The new Murfreesboro mosque that has been the subject of arson, vandalism,
protests and a lawsuit is expected to finally open for prayers on
Friday.
Islamic Center of
Murfreesboro Board Chairman Essam Fathy on Tuesday said inspectors had
approved the building and he expected to receive a temporary occupancy
permit.
Construction was nearly
shut down after a Rutherford County judge ruled in May that the meeting
where mosque construction was approved was not sufficiently advertised
to the public.
Last month, federal
prosecutors stepped in to protect the religious liberty of mosque
members. A federal judge ruled in their favor, allowing construction and
permitting to move ahead.
The temporary permit lasts 30 days, during which time the contractors need to finish the landscaping and a few other items.
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Essam Fathy, one of the ICM founding members, holds temporary certificate of occupancy.
