Jamia Masjid Minhaj-ul-Quran Walsall

The Walsall branch of Minhaj-ul-Quran serves the Muslim community in the West Midlands and is based in the Alumwell area of Walsall. It was established in the early 2000s when, with the encouragement of local Muslims and British Pakistanis in the area, a disused factory building was purchased and converted into an Islamic centre. This initiative turned an idle industrial space into a vibrant mosque and community hub. Today, Jamia Masjid Minhaj-ul-Quran Walsall – as it is officially known – stands as a beacon of community spirit and educational excellence, well-recognised in the town for its contributions to faith and society. Over the years, the centre has undergone renovations; the ground floor was beautifully refurbished, and the main prayer hall was modernised, creating an inviting atmosphere for worship and learning. The mosque’s exterior benefits from ample parking space just across the road, ensuring convenience for visitors attending prayers and events.

Facilities: The Walsall Minhaj-ul-Quran centre includes a spacious prayer hall on the first floor and additional spaces on the ground floor for classes and gatherings. The main prayer hall is designed in a simple, clean style and exudes a serene ambience, making it ideal for quiet reflection and prayer. With its ongoing improvements, the hall is equipped with a good sound system and comfortable carpeting. The mosque accommodates the five daily prayers with ease and sees a large turnout for Friday Jummah services, where local worshippers fill the hall, and the atmosphere is spiritually uplifting. There is a designated prayer area for women, particularly used during Jumu’ah and special programmes, as confirmed by the centre’s management (women have access to prayer space and attend on Fridays and other events). This inclusion allows sisters in the community to pray at the mosque and participate in activities side by side with men (in separate quarters).

Aside from the prayer spaces, the centre houses classrooms and meeting rooms used for educational purposes. These rooms are utilized for the children’s evening madrasa, weekend Islamic classes, and various workshops. There is also an office and reception area at the entrance where visitors can make inquiries or meet the Imam and staff. The building’s former factory layout means it has an open-plan hall on the ground floor which doubles as a community hall for events. This is where the community might hold dinners, indoor gatherings, or overflow prayers during very well-attended events. Ancillary facilities like ablution areas, a kitchen, and a small library corner are available as well, ensuring that the centre can host people comfortably for extended programs (with provisions for making tea or light refreshments when gatherings occur).

Religious and educational programmes: Minhaj-ul-Quran Walsall offers regular programmes focusing on both worship and learning. Every day, local Muslims gather at the centre for the five daily Salah, and the congregational prayers are punctuated with the recitation of supplications and sometimes a short reminder by the Imam. The Jummah Khutbah (Friday sermon) often addresses practical aspects of faith – guiding the community on topics such as good character, family values, and living as a faithful Muslim in British society. The sermons and talks are delivered in English with references in Urdu or Arabic as needed, catering to the mixed audience of older first-generation immigrants and younger British-born congregants.

A core component of the centre’s activity is its Islamic education classes for children. The mosque runs evening Qur’an classes on weekdays, teaching children how to read the Qur’an with proper tajweed. They also learn basic Islamic teachings – imaan (faith), salah (prayer) practice, and stories of the Prophets. On Saturdays, these classes often continue in the morning, or a separate weekend school provides more in-depth lessons. The educators at the centre aim to make learning enjoyable, using interactive methods and ensuring the children build a positive relationship with the mosque.

For adults, the centre periodically arranges short courses and study circles. For example, there might be a weekly dars (lesson) after Isha prayer on a selected topic or book – such as Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith, or a thematic Qur’an study. These sessions encourage community members to increase their understanding of Islam beyond the basics. The Imam and visiting scholars address questions from attendees, providing clarity on religious matters. During Ramadan, the centre becomes particularly active: Taraweeh prayers are conducted every night, and community members often gather for Iftar in the mosque on weekends or the odd weekday, bringing food to share. It is not uncommon for the Walsall centre to invite guest speakers for special Ramadan talks or host interfaith Iftar events where neighbours and city officials join the breaking of the fast.

The mosque also marks important Islamic dates. On Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet’s birthday), the centre holds a joyous gathering with naat (poetry in praise of the Prophet) and speeches and similarly commemorates events like Miraj-un-Nabi (the Ascension) or Muharram with appropriate programs. The aim is to provide spiritual enrichment and keep the community connected to the Islamic calendar and its lessons.

Community outreach and interfaith initiatives: Minhaj-ul-Quran Walsall prides itself on promoting interfaith harmony and serving the broader society. The centre’s administration is proactive in engaging with local churches, temples, and the Walsall Council’s faith forums. The mosque has hosted “Visit My Mosque” days and interfaith meetings, where people of different faiths come to observe or discuss common values and concerns. They emphasize Minhaj-ul-Quran’s message of peace and integration, echoing the national stance of MQI. The centre also collaborates with local charities: for instance, it might participate in food bank drives, helping to collect and donate canned goods and groceries for those in need in Walsall. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Walsall mosque was among those that supported vulnerable residents by delivering food parcels and checking on the elderly – demonstrating the Islamic duty of caring for one’s neighbours.

One notable area of outreach is youth development and prevention of extremism. In line with MQI’s anti-extremism efforts, the Walsall Centre has arranged seminars (sometimes with police and community officials present) to educate youth and parents on the dangers of radicalisation and the correct, peaceful understanding of Islam. These events reinforce the narrative that Walsall’s Muslim community is committed to peace and is actively countering negative influences. The positive relationships fostered mean that local schools sometimes bring students to the mosque as part of religious education field trips. The students get to see a working mosque, hear the call to prayer, and ask questions – experiences that demystify Islam and build bridges.

Youth programmes: The Walsall branch actively invests in its youth. There is a dedicated Youth Club that meets regularly, providing a safe space for young Muslims (both boys and girls, in separate settings) to discuss issues relevant to them, have fun, and strengthen their faith identity. Under the mentorship of Minhaj youth coordinators, they engage in activities like Islamic quiz nights, nasheed (spiritual songs) competitions, and even excursions (a day trip to a theme park or nature hike, for example). These activities aim to build confidence and brotherhood/sisterhood among the youth. As part of their development, the youth are often given responsibilities during mosque events – such as managing sound equipment, greeting guests, or presenting a short talk. This hands-on involvement has nurtured some of them into capable young leaders.

A standout initiative at Walsall is the weekly study circle for children organized by Minhaj Sisters Walsall. Every Saturday, children aged 6–13 gather in an interactive study circle led by the women volunteers. The aim of these sessions is to build the children’s confidence and reconnect them with Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) through fun and basic learning. Over a few months of regular attendance, the children learn to recite short surahs, understand moral lessons from the Prophet’s life, and even practice speaking or performing in front of an audience. The effort bore fruit when, after four months of study circles, the mosque held a children’s Mawlid event where the children themselves hosted the entire gathering – from Qur’an recitation at the start to the closing dua. Young girls and boys took turns introducing segments, reciting nasheeds, and sharing hadiths, showcasing remarkable confidence and enthusiasm. This event, attended by proud parents and community members, exemplified the success of the youth programme: the children not only learned about the Prophet (PBUH) but also developed leadership and public speaking skills in an Islamic context. The Walsall youth have also been encouraged to join national Minhaj Youth camps and the “Eagers” kids club that MQI UK promotes, further broadening their horizons.

Women’s involvement: Women are at the forefront of many of the Walsall branch’s activities. Minhaj-ul-Quran has a very active women’s league in Walsall that ensures sisters are engaged in learning and leading. The Minhaj Sisters Walsall group holds its own weekly circles (often coinciding with the children’s circle, mothers might attend a parallel session). These circles cover Islamic teachings tailored for women and address topics like motherhood in Islam, the importance of education for women, and spiritual topics including the lives of female figures around the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The women’s group also hosts Mawlids and charity events. For example, they might organise a ladies-only Mawlid during Rabi-ul-Awwal, where women send salutations on the Prophet, recite poetry, and one of them delivers a talk in English about the Prophet’s character. They sometimes incorporate creative activities, such as nasheed competitions or Islamic craft sessions for young girls. Furthermore, Minhaj Sisters Walsall contributes significantly to community welfare projects – whether it’s coordinating the cooking of meals for a homeless feed or raising funds for a local hospice, the dedication and organisational skills of these women shine through.

Crucially, women in Walsall have representation in the mosque’s administration and feel a sense of ownership of the space. They have a say in planning events that involve families and children. Initiatives like the study circle for kids were driven by the women’s league and show how women’s involvement directly enriches the services of the centre for everyone. Sisters also attend the nationwide Minhaj Women League programmes and bring those experiences back to share locally. This inclusive approach means that the whole family – men, women, and children – find the Walsall Minhaj-ul-Quran Centre to be a welcoming second home.

The role of Minhaj-ul-Quran Walsall in the local community has been very positive. It is seen not just as a mosque but as a community centre and a problem-solving forum for local Muslims. People come to seek guidance on personal issues, whether it’s advice on a family matter or help with religious queries – the centre’s staff and senior members make time to counsel and assist. Many local Muslims and Pakistanis regard it as a place to turn to for solutions to their problems as well as for education and spiritual growth. The friendly and professional approach of the centre’s staff, noted by community feedback, enhances the overall experience of anyone who visits. The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming, which is conducive to reflection and prayer. While no institution is without areas to improve (the community works together to keep the centre clean and updated), the overall community atmosphere and educational initiatives are strong, providing a solid foundation for continued growth and enrichment.

In the eyes of local residents, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, Minhaj-ul-Quran Walsall has become a treasured institution within the community. It embodies the values of religious literacy, spirituality, and interfaith harmony, as the centre’s mission statement declares. By fostering a deeper understanding of Islam among its attendees, empowering the youth, involving women, and reaching out to the wider society, the Walsall branch truly reflects Minhaj-ul-Quran’s ethos of spiritual and community development. It stands as a model mosque – active, inclusive, and benevolent – contributing positively to the fabric of Walsall’s multicultural society.