A multi-faith prayer room at Lisbon airport in Portugal

Taking into account the religious and cultural needs of international travellers, airports across the globe have added spaces for prayer, worship and meditation. So when a prayer room was unavailable at Lisbon airport, two distinguished members of WMO Europe Chapter swung into action.

Mr. Khalid D Jamal and Dr. Mahomed Iqbal have worked tirelessly over the past 6 years, overcoming red tape and beaurocratic hurdles to establish a multi-faith prayer room at Lisbon airport in Portugal.

Dr. Iqbal is the honourable President of the Islamic Community of Lisbon (CIL), with Khalid Jamal being an active member of the Islamic organization. CIL has played a vital role in the establishment of the prayer room.

“It is imperative we acknowledge the role of Dr Abdool Majid Vakil, Trustee of WMO, who conceptualised the idea many years ago and initiated the process. Since then the Islamic Community of Lisbon has been following up with the subject. However the recent developments and inauguration of the prayer room, Mashallah was due to a close coordination between CIL and Islamic Community of Odivales. Appreciation and thanks are specifically owed to Dr Arafat Tayob, Operation Director of Ground Force, handling company of TAP, for his continued persistence. He played a vital role in making this dream into a reality over the past two years. Alhamdolillah. Praise be to Allah SWT for guiding us in the right path,” states Dr. Mahomed Iqbal with profound humility and admiration for his steadfast collaborators.

So the next time you are offering Namaaz in the peaceful, serene environment of a prayer room situated in the heart of the bustling Lisbon International Airport, be sure to thank the Almighty and these distinguished men who dedicated many important years of their lives towards the worthy cause.

By Mr. Liyakat Hameed
Regional Management Committee and Board Member – WMO Europe Chapter