Cumbria's South Lakes Islamic Centre Opens for Ramadan Amid Controversy

The South Lakes Islamic Centre (SLIC) in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, is set to open its doors for Ramadan prayers despite being only partially completed. The building, which remains a shell with exposed bricks and no fitted lights or heaters, will host nightly congregational prayers during the holy month. Aban Hussain, the mosque's chair, emphasized the urgency of opening the facility, stating, “In Ramadan, we don’t have any other place to go.” The local Muslim community, primarily composed of healthcare professionals, has long faced challenges due to the absence of a mosque, with the nearest facility located over 50 miles away in Lancaster.

The Guardian

The SLIC project began in 2022 when Barrow council approved a planning application for a three-storey mosque and community centre. The initiative was spearheaded by local doctors who sought to provide a dedicated space for Islamic education and prayer, addressing the needs of a community that constitutes only 0.4% of the local population. The group has been actively fundraising to meet the £2.5 million target for the project.

The Guardian

The construction of the SLIC has not been without controversy. Following its feature on GB News, where it was labeled a “mega mosque,” the site became a focal point for far-right protests. Activists from groups such as Ukip and Britain First have regularly demonstrated outside the construction site, leading to harassment of local businesses and laborers involved in the project. Hussain noted the unexpected hostility, stating, “It took us by surprise because we’d never known the local area to be like this.”

The Guardian

Despite the opposition, there is significant support for the SLIC within the community. Paul Jenkins, a local campaigner with United Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism, has organized counterprotests against the far-right groups. He remarked on the positive community response, saying, “Our solidarity events have completely shattered that idea” that the far-right represents local sentiment.

The Guardian

Hussain and Dr. Ghulam Jeelani, a retired GP and community member, expressed optimism about the mosque's opening. Jeelani highlighted the achievement of being able to pray in their new mosque without the need to rent community spaces, stating, “This is a great achievement.” The community plans to host interfaith events and school visits once the mosque officially opens in July, aiming to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse groups.

The Guardian

• “In Ramadan, we don’t have any other place to go,” — Aban Hussain, Chair of SLIC

The Guardian

• “All of a sudden, this wave of protests started happening, and everything was in our face, all the hatred, all the harassment,” — Aban Hussain

The Guardian

• “What has been really encouraging has been the response of local people who continue to oppose the racists,” — Paul Jenkins, Campaigner

The Guardian

• “This is a great achievement,” — Dr. Ghulam Jeelani, Community Member

The Guardian

The SLIC's opening for Ramadan represents a significant milestone for Cumbria's Muslim community, highlighting both the challenges they face and the support they receive from local allies.

The Guardian