Judge Allows Mosque Construction to Continue, Blocks Occupancy Permit

A judge has blocked the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro from getting an occupancy permit.

A judge in Rutherford County says construction of a new mosque can continue, but no one can move in.

Mosque opponents had asked for an injunction to stop construction altogether. Chancellor Robert Corlew denied the request, but told the county not to issue an occupancy permit.

Corlew has already voided the Rutherford County Planning Commission’s approval of the nearly-completed mosque, saying it failed to give proper notice of that meeting. The county still has a few weeks to appeal, and until then Corlew says he won’t halt work.

The mosque remains in limbo as attorneys for both sides figure out their next moves. The congregation is not a party in the lawsuit, but construction supervisor Essam Fathy says he will do as he’s told.

“We are very obedient. We are good citizen. We follow the law and the rules. If they say stop, we’ll stop.”

The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro – whose site plan was approved two years ago – has been trying to complete the building in time for Ramadan celebrations in late July.

The planning commission has already voted to appeal and the Rutherford County commission is set to discuss the matter Thursday night.