London Mosque Expansion Approved Despite Controversial Cleric's Remarks
The Darul Ihsaan mosque in Barking, East London, has been granted planning permission by the local Labour council to convert a £1 million luxury home into a new place of worship and community facility. This decision comes despite significant controversy surrounding events hosted at the mosque, including a sermon on October 7, 2023, where cleric Ustadh Mahmood Almadani reportedly prayed for the defeat of "usurping Jews" and celebrated the triumph of Islamic fighters.
Controversial Events and Community Concerns
The mosque has faced criticism for hosting multiple events featuring what antisemitism campaigners describe as "outrageous" views. On the day of the Hamas attacks that killed approximately 1,200 people, Almadani delivered a sermon where he asked God to "shake the ground from underneath the feet of the usurping Jews" and prayed for victory for "our mujahideen brothers in Palestine." The mosque advertised this event as a "Qunoot Nazilah" where the congregation would pray for "peace and success for the Palestinian people in the occupied territories."
Additionally, the mosque hosted an event last year titled "Hamas de-proscription and legal strategies against Zionism," featuring lawyer Fahad Ansari who acts on behalf of Hamas. This has particularly alarmed local Jewish residents, as the mosque is located just minutes away from three synagogues.
Planning Approval and Facility Details
Barking and Dagenham Council approved the conversion earlier this month, allowing the three-storey house with a swimming pool to be transformed into a multi-purpose community facility. The new venue will include:
- A mosque for daily prayers and religious services
- A gym and fitness facilities for community use
- A creche for childcare services
- Education classes for both adults and children
- A mental health hub offering health services and volunteering opportunities
The facility will operate from 8am until 10pm daily, extending to 11pm on certain nights. Planning officials cited an "identified need" for the new mosque and social infrastructure, stating that "the principle of the proposed development is considered acceptable."
Local Opposition and Jewish Community Response
The decision has sparked significant concern among local Jewish residents and community leaders. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism stated: "Some of the reported rhetoric emerging from this mosque is outrageous. It is shocking enough that the Charity Commission would let an institution like this continue to operate with business as usual. But for the local council to accommodate its ambition to expand is deeply concerning."
The organization's polling indicates that 91% of British Jews believe authorities are not doing enough to tackle religious extremism. One local Jewish man, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed fear within the community: "It is shocking. Words have consequences. We have tragically seen that in the Jewish community with the murder of innocent civilians in Britain and abroad. This mosque needs greater scrutiny. The Jewish community is living in fear."
Residential Concerns and Council Conditions
Local residents have raised multiple objections to the development, with 23 formal objections submitted to the council compared to eight letters of support. Concerns primarily focus on:
- Increased traffic and insufficient parking in the residential area
- Potential noise and disturbance from extended operating hours
- Loss of privacy and overlooking of neighboring properties
- The suitability of the location for such a facility
June Smith, an 81-year-old resident living on the street, called the conversion a "terrible idea," citing parking difficulties on the tight corner location. Eli Colucci, 28, noted limited communication about the substantial project.
The council has imposed several mitigation measures as conditions of approval, including sound insulation to protect neighbors and requirements for an "active travel plan" to promote car-free visits. The mosque will provide 22 parking spaces for cyclists but must address traffic concerns in the residential neighborhood.
Defense and Clarification from Involved Parties
Ustadh Mahmood Almadani, who co-founded and teaches at Sama Academy in Bow, East London, defended his remarks when speaking to the Jewish Chronicle. While defending Palestinians' "right to resist," he clarified: "I do not condone violence against innocent civilians, as this is a clear violation of my faith and the Qur'anic principle that upholds the sanctity of life irrespective of religion."
The Darul Ihsaan mosque has stated that terms like "mujahideen" are "rooted in Islamic spiritual language" and do not represent "political endorsements nor incitements to harm." The mosque describes itself as "community-driven" and focused on "working on real and urgent issues in Barking and east London."
The mosque is currently promoting the project on social media, announcing that "planning permission has already been approved" and asking supporters to "buy a brick" for the conversion work. The Land Registry has not yet published details of the property sale to the mosque, and representatives declined to comment when approached by media.
