© Makhzan-e-Tasaweer
Tariq Mahmood, Toronto, Canada
Introduction to Florstadt
Deep in the heart of Germany’s Hesse province lies a beautiful and vibrant town with a new mosque to enrich its inhabitants. Florstadt and its 10,000 inhabitants are inextricably linked to the Rhine-Main area, both socially and economically. You may recall the River Rhine (the namesake of this area) as one of the longest rivers in Europe, frequently serving as an important border between countries. The quaint town’s urban character and rural flair reflect a remarkable 2000-year-old history.
Indeed, Florstadt prides itself on its time-honoured traditions; the town predates the invention of coffee, paper currency, and the game of chess itself. Its name comes from the Old High German meaning ‘wind town’. This truly reflects their ability to be the wind that helps the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community since it was founded in Florstadt in 1995.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Florstadt
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Florstadt has around 160 members. The Community’s rich history in the area began with prayers in Friedberg-Fauerbach. By the Grace of God Almighty, the Mubarak Mosque was completed recently, adding a new dimension to the rich culture of Florstadt.
The community’s acceptance in the area didn’t come without hard work; neighbours were genuinely concerned about this new group of people who would congregate near them. It’s important for Muslims to understand the perception of people around them, especially those who haven’t ever experienced Islam, and dispel any myths. As such, the Florstadt Ahmadis began their conquest to win hearts.
They proceeded by holding religious events such as ‘Religious Founders Day’, where every religion in Florstadt came to speak about the holy personages of their faith. Christians, Muslims and Jews all came together in events such as these.
The local Ahmadis held open mosques to eradicate fears of Islam, regularly fed the homeless and held New Year’s receptions to celebrate as a truly integrated people. This was not celebrated with parties, but rather with tree-planting campaigns and picking up rubbish in the streets.
© Makhzan-e-Tasaweer
The Mubarak Mosque
The events leading up to the mosque add to its rich history and pay homage to the hard workers who strived to make Florstadt feel a little more like home. The old prayer centre was a former workshop and left the Florstadt Ahmadis wanting more for their faith. And so the search began.
In 2014, the land of the mosque was finally acquired, and on 15th October 2015, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) laid the foundation stone of the mosque, initiating a years-long journey from brick and mortar to prayers and prostration. A local Ahmadi architect by the name of Anwar Khan designed the mosque and sought permission from the district authority. From the approval in 2021 to its completion in the spring of 2023, the 1.5-year project slowly morphed from an empty plot to the white and grey building as it now stands.
The Florstadt Ahmadis insist, however, that this mosque is not only for Muslims; on their way to local cafés and supermarkets, all are welcome to stop by to have a conversation, make new friends and hopefully connect with the Creator of the universe. In this way, Florstadt has become the newest nexus of faith in Germany, where Islam can demonstrate its peaceful teachings once more. The town of wind has added one more gust, travelling towards peace and harmony.
Facts and Figures
– The plot size is 811 m²
– The building complex has a gross floor area of approx. 450 m²
– The two prayer rooms (for both men and women) on the ground and upper floor are each between 65 m² and 70 m² in size
– There is a multi-function room, a library and various other rooms such as offices, a kitchen and a roof terrace to cover the daily needs of the men and women of the local community.
– In addition, there is a flat for the imam who will reside here in the future.
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