Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad, Chair of Al-Khair Foundation
(Photo: Ahmed J Versi/Muslim News)
Aqila Mumthaz
The world-renowned hospital for children in London officially opened a new prayer room on September 17, with a ceremonial plaque to mark Al-Khair Foundation’s generous funding.
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH)’s prayer and multi-faith room, was officially opened by Al-Khair Foundation.
The CEO of Al-Khair Foundation, Shuaib Yusaf, said: “I am delighted that we were able to support this initiative.
People from all over the world come to GOSH when they are in need, and when people all over the world are in need, we [Al-Khair Foundation] come to them.”
Deputy Chief Executive of GOSH, Nicola Grinstead, said she was delighted with the generous donation by the Muslim charity for the prayer rooms.
“The Muslim Prayer Room and Quiet Room that Al-Khair Foundation has allowed us to open up access for a very special space for contemplation, for reflection, for prayer to families who want to come here at the most vulnerable moments.”
(L-R) Jim Linthicum, GOSH, Senior Chaplain; Shuaib Yusaf, CEO of Al-Khair Foundation; Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad, Chair of Al-Khair Foundation; Aboubakr Elsayed, GOSH, Patient Liaison Manager and Noor ul Owase Jeelani, GOSH, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon (Photo: Ahmed J Versi/Muslim News)
Adil Abdul Rab, who is from Saudi Arabia, whose child with a heart condition is being treated at the hospital, told The Muslim News he was grateful that they have a spiritual place in the hospital.
He said, “Having this place made me stronger and stronger every time I come and I make my prayers for my son. It helps me and my wife a lot because we find it very peaceful, nice and clean, and that is what you need. The hospital is amazing but having the mosque is something that has completed it.”
“We are delighted to have created this much-needed space for GOSH patients. The hospital has a world-class reputation for its medical capabilities and standards of care, and a reflection space with a prayer area has added to its ability to support people when they need it most,” said Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad, Chairman & Founder of Al-Khair Foundation.
“Having space and peace to reflect can help when we are at our most vulnerable and we were determined to make a space that would help everyone.”
“Holistic healthcare is much more than meeting the medical needs of the child. These facilities are so important for our patients, staff and families, it will provide a space for quiet reflection as well as a peaceful place for prayer,” said
Jim Linthicum, Senior Chaplain for the Hospital. Noor ul Owase Jeelani, Head of Clinical Services for Neurosurgery and Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon at the hospital, added: “This facility affords us a spiritual space where parents can get some peace and calmness in their lives while they are coming to terms with their child’s illness and supporting them through their treatment. It’s a fantastic addition to the hospital and one that I and other members of staff look forward to using.”
The £300,000 grant by the Al-Khair Foundation made it possible for patients, family and staff to enjoy a new, dedicated space for prayer and reflection.
The 3rd-floor room in the Southwood building, took over six months to complete. The prayer room, which is accessible at all times, has an allocated area for men and women to make ablution.
