HOUSTON -- An Islamic mosque burned in an arson fire has made a major motion to forgive.
Leaders at the Quba Islamic Institute near Ellington Field said they will not be pressing charges against the man who allegedly burned down a piece of their property. The leaders urged prosecutors to follow suit.
The fire was allegedly set a week ago by a homeless drifter with a criminal past who said he was just trying keep warm.
That man, 55-year old Darryl Ferguson, turned himself in.
His case of arson, however, later rose to the level of a hate crime when prosecutors revealed during his arraignment that Ferguson told a convenience store clerk, "he hated Muslims, that they got what they deserved, and things happen for a reason."
When KHOU 11 News asked him if what he did was a hate crime, Ferguson denied it.
When leaders at the mosque were asked how they felt, some were surprised.
"I was shocked, you know," said Zahid Abdullah. "I did not even think, you know, that somebody could do that."
Yet their shock has since turned to forgiveness, with the mosque going as far as to invite Ferguson back for a visit at any time, and for any reason.
"We know that Mr. Ferguson has been through a lot," Ahsan Zahid said. "But that does not mean he doesn't get another chance."
The Harris County's DA's office confirmed it received the request, though it may not ultimately be so forgiving.
A spokesperson said no decision has been made on whether to drop those charges and that one will not be made over the weekend.
Related:
