Here at ICC London, imagine a story that began not in London but in Cairo. The Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, once held great significance for this very mosque. They delegated an imam for the newly built mosque in Central London. This tradition continued for many decades shaping the spiritual guidance offered here at ICC London.
The story of ICC London actually starts much earlier. Between 1900 and 1930, several attempts were made to build a mosque in Central London. Lord Headley, born in London in 1855, was a key figure in this early effort. Embracing Islam in 1913, he took the name Shaikh Rahmatullah al-Farooq.
Fast forward to 1940. A pivotal moment occurred when the British Government decided to gift a site in London to the Muslim Community of Great Britain. It was the Churchill war cabinet that authorized this acquisition on October 24, 1940. A prime location near Hanover Gate in Regent’s Park was chosen. This 2.3-acre site became an unconditional gift. It allowed the Muslim community to freely practice their Islamic faith here at ICC London.
However, construction didn’t begin until 1974. Sir Frederick Gibberd’s design was selected in 1973 through an international competition. The mosque took over two years to build. The cost was £6 million. Generous donations came from King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and Sheikh Zayed of the United Arab Emirates. Many countries contributed to this unique mosque.
In the 1990s, King Fahad of Saudi Arabia generously donated to extend the administration wing of the London Central Mosque Trust and Islamic Cultural Centre. Sultan Qaboos of Oman also contributed. He helped establish the restaurant and dining facilities here at ICC London. More recently, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, has made significant contributions. These contributions supported the extension and renovation of the Centre. The State of Kuwait has also invested heavily in support of the Centre.
The Board of Trustees includes Muslim Ambassadors and High Commissioners in London. This ensures support from Muslim nations. It allows ICC London to serve the wider community effectively.
Within ICC London, an education unit thrives. A weekend school teaches Arabic Language and Islamic Studies to over 350 students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. The Centre’s interfaith department collaborates with over 30 organizations. They promote peace and coexistence through dialogues and scriptural reasoning events.
The Centre publishes the IQ – Islamic Quarterly every three months. It features articles about Islamic civilization. Qualified Imams in the Religious Affairs unit issue fatwas. They conduct marriages, divorces, and conversions. They also hold regular Islamic classes here at ICC London.
The New Muslim programme offers support to those interested in learning about Islam. This includes new converts and those born Muslim. The Islamic Cultural Centre boasts one of the largest Islamic reference libraries. It contains over 25,000 books. Copies of the Quran are available in 30 languages.
Youth initiatives include the Hikmah Youth Programme. This weekly forum offers academic and interactive activities. An Arabic Cultural Saloon hosts monthly lectures in Arabic. Topics range from history to Islamic heritage here at ICC London.
The Islamic exhibition spans 60 meters. It provides a visual journey through the Islamic faith. Video screens, models, and posters enhance the experience. The exhibition promotes understanding and harmony.
Today, ICC London stands as a testament to international cooperation and faith. Its history reflects a journey of perseverance, generous support, and a commitment to serving the Muslim community.