Environmentally conscious Muslims in France organized an event titled the "4th Inter-Mosque Cleaning Walk" on May 3 and 4, initiated by 19 mosques, including Massy Grand Mosque. Muslims collected garbage on the streets to draw attention to the importance of cleanliness.
The event, organized in 19 cities to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness, was joined by volunteer Muslims, including children. During the event, which was initiated by Massy Grand Mosque—known as the country's first eco-friendly mosque—Muslim citizens collected trash around mosques and on the streets for approximately 3.5 hours. A passing Muslim citizen offered cake and cookies to participants in the environmental activity.
"CLEANING THE WORLD AND TAKING GOOD CARE OF IT"
Amelle Miri, a volunteer at Massy Grand Mosque, stated that the mosque, together with its youth committee, has been organizing cleaning events in the city for the past two years.
Miri noted that the special weekend event was organized together with many mosques and said, "We usually do it between two prayer times, so there's more time to collect trash." She added that they started organizing these events as the weather improved, aiming to convey the message of "cleaning the world and taking good care of it."
"ISLAM PLACES IMPORTANCE ON CLEANLINESS"
Bilal Abdelouahed, a 26-year-old participant, emphasized that volunteers should be taken as an example and said, "Islam places importance on cleanliness."
Highlighting the need to take good care of the world, Abdelouahed stated, "As you can see, both the young and the elderly are cleaning the city here." He also noted that, according to Islam, any object causing discomfort to people should be removed from the road.
"IT'S IMPORTANT TO TEACH CHILDREN TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN"
Safa Mrabet said she participated in the event with her two children to show the importance of keeping the city clean, adding, "This (cleanliness) is a part of our religion."
Mrabet emphasized that it's important to teach children not to litter and to leave the environment clean for those who come after them.
FRANCE'S FIRST ECO-FRIENDLY MOSQUE IS IN MASSY
The construction of Massy Grand Mosque was completed between 2010 and 2019. Its features include double-wall insulation, underfloor heating, specially designed glass for the dome, minaret, and windows, and the use of LED lighting, all aimed at efficient use of resources.
The mosque has sensor-activated faucets in the ablution areas, uses stored rainwater for cleaning, and irrigates nearby green areas. Its roof has a plant-based covering that prevents energy and heat loss while producing oxygen.
Costing a total of 4.5 million euros, the mosque was built through donations from Muslims in Massy and across France.
In the mosque's ground floor, a 520-square-meter area is designated for men to pray, while women use a 250-square-meter mezzanine floor.
