Mosque, a Muslim place of worship, is called, ‘Masjid’ in Islamic terminology.
The word ‘Masjid’ means a place where believers prostrate as part of worship before the One Almighty God.
Prostration, one of the postures in formal Islamic Prayer, is an expression of extreme humility before the Creator.
It also teaches the believers to conduct themselves with humility in relation to God’s creation, particularly, human beings.
This humility ensures peace in the society.
Therefore, a Mosque stands as an abode of peace.
It is with this spirit that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at New Zealand laid the foundation of their first purpose-built Mosque on July 6, 2012 after Friday Prayers.
Called, ‘Bait Ul Muqueet’ (the House of God), the new Mosque will be located in the same complex as the existing place of worship at 20 Dalgety Drive, Wiri, Manukau in South Auckland.
The day began with special prayers and ‘Sadaqah’ (charity) as per Islamic traditions. The foundation ceremony was held in a modest manner in the presence of more than 150 Jama’at members, including men, women and children.
Brick by brick
As the President of the Jama’at, I had the honour of placing the first brick, with the blessings of the Supreme Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V.
Members of the National Executive, National Presidents of women’s organisations, Presidents of local chapters of Jama’at and a young girl and a young boy followed.
All Jama’at members present on the occasion kept reciting the prayer in Arabic recorded in the Holy Quran by Hadhrat Abraham and Hadhrat Ishmael (Peace be on them) at the time of raising the foundations of the first-ever House of God, the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.
Need pronounced
The existing Mosque was insufficient to meet the needs of the community, warranting construction of an expanded place of worship with a number of other services and facilities.
Occupying a total area of 586 Square Meters, of which 246 Sq Meters and 249 Square Meters will comprise prayer hall respectively for men and women, it would cater to at least 600 people at a time. The facilities at the new Mosque would include a kitchen, meeting area and children’s section.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor approved the Project, which is being funded by the Ahmadiyya Community of New Zealand.
‘Bait Ul Muqueet’ is a milestone for our Jama’at.
It reflects on the blessings of God on the progress made by our community since its inception in New Zealand 25 years ago. The new Mosque is becoming a reality only because of the prayers and direction of our Supreme Leader Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih. The members of the community have shown dedication and commitment in supporting this first historic Mosque.
Symbol of Peace
‘Bait Ul Muqueet’ will be a symbol of peace, prosperity and integration for all people from various walks of life in New Zealand.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam.
Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions, he said.
Further information can be obtained from Eqbal Khan (Secretary, External Affairs) on 021-1336146 or from Dr Nadeem Ahmad on 021-2422394.
Emails: eqbalakhan@gmail.com; ophthdoc@gmail.com
The Project is a part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Inc, which owns and manages the property.
Mohammed Iqbal is the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at New Zealand. Indian Newslink has carried several reports of the activities of this organisation, including our January 15, 2011 and July 15, 2012 editions.
