The History of the Cutchi Muslim Association Hall

This community hall stands as a testament to the vision of the brave members of our Cutchi Muslim community. They recognised a vital need: a common ground where our community could meet, eat, pray, and grow together in faith and friendship.

Our Humble Beginnings

The roots of our community trace back to modest origins, when members first gathered in a small, terraced house situated on Holland Street, Blackburn in the late 1970s. As the number of people grew and the community began to flourish, the need for a dedicated space became increasingly apparent.

This collective spirit led to the purchase of land on Newton Street on 17th June 1988 for the community. Members from various backgrounds contributed their unique skills and generous donations, collaborating closely to bring the vision of a community hall to life. Through their determination and teamwork, the building was constructed to serve as a central hub for gathering, prayer, and fostering unity within the Cutchi Muslim community.

The Evolution of Our Community Hall

The Legacy of Amina Hall

The community hall was initially known as Amina Hall, named in honour of Hajiani Amina Jan Virmani, the wife of Jan Virmani, who was one of the members of the association.

Challenges and Division

The hall’s journey was not without its share of challenges. During a period characterised by unrest and disagreements, the Virmani family with other families elected to separate from the main Cutchi community, forming an independent association and establishing their own venue in accordance with their cultural values. Upon leaving, these families relinquished any responsibility towards the existing Cutchi Muslim Association, severing all connections with the remaining members and the Association’s hall. This episode of division stands as a notable chapter in the hall’s history, illustrating the changing dynamics within the community.

The Fire of 1995

Not long after this division, the remaining Cutchi community faced a devastating setback when Amina Hall was totally destroyed by a fire in September 1995. The blaze reduced the hall to ashes, presenting a considerable challenge to the remaining members.

Resilience and Renewal

Despite this hardship, the resilience and determination of the loyal members shone through. Refusing to be defeated, they undertook the task of rebuilding the hall with the remaining dedicated members. By 1996, a brand-new hall stood in place, equipped with extended purpose-built facilities to better serve the community. With its rebirth, the hall was officially renamed as the Cutchi Muslim Association Hall, symbolising a renewed commitment to unity and service.

Responding to the Pandemic: A Simple Approach

In 2020, as the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID19 pandemic, the dwindling committee overseeing the hall faced a period of uncertainty. With only a few members remaining, financial difficulties and the ongoing demands of maintaining the hall became pressing concerns. In response, the committee decided to rent out the hall. This move was instrumental in safeguarding the financial stability of the Association. 

A New Chapter

In 2025, new challenges emerged, leading to the establishment of a task force to address complex financial and management issues.  On the completion of this work, the sole remaining trustee appointed an interim governance committee in May 2025, assigning them responsibility for developing robust administrative, financial, and legal safeguards. By March 2026, the interim committee, despite significant challenges had instituted a comprehensive and transparent governance, legal and financial framework with regular communication provided to members. Due to the complexity of the issues being faced for a number of reasons and to maintain long-term stability, the interim committee unanimously decided to maintain the hall leasing arrangement, ensuring all proceeds received would directly benefit members of the Cutchi Muslim community. 

The Arson Attack of April 2026

On 9th April 2026, the Cutchi Muslim Association Hall was subjected to another arson attack. Fortunately, with the Grace of Allah (swt), this time the fire was contained in time and resulted in only minimal damage. Both the hall itself and the wider community endured this challenge, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity once again. 

A Legacy

The hall stands today as a testament to a legacy that has not only endured but has also been continuously strengthened and enhanced over the years. Through unwavering commitment and collective effort, its purpose has been preserved, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for the Cutchi Muslim community. Moreover, during times of hardship, the hall has extended its benefits to the broader public, offering support and service when it was needed most.

In Commemoration - Acknowledgement of Dedicated Families

We wish to acknowledge and honour the following past and present members and their families. Your dedication and honourable commitment towards the community shaped the history of the Blackburn Cutchi Muslim Association and continues to inspire our spirit of peace and unity for our future generations. 

The Vital Role of Women in Our Community

Throughout the years, many women have served as the unseen pillars of our community. Their dedication has been evident in numerous ways, from offering and participating in prayers, preparing and serving food, cleaning up after events to supporting various activities. Although all their names may not feature on this list, their presence and efforts have been invaluable, and we honour each one of them for their unwavering commitment and generosity. 

• Marhoom Abdul Razak Suleman
• Marhoom Abdulla Mubarak
• Marhoom Amirali Kana
• Marhoom Aziz Brepotra
• Marhoom Eliyas Suleman Dhukai
• Marhoom Habib Ismail Khamisa
• Marhoom Haji Abdul Suleman Dhukai
• Marhoom Hajiani Emabai Ibrahim
• Marhoom Hajiani Rukia Kulsambai Suleman 
• Marhoom Hajiani Sakinabai Muhammad Abbas Fatwani
• Marhoom Kassam Bhatti
• Marhoom Kassam Daud Sameja
• Marhoom Mohammed Hussain Suleman
• Marhoom Musa Juma Suleman
• Marhoom Osman Adam
• Marhoom Roshenbai Adam 
• Marhoom Shakur Jatt Bawla
• Marhoom Shamim Mohamed
• Marhoom Syed Haji Alarakhia Bukhari
• Marhoom Yusuf Hasham
• Marhoom Yusuf Koreja
• Marhoom Yusuf Umar
• Marhoom Zainab Ibrahim Gulmohammed Luhar
•  
• Abdul Hamid Bhatti
• Abdul Karim Bawa
• Abdul Rahim Bhatti
• Abdul Satar Suleman
• Abdul Sattar Bhatti
• Aboo Bhojani
• Aisha Jaffer
• Almas Bukhari
• Daud Bhegani
• Faridabai Sumra
• Farzina Koreja
• Haji Abdul Gaffer Mohammad Ayyub
• Haji Iqbal Mohammad Ayyub 
• Hajiani Khairoon Bukhari
• Hameedabai Kana
• Husna Koreja
• Hussein Sumra (Shan)
• Ibrahim Gulmohammed Luhar 
• Iqbal Caratella
• Issa Madiyar
• Jan Virmani
• Kassam Wadha
• Khadija Dhukai
• Khatija Mehbub Khamisa
• Luthfinissa Luhar
• Mehbub Habib Khamisa
• Mohamed Rafiq Kana
• Mohamed Shafi Kana
• Naseem Banu Kana
• Naushad Bau
• Parveen Wadha
• Pirmohamed Ebrahim Brepotra
• Razia Ibrahim Luhar
• Rehana Jan Mohamed Virmani
• Rehmat Hasham
• Rukiya Kana
• Sabira Yusuf Virmani
• Sakina Bai Umar
• Sayyed Mohammed Zubear Osman Shirazi
• Shabir Ibrahim Luhar
• Shakur Brepotra
• Suhail Mubarak
• Yusuf Virmani
• Zainab Bhatti
• Zainul Abedin Dodia