Orlando airport to soon offer 'Reflection Room' for Muslim worship

Orlando International Airport will soon open a Muslim prayer room after the Emirates Airlines announced they will make non-stop Orlando-Dubai flights. The airport will reportedly spend $250,000 in building the "Reflection Room," offering their Muslim travelers a more suitable place to conduct their prayers. Another nondenominational chapel is also planned to be constructed, according to airport spokesperson.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - "These rooms provide travelers an opportunity to pray in their own way and have peace before they take on a long flight," said the president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, Imam Muhammad Musri, in a statement with My News 13.

At the Orlando airport, many Muslims are seen kneeling down and praying to observe their "reflective time" in public spaces, even inside bathrooms, explained airport spokesperson Carolyn Fennell. Some also visit the small nondenominational chapel located on Airside B, which has prayer rugs for use.

Fr. Robert Susann, the airport chaplain, stated that the Muslims' visits are welcome, as well as everyone else of different faith. He also noted that the construction of the prayer room is a good idea considering the location near where the Emirates Airlines is situated.

The airport director, Phil Brown, said they want "to accommodate and provide high-quality amenities for all our passengers," as Orlando continues to grow as a global community.

"Many Muslims have felt isolated and uncomfortable in this country after the terrorist attacks of 9-11. But having a reflection room at the airport is a great step in the right direction, especially for tolerance and inclusion," said an Orlando civil-rights attorney and Muslim, Shayan Modarres.

The $250,000 prayer room will not be exclusive to Muslims, noted Imam Muhammad Musri, it will be open to people of different faiths.

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