SUNNI The Downtown Mosque (also known as the Deedat Centre) is a busy, modest space above a halal restaurant near Ryerson University. Imam Steve Rockwell, who hosts a weekly show on Vision TV, is a student of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat. Like his teacher, the affable Rockwell - who also runs a streetwear shop from the back door of the building - is eager to welcome those new and returning to the faith. 'Islam means submission to the will of God,' he says. 'The trees, the wind, the air, the birds are all Muslims.' His current projects include trying to organize a debate between himself and Muslim reformer Irshad Manji. Meanwhile, he invites would-be Muslims not to be bound by their preconceptions. 'I have no long beard, and I don't wear an abaya, but I am a Muslim,' he says. 'What resides in the heart is important.'
Added on June 14, 2005 and last updated 12 years ago