4 October 2025

The East London Mosque (ELM) opened its doors this weekend for its annual ‘Visit My Mosque’ event, welcoming neighbours, friends, and guests from all walks of life to experience the mosque, its history, and its community work.

This year’s gathering carried special significance as it marked the tenth anniversary of ELM’s participation in the initiative, which is coordinated nationally by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). The programme included guided tours, an exhibition on ELM’s beekeeping project, and the chance for visitors to enjoy tea, cakes and conversation with staff and volunteers.

 

A New Milestone

Welcoming visitors, Sufia Alam, Head of Programmes at the Maryam Centre, reminded guests why Visit My Mosque continues to matter after ten years:

It’s really exciting to reach this milestone. Our theme this year is simply about getting to know each other – our stories, our neighbourhood. It’s a chance to talk about what we do and how we do it, and for you to get to know us as well as we get to know you.

She highlighted the tours, exhibitions, and warm hospitality as part of building those personal connections.

 

ELM’s Long and Rich History

Junaid Ahmed, CEO of the East London Mosque, spoke about the event’s wider importance and the mosque’s long history in the capital:

Events like today remind us of the importance of connection and understanding in a world that can sometimes feel divided. These moments of openness and dialogue allow us to challenge misconceptions and celebrate our shared values of kindness, respect and compassion.

Ahmed also mentioned ELM’s long and rich history in serving the community:

The East London Mosque’s history goes back to 1910. It is not only a place of worship but also a centre of learning, community service and compassion. From youth work and education to health and environmental initiatives, we are proud to play our part in supporting and strengthening the diverse fabric of London and beyond.

‘We Are You, and You Are Us’

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Dr Wajid Akhter, used his address to underline the importance of changing the narrative about Muslims in Britain:

Muslims are not strangers to these lands. From St Paul’s Cathedral, inspired by Islamic art, to the Brighton Pavilion, our histories intertwine.

Visit My Mosque is about more than learning the basics of Islam – it’s about hearing our stories. We are your doctors, your lawyers, your neighbours and your friends. We were there for you during COVID, and we will be there during future crises too. We are you, and you are us.

Civic and Interfaith Voices

The event also attracted local leaders. Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Cllr Maium Talukdar, emphasised how much the Council values its relationship with the mosque:

The East London Mosque is a key partner in our borough because of the services it provides to thousands of residents – not just prayer, but food banks, education, interfaith work and more.

Initiatives like Visit My Mosque promote understanding across faiths and communities. They showcase the excellent work being done here in Tower Hamlets, and that’s why today’s turnout is so pleasing. It’s all about cohesion, interfaith, and working together.

Among the interfaith guests was Fr Richard Springer, Rector of St George-in-the-East in Shadwell. He reflected on the value of the day:

This is one of my local mosques, and it’s been a wonderful day. It’s great to see colleagues here and to hear the mosque tell its own story to the public. I’m involved in TELCO, which campaigns for social justice, and the East London Mosque has been a valued partner for a long time. Events like this help build confidence and connection across our communities, and that is crucial.

For local resident Oliver Davis, who has recently embraced Islam, the day provided a vital platform to challenge prejudice and foster cooperation:

With the rise in Islamophobia, I think ignorance is the main issue. Events like this are the perfect opportunity to reach out, to teach people what we’re really about, and to build community cohesion. The more we make links with other charities and groups, the more it benefits everyone in the community.

Building Bridges Across Communities

Throughout the day, visitors joined tours, explored exhibitions, and spoke with volunteers about the role the mosque plays in daily life. The atmosphere was marked by curiosity, openness and dialogue – exactly what the initiative seeks to achieve.