Issuu

History The Aims

History

Through the Masjid-e-Salaam leadership we will endeavour to cultivate good character and a profound understanding of Islam to help build a more interactive and cohesive community. Masjid-e-Salaam Centre will become the focal point for a range of spiritual, social, cultural, educational and training activities. The community centre will also help to:

In 1997 a registered charity was founded with the purpose of providing prayer and educational facilities for Muslim families who resided in Astley Bridge area of Bolton. A small workshop was purchased in Ramsey street and converted to accommodate regular prayers and out of school education services. The ‘Masjid’ was established and given the name ‘Salaam’ by our late scholar Qari Ismail Samniwala, signifying the establishment as a place of peace.

• Give the best possible support for religious studies and teaching Arabic language (speaking, reading and writing;

• Provide training and education;

• Guide the next generations to find their right place within British society and help them find a way to successfully integrate into and contribute to it;

• Establish an interface forum to address Islamophobia by engaging in dialogue with people from other religions/cultures;

• Guide the community, focusing on the youth, towards positive and active integration in society;

• Provide women with vocational training, English language skills and childcare training;

Fast forward to 2021, the community has continued to grow with the charity now representing the interests of over 300 families, some of whom have lived in the Astley Bridge ward for well over 30 years. Over the years, a number of extensions and refurbishments were undertaken, including major structural updates in 2015 increasing prayer and educational capacity at the facility. Within a short space of time, it was clear that the existing facility had been outgrown and in January 2016, a vacant 0.7 acre site on Blackburn road was purchased.

• Nursery facility for children of all backgrounds to have the best start to their education

• Provide Counselling services to tackle marital issues, domestic violence and social issues;

• Provide Islamic funeral facilities for the local community

With the purchase came a new vision, and a broadening of services offered by the charity for members as well as the wider Astley Bridge family.

Over the years, a number of extensions and refurbishments were undertaken, including major structural updates in 2015 increasing prayer and educational capacity at the facility. Within a short space of time, it was clear that the existing facility had been outgrown and in January 2016, a vacant 0.7 acre site on Blackburn road was purchased.

• Act as a drop-in centre for community support;

• Provide a library accessible to all members of the local community including books, journals, magazines, newspapers, the use of computers to assist with literacy skills and learning support.

With the purchase came a new vision, and a broadening of services offered by the charity for members as well as the wider Astley Bridge family.

Community Outreach

Charity Purifies

“Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” – Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace

Our patrons hold various professions, such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers in the local schools and local businesses. As proud Boltonians, many whom are 2nd or 3rd generation British, our members miss no opportunity to make someone smile and give back to the wider society is missed such as;

A man once said to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “I have plenty of property, a large family, a great deal of money, and I am a gracious host to my guests. Tell me how to conduct my life and how to spend (my money).” The Prophet replied: “Give (regular charity) out of your property, for truly it is a purifier, and be kind to your relatives and acknowledge the rights of the poor, neighbors and (those in need who seek your help).”

• Supporting our NHS with donations made by our community

• Providing support to the vulnerable and those shielding through the Covid pandemic

• Providing refreshments, and making our washroom facilities available to our fire fighters during the moorland scrub fires of 2018

• Interfaith engagements & collaboration to focus on our shared common interests and challenges

Masjid-e-Salaam in Bolton is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a harmonious environment and promoting spiritual growth, human values, and faith. We aim to serve the Astley Bridge & Sharples community by offering spiritual, social, cultural, educational, and training activities. Our goal is to build confidence, strengthen cultural identities, and foster self-reliance among community members.

environment and promote the enhancement of human values, spiritual attainment and faith in the Almighty. Masjid-e-Salaam intends to provide the community in Astley Bridge & Sharples area of Bolton with a focal point for a range of spiritual, social, cultural, educational and training activities, which will enable the community to develop greater self confidence through a sense of belonging in order to affirm its cultural identities and renew its zest of self reliance. Masjid-e-Salaam is committed to espousing values of diversity, tolerance and moderation and promoting interfaith dialogue with other religious groups, by reaching out and acting as a resource centre for the local Muslim community and the wider community as a whole.

Committed to diversity, tolerance, and moderation, we actively engage in interfaith dialogue and serve as a resource centre for both the local Muslim community and the wider community. We are actively collaborating with local groups and organizations to make Masjid-e-Salaam a reality for the benefit of all.

We are actively working to seek and engage with local communities, groups and organisations in the area to create a united body focused on making Masjid-e-Salaam a reality that will benefit all.

Charity increases a Muslims wealth

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to the poor, to orphans and to needy travellers.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2 Hadith 544]

The Need Our Vision

Over the past two decades, we have seen a significant growth in Muslims moving into the Astley Bridge & Sharples area which has led to our existing facilities at Ramsay Street being inadequate. The current masjid premise is small and unable to adequately provide the required services to the substantial Muslim community present in this area.

This shows that for residents in the Astley Bridge & Sharples area there is a desperate need for establishing a Muslim community centre which can adequately provide the required services.

The services at our current premise are very basic in nature and we often struggle to provide the required services for the future generations. We have struggled during Friday prayers and Ramadan, often turning away Muslims due to reaching full capacity.

With houses being sought after in the Astley Bridge & Sharples area, we know that over the coming years, we will continue to struggle to provide for the local community.

Our Project

Our charity’s potential has outgrown our current masjid in Ramsey Street. After 40 years in the area, our members crave a new facility, one that fosters greater community engagement and activities. With the acquisition of Brierfield, we’re poised to plan for the future. Our modern design breaks from tradition, aiming to create an inclusive space for everyone. This is a rare chance to inspire our youth and embrace diversity. Join us in realizing our vision to embody the true spirit of Islam, catering to all, regardless of faith.

We aim to create a platform and space that caters to the social and welfare needs of our community, serving as a true community hub. Our facility will offer a wide range of services and care, catering to both the young and old, fostering inclusivity and unity.

Furthermore, we are committed to enhancing the understanding of Islam within our community and beyond. Through educational initiatives and open dialogue, we provide opportunities for individuals to learn about Islam in a safe and welcoming environment. Our goal is to promote mutual respect and understanding through interfaith dialogue and collaboration.

Additionally, we prioritise convenience for our growing community, ensuring that they have access to daily prayers and supplementary educational resources without needing to travel outside the area. By meeting the spiritual and educational needs of our community locally, we foster a sense of belonging and unity.

Madressa

Masjid-e-Salaam Established

Pemberton Street purchased

Extension of Masjid

Purchase of Brierfield Site 2017

Madrassah System Overhauled

New Masjid planning application unanimously approved 2021

Planning exceptions all cleared

Purchase of Blackburn Road property 2024

Building work commences 2027

Planned Completion Date

land fulfils the criteria of an integrated community centre to host the various aspects highlighted.

Our Building & Facilities

With the Muslim population of the UK continuing to increase, and the Government and media focus on British Muslims, the demand for Islamic education services will increase. These services are key to filling the knowledge gap that has arisen between Muslims and non Muslims in the UK. This is mainly due to the lack of trained teaching staff and poor accessibility to high quality education services.

It is with that in mind that the Community Centre will include the following:

Our modern and contemporary mosque embodies Islamic principles while offering a range of facilities to serve the local community. With its sleek design and inclusive atmosphere, our mosque provides a welcoming space for worship, education, and social gatherings. Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including prayer halls, classrooms, recreational areas, and community kitchens, our mosque caters to diverse needs. From youth programs to interfaith dialogue sessions, we strive to foster unity, compassion, and spiritual growth within our community, in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

• Activity Hall: Used for lectures, conferences, meetings, weddings and other local community activities

• Prayer hall

• Nursery / Crèche: With professional supervision

• A Library: enabling members to borrow books

Some of our facilities will include;

• Offices and classrooms: To run the educational sessions, counselling sessions, social disputes, mediation and reconciliation services in family disputes and community support

• A fully equipped kitchen and utilities

Masjid

The Community Centre will also arrange social and cultural activities to include:

• Madrassah

• Visiting the sick in hospitals

• Library

• Visiting local people in need and try to help where possible

• Nursery

• Provide counselling and advice to new arrivals to UK on how to become law abiding British Citizens who understand, respect and contribute to British Culture

• Funeral facilities

• Helping the aged and vulnerable in the area

• Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Family support to all who seek it

• Outreach programmes

• Women’s facilities – for the first time, our womenfolk will have access to a range of facilities including library, wellbeing hubs and outreach programmes

• *Community Hall – which can be rented out for weddings & events

*Nursery – targeted at muslim children (pre-school)

The Team

The Community Centre will be run and managed by Masjid-e-Salaam Community Centre.

A group of local volunteers have been working in the background to develop a skilled and representative team and effective structure for the various roles required:

• Board of Trustees

• Management Team

• Organisational Roles

Allah (swt) Is Aware Of What

Good You Do

Allah (swt) is aware of what good you do

“They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: ‘Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.’” [Al Qur’an 2:215]

Project Cost & Timeline

In the current economic climate, we anticipate the total construction cost, including internal furnishings, to be approximately £5.6 million. Thanks to the efforts of our local community, we've already raised £2.7 million, leaving a remaining shortfall of £2.9 million

Our current projected costs to complete the buid

Current Progress

Planning fully approved with all exceptions cleared - √

• Demolition & Prep work completed - √

• Retaining walls and boundary works in place - √

• Excavation and basement works complete - √

• Installation of steel frame- √

Future Phases

Our

with both digital and in-person

Phase 3

Watertight (Decking, Brick, Blockwork, Windows, Roof & External doors)

Phase 4

External Cladding, External Façade, MNE and Internal floors and walls

Phase

Interior finishing & Final Fix

Phase 6

External landscaping and works

Construction work began on site in mid-2024, and we've successfully completed Phases 1 and 2, with Phase 3 now in the planning stages. Our goal is to wrap up the project and move into our new building by Ramadan 2027. While this is a significant aspiration, we're confident we can achieve it with the support of both the Almighty and the local community.