After the courts cleared all legal hurdles for the construction of a mosque—which makes up only a part of the entire Cordoba Center—two blocks from Ground Zero—or, in more accurate terms, the Twin Towers, which were destroyed by terrorist attacks—many head dignitaries and organizations, from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission, sided in favor of the project. Bangladeshi community and religious leaders hailed Mayor Bloomberg and President Obama for extending their support.

While people still try to use the tragic terror attacks of 9/11 to stir public opinion against the building of the Cordoba Center, they have little chance in winning their struggle. It is only a matter of time before construction begins.

When Bangla Patrika asked New York City-based imams and Muslim leaders what role the $100 million planned 13-story Islamic center would play in the future, they held various opinions, while all hailing the victory of the legal battle, saying that the mosque will symbolize America's constitutional guarantee to religious freedom and tolerance.

Maulana Mohammad Abdul Mukit, an imam at Darus Salam Mosque in Jamaica, Queens, attributed his gratitude to Allah for the legal clearance, saying that a mosque is a house of God. We receive religious splendor from the mosque, he said. Not only should there be one near Ground Zero, a mosque should also be built anywhere in the world where there are Muslims. He urged the Muslim community in the US to give generous donations for the construction of the mosque.

Imam Maulana Masud Iqbal of the North Bronx Islamic Center said, "The construction of a mosque near Ground Zero is being made possible thanks to the prevalence and recognition of religious freedom in America. Muslims will undoubtedly benefit from the construction of this mosque."

Maulana Rafique Ahmed, imam of the Assafa Islamic Center in Lower Manhattan also attributed the legal victory to religious freedom and tolerance in America.

Pointing out the benefits of the mosque, Maulana Rafique said that a good number of Muslims live in the area by Ground Zero, not to mention the many Muslim tourists and businessmen that frequently come and temporarily reside there. "These Muslims have no place to pray," he said. "Once a mosque is built there, they will have a place to do so."

Imam Mufti Abdul Kashem Yaheya of Sunnyside Mosque praised the construction of the mosque near Ground Zero, saying that freedom to practice a religion is constitutionally guaranteed to believers of all religions. Houses of prayer, including churches of several different religions surround Ground Zero, he said, so there is no logical reason to oppose the bid to construct a mosque there.

He noted that in Islam, certain forms of quarreling are prohibited. Muslims are not allowed to engage in altercations with others regarding things like the construction of a mosque. Islam is a religion of peace and does not tolerate a person instigating trouble as a result of being agitated by offensive statements from, say, groups that oppose the mosque.

Mufti Abdul Kashem added, "We are overwhelmed with joy that all the legal hurdles have been cleared. I convey my heartfelt thanks to those who directly and indirectly assisted in this initiative."

Professor Muhibur Raham, the khatib (the person who delivers Friday sermons) at Baitul Jannah Mosque, congratulated those behind the legal victory, saying, "It is proof of religious freedom in America. There are churches here. There are synagogues as well. So why should there be obstructions in constructing a mosque near Ground Zero?"

Citing the inseparable relationship between the mosque and the Muslim community, Khatib Muhibur Rahman said that mosques will be constructed wherever there are Muslims. And wherever a mosque is based, a peaceful community will emerge. Thus, no apprehension or possibility of harming the interests of any group will surface if a mosque is built near Ground Zero.

Muhammad Tariqur Rahman, secretary general of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), called the controversy of the Cordoba Center "meaningless," saying that all the fears and allegations that have arisen are irrelevant and baseless. Many Muslims, he said, including Tariq Amanullah of New Jersey, were killed during the gruesome terror attacks of 9/11. There is little connection of Islam, or religion at all, to the attacks, he added. "We sympathize for the victims of the cowardice attack. It is not right to use 9/11 as an argument to oppose the construction of the Cordoba Center."

According to Tariqur Rahman, the Cordoba Center will not be hostile towards other religions. Rather, it will highlight the real teachings of Islam, which centers on tolerance. By enhancing religious tolerance, it will strike at the root of terrorism and assist in cementing and solidifying good-will and friendship towards others.

Hailing the support of President Obama and Mayor Bloomberg, and the decision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission in favor of the construction of the Cordoba Center, Junnun Choudhury, M.D, general secretary of the Jamaica Muslim Center said, "It will be a reflection of freedom of speech and the right to practice religion, as enshrined and recognized by the Constitution of the United States."

He continued, "The construction of the Cordoba Center will eradicate the panic and apprehension that filled the minds of the Muslim community after the terror attacks of 9/11. The center will represent a monument proclaiming to each new generation that Muslims are not victims of religion persecution in America.

"Muslims will not just be praying at the mosque at the Cordoba Center, they will also be playing a pioneering role in creating a sense of solidarity and friendship through inter-religious dialogue between followers of different religions."

Choudhury firmly stated that the Cordoba Center will not, under any circumstances, support the spreading of hatred against America or any other religion. The mosque and center will be a helping hand in creating mutual trust and camaraderie among believers of all faiths.

Speaking on behalf of the Baitul Mamoor Mosque in the Bronx, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said that the proposed mosque near Ground Zero will reduce the divide between Muslims and followers of other religions. Those who currently oppose the construction of the mosque near the site will realize how unfounded their apprehension is once the center is built.