The Situation in Cork

PREFACE

Muslim population living in Cork, Ireland has increased rapidly over the years, due to the number of both students and graduates/working people growing simultaneously. Thus, this overwhelming development has exceeded the mosque’s capacity. As this number is rapidly increasing over the years, several attempts had been made to build a mosque that is big enough to accommodate our Muslim community on Cork.

Initially, a house was used as a place for conducting mass prayers, but as this small building was not appropriate enough, the Cork mosque committee decided to move the mosque’s location to a warehouse in Togher. Unfortunately, this new location was not the safest place. Apart from a few break-ins and theft cases of the mosque, this area is a popular spot for teenagers to hang out, and often they mess around in the mosque compound. This made the Muslim communities who often went to the mosque felt insecure, especially since the disturbance among the women increased rapidly. Parking space had also become a serious issue, more than ever during the weekly Friday mass prayers, up to a point where the warehouse owners were very unpleased because cars were parked in front of their area. Besides that, lack of public amenities such as ample parking spaces, toilets, places for ablution (wudu’) and etc. has made a call for a new bigger and better mosque to be built.

Recently, the mosque was moved to a location quite near to the previous mosque. Even though the new building is far bigger, it is not really the official mosque. After considering a few aspects, the Cork mosque committee had finally made a decision to buy an old, unused church building. The downside of the plan is that a sum of 1.6 million euros has to be collected in order to buy the building. Therefore, as a representative of the Malaysian students here, we feel obliged to lend a hand to the Cork mosque committee and help them raise the amount of money needed. As a Muslim, we have to believe that even when death is upon us, that is not the reason to stop doing good deeds, instead there is always a chance to gain points from Allah s.w.t. “Who ever build a Mosque for Allah, Allah will build him a similar House in Paradise.”

MISSION

· To collect funding, especially from Muslims in Ireland & United Kingdom, to buy a building that will be converted into a mosque in Cork, Ireland. This funding will be lodged in, in the ‘CORK MOSQUE FUND’ bank account (Bank Of Ireland), which is under the supervision of the ‘Cork Malaysian Students Society’.

· To reach the target of 10 000 euros at the end of at least 10 months, starting January 2008.

VISION

· To collect funding to buy a buliding that will be converted into a mosque in Cork, Ireland.

· To encourage the sense of togetherness and resposibilty in every Muslim individuals in Cork/Ireland to get an official mosque for the comfort of the Muslim community to hold any religious activities.

· To give a reminder to every Muslim about the importance of a mosque, and to bring awareness to the community of how important it is to venerate the mosque.

· To provide a platform for Muslims in Cork to pay up their ‘zakat’.

TARGET GROUPS

· Malaysians (Muslims & Non-muslims) in Cork.

· Mulims & business premises in Cork.

· Malaysians & Muslims living outside Cork.

· Government agencies & societies outside Cork.

We really hope this small contribution will hugely helped the Cork Mosque Committee and all the Muslims Community in Cork.