100 YEARS OF THE CALIPH’S HISTORIC VISIT TO THE UK
London, UK – On 19 October 2024, a momentous centenary event titled “Islamic
Light in the West: A Century of Spiritual Revival” will take place, to mark the 100th
anniversary of the historic visit to the United Kingdom by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza
Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him), the Second Caliph
(Spiritual Leader) of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
This event celebrates the historic journey the Caliph undertook from India to the UK
in 1924—a visit that influenced a renewed interest in Islam in the UK.
As part of his visit, His Holiness delivered a powerful address at the ‘Conference of
Some Living Religions in the Empire’ at the Imperial Institute in Kensington,
London.
On 19 October 1924, His Holiness made history when he laid the foundation stone for
the Fazl Mosque, also known as The London Mosque—which is the first mosque in
London. The mosque stands as a beacon of peace and in 2018 was granted heritage
status by Historic England. The mosque has also served as the global headquarters of
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and remains a focal point for the community’s
religious and humanitarian activities
The centenary event will feature a special exhibition chronicling the Caliph’s historic
journey from India, through the Middle East, and onwards to the British Isles. It will
also explore the impact of the Caliph’s visit on the UK during which he delivered a
series of talks, lectures and sermons that were widely covered by the media.
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Worldwide Head and the Fifth
Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community states:
“The Fazl Mosque in London, whose foundation stone was laid exactly a hundred
years ago, was established to introduce Islam’s beautiful teachings to the people of
the United Kingdom and Europe. It was considered a fitting location for the spread of
Islamic teachings by the Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community given
the UK’s global prominence in the early part of the 20th Century, particularly due to
its vast Empire. The Second Caliph personally laid the foundation stone for the
Mosque with the vision that it would serve as a means of propagating Islam’s true
and peaceful teachings in this part of the world.”
“By the Grace of Allah, over the past century, the Fazl Mosque has not only conveyed
but consistently demonstrated Islam’s teachings of love, peace and compassion and,
Head Office: Baitul Futuh Mosque, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5PT
as we mark this occasion, we pray that it may always continue to exemplify Islam’s
noble teachings of service to God and humanity.”
Rafiq Hayat, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK states:
“This centenary event is a humble reminder of our beginnings in the UK, with one
mosque. Today, we are blessed with 47 mosques and mission houses, and 147 local
chapters across Britain – all striving to spread peace and understanding.
We are deeply honoured that the since 1924 we have been blessed by the visits of
every succeeding Caliph of our community, and particularly that since 1984 the UK
has been the home to the seat of the Caliphate, and that we have been blessed since
2003 with the presence of His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth
Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”
Event Details:
- Date: 19 October 2024
- Venue: The Fazl Mosque, 16 Gressenhall Rd, London SW18 5QL
- Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
This exclusive event offers members of the press an opportunity to experience an
historical milestone, explore the lasting importance of the Fazl Mosque, and witness
the enduring influence of the Caliph’s 1924 visit, which continues to inspire interfaith
harmony and peace across the globe.
For media inquiries or to RSVP, please contact Mahmood Rafiq
(Mahmood.Rafiq@ahmadiyyaUK.org)
