Masjid Bilal & Islamic Centre, a branch of the UK Islamic Mission (UKIM), was founded by a group of dedicated brothers, including Dr. Nazir Ahmed, Rao Rashid Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Qayyum Mehr, Raja Mohammad Rafiq, Abdul Khaliq Bhatti, and Aslam Rashid Sheikh among others. The journey began with the establishment of a weekly Dars-e-Quran circle, rotating among participants’ homes mostly at the residence of Brother Iftikhar Ahmad and then moved to Bartholomews Church for a while. 

Soon after, they identified a property at 100 Katherine Road for a masjid but couldn’t get the local council’s approval.

 

However, in 1982, an opportunity arose to purchase 295 Barking Road.  On 19 Nov’1982 Deed was concluded & signed by Brothers A Q Mehr, Iftikhar Ahmad , Abdul Haq Bhatti, and Raja M.Rafiq along with the UKIM Gen. Secretary and The President. This became the foundation of Masjid Bilal & Islamic Centre, a UKIM branch and one of the first Masjid in East London. It was inaugurated by Brother Syed Tanzim  Wasti, the then General Secretary of the UK Islamic Mission.

 

Other members including Malik Mohammad Afzal, Nasim Aslam Rana, Haji Mohammad Bashir, Dr. Zafar Chaudhary, Malik Karamat Hussain, Abdul Hamid Bhatti, M. Rafiq Anwar, Nisar Mir, and Shafqat Mahmud, joined the founding group under the leadership of UKIM Central President Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui. 

 

UKIM Central Office appointed Brother Rashid Ayub as the first Imam, followed by Imam Abdus Salam Rashidi and Hafiz M. Siddique Anwari, who were brought from Pakistan as permanent Imams.

 

A Madrassa for Quran Nazira was also established for local children.

 

Expansion and Development

•1990: Two adjoining garden spaces were purchased, allowing for an extension at the back of the masjid.

•1998-1999: Due to planning restrictions on further extensions, another property 721-723 Barking Road E13 was acquired with the Masjid Bilal resources, leading to the establishment of UKIM Masjid Ibrahim, organized under Masjid Bilal’s management. 

 

By year 2002/3 Masjid Ibrahim became an independent, with half of Masjid Bilal’s membership transferred to support its operations.

•Additional Acquisitions:

•297 Barking Road (Shezan Café) was purchased and incorporated into the masjid.

•291A Barking Road was acquired after purchasing two adjoining properties (291 and 293).

 

The New Purpose-Built Masjid

 

In 2008, a new purpose-built Masjid Bilal was constructed, accommodating approximately 1,000 worshippers.

 

Despite this expansion, demand continues to exceed capacity, leading to the organization of multiple congregations to accommodate worshippers.