Edinburgh Central Mosque

Edinburgh Central Mosque (officially known as the King Fahd Mosque and Islamic Centre of Edinburgh) is located on Potterrow near the University of Edinburgh central area and the National Museum of Scotland. The mosque and Islamic centre was designed by Basil Al-Bayati, and took more than six years to complete at a cost of £3.5m.The main hall can hold over one thousand worshippers, with women praying on a balcony overlooking the hall. The mosque holds chandeliers and a vast carpet, with very little furniture.

The architecture combines traditional Islamic features with some Scots baronial style.

History

Prior to its construction, there was no mosque large enough to fulfill the needs of the Muslims in the city centre of Edinburgh. As the Muslim population increased a large mosque became viable. Eventually, the project was able to purchase land from the City Council with the proviso that an existing listed building be preserved and used. The project ran into funding difficulties; but these were solved when King Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donated 90% of the project's total cost. On 31 July 1998 (8 Rabi' al-thani 1419) the mosque was opened by his son Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Fahd, who was also the project patron.

The Mosque

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Main prayer hall

The main hall is where the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) and the five daily prayers (Salah) are held. There are two chandeliers, a vast carpet, and chairs for the elderly and disabled. Many short lectures and small discussion groups are held here, although such groups must give notice. The mosque also offers funeral services and the prayer Salat al-Janazah. There are two side entrances to the hall and a small glass room which also has a separate entrance/exit with a ramp for the disabled.

Ablution

There are separate ablution (wudu) rooms for both male and female. The males' contains 21 ablution washers, nine flush toilets, four Squat toilets and six sinks. A toilet for the elderly is also available near the door. The room is constantly cleaned and is very modern. As of 2010, the mosque has received additional funding and the decision has been made to upgrade the ablution facilities to accommodate more people; there will also be a separate room for the Islamic funeral process of bathing the dead body and enshrouding.

Multi-purpose hall

A second hall is located downstairs; it is much smaller than the main prayer hall. The room is sometimes opened for Friday prayers and Salat al Eid. The room is mainly used for storage but opens every year for the Islam Festival Edinburgh.

The library

There is a medium sized library that holds a large variety of Islamic books for selling and lending. The library is opened from the morning to evening. It also holds many services such as classes in Arabic and the Qur'an as well as group discussions such as the "Brother circle", since there are two medium sized tables and chairs.

Mosque Kitchen

The Mosque Kitchen (formerly called the Lunch Box) was opened to the public in 2004. It offers takeaway, outdoor tables and catering. The capacity is roughly 80–100. The menu consists of halal southern/middle eastern Asian food, including various meat and vegetable curries, with rice or naan on the side. Barbecued chicken, shish kebabs and corn on the cob are also available on some days as well as barbecues on Saturdays. The sitting area is specially opened at Iftar time during ramadan for the Muslims opening their fast. In August 2007, the Scotsman newspaper placed the Edinburgh Central Mosque's adjoining restaurant top of their list of Best Festival Food. Also the Mosque Kitchen has moved to indoor seating round the corner to 33 Nicholson Square amidst a dispute with the mosque.

Islam Festival Edinburgh

The Islam Festival Edinburgh (IFE, and also known as the Discover Islam Exhibition) is part of the Edinburgh Festival. It is held in this mosque during the entire month of August every year. The mosque is opened to the public, who are free to come and go as they please. The exhibition has been a massive success and has been given good reviews.
The exhibition is held in the multi-purpose hall where Muslims and non-Muslims are welcome. There are posters that teach about specific Islamic topics, such as Islamic art, Qur'an translation, and so on. Entrance is free and there are no restrictions on entry, though visitors are reminded that they are in a place of worship.
Usually special events are held on Saturdays. For example, every year there is usually a weekend class on Arabic calligraphy and a presentation of Arabic art. There are also lectures from various figures, for example Abdul Raheem Green and Dr Jamal Badawi. Many speakers come back each year, for example Farkhanda Chaudhry MBE who in 2007 gave a talk on "Women and Islam" and in 2009 "Women, Islam and Liberation". There is also Idris Tawfiq with "Who's afraid of Sharia law?" and "The Muslim Jesus" throughout the last couple of exhibitions. Several well known people have visited the exhibition, including the First Minister's advisors, and MPs like Sir Menzies Campbell.