London's first mosque, the Fazl Mosque in Wandsworth, is marking its centenary today, 3 October 2026. The building, also known as London Mosque, was described as "a thing of beauty" when it opened a century ago, with about 600 guests attending the grand opening.
Ahead of the centenary celebrations, Putney Labour MP Fleur Anderson noted the mosque's role in the local area. Mahmood Rafiq of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK stated that being part of the wider community is central to the mosque's ethos, which includes giving sweets to children at Eid and extending Christmas greetings to neighbours.
The mosque has been used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War and more recently as a centre for blood donation and Covid-19 vaccinations. Its core message is "love for all, hatred for none." The building, located in Southfields, was granted listed status by Historic England in 2018.
The purchase of land for the mosque was largely financed by Ahmadi Muslims from Qadian, India, many of whom were women who sold their jewellery. To mark the anniversary, 10,000 free meals will be provided for homeless people. Munir Dean, a long-standing member, highlighted the founders' vision of faith, peace, and uniting humanity after the First World War.
Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said the mosque's history reflects principles of serving neighbours, loyalty to the UK, and making peace. He expressed a wish for the mosque to continue as "a beacon of peace and a means of bringing people together for generations to come."