Community Support ‘Overwhelming’ for Fire-Hit Mosque

Leaders of Britain’s biggest mosque complex that was ravaged by fire say they are overwhelmed by messages of support from the local community and around the world.

The administrative section of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s landmark Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden, south London was hit by fire on Saturday just one day after it was packed with worshippers marking Eid-ul-Adha.

More than 70 fire-fighters fought the blaze and successfully contained it within the administrative complex, leaving the mosque untouched.

Rafiq Hayat, National President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said that the community has been touched by the many messages of support:

“We have had local people from the vicinity of the mosque saying that they will support us and wanted to restore this mosque site to its former glory.

“The mosque is a beacon of peace, a House of God that is open to all. Our ethos is Love for All, Hatred for None and it is a belief that stands proud on the front of our mosque. The fire damaged some parts of the site but our spirit remains unbroken.

“We will restore this site and will continue to work with all our friends and serve our local community and country for the sake of peace.

“This mosque has been a beacon of peace in many ways- it is a place of prayer, education and of service to God and mankind. It has been the focus of community and charity activities – we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee here, supported the Poppy Appeal, held national peace conferences, hosted interfaith and charity events; and the community’s international annual peace prize is also presented here.

“The outpouring of support of local people has been wonderful and we remain grateful that they have reached out to us and pledged to stand by us.

“It is a testament to the strong community spirit here – people of all faiths and backgrounds have rallied together to show their support for us. It means a lot to us.

“The fire was distressing to witness as was the damage it has caused. However we are determined to get back on our feet and the public support has further strengthened our resolve. As a community, we have faced many adversities but we have firm faith that with God’s grace we will overcome this setback and emerge stronger and even more active as a result of it.

“Our prayers and thanks go out to those brave fire-fighters who on a daily basis risk life and limb to keep us all safe. It is as a result of their concerted efforts that the damage has been limited to an administrative complex and our beautiful mosque is unscathed.”

Ahmadiyya Muslims from across Britain and beyond have also vowed to help. We will get to work as soon as the site is declared safe.
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Media Contact:
Basharat Nazir +447703 483384
media@ahmadiyya.org.uk
Mahmood Rafiq +447971 060 962

Twitter: @AhmadiyyaUK