• Activities
• 22 Thul Hijja 1447

Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority Inaugurates the New Premises of Ahlulbayt Association in Glasgow
The success of any Islamic center is not measured by the beauty of its building, but by the extent of its impact in shaping individuals. Its role also extends to presenting the true and honorable image of Islam and the Ahlulbayt to Western society through several essential principles.

Coinciding with the blessed Eid al-Ghadir and the Week of Wilayah (Guardianship), Sayyid Al-Kashmiri inaugurated the new premises of the Ahlulbayt Association in Glasgow. The previous center had become insufficient to accommodate the growing number of believers attending public religious events, forcing the administration to rent external venues at considerable expense.
By the grace and blessings of Almighty God, the support of the Supreme Religious Authority, and the contributions of generous benefactors from both within and outside the United Kingdom, the administration was able to sell the old premises and acquire this blessed new facility, with its expanded space and modern appearance. The new center will adequately serve the needs of the Muslim communities and their activities in Glasgow, particularly Al-Tawhid School, which has been supported through the charitable contributions of the late Hajj Ahmad Daneshyar Al-Shoushtari. This support has played a significant role in enabling the school to accommodate up to 300 students and to benefit from modern educational resources and teaching aids.
On this joyful occasion, a number of scholars, prominent members of various communities, and representatives of the Iraqi diplomatic corps in Scotland attended the event. The following is the inauguration speech delivered by the Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Master and Prophet Muhammad and his pure and immaculate family.
Dear brothers and sisters in faith,

Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.
Today, we gather on a blessed and cherished occasion—the inauguration of this Islamic center in its new form. We ask Almighty Allah to make it a house of goodness and guidance, a beacon of faith, knowledge, and moral excellence, and a place blessed with His pleasure and success.
Islamic centers in Western countries are not merely buildings or halls that are opened. In reality, they represent strongholds of identity, nurturing environments for faith, and bridges that connect individuals to their religion, values, and heritage—particularly in societies characterized by cultural diversity and varying intellectual and social currents.
Members of our faithful communities living abroad face significant challenges, beginning with preserving their Islamic identity and extending to the pressures of cultural assimilation and unregulated openness. Therefore, Islamic centers become a genuine necessity rather than a secondary or supplementary institution.
A successful Islamic center is not merely a place of worship. Rather, it is:

* A school for education and reform.
* A platform for awareness and knowledge.
* A spiritual refuge for families and youth.
* A center for building healthy social relationships.
* A fortress that protects future generations from loss and deviation.

Dear brothers and sisters,

One of the greatest responsibilities of these centers is caring for young people, for they are the foundation of the future and the group most exposed to intellectual, cultural, and moral challenges within Western societies.
Today's Muslim youth live amid rapidly changing environments, fast-moving ideas, and powerful media influences. At times, they may find themselves torn between their religious identity and the demands of the surrounding society. Here, the role of the Islamic center becomes essential through:
* Embracing and supporting young people.
* Listening to their concerns and challenges.
* Building trust between them and their faith.
* Presenting Islam in its compassionate, thoughtful, and profound form.
* Opening doors to dialogue, intellectual growth, and a sense of belonging.

Young people do not need sermons alone; they need positive role models, sincere care, and the reassurance that this center is truly their home—a place where they find respect, love, and genuine concern.
For this reason, the success of any Islamic center is not measured solely by the beauty of its building, but rather by the extent of its influence in nurturing conscious, faithful, and responsible individuals.
Dear brothers and sisters,
The responsibility of these centers is not limited to serving their own communities. It also extends to presenting the true and radiant image of Islam and the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) to wider Western society through:
* Good character and exemplary conduct.
* Thoughtful and constructive engagement.
* Service to the wider community.
* Humanitarian cooperation.
* Civilized and respectful dialogue.

The world today needs to see Islam reflected in the behavior of Muslims before hearing it in their words.
Likewise, these centers should serve as sources of unity, harmony, and cooperation, not arenas for division and disagreement. Faith communities living abroad are in greater need than ever of solidarity, compassion, and mutual support in preserving their faith, protecting their children, and securing their future.
Dear brothers and sisters,

This new chapter for this blessed center should mark the beginning of broader and deeper renewal:

* Renewal in religious discourse.
* Renewal in methods of communication.
* Renewal in cultural and educational programs.
* Renewal in caring for children, youth, and families.

We do not seek centers that are merely impressive in structure; rather, we seek centers filled with faith, vitality, awareness, and meaningful engagement.
In conclusion,
We ask Almighty Allah to bless those who have worked on this blessed project, to grant success to the benefactors, supporters, and all who contributed to this achievement.
We pray that He makes this center a platform of guidance, a place cherished by the hearts of believers, and a source of illumination for the authentic Muhammadan message. We also ask Him to protect Muslim communities everywhere—especially our young men and women—from all harm and deviation.
May Allah's blessings be upon Muhammad and his pure family.