Intro
The Shah Jahan Mosque (also known as Woking Mosque) in Oriental Road, Woking, England, is the first purpose-built mosque in the United Kingdom. The Shah Jahan Mosque was built in 1889 by Jewish-Hungarian-British Orientalist Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner. It was allegedly partly funded by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal, as a place for students at the Oriental Institute in Woking to worship. The mosque was designed by architect William Isaac Chambers (1847–1924) and built in Bath and Bargate stone. It was designed in a late Mughal style, and has a dome, minarets, and a courtyard. The architecture was described by Pevsner Architectural Guides as “extraordinarily dignified”. The alignment with Mecca was established by a ship’s captain, brought in to take bearings. It is located 30 miles (50 km) southwest of London.
In 1889 (Aug-16), via The Pall Mall Gazette of Fri, Aug 16, 1889 ·Page 5, in the parish of Woking, closeby the Oriental Institute, there has just been erected a Mohammedan mosque (See also The Beloit Daily Free Press of Fri, Aug 16, 1889 ·Page 3)(See also Mosby’s Missouri Message
of Thu, Oct 10, 1889 ·Page 4)(See also The Birmingham Post of Fri, Aug 16, 1889 ·Page 8)(See also The Daily Journal of Sat, Aug 17, 1889 ·Page 3)(100’s of newspapers reported on this).
In 1889 (Nov-9), the Illustrated London News of Sat, Nov 09, 1889 ·Page 10 showed a picture/drawing of the Woking Mosque. Dr. Leitner is mentioned extensively as well as his work in toleration and teaching of eastern culture. This mosque can be seen from the railway line and while trains approach, in fact, if travelling by train from London via the South-Western railway, while passing Maybury and just before the Woking junction. In fact, a series of buildings are visible and all were built by Dr. Leitner. They are, “The Oriental Nobility Institute” (which was previously called the “Royal Dramatic College”), the “Leitner Museum of Comparative Ethnography, Literature and Sculpture”, an “Oriental Model House” with the obligatory Eastern well.
In 1891 (Apr), the Liverpool Daily Post of Mon, Apr 20, 1891 ·Page 7, reported about the First Moslem Marriage in England. The pseudo-Muslims in Liverpool represent the center of Islam in England. The mosque at Woking is also mentioned and described as simply lodging for college students. Mr. W.H. Quilliam, a well known lawyer is the leader and there seem to be 50 members. All white converts. Maulvi Mohammed Barkatullah was there too. The minister of Education for Armenia was there too, a man named Mohammed Ubeid Ullah. The Ottoman consul general was there too, a man named Mr. D. Mavrogordato. The marriage ceremony was read by Mr. Rafiuddin Ahmad.
In 1893 (Apr-20), The Pall Mall Gazette of Thu, Apr 20, 1893 ·Page 6 reported that the Id-ul-Fitr festivals was conducted at the Woking Mosque, Hafiz Mehmed Effendi, Imam of the Ottoman Embassy led the prayers.
In 1893 (Nov-24), a Muslim named Mohamed Abdul Ghani (President Anjumn-i-Islam, London and Syed Shirfuddu Ahmad (President of the Akhwun-us-Sofa) wrote a letter to the Editor of the Pall Mall Gazette and told them how Dr. Leitner was rude and arrogant. A Muslim had died and these Muslims wished to use the Woking Mosque for funeral services. However, Dr. Leitner flatly refused to allow the use of the Woking Mosque. These same Muslims said that this wasn’t the first time that he had been treated as such (See the Pall Mall Gazette, 27 November 1893, p. 3 and Via Gilham, “Loyal Enemies”, 2014).
In 1893 (Nov-30), in response to letters of exposure for being arrogant and rude, G.W. Leitner (aka Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner). Leitner tried to argue that the Mosque was available for use if people ask for permission and then he might think about it (See the Pall Mall Gazette of Thu, Nov 30, 1893 ·Page 11). Leitner also said that the allegations of 10k British pounds from a “ruling-princess” (aka Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal) were inaccurate. Leitner swore on oath that he had bore half of the cost of the Woking Mosque. Leitner alleged that there was only one additional donor who paid the other half (who is this?). Leitner emphatically declared that there was no cemetery, nor was there rooms for funeral rites. Thus, the allegations were unfounded. Leitner alleges that he recommended that these Muslims use the “Woking Cemetery Company” and an area for Muslims had been made.
“”to Mahommedans generally in this country, in order to enable them to practise their own religion as established, not to convert Englishmen to Islam, or to introduce new doctrines into that faith, or to promote any political or religious propaganda, or to celebrate the generally unhappy marriages between Mahommedans and Englishwomen […]. The mosque is a proof of British toleration, especially to our Mohammedan fellow-subjects, and, as such, must be used in that grateful and reverential spirit which is characteristic of Orthodox Mahommedans of good birth……………..””.
In 1894 (May-25), in the “Voice of Islam” newspaper, it is reported that Nafeesa M.T. Keep was elected as secretary of the “American Muslim Brotherhood”. The election was held in the reading room of “The Moslem World Co.”, No. 30 East 23d St. NY. Nafeesa M.T. Keep is also on the “Board of Publications”. The Vice President is C. Omar MacCoun, the Librarian is Ahmed Hamouda, the assistant librarian is R. Othman White, the Treasurer is H. Ali Lewis. H. Ali Lewis is also on the “Board of Publications”, as well as C. Omar MacCoun and R. Othman White. On the Advisory Board are 3 people, E. A. Arnold, H. Fatima Peabody and Khaled D. Hutchins (See Aug-1894 edition of the “Voice of Islam”). James S. Laidlaw has an essay and short poem in this edition of the “Voice of Islam” (Aug-1894 edition). H.A. Lewis is also the “Business Manager” of the “Voice of Islam” and “American Moslem Brotherhood”. Interestingly, a mission in Lahore is discussed called the Anjuman-i-Islam wherein young boys are being taught, this is called the Islamic College. The Nawab of Bahawalpur has given money for orphan boys and via the “Anjuman-i-Himayat-e-Islam“. Many books are listed for sale, a book by Haji Abdullah Browne entitled, “The Evidences of Islam” (from London). Barkatullah also has a book for sale, entitled, “Eleven Months’ Mussulman Work at Hyderabad (Deccan), India, as well as a book by G.W. Leitner (of the Woking Mosque), entitled, “Mohammedanism”. Webb‘s book, “Islam in America” is the most expensive book, $50 for 75 pages. “Education and Literature of the Women of Turkey” by Senorita Esmeralda Cervantes, for $15. A book by Goolam Muhammed bin Hajee Hafiz Sadek Randeri, entitled, “The Touchstone of Philosophers”. There is also a book by Shaikh Faizullah-bhai (Fellow of the University of Bombay and headmaster of the “Anjuman-i-Islam” schools), entitled, “A Moslem Present”, for $35, this book is an anthology of Arabic poems about the Prophet and the faith of Islam. There is also a book entitled, “Al Bahsul-Jaleel” or “The Delhi Controversy” between Maulvi Sharful Haq Kadri Jalali, translated by S. Abdul Haq sahib and for $15. There is also a book for sale entitled, “The Hero as Prophet” by Thos Carlyle for $15.
In roughly 1910, a Trust for guardianship of the mosque was then created with a membership made up of three public figures having strong connexions with India the Right Hon. Sayyid Ameer Ali, Sir Mirza Abbas Ali Baig and Sir Thomas Arnold (See also “Islam in Interwar Europe” by Clayer and Germain, it is also on the Ahmadiyyafactcheckblog). This also seems to be connected to the famous London Mosque Fund of 1910.
In 1912 (Nov), Khwaja Kamaluddin said that when he opened the locked-up House of God in November 1912 he found the floor chock-full of straw and other rubbish, the accumulations of the many years during which its doors had remained closed. Then he perceived an old copy of the Quran placed on a carved wooden receptacle — Rihal — lying in a corner, and opening the Holy Book at random he found the following words that met his eyes in the first line of the page: “Most surely the first house appointed for men is the one at Bekka, blessed and a guidance for the nations” (Holy Quran, 3:95). The word Bekka, the alternative name of Mecca in ancient times, literally means a place where people gather together in multitudes. It seemed to him a prophetic name, and so it has prove (See The Islamic Review, July 1930, pages 242–244).
In 1913 (Jan), the visit of Abdul Baha to Woking on January 1913. The head of the Baha’i Faith announced, on behalf of the heir of Dr. Leitner, that “the mosque would in future be open for Muhammadans to worship at any time they pleased (See also “Islam in Interwar Europe” by Clayer and Germain, it is also on the Ahmadiyyafactcheckblog).
In 1913 (Nov-17), a photo of Lord Headley and his wife (Lady Headley) + Mr. A. H. Quilliam and his wife (Lady Quilliam) and 5-10 random Muslims is given on page 1 of the Daily Mirror of Mon, Nov 17, 1913. On page 4, Lord Headley’s alleged conversion to Islam is marketed. Lord Stanley of Alderly is also mentioned as having died in 1903. Some correspondence between Fateh Muhammad Sayyal and the Daily Mirror is also given. Fateh Muhammad Sayyal was at the Woking and told their correspondent about the history of the Woking Mosque and how Muslims needed a place to clean themselves.
In 1913 (Nov-29), The Guardian of Sat, Nov 29, 1913 ·Page 9 reported that on Nov-28-1913, at Caxton Hall, Westminster, about 40 Moslems met for Friday prayers, which were led by Khwaja Kamaluddin. It is alleged that Khwaja Kamaluddin left his lucrative Law practice in Lahore, British India to be a missionary for Islam in the UK, specifically at the Woking Mosque. Some wore the ref Fez, Lord Headley is also there as well as Maulvi Zafar Ali Khan, who told the crowd to hold their applause. Khwaja Kamaluddin announced 3 new conversions to pseudo-Islam, Viscount De Pudre, a Belgium nobleman living in Antwerp, Captain Stanley Marquis, an English gentleman and Miss Lilly Ransom, an English lady. Lord Headley gave confusing comments about Protestantism vs. Catholicism.
In 1913 (Dec-21), The Times of Trenton, New Jersey on Sun, Dec 21, 1913 ·Page 23 reported on the conversion of Lord Headley to Lahori-Ahmadiyya (however, it is called Islam). The operation of Quilliam in Liverpool is also mentioned. About a year ago, Khwaja Kamaluddin arrived in the UK and is trying to re-open the Woking Mosque. It is alleged that Khwaja Kamaluddin gave up his lucrative legal practice to be a missionary of Islam in the UK to white people (See also The Buffalo News of Sun, Dec 21, 1913 ·Page 2)(See also The Omaha Daily News of Sun, Dec 21, 1913 ·Page 14)(See also The Buffalo Sunday Morning News of Sun, Dec 21, 1913 ·Page 32).
In 1913 (Dec-26), the Alturas Plaindealer and Modoc County Times of Fri, Dec 26, 1913 ·Page 6 reported the conversion of Lord Headley to Lahori-Ahmadiyya (they call it Islam) by Khwaja Kamaluddin (Imam at the Woking Mosque). It is also mentioned that Lord Stanley of Alderly had secretly converted to Islam many years ago and only at his death was it revealed to the public. Another British aristocrat to convert is Lady Hester Stanhope, niece of William Pitt (See also the Wisconsin State Journal of Fri, Dec 26, 1913 ·Page 2).
In 1913, despite harsh critiques of Ahmadiyya doctrines, Rashid Rida, in his al-Manār magazine, in some instances, hailed the conversions of Europeans to Islam in the Woking mosque. The above-mentioned Baron Lord Headley and his conversion occupied a prominent place in al-Manār, despite Headley’s known close connection with the Ahmadis in London (See Umar Ryad, “Muslims in Interwar Europe: A Transcultural Historical Perspective”, 2016, pp. 47-87 (41 pages).
In 1913 (Dec-21), The Times of Trenton, New Jersey on Sun, Dec 21, 1913 ·Page 23 reported on the conversion of Lord Headley to Lahori-Ahmadiyya (however, it is called Islam). The operation of Quilliam in Liverpool is also mentioned. About a year ago, Khwaja Kamaluddin arrived in the UK and is trying to re-open the Woking Mosque. It is alleged that Khwaja Kamaluddin gave up his lucrative legal practice to be a missionary of Islam in the UK to white people.
In 1913 (Dec-26), the Alturas Plaindealer and Modoc County Times of Fri, Dec 26, 1913 ·Page 6 reported the conversion of Lord Headley to Lahori-Ahmadiyya (they call it Islam) by Khwaja Kamaluddin (Imam at the Woking Mosque). It is also mentioned that Lord Stanley of Alderly had secretly converted to Islam many years ago and only at his death was it revealed to the public. Another British aristocrat to convert is Lady Hester Stanhope, niece of William Pitt.
In 1914 (Feb-23), The Sun of Mon, Feb 23, 1914 ·Page 3 of Sydney, Australia reports on the work of Khwaja Kamaluddin (the imam attached to the Woking Mosque) and how he converted Lord Headley to Lahori-Ahmadiyya (aka Islam). There was a recent meeting at Frascatti’s wherein it was stated that Lord Stanley of Alderley had secretly converted to Islam, which was concealed until his death. Another British aristocrat to join the ranks of Islam was Lady Hester Stanhope, the niece of William Pitt.
In 1914, the second Ahmadiyya Khalifa, Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad, instructed Fateh Muhammad Sial to purchase a property where a mosque could be built for the Muslim community.
In 1914 (Mar-6), The Record-Herald of Fri, Mar 06, 1914 ·Page 2 (and a few other American newspapers) alleged that white people in the UK have been converting to Islam and how number 600 people (mostly in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Edinborough. However, this is not a new thing, Islam has been in the UK for roughly 25 years, Abdullah Quilliam (a Liverpool lawyer) was called “Sheikh of the British Isles”. Lord Headley’s conversion to Islam is also mentioned as recent. However, the newspaper alleges that Khwaja Kamaluddin arrived in 1913 and commenced work to specifically convert white people to Islam. The new headquarter of operation is from the Woking Mosque. Polygamy is discussed and it is alleged that the white converts to Islam in the UK don’t practice polygamy.
In 1914 (Mar-18), F.M. Sayal sent a letter to the editor on March-18-1914 from the Woking Mosque, which was published in the “Woking News and Mail” of March-20-1914. In this correspondence, F.M. Sayal gave a report of a recent missionary meeting, “Christianity and Islam’ A Reply”. This seems to be about the rule in Islam about death for apostacy, Sayal argues that it is not in the Quran and the Christian who alleged it was didn’t properly cite his sources. Chapter 4:137 of the Quran is quoted.
In 1914 (Apr), the ROR of April-1914 reports how Sayyal got published in the “Woking Herald”, (Dated March 27th, 1914). Rev. Weitbrecht has accused the Qadiani-Ahmadi’s of deception, since they were using the word “father” for God. Sayyal even alleges that Muslims believe in the Bible just like Christans. Sayyal signed off on March 19th, 1914 and from the Woking Mosque. The ROR of April-1914 tells us how the Lahori-Ahmadi’s, Khwaja Kamaluddin and his team of workers at the Woking have written an article vs. Rev. Weitbrecht, entitled, “The Muslim Woking Centre and Rev. Weitbrecht.
In 1914 (May), in the ROR of May-1914 it is alleged that Sayyal had a controversy with Rev. Weitbrecht while in London. This was covered in the “Woking Herald”, “Surrey Herald”, “Egham” and “Stains News”. They seem to have been discussing the death penalty for apostacy. Sayyal signs off from the Woking Mosque (controlled by the Lahori’s).
In 1914 (Jun), in the ROR of June, Sayyal is mentioned by the newly elected 2nd Khalifa as well as Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din as two Ahmadi’s working out of London, the Khalifa tells the world that if they want to see the missionary spirit of Ahmadi’s, see the 2 people mentioned in England.
In 1914 (Jun), in the June-1914 edition of the english ROR, his name was spelled as Chowdhery Fateh Muhammad Sayal, M.A., he seems to have written a joint article with the soon to be Khalifa (and his close friend) Mirza Basheer ud Din Mahmud Ahmad. He returned to British-India in 1921 (he left England on June 11th, 1921, see Moslem Sunrise, page 20), and by 1923 was working as the secretary of the tabligh, education and missionary departments. In 1922, his eyesight issues were reported to the Khalifa.
In 1914 (Jul), the ROR of July-1914 reports how Sayyal had a communication of his published in local newspapers like the Surrey Herald, Woking Herald, Eghans and Staines news, dated June 19th, 1914. The communication is titled, “Christian and Islamic ideals”. He seems to have written vs. Reverend H.U. Weitbrecht, who had many discussions with Ahmadi’s in terms of the Yuz Asaf theory. He also argues that MGA is the second coming of Krishna. He also talked down about Khwaja Kamaluddin and claimed that he wasn’t a proper missionary and all Muslims were missionaries, he also stated how Khwaja Kamaluddin was educated in Christian schools. There is another letter in the ROR of July-1914 which is a review of an article by Khwaja Kamaluddin, in his newspaper, “The Light” of June 6th, 1914. This seems to have appeared in the same newspaper of Dec 14th, 1912 (page 595), it seems that Khwaja Kamaluddin wrote about a connection with MGA’s prophecies and the Balkan War (doomsday prophecy). During the Qadian Jalsa of 1914, on Christmas day (12-25-1914), Sayyal cabled some news from the UK, it was about the conversion of Mr. Corio to Qadianism (See ROR of Jan-1915).
In 1914 (Aug-29), the Surrey Times and County Express of Sat, Aug 29, 1914 ·Page 3 reports that the Eid-ul-Fitr festival was held at the Woking Mosque. Maulvi Sadr ud Din was the prayer leader and Shaikh Noor Ahmad seems to be a junior imam. At the end of the ceremony, allegedly, an English woman converted to Lahori-Ahmadism (aka Islam). It seems that the Moslems walked the streets after the lecture (a procession?). On Sunday, Khwaja Kamaluddin gave the usual lecture. In the evening a dinner was held for Khwaja Kamaluddin‘s going away party, which was held at the “Memorial House”. Allegedly, Khwaja Kamaluddin is going to India, but will stop in Mecca and make the pilgrimage.
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