History of Masjid-e-Bilal
During the 1990’s, the Muslim community was expanding in the Evington area, so a few of our late elders (Haji Choudhry Muhammad Bashir, Haji Rafeeq, Haji Ghulam Rabbani, Mohammed Sadiq Rawal: May Allah SWT have mercy on them, forgive them, accept their good deeds and grant them and all others that have passed away, the highest level of Jannah. Ameen. Ya Rabbil Alameen) felt there was a need to build a community mosque and looked at a response. The volunteers starting Masjid-e-Bilal in 1993, and although resources were limited they started small by using donations to pay towards the rent and the Imam.
The first services that were started were the establishment of the 5 daily prayers and the Maddressah at the Leicester Asian Youth Association on the ground floor building of Evington Valley Road in Leicester. Due to changes in the rent agreement this moved temporarily to a unit on Chesterfield road which is now ‘Pak Foods’ supermarket. There were limitations with the building and with an increased number of worshippers, moving was the only option.
The trustees were able to purchase the current large unit and then moved and developed the structures and facilities here. This was converted into a large hall, with additional facilities in 2002.
The masjid has remained a focal point for the Muslim community over the years, all Muslims from various background have used the mosque for events, meetings, lectures, studies and community and educational purposes. Some of the original founders of the mosque committee still make up the mosque management or are trustees of the mosque.
Many new innovations have been made as to how the mosque is democratically run using Islamic teachings as basis on solid Sunni foundations. We are proud of the fact that worshippers attend the masjid from many different backgrounds in peace and harmony.
Masjid layout & facilities
Masjid-e-Bilal has been converted from industrial factory units and has developed across two floors.
On the first floor, there are 3 main halls on the ground floor for prayers, with a small hall at the rear being used for Maddressah, Dhikr gatherings, and Iftar during Ramadan.
The other 2 halls are also used for prayers. Wudu and toilets facilities are all allocated on the ground floor for men. On the first floor there is a small hall used for Maddressah, ladies prayer facilities, and for prayers when the masjid gets full. The ground floor prayers halls are easily able to accommodate on average 700 worshippers at any one time using all the halls.
In addition there is an Islamic library spread across 2 halls. The Masjid also includes 2 kitchens for religious and social gatherings including Dhikr programmes. On special occasions such as Eid when demand is high; all 4 Prayer Halls are used for prayers accommodating around 1000 worshippers.
Parking slots are available at the front and side of the masjid and the car parks facilities extent from the ‘Pak foods’ store. The ‘Fun Valley’ car park can be made available, but this has to be pre-arranged.
Masjid expansion plan
Masjid-e-Bilal has plans for expansion to accommodate the community further and improve various aspects of the masjid.
There will be an improved Mosque entrance with separate access for ladies. We also are looking to upgrade the Wudhu area and toilet facilities. We will be increasing the prayer capacity for our Muslim sisters, as well as providing lift access to the first floor.
Please support your local mosque with your donations to aid this work. You can donate with a specific interest:
- Musallah (prayer mat) – £200
- Mosque light – £100
- Brick – £50
You can also support your mosque by providing an Islamic loan (Qarz-e-Hasana).
Standing order is also available by contacting us via our ‘Contact Us’ page and providing your details. If you are a uk tax payer, you can it by providing your contact details, the Mosque can then reclaim 25% from HMRC on your donation.
Masjid gallery
