London’s first Mosque celebrated its centenary on 19 October and hosted an event to mark the historic 1924 visit to the UK by an influential religious leader.
The event entitled ‘Islamic Light in the West: A Century of Spiritual Revival’, marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation stone laid by His Holiness, the Second Caliph (Spiritual Leader) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
The day was marked by a visit from the Second Caliph, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad.
Rafiq Ahmad Hayat, national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said: “We are celebrating the centenary of the foundation ceremony of this Mosque and, we are celebrating 100 years of Islam in this country.
“From very humble beginnings 100 years ago when this beautiful, elegant Mosque was built from funds raised in India.
“This Mosque has been a cornerstone of a huge amount of activity for all kinds of Muslims.”
Hayat explained that this Mosque has great significance for him as he has been attending since childhood.
He proudly produced a photograph on his phone showing himself and his friends as youngsters posing outside the Mosque in 1967 after they had just finished painting it.
The historic journey the Second Caliph undertook from India to the UK in 1924 was heavily influenced by 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 to be built in London.
It would eventually open to the public in 1926.
Granted heritage status by Historic England
The mosque was granted heritage status by Historic England in 2018.
It 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 event featured an exhibition detailing the beginning of the Second Caliph’s 1924 journey from India, through the Middle East, and onwards to the British Isles.
Laying of the foundation stone by the Second Caliph
Video archive footage of the Second Caliph laying the foundation stone and an audio description of the historic trip were also shown to attendees as they waited to hear from the guest speakers.
Foundation stone laid by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad on 19th October 1924 (written in his handwriting) – Photo Credit: Cheryl Fergus-Ferrell
Fareed Ahmad, national secretary of external affairs for the Ahmadiyya UK Muslim Community, was one of the key organisers of the event and stressed the pivotal role that volunteers played in ensuring things ran smoothly.
He explained: “Our volunteers come from all walks of life and use whatever skills they have, which is what community is all about.
“We also have positive engagement from our young people, we train them young to build their understanding of charitable works so that when they go out into the world there is no identity crisis.
“That creates an attachment to the Mosque as a place of learning, worship and building friendships links that will stay with them for life.”
Fareed Ahmad – National Secretary of External Affairs (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK) – Photo Credit: Cheryl Fergus-Ferrell
A message of gratitude to the community from Sir Ed Davey MP
Included in the list of speakers at the event was Sir Ed Davey, leader of The Liberal Democrats and vice chair of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community All-Party Parliamentary Group.
Sir Ed said: “It was maybe a misfortune that you had to be here, but it’s our fortune that you are here, and I think it is worth remarking on after 100 years of your presence.
“If you are lucky enough to be an MP in South West London then you are lucky enough to have many members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community as constituents.”
He paid tribute to the Ahmadiyya community for their large-scale contributions to society including charity work and fundraising activities, both locally and nationally.
Sir Ed Davey MP, leader of the Liberal Democrats – Photo Credit: Imam Adeel Shah
A message of peace, love and empathy by His Holiness, the Fifth Caliph
The main event was the live video link message from His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, worldwide head and the Fifth Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
He said: “Today as we celebrate 100 years since the laying of the foundation stone of the Fazl Mosque, Ahmadiyya Muslims must reflect upon this.
“Only by fulfilling our obligations to God can we truly honour the purpose for which this Mosque was built and do justice to those objectives of this centenary celebration.
“It is our deep desire in life that all people can come together from any background to live in peace and security.”
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Photo. Credit: Cheryl Fergus-Ferrell
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was founded in 1889 in Qadian, India by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who claimed to the Promised Messiah. The UK branch was established in 1913.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is an international Islamic movement, established in 1889 and now spread across over more than 213 countries with millions of members worldwide.
Their motto is ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ and it is committed to promoting peace, justice, and universal human rights.
It is led by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who is the Fifth Caliph of the community and is based in the UK.
