Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the centre, the services and how to access them.
The centre
Marqazi Masjid Minhaj ul Quran Cento is an Islamic community centre located in Cento (FE). Besides the prayer hall, we offer an events hall, Italian and Qur'an courses, a free paperwork help desk and a children's area with a garden. We are open to everyone, believers and non-believers alike.
No. The centre is open to all citizens, regardless of religion or nationality. The Italian courses, the paperwork help desk and the events hall are accessible to anyone. We regularly organise open days to introduce our community.
We are in Via Don Giovanni Minzoni 8/3, Cento (FE), a few minutes from Piazza Guercino. You can arrive by car (free parking in the area), by bus (TPER lines 91 and 92) or by bicycle (racks at the entrance). See the Contacts page for detailed directions.
The hours vary slightly during the year. Check the up-to-date hours on the Contacts page.
Prayer
The Friday prayer takes place every week at 13:00. The khutba (sermon) starts at 12:45 and is given in both Italian and Arabic. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes early to find a place.
Yes. On the first floor of the centre there is a dedicated women's area, separate and accessible from an independent entrance. The space is air-conditioned, has an audio system broadcasting the khutba and the prayers, and has toilets with ablution facilities (wudu).
Prayer times change with the seasons according to the astronomical position of the sun. We publish them monthly on the centre's notice board and in the community WhatsApp group. To know today's times, don't hesitate to call us.
Courses and activities
The Italian courses for foreigners are completely free. The Qur'an courses and the children's activities are free or by voluntary contribution (each participant contributes according to their means). No one is excluded for economic reasons.
You must first create a free account on the portal ("Sign up" link at the top). Once registered, you can check the course calendar and send your enrolment request. You will receive a confirmation by email. Enrolments open every cycle (typically in September and January).
The Qur'an courses for children welcome ages 5 and up. For younger children (3–5 years) we organise activities to get familiar with Arabic and Islamic culture within the Saturday morning children's group, in a playful format suited to their age.
Our courses prepare for the official certifications (CILS of the University for Foreigners of Siena, CELI of the University of Perugia), but we do not issue them directly. We can help you register for the official exams at the affiliated certification centres in the province.
Paperwork help desk
Yes, completely free for all residents of the municipality of Cento and the neighbouring municipalities of the province of Ferrara. We do not ask for any payment or contribution. The service is supported by our community solidarity fund.
Contact us immediately at +39 051 123 4567 or write to info@marqzi-masjid.it explaining the situation. For emergencies (expiring permit, police headquarters, etc.) we try to find a slot as soon as possible, even outside the normal calendar.
No. Our help desk offers guidance, help with documents and support in understanding the procedures. We are not a law firm and we do not issue official legal opinions. For complex cases, such as appeals, permit revocations or related criminal proceedings, we will refer you to trusted professional lawyers.
Of course. You can come accompanied by anyone who helps you communicate. Our operators also speak Arabic, French and English, so an external interpreter is often not necessary.
Events hall
Yes. The hall can be booked by registered members for ceremonies (weddings, birthday parties, etc.), conferences, courses and community dinners. Events with more than 50 external guests require the board's approval. Read the full rules on the "Events Hall" page.
Use of the hall is free for community activities and centre members. For private events with commercial purposes a contribution is required to cover running costs. Contact us for a quote.
Yes. The hall has an equipped kitchen. All food consumed must be halal. Alcohol is not allowed in any form. The person who books is responsible for cleaning the kitchen and the hall at the end of the event.
Account and portal
The account lets you book the events hall and the paperwork consultations online, receive confirmations and notifications, and stay up to date on the centre's activities. Registration is free and we do not share your data with third parties.
On the login page you will find the "Forgot password" link. Enter your email and we will send you a reset link. The link is valid for 30 minutes. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder or contact us.
Yes. Data is stored securely on servers with an encrypted connection (HTTPS), passwords are always encrypted and never stored in plain text. We never hand over your data to third parties and you can request the deletion of your account at any time by writing to info@marqzi-masjid.it.