A new Murfreesboro mosque that faced vocal opposition from some community members is requesting a permit for a cemetery. The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro withdrew a similar request two years ago while the future of the building was uncertain due to a lawsuit in chancery court.
That suit has now entered the appeals process and two federal suits are pending, but the mosque is complete and in use by the congregation.
Imam Ossama Bahloul told the Daily News Journal that older members of the congregation wish to be buried near the mosque.
One person was buried on the property already under a conditional-use permit. Mosque opponents have told officials they were concerned the body would contaminate the water. Bahloul said the burial was carried out according to Tennessee law.