Mosques are the beating heart of Muslim communities and stand as a physical example of the Islamic faith.
They serve for prayers, for events during Islam’s holiest month Ramadan, as centers for education and information, and also as places for social welfare.
A new mosque and Islamic community center has been set up in a Norfolk village with the organizers vowing to become an integral part of the local community, Norwich Evening News reported.
The plan of the first mosque and Islamic center came to light after the Muslim community bought a building at auction for £263,000.
“Many professionals living in the area don’t have a place of worship and this center will fill the void needed to establish daily prayers and provide a peaceful and learning environment for generations to come,” the organizers said.
“There are a considerable number of Muslim families living in and around Hethersett, including Wymondham, Cringleford, and Eaton. Hethersett will provide a very convenient place away from the busy traffic of Norwich,” they added.
Integral Part
Organizers hope to become an integral part of the local community.
“We will constantly keep in touch with the community leaders and religious principals in the area. And we will be conducting many social welfare activities like open days for the neighbors, food and clothing banks,” they said.
“The mosque will be a place where different communities and minorities can come together to share ideas and thoughts, ask questions, make recommendations and unite society towards issues of mutual benefit. This will attract more professionals to move to this area as most facilities will be within the village.”
According to the 2011 Census, Norwich had the highest proportion of respondents in England and Wales reporting “no religion”.
Masoud Gadir, chairman of Norfolk and Norwich Muslim Association, said there were 5,000 Muslims in Norwich.
It’s to be noted that Norwich has two other mosques namely Ihsan Mosque & Islamic Center, Norwich Central Mosque & Islamic Center. There is also the Norwich & Nofolk Muslim Association (NNMA) community Centre in the heart of Norwich.