Azerbaijan, Baku, 6 September/ Trend , corr I. Alizade/ Haji Gamat Suleymanov, imam of Abu-Bakr mosque that was blasted in Baku, believes that appeal of the people living nearby the mosque to close it permanently is a request.
"This is a request by forces that do not want us to exist. There are some forces who want to take advantage of these events prior to elections," imam of a mosque said to Trend on 6 September.
In the evening of 17 August, unknown man broke Mosque's window with stone and threw RGD-1 grenades into the Mosque. The blast killed three and injured eight.
About 1000 citizens living in Ulvi Bunyadzade street nearby Abu-Bakr mosque have appealed authorities to close down the mosque permanently.
Haji Gamat did not divulge the name of these forces.
"The people claim there is always noisy here. If we shut down all noisy places, then it means hundred's of facilities including restaurants must be closed. The restaurants work at nights as well and hinder the citizens to rest. Let them to close these restaurants. Everybody wants to have a silence near one's house. But mosque can not be closed. This is a home of a God. Who does it, Allah will close their homes. Mosque is untouchable," imam added.
Haji Gamat said they have always been on good terms with citizens living nearby. "The appeal says that we have caused untidiness in the street. Everyone knows that street. We always keep this street clean. We even collect the garbage in this area. We help our neighbours with some problems. Mosque helps the people in need. After each namaz (prayer) we donate blood. Mosque is engaged in charity".
Moreover, Haji Gamat said there were some disagreements among citizens, but because of the parking of cars in front of their houses. This is usual case for areas with a lot of people, he said.
He added those praying in Abu Bakr are waiting for mosque's opening with patience. The religious men do not disagree with the closure of the mosque.
"We know that one of the reasons of the blast is our position. Our mosque plays an important role in preventing religious radicalism in Azerbaijan," Haji Gamat added.
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