Members of a Joplin mosque that was destroyed in a fire will rebuild and have been encouraged by the support shown them by the Joplin community.
Faizan Syed, executive director of the St. Louis office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Thursday that leaders of the Islamic Society of Joplin will "definitely rebuild." He says Joplin's Islamic community members "are in to stay."
The Islamic Society of Joplin's mosque was destroyed in a fire early Monday. No injuries were reported.
Federal officials have been working to determine whether the fire was arson, but said Thursday there were no updates available on those tests.
Syed says Joplin residents have shown overwhelming support for the mosque members, who will gather for prayer services at members' homes.
Follow St. Louis Public Radio on Twitter: @stlpublicradio
