Muslims in Hokkaido have established second Masjid at Otari in the Northern prefecture of Japan. The Masjid named as Masjid-e-Noor has been reconstructed since the land for it was purchased some years back. It has a capacity of 150 persons with separate arrangement for ladies. The opening ceremony was held on Friday, Februay13 after Friday prayers. The programme commenced with recitation of the Qur’an by Sheikh Naimatullah of Turkey. The recitation was followed by a Nasheed by Zakir Ali of Nigata. Arif Haneef described in brief the importance of Masjid in a Muslim society in the light of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him). Muhammad Shafeeq, one of the key members who played a major role to establish the Masjid, welcomed the guests and briefed the participants about the details related to the Masjid.
The Ameer of Islamic Circle of Japan, Ishrat Ali Hashmi, who travelled to Hokkaido to attend the ceremony, congratulated the local Muslims and appreciated their efforts to establish the Masjid, the centre of Muslim society.
In his speech, Mr. Hashmi assured the managing committee of the Mosque of full support and cooperation from Islamic Circle of Japan. He told the participants that after establishment of the Masjid it is our duty that we make it a centre of Dawah and centre of Light in this era of darkness. Others who spoke on the occasion include Moinuden Chowdhry, Mushtaq Ramzan, Hussain, Japanese Muslim Ibraheem Kadoya, and Rafaqat Shah. Unjum Chugtaie, who along with other local Muslim has played a major role in the Masjid Project since beginning, thanked all the guests and participants who had travelled from various parts of Japan to attend the opening ceremony.