British Home Secretary Visits Baitul Futuh Mosque

Home Secretary Rt Hon Theresa May made her first ever visit to the landmark Baitul Futuh Mosque in south London on Saturday 2nd May and paid tribute to the work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK and internationally. Accompanied by the Minister for Communities, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Mrs May was given a tour of the mosque complex and its facilities. Mrs May was impressed with the design, facilities and openness of the mosque complex including the library, exhibition and multi-purpose halls.

After a brief meeting with the senior leadership of the mosque the Home Secretary addressed a group of 200 members of the community. Minister for Health, Jane Ellison was also present at the event. In her speech the Home Secretary appreciated the charitable works of the community, including the current relief effort bring provided by Humanity First in Nepal and the development work being carried out in Africa by the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers to provide water wells and solar energy to remote villages.

Affirming her view of Islam as a religion of peace, the Home Secretary spoke of the need for integration and the protection of common values of freedom of religion, freedom of speech and the rule of law as a united response to the challenge of extremism. The Home Secretary welcomed the work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in engaging with people of all faiths to promote understanding, education and respect.

 

After her speech the Home Secretary took questions from the floor on Europe, immigration, asylum and the media. The Home Secretary was presented with a copy of the Holy Quran during her visit and signed the visitor’s book at the mosque.