Lewisham Islamic Centre

Could a simple prayer meeting blossom into a thriving community center? Here at the Lewisham Islamic Centre, that’s precisely what happened. The Lewisham Islamic Centre’s story begins humbly in the late 1970s. A small group of Muslims, often just five to ten people, gathered for Jummah prayers each week at Dr. Saleem’s house on Bellingham Road. This intimate gathering marked the seed of what would become a vital hub for the Muslim community in Lewisham. The Lewisham Islamic Centre’s first official home was a property on Brownhill Road in Catford. A group of families pooled their resources, purchasing the building outright. This was a significant achievement, establishing the first mosque in the area. The centre was initially called the “Lewisham & Kent Islamic Centre” as some founding families resided outside Lewisham. The name was later shortened to “Lewisham Islamic Centre”. The Brownhill Road location served the community faithfully for two decades. As the congregation grew, the limitations of the space became increasingly apparent. Eventually, a large marquee tent was erected in the back garden to accommodate the overflow of worshippers during Friday prayers. In 2000, the Lewisham Islamic Centre moved to its current prominent location on Lewisham High Street. The Lewisham Islamic Centre has continued to grow and evolve over the past forty years. Today, it welcomes nearly 2,000 worshippers for Friday prayers. From those initial gatherings in a private home, the Lewisham Islamic Centre has transformed into a cornerstone of the community. It offers a diverse range of religious and social services, fostering community cohesion and interfaith dialogue. The Lewisham Islamic Centre stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of those early Muslims who sought a place to worship and connect.