Protestors Express Anger Towards Bally's Chicago Casino, Mistaken for a Mosque.
The recently opened Bally's Casino at Medinah Temple in Chicago has sparked controversy among some Muslim social media users, with some mistakenly believing it to be a mosque. The temporary casino, slated for closure when a permanent riverfront property is completed in 2026, features a building designed in the Moorish Revival style, similar to Islamic architecture. This style, with arches and domes, has contributed to the confusion.
The words "كَلِمَاتْ اَلطَّيِّبَة" above the entrance translate to "There is no God but Allah," a phrase from the first kalima of the Quran, further adding to the misconception. These phrases may be considered offensive by some Muslims, who are forbidden to gamble according to the Quran.
Critics argue that the casino is blatantly disrespectful and a provocative act against Muslims, alluding to the long-standing ban on gambling in their religion.
Misleading Aesthetics
In reality, the Medinah Temple has a peculiar history. Initially an auditorium, the building's facade was constructed in the Moorish Revival style in the early 20th century. It was not intended to be a mosque but rather a venue with an exotic, Middle Eastern-inspired appearance. Over the years, it has served various purposes, such as a concert hall, a circus, and a Bloomingdale furniture store.
The Shriners, a Masonic organization, built the structure and refer to their meeting places as "temples," increasing the prevailing misconception. The reference to Allah on the door is not a religious symbol but rather a reference to the Alhambra, a palace in Granada, Spain, built by the Moors in the 13th century. The use of Arabic script is a nod to the Moorish influence on the architecture, not an attempt to imitate Islamic practices.
Though the casino is not explicitly intended as a provocation, the use of the word "Medinah" and the presence of the Islamic phrase above the entrance may still cause offense. The term "Medinah" or "Medina" refers to a city in Saudi Arabia that holds significant religious implications as the resting place of the Prophet Mohammed. Adopting this name implies not only a deep connection to the Islamic faith but also a disregard for the religious sensitivities of Muslim communities.
This controversy serves as a reminder of the complex and often misunderstood nature of religious and cultural identities and the need for greater awareness and understanding of such erudite heritage sites.
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