"Ground Zero Mosque" Loses New Imam Already

The so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" is once again without an imam, as Sheik Abdallah Adhami, who took over only weeks ago as the leader of Park51, the Islamic community center and mosque in Lower Manhattan, announced he would not be sticking around. Just last month, the site's developer Sharif el-Gamal replaced Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who himself went on to say that he would be fine building the center at another location. "Imam Feisal has no authority or control over this project, over its board of directors or over Soho Properties, which controls the real estate," said the developer at the time. "Park51, the Islamic community center in Lower Manhattan, is more than any one personality or imam." Next!

But now, Adhami is out too:

"It is important for me now to devote my time to the completion of my book which assists English readers in understanding and facilitating the language of the Quran. I wish the project leaders well," stated Imam Adhami.

Gothamist, though, does well to point out that Adhami is known in part by his belief that homosexuality is a "painful trial" brought on by childhood abuse. So, you know, good riddance and all that.

Imam Abdallah Adhami will no longer serve as Senior Adviser to Park51 [Facebook via Gothamist]