Muslim Leaders Seek Dialogue After Mosque Denial in Broken Arrow

Islamic Society of Tulsa opens doors to public amid potential legal battle over rejected mosque proposal

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After the Broken Arrow City Council voted to deny a rezoning request and conditional use permit for a proposed mosque and commercial center, the Islamic Society of Tulsa opened its doors to the public in an effort to promote dialogue and understanding with area residents. The event featured a Quran recitation, an overview of Islam, a Q&A session, a prayer observation, and tours.

Why it matters

The denial of the mosque proposal in Broken Arrow has raised concerns about religious discrimination and potential legal action under protections like the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act. The event at the Islamic Society of Tulsa aimed to build understanding and dispel misconceptions about Islam within the local community.

The details

In December, the Broken Arrow Planning Commission had approved the mosque proposal, but last month the City Council voted 4-1 to deny the requests, citing concerns about issues like traffic, utilities, and parking. The Islamic Society of Tulsa has said it is evaluating whether to file a lawsuit over the denial. The event on Sunday featured remarks from Sayed Newaz, the new chairman of the Islamic Society of Tulsa, and Imad Enchassi, the senior imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, who addressed misconceptions about Islam and the meaning of the term 'jihad'.

  • In December, the Broken Arrow Planning Commission approved the mosque proposal.
  • Last month, the Broken Arrow City Council voted 4-1 to deny the mosque proposal.

The players

Sayed Newaz

The new chairman of the Islamic Society of Tulsa.

Imad Enchassi

The senior imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City and chair of the Islamic Studies Department at Oklahoma City University.

Islamic Society of Tulsa

The organization that hosted the event to promote dialogue and understanding in the community.

Broken Arrow City Council

The city government body that voted to deny the mosque proposal, citing concerns about the site.

Broken Arrow Planning Commission

The city planning commission that had previously approved the mosque proposal.

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What they’re saying

“Here, we gather in prayer, support one another and reaffirm our responsibility to contribute positively to the city as well.”

— Sayed Newaz, Chairman, Islamic Society of Tulsa (basentinel.com)

“While that decision was disappointing for many in our community, moments like this remind us why engagement and understanding matter. They remind us that strong communities are built through a conversation, patience and mutual respect.”

— Sayed Newaz, Chairman, Islamic Society of Tulsa (basentinel.com)

“Unity doesn't require uniformity. It requires respect. It requires a willingness to listen, to learn and to stand together. Even when our perspectives differ, we share the same neighborhoods, same schools, and the same hopes for our family's futures.”

— Sayed Newaz, Chairman, Islamic Society of Tulsa (basentinel.com)

“The word jihad means to struggle, to strive to exert oneself to be in good at standing with God. This word has been taken out of context and brutally misinterpreted in many different ways.”

— Imad Enchassi, Senior Imam, Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City (basentinel.com)

“Each one of us has a privilege that we could use to lessen the impact of Islamophobia. And we honor and thank anybody that stands with us.”

— Imad Enchassi, Senior Imam, Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City (basentinel.com)

What’s next

The Islamic Society of Tulsa is evaluating whether to file a lawsuit over the Broken Arrow City Council's denial of the mosque proposal, potentially citing protections such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of open dialogue and mutual understanding between different faith communities, even when there are disagreements. By promoting engagement and respect, the Islamic Society of Tulsa aims to build stronger connections within the local Broken Arrow community.