A dramatic increase in the size of Hong Kong's Muslim community has left devotees short of space to pray and the threat of eviction hanging over a group of followers who live in one of the city's mosques.
The huge increase in Muslims - from 50,000 20 years ago to as many as 170,000 today - is spawning ambitious plans for the expansion of existing places of worship. Such a move could see up to 50 families removed from the Mid-Levels mosque they have been calling home for up to 40 years.
Plans for a new mosque in Sheung Shui in the New Territories are almost complete and an extension of the Kowloon Mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui likely to be finished by early October.
But proposals for a major redevelopment of the Jamia Mosque in Mosque Street, Mid-Levels, have stalled because of the squatter problem, which although simmering for some time is now likely to blow up into a full-scale row.
The families who live there have consulted lawyers and are preparing for a legal battle with the mosques' board of trustees. Between 35 and 50 families are living in the grounds.
The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong would like to build an Islamic centre on the site, incorporating a school, library, residence for religious leaders, offices and restaurant.
Officials believe the facilities are necessary to ensure the well-being of the expanding Muslim community. But their vision could be in jeopardy because of their faith and the legal rights of squatters.