The first purpose-built mosque in the Des Moines region was inaugurated after nearly a decade of work, drawing hundreds of visitors from across the country.
Located in Granger, Es-Selam Mosque opened on Saturday, Sept. 27, with an intergenerational and multicultural celebration. The event was hosted in both English and Bosnian, with prayers held in Arabic.
“More than 30 years ago, the Bosnian people arrived here. We came with a hole in our hearts, but not knowing what the future will bring. From the very beginning, we did not feel like strangers. We did not feel like outsiders,” said Elvedin Sivac, president of the mosque’s board.
Sivac came to Des Moines after leaving Yugoslavia in the 1990s. He and his wife started the Islamic and Cultural Center Bosniak of Des Moines in 2004, which later led to the development of the mosque.
Their mission carried into Saturday’s event, as believers traveled from across the country to celebrate the opening. Karic Sulejman, 54, drove more than five hours from Wisconsin to witness the event.
“Everything beautiful, everything nice, what else to say,” he said, adding he hopes to come many more times to the mosque.
Blankets spread across the grass as hundreds gathered under the open sky, facing the mosque. On stage, Iowa and U.S. flags flew side by side.
Bosnian songs rose from multiple performers and speakers before giving way to moments of applause as the crowd observed in silent respect.
Ajla Berbo, 45, of West Des Moines, said the event reminded her of her childhood in Bosnia.
“This is a huge event for all of the Muslim people in the United States,” she said. “It means a lot to me.”
In attendance, Iowa State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, a Democrat in West Des Moines who is campaigning for the Democratic nomination in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District and is the coordinator of interfaith engagement for the Des Moines area religious council, opened the stage for leaders of multiple faiths.
“We cannot do hard things unless we work together. And so it’s very important that we build relationships across religious diversity,” Garriott said.
“May the seeds that have been sown in each of us forge bonds of unity, common projects, and sharing dreams going forward,” said William Joensen, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines.
“We pray that this mosque may be a place where families can gather to increase faith and love within their homes. We pray that the teachings given here will inspire those attending to be mindful of those in need and to provide comfort to them,” Kurt Hodges, an elder in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said.
Tony James, mayor of Granger, also took time to speak at the opening.
“I’m excited that you will be a part of our community and add to the depth of our experiences and our connections,” James said. “Hopefully, all of you will visit our schools, our parks, our businesses, and even our churches, and make a small part of your lives a small part of our lives.”
Other speakers included Central District Superintendent Lilian Seagren and pastors of The United Methodist Church, The Iowa Sikh Association, and Zion Church of Des Moines.
Ako Abdul-Samad, former Iowa state representative, presented a certificate of recognition from the state of Iowa to Hafiz Nermin, permanent imam of the mosque and Islamic and Cultural Center Bosniak of Des Moines.
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world. By 2050, the number of Muslims around the world is expected to nearly equal the number of Christians, the largest faith.
According to the Pew Research Center, the Midwest is home to 20% of the Muslim population in the country. Iowa is home to the first Mosque in the United States, now called The Mother Mosque of America, which opened in Cedar Rapids in 1934.
In 2009, the Islamic and Cultural Center Bosniak of Des Moines acquired approximately 30 acres of land, laying the groundwork for what would become the Es-Selam Mosque.
Planning began in 2016 in partnership with Neumann Monson architects, and by 2022, the dome and interior calligraphy were completed by Bosnian master calligraphers Velid Hodzic and Elvis Hajdarevic.
For many in Iowa’s Muslim community, this long-awaited opening carried deep personal meaning.
“I have been in this community since day one, Mirmesa Becirovic, 40, of Urbandale, said. “Seeing all these people around, it’s just a joy.”
Thai Theodoro is a reporter at the Register. Reach her at ttheodoro@gannett.com.
This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Es-Selam Mosque opens in Granger, welcoming hundreds in multicultural celebration
Reporting by Thai Theodoro, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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