London Mosque celebrates 100 years since historic opening
The London Mosque, located on Melrose Road in Southfields, has become a landmark of spiritual and cultural significance since its inauguration on October 3, 1926.
The mosque was the first purpose-built mosque in London and only the second in Britain, designed by English architect Thomas Hayton Mawson, from Lancashire.It was funded entirely by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in British India, including many women who sold their jewellery and prized possessions to support the project, despite knowing they might never see the building in person.
A spokesperson said: “The sacrifices of these women became part of the very foundations of the mosque, a tangible reminder that, in the Ahmadiyya understanding of Islam, spiritual excellence is not the preserve of one gender.” The mosque’s facade bears an inscription that reads: “… and may He make it for ever and ever a centre for promulgating the views of purity, justice and love, and may this place prove a sun of spiritual light radiating forth in this country and in all the countries around.”
Over the past century, the London Mosque has served not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for dialogue, refuge and service. During the Second World War, it offered shelter to residents during the Blitz.
In 1933, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who would later become the founder of Pakistan, credited the influence of the mosque’s Imam as a key factor in his decision to pursue independence for India. More recently, the mosque served as a pop-up vaccination clinic during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 1984, following the migration of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad to the UK, the London Mosque became the international headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the residence of its spiritual leader.
It has since welcomed presidents, prime ministers, dignitaries and religious leaders from around the world.A century ago, its doors opened under a banner that simply welcomed them, a message of inclusion that is still relevant today.On Saturday, October 3, the London Mosque marked its centenary with a commemorative event reflecting on its history and the ideals it was built to uphold.
A parallel event was also hosted at Darul Aman Mosque in Manchester for those unable to travel to London.
