Your Local Mosque?

[Saj]

With so many of us spending more time at the local mosque in recent days, a thread to discuss the atmosphere, the environment and the people of your local mosque.

Describe your local mosque - is it a place where everyone gets along, where the atmosphere is cordial or is it a place where politics and bad blood is rife?

 

[MenInG]

It seems mosque jhagra culture has calmed down a bit - dont hear too noise about fighting etc but I can imagine with current political events in Pakistan some of the Pakistani influenced ones could be interesting places.

 

[sweep_shot]

I pray at Islamic Foundation of Toronto. It is one of the largest and oldest Islamic community centers in Canada.

It is mostly frequented by desis (Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis). But, there are other nationalities too.

There haven't been many problems thankfully. People get along. There is a positive vibe.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

I pray at Islamic Foundation of Toronto. It is one of the largest and oldest Islamic community centers in Canada.

It is mostly frequented by desis (Pakistanis, Indians, and Bangladeshis). But, there are other nationalities too.

There haven't been many problems thankfully. People get along. There is a positive vibe.

Sounds like the perfect mosque. Is it a particular school of thought or centrist?.

In UK mosques are divided on ethnic lines and then communities within the community.

 

[sweep_shot]

Sounds like the perfect mosque. Is it a particular school of thought or centrist?.

In UK mosques are divided on ethnic lines and then communities within the community.

I think it is Hanafi. But, not 100% sure.

 

[silentkiller187]

One trend i have noticed recently in UK is the way mosques now take charity. Last year on the night of power the chairman came onto the mic before prayers started at my local mosque and said we need to raise 500k before prayers start. He then proceeded to call out numbers starting at 100k and waiting to see if any one put their hand up to donate. Seems like an agressive way to raise money to me , surely could be better ways to do it, also there is now a league table and plaques are given to the biggest doners, turning it into a competition.

 

[Saj]

Why is it that so many mosques are seen as the place where some folk take their family and dirty politics into.

For some if you have a family issue or quarrel, they take it into the mosque and fight and argue there.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

One trend i have noticed recently in UK is the way mosques now take charity. Last year on the night of power the chairman came onto the mic before prayers started at my local mosque and said we need to raise 500k before prayers start. He then proceeded to call out numbers starting at 100k and waiting to see if any one put their hand up to donate. Seems like an agressive way to raise money to me , surely could be better ways to do it, also there is now a league table and plaques are given to the biggest doners, turning it into a competition.

Do you know what the 500k was being raised for?

 

[silentkiller187]

Do you know what the 500k was being raised for?

it was quite a big mosque, closed during covid etc, no government help apparently so was for extension plus up keep of the mosque and bills. The problem is the chairman are quite wealthy and claimed they took a loan from someone they needed to pay back so seemed very dodgy, lots of worshippers especially non pakistani were not happy.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

One trend i have noticed recently in UK is the way mosques now take charity. Last year on the night of power the chairman came onto the mic before prayers started at my local mosque and said we need to raise 500k before prayers start. He then proceeded to call out numbers starting at 100k and waiting to see if any one put their hand up to donate. Seems like an agressive way to raise money to me , surely could be better ways to do it, also there is now a league table and plaques are given to the biggest doners, turning it into a competition.

This has been common for the last few years although the plaques are new!

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I think most environments have improved considerably. Im careful about slating any masjids in the UK, sure the environments may have been a bit political but they were made by generally Pakistani shop keepers and taxi drivers who generously donated to build these institutions

Nowadays the younger generation has built on their success into truly thriving masjids. We have football tournaments, places for women, community events etc that make the most part of the community.

Many mosques have car parking volunteers and 'khidmat' teams that make visiting the masjid smooth.

Times have moved on from being just Pakistanis to being truly multi cultural institutions.

MashAllah we have a lot to be proud of when it comes to how (most) masjids are run

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Our local mosque and Islamic center is the main reason why we moved here.

It's a grade A facility that that can hold up to 3000 people with a large parking lot. It has a separate area and entrance for females in the masjid.

This Islamic center is the lynchpin of our Muslim community here. It has a full time Islamic School to grade 12. And we have various programs through out the year for youth, females, elderly, kids etc. It has a Hifz program where about 100 Huffaaz have been produced so far. An alim course for girls and females besides the regular Islamic school.

Besides that, we have a yearly interfaith program where local Christians, Jews are invited to our mosque over a casual meet up and food. Muslims also visit the participating Churches, and Synagogues when the interfaith program is held at any of their places of worship.

(Funny enough, we have a Hindu temple less than 1 minute drive down the road but they never showed ANY INTEREST WHATSOVER to join the interfaith meetings with Muslims. I noticed that most NRI and Indian computer techies in USA are Modi lovers, so no wonder.)

In our masjid, we also have a "bring your neighbor" yearly event during one day in Ramadhan iftar. A Muslim family brings a neighboring non-Muslim family to the masjid. This is quite a popular event. Usually, the gym that can hold up to a 1000 people us fully packed. Great food is served to all.

Over the years, I have also noticed that it's very easy to criticize the masjid organizers for various short comings - but IT'S VERY HARD to actually do that job.
Most of these first generation Pakistanis volunteer. Almost 70% are physicians. They take the time out from their very busy schedule and time away from their family, to work for masjid for free. It's not easy.
Yes, they have thick accent and yes we are naturally not very organized people so not everything is meticulously done.

Some people who visit masjid for prayers don't realize that it costs to run the facility. They waste water, toilet paper, and hand towels as if there is no tomorrow - and yet they may not donate a penny. And yet they are the ones who complaint the most.

Our challenges are obviously the same as many other Islamic centers in non-Muslim countries.

The cost of running this center is about$65,000.00 a month, that's about what? £52000.00 a month?.
However, the community is generous and people donate generously.

To tackle the challenge, we have started an endowment fund to raise $10 Million over the next few years so that it generates enough income that we can sustain the masjid expense without holding many of those fund raising events. Right now, we have collected about $3.5 million in this endowment fund, and we hope that the target of $10 million will be achieved in the next few years.

I personally tell this to all Muslims.
If you EVER visit ANY masjid in a western country, always remember, there is a cost to run the facility and you have used the facility (water for wadhu, temp controlled praying hall, electricity, parking etc), so it's MANDATORY upon you to donate something EVERYTIME.
Be it just one dollar, but do NOT step out of the masjid without donating something.
This will not only help the masjid reduce the overhead expense, but also you will be a proud supporter of the masjid - and indeed, Allah will give you EVEN more in return. 100% guaranteed.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Forgot to mention, our Islamic center also has a Sunday School for those Muslim kids who attend public schools, and we also have a funeral home and burial services for our Muslim community.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

it was quite a big mosque, closed during covid etc, no government help apparently so was for extension plus up keep of the mosque and bills. The problem is the chairman are quite wealthy and claimed they took a loan from someone they needed to pay back so seemed very dodgy, lots of worshippers especially non pakistani were not happy.

Well you can understand there must be substantial costs to doing that sort of work but I agree, the auction style highest bid for contributions seems in poor taste.

 

[Major]

Our local mosque and Islamic center is the main reason why we moved here.

It's a grade A facility that that can hold up to 3000 people with a large parking lot. It has a separate area and entrance for females in the masjid.

This Islamic center is the lynchpin of our Muslim community here. It has a full time Islamic School to grade 12. And we have various programs through out the year for youth, females, elderly, kids etc. It has a Hifz program where about 100 Huffaaz have been produced so far. An alim course for girls and females besides the regular Islamic school.

Besides that, we have a yearly interfaith program where local Christians, Jews are invited to our mosque over a casual meet up and food. Muslims also visit the participating Churches, and Synagogues when the interfaith program is held at any of their places of worship.

(Funny enough, we have a Hindu temple less than 1 minute drive down the road but they never showed ANY INTEREST WHATSOVER to join the interfaith meetings with Muslims. I noticed that most NRI and Indian computer techies in USA are Modi lovers, so no wonder.)

In our masjid, we also have a "bring your neighbor" yearly event during one day in Ramadhan iftar. A Muslim family brings a neighboring non-Muslim family to the masjid. This is quite a popular event. Usually, the gym that can hold up to a 1000 people us fully packed. Great food is served to all.

Over the years, I have also noticed that it's very easy to criticize the masjid organizers for various short comings - but IT'S VERY HARD to actually do that job.
Most of these first generation Pakistanis volunteer. Almost 70% are physicians. They take the time out from their very busy schedule and time away from their family, to work for masjid for free. It's not easy.
Yes, they have thick accent and yes we are naturally not very organized people so not everything is meticulously done.

Some people who visit masjid for prayers don't realize that it costs to run the facility. They waste water, toilet paper, and hand towels as if there is no tomorrow - and yet they may not donate a penny. And yet they are the ones who complaint the most.

Our challenges are obviously the same as many other Islamic centers in non-Muslim countries.

The cost of running this center is about$65,000.00 a month, that's about what? £52000.00 a month?.
However, the community is generous and people donate generously.

To tackle the challenge, we have started an endowment fund to raise $10 Million over the next few years so that it generates enough income that we can sustain the masjid expense without holding many of those fund raising events. Right now, we have collected about $3.5 million in this endowment fund, and we hope that the target of $10 million will be achieved in the next few years.

I personally tell this to all Muslims.
If you EVER visit ANY masjid in a western country, always remember, there is a cost to run the facility and you have used the facility (water for wadhu, temp controlled praying hall, electricity, parking etc), so it's MANDATORY upon you to donate something EVERYTIME.
Be it just one dollar, but do NOT step out of the masjid without donating something.
This will not only help the masjid reduce the overhead expense, but also you will be a proud supporter of the masjid - and indeed, Allah will give you EVEN more in return. 100% guaranteed.

I dont think you can issue a fatwa here saying that its mandatory for muslims to donate to the mosque. No amount of capitalization makes it a law, just ur desire.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Our local mosque and Islamic center is the main reason why we moved here.

It's a grade A facility that that can hold up to 3000 people with a large parking lot. It has a separate area and entrance for females in the masjid.

This Islamic center is the lynchpin of our Muslim community here. It has a full time Islamic School to grade 12. And we have various programs through out the year for youth, females, elderly, kids etc. It has a Hifz program where about 100 Huffaaz have been produced so far. An alim course for girls and females besides the regular Islamic school.

Besides that, we have a yearly interfaith program where local Christians, Jews are invited to our mosque over a casual meet up and food. Muslims also visit the participating Churches, and Synagogues when the interfaith program is held at any of their places of worship.

(Funny enough, we have a Hindu temple less than 1 minute drive down the road but they never showed ANY INTEREST WHATSOVER to join the interfaith meetings with Muslims. I noticed that most NRI and Indian computer techies in USA are Modi lovers, so no wonder.)

In our masjid, we also have a "bring your neighbor" yearly event during one day in Ramadhan iftar. A Muslim family brings a neighboring non-Muslim family to the masjid. This is quite a popular event. Usually, the gym that can hold up to a 1000 people us fully packed. Great food is served to all.

Over the years, I have also noticed that it's very easy to criticize the masjid organizers for various short comings - but IT'S VERY HARD to actually do that job.
Most of these first generation Pakistanis volunteer. Almost 70% are physicians. They take the time out from their very busy schedule and time away from their family, to work for masjid for free. It's not easy.
Yes, they have thick accent and yes we are naturally not very organized people so not everything is meticulously done.

Some people who visit masjid for prayers don't realize that it costs to run the facility. They waste water, toilet paper, and hand towels as if there is no tomorrow - and yet they may not donate a penny. And yet they are the ones who complaint the most.

Our challenges are obviously the same as many other Islamic centers in non-Muslim countries.

The cost of running this center is about$65,000.00 a month, that's about what? £52000.00 a month?.
However, the community is generous and people donate generously.

To tackle the challenge, we have started an endowment fund to raise $10 Million over the next few years so that it generates enough income that we can sustain the masjid expense without holding many of those fund raising events. Right now, we have collected about $3.5 million in this endowment fund, and we hope that the target of $10 million will be achieved in the next few years.

I personally tell this to all Muslims.
If you EVER visit ANY masjid in a western country, always remember, there is a cost to run the facility and you have used the facility (water for wadhu, temp controlled praying hall, electricity, parking etc), so it's MANDATORY upon you to donate something EVERYTIME.
Be it just one dollar, but do NOT step out of the masjid without donating something.
This will not only help the masjid reduce the overhead expense, but also you will be a proud supporter of the masjid - and indeed, Allah will give you EVEN more in return. 100% guaranteed.

which city, country is this mosque?

 

[offstump]

I dont think you can issue a fatwa here saying that its mandatory for muslims to donate to the mosque. No amount of capitalization makes it a law, just ur desire.

Out of everything he wrote, which was such a well constructed post you decide to rag on him for saying you need to donate to the mosque? He didn’t issue a fatwa, and what he is saying makes perfect sense if you’ve ever stepped foot in a mosque outside of Pakistan.

 

[Major]

Out of everything he wrote, which was such a well constructed post you decide to rag on him for saying you need to donate to the mosque? He didn’t issue a fatwa, and what he is saying makes perfect sense if you’ve ever stepped foot in a mosque outside of Pakistan.

I think you need to reread the word, MANDATORY

 

[Saj]

A friend of mine was telling me a story about his mosque where the married Imam was having an affair with one of the ladies who would come into the mosque and teach girls the Quran.

As you can imagine when people found out, things turned very ugly with some horrible scenes between the feuding families.

Fair to say, sometimes the Imams don't help matters at the local mosque?

 

[James]

Some great stories and interesting tales!

Good thread.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

A friend of mine was telling me a story about his mosque where the married Imam was having an affair with one of the ladies who would come into the mosque and teach girls the Quran.

As you can imagine when people found out, things turned very ugly with some horrible scenes between the feuding families.

Fair to say, sometimes the Imams don't help matters at the local mosque?

There is another such story, and I don't wanna name the city and Imam because he is quite famous. His sermons were SO GOOD that every weekend, they recorded it all during Friday prayers and put on youtube for thousands of others to listen.

A Pakistan physician hired him to teach quran to his kids at the physician's home.
The imam "saab" (who is an Arab) started visiting the doc's home to teach kids Quran but also started dating the physician's young daughter (I think 20 years younger than him) which happened to be her student.

Since the young girl was hooked up with this monster, she compelled the parents and eventually got married with Imam "saab". She gave birth to a daughter after about a year and the marriage broke the second year. So she is now left with a baby girl.
Imam "saab" left the city and not sure where the heck is he now.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

A friend of mine was telling me a story about his mosque where the married Imam was having an affair with one of the ladies who would come into the mosque and teach girls the Quran.

As you can imagine when people found out, things turned very ugly with some horrible scenes between the feuding families.

Fair to say, sometimes the Imams don't help matters at the local mosque?

I'm not sure all imams are responsible for the actions of one lech.

Young tiktok imams are doing similar. Drawing in the demographic and preying on the girls. That's just society as a whole unfortunately and Muslims are human beings too

 

[offstump]

I think you need to reread the word, MANDATORY

Suggesting that something needs to be mandatory on an online forum does not constitute it becoming a fatwa.

 

[Saj]

Hearing stories where even on a day of celebration - Eid, people have been fighting and causing trouble at mosques due to family differences.

 

[Zaz]

I took my young son for his first eid at our local mosque in uk and he was just so bored and didnt understand anything at all by the pakistani middle age imam giving his sermon totally in urdu

Youd think in this day and age local masjids would be more interactive with young kids and speak to them in the local language theyd understand english

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Truly amazing scenes were witnessed last evening at our mosque. Many of you would find it hard to believe. I am still in a disbelieve too.

This short version of the history is,

There was a piece of 5 acres land next to our masjid with an old house built on it.

Our masjid has been trying to buy this land for expansion for the last 30 years but lady living in it, did not want to sell it, ESPECIALLY to the masjid.

A few years ago, she died but, from what I heard, she had made a written will for her property NOT to be sold to masjid.

Her kids followed the course and did not sell it to masjid. And then, all of her kids died too, and finally, her grandkids put it on sale.

And here comes the fun part.

The bank appraised the property for $750,000.00

But the grand kids put the property on sale for $3.5 MILLION, knowing fully well how desperately the masjid wanted to buy as there is no other way or direction that masjid can expand.

And to make the matters worse, a local multi million dollar builder (who is very, very aggressive) showed interest to buy the land and put a housing project on it.

The current chairman of the masjid, who is a cardiologist by trade but a totally dedicated person with lots of true tawakkal on Allah, went ahead and put a 2.5 million dollars CASH offer on it and put a contingency that he will beat any higher bid by $100,000.00

This erupted into a chaos and disagreements between the masjid administration - lots of "all knowing mama ji's were very unhappy and extremely critical" of the decision. There was a flurry of back n forth heated arguments. One large group thought the offer was extremely high over the appraised value, and the buyer will accept it in a heartbeat.

Knowing how absolutely crazy the real estate market in our area is (one acre land runs around $500K minimum and there is absolutely no one acre lots available). I sent an email to all committee members, stating that WHOEVER is critical of this decision can take, not $750,000 but a full million dollars from me and buy this land. Stand up or shut up!

And before anyone could reply, the local builder beat our offer by $100,000.00 when he offered $2.7 Million.

This was signed offer that came with a $100,000 earnest money. Everyone's tongue was caught by a cat.

Our default contingency kicked in and beat the local builder's offer by $100K. lol, He threw in the white towel and the deal was closed at $2.8 million CASH!!

Now remember, we had ZERO funds to buy this land.

So, this last Friday, it was announced that we need $2.8 million CASH by June 9th. This was laughable to many. I also thought it was totally unrealistic.

A quick fund raising was done before the Jumma khutba, and we collected $250K in about 30 minutes. UNBELIEVABLE !!!
Because this was just an announcement to warm the people up, that we are going to have our official fund raising on May 14th evening.

And then came May 14th evening (that was last evening).

And Guys, believe it or not, in a matter of 3 hours, our community donated $3.5 FREAKING million dollars CASH! UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!!

One individual alone donated $550K. This is unheard of.

I am so proud of this community. We may have our small differences and we may have first generation desis with their thick accents running the masjid administration, and we may not have those great organizational skills, but these guys (most of whom are physicians) have done an absolute great job.

This is a screen shot before I left.
This morning I was told that $3.5 million has been raised, and more is still coming.

 

[IAJ]

Truly amazing scenes were witnessed last evening at our mosque. Many of you would find it hard to believe. I am still in a disbelieve too.

This short version of the history is,

There was a piece of 5 acres land next to our masjid with an old house built on it.

Our masjid has been trying to buy this land for expansion for the last 30 years but lady living in it, did not want to sell it, ESPECIALLY to the masjid.

A few years ago, she died but, from what I heard, she had made a written will for her property NOT to be sold to masjid.

Her kids followed the course and did not sell it to masjid. And then, all of her kids died too, and finally, her grandkids put it on sale.

And here comes the fun part.

The bank appraised the property for $750,000.00

But the grand kids put the property on sale for $3.5 MILLION, knowing fully well how desperately the masjid wanted to buy as there is no other way or direction that masjid can expand.

And to make the matters worse, a local multi million dollar builder (who is very, very aggressive) showed interest to buy the land and put a housing project on it.

The current chairman of the masjid, who is a cardiologist by trade but a totally dedicated person with lots of true tawakkal on Allah, went ahead and put a 2.5 million dollars CASH offer on it and put a contingency that he will beat any higher bid by $100,000.00

This erupted into a chaos and disagreements between the masjid administration - lots of "all knowing mama ji's were very unhappy and extremely critical" of the decision. There was a flurry of back n forth heated arguments. One large group thought the offer was extremely high over the appraised value, and the buyer will accept it in a heartbeat.

Knowing how absolutely crazy the real estate market in our area is (one acre land runs around $500K minimum and there is absolutely no one acre lots available). I sent an email to all committee members, stating that WHOEVER is critical of this decision can take, not $750,000 but a full million dollars from me and buy this land. Stand up or shut up!

And before anyone could reply, the local builder beat our offer by $100,000.00 when he offered $2.7 Million.

This was signed offer that came with a $100,000 earnest money. Everyone's tongue was caught by a cat.

Our default contingency kicked in and beat the local builder's offer by $100K. lol, He threw in the white towel and the deal was closed at $2.8 million CASH!!

Now remember, we had ZERO funds to buy this land.

So, this last Friday, it was announced that we need $2.8 million CASH by June 9th. This was laughable to many. I also thought it was totally unrealistic.

A quick fund raising was done before the Jumma khutba, and we collected $250K in about 30 minutes. UNBELIEVABLE !!!
Because this was just an announcement to warm the people up, that we are going to have our official fund raising on May 14th evening.

And then came May 14th evening (that was last evening).

And Guys, believe it or not, in a matter of 3 hours, our community donated $3.5 FREAKING million dollars CASH! UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!!

One individual alone donated $550K. This is unheard of.

I am so proud of this community. We may have our small differences and we may have first generation desis with their thick accents running the masjid administration, and we may not have those great organizational skills, but these guys (most of whom are physicians) have done an absolute great job.

This is a screen shot before I left.
This morning I was told that $3.5 million has been raised, and more is still coming.

Ma sha Allah! What a jazba! May Allah SWT multiple many times the wealth of the committed donators, Ameen. Imagine the houses you guys will get in Jannat in sha Allah!

 

[Justcrazy]

I am really disappointed with the speakers in masjids these days . The khutbas they give usually have weak hadeeth or stories. They are stuck 14 th centuries ago and rarely discuss the issues which we face today .

In the month of Muharram they only have agenda to have speech anti shia , instead of speking about merits and virtues of Imam Hussain AS.

Last Jumah in the arabic khutba before the friday salah , after the names of Khulafa E Rasheed the speaker quietly took the name of Muawiyah !!!

So , now Muawiyah has become more important that ashra Mubashra, badri companions, Uhud companions, sabiqoon companions. The amount of nasbis that have infiltrated inside sunnis is mind-blowing.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I took my young son for his first eid at our local mosque in uk and he was just so bored and didnt understand anything at all by the pakistani middle age imam giving his sermon totally in urdu

Youd think in this day and age local masjids would be more interactive with young kids and speak to them in the local language theyd understand english

Thats a shame. Nowadays most major masjids have multiple eid namaz catering to different languages. Hopefully next time your masjid can organise something like this.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I am really disappointed with the speakers in masjids these days . The khutbas they give usually have weak hadeeth or stories. They are stuck 14 th centuries ago and rarely discuss the issues which we face today .

In the month of Muharram they only have agenda to have speech anti shia , instead of speking about merits and virtues of Imam Hussain AS.

Last Jumah in the arabic khutba before the friday salah , after the names of Khulafa E Rasheed the speaker quietly took the name of Muawiyah !!!

So , now Muawiyah has become more important that ashra Mubashra, badri companions, Uhud companions, sabiqoon companions. The amount of nasbis that have infiltrated inside sunnis is mind-blowing.

Shia bashing is unfortunately seen as a virtuous acts. I dont think many sunnis realise the importance of karbala and the status of Imam Hussain. They will instead extol the virtues of Muawiyah just to bash shias.

 

[Saj]

A former work colleague was telling me about an incident where 2 imams got involved in a fight in front of the worshippers.

It all came from a family issue and then one imam accusing the other of taking his job at the mosque.

Terrible scenes by all accounts.

 

[Bewal Express]

Petty politics is part and parcel of most Mosques. Sometimes the Mosque committee is used as a proxy by parties and families that have scores to settle. Most of The imams have little passion for teaching but I have noticed that it's much better in the Deoband than it is in our Brelvi Masjids. On the other hand, there are the quiet heroes who clean Mosque toilets for free and do it for the love Allah.

 

[Justcrazy]

Shia bashing is unfortunately seen as a virtuous acts. I dont think many sunnis realise the importance of karbala and the status of Imam Hussain. They will instead extol the virtues of Muawiyah just to bash shias.

That is my point Muharrum is not the month to do politics , why you diluting it. Either they will speak on anti shia issues , or speak about death of Umar RA . He even did not die in Muharrum. All these just to dilute the sacrifice of Imam Hussain ?

A angel who never came down on earth , came to inform the prophet about this martyrdom , does it happen with anyone else?

Sunnis generally do know about incident at Karbala , but try to avoid it , because it is like can of worms , and once you start talking about it , some big names will be discussed.

Like you see no sunni Moulvi speak about Amaar RA because once they do question will arise , who killed him and why.

I personally think that anyone who has soft corner for Muawiyah has no respect for words of prophet or love for his family , and even does not have any love for khilafat .

Over the years I have debated a lot of people about Muawiyah , after three four comments , they all run away. or start rejecting hadeeth.

 

[Robert]

There’s just one masjid in the whole county where I live. The building used to be a church.

There is no synagogue in the county.

It’s pretty monocultural here.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

A former work colleague was telling me about an incident where 2 imams got involved in a fight in front of the worshippers.

It all came from a family issue and then one imam accusing the other of taking his job at the mosque.

Terrible scenes by all accounts.

These sound remarkably vivid

 

[Saj]

These sound remarkably vivid

And terribly sad.

They should be setting an example.

 

[James]

There’s just one masjid in the whole county where I live. The building used to be a church.

There is no synagogue in the county.

It’s pretty monocultural here.

Cornwall is it?

 

[Robert]

Cornwall is it?

Let’s just say somewhere 99% white.

 

[Robert]

A former work colleague was telling me about an incident where 2 imams got involved in a fight in front of the worshippers.

It all came from a family issue and then one imam accusing the other of taking his job at the mosque.

Terrible scenes by all accounts.

[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] who pays the imam out of interest? Is it the local community? I take it there is no national employer like the General Synod.

 

[James]

Let’s just say somewhere 99% white.

I think the British forget that the majority of the UK is still incredibly White. >90% in a great many places.

One would think that 50%+ of the country is Black or Asian the way that some media outlets rattle on about race relations in the country.

 

[Robert]

I think the British forget that the majority of the UK is still incredibly White. >90% in a great many places.

One would think that 50%+ of the country is Black or Asian the way that some media outlets rattle on about race relations in the country.

Hmm, I lived in London, Bradford and Birmingham which were multicultures prior to coming to the sticks.

 

[sweep_shot]

A former work colleague was telling me about an incident where 2 imams got involved in a fight in front of the worshippers.

It all came from a family issue and then one imam accusing the other of taking his job at the mosque.

Terrible scenes by all accounts.

Wow! That's terrible. We have never had such an issue here. Not that I am aware of.

It seems like British mosques have these issues more than mosques in USA and Canada.

 

[James]

Hmm, I lived in London, Bradford and Birmingham which were multicultures prior to coming to the sticks.

Yes.

London, Bradford, Birmingham, Leeds, Kirklees, parts of Greater Manchester, Blackburn.

Most of the UK exists outside of these spaces however. And Wales, NI, even Scotland have a very high proportion of Whites.

Will be interesting to see the imminent Census results and how the demographics currently look in different parts of the country.

 

[Robert]

[MENTION=1842]James[/MENTION],

Surely every medium-to-large city has a Muslim community based around at least one mosque, though.

 

[MenInG]

The Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme will provide funding for places of worship and associated faith community centres that are vulnerable to hate crime.

Latest crime figures for 2020/2021 show that 45 per cent of religious hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales were against Muslims.

"It is a fundamental right to be able to practise your faith in your community," Security Minister Damian Hinds said.

"This new round of funding will cover the costs of security measures for places of worship to deter and prevent hate-crime attacks on vulnerable communities, making our streets safer.

"I encourage any place of worship which feels vulnerable to hate crime to apply for funding through the Places of Worship fund."

This year, Muslim faith communities will also be able to apply for financial aid to fund security guarding services to pay for staff who will have a visible presence at the entrance of their place of worship.

These guarding services will be available later in the year.

“This financial year mosques and associated faith community centres can also apply for some security guarding services, where they feel security guards will improve the safety of their site and those worshipping there,” the Home Office said.

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/news/worl...sedgntp&cvid=5dd6a935037043a6b1cffe33acf82688

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Im going to be travelling for work next Friday and the best place to read Juma in the small town of Falkirk which lies between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The town has a population of 30k total, so is quite small. I'd imagine given its size the muslim population isn't massive.

It has two mosques. The beauty of the situation is that both mosques are side by side!!!

I have no idea why this is the case. Some say they split because of sectarian differences and others because of a commitee fight.

I've seen this with Pakistani takeaways and grocers who end up fighting and opening up a new store next to the existing but its the first time I've seen it with a masjid!

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Truly amazing scenes were witnessed last evening at our mosque. Many of you would find it hard to believe. I am still in a disbelieve too.

This short version of the history is,

There was a piece of 5 acres land next to our masjid with an old house built on it.

Our masjid has been trying to buy this land for expansion for the last 30 years but lady living in it, did not want to sell it, ESPECIALLY to the masjid.

A few years ago, she died but, from what I heard, she had made a written will for her property NOT to be sold to masjid.

Her kids followed the course and did not sell it to masjid. And then, all of her kids died too, and finally, her grandkids put it on sale.

And here comes the fun part.

The bank appraised the property for $750,000.00

But the grand kids put the property on sale for $3.5 MILLION, knowing fully well how desperately the masjid wanted to buy as there is no other way or direction that masjid can expand.

And to make the matters worse, a local multi million dollar builder (who is very, very aggressive) showed interest to buy the land and put a housing project on it.

The current chairman of the masjid, who is a cardiologist by trade but a totally dedicated person with lots of true tawakkal on Allah, went ahead and put a 2.5 million dollars CASH offer on it and put a contingency that he will beat any higher bid by $100,000.00

This erupted into a chaos and disagreements between the masjid administration - lots of "all knowing mama ji's were very unhappy and extremely critical" of the decision. There was a flurry of back n forth heated arguments. One large group thought the offer was extremely high over the appraised value, and the buyer will accept it in a heartbeat.

Knowing how absolutely crazy the real estate market in our area is (one acre land runs around $500K minimum and there is absolutely no one acre lots available). I sent an email to all committee members, stating that WHOEVER is critical of this decision can take, not $750,000 but a full million dollars from me and buy this land. Stand up or shut up!

And before anyone could reply, the local builder beat our offer by $100,000.00 when he offered $2.7 Million.

This was signed offer that came with a $100,000 earnest money. Everyone's tongue was caught by a cat.

Our default contingency kicked in and beat the local builder's offer by $100K. lol, He threw in the white towel and the deal was closed at $2.8 million CASH!!

Now remember, we had ZERO funds to buy this land.

So, this last Friday, it was announced that we need $2.8 million CASH by June 9th. This was laughable to many. I also thought it was totally unrealistic.

A quick fund raising was done before the Jumma khutba, and we collected $250K in about 30 minutes. UNBELIEVABLE !!!
Because this was just an announcement to warm the people up, that we are going to have our official fund raising on May 14th evening.

And then came May 14th evening (that was last evening).

And Guys, believe it or not, in a matter of 3 hours, our community donated $3.5 FREAKING million dollars CASH! UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE!!

One individual alone donated $550K. This is unheard of.

I am so proud of this community. We may have our small differences and we may have first generation desis with their thick accents running the masjid administration, and we may not have those great organizational skills, but these guys (most of whom are physicians) have done an absolute great job.

This is a screen shot before I left.
This morning I was told that $3.5 million has been raised, and more is still coming.

Wonderful story.

 

[MenInG]

Police are stepping up patrols around mosques and Islamic centres in Greater Manchester after reports of a disturbance in the city centre, police have said.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance involving a large number of people at an Islamic Centre in Sidney Street at around 11.20pm on Sunday night.

A man suffered a cut to his face while the outside walls of the building and a vehicle parked outside were vandalised with graffiti referring to ongoing protests in Iran.

There had been disturbances during protests in the city centre earlier in the day, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and is being questioned in police custody.

Superintendent Ian Jones, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "We understand the concern these incidents will cause our communities so have increased patrols in locations of significance, both to reassure people and keep them safe."

Enquiries are ongoing as officers try to identify those responsible, he said, adding: "This behaviour will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester."

SKY

 

[sweep_shot]

Police are stepping up patrols around mosques and Islamic centres in Greater Manchester after reports of a disturbance in the city centre, police have said.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance involving a large number of people at an Islamic Centre in Sidney Street at around 11.20pm on Sunday night.

A man suffered a cut to his face while the outside walls of the building and a vehicle parked outside were vandalised with graffiti referring to ongoing protests in Iran.

There had been disturbances during protests in the city centre earlier in the day, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and is being questioned in police custody.

Superintendent Ian Jones, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "We understand the concern these incidents will cause our communities so have increased patrols in locations of significance, both to reassure people and keep them safe."

Enquiries are ongoing as officers try to identify those responsible, he said, adding: "This behaviour will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester."

SKY

Concerning.

Mosques should increase security. These are uncertain times.

 

[Kroll]

I'm delighted to announce we held our first Jummah prayer in our local community at the local community centre this Friday gone.

Thanks to all who have enabled this momentous occasion. The community has been growing and it means I no longer have to rush down to another locality to read with the congregation and then rush back during my lunch break.

As the centre is not far, I decided to walk it. I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout as it was larger than I had expected so this facilitation is much welcomed.

Alhamdulillah

 

[sweep_shot]

I'm delighted to announce we held our first Jummah prayer in our local community at the local community centre this Friday gone.

Thanks to all who have enabled this momentous occasion. The community has been growing and it means I no longer have to rush down to another locality to read with the congregation and then rush back during my lunch break.

As the centre is not far, I decided to walk it. I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout as it was larger than I had expected so this facilitation is much welcomed.

Alhamdulillah

Ma sha Allah. Well done.

Walking is actually more rewarding than taking a car. Every step you take toward mosque has a reward.

Not to mention, walking is better for health.