5 October 2026
The Oxford Interfaith Forum extends its warmest congratulations to the UK Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on the historic milestone of the Fazl Mosque centenary. We were thoroughly delighted to join our Muslim friends and colleagues in celebrating one hundred years of profound spiritual, civic, and interfaith contributions. Over the past century, the Fazl Mosque community has stood as an enduring testament to the principles of cross-cultural understanding, mutual respect, and dedicated public service. The Oxford Interfaith Forum deeply treasures our shared commitment, and we look forward to walking alongside the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in our pursuit of interfaith harmony, and a more peaceful world.
The autumn evening of 3 October 2026 marked a historic milestone as a distinguished interfaith assembly gathered to commemorate The Fazl Mosque Centenary Reception. Under the overarching theme Beacon of Peace: A Century of Integration, Loyalty, and Service, the event seamlessly bridged profound history with future aspirations, celebrating the enduring legacy of London’s first purpose-built mosque.
Photo courtesy of the Makhzan-Tasaweer image library of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
A Century of Divine Grace and Female Philanthropy
The atmosphere within the mosque was charged with a profound sense of historical reverence. The nomenclature of the sanctuary is rooted in the Arabic word Fazl (فضل), which translates directly as ‘Grace’ or ‘Benevolence’, rendering the historic structure literally The Grace Mosque. Within Islamic theological discourse, the term denotes a transcendent blessing or gift from the Almighty that far transcends human expectation. The name thus encapsulates the community’s collective view of the building as a profound expression of divine favour, anchoring its hundred-year presence in London within a framework of spiritual gratitude.
This theological concept of grace was visibly reflected in the curated archival exhibition, which featured rare press cuttings and photographs spanning from 1924 to 2026. Scholars and guests paused in quiet appreciation before displays detailing the mosque’s remarkable origins. Funded entirely through the voluntary donations of Ahmadi Muslim women, who sacrificed their personal jewellery and dowries for the cause, the Fazl Mosque stands as a landmark monument raised through collective female philanthropy to establish London’s first purpose-built house of worship.
Fellowship Across Faiths
Beyond historical reflection, a defining narrative of the evening was the celebration of contemporary civic integration, and interfaith collaboration. Leaders from diverse religious backgrounds, civic executives, and international diplomats sat side by side, exemplifying a centennial commitment to British society. The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the keynote address delivered by the worldwide head of the community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. His Holiness articulated how the mosque has stood for one hundred years not merely as a physical space of worship, but as a sanctuary of fellowship and an active agent of humanitarian service. The discourse resonated deeply with the gathered audience, reaffirming that true integration thrives alongside deep-rooted loyalty to one’s community and country. As the formal presentations concluded, the evening transitioned into a traditional dinner. The shared meal offered a space for vibrant academic dialogue, mutual reflection, and the strengthening of cross-communal bonds—a fitting conclusion to a century of grace, and an inspiring prelude to the next.
Imam Mansur Ahmed commented: The centenary of the Fazl Mosque transcends the mere commemoration of a century of history. It is a profound moment of deep gratitude to Allah the Almighty, and appreciation of the visionary legacy and sacrifices of those who laid its foundations. The narrative of the Fazl Mosque serves as an enduring reminder that true faith cannot be confined to the sanctuary of prayer alone. Rather, it is vibrantly manifested in our treatment of others, our dedication to the upliftment of society, and our tireless pursuit of peace, justice, unity, and mutual respect. Yet, the ultimate measure of this historic milestone lies not in what we have inherited from the past, but in what we resolve to bequeath to the future. This centenary bestows a profound responsibility upon us for the century ahead: an obligation to ensure that the light of faith continues to find expression in acts of service, compassion, and peace; to fiercely safeguard future generations from the blights of conflict and division; and to forge a magnificent legacy of which those who follow in our footsteps can be proud.
Xiaoyan Ji reflected upon her experience: This was my first visit to a mosque in the UK, and I was particularly impressed by the strong sense of community, its international reach, and its commitment to promoting peaceful dialogue between people of different faiths. Over the past century, the Fazl Mosque has witnessed the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s enduring commitment to faith, peace and love. The mosque itself was made possible through the sacrifices not only of the local community in London, but also of women from India, Nigeria and America, many of whom would never have the opportunity to visit the mosque themselves. I was also struck by how Ahmadi Muslims put their faith into practice through humanitarian work, including healthcare and disaster relief, reaching people regardless of religion or race The principle of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ resonates strongly with the mission of the Interfaith Forum. I hope this visit will be the beginning of a deeper understanding of Islam and Muslim culture.
Photo Gallery
Photo courtesy of Imam Mansur Ahmen and Xiaoyan Ji
