Introduction

In the past, during the 1990s, the Muslim community in Tralee found solace in utilizing the facilities of Kerry General Hospital for their prayers, primarily due to the presence of Muslim doctors within the town. The hospital administration displayed a commendable spirit of accommodation during this time.

Over the years, as the Muslim population grew in Tralee and individuals from various professions began to settle in the area, there arose a pressing requirement for an independent space dedicated to prayer. Consequently, responsible Muslims, particularly those in the medical field, collaborated to establish a society that would facilitate the establishment of a mosque. This initiative aimed to cater to the increasing number of Muslims within the legal framework of the country.

Masjid

How we evolved

It was in 2001 the Kerry Islamic Cultural Centre was formed as a charity organisation and duly registered with Ireland's registration authority. Detailed constitution was formulated describing the scope of functioning of the society and responsibilities of the office bearers. With the help of Allah (سبحانہ وتعالی), we could attain it in a quick manner. In 2003 we rented a house for regular formal prayers.

As the number of young families increased we felt the need for some provision of Islamic teaching for the children as every parent's wish is to introduce their children to the basic tenets of Islam, Qur'an and socio-cultural values of Muslims. The law of the land permits all this under the umbrella of registered charity organisation. Within the ambit of Kerry Islamic Cultural Centre we can establish our prayer facility (Masjid), teaching facility (School) and facility for Religio-Socio-Cultural events like celebrating Eidul Fitr, Eidul Adha, holding lectures by local or invited dignitaries and arranging for Iftar dinner during Ramadan.

Community involvement

After establishing the organisation we quickly rented a place to fulfil our immediate needs of Prayers and Taraweeh etc. we continued to collect donations with the goal of owning a place for the organisation. With generous contributions and voluntary work of the community we could buy a house in 2007 which was reasonably converted into a prayer area, few guest rooms and ample parking space. Due permission was obtained from County (District) Planning Authorities for the suitable changes and to use the place as Mosque (Masjid).

By the grace of Allah (سبحانہ وتعالی), the number of Muslims in the town is steadily increasing and so is the attendance in regular prayers. During Juma prayers there is overflow of people and in the prayers of Eidain this place is definitely inadequate to accommodate all. So for last several years we have to rent big hall in a local Tralee hotel for these two days as the number is 400 to 500.

Our team

“Faithful believers are to each other as the bricks of a wall, supporting and reinforcing each other.” (Al-Bukhari)

Mustafa Patel
Imam
Apa
Scholar
Dr Altaf Memon
Trustee
Mohsin Rana
Treasurer
Rana Mahbub
Member
Shahid Jamil
Member
Abid Ghane
Member
Nazmul Alam
Technical Specialist

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah)." The Companions said: "Yes (please tell us), O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Performing the Wudu' properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat."

[Muslim].

 Riyad as-Salihin 189:1059