Do Mosques get a grant of some sort by the Government?

[Conservative]

Or do they solely rely on voluntary donations to keep them running? In all probability, it'll be like getting blood out of a stone if one was to ask the 'uncle jees' of an answer (they'll most likely resort to throwing slippers at who asked that question).

So, anyone know?

[nasman]

i thought they ran off voluntary charitable donations - i don't think the government gives grants to churches let alone mosques.

[JerseyLily]

they can apply for p.v.e. funding

[Conservative]

they can apply for p.v.e. funding

Can you elaborate ?

JZK

[JerseyLily]

Preventing violent extremism funding

http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=7890410

[Conservative]

But that's relating to extremism. What about general funding ?

[JerseyLily]

Nope don't think the government has any interest in funding more mosques.

[Conservative]

Nope don't think the government has any interest in funding more mosques.

So there have been grants given to Mosques previously ? before 2005 ?

[JerseyLily]

No clue but why? Do you want to build a mosque?

[AgtBauer]

It's by donations primarily. I remember hearing some mosques do provide additional services to wider community such as training i.e. computer classes for women etc which may make them eligible for some kind of grant from the local authority.

[Conservative]

No clue but why? Do you want to build a mosque?

It's just a general question. If all the Mosques in the country have been funded purely from contributions from the (local) communities, then that is one mean feat.

[JerseyLily]

It's just a general question. If all the Mosques in the country have been funded purely from contributions from the (local) communities, then that is one mean feat.

Think the government of k.s.a. have helped a lot

[Conservative]

It's by donations primarily. I remember hearing some mosques do provide additional services to wider community such as training i.e. computer classes for women etc which may make them eligible for some kind of grant from the local authority.

Ah, thanks AB. A bit of a loophole, eh ? ;)

[Conservative]

Think the government of k.s.a. have helped a lot

Not surprising really. They're the ones with all the cash.

[AgtBauer]

Ah, thanks AB. A bit of a loophole, eh ? ;)

Not really. It's not guaranteed they would qualify. Not even sure if every local authority have such a scheme in place to help organisations with costs for these kinds of things. You can only ask I suppose.

[Conservative]

Not really. It's not guaranteed they would qualify. Not even sure if every local authority have such a scheme in place to help organisations with costs for these kinds of things. You can only ask I suppose.

See my first post (the bit in brackets)...

[AgtBauer]

See my first post (the bit in brackets)...

Not you, I am talking about mosques themselves finding out what's available locally.

[Ali Abdullah]

It's a bit indirect - but if a mosque registers as a charity, it can get various tax exemptions. Anyone know the details?

[thehook]

Assalaamu alaikum

I don't know about now but a few years back I did get funding for mosques from different funding initiatives which use to run.

The funding was for me to set up computer courses for women and men, and I got funding to build a computer suit upstairs at the Islamic centre but that was a while back.

I also got funding for setting up drug abuse help and counsellig for youths, and also to hire a Muslim marriage counsel for two years, and it went on for four years because I raised money from other avenues like sponsourship from shops.

All ran from a mosque but that was a bit ago. I don't think there is funding for mosques. Usualy, now, funds come from people donating to mosques.

[TRUREL]

Donations to Mosques from UK taxpayers are exempt from Tax and so that is a subsidy.

Some mosques additionally get small grants from local councils.

Most funds are from other countries (eg Saudi).


Older/larger mosques are often exceptions to the above though...

Two examples....



Regent’s Park Mosque, or “Islamic Cultural Centre and London Central Mosque”, was built on the site of Hanover Lodge granted by King George VI in exchange for land in Cairo where an Anglican cathedral could be built.

http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/bmh/BMH-IRO-london_mosques.htm


Woking Mosque is probably not only Britain’s oldest existing, but also its most attractive mosque. It was designed by Dr Leitner, an Orientalist of Hungarian origin, who is said to have taken his inspiration for it from the Taj Mahal at Agra in India. It was named the Shah Jehan mosque after its main benefactor, Her Highness, the Begum Shah Jehan, ruler of Bhopal State.

Although completed in the 1890s, it was left unused until Khwaja Kamaluddin discovered it in 1913. Dr Leitner’s son had been on the verge of selling it off, but Khwaja Kamaluddin took the case to court and managed to argue that it was a religious building and therefore not part of Dr Leitner’s estate.

http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/bmh/BMH-IRO-london_mosques.htm

[Conservative]

Thank you, TRUREL.

[Mikebloke]

Generally, Local government is extremely restrictive of even building mosques, and certainly doesn't help money wise. There are several towns where Muslims have the money, have the plans, simply don't have the ok from the local council. In comparison, Temples for Hindus and Sikhs, although less numerous, seem to get no hostility.

[Conservative]

Generally, Local government is extremely restrictive of even building mosques, and certainly doesn't help money wise. There are several towns where Muslims have the money, have the plans, simply don't have the ok from the local council. In comparison, Temples for Hindus and Sikhs, although less numerous, seem to get no hostility.

That is a very good observation (if true). Do you know why that would be ?

[Mikebloke]

That is a very good observation (if true). Do you know why that would be ?

The quickest answer I can give is that these temples are usually outside of the town on the outskirts. Mosques, as a location for congregation, are best based inside a town, where number of problems (including parking) becomes a problem.

It takes up land that council members could get a quick bob handing it to a property developer.

[Conservative]

Cheers, Mike. It's put me (and others hopefully) in the picture :thumbup:

[Goalshan602]

Not surprising really. They're the ones with all the cash.

The 1st Gulf War in 1991/2 KSA with huge debts to pay to the UN for it's defence against Saddam Husain, substantially dropped their amount of funding for the capital construction of masjids all over the world.

I wonder if KSA funding for bricks and mortar for masjid construction was replaced with the propagation of Islamic knowledge through book distribution?

[Conservative]

The 1st Gulf War in 1991/2 KSA with huge debts to pay to the UN for it's defence against Saddam Husain, substantially dropped their amount of funding for the capital construction of masjids all over the world.

I wonder if KSA funding for bricks and mortar for masjid construction was replaced with the propagation of Islamic knowledge through book distribution?

You find that wrong? (apologies if I've somehow mis-construed your post).

[Goalshan602]

The 90s were a decade in which (free) literature from KSA disproportionately "flooded" the market.

[Goalshan602]

It's just a general question. If all the Mosques in the country have been funded purely from contributions from the (local) communities, then that is one mean feat.

Absolutely - it's a mean feat.

Can you now understand how difficult it is for a masjid committee who built the masjid to want to hand over it's control to other people (who may even be better suited to running it). This is where MPAC has its work cut-out in having to deal with this strong possessive streak inherent in almost all masjid committees.

[Ali Khan123]

as long as the mosques are running eficently then what is the problem??????? who ever is in charge????

[ish264u]

Absolutely - it's a mean feat.

Can you now understand how difficult it is for a masjid committee who built the masjid to want to hand over it's control to other people (who may even be better suited to running it). This is where MPAC has its work cut-out in having to deal with this strong possessive streak inherent in almost all masjid committees.


Hmm?

We are in the process of building our new mosque, it's costing 1.2million. Each member has to pay a £1000 and the rest is being raised from the local Muslim Community.

The work started after last ramadhan and in the first 3 days alone of last ramadhan £300,000 was pledged. Half way through and I think we have about £350,000.00 still to go.

..............The mosque committee still could be much much better, take away the village mentality in some for starters.

[Ali Khan123]

Hmm?

We are in the process of building our new mosque, it's costing 1.2million. Each member has to pay a £1000 and the rest is being raised from the local Muslim Community.

The work started after last ramadhan and in the first 3 days alone of last ramadhan £300,000 was pledged. Half way through and I think we have about £350,000.00 still to go.

..............The mosque committee still could be much much better, take away the village mentality in some for starters.

what do u mean village mentality?????

[Goalshan602]

Village Mentality:
- Preservation of the Braderi (Clan) at all costs.
- Masjid jobs for Braderi members incl the importation of imams (from the Braderi).
- "We know what's best" mentality.
- In the rare event of committee elections - Vote for Candidate from the Braderi rather than the other candidates who of course can be better.
- No place for women in the masjid.
- No place for english language in the masjid
:(

[ish264u]

Village Mentality:
- Preservation of the Braderi (Clan) at all costs.
- Masjid jobs for Braderi members incl the importation of imams (from the Braderi).
- "We know what's best" mentality.
- In the rare event of committee elections - Vote for Candidate from the Braderi rather than the other candidates who of course can be better.
- No place for women in the masjid.
- No place for english language in the masjid
:(


how did you know?? :D

Well our's aint that bad but yeah....

[Goalshan602]

The masjids I have been frequenting tend to show a number of these traits, but not quite all! So there's hope iA :) .

[Conservative]

You find that wrong? (apologies if I've somehow mis-construed your post).


The 90s were a decade in which (free) literature from KSA disproportionately "flooded" the market.

Can you clarify what you mean when you say 'disproportionately' ? disproportionately in what way ?

[mj456]

Village Mentality:
- Preservation of the Braderi (Clan) at all costs.
- Masjid jobs for Braderi members incl the importation of imams (from the Braderi).
- "We know what's best" mentality.
- In the rare event of committee elections - Vote for Candidate from the Braderi rather than the other candidates who of course can be better.
- No place for women in the masjid.
- No place for english language in the masjid
:(

This might be true for mosques started by people from the sub-continent.

My local tho, is great. And none of your points above apply to mine, please don't make sweeping generalisations.

[Goalshan602]

Just to clarify MJ456:
I was describing traits of Village Mentality. This is commonly attributed to people from villages of the Indian Sub-Continent. If you didn't make that correlation, then it's no big deal. I was sweepingly generalising on the villagers from the Indian Sub Continent who happen to be running masjids.

[Goalshan602]

Can you clarify what you mean when you say 'disproportionately' ? disproportionately in what way ?

Bookshops, free literature stands were flooded with Saudi published literature. These publications tended to give the Salafi point of view at the expense of the Orthodox Sunni point of view.

I only say it is wrong if both points of view were not equally shown to the unbiased reader.

[mj456]

Just to clarify MJ456:
I was describing traits of Village Mentality. This is commonly attributed to people from villages of the Indian Sub-Continent. If you didn't make that correlation, then it's no big deal. I was sweepingly generalising on the villagers from the Indian Sub Continent who happen to be running masjids.

Yes I understood the point but for all who maybe didn't, I was making a point of clarification. Thanks.

[Conservative]

Can you clarify what you mean when you say 'disproportionately' ? disproportionately in what way ?


Bookshops, free literature stands were flooded with Saudi published literature. These publications tended to give the Salafi point of view at the expense of the Orthodox Sunni point of view.

I only say it is wrong if both points of view were not equally shown to the unbiased reader.

Goalshan, unfortunately it seems the media (as well as certain deviant sects) have already decided for you (and others) what orthodox Islam is.

The Salafi POV is the Sunni orthodox (POV).

[Goalshan602]

Goalshan, unfortunately it seems the media (as well as certain deviant sects) have already decided for you (and others) what orthodox Islam is.

The Salafi POV is the Sunni orthodox (POV).

I understand what you mean when you say "The Salafi POV is the Sunni orthodox (POV)"

As for what you define as deviant sects, my understanding of the Orthodox Sunni Islam is basically following one of the 4 Madhabs (School of Thought) and acceptance of Sufism. For centuries this is what Islam was about. If you are referring to such sects that practice what I understood to be Orthodox Sunni Islam as "deviant" - I accept that as your point of view. Whether or not it's fact remains open to question :D .

[Conservative]

I understand what you mean when you say "The Salafi POV is the Sunni orthodox (POV)"

As for what you define as deviant sects, my understanding of the Orthodox Sunni Islam is basically following one of the 4 Madhabs (School of Thought) and acceptance of Sufism.

I honestly don't know where you got that from, Brother; I really don't.

[ish264u]

I honestly don't know where you got that from, Brother; I really don't.


I'm not sure I understand your post bro? do you agree/disagree with the highlighted bit in Goalshan's post?

[Conservative]

I'm not sure I understand your post bro? do you agree/disagree with the highlighted bit in Goalshan's post?

I think the topic of 'Sufism' is an extremely controversial one (as we all probably know).

I've never heard that to become a 'follower' of the orthodox Sunni (Salafi) POV, you 'have' to accept 'Sufism'.

[JerseyLily]

Surely Sufism is in itself a sect that is not mentioned nor prescribed for muslims in the Quran. Some of Sufism's more extreme elements are very deviated.

[Conservative]

Surely Sufism is in itself a sect that is not mentioned nor prescribed for muslims in the Quran. Some of Sufism's more extreme elements are very deviated.

Yes, and that's why it's looked down upon, and even 'banned' in some circles (no pun intended).

[ish264u]

I think the topic of 'Sufism' is an extremely controversial one (as we all probably know).

I've never heard that to become a 'follower' of the orthodox Sunni (Salafi) POV, you 'have' to accept 'Sufism'.


Peacenik bro, you have always had a problem with tassawuf, have'nt you?

Not sure about it being a controversial subject, but I agree some people/groups have taken tassawuf to the extreme which is full of biddah and bordering, if not already on shirk.

Tassawuf is part and parcel of Islam, whether you can accept it or not the fact is it played a major role in the spread of Islam.

Where do you think the spiritual aspect of our deen come's from? or does that aspect not come into play?

[Conservative]

Ish, re-read the part I highlighted (from JL's post).

[Illuminate]

sufism - is tawassuf - but you can't ditch all sufi's based what some do... Some of these sufi's, have created a new age religion today....

Ish, re-read the part I highlighted (from JL's post).
Peacenik - why are ppl so obsessed about you on this forum - it seems so many threads turn into chatter about peacenik.... some ppl even have strange fantasies about you... :eek:

[Conservative]

sufism - is tawassuf - but you can't ditch all sufi's based what some do... Some of these sufi's, have created a new age religion today....

Again Illuminate, I'd also like to refer you to the highlighted part of JL's post. I agree Tawassuf has a part in Islam, but it's the more extreme elements of (that), that one must be wary of.



Peacenik - why are ppl so obsessed about you on this forum - it seems so many threads turn into chatter about peacenik.... some ppl even have strange fantasies about you... :eek:

They need help. It seems as if this 'Peacenik' character certainly has an effect on most of the people around here.

Crazy....

[Illuminate]

Again Illuminate, I'd also like to refer you to the highlighted part of JL's post. I agree Tawassuf has a part in Islam, but it's the more extreme elements of (that), that one must be wary of.
I agree..... it are the extreme elements, who give sufism a bad name....

They need help. It seems as if this 'Peacenik' character certainly has an effect on most of the people around here.

Crazy....
indeed crazy, hope you get to meet this peacenik character one day ;)

[JerseyLily]

I agree..... it are the extreme elements, who give sufism a bad name....

indeed crazy, hope you get to meet this peacenik character one day ;)

Yeah well we are invited to Israelis why don't you ask him to invite you as well Lumi

[Conservative]

indeed crazy, hope you get to meet this peacenik character one day ;)

That would be a dream come true.... *sighs*...

[Illuminate]

Yeah well we are invited to Israelis why don't you ask him to invite you as well Lumi
here we come israel, with Peanik :D by our side... :LOL:

That would be a dream come true.... *sighs*...
loooooool - your secret is safe with me..... ;)

I hope he doesn't stalk you CN - :lmho:

[ish264u]

Lol this peacenik character sure keeps everyone on their toes.