Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. Who are you?

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A registered charity called the "Cambridge Muslim Trust" formed by Muslims who live in the Cambridge area as a legal vehicle for progressing the "Cambridge Muslim Community Project". Please see the Website for more information.

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Q. Who are involved?

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All members of the community are invited to participate in the development and running of this project, regardless of gender, ethnicity or age. Thus, the community centre will be owned and managed by the community it serves. This means anyone (including non-Muslims) can avail themselves of services and facilities offered, providing they respect the context of an Islamic environment.

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Q. Who has been consulted?

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In addition to the social, education and health services, the city council, the Muslim Academic Trust and members of the Mosque committee discussions have taken place with many individuals, including those who currently run community based activities and, see the benefits of centralising and pooling resources.

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Q. What is being proposed?

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A community project that will complement the existing mosque, Insh'Allah!

In consultation with the Muslim Community and with local service providers, such as Social Services, City Council, Education and Health services, the local Community’s needs will dictate the specifics, but services are likely to include: Janazah services; Talks; Women’s' groups; Youth groups; Social space; Coffee bar; Special interest groups; etc.

It will provide a halal social space for students and residents which is sadly lacking both on campus and elsewhere in the city. Outreach and Da’wah will be an important aspects of the project. A Centre Manager/ Development worker is being budgeted for to ensure the full potential of the project is realised. A copy of the deed of trust, which explains the legal framework and aims of the Trust is available on the website.

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Q. Why now?

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The Cambridge Muslim community continues to grow and with this, its needs and problems become more urgent to address. Each of us must question ourselves about the fact that we have ignored these issues for so long. We cannot delay in fulfilling our collective responsibility any longer.

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Q. Why this building?

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Its location, planning status (D1 community use), affordability and availability all commend this particular site’s suitability for the Community Centre Project. In recent years, such a combination has become extremely rare and we, as a community should grasp this opportunity.

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Q. How much will it cost?

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A rough estimate for the purchase, renovations and initial set up costs is just under £750,000. Running costs will depend on the type and frequency of the activities being offered. A financial projection can be viewed on the website.

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Q. How can I help?

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This is a new venture and those people identified as being part of the current steering group are simply there to kick things off. If others are more suitably qualified and have the time to commit, they must fulfill their Islamic duty and step forward now.

The most obvious help would be to make a one off donation, a loan or set up a monthly standing order.  See website for details of how contributions can be made.