People of all faiths come together in the wake of Coachella mosque fire

People of all faiths showed support Friday for members of the Islamic Center of the Coachella Valley.

Members of the Muslim community conducted their Friday prayers at a banquet hall down the road from the mosque, which was firebombed last week.

In spite of the recent attack on their mosque, Imam Reymundo Nour said forgiveness is the best way to show strength.

“When you do forgive, it’s a great relief and it’s good for your soul,” Nour said.

Even forgiving Carl James Dial, the man accused of setting the mosque on fire.

“To Carl James Dial, if you are listening, in the name of Allah, we forgive you,” Nour said.

People of all faiths were joined by their religious leaders.

“We can’t be judgmental; there is extremists in every religion,” said Linda Lee Allison the president of the Interfaith Council.

They said while they represent different religions, they share similar beliefs.

“I thought it was wonderful. It was as if I was in my own place of worship, forgiveness, kindness, graciousness and total commitment by all people present and welcoming to us who observed,” said Pastor Bill Godwin of Peace Christian Fellowship.

As for moving forward, Nour said before the attack happened they already had some relocation plans.

“Before this incident, we had made an internal decision to build a new mosque, prior to this happening. So we feel this is a good time to begin that process,” Nour said.

Remaining somewhat lighthearted in the wake of the attack, but asking for understanding and hoping for change.

“This is the way of the world today, and we pray and we hope that there is some relief,” Nour said.

Nour said he welcomes those who don’t understand the religion to come by and ask him anything.

They will be starting a lecture series called Discovering Islam.

The first will take place Saturday at the Cathedral City Library at noon.