Source: The Republican

http://www.masslive.com/hampfrank/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1134290477319200.xml&coll=1

On December 11, 2005 The Republican reported, "A little more than a year after arson destroyed their Union Street mosque, members of the Al-Baqi Islamic Center yesterday offered thanks to those who have helped with the rebuilding.

At a gathering at Shriners Hospital for Children, Al-Baqi members welcomed people of different faiths who helped out in its time of need... The mosque was destroyed in a Dec. 8, 2004 fire, set by seven teenage boys during a break-in.

Homeless for a year, the mosque recently purchased a 2.7-acre parcel on Boston Road, where it intends to build a mosque. Imam Rasul F. Seifullah, spiritual leader of Al-Baqi said from the tragedy of the fire came an opportunity for the mosque to face new challenges... Over the last year, Seifullah has often used the analogy of how the forest needs the occasional forest fire to prompt new growth.

Following the fire, churches, synagogues and mosques rallied to the aid of Al-Baqi with offers of space, expertise and financial contributions... Construction [of the new mosque] will likely have to be done in stages, first with office space and the prayer room, and other parts to follow.

He said he hoped the first stage will be complete in two years."