|
|
Article: Imam's role in Islam isn't identical to that of clerics in other religions.(The Dallas Morning News)
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service
- Article date:
- January 23, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
DALLAS _ Imam Yusuf Ziya Kavakci answered his telephone with an Arabic greeting familiar to Muslims. "Assalamu alaikum," he said. Peace be upon you.
The caller wanted to know whether lottery-ticket earnings could be given to the Dallas Central Mosque in Richardson, Texas, where Kavakci has been a fixture for almost 14 years.
"No, it's against Islamic law," he said in an accent reflecting his Turkish upbringing. Since Muslims are opposed to gambling, the money must be given to the poor.
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks thrust the nation's imams into the spotlight. Non-Muslims turned to them for an understanding of Islam, a religion with as many as ...