Dubai, A new mosque is being planned in remembrance of a woman who tragically passed away shortly after embracing Islam.
In a heartwarming display of unity and devotion, plans are underway to construct the Daria Kotsarenko Mosque in Dubai, honoring the memory of a beloved Ukrainian expatriate who embraced Islam shortly before her untimely passing. Spearheaded by the Dar Al Ber Society, the mosque will stand as a testament to Daria’s journey and her newfound faith, providing a space for worship and reflection for the community she touched.
The initiative to build the mosque began in the wake of Daria’s sudden demise, believed to have been caused by a heart attack. She had converted to Islam at the Islamic Information Centre operated by the Dar Al Ber Society on March 25, receiving her conversion certificate amidst a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Now, in her honor, the society has launched a fundraising campaign to gather the necessary funds for the construction of the mosque, with an 812 square meter plot secured for its location in Dubai.
The Daria Kotsarenko Mosque will span an impressive 613 square meters, featuring a spacious prayer hall for men on the ground floor capable of accommodating up to 208 worshippers. Additionally, the mosque will house a prayer hall for women on the first floor, alongside dedicated ablution rooms. A 170-square meter residence for the imam and a men’s ablution room will also be included in the mosque’s design, ensuring the comfort and convenience of its worshippers. Standing tall beside the mosque, a minaret reaching 33 meters in height will serve as a symbol of faith and community.
As the project gains momentum, donations continue to pour in, with approximately 13 percent of the required Dh4 million construction budget already collected as of Thursday evening, April 4th. The generosity of individuals, both within the local community and beyond, underscores the significance of Daria’s legacy and the profound impact she had on those around her.
Despite her humble beginnings in Dubai, Daria’s passing drew an outpouring of support from hundreds of people, spanning Emiratis and expatriates alike. Her genuine curiosity about local culture and religion, coupled with her steadfast commitment to learning and exploration, left a lasting impression on those who knew her. Marwan Husam, a close friend who introduced Daria to the Islamic Information Centre, recalled her deep admiration for Islam’s values of modesty, righteousness, and family unity. For Daria, Islam represented a path of enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment, guiding her in her quest for knowledge and understanding.
Khadeejah Oskombaeva, a volunteer teacher at the Islamic Centre, recounted Daria’s eagerness to learn more about Islam, even in the midst of her fast. Though her journey was tragically cut short, Daria’s memory lives on in the hearts of those she inspired and the community she embraced. As plans for the Daria Kotsarenko Mosque take shape, her legacy of faith and compassion will continue to shine bright, serving as a beacon of hope and unity for generations to come.
Daria’s journey towards Islam was marked by genuine curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Upon arriving in Dubai three years ago, she immersed herself in the local culture, eager to learn more about the religion practiced by many in her adopted home. Her inquiries led her to explore various cities, but it was upon her return to Dubai that she found solace and belonging in Islam.
Marwan Husam, who played a pivotal role in introducing Daria to the Islamic Information Centre, fondly remembers her deep-seated admiration for Islam’s principles of modesty, integrity, and family values. Daria’s dedication to her newfound faith was evident in her voracious reading of religious texts and her commitment to understanding the teachings of the Quran. Despite the language barrier, she diligently studied translated versions of the Holy Book, seeking clarity on matters of halal and haram.
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