Ireland - Masjid Maryum: Galway's first mosque is named after Mother Mary

During the event, which was also attended by Bishop of Galway Dr Martin Drennan, the Ahmadiyya Muslim world leader spoke about the importance of interfaith relations.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Galway Independent
By Lorraine O'Hanlon | September 22, 2010

Foundation stone laid for first Galway mosque

The Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has laid the foundation stone for Galway’s first purpose-built mosque. His Holiness, who is originally from Pakistan, travelled to Ireland for the first time with his wife Begum Sahib to lay the foundation stone at the project site at The Cottages, Ballybrit on Friday.

Ibrahim Noonan, the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in Galway, has said that it was “amazing” to have the Ahmadiyya Muslim world leader attend the event.


“Most people don’t know that in the Islamic world he is at the level of Pope, so for him to give time to come here and lay the foundation stone down, you can’t even express the happiness of His Holiness being here,” said Imam Noonan.

“The Galway people and indeed the Irish people may not understand this now but in time I believe it will become one of the most historical events in the history of Ireland for Galway, if not for the whole of Ireland,” he said.

The construction of the Masjid Maryum (Mary Mosque) was first proposed eight years ago, and construction is expected to begin within the next three months.

The development will consist of a single storey mosque building and associated dome and minaret to accommodate a prayer hall, circulation areas, toilets, two office rooms and ancillary storage area.

An access road and associated parking will also be provided for the mosque. When completed, the new mosque will be open to all.

“This mosque has to become a symbol of peace, of unity, of bringing communities together and that includes all communities,” said Imam Noonan, adding that the name Masjid Maryum was chosen because of Mary’s qualities as a lady, as a mother, and as a symbol of hope.

The civic reception in the Clayton Hotel after the foundation stone laying ceremony was attended by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív, along with senior gardaí and local politicians.

During the event, which was also attended by Bishop of Galway Dr Martin Drennan, the Ahmadiyya Muslim world leader spoke about the importance of interfaith relations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is an international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, it spans over 195 countries and has over 160 million members. The Irish Chapter was established in 1992.


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