'Hearts are broken': Fire damages South Salt Lake Islamic center, displaces those who use it

SOUTH SALT LAKE — As Ramadan comes to an end, a blaze at the Al-Zahra Islamic Center has displaced the small community of Shia Muslims who use the South Salt Lake facility.

"People's hearts are broken because this happened right at the holy month of Ramadan," said Moayeed Ahmed, who uses the facility. "The leaders of the center, they're trying to gather up the people and say, 'Hey, it's going to be OK,' you know, trying to give people comfort."

South Salt Lake firefighters quickly doused the blaze after it was called in about 10 a.m. Tuesday, but not before the fire took a toll. The Islamic center is located in a small commercial building at 3832 S. Main, abutting a small business.

The damage "was pretty extensive," said Fire Chief Terry Addison, rendering the structure inhabitable, at least for now. He said the fire was accidental, caused by "electrical issues," but he thinks the building can be salvaged. He said the fire, which didn't result in any injuries, caused perhaps $50,000 to $60,000 in damages.

"The whole building has been affected and is not currently usable. At this time, we are working with professionals to determine the scope of repairs and next steps," Ahmed said.

In the meantime, he said his employer, NRE Real Estate Professionals, will let those who take part in activities at the Islamic center and mosque use space at the firm's West Jordan offices. "This center serves a meaningful role in the community. It is not only a place of worship but also a space for education, gatherings and support for many families in the area," he said.

While the majority who use the Islamic center are Shia Muslim, coming from Iraq, Kuwait and other countries and including refugees, he said anyone is welcome. "Even some Christians sometimes show up and attend. It's more of a center than to be like just a mosque designated for certain people," he said.

Of late, Ramadan activities have drawn 50 to 60 people per night to the Islamic center, he said, though it will draw perhaps 10 to 20 people a day at other times. Ramadan, a holy time for Muslims, started Feb. 18 and ends Thursday. Muslim practitioners go without food or drink from sunup to sundown during the period and gather for an evening meal.

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While the precise extent of the damage is still to be determined, the Islamic center has launched an online campaign* to raise funds to help cover the cost of repairing the building.

"This mosque is more than just a building it is a place of prayer, peace, learning and unity. It is where families gather, children learn their faith and hearts find comfort," reads the campaign on the PayPal website.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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