Doncaster Muslim community celebrate centenary of Fazl Mosque

A faith group in Doncaster is celebrating the 100th anniversary of London’s very first purpose-built mosque. Nestled on a quiet suburban street in Southfields, the Fazl Mosque has become far more than simply a place of worship.

Over the past century, it has welcomed global leaders, royalty and ordinary visitors alike. The historic building was granted listed status in 2018 and was awarded a green heritage plaque earlier this year by Wandsworth Borough Council.

Since opening in 1926, the mosque has served London’s growing Muslim population and become a venue for interfaith dialogue and public debate. Doncaster’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community say their own presence grew from the inspirational work started in London.

“Our community in Doncaster exists because of that mosque in London,” said branch president Bilal Mahmood. “From the Fazl Mosque, missionaries were sent out to towns and cities across Britain to build communities like ours, and everything we do here began there.

“A hundred years on, we mark this centenary the way we were taught to – by helping the people around us. That is what a mosque is for. It is a beacon of peace for all.”

The centenary is being marked under the theme ‘Fazl Mosque: Beacon of Peace – A Century of Integration, Loyalty and Service’. This will include the launch of a year-long national programme to serve 10,000 meals for the homeless and needy.

Members will also give 10,000 volunteer hours for people in need across Britain. To promote awareness of this historic mosque and its message and mission of peace, this month will see an ad campaign on 100 London buses with more to follow across the UK.

His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “For 100 years, the Fazl Mosque has stood as a place of worship, peace and service to humanity. Its history reflects the principle that true faith requires us to serve our neighbours, show loyalty to the country in which we live, and make peace with all people, regardless of their faith or background.

“As we mark this centenary, I pray that the mosque may continue to be a beacon of peace and a means of bringing people together for generations to come.”

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