The Zakat Foundation of America

Zakat Foundation Mosque development/construction project - Senegal

The Muslim population of the southern Casamance Region of Senegal appealed for Zakat Foundation to construct a mosque in the Buchekun village. Despite being on the land of a once great Islamic civilization, Buchekun did not have an official mosque to perform congregational prayers and community services for the more than 5,000 Muslims in and around the village.

Those faithful intent on praying the Friday prayer in congregation would journey more than 20 miles—on bike and by foot—to the nearest mosque. Masjid Noor was established in Buchekun on behalf of our donors to grant perpetual reward to a loved one who had passed away.

The construction of the mosque was completed on June 26th, 2009. Zakat Foundation representative, Dr. Mohamed Abdou, was in attendance during the Masjid Noor opening ceremony. “The sheer emotion and realization that the community would finally have a mosque to pray in was overwhelming. Men and women were crying out of joy and thankfulness.” Community members and leaders expressed their gratitude to Muslim donors who felt their needs and could address their concern for their community’s spiritual well-being from across the globe.