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12 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 10, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Mosque will expand in three stages By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Think Green. Breathe Easy. HUGE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE $ Up to SALE BEST PRICES EVER! 2950 MANUFACTURERS CASH BACK * Cash Back AND NO PAYMENT! NO INTEREST! FOR 6 MONTHS *OAC HYDRO CASH BACK UP TO UP TO UP TO $1400 + $1000 + $550 GOV. CASH BACK *Call for details. Financing Available The Oakville mosque that has served the Muslim community in the area for over eight years is expanding to accommodate the growing Peel-Halton Muslim population and serve the greater public as a whole. So far, Muslims in Oakville and West Mississauga have been using a bungalow, situated on a picturesque 11-acre piece of land, as a temporary mosque. That should soon change. Munaf Solaiman, vicepresident of World Islamic Mission Canada (WIM), said the construction of the Masjid Noor-ul-Haram (which means Light of the Sacred Mosque) mosque would occur in three phases beginning this month. The first phase will focus on the construction of the front part of the mosque, and a commercial centre. The second phase will include the MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER COMING SOON: Vice-president of World Islamic Mission (WIM) Munaf Solaiman annouces the seen as not only a pride for Muslims, but also for all residents of Oakville and surrounding areas. We should look at it as a meeting place where minds and hearts can come together to build a better and brighter future for generations to come." 8 Locations To Serve You Better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 launch of Noor-ul-Haram mosque project in Oakville. construction of a school, "Special emphasis on gymnasium and cafeteria. landscaping and the use of The third will see the building light will give visitors and of a home for seniors. worshippers a feeling of being Irshad Munnawar said the in a sanctuary-like environdesign will combine "tradi- ment," explained Munnawar, tional Islamic architecture who is the president of WIM. with modern energy-efficient Aside from the structure, design concepts." the mosque will also be unique in its approach. "The mosque is sort of a community centre and the purpose of this is to introduce Islamic teachings in Oakville," said Solaiman. It will portray the true face of Islam and encourage assimilation into the Canadian mosaic, he siad. "Muslims will be seen as Announcing... A new triathlon/duathlon club part of the Canadian socieserving Burlington and South Oakville. The ty... rather than isolated entities ... that's the main fighting Koalas Triathlon/Duathlon Team Program objective," said Qidawi, who for 2008/2009 begins September 15! Start now is on the executive developto get stronger, fitter and faster for the 2009 ment committee. season. All levels and distances welcome! "Traditionally what has For more information join us at our information session on happened in the first wave of Saturday, September 13 from 10-11 a.m. at 919 Fraser Drive, unit 12, mosques that have been built, Burlington. (One block east of Walkers Line off Harvester) and not all of them, but I Phone: 905-333-8558 · Email: peakburlington@bellnet.ca would say the majority ... are kind of a box that keep people in and keep them isolated from the rest of society," explained Solaiman. This will not be the case with this mosque, as it will facilitate FREE interactions with the mainUpgrade stream society. Robert H. Peterson Co. Package The current structure holds approximately 200 people, but it is hoped that the new building will allow the entire Oakville community, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to enjoy the facilities incorporated in the new design. "The new mosque will be welcoming for non-Muslims, so if non-Muslims want to Burnt Rustic Oak visit, they can come in without disturbing prayers. There will be community service and gym access to all," said "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a Solaiman. 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE "This project should be "This project should be seen as not only a pride for Muslims, but also for all residents of Oakville and surrounding areas." Munaf Solaiman, vice-president of World Islamic Mission Canada Exclusive to Cobblestonembers ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 The new structure will accommodate approximately 1,000 people. The 20 executive members on the development committee anticipate people, as far west as Burlington and as far east as Mississauga, will visit the mosque. The temporary mosqu currently holds a daily evening madrasa, or school, and will also hold an iftar dinner in September during the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan, by which Muslims usually fast from dawn to dusk and give extra donations to charities. The mosque is supported by World Islamic Mission Canada, a not-for-profit charitable organization recognized by the Canadian government. The executives hope to pay for the construction of the new infrastructure through donations from the community. For more information or to donate to the mosque, call 905-257-1342 or visit www.wimnet.org.