Mosque Plans on Hold: Islamic Solidarity Retreats from Luqa

In the heart of Malta, the quiet town of Luqa has been at the centre of a contentious debate. The Islamic Solidarity Association’s plans to build a mosque on a plot of land in this typically peaceful community have sparked both support and opposition. Now, after months of discussion, the association has withdrawn its application, citing the ‘common good’ as their reason. But what does this mean for Luqa and the wider Maltese community?

From Plans to Protests

In 2021, the Islamic Solidarity Association submitted an application to build a mosque on a plot of land in Luqa. The proposed site, located on Triq il-Kappella, is close to the town’s centre, a stone’s throw from the historic St. Andrew’s Church. The plans sparked a wave of reactions, with some residents welcoming the proposal, while others expressed concerns about traffic, parking, and the potential impact on the town’s character.

Protests were held, petitions signed, and emotions ran high. The debate was not just about the mosque itself but also about integration, cultural diversity, and the future of Luqa. The association, meanwhile, maintained that the mosque was needed to serve the growing Muslim community in Malta, with many residents and workers in Luqa being of Muslim faith.

Withdrawal and Reasons

Last week, the Islamic Solidarity Association announced its withdrawal of the Luqa mosque application. In a statement, they cited ‘the common good’ as their reason, stating that they did not want to cause further division within the community. This decision comes after months of dialogue with residents, local councillors, and other stakeholders.

Dr. Azzam El-Zein, spokesperson for the Islamic Solidarity Association, told Hot Malta, “We believe that the current climate is not conducive to the construction of this mosque. We want to ensure that any project we undertake is for the benefit of all, and right now, we feel that this is not the case.”

: The Search for a Solution

So, what’s next for Luqa and the Muslim community? The withdrawal of the application does not mean the end of the debate. The Islamic Solidarity Association has stated that they will continue to look for a suitable site for a mosque in Luqa, while also engaging with the community to address their concerns.

Luqa’s Mayor, Mario Fava, told Hot Malta, “We welcome the association’s decision to withdraw the application. We believe that this issue can be resolved through open dialogue and understanding. We are committed to working with the association and the community to find a solution that respects everyone’s rights and addresses everyone’s concerns.”

As for the Muslim community, they remain hopeful. “We are disappointed that the mosque won’t be built in Luqa, at least for now,” said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. “But we understand the concerns of the community. We just want a place to pray, to come together as a community. We’re not going anywhere, and we hope that one day, we can find a solution that works for everyone.”