Hundreds of local residents, from all walks of life, flocked to the new Abu Huraira mosque in Beeston Hill for their grand opening event last weekend (Sunday 16 September 2018).
The Abu Huraira mosque has been running since 1986 from the former Cooperative building on Hardy Street (and is widely known as the Hardy Street mosque). But with that building regularly full to bursting, the mosque members have been working and fundraising together for well over 10 years, to create this purpose-built venue.
This week’s opening event featured a big shared meal, tours around the building, and speeches from imans Mohammad Sajaad Rumi (from Abu Huraira) and Qari Asim (from the Makkah Masjid in Hyde Park). In his speech, Qari Asim insisted that the event wasn’t just “PR” for the Islamic faith, but a demonstration that the Muslim community were committed to openness and inclusivity – and that religion should never become a barrier to relationships between different people, but quite the opposite. He stressed that the mosque community were keen as ever to work with others to make a difference in the local area, and the wider world.
Following the event, Mahbub Nazir – local resident, and one of the Abu Huraira committee members – told us:
“It was definitely time for a new building, and – by the will of God, and after many years’ hard work – we’ve done it. We can’t thank enough all those, young and old, who’ve worked so hard on this project; and we’re also deeply grateful to all those in the wider community, such as our interfaith friends, who offer us such constant support. We want to now build on those relationships, and help make a better community. Our doors are always open.”
The new building cost £2.2m, funded wholly by donations. It has capacity for 1300 worshippers, and also features a library, offices, conference and event spaces. For more info, including address and contact details, click here for their website , or here for their FB page; members stress that they welcome contact from the wider community anytime.
This is a wonderful building. Every pound raised to build it and every brick placed, has been a labour of love for the community. I really would suggest anyone view it. it is truly an honour to have it in the local area. It was a pleasure to be at the interfaith public opening.