Leytonstone Mosque, situated in
Bushwood, Leytonstone, in the
London borough of
Waltham Forest, was opened in 1976 to cater to the local
Muslim community.[1] Since then, the
mosque has grown in size and can accommodate about 1,000 (men only). The organisation 'Muslims in Britain'[2] classifies the Leytonstone Mosque as
Deobandi (a movement within
Sunni Islam).[3]
Pre-Mosque Era
Prior to the Masjid's establishment, the Leytonstone Islamic Association was set up to serve the local Muslim population, and between 1969 and 1976 would do so by hiring out a hall, which would be used for
prayers. Collections then took place in order to fund the purchase of a property which would later be converted into a mosque. In 1976, with donations entirely provided by the local Muslim community, a
church was purchased, and subsequently converted into a mosque.[1]
Services
The Mosque provides many services, which include evening classes for 5–16 year old boys.[4]