Italian Social Club “Associazione Italiana Dubai”, Organizzazione no profit

The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre hosted non-Muslims from the Italian Social Club (Associazione Italiana Dubai), for Iftar on Wednesday 22 June 2016.  Some 50 people from the association joined the Muslim community in a specially-erected Iftar tent at the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre.

Each night, over the Holy Month of Ramadan an average of 1,200 people gather for Iftar at the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque.

The Italian Social Club members were treated to a tour of the mosque, which is considered one of Dubai’s most beautiful pieces of architecture and design. Funded by Al Habtoor Group Chairman, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, it was inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and boasts a mix of Ottoman-style architecture with Andalusian and Islamic art. 

Abdul Salam Al Marzooqi, General Manager, Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre said the visitors got to witness a traditional Ramadan experience. “Ramadan is special occasion to share with others in the community. It is important to welcome non-Muslims into the mosque to show them that Islam is about peace, understanding and tolerance. Iftar is a wonderful opportunity for Muslims and non-Muslims to share a communal meal while sharing thoughts.”

Dr Sheikh Fares Al Mustafa gave a speech about peace, tolerance and coexistence and told the Italian guests about the Muslim practices over the Holy Month. 

The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre is one of only a few mosques in the UAE to welcome non-Muslims.

The Italian Social Club, established in Dubai in 2003, is a non-profit entity that aims to explore different cultures and religions in order to build better coexistence between communities.