Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre

Our mission is to bring different communities together and create a harmonious and inclusive society. Through our programs and services, we strive to foster social cohesion, break down barriers, and build bridges between communities.

A Brief History

The Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre (WBICC) was established in 1999 by Late Abdul Hannan, and has since been a central hub for the Muslim community in Whitley Bay, a coastal town in North Tyneside, England. The Islamic Centre was founded with the aim of promoting community cohesion, providing religious education, and facilitating interfaith and intercultural understanding.

Initially, the WBICC was run from a small house, but as the community grew, the Centre moved to a larger location on in Whitley Bay. The new premises allowed the Centre to provide a wider range of services to the community, including prayer facilities, Quranic and Islamic studies, health and fitness programmes, weddings, and social and cultural events.

Over the years, the WBICC has become an important part of the local community, with people from all backgrounds attending events and using the Centre’s facilities. The Centre has hosted events such as Eid celebrations, community iftars (breaking of the fast during Ramadan), and interfaith dialogues with other religious groups. The WBICC has also worked with local schools to provide educational talks about Islam and promote cultural awareness.

The Centre has faced some challenges over the years, including vandalism and hate crimes. However, the Centre has continued to provide a safe space for the Muslim community and promote interfaith and intercultural understanding.

In recent years, the WBICC has undergone renovations to modernize the Centre and make it more accessible. The Centre now includes a prayer hall, a library, a kitchen, and a community hall. The WBICC has also expanded its services to include youth groups, women’s groups, and educational classes for children and adults.

The WBICC’s mission is to promote the positive image of Islam and foster community cohesion. The Centre is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds and welcomes anyone who wants to learn about Islam, connect with the Muslim community or in need of any support or help. The WBICC continues to be a valuable resource for the local community and plays an important role in promoting social integration and understanding.

Milestones

1999 - Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre is founded

Late Abdul Hannan started the charity, Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre. At this point the Centre had 5 children attending Islamic Education six days a week, and maintained daily prayers with a handful of people.

2001 - 50 Students Attending the Centre

After a few years of starting up, we’ve reached a milestone of 50 students attending the Islamic Centre daily.

2004 - Homework Club Initiative Starts

The first step to supporting children in Academic excellence by providing a free Homework Club once a week. The Homework Club provided support for children struggling in school as well as opportunities for creativity for the children.

2005 - Our First Annual Islamic Contest

The WBICC Annual Islamic Contest for 2005 spanned two weeks during May and June. The final event, known as the Presentation Day, occurred on June 19th, marking the culmination of the Islamic and Arabic studies competitions held among our pupils. The winners of the various contests held during the two weeks were presented with prizes, while all participants received recognition for their contributions, hard work, and achievements.

More than 200 guests attended the Presentation Day, eager to witness the prize-giving ceremony and observe the dedication that goes into educating the children of WBICC. Several notable figures, including MP of North Tyneside Alan Campbell, Elected Mayor John Harrison, and others, also attended as special guests, taking time out of their busy schedules to support the event.

We extend special thanks to everyone who attended our Presentation Day Ceremony and made it a memorable occasion for our children and the Whitley Bay community. Congratulations to all participants who invested their best efforts and contributed to the success of this year’s contests. We look forward to staging similar events next year, with the blessings of Allah (SWT).

2006 - Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre Celebration Event

A celebration was held in September 2006 to mark the Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre’s (WBICC) most successful year to date. The Centre hosted 150 attendees, including representatives from the voluntary and community sector, to commemorate the Centre’s achievements, hear success stories, and learn more about the Centre’s activities.

The audience was treated to an assortment of presentations throughout the day, which included Quran recitations, Bangla poetry, and a yearly report from the tutors. Guests of honour included Mr Alan Campbell, MP, and Mr John Harrison, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, who praised the high level of achievement of the children and adults attending the Centre. They were thrilled to hear about the success stories, witness the community’s motivation, and observe how various organizations, such as the Community Network, the local Police, Education and Cultural Services, Children’s University, and the Tyne and Wear Museums, partnered to support and celebrate these accomplishments.

The celebration highlighted various achievements, including the success of the Homework Club, which boosts students’ confidence and enhances the work done by local schools. Another successful initiative was ‘Chatterbooks,’ where enthusiastic readers share their love of reading, ideas, and knowledge with their friends. WBICC was selected to participate in ‘Reading is Fundamental,’ a national project aimed at encouraging young people to read, as part of this program. As a result, the project issued over 180 books to the Homework Club students and their families.

2010 - New Building Is Purchased

Whitley Bay Islamic Cultural Centre moved from a small flat, to a large premises in Whitley Bay behind the Ice Rink. The new building has a large car park, hall, and multiple rooms to support the charity for future plans.