Prayers continue after mosque roof collapse
ALTHOUGH traumatised after the roof of the Quwwatul Islam Jamia Masjid in Verulam caved in on Monday, worshippers returned yesterday morning to pray in the mosque’s basement.
Moulana Abed Ahmed, who lives on the property, said that despite the incident, they would continue to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday at the mosque next Thursday.
The roof of the Wick Street masjid, which can accommodate about 800 worshippers, came crashing down just after midday prayers.
“Every year we hold talks on the prophet and his teachings. We also give seminars on how people can improve their lives and live positively.
“We will continue with our plans next week. Nothing will deter us,” said Ahmed.
Three worshippers, including a moulana, were injured in the incident.
“There were about 130 people in the mosque during the prayer and everyone had just left, besides the three, when the whole roof collapsed. There was nothing left,” he said.
Two people escaped with minor injuries but the moulana suffered a fractured pelvis and an injured hand.
Ahmed said his wife, Fatima, who was at home, initially thought a geyser had burst.
“We were not prepared for what we saw when we went outside.”
Plans are in place to rebuild the 25-yearold mosque.
“Building inspectors came and we are waiting for them to approve plans before we can begin. We are not insured but we have received calls from congregants who want to help. We hope to have our mosque up and running in two to three weeks.”
The basement would now being used for prayers, he said. The cause of the collapse had not yet been determined.