Mosque celebrates its first Eid festival
MORE than 100 people turned out to help a Muslim group celebrate the festival of Eid in their brand new mosque.
The building in Langley Drive, Langley Green, was sold to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in April this year.
It was previously used by the Elim Pentecostal Church.
The mosque celebrated its official opening in May and, on August 27, hosted an Eid celebration dinner at the building for the first time.
Najeeb Rehman, the event co-ordinator, said friends, guests and neighbours, were invited to the event, including MP for Crawley Henry Smith, Deputy Mayor of Crawley Bob Burgess, and members of the Christian, Sikh and Hindu faith.
Speaking at the event Najeeb explained how the community was started in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad who claimed to be the Promised Messiah.
He said: “The rapid growth in just over hundred years has seen the community now established in over 200 countries with around 150 million adherents worldwide with many senior political officials and Kings in Africa joining the community.
“In West Africa in particular they have built many hospitals, schools and colleges and provided various aid projects to serve mankind.”
He also outlined the work the community, including members from Crawley, is doing in the UK through charity walks in which hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised.
Speaking at the event Cllr Burgess said: “Events like Eid celebration are what Crawley is proud of and what Crawley stands for.”
MP Henry Smith also addressed the guests and said the Ahmadiyya Muslim promoted peace and integration and tolerance in Crawley. He said he was proud to be associated with the Ahmadiyya community and the great work it did in integrating all faiths into its events and working towards creating peace in Crawley.
Before dinner was served, Ahsan Ahmedi, the Regional President of the community, gave a vote of thanks to all the invited guests, the organisers, Gafoor Javaid, and the youth organisation, headed by Baasill Ahmedi.
He also said theAhmadiyya Mosques have an open door policy to all faiths and cultures.
He said: “Helping others is our goal and to promote peace in Crawley our main objective.”
The event closed with silent prayers for peace and harmony in Crawley.
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Weather for Crawley
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 11 C
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Wind direction: North west
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