Main festivals

Possibly the most anticipated holiday, falling on different dates every year, is Eid al-Fitr which celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After one month of abstaining not only from food and drink, but also smoking, sexual relations and swearing, the Islamic community comes together in a period of celebration. People dress in their best clothes and visit each others families, serving meals and delicacies and enjoying each others company. Muslims are encouraged to give generously during Ramadan, and the feast period gives them the opportunity to donate food and other items to the less fortunate.

Eid al- Adha is another prominent holiday which marks Abraham’s commitment to God and his readiness to sacrifice his son at God’s request. Muslims will celebrate by killing a lamb and the distribution of the meat amongst the poor. It coincides with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca but is a general holiday period for all Muslims.

Other holidays exist throughout the year including the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and the Islamic New Year, and are shared by all Muslims. There also exist several variations in Shia Islam, which commemorate the disappearance of Iman Mahdi, and Ashura which celebrate the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson, Hussein.

Mosaiques and patterns

Elaborate and simple mosaiques and patterns can be viewed within the structures of many mosques worldwide, one fine example being the beautiful Shia mosque in Esfahan, Iran or the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Many of the fine examples of mosaics and patterns available for viewing today contain a number of repeated patterns or geometric shapes, said to represent the constant nature of God, whilst the circles seen may represent is His infinity.

Calligraphy

Islamic calligraphy in Arabic script – with Arabic, Persian and Urdu languages – is another example of the beauty of Islamic art. The very nature of Arabic script itself adds to the beauty of the art form – her sweeping letters, differing script styles (for example Persian calligraphy) and intricate dots and dashes make the script appealing even for those who cannot read the language in which it is written.

In the Koran, it is revealed that God commands to "marry the spouseless among you." and the Sunnah contains many references attributed to the Prophet (pbuh) that encourage marriage. It is for this reason that we see in Islam no tradition similar to that of Christian life long celibacy of priests and nuns. Marriage is seen as a requirement, necessary to fulfil ones religion and seek favour with God. Likewise, there is no shame in Islam with regards to marital relations, as God instructs men in the Koran to visit their wives frequently and perform their marital duties.

A sometimes misunderstood element of Islamic marriage is the sanctioning of polygamy. This is seen by some as oppressive to women and an outdated practise that has no place in a modern society. It can be interpreted however as an option given by God so that, for example in times of war where women outnumber men, war widows will find financial security as a co-wife. It must be noted also that God strictly commands man to only engage in polygamy if he can treat all wives equally, with no favouritism or preference. In Europe the practise is forbidden, and most European Muslims have adopted western principles of monogamy.

Importance

In a culture that has a high moral code where family is key to societal cohesion, marriage is one of the corner stones of the religion. In theory and Islamic teaching, man and wife live together in an equal partnership with differing roles and tasks to perform, in order to ‘live in peace’ with one another.

Facilities

Situated on a 5.2 acre site the mosque was built in 2003 after the previous existing Mosque in London became simply too small to serve the needs of the growing Muslim population. With 2 minarets and a range of facilities it is an example of a recently built, modern mosque, funded by the Ahmadiyya community, with ‘sophisticated' facilities, whilst still delivering traditional Islamic teachings.

Function

With a capacity of 10,000, one of the mosques main aims is to promote the traditional brand of Ahmadiyya Islam – one that centres on a peaceful coexistence with its neighbours both in London and throughout the world. Participating regularly in events such as Islam Awareness week, International Peace Initiative, and with regular open days, the mosque is best placed to answer any questions about a religion that is still at times misunderstood or misinterpreted. In a climate where mistrust is common and where numerous other mosques and Islamic centres have been called into disrepute due to their violent or extremist ideals, the mosque can serve to alleviate tensions within the local community and widen the horizons of those who visit.

History and architecture

Built in the years following WW1 by the French government in gratitude to the around 100,000 French colonial subjects (mainly from the Maghreb) who fought and died for La Patrie in the Great War. Its internal architecture is splendour, with beautiful mosaiques, carvings and tapestries many of which have been gifts to the mosque from political and religious leaders the world over. One particular piece of note is a large Persian carpet, a gift from Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran.

A private garden within the mosque provides an atmosphere conducive to quiet reflection and meditation, with architecture inspired by Moorish Spain – fountains, white marble and fragrant flowers – leads to a conference facility where the mosque holds classes and meetings. The minaret imposes itself over the mosque and calls the faithful to prayer from dawn to dusk.

Purpose

The leaders of the mosque welcome visits from school children and tour groups, and maintain an active role in the Parisian Islamic community. Situated in an area historically associated with learning and home to the Muslim Institute, the mosque is an example of an ‘Islamic pearl’ whose minaret serves as a reminder to the Parisians of Islam’s place in French modern history.

History

Despite substantial damage during WWII – which the Mosque survived in what has been described as a ‘miracle’ – and numerous islamophobic arson attacks (the most recent being January 2011) the Mosque remains the oldest Mosque in Germany. Its exterior architecture is inspired by Indian Prices burial tombs, and despite being completed in 1926 still strikes an imposing presence in the area. Construction began by the laying of the cornerstone in 1922 by Maulana Sadr-ud-Din with finance for the build coming from Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha‘at Islam- the aim being to introduce and spread the teachings of Islam in Germany.

Modern Times

Whilst newly built mosques in Germany and the rest of the European Union are sometimes subject to strict building requirements so as to blend in with local buildings and not to offend locals, and other places of worship take place in homes or abandoned churches, the Ahmadiyya Mosque sits in full Islamic splendour with traditional glass dome and 90ft high minaret, amongst well maintained gardens in a prominent position. Its initial task of introducing Islam to Germany complete, the mosque is now well placed in the locality to provide community outreach and witness to the wider population.

The majority of Muslims in Britain practise Sunni Islam, although there is a significant Iranian-Shia minority. With a total of over 1500 mosques and over 166 numerous independent Islamic schools, Islam has a prominent presence in Great Britain which has in recent years caused numerous areas of concern for certain groups.

Fears and suspicion

With the decline of Christianity, rise in conversions and areas with high concentrations of Muslims (for example in London, Bradford and Leicester) concern has arisen about the Islamification of Great Britain. A startling 75% of the British population believes that Islam has a negative impact on British society and tensions remain following the 7/7 bombings in London. The press has also been largely negative, publishing articles on extremism in schools and mosques.

Looking forward

Despite these problems and difficulties, religious freedom laws in the UK make it one of the most accepting in Europe. There is no law restricting Islamic dress, acceptance of prayer schedules in most workplaces, and heavily protected freedom of speech laws. Although some extremists do give UK Islam a bad name, the majority of Muslims in the UK can and do practise their religion to its full extent.

There exist also numerous initiatives in the UK that hope to change negative perceptions and reduce fears, leaving Islam to become an accepted and respected religion in Great Britain. ‘Muslims in Britain’ and other bodies are working to create awareness and acceptance whilst maintaining Islamic identity.

Separate communities

The West-German government did not have an assimilation policy for large numbers of immigrants, assuming that they were there temporarily. This has resulted in issues within German society and the perception of Islam as a whole. For example, over 55% of Muslims in Germany do not have German citizenship, excluding them from participating in political society. There exist separate areas in some large cities that are entirely populated by Muslims.

Although the Islam practised in Germany is generally more secular in nature, (current studies estimate that only 30% of the population adheres to religious feast days and ritual holidays) and only 1% can be classified as holding ‘extremist’ views, there is a degree of scepticism from the native German population. Although Mosques are not an uncommon sight in many cities, proposals to build new facilities often provoke outrage. And although there exists no specific law in Germany banning the use of religious symbols in public, many federal states have introduced legislation to forbid the wearing of headscarves in public places.

Conclusion

The atmosphere does not go unnoticed by the Muslim population in Germany, 51% of who feel a degree of hostility.1 And although steps have been taken to loosen up citizenship laws and promote a European brand of Islam, in a society where 66% of Muslims2 feel they are Muslim first and German second it appears Islamic communities in Germany may continue to face problems and isolation.

Integration and Isolation

This is continuously reflected in non-governmental surveys which reveal that French Muslims identify themselves more frequently as ‘French’ rather than ‘Muslim’. They are more likely to mix with French citizens of other faiths, be more tolerant towards those of Jewish heritage, and express a high interest in adopting French customs. They are also among the most secular of Europe’s Muslims.

That is not to say that Islam in France is not without its problems. Riots in the Banlieux of Paris and other large cities are blamed by the far right on the ‘Muslim youth’. Although it remains in dispute if these events were religious in nature or purely a response to high youth unemployment, tensions between Muslims and the majority population do surface. And, in a country that strongly promotes and enforces secular Laicite, those wishing to practise a more traditional Islam have at times faced prejudice and isolation – especially women who have been restricted in their wearing of the Islamic Hijab.

Conclusion

However, despite the secular nature of the French state the country boasts over 2000 mosques with more under construction, a handful of independent schools and the government sponsored Creation of the French Council for Muslim Faith which is an elected body created to represent French-Islam which also abides by traditional French norms and human rights values. Studies by the Pew Research Society indicate that French Muslims are significantly more integrated and confident in French society than their British or German brethren5 and Islam in France enjoys a greater deal of acceptance and respect.