New Muslims, New Challenges: Making Our Mosques Welcoming

The path to embracing Islam, often envisioned as a journey filled with spiritual enlightenment and communal warmth, can sometimes be riddled with unexpected challenges. It shouldn’t be, but it is. It’s not that Islam is hard, it’s just that sometimes, some of us Muslims make it harder than it needs to be.

This stark reality was poignantly illustrated in a Facebook post by Bilal Brown of New Beginnings, detailing the experience of a woman in Nottingham. Inspired by the resilience of Palestinian children and a desire to learn about Islam, her journey quickly turned into an odyssey of closed doors and misunderstanding.

Her first attempt to connect with the local mosque was met with silence. Persisting, she found the mosque inaccessible, a disheartening sight of chained doors. She then visited a Shia mosque, mistakenly, and was subtly redirected elsewhere. Her subsequent visit to a Sunni mosque offered no solace, with an absent Imam and a congregation unprepared to assist. Not the most welcoming of experiences.

A similar situation occurred with a lawyer friend of mine who too was inspired by the people of Gaza. She came across a TikTok video about Gaza and then stumbled upon some videos on Islam. She was ‘’overwhelmed” by the beauty of the Qur’an and felt a “longing” to know more. Unfortunately, her visit to a big Oldham mosque was marred by unwelcome stares, and an absent administration, symbolising a gap between our community’s ideals and the reality experienced by those seeking to learn about Islam. Her persistence, however, led her to find support through personal connections within the community.

These are not isolated incidents but highlight a broader issue in Muslim communities. Many mosques, while architecturally impressive, fail to fulfil their fundamental role as centres of spiritual guidance. Some have become showpieces or centres of political influence, losing sight of their primary purpose.

These incidents highlight a critical need for mosques and Muslim communities to reassess their roles and their administrative make up. Beyond being architectural marvels or centres for political influence, mosques must return to their fundamental purpose as places of leadership, spiritual guidance and community support. The current state, where mosques are used for our five daily prayers only with the addition of limited evening and weekend classes, undermines their true potential. Things must change.

The mosque, in its ideal form, is far more than just a place of worship in Islam. It’s meant to be the heart of the Muslim community, a centre for learning, socialising and spiritual growth. Traditionally, mosques have served as places for education, where people of all ages come to learn about Islam and other subjects. They are also hubs for community activities, offering support and services to those in need. Moreover, mosques are intended to be welcoming spaces for everyone, including converts and people interested in Islam, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. The role of a mosque extends beyond the performance of prayers; it is a place where the principles of Islam are put into practice, embodying the values of compassion, community service, and inclusivity.  

Our mosques and Islamic centres, often the first points of contact for potential converts, need to reassess their approach. Accessibility should not be limited to physical structures but extend to the very essence of our community’s willingness to embrace and guide. We must establish robust systems that ensure no earnest seeker of faith is left wandering and confused. 

Our mosques need a major revamp in their management approach. Many are run by homogeneous committees lacking in diverse perspectives and essential skills. This often leads to a focus on administrative duties over community engagement, creating unwelcoming environments for new and young Muslims, and straying from Islam’s community-focused values.

While there are many possible changes to enhance mosque management, here are some straightforward and practical options for improvement.

1. Community Representation: Ensure mosque committees are diverse and representative of the entire community, including youth, converts, and women and people from different ethnicities, rather than the current make up of he who donates the most (whether from haraam or halal sources) has the most influence, holds all the cards. This is damaging our community and our future generations. 
2. Regular Feedback Mechanisms: Implement systems to regularly gather and act upon feedback from community members regarding mosque activities and services. How can you serve a community if you do not have any mechanism or desire to listen to the community. 
3. Professional Development: Offer continuous professional development opportunities for Imams and staff, focusing on areas of need in the community which must actively identified through the feedback mechanism..
4. Inclusive Programming: Develop inclusive programs that cater to the needs of all community segments, including youth, new Muslims, and women. This is why a diverse team is so crucial.
5. Technology Integration: Utilise technology for better communication and community engagement, including a well-maintained website, social media presence, and online educational resources. There is no excuse for not having a website and online presence when platforms such MasjidPress are offering free and low cost websites. 

However, the responsibility extends beyond the walls of mosques. As Muslims, we must reflect on these experiences and align our actions with the teachings of Islam, creating spaces that truly reflect the spirit of our faith. It’s time we opened not just our doors but also our hearts to those seeking the path of Islam, embodying the true spirit of our faith in every interaction. As a community, we must energetically hold mosque committee members accountable, champion meaningful change, and place the needs of future generations above traditional affiliations. This proactive stance is vital for cultivating a dynamic, forward-looking Muslim community. The effort is ours, the change can only come from Allah.