Murfreesboro mosque granted temporary permit - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Murfreesboro mosque granted temporary permit

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Posted by Adrianne Flores - email
Reported by Larry Flowers - email
Essam Fathy, one of the ICM founding members, holds temporary certificate of occupancy. Essam Fathy, one of the ICM founding members, holds temporary certificate of occupancy.
MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV-AP) -

The new Murfreesboro 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.

Last month, 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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