The 1970's in Luton
Local residents came together around faith practises
A few Muslims in the Luton community banded so that they could pray the congregational prayers and source halal food.
They worked in a range of jobs in the town ranging from truck drivers to lecturers and engineers.
Haji Mazhar Hussain recalls how the initial group rallied together to see if they could facilitate a dedicated place of prayer.
An opportunity emerges the Hatters football stadium
Haji Mazhar recounts the formation of Madinah Masjid
From Uncle Mahboob Hussain's home in Dumfries Street, they purchased a 2-bedroom house at 128 Oak Road which was converted into a masjid. The original founders were Abdur-Raheem, Muhammad Mahboob Hussain, Amirul Baksh (rh), Muhammad Mehboob Hussain, Muhammad Asghar, Abdul Rashid, Mohammed Ayyub, Muhammad Sharif and Haji Mazhar Hussain (Treasurer). The first prayers were conducted in the front room.
Early activists prepare to head to Manchester to join a public demonstration
Imam Qari Nazir
2014
Young generations flourish
Feeding refugees through Ramadan in partnership with the Discover Islam centre
Unity Iftar at Luton Town Football Club
Ramadan collaboration
The annual Unity iftar dinner was held in the Morecambe Suite at Luton Town Football Club with many esteemed guests and extensive media coverage. As well as a tour of the stadium, there was a fun evening quiz, presentation and lots of networking.
Many of the Clubs staff participated in a Fast-a-thon for the day and enjoyed breaking fast with the Muslim community over a traditional dinner meal.
As always, the community was very generous raising more than £3000 for Luton Foodbank.
2024 - 50 years on and the legacy continues to grow
Amar Manzoor carries on the legacy
Half a century after the masjid was established, Amar Manzoor, the nephew of Haji Mazhar Hussain, presents the original sign which his uncle had prepared for the site.