Interested in the Muslim religion or yearning for a deeper understanding of the Muslim culture? Malta boasts only one mosque. Why? Most of the locals are born and raised Catholic, with only a small percentage of Muslims residing on the Maltese Islands. Located in the central town of Paola, the mosque is quite accessible by public transport, and its towering size and high minaret make it a major landmark in this particular area.

Visited by Muslims and tourists alike, it is the place where the Muslim community can practise their religion and where tourists can look around, admire the unique Islamic architecture, which is quite distinguishable from Maltese masonry, and gain a deeper understanding of the Islamic culture, history and religious beliefs.

The Islamic Centre, as the mosque is at times referred to, is the only officially recognised Muslim structure on the Maltese Islands. It's managed by members of the Muslim community and led by the Imam Mohammed El Sadi (at time of writing). Despite being a minority, the harmony with different religious sects and political organisations has remained consistent throughout the years.

Mosque Facilities used by Muslims in Malta

Located on extensive grounds, the mosque in Malta offers several facilities. Seeing as men and women are customarily segregated, you can find designated praying and washing facilities for men and women. These are especially crowded for Friday prayers. If you're visiting as a tourist, make sure you follow their customs- such as removing shoes and putting on decent attire.

Apart from the mosque, you can also find a school for Muslim children, the Imam's house, a Muslim cemetery, an Islamic library and a Maltese Islamic Centre. The Islamic Centre is a private entity which promotes Islam as one of the principal religions and cultures around the world. You will find academic papers and publications with any information you may need on the Islamic religion. Apart from being a source of information, it is also a hub for religious and cultural activities. Courses in Arabic language are also held from time to time.

The complex includes reading rooms and offices, conference halls for religious and cultural events, a children's playground and a garden.

Mariam al Batool school: the only Islamic school in Malta

Amongst the several facilities found within the grounds of the mosque, an independent school was founded in 1997, especially dedicated for Muslim children. Licensed as a Kindergarten and Primary School by the Ministry of Education, Mariam al Batool offers a balanced education and follows the national curriculum. Seeing as it has an Islamic ethos, it also offers an Islamic programme to help Muslim kids nurture their religion and enrich their faith. Summer experiences are also available.

Being a private school, it has its own fees which need to be paid annually or per scholastic term in order to register your kids. Priority is given to current students and siblings.

The historical background of the mosque in Malta

What does the mosque owe its construction to? The 1970s was a period where relationships between Malta and Arab countries (Libya in particular) started strengthening. Why? Arabs started coming for work and Maltese started emigrating to North African countries as well. From foreign flight personnel, to sailors and doctors, economic and diplomatic ties were bolstered. Mixed marriages started taking place and change of religion ensued. Arabic teaching was also introduced.

In 1973, the World Islamic Call Society applied for a plot in Paola for an Islamic Centre and the request was granted in an endeavour to maintain a healthy relationship with the Arab and North African societies. Malta was, after all, acting as Europe's bridge to the Arab world due to its strategic position. The mosque was founded in 1978 by the World Islamic Call Society and opened its doors to the public in 1982.

The building was at first designated for migrants emigrating from Libya for work, but the Muslim community has been gradually increasing in size. Attending people include migrants and refugees from North Africa and the Middle East, foreigners immigrated to Malta, tourists and Maltese converts. Last statistic taken was in 2014, when it was calculated there are currently 10,000 Muslims in Malta. This number is expected to grow throughout the years with the influx of migrants.

What does the future hold for Muslims in Malta?

Is there the need for more mosques? Or is the Paola mosque sufficient? There have been some controversies in the past due to the increase in the number of people forming part of the Islamic community. Lack of space is especially felt during Muslim prayer times, and Muslims residing on the north side of the island have a long distance to travel. However, till the time of writing, no plans for additional mosques have been forged.