Baitul Futuh Mosque

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Baitul Futuh Mosque in London
Baitul Futuh.jpg
Back view of the mosque
Basic information
Location Morden, London Borough of Merton
United Kingdom
Geographic coordinates Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
Affiliation Ahmadiyya
Administration Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Website www.baitulfutuh.org/
Architectural description
Architectural type Mosque
Architectural style Modern
Completed 2003
Construction cost £5.5 million (mosque)
£15 million (including complex)
Specifications
Capacity 4,500 (prayer halls), 10,000 (total)
Dome(s) 1
Dome height (outer) 23
Dome dia. (outer) 16
Minaret(s) 2
Minaret height 35m and 25.5m

The Baitul Futuh Mosque (English: House of Victories[1]), also known as the Morden Mosque, is a mosque complex in Morden, London. It is one of Britain's largest mosques.[2][3][4][5][6][7] Completed in 2003 at a total cost of approximately £15 million, entirely from donations of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, 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

Hadrat 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, Mayors of London boroughs, judges, 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] After roughly over 5 hours, the fire was under control by 5:30pm.[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

File:Minar Baitul Futuh.jpg
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

Gallery

  • Bait-ul-Futuh Mosque in London.JPG
  • Morden South stn look north to mosque.JPG
  • Morden South stn entrance.JPG
  • Baitul Futuh entrance.jpg
  • Baitul Futuh Minaret.jpg
  • Baitul Futuh main entrance.jpg
  • Baitul Futuh dome.jpg
  • Bait ul-Futuh interior.jpg

See also

References

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  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ http://www.baitulfutuh.org/construction/
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Merton Site
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Eid: British Muslims Join In Celebrations retrieved 10 August 2013
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