Muslim community in Vaasa seeks larger space amid growing population in Finland

The Muslim community in Vaasa has grown significantly over the past couple of years, leading to a shortage of space. Community leader Abdur Rauf Hussein emphasizes the necessity for a larger center to accommodate the continuously growing community. “We need a prayer hall, classrooms, and space for cultural and family activities,” he stated.

Much of the growth is due to an influx of students. The community currently rents three spaces in Vaasa, where they can meet and pray five times a day. Hundreds gather at the Palosaari Workers’ Hall once a week for communal prayers and discussions. Hussein aims for the establishment of a dedicated mosque but argues that the borrowed Friday venue lacks essential features such as a proper prayer mat and facilities for purification before prayers.

City officials have been asked for assistance, yet the spaces offered have either been too small or too expensive. This led to the idea of purchasing and converting the old Vetokannas Church into a mosque. Hussein believes that the church can be readily adapted by renovating it to include the necessary elements.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church’s stance appears straightforward: if the church is officially recognized as such, the church board must approve its sale, which requires a desanctification ceremony. However, many buildings resembling churches are not classified as such, allowing for their unrestricted sale. The Vetokannas Church is currently not for sale as it is owned by a Swedish-language foundation and rented to a community group that uses it for religious services while covering costs from others.

With the number of Muslims in Finland now approximately 140,000, according to estimates, discussions around their needs and integration into society are becoming increasingly crucial.