NASHVILLE (AP) - A new Tennessee mosque that has been the subject of arson, vandalism, protests and a lawsuit is expected to finally open for prayers on Friday.
Islamic Center of Murfreesboro Board Chairman Essam Fathy on Tuesday said inspectors had approved the building and he expected to receive a temporary occupancy permit.
Construction was nearly shut down after a Rutherford County judge ruled in May that the meeting where mosque construction was approved was not sufficiently advertised to the public.
In July, federal prosecutors stepped in to protect the religious liberty of mosque members. A federal judge ruled in their favor, allowing construction and permitting to move ahead.
The temporary permit lasts 30 days, during which time the contractors need to finish the landscaping and a few other items.
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Islamic Center of Murfreesboro (source: WKRN)
