Selby Considers Islamic Center Amidst Growing Muslim Community

Selby, a market town, may establish its own Islamic center following a notable rise in its Muslim residents. Over the last two years, attendance at Friday prayers in Selby has doubled; however, these services are currently conducted by a “mobile” imam due to the absence of a dedicated mosque. Mohamed Osman commutes from York to lead these gatherings at the town’s community center. He stated: “It is a small community but it is growing. Selby is making us very welcome and our doors are open. It is at an early stage, but we are working towards having an established, integrated mosque.” Mr. Osman, who also serves as a lecturer in biomedical sciences at the University of York, initiated the outreach visits to Selby two years prior, collaborating with York’s mosque. Previously, Muslims residing in Selby traveled to either York or Doncaster for their prayers. He further commented: “The numbers coming have doubled, and that is down to the work of the brothers and sisters, and being at the community centre, a consistent, fixed place.” He also noted its contribution to integration, saying: “Everyone can see us here, it is very important for us to be a part of the community, we don’t want to be working in isolation.” Mr. Osman indicated that fundraising efforts for a permanent place of worship have commenced, emphasizing that the Friday gatherings serve as the “nucleus” for the broader initiative. Akhtar Zaman, proprietor of a newsagent and convenience store, established residence in Selby in 2016, prior to the commencement of the Friday prayer sessions. Mr. Zaman remarked: “I used to pray at home. These Friday prayers have made such a difference. We can get together, make new friends and really feel like a community.” He continued: “That is so important to us, to be able to get together here, worship and support each other. Every Friday more people are coming, word is getting round, people from out of town who are working in Selby are coming to join us here.” Somaya Abdel-Aal, a resident of the village of Eggborough, previously commuted to a mosque in Doncaster. Due to her work schedule and travel duration, she was only able to attend prayers on her days off. She commented: “It has made quite a big difference having somewhere local. The future plans are exciting. It would be nice to have a bigger place, more space for women, children and families.” She added: “It’s really important that communities feel settled and able to access something they need that is fit for purpose.”