New Masjid Project - Masjide Noorul Islam.

Grand Opening July 9th 2010

2010-06-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

Insha Allah, the Grand opening of the new Masjid will take place on the Friday 9th July 2010, programme as follows:

Photo Gallery of the completed New Masjide Noorul Islam

We still have landscaping and renewal of perimeter wall to complete, but alhumdolillah, the Masjid is complete. May Allah accept all our efforts, donations and duas for this successful project, and may it be a means of our salvation.

This will probably be my last posting.

Watch this space.............................

Wassalaam.

Grand Opening of New Masjid - 9th to 11th July 2010

2010-05-24T08:35:00.001-07:00

Well, after a good three years , we are on the final straight, and clearing the last few hurdles.

With just 6 weeks to go, the internal works is nearly complete, and work on the external cladding (granite tiling on entrances and between windows) has started, which should take approx 4 weeks, so should be complete before opening. The carpet laying will start 7th June, and completed by 2th July I.A.

So, (in case you cannot see the poster clearly) the first Juma prayers will be performed on Friday 9th July (1.00 bayan, 1.30 khutba and salaat) by Hazrat Sheikh Moulana Yusuf Motala Saheb, Sheikhul Hadith and Principal of Darul Uloom Bury.

On Saturday 10th, after Zohar Salaat at 1.30, there will be a jalsa with talks by eminent scholars Hz Sheikh Moulana Saleem Dhorat (IDA Leicester) and Sheikh Zaheer Mahmood of Birmingham, with other Naats, qiraats etc culminating in a hifz completion ceremony of 6 pupils from the Madressa Noorul Islam, and Dua by Hz Sheikh Mou. Yusuf Motala Sb. Then there will be food.

On Sunday, 11th, there will be food served to ladies from 12 noon to 2pm in the old Masjid, then (whilst the men watch the world cup finals), a jalsa from 2.15pm to approx 5.30 (in the new Masjid) with a chance to view the new masjid up to 6.30.

SO PLEASE COME ALONG, AND PASS THE GOOD NEWS ON.

April 2010 update

2010-04-02T02:58:00.000-07:00

Apologies once again for lack of updates. I though I had posted something after Ramadan last year, but ......................

Anyway, the situation since the last blog is as follows:

1. unfortunately, due to various delays, (water connection, central heating etc) it was decided to not rush the opening during Ramadan, and soldier on and try to complete the full masjid before having a grand opening.

2. A lot of work was carried out during the last quarter of 2009, and early 2010. Again, delays due to central heating not completed, added to the severe cold weather has been a great factor in the lack of progress.

3. End of March 2010..........

the internal works are 95% complete, all that remains is the Mehrab interior (you will see below work in progress on the ground floor mehrab, same to be done on first floor mehrab), carpets, final electrical work, suspended ceilings to be completed near first floor mehrab, tiling in the two lobbies, and some painting of the corniches in the main prayer hall.

Here are the latest pictures....

Ground Floor:

Corridor leading to main Prayer Hall
Main Prayer Hall
Another View of Main Prayer Hall
Mehrab (work in progress) Pattern inlay of Plaster of Paris.

Main Entrance Lobby (Audley Range)

Walter Street Lobby (Fire Exit)

First Floor:

First Floor Prayer Hall
Another View of 1st Floor Prayer Hall
Entrance to 1st Floor Prayer Hall

Corridor leading to other rooms

Stairs to Walter St lobby.

Pre Ramadan update August 2009.....

2009-08-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy trying to open for Ramadan, so apologies once again for a late posting, but we thought you would appreciate the latest news before the holy month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, progress has not been as expected, and the start of Ramadan looks highly unlikely in the New Masjid, but we are hoping for a mid Ramadan start (approx Friday 15th Ramadan) insha Allah. Please make duas.

So here is the latest gallery...........................

Two views of the Main Prayer Hall, The Mehrab and central chandelier

99 Names of Allah (these granite plaques, 99 off around the top of the main Prayer Hall, have each name of Allah engraved and gold foiled, also not pictured these are preceded with a hadith of the virtues of memorising these names, 'Bismillah....' and ayat of Surah Hashr 'Huwallahul ladhi....)

(Above from top left) Corridor, Lift, Wudhu Khana (ablution area), Entrance (off car park), Main Entrance (Audley Range), Walter St elevation - note paving around the Masjid.

The concrete blocks between the windows and the entrances will be clad with granite tiles etc, this has been delayed due to waiting for Council approval of the design, and will now be sourced (from India) then imported. Most likely this will be completed early 2010.

The first floor still has alot of work remaining, and likely date for completion of the whole project will spring 2010 insha Allah.

Please continue to make duas for this project in the coming Holy month of Ramadan.

Please also visit our main website www.masjidnoorulislam.com for further information.

mid April 2009 update

2009-04-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

What a transformation............... Alhumdolillah, the minarets have added a very spectacular dimension to the new Masjid, and transformed the skyline of Audley Range, Blackburn. The two 10 metre (32 feet) minarets are visible as soon as you come onto Audley Range from the town centre direction, and from North Road junction from the Accrington direction.

The entrances and panels between the windows will be clad in granite tiles (forming a geometric pattern), and creating an arched design feature on the entrances. This is currently awaiting council approval.

In the meantime, the scaffolding has been removed and site clear up, and landscaping the surrounding areas and car park will commence.

As you can see from above, internally alot of work is taking place.

The picture shows the main prayer hall on the ground floor. The ceiling is 95% complete, the 'missing square' will incorporate a domed feature to accomodate a chandelier. The corner directly in the foreground (to the left of the workmen) is where the Mehrab will be.

Work on the electrics, sound system, security (CCTV, alarms etc) is progressing well. Work on the heating system has started. Electrical and gas supply has also been connected.

We are still hopeful that with the help of Allah through your duas, we will commence prayers before Ramadan (mid August) this year.

Please continue to make duas for the project.

May Allah accept all our efforts, donations and prayers.

January 2009 update

2009-01-27T06:15:00.000-08:00

Many apologies to you all for no blogs since July. Work has been so busy to keep the project ticking over, have found little time to update.

However, here is the latest news, sorry not too many pictures as having a few technical probs with imaging.

The dome, as you will see is in place, on the anniversary of the first dig of the foundation.

The walls are complete. However, we still need to cover the main entrance porticos and the panels between the windows, with granite tiles.

During February, the windows will be installed, and work on the plumbing, heating will commence. Minarets should be completed as well Insha Allah.

Work on the electrics has commenced. This is being done by local volunteers (labour work only)under the supervision of qualified electricians at no cost to the project. May Allah reward all these volunteers for their efforts, especially in the cold weather we have had recently.

We have had a fantastic response to our appeal to date, with hitting the £1 million mark during last Ramadan. However, we still need to raise approx £200,000 to complete the project.

We are hoping to commence prayers in the new Masjid before Ramadan (early August) this year, insha Allah so are asking you all to make special duas That Allah helps us in being able to meet this target.

May Allah accept all our efforts and donations.

July update...........

2008-07-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

Alhumdolillah, work is progressing well. On the 15th July a trial fit of the window arch former (steel support to shape the arch) was carried out (see image), this was to check the first former for dimensions, using the actual window arch stones. The trial was successful, and the manufacture of the arch formers will now take place.

The walls are well into the first floor level, and we anticipate another 4 - 6 weeks to complete. Negotiations are ongoing with windows and door manufacturers, and an order for the windows should be placed shortly. (I.A.)

We still await some quotations for the heating and hot water system.

Please continue to make duas for the project, and we pray the Almighty will rewards all those who have contributed to the project in any way.

May / June 2008 update

2008-06-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

A lot of activity has taken place since the last post, that's one reason there hasn't been an update.

Firstly, we extend our thanks to all those who have kept an interest (comments would be very welcome, please.....), and supported the project in anyway, and especially for your duas. May Allah reward all those connected in any way with this project.

Roof: Completed. April 2008. Walls: approx 50% complete (ground floor nearly complete). The walls should be completed by end of July (I.A.) . The first floor has also been concreted.

Dome and Minarets have been ordered and nearing completion, and will be erected by the end of June (I.A.)

We are currently negotiating with heating contractors, and window manufacturers. The windows and doors should be installed by Ramadan, however, we have decided not to rush the heating and hot water contracts, so that a suitable, economic system can be ordered, and, therefore, we will probably not be praying Tarawih this Ramadan, but hope to pray the Eid-ul-Fitr salat this year.

Please continue to make duas for this project.

May the Almighty accept all our efforts, and reward all immensely. Ameen.

March 2008 update - good progress made..........

2008-04-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Alhumdolillah, through your duas, work has progressed very nicely since the last update.

The roof is nearly 75% complete............

The bottom portion of the walls, in natural stone, is nearly complete..........

and during rain etc, the internal walls are also being built...........

We pray for good weather, so that this phase of the work is completed quickly.

The dome and minarets have been ordered and should be installed in May, and the walls should be completed by late June (I.A.).

Please continue to make duas for the project, and remember, we still need nearly £ 1/2 million, so all donations will be most welcome. See our website for full details www.masjidnoorulislam.com

January 2008 update.......... Rain stops play.....

2008-02-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

Well, what can I say, the Heavens opened, and rain came pouring down. Work was non-existent until the last week due to the weather, a water logged pitch (picture above)....

..... also a slight delay in getting final approval from the Council for the make up of the floorslab. So in the last week, work got underway again with preparation of the second phase of the floor slab, and some drainage work. Here are some pictures below of progress.

In February, Insha-Allah, the floor should be completed, and the roof and gutters also on.

Please continue to make duas for good progress and some kind weather.

End of year 2007 update.

2007-12-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

What a year its been. 2007 started with still a few changes needing approval from the Council. Work started in earnest in Ramadan, and at the end of the year passers by can actually see the new Masjid structure from afar.

The ground floor slab should be two thirds completed (concrete etc) by the end of the year (I.A.).

The first floor metal decking is complete, and concrete will be laid in the early 2008 (I.A.).

Insha Allah, with your duas and Allah's mercy, we hope to have the 'shell' completed by Ramadan next year. The roofing and drainage contracts have been given, and work will commence in January, and completed in February(I.A.). We are currently negotiating with the brick and stone suppliers, with a view to starting the wall building in March / April, with the dome / minarets in April / May, and windows in July / August.

All this can only be acheived with your duas, Allah's mercy and help, and your donations. We still need another half a million pounds to complete the project, so we need your donations to keep coming in.

May the Almighty accept all the efforts and donations of all those involved in the project, and bless them with abundance, peace and tranquility in both worlds.

October / Ramadan update

2007-11-08T05:06:00.000-08:00

Pictures (Top to bottom, L to R) 1. Bricks from old church in excavations for foundations. 2. Deep footings, in places 3.5 metres deep. 3. First fill of concrete. 4. Final 'fill' and 'pads' ready for steel structure. 5. Ground levelled, view from 'Imams' position. 6. As 5 - view from opposite corner.

What a month we've had. Ramadan was very successful on two counts. The foundations were completed, and we raised over £200 thousand. Monies have been pleadges for the bricks (complete), stone (still available @ £285 for 10 sq metres), blocks (complete), concrete for the floors (still available at £150 for 10 sq mtrs) and Musallas (Prayer carpets - still a few available @ £70 each inc underlay and fitting). Why not take part, see our main website for details of how to make a contribution.

The pictures tell the story so far, we now await the steel structure, erection commences 12th November, and should be completed in two weeks (this includes the concrete stairs as well), therafter, the ground floor will be laid by the end of december, with the drainage, roof and first floor in January / February. We hope to start the walls and brickwork in March (Insha Allah).

Keep making duas that the progress is speedy and without any hitches.

Foundations - Ramadan (September 2007) update.

2007-09-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Top to bottom (L-R) - Pre-foundation site (1 & 2) Digger arrives....................
................................... on site ........................ After Ground leveling

Setting profile markers ......... Audley Range foundation......... Walter St Foundation trenches.

Alhumdolillah, the foundation work has started first week of Ramadan.

They say one picture speaks volumes, well here are a few.................

In the first week of Ramadan, we raised £28,911 pounds, with alot of people donating to the 'Ramadan Bricks, Stone and Blocks Appeal'. Some ladies also donated their gold jewellery.

Total raised to date is now over half a million pounds.

Please make duas for the project during this holy month, and for full details visit our website (link on right).

Wassalaam.

Foundations and steel structure - August 2007 update.

2007-08-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

Alhumdolillah, through the prayers and efforts of all and Allah's mercy, the local council have approved the design of the foundations and steel structure.

This now means that we can start the construction work with earnest. Negotiations with contractors will be finalised by end of August, and orders placed for this work, with work starting before Ramadan, Insha-Allah.

We are planning a Jalsa on September 9th (Sunday before Ramadan), Ulemas and Shaikhs from UK and abroad have been invited, following acceptances, full details will be published. The programme will start at Zohar (Jamat 2.00 pm) followed by Qiraat, speeches, Madressa annual prize giving, followed by digging of the foundation and duas for the New Masjid. After Asar Jamat at 5.45pm, food will be served to all attendees.

We pray that the Almighty makes this task as easy as possible, and accepts all our duas and efforts in building this House of Allah.

As always we ask you all to remember this Project in your duas, especially in the holy months of Shabaan and Ramadan. Also with the work starting, we will need to escalate our financial appeal, and ask for donations. Please see our main website (link above) for full details of the appeal and methods of payment.

Wassalaam.

Project Management Team.

26th August 2007

13th Shabaan 1428

Ground preparation works - End July 2007

2007-07-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

July 2007 saw a lot of progress on the project. We now have a site cabin, kindly donated by a local contractor, as he had no further use for it.

Alhumdolillah, ground preparation work started on Friday 20th July 2007. The trees came down first.........

. Going................

..............Going

GONE....... 1 down, 20 to go.

Actually, we only had permission to take down 7 trees, but the site geological survey, and the tree specialist's report, concluded that remedial work for land contamination, and the tree protection measures during construction work, would mean that the trees would not survive, the local Council, therefore gave permission for the removal of all trees on the site, on condition that the landscaping plan should include planting of a number of new trees of a variety to suit the development. This will now be addressed, and submitted to the Council for approval.

The site has now been excavated in preparation for the foundations.

..............Before

After ................

The planned start date for foundations is still the end of August (Shabe Baraat), Insha Allah.

We continue to ask for you to make duas (prayers) for the project's speedy progress.

May Allah accept our humble efforts, and make it a means for our salvation in the hereafter.

New Masjid Project Management Team.

27th July 2007.

Progress update 24th June 2007

2007-06-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Since the last blog, a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes. Current state of play is as follows:

Structural / foundations design - complete, minor amendments required.
Detailed design - forecast for completion 29th June 2007.
Building services (Electrics / water / drainage / heating) forecast for completion 29th June.

All above form part of the submission to the local authority for Building Regulations. The above will all be collated and submitted to the council 3rd / 4th of July. Thereafter it takes approx 4 - 6 weeks for review / approval.

Based on above, Insha - Allah foundation work will commence mid - August, approx Shabe Baraat (15th Shabaan), with the steelwork being completed during Ramadan.

At this crucial stage, we ask everyone to make special duas (Prayers) for the project, that the timescales can be met, and work started as hoped.

Alhumdolillah, hundreds gathered at the site of the new Masjid on Sunday 17th June for a special Dua for the new Masjid. Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Motala Saheb (Darul Uloom Bury) gave a very inspirational and spiritual short speech, followed by Hazrat Moulana Ismail Wadee Saheb (our resident Sheikh and previous Imam). Then our Guest of Honour Hazrat Moulana Qamruzzamaan Saheb (Allahabad / Ilhabaad, India) gave a short speech. The gathering finished with, on the insistence of our Guest of Honour, a dua for the project by Hazrat Moulana Wadee saheb. May Allah accept their duas, and make the project work easy, and as smooth as possible.

Financially, again, the above will have a great bearing, as a lot of the financing / donations depend on physical progress. At present, we have approx £425,000 of the £1.2 million required.

We also have a website established for more information this is http://www.masjid-e-noorul-islam.com , please visit the site and any comments / suggestions will be welcome.

The future Masjid............

2007-04-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is a view of the current car park, and garden where the new Masjid will stand, Insha - Allah.

The new Masjid will be two storeys high, 43 metres by 23 metres, and look as above.

Finance wise, we have collected over £400,000, with another £200,000 promised by the members of the Society, so we should be half way there. But the rest will have to be collected in donations from far and wide, and will need alot of determined effort, duas, and Allah's infinite mercy and blessings. Once the foundations have been laid, and the floors, and steelwork in place (insha - Allah before Ramadan this year), we will start to go round the various cities in the UK and make appeals to all Muslims for their help financially, and through their duas.

We appeal to all to remember this project in their duas, especially at auspicious times e.g. after farz salaat, on fridays, and those fortunate enough to visit the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madeenah, to remember us at all the auspicious places there.

Insha-Allah, with your duas and help, Allah's mercy will shower us with his blessings, and what is on paper, and in our minds, will become a reality. Remember, in Hadith it says (to the effect) that whosoever builds a House of Allah on earth, solely for His pleasure, Allah will build for him a Palace in Jannah.

May Allah accept our humble efforts.

The first 'dig' 2nd April 2007

2007-04-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

Alhumdolillah, we had the first 'dig' on site on the 2nd April 2007. I say first 'dig' because it is not actually the first foundation dig, but the start of any 'physical' work. Lets rewind and give you a quick resume of progress to date...........

The Society got planning permission to build a new Masjid, costing approx £1.2million, on the car park adjacent to the current masjid. This was done in July 2006 after nearly two years of planning. Some conditions were placed on the project, and a lot of work has been going on in the background, e.g. detailed design, sourcing of the Dome and Minarets, etc. Also we had to redesign the internal layout due to correct orientation of the Qibla (direction of Makkah, Saudi Arabia). One of the conditions was that the ground had to be tested for any contamination and ground gas. This contract was given to a company called Worms Eye, in Burnley Lancs. They arrived on site on Monday April 2nd and the picture above shows the first breaking of ground.

The site investigation was digging 'boreholes' in 7 locations and extracting the soil etc to see the make up of the land, these samples were taken away for lab testing. Initial indications were that the land is in a better condition than expected. In 3 of the locations, gas monitoring equipment was left 'in situ' and readings will be taken over a period of 6 weeks.

Meanwhile, the detailed design work will continue. We have engaged a structural engineer, to design the structural (foundations and steel work) elements. A Building Services Engineer has been engaged to design all the 'services' i.e. electrical, gas, water, waste etc for the new masjid. Our resident designer, an architectural technician is co-ordinating all this, and finalising the detailed design, with a view to submission to Building Control of the local council in approx 8 - 10 weeks.

We hope to keep you updated with progress of the project, and would welcome any comments, suggestions etc. We also ask you to make duas for the project.

Yusuf Seedat - Project Manager, New Masjid.