Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 02-09-2017
A masjid in Boston in the US says the Eid salaah was cancelled on one of the holiest days on the Islamic calendar at the eleventh hour after the host hotel received complaints about the men-only gathering.
In a statement on its Facebook page on Thursday, Masjid Al Rahma said it would not be hosting its planned Eid ul-Adha salaah yesterday at the Comfort Inn in Revere, Massachusetts — or any more Jumu’ah salaah there going forward.
“It is with Sad news that I have to inform you that The Comfort Inn will no longer be allowing us their Board meeting room for Eid Prayer or any more Friday prayers. They have been helping us for all Friday prayers for about a year while we are searching for a mosque to buy.”
Masjid officials maintained that an anonymous caller had complained to the hotel numerous times.
Crystal Keshawarz, a Los Angeles, California, community organizer, says she was among several women who called.
Fabiola Sandoval, an events manager at the facility, confirmed the hotel cancelled Friday’s event and all future ones at the site, but said the company wasn’t commenting further.
Masjid officials, who did not respond to requests for comment, said on Facebook earlier this week that they were restricting admission to men only because the venue was too small to accommodate women and children.
Reaction on social media was strongly opposed to the move.
Commenters on the masjid’s Facebook page argued the policy ran counter to the spirit Eid-ul-Adha which marks the end of hajj, as well as commemorating the willingness of the Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ismaeel (AS) as Allah had commanded.
They argue that Eid al-Adha is a day of religious observance for the entire Muslim community, not just men.
Many questioned why the masjid hadn’t simply made the event open to first arrivals or secured another venue.
Malika MacDonald, a Boston-based director at the non-profit Islamic Circle of North America Relief, said many masajid hold services in parks, parking lots or other outdoor venues to accommodate large crowds.
Masjid organizers, on their Facebook page, dismissed the criticism as “negativity” from people trying to divide their community.
They say they were giving members fair notice so they can plan to attend other nearby services, if needed.
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