The Baitul Futuh Mosque, Peace Symposium 2009

An Experience at the Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden – Peace Symposium 2009

(Largest Mosque in Western Europe)

Hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK
Addressed by his Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih V

On the Saturday 21st March 2009, I directed myself towards the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden. I had been past it a few times before, on my way to the Post Office Depot. I had always eagerly wanted to go inside, as the building looked so inviting and so did the people I thought. Now, this was my chance to visit it for the first time properly. This Peace Symposium came at a forwarded opportunity, and I welcomed it with heart wide open. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK hosted this Peace Symposium, addressed by his Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad Khalifatul Masih V.

The event began with a tour around the Baitul Futh Mosque, by a very hospitable host. Our host was a kind spirited and informative guide. I asked about whether I should wear a head coverage, and the host said it was my choice, as they did not mind, as they respected my decision either way. It was incredible to find out about the history of the locality, and the building itself. I had never realised that this site, was once an Express Dairy Depot, serving the whole of the UK. An amazing historical discovery. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community built on this space, after business came to a standstill at the Dairy Depot for more than 5 years. This Baitul Futh was to be the largest Mosque in Western Europe, and to this day it still stands.

Our host lead us into a library which holds a collection of books from all faiths of life, open to anyone to the public. My fascination with books was patiently captured, as I listened to the host. Later I returned, aroused by the many pages of religious texts and scriptures. From the library, we followed through into what seemed like an exhibition room, with further upstairs space. The walls covered displays with information and artefacts about the Ahmadiyya Community and its successors.

We were then directed to the Mosque, which was a a breathtaking clear white building. The host explained the history of it’s construction, alongside how to enter a Mosque.  We entered the Mosque from the curved ground level on the left (womens entrance) and removed our shoes before the main entrance. The building was amazing, with plenty of space and air that flowed with ease inbetween every curve and wall.

We followed the host up a staircase, and down a hallway, where we were confronted with our first prayer room-the female mosque. A glass triple glazed window was to its left, which was a space for children whilst mothers prayed. The scope of the ceiling was the exact shape of an ovum representing female energy. There were no windows. There was only light entering on top cut up, through this shape and our host revealed to us that no one could look into it, or nothing could cover the light. Straight ahead, was an empty carved cove. This cove is the direction to pray in, to the West facing the direction of Mecca. Our host also said that the pillars raising the ovum up, were the airways into the room. The heat comes from the circular motion of space in women. A very smart and simple way of being.

The Men’s Mosque was of a grander nature, as it fitted on top of the womens ovum, or so it seemed. We were taken into what seemed like a maze  of easy going breathing space, that consisted of a walk, a lift and another short walk before arriving at the entrance of a lighter hall. At the time of the path, my mind was blank as it did not recognise the mapping and route. Once entered another breath taking view, one which this time nearly made my jaw drop. Calligraphy in black and gold lined the inside of the circular ceiling, translating peace of prayer. The enchantment of the ovum shape continues in this circular open ceiling. There are no walls here, there is only light dropping down from above through the glass. A similiar cove is ahead, facing West. Again there is no heating, as it is the energy of the men that warm the space. A fine building of Architecture, in all its charm and beauty united in one wholly Mosque. The option of  staying, whilst observing the daily prayers at 6pm, from the balcony on top of the entrance was available.

The Main Peace Conference was held in a hall, where there was an approximate of 425 non-Ahmadi guests from all levels of society. The hosts were always very helpful as they provided us with information about the Ahmadiyya Community and sat by us to answer any queries we had. We were escorted to the hall by our host, and chose a table where to sit for the duration of the course. Another host was present here, to make sure we were taken care of. A warmfelt gesture at all times.

 The Introductory speeches proceeded to follow by:

• Mr Rafiq Hayat, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
• Siobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden
• Justine Greeting MP, The Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government
• Chris Grayling MP for Epsom and Ewell, The Shadow Home Secretary
• Baroness Emma Nicholson MEP

His Holiness Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, seeked to address peace in fitting with the global financial crisis. His Holiness compared the current situation, with the Great Depression of 1929 to reveal the ferocious human cycle, and all of its realities. The speech was very connective in group, as it reached each and every one.

After the speeches and the Holiness Address, we enjoyed a wholesome dinner and had an opportunity to meet with His Holiness. I admit I was one of the few ladies that met him, as I was surrounded by men. It was a pleasure to meet with his holiness, and be part of such a hospitable community at this event. Since arrival, every aspect about this community has taken my breath away, as I have become more overwhelmed and in tune by it’s presence, and now I know why. I am very grateful for this opportunity.

If you’d like to find out more about the day, and the speech addressed by His Holiness please visit: Financial Crisis Could Escalate into A World War.

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