'Our new mosque with unique museum is a dream'

The family behind a new mosque which also houses a museum have said it is "a dream come true" to open after a major fundraising effort.

Al-Buraq Masjid and community hub has opened its doors in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Generations of the Zabier family have led the project, which has been seven years in the making.

Tabarik Zabier, 44, said he hoped it would "unite people in peace and harmony" and it was open to all of the community, regardless of religious backgrounds.

He added: "The last seven years have been gruelling, they have been very hard, there have been many different challenges, financially and with the building, but equally it has been an absolute pleasure.

"To see the gratitude on my father's face and to finally welcome this to the community is just fantastic".

The project to build the mosque off Devonport Road, began in 2018 but the build was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Zabier family, along with friends and community members, began a fundraising campaign called Team Buraq which included cycling challenges and walks to Mount Snowdon.

More than 22 Islamic artefacts, with some pieces dating back hundreds of years ago, are featured in the Islamic Museum inside the mosque.

"This is a first of its kind so we are very excited that we have this opportunity for people to see these artefacts," added Tabarik.

The mosque features a prayer hall and a women's zone and will be able to carry out funerals and marriage ceremonies.

There are also plans to run a foodbank within the hub.

Tabassam Zabier said the family wanted to build a new mosque as part of their father Muhammad Zabier's legacy.

The mosque replaces the Islamic Education Centre, on Addison Street, which he led.

Its founders hope to attract schools and be a focal point during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

Tabassam, 46, said he wanted to bring "true community" spirit to the town because "Islam is such a loving religion so for us to be giving this opportunity is overwhelming".

His 16-year-old cousin added: "I think it is always daunting when people come in to new experiences, to see new things and embrace new ideas."

She added: "Nonetheless there are attempts to make that a little easier by creating such an open and diverse centre."

Additional reporting by Molly Brewer

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