Al Ameen mosque expansion fundraiser nets over Sh30m
Once completed, the project is expected to more than double the mosque’s capacity, which is currently constrained by limited space.
More than Sh30 million was raised to support the expansion of Masjid Al Ameen, which is currently undertaking a major expansion of its facilities to better serve its growing congregation and community programmes.
The amount included over Sh8 million raised by the worshippers of the mosque which is situated adjacent to Masjid Al Ameen near Juja Road estate in Nairobi.
The fundraiser held on Sunday, March 1, at the Arabian Cuisine in Nairobi was graced by former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala who was the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Balala commended the mosque for its strong community-driven initiatives, noting that it has played a monumental role in providing religious guidance and social welfare programmes for Muslims in the country.
“The mosque has gone beyond being a place of prayer. I appreciate its programmes that promote the religious and social wellbeing of Muslims,” he said.
An architect impression of the proposed Al Ameen Masjid Complex
Speaking at the fundraiser, the chairman of the Islamic University of Kenya Sheikh Mohamed Osman said the mosque activities was a reflection of the remarkable progress which Muslims have over the years attained in the country.
He said there is need to appreciate the progress which has seen the community making great strides in social-economic initiatives. “A few decades ago, we did not even have integrated schools or Islamic banks while only a few mosques existed in Nairobi. The situation has now changed significantly as the presence of Muslims is now visible across the country, he said.
On his part, the mosque’s CEO, Ali Khalid, outlined the institution’s wide range of programmes, which include running an orphanage centre, conducting Islamic da’wah initiatives, organising janaza (Muslim funeral rites) workshops in various parts of the country, offering family counselling services, community health programmes, the Nufaisha economic empowerment programme and managing the newly reopened Darul Irshad Centre, which provides free educational programmes for new Muslims.
The current mosque, near Juja Road Estate, Pangani
“On completion, the project will go a long way in supporting and enhancing on religious and social welfare programmes in the community,” he said.
Construction of the expansion project — which will also serve as an endowment (waqf) for the mosque — is progressing steadily and is currently on the fourth storey.
Once completed, the project is expected to more than double the mosque’s capacity, which is currently constrained by limited space. Additionally, the new facility will provide expanded space for the growth of its flagship institution, Al Ameen Academy.
The expanded complex will also feature modern amenities, including an indoor sports arena, modern auditorium for conferences and large community events, and an indoor swimming pool — the first such facilities to be incorporated within a mosque in the country.
The project is expected to cost over Sh400 million, more than Sh130 million has so far been raised.
Support towards this noble venture can be done through Mpesa Paybill number 797559 Account Masjid. International transfers can be channeled through Gulf African Bank swift code GAFRKENAXXX Account name Masjid Al Ameen Trust Account number 0720000504.