Gulf NRIs to build India's biggest mosque in Kozhikode

Estimated to cost Rs 12 billion (Dh 1 billion), the new mosque, to be called 'Share Mubarak Masjid' is to come up as part of a multi dimensional knowledge cum recreational centre on the outskirts of Kozhikode , so far known only for its exotic spices, which is home to a large number of NRI's working in the UAE, the Emirates 24|7 reported.

The Mubarak Masjid  will have a built-up area of 250,000 square feet and would house up to 30,000 worshippers, at a time. The mosque alone would cost Rs 400 million (Dh 33.3 million)

It will also have a library for Islamic research and a conference hall where both Muslims and non-Muslims can come in pursuits of knowledge.

The green complex would be surrounded by Moghul-style garden and landscaping.
The mosque complex will also have a professional engineering and medical college, a multidisciplinary hospital and healthcare city, a shopping mall, hotels and convention centre, as part of the knowledge city," announced Dr M A Hakkim Azhari Kanthapuram, Joint Secretary of the Kozhikode based Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya.

Dr Azhari, now on a visit here said that about one million members of the organisation, many of them living in the UAE, contributed Rs 1,000 (Dh85) for the project, which will also serve as a knowledge centre.

Construction on the site would start "Within the next six months", he said describing the project as "historical and path breaking for Indian Muslims,".

Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya is a leading religious and charitable institution in India, helping the destitute Muslims and orphans in their education and overall socio-cultural development