Ramadan Reminder Day 9: #Alhamdulillah for my local Masjid (Mosque). This is the Purley Masjid which just opened two weeks ago – and Subhanallah it opened at the most needed time. It opened when my family and I were going through a difficult time, when I lost our baby. That first Jummah (Friday prayer) was spent in the new mosque by my husband, brothers and father. It was a blessing sent by Allah at the right time. In the following days my husband immersed himself in the masjid, going for the 5 Jammat prayers and getting involved in the fundraising for the Masjid. It was as if his initial shock and pain was slowly being soothed by a balm (the Masjid). I am grateful for our local Masjid as it has finally provided us an easy access to going to 5 times prayer in Jammat, Jummah Prayers and beautiful Taraweeh prayers for both men and women. But not only is it providing us the fard (obligatory) and sunnah (voluntary) prayers but also the chance of being part of a community. The chance to meet other brothers and sisters, the chance to collectively learn our deen together through lectures and classes, the chance to open Iftar together, the chance to sit in congregation and the chance to build a community together.

The prophet (SallaAallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “There are no group of people that sit together in a house of the houses of Allah reading Allah’s book and studying it between them except that tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will encompass them, the angels will surround and protect them, and Allah will mention them to those that are with Him (to the highest angels)”. (Reported in Muslim)

Alhamdulillah for the feeling of warmth, security and tranquilty as we step into the Masjid. The worries and burdens of the mundanity of life seems insignificant when we say that first Takbeer (saying Allah is great) as we pray Tahiyatul-masjid (the prayer when we enter the mosque). Alhamdulillah.

The Masjid in our Islamic history has alway been at the heart of our community. It symbolises what we believe in and provides services that helps us in the practical aspects of our lives and nurtures us spiritually. In the bygone days, shops and business were attached to the Masjid and it was a hub of commercial activity. I pray Allah swt continues to allow us to build more Masjids and utilise them for good and sincerity, and not for a source of disagreements and disunity. May Allah (swt) allow us to appreciate our Masjids and unify us as an Ummah at these beautiful places of worship.

Tonight as I write this, our Purley Masjid is being honoured by renowned Sheikh and Qari – Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Shatri who is leading the Taraweeh prayers. Our masjid has provided the community the opportunity to pray behind such esteemed indiviuals. But – like all things in life, our Masjid needs to be kept open by paying for it. Alhamdulillah we have secured the purchase of Masjid however still a large amount needs to be paid in the next 4 months – so that we can keep this beautiful place of worship. To Find out how you can help please read more here.

Our Beloved Prophet (s.a.w) made great stress on visiting the mosque frequently. Abu Hurairah, a Companion of the Prophet, relates that the Prophet said: “For him who proceeds to the mosque morning or evening, Allah prepares entertainment in paradise every time he proceeds, morning or evening.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

#Alhamdulillah #OurMasjid #MasjidWarmth #Unity #HeartOfTheCommunity #MuslimMasjids #BuildMasjidBuildHouseInJannah