London’s Fazl Mosque Marks 100 Years Since Its Opening and First Call to Prayer

London’s Fazl Mosque Marks 100 Years Since Its Opening and First Call to Prayer
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London’s Fazl Mosque is approaching the centenary of its opening in 1926, when the call to prayer was first proclaimed from one of its minarets. The inauguration marked a significant moment in the history of Muslim institutions in Britain and brought together Muslim, political and diplomatic figures from several countries.

The opening ceremony was conducted by Sheikh Abdul Qadir, who used a silver key to open the mosque, declaring: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I open this house for worship.” Addressing those gathered, the mosque’s imam, Maulana Abdul Rahim Dard, described it as a place of worship, brotherhood and cooperation. He also emphasized religious tolerance and said that people of other faiths were welcome to visit, subject to rules respecting the sanctity of the mosque and the rights of worshippers.

Following the speeches, G. F. Malik recited the call to prayer from one of the mosque’s four minarets, marking the beginning of the regular call to prayer five times a day.

Established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Fazl Mosque is regarded as one of London’s historic mosques. Its opening reflected the growing presence of Muslim communities in Britain during the early twentieth century and the development of institutions supporting their religious life.