Nestled in Paris is the Mosquée Arrahma a place of peace. It is also called Mosquée Errahma or Mosquée de la Miséricorde. Have you ever wondered about this mosque? Let me tell you its story.
The Mosquée Arrahma opened its doors in 2003. It is located on Rue de Javel in the 15th arrondissement. The mosque occupies the entresol of a white brick building. This art deco building belongs to the Paris HLM office. The mosque sits across from the historic headquarters of the Imprimerie Nationale. This area was once an industrial district.
The prayer room inside the Mosquée Arrahma has limited space. It can accommodate only 350 people. The mosque’s name is dedicated to Ar-Rahma. This name is derived from one of God’s names in Islam. It is mentioned in the Fatiha and the basmala. The basmala is an invocation at the start of each Quran chapter. The root of Ar-Rahma can mean uterus or goodness. It can also mean grace or mercy.
The Mosquée Arrahma is managed by the Association socio-culturelle des jeunes du 15e et de leurs parents ASCJP. This association has worked for over twenty years. It promotes interreligious dialogue with local places of worship. They are involved with Agir pour la fraternité and Coexister. On Fridays the Mosquée Arrahma welcomes employees. These employees come from nearby embassies of Arab countries. They also come from the UNESCO house.
Now let’s jump back in time to understand another significant mosque in Paris the Grand Mosque of Paris. Its history is tied to France’s colonization. The French government decided to build it in 1920. This honored the 70000 Muslim soldiers. They died during World War One. The Grand Mosque was the first in France.
The Grand Mosque of Paris was inaugurated in 1926. The French President and the Sultan of Morocco attended. The mosque’s minaret is a replica. It resembles the minaret of Zitouna Mosque in Tunisia. The architect Maurice Mantout designed the Hispano-Moorish building.
The Mosquée Arrahma and the Grand Mosque of Paris both stand as symbols. They show the long-standing Muslim presence in Paris. They also promote understanding and dialogue. Both serve as important places of worship. They contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Paris. The Grand Mosque of Paris has a tea room. The tearoom is open every day.
Remember to be respectful when visiting the Mosquée Arrahma. Keep noise levels down and dress modestly. The Mosquée Arrahma is a welcoming space for prayer and reflection. It is a testament to the diverse community in Paris. Let’s appreciate its history and significance.