9th September 2003
for immediate release
Largest Mosque in Western Europe to open in London
British Ahmadi Muslims will unveil a new magnificent architectural landmark
in London next month as Western Europe's biggest Mosque Complex, with
capacity to accommodate 10,000 worshippers. Adorned with a 15.5 m dome,
the Mosque is located on A24 in Morden, Surrey, on a 5.2 acre site.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the new Worldwide Supreme Head of the Community,
will inaugurate the mosque with Friday prayers on 3rd October 2003. British
devotees, together with a large contingent of senior community figures
from abroad, are expected to fill the Mosque to capacity for the occasion.
The inauguration ceremony will symbolise how Ahmadi Muslims, now spanning
to 80 community centres and branches all across the UK, have peacefully
coexisted and integrated in Britain for nearly a century.
Mr Rafiq Ahmed Hayat, National UK President of the Community said: "It's
a second historic occasion for the Ahmadiyya Muslims to add to the heritage
of British culture and to the presence of Muslim Community in Britain.
We built the very first London Mosque in 1924 which has become a tourist
landmark of SW London. This time we have produced the largest and
the most sophisticated Mosque in Britain to serve as a landmark for the
next century."
"The Mosque Complex will provide this fast growing British Muslim
Community with a central focal point for meetings and social and religious
events on a national scale that was no longer possible in the much smaller
London Mosque."
Thursday 2nd October 2003 has been set aside for a Press Conference and
a general Press Open Day, as better access for tours, photography and
interviews will be available.
END
For appointments and further information, contact:
Dr Basharat Nazir - Press Secretary Telephone 07703 483 384
Email basharat.nazir@btinternet.com, Website www.alislam.org/mosques
PROGRAMME
Press Day 2nd October 2003
10.30 - 11.30 Guided Tours
11.30 - 12.30 Press Conference
12.30 - 13.30 Lunch
13.30 - 18.00 Interviews and further Tours
Inauguration 3rd October 2003
13.00 - 14.30 Friday Prayer
15.30 - 17.00 Tea, Interviews & doves flying
17.00 - 18.00 Traditional Sweets Distribution
VIP Day 11th October 2003
18.00 - 21.30 Function and Dinner for British & Foreign Ministers,
MPs, Mayors, Diplomats, Councillors, Multi-Faith Leaders and Scholars
LOCATION
The Baitul Futuh Mosque
181 London Road
Morden, Surrey SM4 5PT
The Mosque is situated on A24 in Morden, Surrey, located adjacent to the
Railway Station 'MORDEN SOUTH' and about 150 yards from the Tube Station
'MORDEN'. Limited car parking is available in areas surrounding the Complex.
Within the Complex, parking will be available for the Press on the 2nd
and
the 11th October. On 3rd October, Park & Ride will be operating with
no parking inside the Complex.
PRESS ARRANGEMENTS
Special arrangements have been made for the Press on the eve of the Inauguration
on 2nd October, when better access will be available for tours, photography
and interviews. Full access to the Press will also be available on the
VIP Day on 11th October. On the Inauguration Day on 3rd October, access
will be limited due to the Friday Prayer. For security reasons, there
will be no admission without prior booking. Before arrival, an appointment
must have been confirmed with Dr Basharat Nazir, Press Secretary - Email
basharat.nazir@btinternet.com or Telephone 07703 483 384. Identification
Badges must be brought which will be matched with the appointment lists
for permission to enter. Press-packs will be provided on the Mosque and
on the background of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in UK. There will
be further press releases and post event reports, video footage and pictures
available. |