DEARBORN — Sayed Hassan Qazwini will temporarily lead Friday prayers at the Al-Zahra Islamic Center, beginning Feb. 20. 

Qazwini previously held Friday prayer at the Dearborn Ford Community and Performing Arts Center after the board of the Islamic Center of America (ICA) suspended him for two months. 

The ICA’s board of trustees is discussing the responsibilities of the spiritual leader, revising its bylaws and finding solutions for recent issues that have surfaced. 

Qazwini’s suspension comes after he had been the target of anonymous letters that accused him of corruption and adultery— claims he denies.

After his suspension, Qazwini called for Friday prayers at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, sparking mixed reactions on social media between those who chose to continue praying at the ICA and others who agreed to follow him to the Civic Center. A city official told The Arab American News the Civic Center has a welcoming and open policy towards public religious services being held there. 

The Al-Zahra Islamic Center, the original site of the ICA, is located at 15571 Joy Road in Detroit.