Un-mosque backers: community center not mosque

http://cordobainitiative.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/what-is-a-community-center/

What is a Community Center?

While some have called the Cordoba House a mosque, most people that it is being built to serve as a community center. However, some ask what does a community center entail?

A community center, much like the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) or the Jewish Community Center, is where people from any faith are allowed to use the facilities. Beyond having a gym, the Cordoba House will house a pool, restaurant, 500-person auditorium, 9/11 memorial, multi-faith chapel, office and conference space, and prayer space. After speaking extensively with the residents of lower Manhattan, we found that these were some of the most vital needs for the community.

Beyond having a community center in its traditional form, the auditorium and conference space creates a platform for lectures and meetings that magnify voices for peace and collaboration. Also, it will house prayer space needed for Friday prayers that nearby mosques are unable to host.

A community center is a also an ideal hub for hosting local projects that serve the greater community. All of these aspects combined affirm that Cordoba House is a community center, which serves the greater New York community

Un-mosque: What is prayer space?

http://cordobainitiative.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/what-is-prayer-space/

What is Prayer Space?

Among the questions we have heard regarding Cordoba House is what is the definition of a prayer space, and how is that different than a mosque.

Most practicing Muslims pray five times a day, at set times. While some Muslims do their prayers in a mosque, most pray where they are, whether at work, school, or home. Much like other faiths, they have a house of worship, but prayers can take place anywhere.

Prayer space does not signify a mosque. Certain aspects of Cordoba House disqualifies it as a mosque, including space for musical performance or a restaurant, which are not allowed to be in a mosque. However, additional prayer is necessary as the existing nearby mosques are no longer able to tend to the need for prayer space.

Furthermore, Cordoba House’s vision is bigger than being a mosque. It is about creating a community center that serves all New Yorkers. A prime example of this fact is the planned meditation room, where people of any faith can pray or meditate. For all these reasons we believe it is imperative to have prayer space in the Cordoba House.