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After a water leak forced the Islamic Center of East Lansing to close just days into Ramadan, a local business owner stepped in to offer support.
The mosque lost power on Wednesday after water seeped onto nearby electrical equipment, prompting its closure while repairs are underway.
Upon hearing the news on social media, Ehab Awad of Best Furniture took action, opening his store in Waverly as a welcoming space for Muslims to pray during the holy month.
Many community members expressed their gratitude for the alternative prayer space.
“Many people wouldn’t have had a place to worship, especially during this sacred time. We were relieved to hear there was another option,” said Ahmed Sufyan.
Without the temporary space, many worshippers would have prayed at home.
“I would have prayed at home. My dad, a devoted Muslim, loves attending Friday prayers, and I know he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” shared Vernita Payne.
Sufyan and Payne were among the hundreds of Muslims who gathered at the store after the East Lansing mosque was forced to close. Sufyan emphasized the significance of prayer during Ramadan.
“Part of it is listening to the Friday sermon, and missing that would be unfortunate,” he said.
Initially, mosque leaders encouraged worshippers to pray at home or at the Lansing mosque. However, after learning about the closure online, Ehab Awad took action.
“We understand how important Ramadan is. More than 1,000 people come together for prayer, so we decided to offer over 12,000 square feet of space to keep it going,” said Awad.
As a practicing Muslim, Awad felt compelled to help, highlighting his business's commitment to inclusivity.
“Our doors are always open to the community, without discrimination, supporting people from all backgrounds,” he said.
Leaders of the Islamic Center of East Lansing confirmed the mosque will remain closed until further notice but will continue distributing Iftar to-go meals at their alternative location.
