11 Feb The Morden Mosque with The London Society
Recently, our director, Diane had the opportunity to embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London, also known as the Morden Mosque with The London Society and has shared details of her visit.
This magnificent complex, hailed as one of the ‘Top 50 Buildings in the World’ by Spectator magazine, stands as a testament to both modern British architecture and the spirit of sustainability.
Led by knowledgeable guides Mansoor Clarke and Khaled Khan, the tour provided valuable insights into the mosque’s history, architecture, and community initiatives. The site originally housed a dairy with the tower being repurposed into a beautiful minaret that covers the interior in natural light.
Constructed in 2003 at a cost of £15 million, the Baitul Futuh Mosque is a symbol of the dedication and generosity of British Ahmadi Muslims. Designed by the renowned Oxford architectural studio Sutton Griffin in collaboration with Carter Jonas and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, the mosque is a good example of modern, sustainable design.
As I stepped inside, I was immediately struck by the mosque’s minimalist decor, intentionally crafted to foster an atmosphere of serenity and focus during prayer. The pillars, cleverly designed as air filters, ensure a clean and purified environment, while features like triple-glazed creche windows and efficient energy systems further cement the mosque’s commitment to sustainability and ensure the focus is on prayer.
The mosque also contains its own TV station, broadcasting globally, 24 hours a day.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the tour was learning about the mosque’s design elements. From underfloor heating aligned to prayer times to the precise alignment of the prayer hall with the direction of Mecca, every detail has been meticulously planned. Even the way in which the carpet had been laid was to guide people in and out of the main space. The use of marble and resin, which are self-cleaning materials, not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also reduces maintenance requirements.
The mosque’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is evident in its incorporation of solar panels, energy-efficient heating/cooling systems, and other eco-friendly technology. It’s no wonder that the Baitul Futuh Mosque has been honoured with the prestigious Green Award for its environmental initiatives.
The mosque in effect, offers a self-contained site to serve its community including a library, museum, sports hall and large function rooms. It also has its own TV station based there broadcasting globally 25 hours a day and a capacity for 13,000 people in total inside the building.
The tour concluded with a thoughtful gesture from the mosque’s organisers, who provided snacks and informative books to all attendees. Despite the late hour, the group lingered, captivated by the mosque’s beauty and inspired by its message of unity and peace while our hosts were happy to continue fielding questions.
In conclusion, my visit to the Baitul Futuh Mosque was a unique experience, offering a glimpse into the intersection of faith, architecture, and sustainability. It stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation and faith come together to create something truly remarkable.
This is one of many tours which The London Society offers each to get behind the scenes in key buildings or locations across the capital. Diane is a trustee of the society.