Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Islamic centre in Houston 'arson attack' rises above hateful comments by 'turning other cheek'

The fire was not an accident, Houston Fire Department said

Lamiat Sabin
Monday 16 February 2015 08:18 EST
Comments
Ahsan Zahid looks at the ruined building that housed computers and building materials
Ahsan Zahid looks at the ruined building that housed computers and building materials (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

An Islamic centre that had one of its buildings burned down in a suspected arson attack has hit back at hateful comments on Facebook with a dose of kindness.

One of three buildings at Quba Islamic Institute in Houston, Texas, was set alight at 5am on Friday.

It was not an accident that caused the $100,000 (£65,000) worth of damage, Houston Fire Department investigators said. Authorities said the incident could be deemed a hate crime.

As well as a flood of supportive messages and donations, some people believed that the centre deserved a few taunts and put-downs too.

The response was praised as being 'gracious'
The response was praised as being 'gracious' (Facebook)

On the centre’s Facebook page, one user going by the name Oso Osorio wrote: “I can donate some bacon sandwiches and a bible if you all want!”

But instead of showing any kind of hostility or anger, the imam’s 25-year-old son Ahsan Zahid replied: “We would gladly take your donation. Knowledge is something we can never have enough of.

“And we may feed the homeless in our area with the sandwiches. You are such a thoughtful human being!”

Despite comments like this one, the centre said others were supportive
Despite comments like this one, the centre said others were supportive (Facebook)

His replies to comments that were laden with intolerance and hate were praised by others as being graceful and successful in “turning the other cheek.”

Another commentator gets a polite comeback from the Islamic centre
Another commentator gets a polite comeback from the Islamic centre (Facebook)

The fire incident, in which no one was hurt, happened days after three Muslims – newly-weds Deah Barakat and Yusor Abu-Salha, and her sister Razan – were shot dead in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The two-day gap between the events has sparked theories that the suspected arson is the latest attack amid a wave of growing Islamophobia currently being experienced in the US.

A Houston Fire Department Arson Investigator inspects the scene
A Houston Fire Department Arson Investigator inspects the scene (AFP)

The building that was ruined in the blaze had stored computers and renovation materials that were hoped to be used to turn it into a family centre. It now stands charred and blackened with its roof having fallen in.

However, the centre is set to rebuild the destroyed unit with donations and words of encouragement received from people all around the world.

In a video posted today, Mr Zahid said: “I just want to take this opportunity to thank all of those hundreds and hundreds of people who have been so supportive of us through Facebook by posting beautiful comments of love, harmony, solidarity and support.”

“What we have lost in that building is just material things, but these words that you have given us are priceless and they give us the strength to move forward, to pick up the pieces and make something better,” he added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in