Prayers will resume today at Morden’s mosque, after last weekend’s fire.
It is the first day the Baitul Futuh Mosque will re-open, following the fire on Saturday, September 26, which caused serious damage to the administration buildings next to the mosque.
The 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters who attended the scene managed to prevent the fire from spreading further and damaging the mosque or its library.
Today at 1pm the Caliph of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mizra Masroor Ahmad, will lead the first Friday prayers since the fire.
He said: “Whilst the fire struck the front of the site, we are ever grateful to God that the mosque was not damaged in the slightest and nor was anyone hurt. Thus our hearts are full of gratitude to God for His mercy during this time.
“We also are extremely grateful to the fire officers and all the emergency services for their selfless work in protecting the House of God. How fortunate we are that we live in a country that has such a wonderful system of law and order and such care for its citizens.
The fire on Saturday could be seen from miles around
“This is indeed praiseworthy and a credit to this country. May God the Almighty reward them abundantly for their services.
“We are also grateful to people the world over and to members of the local community who have sent messages of support and even offered to help us restore the mosque complex. May Allah bless them for their kindness and compassion."
Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of arson following the blaze. A 14-year-old has been bailed until early January, and a 16-year-old faces no further action.
The Metropolitan Police say they are not investigating the fire as a “hate crime”.
Worshippers have been waiting all week to re-enter the mosque, which is the largest in western Europe.
According to the regional president for the south London Region, Nasseer Butt, 5,000 Muslims are expected to attend the service which can also be watched live on Sky787.
Baitul Futuh Mosque will be back in use from Tomorrow. Friday Prayers with 5000 Muslims will be lead by The Ahmadiyya Khalifa live on Sky787
— Nasser Butt (@buttnasser) October 1, 2015
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