This community will be interesting to watch in the future. No doubt they have been asked for no assurances that Islamic radicals will not take root among them (since the Nation of Islam has often proved to be a transition stage for converts, who then move on to orthodox Sunni Islam, often in its violent forms). No doubt they have not been asked anything about the Nation of Islam’s bizarre and obnoxious racist doctrines. So will we see these things developing there? What will prevent it? From KLRT.com, with thanks to Twostellas:
The Little Rock City Board of Directors approved plans to set aside land for an Islamic community. This despite strong opposition from residents who believe this type of community promotes segregation. Although members of the Islamic community got approval for their plans from the City Board of Directors they still did not win over some residents.
Members of the Islamic Center, a branch of the Nation of Islam, got a chance to present their case for building an Islamic community to the city Board of Directors earlier Tuesday night. The group wants to build a community that contains a mosque, a school and 22 homes. However residents in the area along 40th and Potter voiced concerns over this being a segregated community.
Islamic Community Center members say their community is open to anyone, not just those who share their faith. They say they not only welcome other faiths they encourage it.