Contract for mosque signed

Press, 12 July 1984, Page 5

Contract for mosque signed

A contract to build a mosque in Riccarton was signed this week and building is expected to begin within the next few weeks.

The $500,000 contract for the Deans Avenue mosque has gone to M. L. Paynter, Ltd. It was expected to be completed by February or March next year, said the president of the Canterbury Muslim Association, Dr Hanif Quazi.

The association hoped to sign the contract during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as this would have been a good omen, but this ended on July 1. The foundations were begun last year during Ramadan and since then the association had been trying to raise funds. Gifts of money had come from individuals and organisations in New Zealand, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The

Muslim World League had also contributed, he said. The association now has about a quarter of the money needed. The mosque has a distinctive traditional dome and minaret It will include a main prayer hall for about 250 people, a lecture hall, community room, committee room, and library. It would be a focal point for all the 3000 or 4000 Muslims throughout New Zealand. There was one other New Zealand mosque, in Auckland, Dr Quazi said. The building would not only be for Muslims. It was hoped to have education for non-Muslims wanting to learn about Arabic languages and culture. “It is hoped that it will be a contribution to the Christchurch society from the Muslim people,” Dr Quazi said.