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 sins.. Ameen