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Truly that who maintain and
visit the Mosques of God, (is) that who believe in god and the Day of Judgment
The New England Mosque at UNE
Renovation Project
Introduction: The Muslims’ history in New England starts as early as the second half
of the 19th century when a number of Afghani Cameleers settled in the
region. Some of the descendants of these families still live in the area. In May 1978 the first Muslim Students’ Association was
formed, and since that year Friday congregation prayers have been always held at
UNE, in whatever room or space available. In 1983 presentations were made to UNE
administration to make available a specific place for Muslims, to be used for
prayers. However it was in the late eighties that a cottage in the University
campus was altered and allocated for that purpose. Then in 1990 the Mosque was
transferred to its current location near the entrance of the University adjacent
to the Deer’s Park. Activities in the mosque are not only limited to prayers,
but also many social and educational functions take place in the mosque. For
example, Forums of Understanding held between the Muslim community and other
non-Muslim groups and individuals, such as Churches community, students studying
Islam at UNE, and other interested parties. Also Arabic language and religious
classes for children are held regularly in the mosque, as well as group
discussions about varied topics. Being
situated in Armidale, half way between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England
Highway, the Mosque is also visited frequently by traveling Muslims and Da’awa
groups. New England Mosque is the only Islamic institution in the
region from Newcastle in the south to Brisbane in the north. The mosque also
enriches the cosmopolitan and multicultural life in Armidale through its
community participation in various local festivities and activities. In general,
the mosque has been exemplary for beneficial interaction between the University
and its alumni, and the wider community. Why
Renovate The New England Mosque: The current Mosque building was transformed from a
residence by removing internal walls except for one room and the bathroom.
Currently it has only one toilet and 3 taps for ablution, in what used to be a
laundry, shared by males and females. The Mosque Renovation is aiming: - To provide adequate space
for congregation prayers, and other functions usually attended by a large number
of guests. -
To construct adequate
facilities for ablution (wudu). -
To improve and expand the
Mosque Library. -
To construct adequate
facilities for “Halal meat” packaging and distribution in accordance with
shariah and the Australian health standards and other regulations. The
Renovation of New England Mosque comprises the following:
First Stage: New Ablutions Facilities
Second Stage: Internal Alterations
Third Stage: Future Extension
click on picture to see Renovation Plan
Funding for the
Renovation Project: The University of New England has been very generous over the years in providing and maintaining the Mosque, as part of its commitment to diversity and multiculturalism. Funding for the Renovation Project will be mainly by donations from the Muslim community. Professor Ingrid Moses the Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England has been most generous and supportive of the Project and the Muslim community. In addition to offering to cover the cost of the whole Second Stage of the Renovation out of the Vice Chancellor’s Discretionary Fund at UNE, she has kindly also accepted that donations for the project be kept in that Fund, till sufficient money is collected to commence the First Stage as explained above. Thus giving the Project the following advantages: - Virtual elimination of the administrative costs of fund raising, which usually could reach 15 to 20 percent of the sum raised. - Grantees Tax Deductibility status (people making donations can reduce their tax liability in Australia), which is very difficult to obtain for the Project otherwise. - It gives the whole Project credibility and accountability yet without any cost to the project. -
The
whole Muslim community in New England, Australia and worldwide are invited to
make donations for this great Project for Islam and the Muslims in this part of
the world. It is an opportunity to participate in constructing and expanding a
House of Allah. "Truly that
who maintain and visit the Mosques of God, (is) that who believe in god and the
Day of Judgment" (Altawbah 18) Mostafa E. Ghandar Founding & Life Honorary Member of The International Muslim Students’ Association At UNE, Armidale, Australia
For more information please email to: mghandar@bigpond.com
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Last updated: 15 December 2002 |
