The iconic Baitul Futuh Mosque, which suffered a damaging blaze in 2015, inaugurated its new complex at the National Peace Symposium of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community over the weekend.
The large fire burnt down almost a third of the mosque complex, including multi-purpose halls.
With reconstruction now complete, London’s landscape welcomes a beautiful new £20 million five-storey structure that will allow community members and locals to take part in religious, sports and community events, as well as providing office space and guest rooms.
The worldwide Head and Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, inaugurated the new complex at the 2023 National Peace Symposium.
This year marked the 17th symposium to date and was attended by hundreds of guests including parliamentarians, diplomats, academics and representatives from numerous charities and faith communities.
Speaking about the importance of mosques and the role of a true Mosque, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said, “A true Muslim upon entering a mosque shall himself enter a state of peace and shall by fulfilling the commands of God, prove a beacon of peace and security for others. All our mosques (of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) serve not only as an abode of worshipping God Almighty but are also a means of fulfilling the rights of mankind and establishing peace in the world.”
The Caliph used his address to drive attention towards the urgent need for peace in light of the raging conflicts around the world. He further said, “For many years I have warned of the risks of a full-scale world war and have spoken of how its deadly and destructive consequences are far beyond our comprehension. Having long warned of such a war, I take no satisfaction in the fact that we are moving ever closer to it.
“Rather, I feel only grief and anguish as I see the world hurtling ever faster towards a terrifying world war in which the lives of millions of innocent people will be lost or permanently destroyed...instead of bestowing a legacy of peace and prosperity to our future generations, our parting gift to them will be nothing except death, destruction and misery."
The Baitul Futuh Mosque was originally built in 2003 and has been open for community members and the public and can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers.
The new £20m project was funded by members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the design is based on a pure geometry and a symmetrical arrangement, which is often found in Islamic architecture, particularly in the design of mosques. The five-storey complex includes naturally ventilated spaces and includes two large multipurpose halls, offices and guest rooms. The new facility also incorporates low energy and sustainable technologies including, solar panels, efficient heating and cooling systems, and other energy and water saving features which contribute towards its green footprint.
Photo courtesy: ©AMA UK
