Strasbourg, September 27, 2012 (MAP)
Strasbourg, September 27, 2012 (MAP)
Moroccan minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, welcomed, on Thursday, the establishment of the “outstanding” Strasbourg Great Mosque (East of France), inaugurated at a high level of the French state as a sign of “recognition and esteem” for Islam and for its followers in France.
The mosque, the largest in France, was financed by Morocco by 37% with a sum of 3.9 million euros. It was officially inaugurated by French Interior Minister in charge of Cults Manuel Valls, representing president François Hollande.
“Muslims, in France and across the world, will certainly speak of the very high level of the French state” in this ceremony, said Toufiq who considered this “not only a recognition for Islam, but also a sign of esteem for this religion and for its followers.”
“Good relations with Muslims can only be built on respect for what Muslims respect based on their own convictions and beliefs,” the minister said quoting Marshal Lyautey.
“After veneration for the Prophet, Muslims venerate the mosque, the first institution the Prophet had built, and through which he had preached the religion, set up the state and built the Umma,” he said.
Concerning Morocco’s contribution to the construction of mosques abroad, Mr. Toufiq explained that the handling of requests by associations seeking assistance from Morocco is subjected to “strict rules of accountability and transparency.”
The mosque, built on 10,000m², can accommodate up to 1,500 people, including 500 women. The construction cost stood at 10 million euros.
The edifice was conceived by Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi, and has a 24m-high golden dome that integrates peacefully into the setting.
