Introduction

European Islamic Centre (EIC) is a unique project for the Muslim community in Britain with a focus on Manchester and surrounding areas. It is being undertaken by the UK Islamic Mission, a well established Islamic social welfare organisation based in Britain. Once completed, the centre will consist social, educational and economic projects, venue for interaction with other communities and a base for international humanitarian projects. The centre will work with a range of partners to achieve its aims. e.g.

• Government agencies, national, regional and local
• Voluntary and community sector
• Interfaith organisation
• Etc

The centre will meet important objectives for the Muslim community through a comprehensive set of services and support to the social and religious development of Muslims. It aims to directly serve a population of over 250,000 Muslims in the Northwest of England or 15% of the total Muslim population of Britain. The project is valued at £4,500,000

"Allah calls you to the Adobe of Peace, and guides whom so ever He wills to Straight Way. For those who do good, there is good reward and more besides, neither gloom nor humiliation shall cover their faces. They are the people of the garden, and in it they shall abide." (Surah Yunus 10: 25-7)

Vision of European Islamic Centre (EIC)

European Islamic Centre (EIC) envisions the development of an active British Muslim community working for the common good and creating peace and prosperity.

Specific Objectives

1. to provide for worship and other Islamic rites and rituals and promote spiritual values.
2. to promote Islamic learning and values particularly amongst young people.
3. to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue to develop mutual respect and understanding.
4. to establish an education centre to deliver Islamic sciences and mainstream subjects for Muslim children
5. to establish a research and lending library on Islamic sciences
6. to support regeneration initiatives in the fields of education, economy and society as a whole
7. to undertake fundraising activities for humanitarian causes overseas and

These objectives will serve to safeguard and preserve the Islamic way of life, prepare future generations to participate in British community life and creates a balanced and true image of our faith. The centre will also be a model for others on how to server the religious, spiritual, social and economical life of Muslims and their engagement within the wider society.

Services &Activities

The following are just some examples of the activities and services the centre expects to provide in the initial stage as part of its objectives.

Spiritual and Religious:
A Masjid facility for provision of five daily prayers, Ramadan Taraweeh prayers, Qiaym Al-Layl (night vigils), provision for breaking fast during Ramadan and celebration of Islamic festival. Seminars, meetings, conferences on Islam for Muslims and non-Muslims.

Social Services:
Marriage service and guidance, Islamic counselling services, funeral services, anti drugs campaign, help for asylum seekers and new Muslims, part time Islamic nurseries for children, day centre for senior citizens, Eid parties and much more.

Education & Training:
Further education classes, provision of Arabic and Islamic studies, supplementary classes for school children, establishment of a full time Madrasa dedicated to preparing ‘Ulema’ (scholars) and future leaders.

Economic & Community Development:
Advice on employment, provision for vocational training courses (e.g. English classes), business support and enterprise development

Young People Development Activities:
Religious and spiritual meetings, leadership training, outdoor pursuits, camping, sports activities, conferences and much more

Business Centre:
A dedicated business centre with offices & business incubation units, to nurture and develop entrepreneurship and talent of the Muslim community.  

Conference & Banqueting Facilities:
Seminars, conventions, wedding, etc  

Project size and value

The centre will covers an area of 57,000 square feet, has 43 meeting rooms, 2 large conference halls and over 230 parking spaces. The project will cost around £4,500,000 including refurbishments. Of which, £1,300,000 has already been raised by the generous donations of British Muslims, Alhamdolillah.  By the grace and mercy of Almighty Allah the remaining amount of £3,200,000 will be raised in 2009/20010, InshaAllah, through the contributions of Muslims around the world.

Summary

European Islamic Centre (EIC) is a unique project that will strengthen, safeguard and preserve the presence of Muslims in Britain. European Islamic Centre (EIC) will:

1. be a large building costing around £4,500,000
2. house an education centre, various social, humanitarian and educational projects for all
3. engage with non-Muslims to develop mutual respect, understating and co-operation for the common good
4. work in partnership with charities, Muslim organisations and other Public sector organisations
5. directly serve 15% of the Muslim population in the UK around 250,000 people
6. be undertaken by the United Kingdom Islamic Mission, a large independent Muslim organisation.