It certainly feels almost like a dream for all Muslims in Greece. This is because a mosque is finally built for them after have been waiting for almost 200 years. They can now have a specific place for them to pray and do any religious activities. Before this, the particular Muslim community had been using informal, makeshift prayer rooms set up in unused stores and also basements. These often lead to tension and protest from other local residents.
The opening of the mosque was celebrated by having Friday prayers. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, only a limited number of worshipers, wearing masks and sitting at a distance from each other due to Covid-19 restrictions have attended the prayers. The Friday sermon which was read in Greek, stressed the importance of mosques during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying they also served as community centers.
Heider Ashir who is a member of the mosque’s governing council said, “It is a historic moment for the Muslim community living in Athens, we have been waiting for this mosque for so long”. He also added, “Thanks to God, finally, we have a mosque which is open and we can pray here freely”.
Sources: Muslim Council.