Help us cultivate an Islamic Paradise Garden, run for and by the community
The Qur’an is full of mentions of gardens and plants, resulting in centuries of stunning garden design across the Muslim world. We want to bring that tradition to our part of London!
With your help we can create our own green space directly inspired by the plants of the Qur’an, and revive the Muslim tradition of encouraging contemplation of Allah’s creation through sensory experiences of scent, shade and colour. As a respite from city life, it will also provide an opportunity for us to improve urban biodiversity in our neighbourhood.
“A Sign for them is the dead land which We bring to life and from which We bring forth grain of which they eat. We place in it gardens of dates and grapes, and cause springs to gush out in it"
Qur’an 36:33-34
HELP US REALISE OUR VISION FOR A COURTYARD GARDEN
INSPIRED BY THE PLANTS OF THE QUR'AN
Contemplation – Paradise Garden
Our aim to cultivate a paradise garden is very much in keeping with the Islamic tradition of beautifying the grounds of the mosque. We want to make a space that where people can take a moment of mental rest, socialise, and seek refuge from the bustle of the city.
Cultivation – Giving Garden
The madrassa programme at Shifa Mosque will incorporate gardening and horticulture training. Our students will be responsible for tending the garden, growing trees, flowers and fruits and vegetables. In doing so we hope to foster in them an appreciation of the natural world and a sense of stewardship as ascribed to us by Allah. This is an opportunity that many young people in urban environments never get growing up – one in five households in London don’t have access to a garden.*
Connection – Community Garden
A section of the garden will be dedicated to planting fruit and vegetables. We will include the harvest of our very own garden, tended by our students and volunteers, in the food we serve to the local community at our jumu’a lunches and Ramadan soup kitchen.
“Protecting the environment for the future generation is a form of worship.”
Fazlun Khalid,
eco-theologian and author of
Signs on the Earth
*https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/articles/oneineightbritishhouseholdshasnogarden/2020-05-14