SUPPORTING THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN IRELAND

What we do 

Belfast Islamic Centre is the largest institution of the Muslim community in Northern Ireland and acts as both a place of worship and a community centre. The community in NI is relatively small compared to the rest of the UK, making up less than 0.5% of the population. We face many unique challenges. 

 In trying to address a very wide range of needs the centre inevitably finds it extremely difficult to provide the necessary range of services to the Muslim community within a comparatively small facility and with modest staffing and financial resources. 

Although prayer services are suspended we continue with our community services. Including advocacy, signposting and advice. Working with the PSNI (local police) so support people who have suffered racial attacks, abuse and domestic cases. We are representing Muslims in national and local forums, consultation events and in the media. Including the current Hate Crime Review in Northern Ireland.  

During these difficult times we also support Muslims across Northern Ireland to arrange funerals. In addition to the funeral, we organise Islamic rites such as ritual washing of the body and help with organising burial or transport (if being buried abroad). 

We still offer chaplaincy advice to local hospitals, prisons and universities.  

BIC also offers economic help, primarily in the distribution of Zakat to needy families. In addition, extra money may be provided for exceptional circumstances, such as help with high funeral expenses (families outside Belfast are charged non-resident rate for the Muslim cemetery at Roselawn in Belfast) or food/expenses for those in need, for example: refugees, asylum seekers as and when requested. 

During Ramadan we usually provide food for 150 people daily  at the centre for thirty days during the month of Ramadan. This year it is not possible so we are arranging Iftar packs and food deliveries to those most in need.

New Building

As demand on our services has increased, the current building is no longer fit for purpose. We are just starting renovation of a former office block nearby to convert it to the New Belfast Islamic centre premises.   In the backdrop of the current climate, plans continue to deliver the new Belfast Islamic Centre. The refurbishment work will commence as early as practically possible in the given circumstances. Please visit http://belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/index.php/support-us/ for further details about the project. 

Please support Belfast Islamic Centre continuing costs

Insha’Allah, we will keep the community up to date with all developments on our website www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk and facebook www.facebook.com/belfastislamiccentre.org.uk.  

As the centre largely relies on Friday donations which is currently impossible, we appreciate any donations made online that will help keep our work going.  Please support Belfast Islamic Centre JazakAllah Khair.