Segrate: Recognition Awarded to Aloi Avvocati for Legal Assistance to the Al-Rahmàn Center

Read the original article on Prima Lamartesana (in Italian). By Ilaria Sapori

A home for Muslims and a cultural enrichment for the entire community. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Al-Rahmàn Mosque in Segrate—Italy’s oldest mosque—was officially re-inaugurated. First opened in May 1988, the ceremony marked the completion of extensive renovation works promoted by benefactors and worshippers to make the building more modern and sustainable, in line with the latest European standards.

The ceremony

The event was attended by Mayor Paolo Micheli, along with Attorneys Giulio Gallera and Serafino Generoso of Forza Italia, who have supported the center since its early stages. Several municipal councillors from Segrate and Pioltello were also present, together with representatives of numerous Islamic centers across Italy.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome, accompanied by traditional hospitality including Zamzam water, dates, and a typical sweet Indian beverage. This was followed by the ribbon-cutting performed by Ali Abu Shwaima, President of the Islamic Center of Milan and Lombardy, officially inaugurating the newly renovated facilities.

Unfortunately, there are few large mosques in Italy,” said President Ali Abu Shwaima. “We did everything possible to build a large one, but we were not successful. However, if everything cannot be achieved, nothing is left undone. So we inaugurate this mosque, which remains an example, a source of pride, and a symbol of community. We are all brothers on the same earth.

The renovation

The mosque, the only one in Italy featuring a dome on its minaret, now presents an architectural style that blends East and West. The renovation works included external thermal insulation, internal insulation, underfloor heating, the installation of a photovoltaic system, and the replacement of windows with triple glazing.

Inside, Carrara marble walls and oriental-style windows are combined with Spanish chandeliers and calligraphic decorations crafted by Egyptian artisans, creating a highly refined environment with attention to every detail.

On this occasion, speakers emphasized that the mosque is not only a place of worship. As the Vice President of the Center explained:

The mosque represents a school, a university, and a space for social assistance that touches every aspect of a believer’s life, helping them become a responsible citizen. Supporting the creation of such places benefits the territory, as it helps manage complex social phenomena through the values of coexistence.

Following the ceremony and a reception featuring traditional dishes, the President presented plaques of recognition to supporters. In his speech, he thanked the Lombardy Region and the Municipality of Segrate for their ongoing relationship of trust and cooperation, emphasizing how the mosque enriches the city and ensures the constitutional right to worship for millions of Italian citizens of the Muslim faith.

Recognition for the achievement

I am wearing the sash today to emphasize that I am not here for myself or for the administration, but as a representative of the city of Segrate and its citizens—and I hope also of Lombardy, because being here means choosing the community,” said Mayor Micheli. “We have always maintained excellent, fruitful, and positive relations, and have built a shared sense of brotherhood.

This is an important moment that marks a step forward—though not a final one, but an important one,” said Attorney Giulio Gallera after expressing his thanks. “Without collaboration everything becomes more difficult, so thank you very much for inviting me today. We will continue to build constructive and cooperative relationships in the future, added Attorney Generoso.

Finally, awards were presented to Attorneys Andrea and Franco Aloi for the legal consultancy provided to members of the Center, in memory of the late Don Giampiero Alberti for his constant commitment to dialogue, and to the many benefactors and volunteers who helped build the community.

This center has never received external funding or donated land,” the President concluded with pride. “It is the result of the commitment and dedication of a community that has worked together toward a shared goal.


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