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The Muslim community in Hong Kong is estimated to number up to 70
000. More than half are Chinese, with the rest being either locally
born non-Chinese or believers from Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia
and Middle Eastern and African countries. The Chinese Muslim Cultural
& Fraternal Association is the major body representing the Chinese
Muslims in Hong Kong. It was established in 1922 at No. 7 Chan Tong Lane,
Wan Chai, and was incorporated as a charity organisation in 1963. Apart
from conducting religious activities for the Chinese Muslims, the association
manages and maintains six non-profit making schools including one college,
two primary schools and three kindergartens.
Four principal masjids are used daily for prayers.
The oldest is the Jamia Masjid in Shelley Street on Hong Kong Island,
which was established in 1849 and rebuilt in 1915. It can accommodate
a congregation of 400.
The Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre,
occupying eight storeys, was opened in 1981 and houses a masjid on two
floors, a community hall, a library, a medical clinic, classrooms and
offices. The masjid is managed by the Islamic Union of Hong Kong and accommodates
700 people but, if necessary, can hold up to 1 500 by using other space
in the centre.
The Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre, in Nathan Road,
was opened in 1984 and replaced a masjid built in 1896. This imposing
building, with white marble finishing, is a landmark in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The masjid can accommodate about 2 000 worshippers and has
three prayer halls, a community hall, a medical clinic and a library.
Hong Kong Island has two Muslim cemeteries, one at
Happy Valley and the other at Cape Collinson, Chai Wan. The Cape Collinson
cemetery also has a masjid. The coordinating body for all Islamic religious
affairs is the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of
Hong Kong, a public charity. A board of trustees nominated by the Islamic
Union of Hong Kong, the Pakistan Association, the Indian Muslim Association
and the Dawoodi Bohra Association, manages and maintains masjids and cemeteries.
The trustees are also responsible for organising the celebration of Muslim
festivals and other religious events. Charitable work among the Muslim
community, including financial aid for the needy, medical facilities and
assisted education, is conducted through various local Muslim organisations. |
