Muslim charity acquires former Nelson library

IMAM Organisation UK, a charity launched in 2016 to support Muslim youths, has acquired the Grade II-listed, former public library building in Nelson

IMAM works to educate Muslim youths in morals and manners, promoting understanding, respect, tolerance and cultural cohesion in today’s multi-cultural Britain.

The purchase of the prominent building will significantly reduce the organisation's monthly outgoings while supporting hundreds of students amongst the growing Shia community of 250 families.

The charity is led by founders Maulana Syed Najamul Hassan Naqvi and his wife Alimah Syeda Touqir Naqvi.

Trustee Musawar Hussain said: "Despite the challenges of lockdown, the charity was able to adapt and grow, continuing to provide a service to the community through social media channels and expanding our reach beyond our normal catchment.

"With life now returning to some normality, we are once again able to offer face-to-face classes and acquiring such a prominent building in the heart of the Nelson community, is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the area and will enable us to expand our offering to more and more Muslim families."

The purchase was made possible by a commercial mortgage from Barclays, alongside significant donations from the local Shia community. 

Sohail Iqbal, business development manager for Barclays in Lancashire, said: "I’m absolutely delighted we have been able to support IMAM as they look to expand their services which are hugely beneficial to the local community.

"Despite the challenges of Covid-19, this well-run organisation has continued to grow and the acquisition of their own premises will provide the platform they need to go from strength to strength.”

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