Asalamu alaykum

The Cotton Tree Becomes Gorton’s Masjid

A community-led project to transform The Cotton Tree into Gorton first purpose-built community masjid & Islamic centre on Cross Lane M18 8WY

Gorton has been home to Muslims for over 60 years. But today our community still has no local masjid within walking distance.

Current Reality:

- 5,000+ Muslims in Gorton, Belle Vue, and Longsight with no central masjid

- Children travel 2+ miles for madrasah and Friday prayer

- Elders, sisters, and new Muslims have nowhere local for jumu’ah, funerals, or support

- The Cotton Tree has sat empty for years. A place of harm can become a place of barakah.

HE VISION: THE COTTON TREE MASJID & ISLAMIC CENTRE

We are purchasing The Cotton Tree, 75 CrossLane, M18 8WY and converting it into:

- Prayer Hall - 200 capacity for 5 daily prayers + Jumu’ah

- Madrasah & Hifz Classes - After-school Islamic education for kids

- Community Hall - , funerals, workshops, food bank

- Sisters’ Area - Dedicated prayer space + classes

- New Muslim Support - Convert classes, counseling, integration

- Food Bank + Outreach - Serving all of Gorton, regardless of faith

IMPORTANCE OF A MASJID IN ISLAM

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever builds a masjid for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise."[Bukhari]

A masjid is more than bricks:

1. Heart of the Community - Where we pray together, 5 times a day

2. Place of Knowledge - Qur’an, seerah, Arabic, life skills for youth

3. Support Hub - Marriage, bereavement, debt advice, new Muslim care

4. Light for Gorton - Dawah, interfaith work, and serving neighbors

ABOUT GORTON & OUR COMMUNITY

Gorton is one of Manchester’s most diverse areas. For decades, Muslim families have built lives here - working in mills, driving taxis, running shops, raising the next generation.

But we’ve prayed in rented halls, school classrooms, and each other’s homes.

This project is by Gorton, for Gorton. Run by Humanity Welfare Trust England - Charity No. 1174571

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Option 1: Qarz-e-Hasana - Interest-free loan. Repayable after 6 months. No riba.

Option 2: Sponsor a Brick £50 - Your name on the donor wall

Option 4: Monthly Donor £10 - Keep the lights on