Edinburgh Central Mosque

Prior to its construction, there was no mosque large enough to fulfill the needs of the Muslims in the city centre of Edinburgh. As the Muslim population increased a large mosque became viable. Eventually, the project was able to purchase land from the City Council with the proviso that an existing listed building be preserved and used. The project ran into funding difficulties; but these were solved when King Fahd of Saudi Arabia donated 90% of the project's total cost. On 31 July 1998 (8 Rabi II 1419) the mosque was opened by his son Prince Abdulaziz bin Fahd Al Saud, who was also the project patron.

The mosque is built from stone and has calligraphy instilled in the design, facing the courtyard. The calligraphy found on the mosque is square kufic, highlighting God's name in Arabic as Allah. The main hall is where the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) and the five daily prayers (salat) are held. There are two chandeliers, a vast carpet, and chairs for the elderly and disabled. Many short lectures and small discussion groups are held here, although such groups must give notice. The mosque also offers funeral services and the prayer Salat al-Janazah. There are two side entrances to the hall and a small glass room which also has a separate entrance/exit with a ramp for the disabled. There are…