South Korea’s Al-Anwar Mosque blends worship, coffee, and community
INCHEON, South Korea (MNTV) – Incheon, a major South Korean port city near the capital Seoul, is home to a mosque unlike any other.
The Al-Anwar Mosque, built as a space for prayer, has evolved into a vibrant community hub offering a coffee shop, free WiFi, games, a cooperative store, and a shared kitchen—a concept rarely seen in places of worship worldwide.
The mosque’s unique amenities were introduced by its caretaker to make congregants feel comfortable and connected, particularly for the large Indonesian Muslim expatriate community in South Korea.
According to Dompet Dhuafa, an Indonesian NGO, these facilities serve both religious and social functions, turning the mosque into a center for interaction and support.
Ustaz Hanafi Rahman, President of the Indonesian Muslim Community in South Korea, emphasized that the initiative was designed to make the mosque more than just a place for prayer.
“We want Al-Anwar to be a lively gathering place where Muslims from all backgrounds can come together, share experiences, and support one another. By adding coffee shops, cooperatives, and other amenities, we hope to make the mosque a vibrant, inclusive, and useful space,” Rahman said.
One of the most innovative aspects of Al-Anwar is its mosque-run cooperative, where income generated is directly reinvested into mosque operations. Congregants help sustain the mosque simply by purchasing daily necessities from the store.
The mosque also provides a shared kitchen, allowing members to cook and share meals—an essential service for expatriates and individuals living far from family.
Beyond its facilities, Al-Anwar is committed to religious and educational engagement, hosting weekly Sunday Night and Sunday Morning Study sessions for its Muslim community.
For Indonesian migrant worker Dikri Nur Diansah, the mosque has become a second home.
“As an expatriate, this place means a lot to me. It’s not just for prayer—it’s where we connect, discuss, and even relax over a cup of coffee while deepening our faith,” he shared.
Al-Anwar Mosque’s unique approach highlights a modern, inclusive vision of Islamic spaces, fostering not just spiritual connection but also a sense of belonging and community among Muslims in South Korea.
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