Luqa Mosque Plans Withdrawn: Islamic Solidarity Retreats ‘for Common Good’
Mosque Plans Shelved: Islamic Solidarity Retreats from Luqa
In the quiet Maltese town of Luqa, a hush has fallen over the usually bustling Triq San Pawl. The reason? The sudden withdrawal of the Islamic Solidarity Foundation’s application to build a mosque on a plot of land just off this main street.
From Plans to Retreat
The foundation had submitted its application in 2019, seeking to construct a mosque and community centre on a 1,000 square metre plot. The plans sparked debate, with some residents welcoming the project as a sign of Malta’s religious diversity, while others expressed concerns about traffic, parking, and the scale of the development.
Last week, however, the foundation announced it was withdrawing its application. In a statement, it cited the “common good” and the need to “respect the sensitivities of all parties involved” as its reasons for retreat.
Luqa Reacts: A Tale of Two Sides
News of the withdrawal has been met with a mix of relief and disappointment in Luqa. “I’m glad they’ve listened to our concerns,” said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “But I also think it’s a shame we couldn’t find a way to make this work for everyone.”
Another resident, Joe Borg, was more vocal in his support of the mosque. “It’s about time we had a mosque in Luqa,” he said. “We have a growing Muslim community here, and they deserve a place to worship.”
Local councillor, Mario Portelli, echoed this sentiment. “While I understand the concerns of some residents, I believe a mosque would have been a positive addition to our community. It’s a sign of our diversity, and I think we should embrace that.”
What Next for Luqa’s Muslims?
The withdrawal of the application leaves Luqa’s Muslim community in a limbo. The nearest mosque is in nearby Ħamrun, a 15-minute drive away. “We’ll have to keep praying at home or in the Ħamrun mosque for now,” said one Luqa resident, who attends the Ħamrun mosque regularly.
But all is not lost. The Islamic Solidarity Foundation has hinted that it may seek alternative locations in Luqa or nearby towns. “We remain committed to serving the Muslim community in Malta,” said a spokesperson. “We’re currently exploring other options and will keep the community updated.”
As for Luqa, the debate over the mosque may have ended, but the conversation about diversity and inclusion continues. With a growing Muslim population in Malta, it’s a conversation that’s set to continue, not just in Luqa, but across the country.
