London: Major efforts by Hyderi Islamic Center to increase the Shia presence and openness to British society

The management of the Hyderi Center in the British capital (London) confirmed the success of the center’s activities and religious and social activities in opening up to the British society with its different religious orientations and affiliations.

The center’s management said in a statement published on its websites and web pages and translated by Shia Waves News Agency: “The important cultural and social presence of the Shia communities in the United Kingdom played a major role in the great openness to the British society, and this diverse community also pushed this diverse community to immerse itself with the Shia activities established.”

The statement added that “the Hyderi Center, with its members and affiliates, has become an integral part of the British society, and seeks to convey the peaceful image of Islam and its great and beneficial teachings to society.”

It continued that “the events held by the center, especially during the months of grief and the blessed month of Ramadan, and the rest of the important Islamic and Shia occasions, had a prominent presence within the British society, as they became more aware about Islam and the doctrine of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them).”

Regarding its continuous activities throughout the year, the statement indicated that “the center seeks to revive the occasions of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them) and to hold daily prayers and religious lectures, especially on the blessed Friday nights, and thus the center remains throughout the week full of activities and religious, cultural and social events.”

The statement pointed out that “the center has opened up to the British society in a remarkable way, not only from Muslims but from adherents of other religions, and from time to time political and social leaders are invited to attend the events and introduce them more to the Shia sect.”

The Hyderi Islamic Center was established in 1983 after the Shia communities residing in London saw the need for a center to meet the needs of the local population, and to involve them in reviving the sacred religious occasions and rituals.

The center includes, according to the statement, “a huge mosque, a hall for religious occasions and the establishment of Husseini rituals, a sports hall, a nursing home for the elderly, as well as a school and a religious seminary.”