‘We’re showing that Islam can be an inclusive religion – here’s how’
Thousands have gathered at a mosque to celebrate Eid after a Shadow Cabinet Minister claimed a Muslim prayer session in Trafalgar Square was as an ‘act of domination and division’.
Metro was invited into the Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, the second largest in Western Europe and largest in Britain, with a capacity of 13,000.
Eid marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast between dawn and sunset.
People flocked into the Mosque for Friday Prayers, which this year has coincided with Eid, and was open to people of all faiths and backgrounds this morning.
The mosque, which has prayer rooms for both women and men, prides itself on its community ties and hosts events where all faiths are welcome.
Worshippers of all ages gathered and wended their way into the huge mosque with a main prayer area and other rooms dotted around the complex.
With our shoes left at the door along with tens of thousands of others, Metro joined Friday prayers where an Imam delivered a speech full of hope and celebration to mark Eid.
His words, delivered in a measured and understate way spoke of the ‘humility’ that everyone Metro spoke to referred to in association with the teachings of Islam.
The positivity can be contrasted with the comments of Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy, who earlier this week described the Muslim public prayer as an act of ‘domination and division’.
He was referring to an event held at Trafalgar Square on Monday. His inflammatory comments led to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling for Tory leader Kemi Badenoch to sack the minister.
Mr Timothy made the post on X on Tuesday, saying: ‘Perform these rituals in mosques if you wish. But they are not welcome in our public places and shared institutions.’
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Following the posts, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in response: ‘British values mean defending everyone’s right to practise their faith freely. In London, I’m proud Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and others can celebrate in Trafalgar Square. Singling out Muslims isn’t ‘British values’ – it’s prejudice.’
Khalil Yousuf, a senior mosque leader in Morden, told Metro: ‘We are about unity – the views the minister expressed are not accurate. Islam is about love and respect. What the politicians say does not reflect the experience of British people.’
Michelle Rahman, a community leader at the Mosque, told Metro: ‘The comments about Trafalgar Square were not a reflection of Islam. It is not trying to be dominant. You can see here at the Mosque today, we celebrate the whole community. We are not divisive.’
Trainee human rights lawyer Taufique said: ‘We are so happy today we are breaking bread together and enjoying the positivity.
‘The shadow minister’s comments are saddening. A public display of worship is not a threat to British identity. The whole point of being British is diversity and we can celebrate those differences.’
Sabah Ahmedi, one of the youngest Imams in Britain, who hosted the Friday Prayers at the Mosque, said: ‘I’ve hosted guests here at the Mosque from all walks of life. We open the doors to them they have a tour and eat with us.
‘The praying in Trafalgar Square was not about domination. It was not stopping anyone else from going about their business. Other faiths have prayed there… I’m glad the prime minister has condemned the comments. They cause division in the community. We are for the British values of inclusion.’
As the prayer session ended, thousands of people funnelled out, grabbing their shoes, chatting with friends before heading for a meal to mark the end of Ramadan.
The happiness and warmth of the vibrant crowd was obvious. Some queued for an ice cream at a strategically parked ice cream van outside.
Local Greg Phillips, who lives nearby and was passing by during the prayers, told Metro: ‘They are great at the Mosque, they are very welcoming and hold sports events and other things for the whole community.
‘Now they are queuing at an ice cream van, you don’t get more British than that.’
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