Oshkosh, WI - USA: Commentary | City residents keep open mind to Islam

It was truly a humbling experience. Had we even attempted to do such a thing in our country of birth, Pakistan, we would have landed in jail – but in contrast an overwhelming majority of the attendees opened up their hearts to us and some of them have already welcomed us into their neighborhood.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Northwestern | Oshkosh, WI
By Saad Ahmad | October 19, 2010

As many readers may know Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Oshkosh has petitioned the city to allow it to convert the building at 300 North Eagle Street into Oshkosh's first mosque. We hosted a public meeting in this regard at the location to address any concerns that the neighbors may have. I want to thank the community at large, the attendees, and the media for allowing us an opportunity to address any concerns that they may have.

It was truly a humbling experience. Had we even attempted to do such a thing in our country of birth, Pakistan, we would have landed in jail – but in contrast an overwhelming majority of the attendees opened up their hearts to us and some of them have already welcomed us into their neighborhood.


I have said it in earlier commentaries as well that U.S. is the most Islamic country in the world. It upholds all Islamic values better than all Muslim countries combined and its citizens truly uphold the values that Islam promotes. We are also very grateful to the Co-Pastor Carol DiBiasio-Snyder of the First Congregational church for coming to the event and addressing the attendees. The openness, tolerance, love, and understanding that Oshkosh has demonstrated in this regard is a testament to their character and understanding of American values.

Even though we did not have a mosque for the last several years, we have tried to spread the true message of Islam, peace and love for humanity, to the best of our abilities. We welcome the comments and concerns of some of the attendees who still had concerns in this regard. It is certainly our job to make an even greater effort in this regard. In future if anyone in the community has any questions or concerns, they will always be welcome in their mosque.

Only in America can 45 Muslims petition a city of over 60,000 – majority Christians, for a mosque; and a Christian priest speaks on their behalf; and a former New Yorker makes a passionate plea in their support; and neighbor welcome them with open arms. This experiment called United States of America is truly remarkable. God bless America.

Northwestern Community Columnist Saad Ahmad is originally from Pakistan and has been living in Wisconsin since 1990. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and then stayed in the area. He works as a computer software consultant.


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