About usThe organisation
From a flat in Grønland to one of the largest and oldest mosques in Norway.
The history
From mosque to civic institution
Rabita was founded in 1987 as the first mosque in Oslo not tied to one particular nationality. Since then we have grown into more than a mosque, with a school, teaching, community work and activities for all ages.
Today Rabita is a gathering point for thousands of people and an important part of Oslo’s civil society. In 2009 we were visited by King Harald V and Crown Prince Haakon, the first royal visit to a mosque in Norway.
Our aim is still the same: to be an open community where faith, knowledge and active citizenship go hand in hand. Now we need your support to realise a new building that can meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s generations.
Contact us
We would love to hear from you
Write to us, or drop by the mosque in Sørligata.
Emailpost@rabita.noTap to write to usSchools, universities, press and other groups are welcome. Write to us to arrange a visit.
Sørligata 8a, Oslo
We host schools, universities, press and other groups.
- AddressSørligata 8a, Oslo
- Open for prayerAt Fajr, and from Dhuhr to Isha
- OfficeWeekdays 10:00–14:00
- Emailpost@rabita.no
The organisation
How Rabita is organised
Leadership
03
Managing director
Imen Hasnaoui
Leads the daily running of Rabita and coordinates the organisation’s administration, activities and departments. Holds a master’s in management and a bachelor’s in organisational psychology, HR and management from BI Norwegian Business School. Has broad experience in leadership, project work and organisational development, including at Rabita and the National Association for Relatives in Mental Health (LPP).
Chair
Basim Ghozlan
Chairs the board and helps develop Rabita’s vision, strategy and civic engagement. Has long experience of leadership and organisational work at Rabita, including as forstander (head of the congregation), board member and chair. Trained as a computer engineer at Oslo University College and holds a master’s in informatics from the University of Oslo. Has also led the Islamic Council of Norway and is a prominent voice in interfaith dialogue.
Vice chair
Salem Jeridi
Supports the chair in the board’s work and helps follow up the organisation’s strategic goals and priorities. Long experience of organisational and voluntary work, and involved with Rabita for many years. Has previously served as board member and deputy chair. Also brings experience of humanitarian work through Ezzeitona Hjelp.
Imams
03
Head of theology
Sh. Kamel Amara
Theological leader of Rabita and one of Norway’s most experienced Muslim scholars.
Theological leader at Rabita since the early 2000s. Educated at the sharia faculty of the University of Beirut and in pedagogy at Oslo University College. Heads the European Council of Imams, has long experience as a teacher in Norwegian schools and is a much sought-after speaker in Norway and Europe. Holds overall responsibility for theological questions and rulings in the congregation.
Languages · Norwegian · Arabic · French · English
Imam and theologian
Dr. Osamah Aldiri
Imam and theologian with a doctorate in Islamic studies and a strong commitment to youth work.
Appointed imam in 2025. Holds a doctorate in Islamic studies from the University of Jordan and broad expertise in dialogue work, youth work and communication. He is particularly committed to the development of young Muslims. Gives short reminders after the daily prayers and contributes theological guidance and teaching.
Languages · Arabic · Norwegian
Imam
Ust. Usman Andreas
A young Norwegian-speaking imam who builds bridges between Islamic tradition and growing up in Norway.
Norwegian-speaking imam since 2023. Has studied under several Norwegian imams, among them Sh. Bouchta. Delivers the Friday sermon and plays a central role in teaching, lecturing and conversations with members and visitors who speak mainly Norwegian. Speaks several languages and is known for his calm and beautiful Quranic recitation.
Languages · Norwegian · English · Urdu · Italian · French · Latin
Departments
08- EducationResponsible for the schools, courses and teaching offered to children, young people and adults.
- KnowledgeShares Islamic learning and daʿwa through talks, study circles and theological guidance.
- Children and familyCreates safe meeting places and activities for children and families that strengthen community, wellbeing and family life.
- NUMRabita’s youth organisation, creating community, engagement and activities for young people.
- WomenArranges activities, community and educational sessions for the women of the congregation.
- DialogueBuilds relationships and cooperation with faith and belief communities, public authorities and civil society. Also offers conversations, counselling and mediation.
- The building projectLeads the work of realising Rabita’s new mosque and community centre.
- Order and safetyHelps keep events and activities at the mosque safe and well organised.
Documents
The annual reports, year by year
What we did, what it cost and where the money came from. Tap to read, or download.
Gallery
Glimpses of Rabita
The people, the festivals and everyday life at the mosque.
