The Muslim Community

Hong Kong has about 80 000 Muslims. More than half are Chinese, with
the rest being either locally-born non-Chinese or believers from Pakistan,
India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Middle Eastern and African countries. Four
principal masajid are used daily for prayers. The oldest is the Jamia Masjid
in Shelley Street on Hong Kong Island, which was established before the
turn of the century and rebuilt in 1915. It can accommodate a
congregation of 400.

The Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, filling eight
storeys in Wan Chai, was opened in 1981 and houses a masjid on two
floors, a community hall, a library, a medical clinic, classrooms and
offices. The masjid is managed by the Islamic Union of Hong Kong and
accommodates 700 people but can hold up to 1 500 by using other space
in the centre.

The Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre, on what is sometimes called the
'Golden Mile' in Nathan Road, was opened in 1984 and replaced a masjid
built in 1896. This imposing building, with white marble finishing, is a
distinctive landmark in Tsim Sha Tsui. The masjid can hold about 2 000
worshippers and has three prayer halls, a community hall, a medical clinic
and a library.

Hong Kong Island has two Muslim cemeteries, one at Happy Valley and
the other at Cape Collinson, Chai Wan. The Cape Collinson cemetery also
has a masjid. The co-ordinating body for all Islamic religious affairs is the
Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, a
public charity. A board of trustees nominated by the Islamic Union of
Hong Kong, the Pakistan Association, the Indian Muslim Association and
the Dawoodi Bohra Association, manages and maintains masajid and
cemeteries. The trustees are also responsible for organising the celebration
of Muslim festivals and other religious events. Charitable work among the
Muslim community, including financial aid for the needy, medical facilities
and assisted education, is conducted through various local Muslim
organisations.

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