In a Predominantly Mormon County, a New Mosque Fosters Community

January 1, 2005

Source: Deseret Morning News

https://www.deseret.com/archives/2005/1

On January 1, 2005 the Deseret Morning News reported, "Utah County isn't exactly lacking in church buildings — chapels frequented by members of the LDS Church can be found on practically every corner. Until recently, however, Lindon resident Usama Baioumy had to travel to a Salt Lake mosque to practice his faith, Islam. Baioumy talked about the lack of a mosque when he was interviewed for a newspaper story about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and a man came forward to offer him a space to rent. Thus was born the first and only mosque in Utah County. For four weeks in October and November, Baioumy and other Utah County Muslims gathered in the mosque at 1105 S. Orem Blvd. to offer prayer during Ramadan. The mosque may be a simple room, but it is a gathering place for some 50 Muslims who live in 360,000-resident Utah County. Nearly all of them are students at Brigham Young University or Utah Valley State College."