London, 1926 — A profound spiritual milestone was etched into the history of Britain’s capital when the divine call to prayer (Adhan) pierced the London skyline for the very first time. The inauguration of the Fazl Mosque in 1926 was not merely the opening of a building; it was a historic declaration of Islam’s enduring presence in the heart of the West.
The momentous ceremony gathered a diverse array of Muslims, political dignitaries, and international representatives, witnessing a powerful symbol of Islamic unity. Standing before the congregation, the mosque’s Imam, Maulana Abdul Rahim Dard, delivered a sermon that resonated with the pure essence of Islamic brotherhood. He declared the mosque a sacred sanctuary built solely for the remembrance of the Almighty and the humble expression of servitude before the Creator of existence.
Stripping away the illusions of worldly arrogance, Maulana Dard emphasised that humanity achieves true unity before God. He reminded the believers that artificial barriers—be it age, social status, skin colour, or national origin—hold no weight in the eyes of the Divine. The newly erected mosque, he proclaimed, stood as an eternal beacon of human brotherhood and a stark reminder that outward differences must never breed enmity among the children of Adam.
As the speeches concluded, a profound silence fell over the courtyard, soon broken by the soul-stirring voice of the Muazzin, G. F. Malik. From one of the mosque’s four striking white minarets, he raised the Adhan. For the first time in London’s history, the timeless proclamation of Allahu Akbar cascaded over the city, asserting the supremacy of the One True God.
This singular, sacred call established a new spiritual rhythm for the area, destined to be heard five times a day in perpetual devotion. Following the Adhan, the faithful moved to the courtyard’s octagonal pool. After performing ablution (Wudu) and removing their worldly footwear, they stepped into the prayer hall, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in absolute equality to offer their prayers behind Maulana Abdul Rahim Dard.
In that moment, the light of Tawhid shone brightly over London, a historic testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Ummah and the eternal call of truth that transcends all borders.
Reference: ABNA24