Iran Builds Pyongyang’s First Mosque

New pictures show Iran has built a "Shia mosque" in Pyongyang


An inscription of the word "Allah" in Arabic appears from the roof of the mosque


January 21, 2013

New pictures from NK Econwatch show that a "Shia mosque" has been built at the Iranian embassy compound in Pyongyang. Located next to the Romanian embassy, the Iranian mosque puts the number of places of worship in the North Korean capital to five.

The extremely low number of Shia Muslims working in North Korea outside of the Iranian embassy mean that it the mosque was likely built with only embassy staff in mind. Indeed, it is not uncommon for Iran to build prayer facilities at its overseas embassies, with both its Tokyo and Islamabad offices having two such examples.

While there are a number Islamic countries that are diplomatically represented in Pyongyang, North Korea satellite expert Curtis Melvin says that this is the first mosque there to his knowledge,

"There is not a mosque at either the Egyptian embassy or the Pakistani embassy. I am unsure of the location of the Libyan embassy (do any readers know?) or whether it has a mosque. In the meantime, the DPRK might be the only country with a Shia mosque but not a Sunni mosque".



Melvin notes that it might be possible for foreigners to visit the mosque, providing they adhere to Islamic custom,

"If the embassy staff are good Muslims, they should allow you to enter the compound to visit the mosque. Just be sure to bring modest clothes, and women, please cover your heads".

While religion is ostensibly allowed in North Korea, practically speaking there are few if any opportunities for citizens to practice a faith openly.

Some western religious groups claim there are tens of thousands of Christians imprisoned in the North Korean prison system, however, they provide little factual evidence to substantiate their claims.

http://www.nknews.org/2013/01/iran-buillds-pyongyangs-first-mosque/

DISCLAIMER:

PLEASE NOTE THAT DESCRIBING THE MASJID (MOSQUE) AS "SHIA" IS THE EXPRESSION USED BY THE AUTHOR OF THE ARTICLE,AND I ADDED QUOTATION MARKS WHEREVER THE WORDS "SHIA MOSQUE" APPEAR.IN ISLAM,THE ENTIRE EARTH IS A MASJID (A PLACE OF PROSTRATION) AND THERE IS REALLY NOTHING AS "SHIA" OR "SUNNI" MOSQUE.ALL MOSQUES ARE PLACES WHERE ALLAH (swt) IS WORSHIPPED FOR ALL MUSLIMS.DESCRIBING A MOSQUE AS "SHIA" OR "SUNNI" IS EITHER MEANT OUT OF ILL-WILL TO DIVIDE MUSLIMS,OR TO EMPHASIZE SECTARIAN/POLITICAL DIVISION AS TO WHICH GROUP ADMINISTER A PARTICULAR MOSQUE.HOWEVER REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A SUNNI OR SHIA ADMINISTERS A MOSQUE,A MOSQUE IS A MOSQUE.I WANTED TO CLARIFY THIS,LEST ANY HATER BLINDLY ACCUSE THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN OR THE SHIA FOR WHAT IS FOUND IN THE ARTICLE/THE DESCRIPTION.

"They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it".(Holy Quran 61:8 )

This is a good development.

But don't the people of North Korea have a religion? as it is said that they are not allowed to profess any faith publicly.

Good one. may Allah swt show them the straight path, Ameen.

That's a good look - there's nothing bad in diversity, if it's going to enhance the relationship between the two countries...

Countries with similar ideologies and enemies flock together, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

This is a typical quid pro quo situation, Iran builds mosque in Pyongyang and North Korea gives Iran some nuclear and missile technology in return.

anishe: Good one. may Allah swt show them the straight path, Ameen.

Inside the Iranian compound. Na who go get mouth pass for here now, KIM or MOH?

[img]http://www.comicbookmovie.com/images/users/uploads/10959/sulu.gif#LMAO%20gif%20290x260[/img]

How many churches are there in North Korea? If the Italian embassy wanted a chapel in the embassy compound in N. Korea, could they have it? I have not seen anything strange, unusual or unexpected in this story.

Will dis affect amnesty for boko haram

Iran builds mosque, is that suppose to be news? like really, who gives a flying f...k what they decide to build in North Korea, secondly as long as some people keep mixing religion and politics there will always be problem

I pity them

ok

50calibre: Countries with similar ideologies and enemies flock together, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

This is a typical quid pro quo situation, Iran builds mosque in Pyongyang and North Korea gives Iran some nuclear and missile technology in return.

. I thought as such. Iran with high level of other religion intolerance can do that. Well God is in control.

hw does dis discourage many muslim fellow 4rm partaking in terrorism

Why does the Islam section restrict comments? I guess it's inferiority complex. Good for anyone who worships there. Hope they find the truth soonest.

Mad Cow: Iran build North Koreas First Terrorist base.

according to your name, in the day of judgement you will be restored as cow Insha Allah bequdratulla

Trying to raise terrorists in North Korea?

that is good o o o o o o .we want more of it in europe country

Hmmm

Zhul-Fiqar.:
"They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it".(Holy Quran 61:8 )

hmm dpnk I no they re ur allies but watch it o , u can come and ask nija for some tutorials

caukerzee: Iran builds 1st suicide bomb factory in north korea.

Iran establishes 1st terrorist base in north korea.

Iran builds the 1st home of confused R E T A R D S in north korea.

honestly

Fishout: that is good o o o o o o .we want more of it in europe country

SMH, is North Korea an European country Nawa for u o

They can go to the extent of establishing a mosque in anoda country but anodas pple's religion cant be practised in there country

Hate to say it but these days a Mosque is more toxic than any Nuclear plant.

jimino: hw does dis discourage many muslim fellow 4rm partaking in terrorism

This your post might offend our dear mujahideen...which in turn might earn you a ban till 2099

shymexx: That's a good look - there's nothing bad in diversity, if it's going to enhance the relationship between the two countries...

you are a closet muslim.

Av neva tot of the Koreans practising any religion b4, are they Muslim populated or are they of christian discendants? I guess am missn something, arn't i?