The Fazl Mosque in Wandsworth, south London, is celebrating 100 years of operation following its establishment as London’s first mosque. The structure, which features a green dome and white exterior, was originally described by contemporaneous media coverage as architecturally impressive and situated incongruously in a suburban setting surrounded by gardens.
The mosque serves members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and has become integrated into local life. According to Mahmood Rafiq of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, community engagement forms a central part of the institution’s mission, including activities such as distributing sweets to local children during Eid celebrations, exchanging seasonal greetings with neighbors, and participating in environmental upkeep efforts. Local political representatives have highlighted the mosque’s contributions to area social activities. The institution adopted the message “love for all, hatred for none,” which community members say remains relevant amid contemporary divisions.
Beyond its religious function, the mosque has served various community needs throughout its history. During the Second World War, the building operated as an air raid shelter. In recent years, it has hosted blood donation drives and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. The structure itself was granted listed building status by Historic England in 2018.
Historically, the mosque’s establishment involved financial contributions from Ahmadi Muslims based in Qadian, India, many of whom were women who sold personal jewelry to support the project despite having limited prospects of visiting the completed building. Early visitors to the mosque included members of the British aristocracy. The institution also played a documented role in Indian independence and partition, as historical records indicate that Abdur Rahim Dard, an imam serving in the 1930s, influenced political developments that led to Pakistan’s establishment as an independent state in August 1947.
To mark the centenary, mosque leaders are organizing community outreach initiatives, including providing 10,000 free meals for homeless individuals. Mirza Masroor Ahmad, identified as the current leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, expressed hopes that the institution would continue serving its role in promoting peace and community connection.
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