About Hira

In the present day scenario, Islam as an ideology and Muslims as a community are portrayed as backward, irrational and aggressive and are subjected to intimidation and repression. Certain vested interests seem in a persistent peddling of false information on Islam and Muslims. Facts have often been distorted and widespread misconceptions created.

The Western world, which claims to be the champion of justice and human rights, has committed unbearable crimes against humanity not only in the past but also in our present times. Ironically, they have now emerged as saviours of mankind and guardians of human rights, thanks, in no small measure, to their global propaganda apparatus. Thus, ‘Islamophobia’ is carefully nurtured in the minds of the common masses.

How are we to control this widespread misrepresentation of Islam and remove misconceptions about it? Put differently, how are we to create an atmosphere of understanding, mutual trust and goodwill? In what way are we to address these issues and have our opinions voiced? Not through confrontation and coercion, certainly. Rather, it should be through understanding, dialogue and co-operation.

Bangalore, the capital of the South Indian state of Karnataka, is among the fastest growing cosmopolitan cities in the world. Known famously as the Silicon Valley of India, it is home not only to highly sophisticated IT industries, but also to several premier scientific and educational institutions.

This ‘Garden City, ’ much loved for its good all-the-year-round weather and its ambience of warmth and hospitality, is fast becoming the ideal choice for individuals and families from other states – and as well as from different nationalities – in search of quality education and career opportunities.

Bangalore now is a prominent IT hub within the City and houses in excess of 200 companies like IBM, Intel, and HP – to name just a few. This is in addition to the presence of other establishments like DRDO, ISRO, HAL etc. The population of Bangalore has been growing by half a million every year in the recent past. Currently with a population of around 12 million, the Muslim community makes up a considerable portion with close to 2 Million people.

Hira Centre opened in 2007 at # 52, St. John’s Church Road, opposite Coles Park, Bengaluru. The Centre has a Masjid known as ‘MASJID-UR-RAHMA,’ and number of other facilities like Hira Moral School, Hira Welfare Association, Quran Study Centre etc. Masjidur Rahma provides facilities for ladies to attend congregational and individual prayers.

Bangalore as a whole is faced with a dearth of Masjids and community spaces for Muslims. There is also a dire shortage of hostels and accommodation facilities that provide an Islamic environment, not to mention the almost total non-availability of suitable spaces for social get-togethers, events and activities especially in newly developed areas like HBR, Whitefield, Nagarbhavi etc. A large section of Muslim community in Bangalore is economically backward, unemployed and un educate. Living condition of most of them is very deplorable and pathetic as the facilities available for religious education is also inadequate, and therefore, their understanding of Islam is negligible.

The steady growth of employment opportunities the city has provided lead to continuous flow of educated youth from Kerala and neighbouring states to Bengaluru since the year 1990. Taking these facts into consideration, HIRA FOUNDATION TRUST, a charitable trust was formed and founded in the year 2002 and started its activities. The Trust has been actively involved in the religious, social and welfare activities in Bangalore since 2002.