17 January 2025 – The East London Mosque had the distinct honour of welcoming the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who joined the congregation for Jumu‘ah (Friday) prayers earlier today. His visit underscored the enduring bonds between Muslim communities globally and the shared commitment to faith and social progress.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with the Mosque’s management and trustees to discuss shared values of faith, community service, and the importance of strengthening the Ummah.

Following the prayers, Dato’ Seri Anwar addressed the worshippers, sharing an inspiring message:

We need to come closer together as a community and Ummah, so that we can work towards peace and justice.

He emphasised the importance of education, understanding, and peace for Muslims in the UK, whilst also encouraging the community to preserve their Muslim identity.

As a special gesture, the Prime Minister gifted the Mosque a copy of the Qur’an with English translation, published by Nasyrul Quran in Putrajaya, Malaysia. This special gift was received by our Chairman, Dr Abdul-Hayee Murshad and Head Imam, Shaykh Abdul Qayum. The trustees and management of the Mosque held a meeting with Dato’ Seri Anwar afterwards.

This visit coincided with the Prime Minister’s broader agenda in the UK, which included the launch of a £4 billion Malaysian investment initiative, further strengthening ties between the UK and Malaysia.

Commenting on the visit, Junaid Ahmed, CEO of the East London Mosque, said: “We are deeply honoured to have hosted Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at our Mosque today. His presence is a testament to the spirit of unity and collaboration that transcends borders. The gifted Qur’an is a cherished addition to our collection, symbolising the shared values of faith and learning that unite us. We pray for the continued success of the Prime Minister’s endeavours and look forward to fostering stronger connections with our brothers and sisters in Malaysia.”

The East London Mosque continues to welcome dignitaries and community leaders, serving as a hub for engagement, learning, and dialogue.