The first Shia Ithnaasheri settler in Milton Keynes was from Pakistan in the year 1964. However, in 1972 more Ithnaasheris arrived from East Africa and settled around Bletchley, whilst a new city was being built around them. The community, By The Grace of Allah, has increased to around 75 families and is growing by the year. The first phase of the Zainabia Islamic Centre, that of an Imambargah, was completed in 1988 and the second phase, that of a Madrassa, was completed in 1993. The third phase was Baitu Salaat.
In 1992/93 the community managed to acquire its own cemetery on the grounds of the Crownhill Cemetery. We have our own facilities, with a sub-committee responsible for all burial arrangements. The centre is now officially registered as a Place of Religious Worship and also as a religious place for the Solemnisation of Marriages.[۱]
The KSI Muslim Communality of Milton Keynes is committed to facilitate as many people as possible to worship at our mosque and to become part of our community. The KSIMC of Milton Keynes also maintains an overview of worship throughout our larger community and makes suggestions to enhance our services by involving other groups within our greater community of Milton Keynes.
Zainabiya Madressa of Milton Keynes
The Zainabiya Madressa is a Shia Muslim faith Sunday School based at the Zainabiya Islamic Centre in Milton Keynes. The Madressa was opened in 1983 and has been teaching students since then.
Zainabiya Sports Club of Milton Keynes
Zainabiya Sports Club (ZSC) is an independently run community sports club founded in 2016. A range if sports including football, badminton, table tennis, volleyball and netball are played.[۲]
Interfaith
Zainabiya Islamic Centre is pleased to be part of Interfaith @MK. InterFaith MK is a multi-faith group, made of people who are interested to learn more about the different religions that are practised in Milton Keynes, and to break down the barriers of suspicion and ignorance that can exist between them.[۳]
[۱]. https://www.salatomatic.com/spc/OBX4p6nTY5
[۲]. https://ksimiltonkeynes.org/about-us/
[۳]. https://ksimiltonkeynes.org/interfaith-network/