A new mosque and community hub hosting a dedicated museum, nikah (wedding) service and a women’s section, is set to open to the public.

Al-Buraq Masjid, located off Devonport Road, has been made possible through a ‘monumental’ fundraising effort.  

Volunteers took part in sponsored cycle rides and treks across northern England, while donations from families and mosque members contributed to what the mosque said was ‘a wholly community-led’ initiative.

The new building will replace the Islamic Education Centre on the corner of Addison Street as the community’s focal point for prayers and religious activities. The majority of worshippers live in the surrounding area.

Built on spare land behind Devonport Road, the mosque has been designed to maximise space while incorporating elements of modern Islamic architecture. The main prayer hall, illuminated by chandeliers, offers a panoramic view of the town.

The mosque said with its ‘modern facilities and strong community focus’, the building is set to become ‘a vital hub for worship, education, and charitable outreach’.

A key addition is the funeral facility and ghusl area, which will be open to families for the ritual washing of the deceased before funeral prayers and burial.

The mosque also plans to establish the region’s first Islamic Museum, featuring rare artefacts from the Ottoman era, including an original key to the Kaaba in Makkah dating back more than 100 years. 

The museum aims to attract schools, community groups, and the wider public, promoting education and cultural appreciation.

The mosque includes a dedicated woman’s prayer area and entrance, providing a comfortable and accessible space for female worshippers.

Women will also be encouraged to organize their own events within the building.

Additionally, the mosque is hoping to launch a new food bank, the ‘Blackburn community fridge’, which will collect donations from local businesses.

The mosque said it is planning in the future to collaborate with established charities to support people of all faiths and backgrounds.

A mosque spokesperson said: “This has been an incredible journey for our small community.

From the very beginning, it was a grassroots effort, with people of all ages coming together to make this dream a reality. We cannot thank our donors and volunteers enough.”

For the past seven years, volunteers from ‘Team Buraq’ have organised numerous fundraising events, braving difficult conditions on bike rides and treks to help fund the project.

The mosque spokesperson added:  “Our volunteers have worked tirelessly, even in challenging weather. We hope the final result will make all their efforts worthwhile.”

The mosque will host two open days next weekend, ahead of the start of Ramadan at the end of February. The first Friday prayers at Al-Buraq Masjid will take place on Friday, the 28th of February.