[View the story "Rebuilding through Reddit" on Storify ]Rebuilding through Reddit US teen utilises social media to discuss burning of Joplin community mosque. Storified by The Stream · Wed, Aug 08 2012 15:21:56
In response to Monday's fire, the Islamic Society of Joplin has taken to the internet. In particular, one Missouri teen is utilising Reddit's 'AMA (Ask Me Anything) subreddit' to promote communication and interfaith understanding after the tragedy.
Laela Zaidi , a Joplin high school student,
posted on Tuesday: "IAmA part of the congregation whose mosque burned down yesterday due to a 'suspicious' fire. AMA".
On Wednesday, The Stream talked with Laela about her decision to start the AMA thread:
Laela Zaidi on Special Video Submission Pageajstream
In one day, Laela's AMA thread received 208 comments and 259 'up-votes' on the social media aggregator. Questions on the thread ranged from requests for news clarification to conversations about interfaith relations in the US. Below, a Reddit user asks about threats prior to the fire, which has been deemed
a 'suspicious' occurrence by the FBI:
Have there been any recent threats prior to the arson?
Yes. Vandalism and arson were not uncommon.EDIT: I suppose those aren't threats exactly. But this was not the first incident of being under attack in Joplin. Also, take in consideration the mosque was not in the best part of town. However, when we were first opening we did not expect to grow as fast as we did and it was also the best option at the time.
Another user asked how this incident impacted the congregation's sense of safety in the Midwestern town:
Do you feel safe? Will you feel safe practicing there in the future when it is rebuilt?
No. But there were problem with our building. It was in the middle of nowhere on a bad side of town. However, it was all we had when we first wanted to build a Mosque and we grew so fast since then. Now, we will probably change locations.
A user utilised the AMA thread to ask about larger trends in the country:
Is being a Muslim in America difficult or just where you are?
Being a Muslim in America is not typically hard. Being one in Southwest Missouri really is.EDIT: After 9/11, I was made fun of a lot in elementary and middle school. Now that I'm in high school it's easier to surround myself with educated people. Not every in Joplin is crazy, trust me. I have lots of liberal, atheist friends.
One Reddit user blamed the incident on what they see as the region's lack of tolerance:
that whole part of the country isn't tolerant of any religion that isn't a brand of hard core Christianity. So I guess my question is why do you guys stay in a place where they have such a hatred for you?
In response, Laela defended her community:
I think that's the same as saying ALL Muslims are terrorists. Not everybody here is crazy. So many churches and locals are deeply disturbed by what has happened and somebody has even organized a benefit in a few weeks to raise money for rebuilding efforts but they aren't from our congregation or even Muslim. Yes, there are lots of intolerant people. But I have been growing up in Joplin for the past 16 years and I don't regret living here.
Some commenters asked Laela about support from Joplin's other religious communities:
I Wish you the best of luck with rebuilding your mosque! How has your community reacted to this? Have they been helpful?
I have heard via news reports that there has been an outpouring of support from the Jewish, Mormon, and Christian communities. Is this true? Could you provide some clarification? What support has been offered?
Im really sorry for your circumstance. People should be able to freely practise whatever religion they adhere to. Have you thought about asking the Christian and other religious pillars of the community for aid?
Laela responded:
All of Joplin is very disturbed by what has happened. SO many churches have offered their buildings for us to pray in until we find a place which is very helpful and we are so appreciative.
My dad has even been getting calls daily from Churches. They have offered their buildings for us to hold services, donated money, and personally extended their condolences.
Additionally, the Reddit thread has been used to promote the Islamic Society's online fundraising campaign to rebuild their mosque.
The Indiegogo page was created on Wednesday and has already raised one-fifth of its $250,000 goal.
IndiegogoAJstream
Support the Islamic Society of Joplinsisterneely
The fundraiser has received widespread attention, particularly after help and endorsement from prominent Muslim-Americans:
Looks like a fundraising campaign to help replace the torched Joplin mosque may be in place as early as tomorrow - stay tuned for detailsShahed Amanullah
DONATE:For every person who RETWEETS this status I will donate $1 to help rebuild Joplin mosque which was burned by arsonists. So Please RT!Arsalan Iftikhar
In the first few hours, you've all donated nearly $10k to help rebuild the Joplin Mosque - thanks! http://igg.me/p/198695?a=993412&i=twtrShahed Amanullah
In just over 15 hours, $26k has been raised to rebuild Joplin's mosque. Fight Fire with Love. And Cash. http://www.indiegogo.com/joplinmosqueofficial?contribution_success=true&a=997406Haroon Moghul
In case you're losing faith in your fellow human, $32k has been raised to rebuild Joplin's mosque in >24hrs http://www.indiegogo.com/joplinmosqueofficialHaroon Moghul
Netizens made appeals for Muslims to donate to the rebuilding, particularly during the holy season of Ramadan:
RT @fatemehf: Help Joplin #Muslims #rebuildRamadan after their mosque was burned down: http://www.indiegogo.com/joplinmosqueofficial?a=993412Mona Eltahawy
Take advantage of the last 10 days of Ramadan & Help Rebuild the Joplin Mosque-First goal is by Eid, Aug 19 iA http://igg.me/p/198695?i=twtrSana F. Khan
In these last days of Ramadan, please donate to help rebuild the Joplin Mosque: http://igg.me/p/198695?a=993412&i=twtr (please RT!)Shahed Amanullah
Help rebuild the #Joplin #mosque, burned to the ground Aug 6 #Zakat http://www.indiegogo.com/joplinmosqueofficialHind Makki
We can only imagine what it's like 4 our house of worship to be burned to the ground, for Muslims of #Joplin - its reality. #Ramadan #islamLinda Sarsour
It's the last 10 nights of #Ramadan- what better time to contribute in the rebuilding of the #Joplin Mosque. Please refer to my #LastTweetAïcha Bardey
The Islamic Society is also using
Facebook to spread news updates and
events related to the fire, with supporters doing the same on Twitter:
FacebookAJstream
#CAIR: National Islamic Group Coming to Aid of Joplin Mosque Membershttp://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=685562 http://fb.me/2btMDcy33CAIR National
#CAIR: Joplin church to hold Ramadan fast-breaking meal for congregation of burned mosque... http://fb.me/1wMhXEFrACAIR National
"Love thy neighbor" in action. <3 RT @CAIRNational Joplin church to hold Ramadan fast-breaking meal for congregation of burned mosque.Hend
Twitter users - including US Senator from Missouri, Roy Blunt - continue to voice their support for the congregation in the midst of what many speculate was a malicious act:
I'm saddened to hear of the fire that destroyed the Joplin mosque. If this situation involves arson once again, this action is unacceptable.Senator Roy Blunt
You might be able to get rid of a mosque, but you can’t get rid of Islam. #joplinMuhammad Faysal
