Easton mosque wins national award for its space for women
A Bristol mosque won a national contest for the work it has done this year to provide a space for women. Easton[1] Jamia Masjid in St Mark’s Road, Easton, took home a trophy from British Mosque Beacon Awards for the best Sisters’ Service in the country this Saturday, November 25 in Manchester. An extensive renovation of the ‘sisters’ section’ of the mosque was completed earlier this year. On the opening day, Muslim women and girls from all over Bristol and from the wider community visited.
Abdul Malik, chair of Easton Jamia Masjid, said: “This is a huge honour for our community and congregation. Over the past decade, we’ve transformed our mosque, and this would not be possible without the support of our local sisters.” In a video shown at the award ceremony, Sadef Rashid who volunteers at the mosque, spoke about the beauty of the space: “It’s a side of Islam that people don’t always see.
For us women we are now able to spend more time contemplating and reflecting. The actual beauty around us is definitely reflected on to it. Holistically it’s just a beautiful place to be in.”
Mr Malik added: “This is a healing space, dedicated to the women and sisters. It’s meant to develop them into future leaders and have all the opportunities they require in order to be equal within society and our community.” This year, 300 mosques entered the competition and the Bristol mosque was one of 33 finalists in 11 categories.
The award ceremony was attended by two Labour[4] MPs – Naz Shah and Afzal Khan.
References
- ^ Easton (www.bristolpost.co.uk)
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- ^ Labour (www.bristolpost.co.uk)