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5 Fascinating Facts About Masjid E Umar Leicester: The Largest Mosque In The City And Its Global Scholars

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Masjid E Umar, located in the heart of Evington, Leicester, stands as a monumental pillar of the UK's Muslim community, transcending its function as a mere place of worship to become the city's largest and most dynamic Islamic centre. As of December 22, 2025, the mosque continues to evolve, offering a vast array of spiritual, educational, and social services that cater to thousands of worshippers and the wider Leicester community.

The facility, also known by the names Evington Muslim Centre and Khazinat Al-'Ilm (Treasury of Knowledge), is much more than an architectural marvel. It is a vibrant hub that hosts internationally renowned scholars, facilitates extensive educational programs, and provides critical social services, cementing its status as a central institution for Muslims from diverse backgrounds, including Barelvi, Sunni, and Ahl-e-Hadees traditions.

Biography and Historical Timeline of Masjid E Umar, Leicester

Masjid E Umar’s journey from a modest local initiative to Leicester's largest mosque is a powerful testament to the dedication of its founders and the local Muslim community. The project was almost entirely funded by local donations, highlighting the deep commitment of the residents of Evington and the surrounding areas.

  • Location: 5-7 Evington Drive, Evington, Leicester, England.
  • Initial Site: The mosque was built on the site of two former residential properties.
  • Demolition: The original residential buildings were demolished in 1999.
  • Completion Date: The main structure of Masjid Umar was completed in late 2000.
  • Naming: The mosque was named in honour of 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam.
  • Key Scholars & Educators: The mosque is a base for influential scholars, including Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq, Maulana Dawood Saheb, and Maulana Muhammad Saheb, who regularly deliver talks and lead programs.
  • Community Role: It serves as a crucial community centre for the sizeable local Muslim population, offering daily prayers (Salaah), Jumuah services, and religious guidance.

The Global Influence of Masjid E Umar's Scholars

A key factor in Masjid E Umar’s prominence is its association with highly respected and influential Islamic scholars, whose teachings reach far beyond the borders of Leicester. This presence gives the mosque a unique intellectual and spiritual weight within the UK and internationally.

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq: The Lead Scholar

Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq is one of the most distinguished figures associated with Masjid E Umar. Born in Gujarat, India, in 1971, he came to the UK at the age of three. He is a prominent Hanafi, Deobandi scholar and has been the lead scholar at the renowned Al Kawthar Academy in Leicester since 2004.

His role at Masjid Umar is pivotal, often delivering the Friday Jumuah Talk in English alongside Maulana Muhammad Saheb. His lectures and sermons are widely circulated, establishing the mosque as a centre of profound Islamic learning and intellectual discourse.

Maulana Dawood Saheb and Daily Programs

The mosque’s daily and weekly schedule is structured around a strong educational framework. Maulana Dawood Saheb is a central figure, known for delivering the 'Dars In Urdu' (lesson in Urdu) on Saturdays, which caters specifically to the large South Asian diaspora community in Leicester.

These daily programs, which also feature Maulana Muhammad Saheb and Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq, ensure that the mosque remains a continuous source of religious guidance, fostering spiritual development and knowledge acquisition for all age groups. The ability to listen live to these programs via platforms like Mixlr further extends the mosque's reach globally.

Massive Expansion and The Evington Muslim Centre Hub

Masjid E Umar’s physical infrastructure reflects its growing role. Recognised as the largest mosque in Leicester, its facilities have undergone significant expansion to meet the needs of its thriving congregation and community initiatives.

The State-of-the-Art Madrassah Project

A major focus of recent development has been the construction of a new build 16-classroom Madrassah on the existing site. This project, designed with energy efficiency and a conducive learning environment in mind, includes a commercial kitchen and a fully air-conditioned prayer hall.

This expansion ensures that the mosque can provide high-quality Islamic education (Madrassah) for the next generation, complementing its existing educational offerings, which include the Land of Learning Nursery & Primary School.

The Community Centre: A Former Pub Transformed

In a powerful example of community transformation, Masjid Umar’s Community Centre was established in a former pub. This spacious, modern facility now serves as a versatile venue for a wide range of social events.

The centre is actively used to host weddings, corporate events, family functions, and community gatherings, providing a much-needed non-religious space that is integral to the social fabric of Evington. This unique repurposing symbolises the mosque’s commitment to holistic community service.

Masjid E Umar’s Role in Inter-Community Relations

Beyond its internal services, Masjid E Umar plays a crucial role in promoting interfaith dialogue and community cohesion within Leicester, a city renowned for its multiculturalism.

  • Visit My Mosque Day: The mosque is an active participant in the national 'Visit My Mosque Day' initiative. Most recently, it proudly opened its doors on Sunday, October 5, 2025, welcoming non-Muslim neighbours to tour the facilities, ask questions, and foster mutual understanding.
  • School Visits: Masjid Umar regularly welcomes school visits from across Leicestershire. These visits provide an essential educational opportunity for students to learn about Islam, mosque architecture, and Muslim culture in a welcoming environment.
  • Diverse Congregation: The mosque is celebrated for its inclusive atmosphere, accommodating Muslims from various schools of thought, including Barelvi Muslims, Sunni Muslims, and Ahl-e-Hadees Muslims, all of whom come together to perform their religious duties.

The mosque also provides essential life-cycle services, including Marriage (Nikah) and Funerals, further cementing its position as a comprehensive spiritual and social anchor for the local population. Its continued growth and the influence of its scholars ensure that Masjid E Umar will remain a vital institution in the cultural and religious landscape of Leicester for decades to come.

5 Fascinating Facts About Masjid E Umar Leicester: The Largest Mosque in the City and Its Global Scholars
masjid e umar leicester
masjid e umar leicester

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