Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif

Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif

Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif, situated in the Small Heath area of Birmingham, England, stands as one of the largest mosques in Europe, with a capacity to accommodate up to 6,000 worshippers. (en.wikipedia.org) This mosque serves as a central hub for the Muslim community in Birmingham, offering a wide array of religious, educational, and social services.

Historical Background

The origins of Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif trace back to the early 1980s. In 1982, the Khulafa and followers of Ghamkol Sharif purchased an old engineering workshop on Golden Hillock Road, which was subsequently refurbished and designated as a mosque. (gsmosque.org) Prior to this, the community had been serving the local Muslim population from Warwick Road since the mid-1970s as an unincorporated group. The initial mosque, however, soon outgrew its capacity, prompting the need for a larger facility.

The mosque was founded under the guidance of Ala Hazrat Khawaja Qibla Syed Zinda Peer Sahib (1912–1999), a revered Sufi saint. The name "Ghamkol Sharif" is derived from a valley near Kohat in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, where Zinda Peer Sahib initiated the movement in 1952. (gsmosque.org) The Birmingham mosque was established to promote the faith of Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, commonly known as Sunni Islam, following the Sunni Hanafi school of jurisprudence.

Architectural Features

Construction of the mosque began on 15 March 1992 during Ramadan, with completion in 1996. The building is a three-storey structure featuring two domes and a single minaret, reflecting traditional Islamic architectural styles. The mosque's design accommodates up to 6,000 worshippers, including separate facilities for women, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all attendees. (en.wikipedia.org)

Religious and Cultural Significance

Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif follows the Sunni Hanafi school of jurisprudence and is affiliated with the Sufi-Barelvi tradition. ({{LINK0}}) The mosque serves as a spiritual center, offering daily prayers, including Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, as well as the weekly Jummah prayer. The mosque's educational programs aim to develop morally upright members of society, preparing children to be leaders in their communities. ({{LINK1}})

Community Services and Educational Programs

The mosque offers a range of services to cater to the diverse needs of the Muslim community in Birmingham. The Ghamkol Sharif Education Centre provides a comprehensive curriculum focusing on Islamic studies, aiming to develop morally upright members of society. The mosque also offers a reference library with over 2,000 titles in Arabic, English, and Urdu, available to the public for on-site reading and study. (gsmosque.org)

Visitor Information

Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif is located at 150 Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 0DX. For more information, including prayer times, events, and educational programs, visit their official website at {{LINK0}}. ({{LINK1}})

The mosque's commitment to community service, education, and spiritual growth makes it a cornerstone of the Muslim community in Birmingham, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of the area.