Imagine a Denmark without a single mosque. Now, open your eyes and behold the Nusrat Jahan Mosque. It stands here as a testament to a community’s faith and perseverance.
The Nusrat Jahan Mosque was the first mosque in Denmark. Its story began in the 1950s with the arrival of Ahmadi Muslim missionary Kamal Yousuf. He toured Denmark, spreading the Ahmadiyya faith.
In 1967, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community decided to build a mosque. This was no easy feat. The Hvidovre Municipality initially approved the construction. However, they revoked their permission just days before the foundation stone was to be laid.
Mirza Nasir Ahmad, the third caliph of the Ahmadiyya Community, was due to arrive for the ceremony. The mosque’s architect, John Zachariassen, informed Prime Minister Jens Otto Krag of the situation. Krag intervened, instructing the municipality to allow the construction to proceed.
The foundation stone of the Nusrat Jahan Mosque was laid on May 6, 1966. Its construction attracted widespread media attention. The mosque was inaugurated on July 21, 1967, by the caliph. Representatives of the Danish government attended the opening ceremony.
The Nusrat Jahan Mosque is named after Nusrat Jahan Begum. She was the second wife of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement. The mosque was financed solely by the female members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Denmark. This underscores the vital role women play in the community.
Abdus Salam Madsen played a crucial role in introducing Islam to Denmark. In 1967, he published the first translation of the Quran in Danish. For over four decades, his translation was the only one available to the Danish public. Madsen became a leading public figure of Islam in Denmark until the late 1980s.
The Nusrat Jahan Mosque has a capacity of 120 people. While modest in size, it holds immense significance. It represents the Ahmadiyya community’s commitment to peace, lawfulness, and human rights. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community categorically rejects terrorism. It champions education and empowerment for women.
Today, the Nusrat Jahan Mosque continues to serve as a place of worship and community gathering. It stands as a symbol of religious freedom and integration in Denmark. Its story reminds us that even the most ambitious dreams can be realized with faith. It also shows perseverance and the support of a community. The Nusrat Jahan Mosque is more than just a building. It embodies the spirit of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and its dedication to peace.