One of the oldest mosques in Blackburn is set to get a new facelift, thanks to efforts by the community members who raised £24,000 in a fun day held to support the mosque reconstruction.
“This is a moment in time, a day to remember for Masjid-E-Rizwan, where everyone got together, from the local community, schools and businesses,” Asif Naik president of Masjid-E-Rizwan said, Asian Image reported.
“Everyone enjoyed the food, activities and the social gathering, and it was amazing to see so many children enjoying themselves.
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“The money raised was amazing, but the biggest achievement here is how the community came together to support and have fun.”
The trustees of the Kokni Muslim Association were given the planning permission to rebuild and extend the mosque in 2019.
The estimated cost of the renovations is said to be upwards of £800,000, funded by private donations. The new mosque will accommodate 450 worshippers.
Children Too
Along with members of the community, young school children from neighboring primary school St. Thomas also participated in the fundraising effort.
“Thank you to Mr. Naik and the team for involving our children in the community event raising money for the mosque project,” the school headteacher, Miss Arshad, said.
“The day was a huge success, bringing people from various communities together to celebrate the family fun day. Thank you from everyone at St Thomas.”
There are more than 40 mosques in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen. According to the 2017 census, the proportion of Muslims in Blackburn is 30.9%.
That Muslim population is heavily concentrated in certain parts of the town like Whalley Range, Audley and Bastwell.