London Muslim Center completes 20 years of glory

One of Europe's largest religious institutions has completed 20 years since the establishment of the London Muslim Center at the East London Mosque. Opened on June 11, 2004, the center celebrated 20 years of glory on June 11 this year.

Around 10,000 people can now pray together at the East London Mosque, London Muslim Center, and Maryam Center complex. This is a huge milestone for London's Muslim community.

The journey of establishing LMC started in 1997. But the journey of this institution was not easy. The land owner wanted to sell the land adjacent to the East London Mosque where the London Muslim Center stands proudly today to a luxury property developer company. Then there was the local council and development company to contend with. The council was forced to allocate the site to the London Muslim Center in the face of community protests. The people of the community were successful in their campaign with the help of Telco (now Citizens UK). The movement was spearheaded by the late community leader Neil Jameson.

In 2001, Prince Charles (current King Charles III of the United Kingdom) laid the foundation stone of the London Muslim Centre. Then the construction work started in 2002 and was completed in 2004. It cost £10.4 million. The center was made possible by donations from people in the community and fundraising from various sources, including the London Development Agency, the European Development Fund, and Tower Hamlets Council.

On the opening day, more than 15,000 people prayed together under the imamate of Sheikh Abdur Rahman Sudais, the head of the Haram in Makkah Mosque. On that day, a long cherished dream of the entire community came true.

Over the past two decades, the East London Mosque and London Muslim Center have achieved significant fundraising milestones for many humanitarian causes. Eminent personalities of the world have participated in various programs organized in this center.  

ELM and LMC significantly expanded the range of services and facilities for London's Muslim community, including 33 separate projects, including a nursery, school, and a business wing. London East Academy Secondary School and Al-Mizan Primary School were established at LMC. More than 100 Hafez have already been formed from this school.

Success in establishing LMC paved the way for establishment of a Center for Women and later the Mariam Centre.

As London's Muslim community grows day by day, the East London Mosque is also expanding its range of services. The ongoing Phase III expansion project is an important part of this effort, which has increased the capacity of people in the mosque. We are deeply grateful to the people of the community for their continued support of our community. We hope that people from all walks of life will always extend their hand of support. So that we can build on the legacy of the past 20 years to build a brighter future and grow the multi-faceted service program for London's Muslim and wider community.

After 20 years, the Chairman of East London Mosque Trust, Dr. Abdul Hai Murshed, said in a statement, "We are deeply grateful to those who have contributed to make this wonderful institution a reality. Such a huge achievement would not have been possible without the sincere cooperation of the people of the community.