Fazl Mosque marks centenary as London's first purpose-built mosque

The Fazl Mosque in Southfields, London, marked its centenary on October 3, celebrating 100 years as a landmark of faith and community service. As the first purpose-built mosque in London and only the second in Britain, the structure was designed by architect Thomas Hayton Mawson and funded by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in British India.

Over the past century, the mosque has served various roles, including providing shelter during the Blitz in World War II and acting as a vaccination clinic during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 1984, it became the international headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The centenary celebrations included a street party, a permanent history exhibition, and a reception attended by diplomats, civic leaders, and parliamentarians.

During the event, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, delivered a keynote address emphasizing that mosques should foster peace and harmony rather than conflict or extremism. The mosque's history is noted for its diverse contributions, including the historical influence of its Imam on Muhammad Ali Jinnah.