THE MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE IN CARDIFF (The Role of Mosques)

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1 THE MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE IN CARDIFF (The Role of Mosques) now boasts 12 mosques and Islamic educational/cultural centres to accommodate the growing number of Muslims, mostly Asians, (Pakistani and Bangladeshi) Somalis, as well as, Arabs. Though immigrant communities, many are now third and even fourth generation British Muslims. Prayer (Salat) is one of the Five Pillars (Arkans) of the Faith of Islam prescribing obligatory prayers upon Muslims five times a day at prescribed times. It is primarily in response to this that the need for mosques arose. (There is no prohibition from offering Salat in the home, though congregational prayers are preferred). Friday prayers (Jumma Prayers) are, however, congregational prayers whose sense and purpose is similar to Sunday Mass where the community is required to come together expressing solidarity in faith consolidating brotherhood and communal spirit. A list of mosques and Islamic educational/cultural centres obtained from the New Muslim Network Wales can be found in Appendix One. The mosque is a place of study as well as worship/prayer. Muslims come to mosques to learn more about their religion and about Allah. Most mosques in run a Madrassa (mosque school) similar to the Christian Sunday School. Lessons are usually conducted in a room separate to the main prayer hall where study classes and lectures are held on the Holy Quran and Islam. Local Islamic scholars who are also members of the Mosque usually teach. Children aged between 4 and 14 are sent to these schools to learn to read the Holy Quran in Arabic (the language in which it was revealed) even though they may come from non-arabic backgrounds. Lessons are often held after school or on weekends. These Madrassas are for the most part funded by community donations. A committee comprised of community leaders runs every mosque. They oversee the day-to-day management/affairs of the Mosque. As community leaders they occupy a prominent position in providing support, counselling and aid to members of their respective community. This is particularly so in poorer immigrant areas where unemployment

2 and drug addiction is of serious concern. During the month of Ramadan arrangements are made with local businesses to finance the daily Iftar (breaking of the fast) that is open to participation by all Muslims. The Committee that overseas the Shah Jalal Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre being predominantly Bengali relies upon Bangladeshi businesses in this regard. Some mosques have a community centre attached to them. This is the case with the Yemeni Mosque and Islamic Centre and is used by the local Muslim community to celebrate religious festivals saving the expense of hiring private/local community halls. It also serves as a meeting place for children to meet after school and play games. The mosque therefore, serves as a centre for the local Muslim community. Mosques in also provide communal services by facilitating visits from High Commission staff of respective Home Countries. This is particularly so in the case of the Shah Jalal Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre where Bangladesh High Commission officials visit to process visa applications for travel to Bangladesh. This saves the expense of going to Birmingham or London. A frequent criticism is the lack of integration between the different Muslim groups reflected in mosque attendances. This is primarily because of the cultural divide amongst these Muslim groups. Nevertheless, each mosque plays a pivotal role relative to their Muslim community. is no exception to it. RECOMMENDATIONS: Visits to different Mosques to meet with Committee Members to obtain further insight on how Mosques and Islamic Centres make contributions to the welfare of their communities.

3 APPENDIX ONE Al-Manar Islamic & Cultural Centre 2 Glynrhondda Street CF24 4AN Masjid Umar - Islami Darasgah 68 Connaught Road CF24 3PX Islamic School Trust Mosque 253 Penarth Road Grangetown CF1 7HS Mosque (Islamic Shikka Prophieshtan) 37 Plantagenet Street Riverside CF11 6AS Jamia Masjid-Bilal Severn Road (off Cowbridge East Road) CF11 9EA Noor-ul-Islam Mosque Maria Street Bute Town CF1 5HG Madina Mosque Woodville Road CF2 4NW Masjid Noor 17 Maria Street Butetown CF10 5HH Shah Jalal Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre 3 Crwys Road CF24 4NA South Wales Islamic Centre 9 Alice Street Butetown CF10 5LB Cont d Pg 2

4 UKIM - Jamie Darul Isra Wyeverne Road CF24 4BG Yemeni Mosque and Islamic Centre Alice Street Bute Town Page 2

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