DUBAI // A mystery benefactor has donated Dh500,000 to shelter worshippers from the sweltering heat outside a mosque in the Greens Community.
For years, many of the congregation at the mosque in Dubai Investment Park have been unable to find space inside and have had to complete Friday prayers under the scorching sun. Some had to sit on the pavement or car park concrete.
"If you were unlucky and got to the mosque a few minutes late you had to go and pray outside," said Mahmoud el Sharkawy, an Egyptian expatriate who attends Friday prayers there. "It was fine during winter but from about April onwards it became very uncomfortable."
The mosque can accommodate up to 1,400 people inside, but up to 300 people would regularly end up praying without shade. The discomfort was compounded by the black marble outside the building, which absorbed the heat.
"Sitting or walking barefoot on that was very uncomfortable and painful," said Mr el Sharkawy.
But now, thanks to an unidentified member of the public, the problems have been solved.
"Because of the Dh500,000 [US$136,128] donation we've got a proper canopy that provides enough shade for people outside," Mr el Sharkawy said.
"They have also installed special fans that blow cold air and moisture to cool people outside, and carpets are placed on the hot marble as well."
For Sheikh Karim Saad, the mosque's imam, it has been a welcome improvement.
"Everything is now very good, thank God," Sheikh Saad said. "The cover was installed about three months ago and the worshipers are very happy with the results.
"We made sure that we completed the task before the summer heat kicked in. There are even water- cooler fans which spurt mist in the outside area so that worshippers can enjoy cooler temperatures, even when it is very hot outside.
"This was possible through the generosity of an anonymous sponsor, which shows there is goodness in the world, thank God. Everything is good now, thank God."
Many worshippers said they were glad they no longer had to dash for a space inside.
"I usually get to the mosque pretty early because it fills up very quickly," said Ibrahim Mustafa, a Jordanian expatriate.
"For the few times I have been late and prayed outside it was very uncomfortable. I am so relieved that they have managed to improve the facilities. It just shows that there are people in the community who are willing to help others."
Adnan Hussein, from Pakistan, said: "It's a big relief that we have got the extra facilities now.
"I know a lot of people who ended up driving to other areas to do their Friday prayers because it was so uncomfortable. This really helps the people like the labourers who have no choice but to worship here."
One Briton who regularly prays at the mosque said he was surprised such facilities were not more common.
"It gets very hot here as everyone knows," he said. "The Government should put it as part of the planning process to have areas outside the mosque where people can pray in the shade.
"Mosques get very busy on Fridays so they should keep that in mind when they design and build them."
