Ilford Islamic Centre was established in 1968. With Allah’s blessings and thanks to the donations and support of many members of the community, the centre grows from strength to strength.

The following is a brief summary of it’s history….

  • 1968 – Mr MSA Khan of 1 Kingswood Rd, Goodmayes provides the use of 2 front rooms for Jumah and Taraweeh prayers. It is also used as a madrassah.
  • 1970 – Constitution adopted creating the Muslim Welfare Association. Fundraising also begins. Bank account opened at Natwest Bank, Seven Kings
  • 1971 – Membership total 121 (107 male, 14 female)
  • 1972 – First AGM held at the Methodist Church Hall, High Road Ilford. Mr A.A. Dakri elected President
  • 1973 – AGM held at a Catholic Church Hall in Goodmayes and resolution passed to purchase a building specifically for religious, social and cutural activities
  • 1974 – 119 St Alban’s Road acquired and converted into a place of worship
  • 1977 – Planning permission refused for St Albans Rd. Hired St Alban’s Church on Albert Road for Ramadan – this would become the site of the present Centre.
  • 1978 – The Muslim Welfare Association completes purchase of St Alban’s Church for £40,000.
  • 1979 – Adjacent bungalow at 56 Albert Rd purchased in March costing £15,000.
  • 1982 – Revision of Constitution work begins.
  • 1986 – Maintenance Committee set up to manage the affairs of the Centre on a day to day basis.
  • 1989 – 52 Albert Road purchased in July for £92,500.
  • 1990 – Charity Commission provide assistance with devising constitution.
  • 1991 – New constitution adopted. Mr Ghazanfer Ali elected as Chairman and Haji Ghulam Hussain as Secretary.
  • 1992 – Fundraising campaign started to build new mosque and day care and community centre.
  • 1993 – Due to the overwhelming generousity of the public sufficient funds had been raised. No 50 Albert Rd is purchased for £70,500.
  • 1994 – Demolition work at 54-56 Albert Road begins and work commences on the new building on 29th July. Marquee erected at the back of 50-52 Albert to cater for prayers.
  • 1996 – 58 Albert Road purchased for £80,000.
  • 1997 – Ilford’s first purpose built mosque with Dome and Minaret is complete.
  • 1998 – Mildmay car park (opposite the Mosque) is purchased for £115,000 after 2 years of negotiating with the council.
  • 2001 – Phase 2 (Madrassah) and Phase 3 (Day Care & Community Centre) work begins.
  • 2003 – Phase 2 completes in July . Phase 3 completes in October.
  • 2009 – Land purchased in Newbury Park (Phase 5) – to be used for the development of a purpose built Primary & Secondary School (Subject to planning)
  • 2009 – Work begins on Phase 4 – the Masjid extension
  • 2011 – Phase 4 completes
  • 2013 – Opening of Sunday School