jpnn.com, JAKARTA - The Indonesian Islamic Center (IIC) is one step closer to build a mosque in London after getting a waqf commitment of Rp 5 billion on Monday (10/1).
Waqf is an inalienable charitable endowment under Islamic law.
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The committee for the mosque construction launched the "Waqf Mosaic" fundraising program on Sunday (9/1), setting a target of £450,000 or around Rp 9 billion.
Almost half of the Rp 5 billion raised came from two establishments, namely the Human Aid Initiative (HAI) and PT Paragon Technology and Innovation, with each contributing £60,000 or around Rp 1.2 billion.
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"With the waqf commitment today, the IIC committee managed to cover the shortage of deposit for a former church property that we will turn into a mosque," said chairman of the mosque construction committee, Eko Kurniawan.
The event was attended by Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Deputy Speaker Zulkifli Hasan, and Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland Desra Percaya.
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Sandiaga said he strongly supported this initiative and hoped that this mosque could later become a showcase for Indonesia and its halal tourism campaign abroad.
Desra, who proposed the waqf scheme, said that he was proud of the various fundraising programs.
"Insya Allah [God willing], this mosque will strengthen the relations not only among the Indonesian Muslim community but also with local groups in the religious, educational, and social fields," said Desra.
It could also show the face of Islam and build a good image of Indonesia in the eyes of the international community, he added.
The online event featured main speaker Ustaz KH Abdullah Gymnastiar, popularly known as Aa Gym.
"Well, all of us are intermediaries chosen by Allah for the realization of the mosque,” he said. "We shouldn't waste this opportunity."
The names of the waqf donors would be immortalized on the wall of the mosque and possibly used to name the mosque facilities, said Gatot Subroto, chief executive of the "Waqf Mosaic" program.
The waqf program is held from January 9 to April 30. After this period, incoming donations will be categorized as alms.
The two-story former church building is located in the Neasden area, northwest London. It can accommodate up to hundreds of worshipers.
The property is offered at £1.4 million, including administration fees.
The committee previously raised £900,000 by selling the old IIC building.
Besides the "Waqf Mosaic" program, a series of fundraising events will be held in the next few months in order to cover the shortage by September.
The committee can be reached on WhatsApp at +447506225882 or +6281385400060. (mcr20/jpnn)