The council voted unanimously to approve a special-use permit allowing the Manassas Muslim Association to operate an Islamic community center and school on Euclid Avenue.
The group had held a temporary special-use permit allowing the mosque, Jamiah Masjid, to operate at 9059 Euclid Ave., during Ramadan. The new permit allows the mosque to permanently be open.
Manassas Muslim Association first brought its plans for the mosque to city council in 2011. The process was delayed while city officials considered changes to the city’s rules for what facilities could be allowed in industrial areas.
The association said on its website it will begin remodeling its building to meet code requirements and start construction on an Islamic school.
“We invite you to join us in building a strong and vibrant Muslim community and make this Jamiah Masjid as a center for activities for our young, adults and elderly brothers and sisters,” according to its website. “Our goal is to serve our creator by tirelessly serving his creation.”
Earlier this summer, many of the Manassas Muslim Association’s more than 100 members attended a public hearing on its permit and spoke about the need for the facility.
“We, as a community, have never had a place to call our own,” Hinna Anwar said during the hearing. “We’ve had to worship in many places, such as car dealerships, houses and other office complexes. This is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to have a place of our own.”
Another speaker, Hena Anwar, said while other religious groups have places to worship and teach their children, the Manassas Muslim Association did not. “We ask for the same consideration to have a place to teach our children about God and religion and to raise them to be good Muslims of Prince William County.”
In the past, some Manassas residents had expressed concerns about allowing a religious facility to operate in a mostly industrial area. Others expressed concerns about the amount of traffic the mosque would bring to the area.
City officials said the community center has a capacity of 380 people. The school is approved to serve up to 105 students and is expected to open with about 30, city officials said.