About
The history of the Livingston Islamic Centre & Mosque is closely tied to the growth and diversification of the population of Livingston itself, a New Town established in 1962. As Livingston developed and attracted residents from various backgrounds, including a growing Muslim community, the need for a dedicated place of worship and community hub became apparent.
The Livingston Islamic Centre and Mosque was officially registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) on April 27, 2012 (charity number SC043124). This formal registration marked a significant milestone, solidifying its role as a recognised charitable body dedicated to advancing the Islamic religion in Scotland.
Mission and Activities:
The primary objective of the Centre is to advance the Islamic Religion as a whole, without distinction as to sect, within Scotland. To achieve this, it provides an Islamic Centre and a prayer room for the Muslim community. The mosque organizes a wide range of activities for all ages, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, intellectual, and physical development. These include:
- Religious Practices: Collective prayers, reading of the Holy Quran, and collective fast-breaking during Ramadan.
- Education: Providing Islamic education to the community using modern teaching techniques, including madrasah learning.
- Community Engagement: Organising community events, social and religious gatherings, and family fairs.
- Outreach: While most activities cater to the Muslim community, non-Muslims are also invited to participate in some events, fostering interfaith understanding.
- Support Services: The Centre has established a food pantry to support those in need, helping to relieve poverty and economic disadvantage within Livingston by providing non-perishable food goods. They collaborate with West Lothian Foodbank and West Lothian Food Network for this initiative.
Facilities:
The Livingston Islamic Centre & Mosque offers various facilities to cater to its community's needs:
- Prayer halls for both male and female worshippers.
- Wudu (ablution) facilities for both male and female.
- Free car parking, which has been extended and marked for convenience, especially during Jumua'ah (Friday) prayers.
- A community hall with a kitchen.
Recent improvements include an extended main prayer hall with energy-saving lights, a fire exit and special-needs access.
Community Impact and Funding:
The Livingston Islamic Centre & Mosque is committed to providing the best facilities for the community to practice Islam and aims to be a well-maintained and improving institution. Donations from the community largely support its operations and improvements. The Centre's annual accounts demonstrate its ongoing financial activity, with income primarily from donations and rental income, covering expenses for lecturers, maintenance, utilities, and community events.
