Good post, thanks
Excellent job.