News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

first-mosque-outer-hebrides-main_article_image.jpg
Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
UK News

First mosque opens on Outer Hebrides despite disapproval from Christians

by Tola Mbakwe

A derelict building in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, a traditionally Christian island, has been converted into a mosque following a crowdfunding campaign which raised more than £94,000.

The local Muslim community, thought to number more than 50 people including a number of Syrian refugees, now has a dedicated place of worship for the first time.

In a statement issued last year after the mosque was granted planning permission, the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) of the Outer Hebrides described it as the "most unwelcome development" and urged people to pray against the mosque being built.

While the Christian group stressed that it has "nothing against individual Muslims", it said its main concern is with "the religion of Islam itself".

The Church said: "If a mosque ever opens, Islam will be able to promote itself in our midst through public worship, despite its beliefs and practices being alien to the religious convictions of the vast majority of our community."

Aihtsham Rashid, a mosque builder from Leeds, led the construction project.

Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Members of the Muslim community in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis put down a prayer mat as they attend the official opening of the first mosque in the Outer Hebrides.

He said: "We've got the job done in about four weeks, probably the fastest mosque that has ever been built. We wanted to have it ready in time for Ramadan. It's been very positive. A lot of people are happy in the community."

There is said to have been a Muslim community in the area since 1945.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate