[Uthman]

A growing Muslim community is looking for a site for a mosque and cultural centre to replace the small, makeshift building currently used.

At the moment worshippers in Wrexham use a portable building, which is part of the town's Newi college. But it is unsuitable for women and children.

The local Muslim association want a site where they could invite other people to learn more about Islam.

Other faith groups have said it would be an asset for everyone in the town.

The makeshift mosque in a corner of the North East Wales Institute (Newi) can only hold a small number of worshippers, and gets very full during festivals and Friday prayers.

Dr Farookh Jishi, secretary of the Wrexham Muslim Association, said: "We started here about 20 years ago with only half a dozen people coming together to pray - then gradually the numbers have grown."

For women, the situation is even worse. Their prayer room is only 2m x 1.5m and has no windows or ventilation.

One worshipper, Howida Elkhawad, said they wanted to repay the hospitality of others: "People, they invite us for Christmas and we can't invite anyone to come celebrate with us that's because we don't have a proper place."

Other faith organisations in the town are supporting the association.

Chris Pilsbury, who is from Together Creating Communities, a broad-based organisation made up different faiths and secular groups said: "Everybody is behind it.

"The Muslim community here has been tremendously supportive of lots and lots of initiatives in the Wrexham area over the years.

"Everybody recognises the need, and what a valuable asset it would be to Wrexham."

Source

 

[Eric H]

Greetings and peace be with you wise Mr Osman,

Is this the small mosque you go to?

In the spirit of praying for a bigger mosque.

Eric

 

[Ali.]

Greetings and peace be with you wise Mr Osman,

Is this the small mosque you go to?

In the spirit of praying for a bigger mosque.

Eric

I don't think it is, it says on his location Warrington, and this mosque is in North East Wales.

The makeshift mosque in a corner of the North East Wales Institute

Anyway, insha'Allah they'll get a bigger mosque that they'll be happy and satisfied with.

 

[Whatsthepoint]

Perhaps they could let women pray in the main hall for the time being?

 

[Uthman]

Greetings Whatsthepoint,

Perhaps they could let women pray in the main hall for the time being?

It is highly likely that there are less women attending the mosque for prayers than men, since women are not required to attend the mosque for prayers. Men, on the other hand, are required to attend.

When there are more men than women, I'm sure you agree that it would make sense that the men would pray in the larger area but I can certainly sense their frustration - I'm not surprised that they are looking to build a much larger mosque!

Regards

 

[Whatsthepoint]

Greetings Whatsthepoint,



It is highly likely that there are less women attending the mosque for prayers than men, since women are not required to attend the mosque for prayers. Men, on the other hand, are required to attend.

When there are more men than women, I'm sure you agree that it would make sense that the men would pray in the larger area but I can certainly sense their frustration - I'm not surprised that they are looking to build a much larger mosque!

Regards

Can't they all pray in the same room?
Anyway, why are women not required to attend mosque for prayers?

 

[Tania]

How looks a portable building :? I can't imagine it. :-[

 

[Uthman]

Greetings Whatsthepoint,

Thank you for your post.

Can't they all pray in the same room?

As far as I'm aware, women may pray behind the men in the same room. When there is such a small space, this could prove problematic as the entire space is likely to be filled up by men (who are required to attend).

Although the women do not have to attend, the men are not allowed to forbid them from attending the prayers at the mosque. This is because of these ahadith:

"Do not stop the maid servants of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah." (Muwatta of Imam Malik)


"When the wife of one of you asks about going to the mosque, do not stop her." (Bukhari)​

Anyway, why are women not required to attend mosque for prayers?

I'm not sure about this. I know of the following hadith:

"The best mosques for women are the inner parts of their houses". This is quoted from wikipedia so I don't know about authenticity. Also, I recognise that the hadith does not explain why. I don't know what the reason is, but I will try to get back to you on it, if you so wish.

Regards

 

[Whatsthepoint]

Greetings Whatsthepoint,

Thank you for your post.



As far as I'm aware, women may pray behind the men in the same room. When there is such a small space, this could prove problematic as the entire space is likely to be filled up by men (who are required to attend).

Although the women do not have to attend, the men are not allowed to forbid them from attending the prayers at the mosque. This is because of these ahadith:

"Do not stop the maid servants of Allah from going to the mosques of Allah." (Muwatta of Imam Malik)


"When the wife of one of you asks about going to the mosque, do not stop her." (Bukhari)​

I'm not sure about this. I know of the following hadith:

"The best mosques for women are the inner parts of their houses". This is quoted from wikipedia so I don't know about authenticity. Also, I recognise that the hadith does not explain why. I don't know what the reason is, but I will try to get back to you on it, if you so wish.

Regards

I'd appreciate it, thank you!

 

[Uthman]

Thank you for your post.

I'd appreciate it, thank you!

I have found this:

It is not obligatory for women to attend the jama`ah or congregational Prayers at the Mosque, because they have other obligations as regards their home and children.
​

Source

 

[Uthman]

By the way, if you visit the source of the article (in the first post), you can view a short video which will show you the mosque.