For almost 40 years, the Townsville mosque has served a great purpose across North Queensland. Established in 1987, the Townsville mosque was once the only mosque between Cairns and Mackay, covering a 700 km strip of coastal land.
Over the years, the community has grown and the mosque committee are always initiating activities to strengthen Islamic knowledge and community connection.
Personal journey
A few years ago, when my family and I first moved to Townsville from the UK, we faced a major culture shock. We found ourselves missing the big mosque community we left in the UK.
We came from living the cold city life to the extreme heat, town-like life. We came from a mosque community surrounded by strong and active individuals.
However, after moving to Townsville, the sense of community we were used to was simply not present yet.
Little by little, dedicated members of the community started working on new projects and initiatives yearly. With their pure intention, they gave their time, effort and ideas to foster a caring and supportive community.
Due to the continuous efforts of community members and the mosque committee, the mosque now runs Sunday kids’ groups, benefiting children by helping them learn about the prophets of the Quran and duas.
Weekly halaqas (study circles) are held regularly rotating on topics of tafseer and prophetic leadership qualities. This helps me to understand the Quran in more detail and the bravery of our prophets.
A new initiative known as the Quran Camp has now been introduced to the mosque. It focuses on strengthening the community’s ability to read and memorise the Quran in an encouraging manner.
The Quran Camp was truly an encouraging event, making me want to memorise and understand the Quran more deeply. As well as a weekly reverts class enabling new reverts to learn more about Islam and ask questions.
The majority of the things mentioned above did not exist just a few years ago. But now we have an enthusiastic mosque community that we now have and that continues to grow.
This achievement reflects the collective strength of the Townsville Muslim community, bringing together new members of the faith and long-standing supporters whose dedication has helped build and sustain the masjid.
During the last 5 years, the mosque’s community engagements have excelled exponentially, a growth I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand.
However, as time goes on, facilities are in need of change.
Our mosque is nearly 40 years old and expansion is now a necessity, not a luxury. The current mosque cannot accommodate the sheer number of worshippers during peak times such as Taraweeh, Jummah, community iftars and Eid prayers.
Our mosque is in need of funding.
Funding that can help expand the mosque to accommodate new and current worshippers. To combat current issues being faced by the mosque community, the Townsville Mosque Society has announced plans to expand facilities at the mosque for the growing Muslim population in Townsville.
The current issues we face include limited space for worshippers and wanting to support our children’s Islamic education, strengthening youth engagement and welcoming reverts, creating an inviting and harmonious environment.
The first financial target is $700,000 to purchase an existing neighbouring property next to the mosque, demolish it and begin the mosque’s expansion.
A Sadaqah Jariyah opportunity:
“When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).”
— Sahih Muslim 1631
We ask you all to generously support the expansion of our mosque.
Whether it is a small or a large donation, every donation brings us a step closer to building a stronger community for all Muslims.
Those wishing to support the project can find further information by visiting the mosque’s LaunchGood campaign.
Donations can be made via our launch good link below or our bank details.
Townsville mosque bank details;
BSB – 064823
ACC – 10779034
Reference – AMUST
https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/support_the_expansion_of_townsville_mosque?src=405357
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