Home Correspondent
Finsbury Park Mosque marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration attended by five Members of Parliament, mayors, councillors, diplomats from several Muslim embassies, prominent academics, and community leaders.
The event, themed “Bonded by Hope”, showcased the mosque’s transformation since 2005 despite challenges in its path. Mohammed Kozbar, Chair of Finsbury Park Mosque, welcomed guests and highlighted the mosque’s journey to become “a centre and beacon of the community.”
Kozbar added, “Finsbury Park Mosque is home to a mosaic of communities, cultures, and backgrounds and stands at the threshold of a new dawn. It is a far better place today than ever. Poised to inspire, lead, and change. Let us celebrate our common bonds, let us overcome the challenges before us, and let us move forward together with the spirit of hope, faith, and goodwill.”
Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington South and former Labour leader, delivered the keynote address, expressing pride in representing the mosque and praising its open-door policy for those in need.
Reflecting on the mosque’s journey, Corbyn remarked, “This mosque has achieved so much, given hope to so many people.” He particularly praised its role during difficult times: “This mosque has always had an open door to the homeless, to the refugees, and to anyone going through a terrible moment in their life.” He concluded by saying, “It’s a great honour for me to be able to say I am the member of parliament for Finsbury Park Mosque.”
Richard Watts, former leader of Islington Council, praised the mosque as “a shining light in bringing the community together,” especially in the face of challenges from far-right groups. Freddie Hudson, head of Arsenal in the Community, highlighted the mosque’s partnership with Arsenal Football Club, who spoke of their “good relationship” as neighbours.
Chief Superintendent Andy Carter described the mosque as a “real cornerstone of faith and unity” and a hub for education. Dr Muhammad Wajid Akhtar, the newly elected Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, emphasised that “the people of Finsbury Park make this mosque special,” noting that “a building without its people is just a building.”
The event recognised key supporters, with twelve recipients receiving awards. Minel Aoues hosted the ceremony, and awardees included Islington Faiths Forum for promoting interfaith dialogue, Barry Norman for establishing multi-stakeholder partnerships, and Ruzina Akhtar, daughter of Makram Ali, who was killed in the 2017 terrorist attack, for her “courage, patience, and dignity.”
Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Una O’Halloran, welcomed the strong partnership and links between the council and Finsbury Park Mosque, in particular the community response following the terrorist attack targeting local Muslims in 2017.
The commemoration event also featured poetry by young people, an online interactive session, a special film about the mosque produced by filmmaker and journalist Matthew Robinson, and a hearty dinner service.
Mosque trustee and event host Khalid Oumar thanked all for their attendance in marking this landmark achievement.
Photo: Mohammed Kozbar, Chair of Finsbury Park Mosque, warmly welcomed guests during the mosque’s 20th anniversary celebrations. (Photo courtesy of Finsbury Park Mosque)
