The Fazl Mosque in Southfields welcomed hundreds of guests on Saturday evening to mark a century since its opening, becoming London’s first purpose-built mosque
A century later, it remains a welcoming place of worship and a historic centre of community life.
Ehtesham Ahmed Arif, Missionary of the Ahmaddiya Muslim Community, has been talking to Jackie’s Meena Iyer.
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Lib Dem MP for Sutton & Cheam, Luke Taylor, also went along.
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Hamdah Sanor Farooqi is a long-time member of Fazal Mosque and Raheel Ahmed is Imam and Curator for the Ahmaddiya Muslim Community Exhibition. Radio Jackie’s Meena Iyer has been talking to them.
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Addressing the reception on the night, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Fifth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said:
“The 100-year history of the Fazl Mosque bears witness to the fact that it has always served as a beacon of peace, love and compassion. This example is not exclusive only to this Mosque. Rather, this is the way of all our Mosques. This spirit of openness is inherent to who we are.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham sent a message of congratulations that was read out at the event, saying:
“This important anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate the mosque’s rich history and its longstanding commitment to peace, dialogue, loyalty and service. It is also a fitting moment to recognise the valuable contribution that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has made, and continues to make, to communities across the United Kingdom.”
The Fazl Mosque opened its doors on the 3rd of October 1926 and was voluntarily funded by Ahmadi Muslims women in India, who contributed jewellery and their savings for the project. The mosque has since welcomed prominent personalities including Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Prince Edward, Prince Faisal of Saudi Arabia, Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan and Professor Abdus Salam.
