His Majesty King Abdullah commended a new concept of education introduced by an Islamic centre affiliated with a major mosque in the Muqabilain neighbourhood in southwest Amman.

During a visit to the Zainab Islamic Centre, which is part of the Al Hadi Mosque, King Abdullah described the educational approach adopted by the institution as “pioneering” and capable of building the character of an enlightened Muslim who is well-educated in religious and worldly affairs.

He said that by focusing on instilling the values of tolerance and moderation inherent in the Islamic faith, the centre embodies the role the mosque should play in the local community.

After praying at the mosque, the King toured the sections of the centre, where children are taught the Holy Koran.

In addition to the classrooms, the center houses computer labs, a multipurpose hall where seminars are held, two swimming pools for adults and children and a 2,000-title library.

According to Sami Hammoudeh, who is in charge of the mosque and the centre, the establishment of the centre was meant to re-establish the mosque's original role in the Muslim community as an educational centre where young Muslims are equipped with knowledge in various fields. Hammoudeh said the facility's mission is to introduce traditional Islam to youth as a religion of moderation and tolerance, rather than extremism and radicalism.

He said courses on various Islamic sciences are offered for both adults and children, noting that since the Zainab Islamic Centre opened a year ago, 600 people have benefited from its services.

Hammoudeh's statement was echoed by the imam of the mosque, Taleb Abu Awwad, who said the idea behind the centre is to combine religious rituals and education and other types of activities, including entertainment.

The mosque played a key role in the spread of education since the early days of Islam. The association of the mosque with education has remained one of its main characteristics throughout history, and the school became an indispensable appendage to the mosque.