Mosque offers sneak peak of rare artefacts at new museum

A new mosque and community hub said more than 20 rare Islamic artefacts will be on display in its museum as it opens its doors to the public this weekend.

The Al-Buraq Masjid, located in Devonport Road, has been made possible through a ‘monumental’ fundraising effort and is set to have two launch events.

A male event will take place from 12pm on Saturday, February 22nd, and a women’s event will be held the day after on Sunday from 1pm.

The mosque also revealed a leading Islamic spiritual leader from New York will be among the special guests at the official opening.

This week the mosque shared details of the rare Islamic artefacts that visitors will be on show on the top floor of the mosque.

The artefacts from the Ottoman era include an original key to the Kaaba in Makkah dating back more than 100 years. The Kiswah, the cloth that covers the Kaaba, dating back to the early 19th century is also being displayed.

More than 20 artefacts will be on display, many of these have never been on public display in the UK.

The museum aims to attract schools, community groups, and the wider public, promoting education and cultural appreciation. Visiting the official launch will be Sheykh Lokman Efendi. 

Sheykh Lokman left his home in Singapore at a young age to pursue his post-graduate studies at Columbia University in New York City.

He is now one of the pre-eminent spiritual leaders in the country and leader of the Osmanli Naksibendi Hakkani Tarikat.

A mosque spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be welcoming people from across the world to join our community here in Blackburn. The opening event will thank the volunteers and people who supported this project.”

The mosque said it was hoping to launch a new food bank, the ‘Blackburn Community Fridge’, which will collect donations from local businesses.

There are plans in the future to collaborate with established charities to support people of all faiths and backgrounds.

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 first Friday prayers at Al-Buraq Masjid will take place on Friday, February 28.