“Fancy a trip from Paris to Saint-Denis?” Because that’s where our story of El Rahma begins. El Rahma is more than just a building. It is a vibrant center for its community.
El Rahma stands at 52 Avenue Paul Vaillant Couturier. It is in Saint-Denis, France. This mosque accommodates 300 men. It provides them with toilets and ablution facilities. Information about space for women is not available.
El Rahma is a place of prayer. Prayers include Sobh, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. These prayers mark the rhythm of daily life for observant Muslims. The prayer times are Sobh at 06:34. Dhuhr is at 13:09. Asr is at 15:50. Maghrib at 18:26. Isha at 19:35.
El Rahma is associated with the Tabligh movement. This is a pietistic group. It originated in India in the 1920s. Muhammad Ilyas started it to teach the basics of Islam. He wanted to bridge the gap between religious scholars and the general population. The Tabligh movement focuses on a simple message. It aims to encourage Muslims to return to their faith.
In France during the 1960s and 70s, the Tabligh faced hardships. Early Pakistani and Indian preachers endured difficult conditions. They aimed to preach to North African workers who seemed to be abandoning religion. Some even lost their lives due to poverty and harsh conditions.
Despite challenges, El Rahma became a coordination center. People from around the world visit. Canadians, Germans, and Americans come to France. They participate in “khourouj,” religious outings. The center coordinates with mosques across the country. These mosques host groups for about a week. These visitors preach in the cities they visit.
El Rahma motivates Muslims to spend time spreading their message. Devotees embark on journeys. These journeys can last a day, three days, forty days, or four months. A “Shoura,” or advisory commission, reviews requests for long trips. Students cannot leave for forty days during university. Minors cannot participate. Married men need their wives’ permission.
Every Thursday night, about a hundred people gather. They listen to the weekly sermon in French. Sheikh Younous delivers the sermon. He speaks with humor and charisma. His speeches touch on religious efforts. They avoid current events or politics.
El Rahma plays a significant role in the Islamization of young people. It collaborates with other mosques. Sarcelles, Monfermeil, and Aulnay-sous-bois are among them. Together they create schedules. Young people take these schedules seriously. The days are filled with study circles. Every evening, people visit Muslims in the neighborhood. A “shoura” decides who to visit first. This ensures that those who are less involved are reminded of the mosque’s importance.
On weekends, “jaoulas” are organized. These are marches or visits. One takes place locally. The other is in a neighboring city. The aim is to invite Muslims to the mosque. Preachers might even practice door-to-door visits.
Despite its success, the Tabligh faces criticism. Some question how those with limited religious knowledge can preach. But Tabligh members defend themselves. They ask if a degree is necessary to invite someone to prayer.
From Saint-Denis to across the globe, Tabligh centers exist in many Muslim countries. They spread their message. As we conclude our visit to El Rahma, remember its role. It is a place of worship, a community hub, and a center for spreading faith.