News by email Donate

Suggestions

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.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

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