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Baitul Futuh Mosque

Coordinates: 51°23′46″N 0°11′56″W / 51.39611°N 0.19889°W / 51.39611; -0.19889
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Baitul Futuh Mosque in London
Back view of the mosque
Religion
AffiliationAhmadiyya
Location
LocationMorden, London Borough of Merton
United Kingdom
AdministrationAhmadiyya Muslim Community
Geographic coordinates51°23′46″N 0°11′56″W / 51.39611°N 0.19889°W / 51.39611; -0.19889
Architecture
TypeMosque
StyleModern
Completed2003
Construction cost£5.5 million (mosque)
£15 million (including complex)
Specifications
Capacity4,500 (prayer halls), 10,000 (total)
Dome(s)1
Dome height (outer)23
Dome dia. (outer)16
Minaret(s)2
Minaret height35m and 25.5m
Website
www.baitulfutuh.org/

The Baitul Futuh Mosque (English: House of Victories[1]), also known as the Morden Mosque, is a mosque complex in Morden, London. It is Britain's largest mosque, and one of the largest in western Europe.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Completed in 2003 at a total cost of approximately £15 million, entirely from donations of Ahmadi Muslims in the UK, the mosque covers an area of 5.2 acres (21,000 m2) and the full complex can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers. It is located in the south-west London suburb of Morden, London Borough of Merton, next to Morden South railway station, approximately 700 yards from Morden Underground station.

History

Inauguration

Mirza Tahir Ahmad launched an appeal for funds for the building on the 24 February 1995, and the land was purchased on the 29 March 1996. The foundation stone was placed by Mirza Tahir Ahmad,[8] the then head of the Ahmadiyya Community on 19 October 1999, in a ceremony attended by 2000 guests, and inaugurated by the current head of the Ahmadiyya Community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, on 3 October 2003. Although based at Fazl Mosque, Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivers his weekly Friday Sermon from Baitul Futuh. The opening ceremony was attended by over 600 guests; those present included High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Members of European Parliament, Members of Parliament, Mayors of London boroughs, councillors, university lecturers, and representatives of 17 countries.

2015 fire

On September 26, 2015, a major fire broke out at the administrative side of the mosque complex. According to news reports, 50% of the ground floor, as well as parts of the first floor and the roof was set ablaze. The fire brigade was called at about 12 noon. Roughly 10 fire engines and 70 fire-fighters were said to have been tackling the fire. A man was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation and there are no other reported injuries.[9][10][11] The majority of the damage occurred at the front of the complex, within the administrative block of the mosque. The men's and women's prayer area were not affected.[12] However, the blaze created a huge plume of smoke, visible for miles in South West London, and caused widespread traffic congestion and local rail disruption.[13] The fire was under control at 5:32pm, more than 5 hours after the initial report.[14]

By the end of the day, no suggestion of a deliberate attack was made.[15][14] Two teenagers were arrested the following day on suspicion of arson.[16] However, the elder of the two was soon released without charge. According to the police, "there is nothing to suggest at this stage that this is a hate crime".[17]

Community

Several events are held at the Bait'ul Futuh Mosque to serve both the Muslim and greater community. In addition to regular prayers, its services include annual Peace Symposiums, school tours, other local community events, as well as the 'Merton Youth Partnership Annual Conference',[18] hosting the BBC Radio 4 Programme Any Questions?,[19] and is included in Open House London.[20]

Services

The Baitul Futuh Mosque has acted as the centre for the 'Loyalty, Freedom and Peace Campaign',[21][22] which seeks to promote Islam as a peaceful religion, and to improve the integration of Muslims and non-Muslims.[23]

The Peace Symposium 2010 chose the location to award the first Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize to Lord Eric Avebury.[24] The award is for lifetime contribution to the cause of Human Rights.

The Mosque receives over 10,000 visitors a year from schools, faith groups, public service organisations, charities, local and central government, and other groups.[25]

The plan to burn the Qur'an by the Dove World Outreach Center on the 9th anniversary of 9/11 attacks was strongly condemned at the Baitul Futuh mosque by several politicians and religious leaders, representing various faiths, such as Church of England, Catholic Church, Judaism, Bahá'í Faith and other Islamic sects.[26][27]

In August 2013, the mosque was the site of the largest Eid celebrations in the UK.[28]

Facilities

Minar Baitul Futuh
  • Offices
  • Library
  • Exhibition
  • Multi-functional rooms
  • MTA Television Studios
  • Kitchen & Dine
  • Gymnasium
  • Guest rooms
  • Disabled access.
  • Wash-room Facilities:
    • WC's
    • Wash Basins
    • Footbaths
    • Showers
    • Drinking Fountains
    • Baby Changing Units
    • Toilets for the Disabled
    • WC's and Wash Basins for Crèche

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque.
  1. ^ "A towering minaret, huge prayer halls ..." The Guardian. 3 October 2003.
  2. ^ "What's it like behind the scenes at western Europe's largest mosque ahead of the 33,000-guest Jalsa Salana?". Wimbledon Guardian. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  3. ^ "Western Europe's Largest Mosque opens in Morden". The Guardian. London. 2 October 2003.
  4. ^ "Baitul Futuh". salatomatic.com. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  5. ^ "Muslime en Europa und ihre Herkunftsgesellschaften in Asien und Afrika" (PDF). centre for modern oriental studies. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  6. ^ Ed Harris (2 October 2003). "A £5.5m mosque opens". Evening Standard. London. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  7. ^ "End of the line: The history of Morden". Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  8. ^ http://www.baitulfutuh.org/construction/
  9. ^ "Morden mosque fire: 70 firefighters tackle blaze". BBC. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  10. ^ "Morden mosque fire: huge blaze breaks out at Baitul futuh mosque in south London". Evening Standard. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  11. ^ "One of Europe's largest mosques on fire, 70 firefighters battling blaze". RT. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  12. ^ "Firefighters tackle blaze at south London mosque". The Guardian. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  13. ^ "Huge fire hits largest mosque in Britain". Express. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  14. ^ a b "Morden mosque saved as crews confine fire to admin buildings". London Fire Brigade. 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  15. ^ "Morden mosque fire: community speaks of horror after blaze at Baitul Futuh mosque". 26 September 2015. Retrieved 26 September 2015.
  16. ^ "Morden mosque fire: Two teenagers arrested on arson charge". BBC News. 27 September 2015. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  17. ^ "Morden mosque fire: Police say blaze not thought to be a hate crime". BBC. 28 September 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  18. ^ "Merton youth Partnership Conference". mertonconnected.com.
  19. ^ "Any Questions? – hosted at Baitul Futuh Mosque". wimbledonguardian.
  20. ^ Merton Site
  21. ^ "Loyalty, Freedom and Peace Campaign". ekklesia.co.uk.
  22. ^ "Love for All Hatred for None downloads". loveforallhatrednone.org.
  23. ^ "Love for All Hatred for None Homepage". loveforallhatredfoenone.org.
  24. ^ "Peace Symposium 2010 Prize". itnews.it.
  25. ^ "Love for All Hatred for None Contact". loveforallhatredfornone.org.
  26. ^ "Koran-burning plan condemned at London mosque". BBC News. 10 September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ "UK religious leaders condemn Koran burning". Channel 4 News. 10 September 2010. Archived from the original on 14 September 2010. Retrieved 12 September 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ Eid: British Muslims Join In Celebrations retrieved 10 August 2013
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