A £2million centre for north east Muslims and the wider community opens its doors today 4 May 2018: transforming a site in Aberdeen’s Nelson Street as part of a major urban regeneration programme.

Built by Scottish charity the Alhikmah Foundation, the central three-storey Masjid Alhikmah facility provides a broad range of services and facilities.

These include a spacious prayer hall, separate male and female facilities and a crèche, as well as burial preparation and funeral services, baby blessings and marriage ceremonies.

With more added as the project continues, the building will ultimately house a lively community centre with rooms for social functions. It will also act as an education hub for children and adults.

Alhikmah Foundation chairman, Sarfraz Ali, said:

“Masjid Alhikmah is a place of worship for the active Muslim community in the north east. It’s also a welcoming hub for the whole community.

“It’s a much-needed place where people can come together, to pray, to learn, to meet, to reflect.

“Throughout the planning and construction phase, the latter starting in 2015, we have truly been taken aback by the support we’ve seen right across the community. And for that, we must say a huge thank you to all our neighbours.

“What is particularly humbling is that although times are hard for many in and around the city, our loyal supporters — from all backgrounds — have generously donated and raised over £2million through a broad range of fundraising events, and those efforts are ongoing.”

The name stems from Arabic: masjid translates as ‘a place of congregational worship’ and Alhikmah as ‘wisdom.’ The centre is designed to help create unity and foster a sense of harmony between Muslims and the wider north east community.

Mr Ali added:

“We are incredibly proud of this masjid and excited about the role it will play in Aberdeen for years to come. Importantly, it’s just the beginning of our urban regeneration aspirations for the city.

“In September last year, Aberdeen City Council chose to support our Urban Fields proposal, which will transform the nearby derelict Nelson Street playing fields and pavilion into a modern, vibrant and multi-purpose space in the heart of the city that can be enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to working with the authority on moving this forward.”

There will be an official opening event at the masjid later this year. For more information on prayer times, news and events, or to make a donation, visit www.masjidalhikmah.org.uk.

Find out more about Urban Fields on www.urbanfields.org