The Fazl Mosque in Wandsworth, London, is commemorating 100 years since its establishment as the city’s first mosque. The building, described in historical accounts as architecturally impressive with surrounding gardens, opened with a ceremony attended by approximately 600 guests and featured large black doors that were ceremonially opened with a silver key.
The mosque, also known as London Mosque, serves as the spiritual center for members of the UK’s Ahmadiyya Muslim community. According to community representatives, the institution emphasizes integration with the broader neighborhood through various outreach activities, including distributing sweets to local children during Eid celebrations, offering Christmas greetings to neighbors, participating in environmental cleanup efforts, and demonstrating support for other faith communities. The mosque’s stated guiding principle is “love for all, hatred for none.”
Beyond its religious functions, the building has served multiple community roles throughout its history. During the second world war, it operated as an air raid shelter, and more recently it has hosted blood donation drives and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The structure, located in Southfields, received listed building status from Historic England in 2018 and retains much of its original architecture, including distinctive vertical windows, a green dome, and white exterior walls.
The mosque’s founding involved significant sacrifice from its supporters. Ahmadi Muslims from Qadian in India, including many women, financed the land purchase partly by selling their jewelry, despite knowing they would likely never visit the completed building. Current leadership describes the centenary theme as “a century of connection” and plans to distribute 10,000 free meals to homeless people as part of the celebrations.
Historical records indicate the mosque played notable roles in broader events. An imam serving during the 1930s reportedly influenced developments leading to the establishment of Pakistan as an independent nation. The building also hosted visits from prominent figures during its early years. Community leaders express hopes that the mosque will continue serving as a unifying institution across different faiths and backgrounds for future generations.
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