Muslim community in Manchester

The Muslim community in Manchester is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, with estimates of around 100,000 individuals. Manchester has a rich Islamic heritage, with the first mosque in the city being established in 1960.

The Muslim community in Manchester is diverse, comprising of people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The majority of Muslims in Manchester are of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin, but there are also significant numbers of Muslims from other countries, such as Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

The Muslim community in Manchester has contributed significantly to the city’s cultural, social, and economic life. There are numerous mosques, Islamic centers, and schools in Manchester that serve the needs of the Muslim community. The community also runs several charity organizations, food banks, and community centers that provide support to those in need.

Manchester is also home to the largest Islamic university in Europe, the Islamic University of Manchester, which provides Islamic education and research to Muslims from around the world.

The Muslim community in Manchester plays an essential role in the city’s vibrant and diverse culture, and their contributions are valued and celebrated by the wider community.

Mosques in manchester

Manchester is home to several mosques that serve the needs of the Muslim community. Here are some of the prominent mosques in the city:

Manchester Central Mosque – also known as the Victoria Park Mosque, it is one of the largest mosques in Manchester. It has a capacity of up to 3,000 worshippers and hosts several Islamic events and activities.

Islamic Centre Manchester – located in the heart of Manchester, this mosque provides services such as daily prayers, Islamic education, and community outreach programs.

Al-Furqan Mosque – situated in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, this mosque serves the local Muslim community with regular prayers, Islamic education, and community events.

British Muslim Heritage Centre Mosque – located in Whalley Range, this mosque is part of the British Muslim Heritage Centre, which houses a museum, library, and community center.

Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre – based in the Longsight area of Manchester, this mosque provides a range of services, including Islamic education, marriage services, and funeral arrangements.

These are just some of the many mosques in Manchester that serve the Muslim community. Each mosque has its unique services and facilities, catering to the needs of their local Muslim community.

Islamic schools in Greater Manchester

There are several Islamic schools in Greater Manchester that provide education in accordance with Islamic principles. Here are some of the prominent ones:

1. Manchester Islamic High School for Girls – located in the Whalley Range area of Manchester, this school provides education for girls aged 11-16 years.
2. The Olive School – a Muslim faith-based primary school located in the Oldham area of Greater Manchester, catering to boys and girls aged 4-11 years.
3. The Manchester Muslim Preparatory School – based in the Longsight area of Manchester, this school provides education for boys and girls aged 4-11 years.
4. Eden Boys’ School – located in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, this school provides education for boys aged 11-18 years.
5. Islamic Shakhsiyah Foundation – based in the Burnage area of Manchester, this school provides a holistic Islamic education for children aged 4-11 years.

These Islamic schools offer a combination of Islamic and academic education to their students. They provide a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow in accordance with Islamic values. Many of these schools also offer extracurricular activities and events to help students develop their social and leadership skills.

Things to do in Manchester for Muslims

Manchester has a thriving Muslim community, and there are plenty of activities and events for Muslims to enjoy in the city. Here are some ideas:

1. Visit the Islamic Heritage Centre – located in the heart of Manchester, this center houses a mosque, a library, and a museum showcasing the history of Islam in the UK.
2. Attend Friday prayers at one of the many mosques in Manchester – there are several mosques in the city that hold Friday prayers, including Manchester Central Mosque, Islamic Centre Manchester, and Al-Furqan Mosque.
3. Participate in community events and festivals – the Muslim community in Manchester organizes several events throughout the year, including Eid celebrations, charity events, and food festivals.
4. Enjoy halal food – Manchester has a range of halal food options, from street food to high-end restaurants. Some popular halal food spots include Akbar’s, Mughli, and Ziya Asian Grill.
5. Visit the Whitworth Art Gallery – the gallery has a collection of Islamic art and artifacts, including manuscripts, ceramics, and textiles.
6. Attend Islamic lectures and classes – several Islamic centers and mosques in Manchester offer classes and lectures on Islamic topics, including Quranic studies, Islamic history, and Arabic language.
7. Explore the city’s cultural attractions – Manchester has a rich cultural heritage, and there are several museums, galleries, and theaters that Muslims can enjoy, such as the Manchester Museum and the Royal Exchange Theatre.

These are just a few of the many things that Muslims can do in Manchester. The city has a vibrant and diverse Muslim community, and there is always something new to discover and enjoy.