Wanted: A local place to worship

A RELIGIOUS group is looking for a place to worship in Forres.

Spokesman Ali Kamal from Forres, estimates there are around 25 Muslims in the area who currently pray at Elgin Mosque on Fridays, making do with facilities at work or at home during the rest of the week.

Ali, a Walker’s Shortbread employee, explained: “I have relationships with many Muslim families here. We often talk about having somewhere we can pray together more regularly.”

Salah (prayer) is a religious duty for every Muslim. The physical, mental, and spiritual act of worship is observed five times every day at prescribed times.

Ali said: “We need a sheltered room to do this, preferably with toilet facilities, in a central area for easy access as some of the group are disabled, and others are of an older age. It would need to be available 24/7 and with its own key, especially during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a month of fasting.”

Ali has lived in the area for nearly eight years since he left his native Egypt and now lives in Forres with his two sons.

“It’s a great area,” he said. “We have a good relationship with our neighbours, who are a lot of help. They care about us.”

He has already asked a number of people to help him find a regular place to pray in the town, including local councillor Lorna Creswell, representatives of St John’s and St Margaret’s Churches, and Moray MP Douglas Ross.

“Cllr Creswell was helpful,” he said. “The churchmen said they would get back to us but never did. Moray Council offered a room in the Tolbooth once-a-day and Forres Community Centre, but without 24-hour access.”

Rev Colin Stewart of the St Sylvester’s Pastoral Area could not recall being contacted.

However, he said: “A similar conversation occurred in Elgin a few years ago, and Bishop Hugh Gilbert expressed his full support for the opening of a mosque there. I was happy to hear that. We recognise that all people of good will have the right to gather and worship in their own tradition.”

Mr Ross confirmed Ali paid a visit to his office for assistance in securing premises where Syrian refugee families and other Muslims in Forres could worship.

He said: “I contacted Moray Council on his behalf given the properties they oversee in the area, but sadly they were unable to help, as they don’t have any capacity or spare rooms. Hopefully an appeal in the Forres Gazette will assist in their search.”

Email newsdesk@forres-gazette.co.uk if you can help.