Poets For Peace The Fazl Mosque Episode no: 63
Haider Hameed – Poet & Presenter
Fareed Ahmad
Tariq Ahmad BT
Munir Rafiq
Tanveer Ahmad Khokar
The theme for this programme is ‘The First Mosque in London’, which of course is the Fazl Mosque in Southfields, London, which now in 2024 celebrates its centenary.
So, for the next half an hour you will get to hear a variety of poems from a variety of people on this historic milestone, which I hope will give you a different and perhaps more personal perspective on this special occasion.
The first poem is about a person named ‘Fateh Muhammad Sial’ who was a prominent figure in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as he was the first missionary of the community to be sent to the United Kingdom, so he was therefore instrumental in laying the groundwork for the community's activities in the UK and in spreading Islam Ahmadiyyat outside of South Asia, including the eventual establishment of the Fazl Mosque in London. The poem is titled ‘A Pioneer’s Tale’ and is by the acclaimed poet brother Fareed Ahmad from London.
The second poem is about the Fazl Mosque and has been written by brother Naseer Deen. His grandfather, Babu Aziz Deen, was a missionary who came to the United Kingdom in 1919 and so was actually present at the inauguration of the Mosque, and can be seen in the old black and white pictures of this significant event. The progeny of Babu Aziz Deen still live in the London to this day and very much upholding his legacy.
The third poem is from brother Tariq Ahmad BT, also known as ‘Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon’ as he is a British politician and a member of the House of Lords. Brother Tariq has held various significant roles in the UK government, particularly in foreign affairs and international relations. His father migrated to the UK in 1953, and he lived in the local area of the Mosque, which no doubt resulted in the Mosque having a part to play in shaping his life and identity. His poem is titled, ‘Fazl Mosque-The Mosque of Grace-Spiritual Companion’.
The fourth poem is from someone who actually lived in the Fazl Mosque, living there right up to 1980 when he was by then in his early twenties, and that was because his father, Imam Bashir Ahmad Rafiq, was serving as the Imam of the Fazl Mosque. It is with great pleasure to hear therefore the immensely gifted brother Munir Rafique with his poem titled ‘Beacon of Light’.
The fifth and final poem is from a great artist in various respects as he is also always looking through the lens of a camera and taking fantastic photographs wherever he goes. His father migrated to the UK in 1962, and so he has also been blessed in witnessing the radiating love and faith emanating from the beacon of light that is the Fazl Mosque. The poem is titled ‘Fazl Mosque_1924-2024’ and by brother Tanveer Ahmad Khokar.
End
Producer/In-charge: Haider Hameed
