According to Reuters, after long periods of postponements brought about by formality, reductions and resistance from strict and political groups, the primary government-supported mosque in Athens since 1833 made its ways for admirers on Friday. A huge number of Muslims from nations including Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan and Bangladesh live in Athens however the city has not had a proper mosque since it was constrained involving Ottomans to leave almost 200 years back. Plans to construct a mosque in Athens started in 1890 however it took a long time for them to appear because of resistance from a dominatingly Christian Orthodox populace and patriots, slow organization yet most as of late a long term money related emergency.
In the midst of a Covid flare-up, just a set number of admirers, wearing covers and sitting a good ways off from one another because of COVID-19 limitations, went to supplications. “It is a memorable second for the Muslim people group living in Athens, we have been sitting tight for this mosque for such a long time,” said Heider Ashir, an individual from the mosque’s overseeing chamber. “Because of God, at last, we have a mosque which is open and we can supplicate here unreservedly.” Yet, different Muslims were discontent with the mosque’s appearance. A dark, rectangular structure with no arch or minaret, has no similarity to other agile, fancy mosques in Europe.
“It doesn’t at all resemble a position of love, it is a little,
square, hopeless structure,” said Naim El Ghandour, top of the Muslim
Association of Greece. “We express gratitude toward them especially
for the offer, however we will battle to arrive at it to the level
that we merit.” Under a lockdown to check a flood in Covid
contaminations, social affairs for formal adoring will be prohibited
from Saturday until November 30. “We will ask at home, and when the
lockdown is over the mosque will again be open for the admirers,”
Ashir said.
There is always light at the end of every dark tunnel and it is a shining ray of light for the Muslim community that resides there. We pray and hope the best for them and for them to be safe and sound and in peace.