Building for the future

CONSTRUCTION: The mosque is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015

Leeds Masjid appeals for donations

The foundations are in place and the construction has begun on Leeds’ newest mosque as the Masjid-e-Quba is being developed in Harehills.

Last month, the foundation stone was laid by special guest, Hanif Jalandhari, the general secretary of Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia, in front of a large crowd who gathered to witness the start of the latest development stage.

Quranic scripture was read out on site before a prayer took place, with the renowned scholar at the centre of the service.

Located on the corner of Hares Avenue and Shepherds Lane, when complete, the new building will add to current developments which already exist in two separate standing buildings.

OnTime Constructions has provided work for the frame of the building and helped save the mosque and local community more than £100,000 in costs.

Iklaak Mir, speaking on behalf of the Masjid-e-Quba, said: “We are proud of appointing the construction work to Ontime Constructions and Aihtsham Rashid.

“Aihtsham has done an outstanding job for Masjid-e-Quba and continues to put his time and effort into saving the Masjid thousands of pounds which can be used on the development of the building.

“Masjid-e-Quba cannot thank him enough for the input he has made.”

Mr Rashid is the youngest Muslim developer to independently build a Mosque from start to finish. At the laying of the foundation stone, the constructor was in attendance with his parents and said it was a proud moment to witness the iconic event.

Mr Rashid added: “I am incredibly honoured to have been presented the opportunity to build the mosque and I’m very grateful to Mr Iklaak Mir and the committee for backing me 100 per cent.

“I have dedicated my time, efforts and finances to this worthy cause and I pray that through my good intentions my late grandparents, and all my family reap the spiritual benefits of my virtuous actions.”

It is hoped that the mosque will welcome in its first guests in the spring of 2015 yet further funding is still required for the Masjid to be completed on time.

Mr Mir added: “The Masjid-e-Quba is quickly approaching its last and final stage – ‘Phase 3’ – expected to begin at the end of March 2015.

“For the project to be completed an additional £300,000 will be required and so we are appealing for people to please donate generously and help us construct this important site in Leeds.”

To date, the Masjid-e-Quba trustees say a total of £260,000 has been raised for the project. If you would like to make a donation please see information below.

MEMORY: Mr Rashid said he prays that his good intentions, will allow his late grandparents, including grandfather Mohammed Ashraf Durrani (pictured), reap the spiritual benefits of the virtuous actions