East London Mosque — Attraction in London

East London Masjid has a special place in my heart. I've been going since I was a child when my dad used to take me there. Very fond memories. Every time I go East London, my journey can never be complete without going to East London Mosque to pray. There is something special about the place, to me, where I find it different from everywhere else. The community, the togetherness. When the Adhan goes off, you see everybody walking to the Masjid. Although it is quite a big mosque, inside you get the sense of coziness. That green carpet. So rich, so velvety. Every part of the Masjid is super clean. Recently, I really got to help the Masjid in the Ramadan Big Clean. Alhamdulillah, it was such a great experience. And if you are from the area, just watch on a Saturday and Sunday morning, early, when all the kids go to the Madrasa. It just looks and feels amazing. Sheikh Abdul Qayyum, who is the Head Imam at the Masjid, has always been there. Such a lovely and humble brother. Lots of different lectures and talks happen in the Masjid, which one will really find beneficial.

And me being Bangladeshi, I really feel like I'm part of the community there. I love that part of Whitechapel. The shops, the market, especially having a nice hot tea after prayers with one piece of Mishti, it really does fulfil the journey. Massive respect to all our elderly uncles who have been going there from day one. I'm the beginning, the Masjid was only a small centre-like hall. And I'm grateful that the Masjid has a really good facility for sisters. As you know some Masjids don't have that space for women. East London Masjid really does emphasise and hosts space for the sisters to learn and pray. And provides really good connection for revert brothers and sisters to really amplify their learning.

There was a bit of a gap for me in my adolescent years. I only used to go to East London for a Janazah on a, Friday mainly. But in the last 10 years of my life till now, I go to East London mosque frequently. And honestly, if I was living within the distance of reaching there, I would go every single prayer time. I recently went to Umrah with two of my companions. And now, at least once a month, we make a plan to read Jummah together at East London Masjid. It does somewhat bring back the memories of Medina. Obviously, it's not the same. But it's the togetherness of people. It really does have that filling atmosphere.

And lastly, it's great to see the amazing work being put into the Masjid. Recently, there's been works going on. I'm writing this review in the month of Ramadan, 2024. And the Masjid main part of the hall has really opened up. Before, it was an offset rectangle on one side, and there was a back part of the Masjid, but now it's huge, like one big square. It's looking great. The works isn't finished yet. They have opened it for the Taraweeh prayers, and they'll close it after Ramadan, where they will really put the Masjid together. I can't wait.

May Allah protect this beautiful house. And may He accept all our prayers and forgive all our...

Visiting the East London Mosque situated in Whitechapel, London, was an experience imbued with profound tranquility and aesthetic marvel. Despite its unassuming exterior, upon stepping inside, I was immediately enveloped in a sense of serenity, marveling at the grandeur of one of London's largest mosques. Its expansive interior exuded elegance, with meticulously designed prayer spaces catering to both brothers and sisters, ensuring ample room for congregants to engage in their devotions comfortably.

The impeccable cleanliness of the facilities, notably the lavatories, underscored the mosque's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to spiritual reflection and reverence. Furthermore, the contemporary architectural design, coupled with the harmonious recitations led by the imam during prayers, evoked a profound sense of peace and contemplation.

As I reflected on my visit, I couldn't help but appreciate the adage, "never judge a book by its cover," as the outward appearance of the mosque belied the splendor within. Indeed, while every mosque is considered the house of Allah, the East London Mosque has undoubtedly earned its place as a favored destination for worshippers. Should circumstances permit, I would eagerly make it my regular place of worship if residing in London.

In offering guidance to prospective visitors, I must emphasize the practicality of utilizing public transportation, such as the underground tube or train, as navigating by car presents considerable challenges, including the scarcity of parking spaces and the likelihood of incurring fines or congestion charges.

In conclusion, I express my gratitude for the opportunity to have visited this esteemed mosque, affirming my conviction that it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and devotion within the Muslim faith.

Alhamdulillah I'm grateful that I was able to visit this mosque in...

East London Mosque is situated in Whitechapel with one entrance in the main road . That entrance takes you to the rear part of the prayer halls. There is a wudu area and shoe racks and the rear of the Ground floor prayer hall and also, round to the right are stairs down to the Basement prayer hall.

They provide light blue shoe bags and many keep the shoe bag with them for prayer.

There is an entrance next door in a building named London Muslim Centre. This building entrance takes you to a hallway and then you go left to the main prayer hall.

In Fieldgate Rd there is another entrance to London Muslim Centre taking you to the hall on your right. This is named Entrance 2 . Then there is another entrance to the Masjid building taking you nearer the front of the prayer hall and is named Entrance 3.

The London Muslim Centre houses a Secondary school on 2nd floor and a Junior school on 4th floor. It also has meeting rooms.

The Jumuah, Friday prayer was due to start at 1.45 with khutbah (talk) at 1.15. By 12.45 the main prayer hall was full. Lots of people arriving even 45 minutes before khutbah.

I was one of many going to the basement prayer hall.

There is plenty of wudu and toilet facilities, clean and tidy although one soap dispenser was empty.

All around the outer parts of the prayer hall were tiny cubicles for people who live in the Masjid for the last days of Ramadan.

The khutbah began at 1.15 after everyone had done 4 rakats . The imam could be seen in a screen in the basement prayer hall.

The khutbah was delivered in Bengali and English. This area has a large Bengali community.

The prayer began around 1.55. People left around 2.10.

There was a collection and an appeal by Muslim Aid for building Masajid in Syria. The Masjid takes credit cards as well as cash. You can donate online too for the Masjid.

The atmosphere was busy, crowded, prayerful and quite nice...