Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Overflowing Mosques Lead Muslims to Synagogue

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 22, 2009 6:36 AM CDT

(Newser) – With the Muslim population in the US booming, the start of Ramadan this weekend will
see many worshippers overflowing into borrowed space, from ballrooms to synagogues, the Washington Post reports. The DC area's mosques are bursting at the seams; with the Koran's injunction against borrowing money at interest slowing new construction, sharing space is more and more common.

One suburban rabbi leasing synagogue space to a Muslim congregation cited scripture: "The prophet Isaiah said our houses would be houses of prayer for all people." The unconventional space-sharing has led to interfaith visits and pulpit swaps; the rabbi and imam have preached to each other's flocks. Growth in the US Muslim population—estimated to have doubled since 1990—is attributed to immigration, conversions, and the Muslim propensity for large families.

Muslims fill up the driveway and pray after the mosque was full, during a service to mark the Eid al-Fitr, October 23, 2006 at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.
Muslims fill up the driveway and pray after the mosque was full, during a service to mark the Eid al-Fitr, October 23, 2006 at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.   (Getty Images)
Muslims wait to enter a mosque for  services marking the Eid al-Fitr, a three-day-celebration after the month of Ramadan, October 23, 2006 at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.
Muslims wait to enter a mosque for services marking the Eid al-Fitr, a three-day-celebration after the month of Ramadan, October 23, 2006 at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.   (Getty Images)
DEARBORN - NOVEMBER 4:  Several thousand Muslims gather in prayer at the Islamic Center of America to celebrate Eid al-Fitr November 4, 2005 in Dearborn, Michigan.
DEARBORN - NOVEMBER 4: Several thousand Muslims gather in prayer at the Islamic Center of America to celebrate Eid al-Fitr November 4, 2005 in Dearborn, Michigan.   (Getty Images)
Members of a Muslim congregation bow as they say a prayer during a service to mark Eid al-Fitr after the month of Ramadan, October 23, 2006 at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.
Members of a Muslim congregation bow as they say a prayer during a service to mark Eid al-Fitr after the month of Ramadan, October 23, 2006 at Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, Virginia.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Spudsy
Aug 24, 2009 5:21 AM CDT
We really need to get the atheist population booming here. They don't hurt each other. Or try to control others lives.
doingtherightthing
Aug 23, 2009 6:24 AM CDT
who cares what the muslims feel!
Newser001
Aug 22, 2009 8:04 AM CDT
;-)

More Newser Stories

Oliver Stone's Son Converts to Islam

More Than 1K NYPD Cops Trained With Anti-Muslim Film

4 Firebombs Hit Muslim Targets in NYC

Saudi Arabia: Only Women Can Sell Lingerie

Stewart: TLC's Muslim Show 'Most Boring' Ever


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne