Article October 28, 2002 Issue

A Muslim community says, 'We're here for everybody'

By J. Thomas Black

Driving To The Islamic Association of Greater Detroit, I remember a comment Sharif Gindy made to me weeks ago when we first discussed this meeting: "May God help us all make this world a better place to live in." On this Saturday morning I have come here to learn more about the community outreach Gindy's mosque is engaged in to achieve so noble a goal.

I drive north on Coolidge Road into the city of Rochester Hills and turn east on Auburn Road. There, on the south side of the street, stands the large white mosque.

And standing in the main doorway with Gindy is Jukaku Tayeb. My hosts today, they wave me in. Gindy is one of five trustees of the mosque, who serve ten-year terms to give the community stability and continuity. He's an Egyptian Arab who has lived in America for 20 years. He's also a Ph.D. graduate in mechanical engineering from Detroit's Wayne State University, and president of a data technology company. This man of medium height in aviator sunglasses, with narrow, white sideburns, beard, and mustache, has a pleasant smile and an air of authority.