The governing board has its final proposal for the selection of the first imam of the Islamic mosque in Athens. The opening of the mosque is expected soon after Orthodox Easter.
In particular, the governing board of the Islamic mosque of Athens proposes to the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Kostas Gavroglu Zaki Mohamed from Morocco for the post of the imam. Zaki Mohamed, 50, came to Greece about 25 years ago. Zaki Mohamed is reportedly modest man, and he is highly respected by the Arabs residing in Athens, according to newspaper “Kathimerini”.
The decision of the governing board to Minister Kostas Gavroglu was reportedly unanimous, and was taken after having examined the formal qualifications of the candidates, as provided for under Greek law, and after having had hearings of the candidates. Kostas Gavroglu is entitled to either adopt or reject the final proposal, who will sign the decree to appoint the imam. He will also choose the right time to do so.
It is estimated, however, that the mosque will be ready soon after Orthodox Easter, during a crash-test period marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan.
According to the decision of the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, the mosque will be open “all hours and days, half an hour before the first prayer, up to half an hour after the last prayer. During the sacred Muslim Ramadan and the Festival of Sacrifice, it will operate on a 24-hour basis.”
At the same time, the construction works are in its final phase of completion. On the outdoor area of the mosque, there will be a fountain and pine trees, while the final work (plasterboards, etc.) is done inside.
Also, the mihramb, a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla; that is, the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, was constructed. In order to arrange the interior of the mosque there is an agreement of the Muslim denominations.
