China, one of the densely populated lands, accommodates people of different religions who have the right to live according to their rules and regulations. Hong Kong, as an administrative region of China, hosts a large population of the Muslim community. Due to this population, mosques and Islamic centers are necessary where they can follow Islamic practices and perform prayers. Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, also known as Wan Chai Mosque, is situated in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. It is the third mosque built in Hong Kong for the Muslim community.
History
The first building of Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre can be traced back to the first Muslim cemetery at 7 Seymore Street in Hong Kong, where five to six burials took place. At that time, there was a small Ammar Mosque used for funeral prayers. As the Muslim population increased over time, people began to perform their five-time prayers in this mosque. After World War II, the government offered a new plot of land for this mosque at Oi Kwan Road in Wan Chai. Along with almost 2.5 million for its construction. The construction of the mosque’s current building began in September 1979 and was formally opened on September 14, 1981, with funds from the Islamic Union of Hong Kong.
Architecture
The current design of Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre is the creation of a Chinese Muslim Ramju Sadick. Hence the mosque’s name also includes his name. The mosque stands tall as an eight-story complex, boasting a range of amenities. Among these are separate Ablution Halls for both men and women located on the first floor. While the male prayer hall resides on the second floor, and the female prayer hall occupies the third floor.
The fourth to eighth floors are specific for a Chinese restaurant, a Halal bakery, medical services, classrooms, and a library. Offices for the Imam and Quran teachers, as well as conference and seminar rooms. A Muslim Community Kindergarten exists on the ground floor. The mosque regularly holds Islamic workshops every weekend. For those who newly accept Islam, the mosque offers regular classes for proper Quran reading. The current building of the mosque accommodates almost 1500 people. The mosque also hosts tours for visits by school or university students.
Transport
To the east, Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre are accessible through Wan Chai Station. While to the west, Causeway Bay Station is the nearest transport source.
