After waiting about ten years, through both right-wing and left-wing city councils, the Muslim Society of Iceland has finally been approved for a plot of land on which they can build a mosque.

"It's been a very long journey," Muslim Society of Iceland chairman Salmann Tamimi told Eyjan, "but I'm delighted to finally get a positive answer." The next step, he said, will be to start a fundraiser and to build a "cute little mosque".

"It won't be a very big building, but big enough to do what we want to do. The space we have now is fine for prayer, but won't do for funerals, weddings, or get-togethers with others. The new mosque will have two halls and a library," he said.

Conflict arose over the mosque when another Muslim group applied for a plot of land as well. Initially, city council responded by saying that the two groups should share a plot. However, it was the opinion of the planning committee that it would be unfair to ask the Muslim Society of Iceland to wait any longer for a plot of their own.

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