The Minhaj-ul-Quran branch in Dundee, Scotland operates in Jam’i Mosque Bilal. It has been serving the community since the mid-1990s. The centre was established in December 1996, when a pre-existing 5–7 Dura Street building was converted into a mosque and community facility. It was not a purpose-built mosque, but through renovations the building now provides two main halls on separate levels for its activities. The upper hall is used for daily prayers, the Friday congregational prayer, Eid celebrations, and other large religious gatherings, while the ground floor hall is dedicated to children’s education, women’s activities, and various social and cultural events. This clever use of space allows the Dundee centre to cater to both worship needs and community programmes effectively.
History and Minhaj-ul-Quran’s involvement: The Dundee centre’s establishment has a unique connection to Minhaj-ul-Quran’s founder. In the mid-90s, the local Muslim community in Dundee was seeking an English-speaking imam who could connect with the youth. Members of the centre’s committee met Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri (the founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran) and requested his assistance. Dr Qadri recommended and sent a qualified scholar from Minhaj University in Lahore – Allama Hafiz Muhammad Ishfaq Alam Qadri – to serve as the imam in Dundee. This imam, educated in both Islamic studies and English, greatly helped establish a strong foundation for the centre, exceeding the community’s expectations with his outreach and teaching. Through this collaboration,
Today, religious services at Jam’i Mosque Bilal (Minhaj-ul-Quran Dundee) include the five daily prayers and well-attended Jumu’ah prayers every Friday. The mosque has a warm and welcoming atmosphere; its upper prayer hall is filled with worshippers from diverse backgrounds, including long-time local families and newer immigrants or students, all praying shoulder to shoulder. The educational activities are a highlight of this branch. The ground floor is often buzzing with children attending Qur’an classes and Maktab (Islamic school) sessions, where they learn basic Qur’anic Arabic, memorise short chapters of the Qur’an, and study the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and fundamentals of Islamic belief. These classes are overseen by qualified teachers and often by graduates or members of Minhaj-ul-Quran, ensuring a high standard of instruction in a child-friendly manner. There are also weekly sessions specifically for women, including lectures and mutual learning circles, enabling female participants to increase their knowledge and ask questions in a comfortable setting.
The Dundee centre actively engages in welfare and cultural activities, in line with Minhaj-ul-Quran’s mission. With the joint efforts of the Scottish Islamic Cultural Centre and MQI, the mosque is busy with not just religious services but also charity initiatives and community support programmes. For instance, the centre might host collections for food and necessities to support local homeless shelters or arrange fundraising when disasters strike abroad. The community has rallied for causes such as flood relief and emergency aid under the coordination of Minhaj Welfare Foundation’s local volunteers. Interfaith outreach is another important aspect: the centre’s stated aims include creating awareness about Islam among both Muslims and other communities in Dundee. To this end, the mosque has welcomed local schools, university students, and church groups for visits, offering tours and Q A sessions to promote understanding and harmony. These open days and interfaith dialogues have made Jam’i Mosque Bilal a well-known and respected part of the broader Dundee community.
Youth involvement is encouraged, particularly given the impetus that led to Minhaj-ul-Quran’s involvement in Dundee. The presence of English-speaking scholars and teachers means young Muslims in Dundee find it easier to engage. The centre might run youth workshops or invite guest speakers (often from Minhaj-ul-Quran UK’s network) to address topics relevant to young people – such as retaining faith in a secular society, dealing with peer pressure, or learning leadership skills. The mosque also participates in scouting and youth clubs, providing space for youth activities in a halal environment. Women’s participation is significant: women help organise events like community meals, religious celebrations, and educational seminars. The ground floor hall is regularly used for ladies’ gatherings, whether it’s a weekly Tajweed class for women or special events during Islamic occasions. The inclusive approach ensures that the centre serves all members of the Muslim community – men, women, young and old.
In summary, the Minhaj-ul-Quran centre in Dundee (Jam’i Mosque Bilal) plays a crucial role in the local Muslim community. It fulfils religious duties, provides education, and works towards social harmony. By doing so, it stands as one of Dundee’s important Islamic institutions, known for “catering to the religious, social, cultural, welfare as well as the educational needs” of Muslims in the area. Through its ongoing activities and the guidance of Minhaj-ul-Quran, the Dundee branch continues to promote peace, knowledge, and positive integration in Scottish society.
5-7 Dura St, Dundee DD4 6RU
